Gene “Cotton Top” Brundege is set to retire on Dec. 31 after nearly 24 years of service at Gloucester Toyota.

Before becoming a salesman at Gloucester Toyota, Brundege sold farm equipment, which required him to be upbeat, honest and provide what he said he was going to provide. He took those skills with him when he started at Gloucester Toyota.

During his time at Gloucester Toyota, Brundege gained a large and loyal clientele. His customers have continued to do business with him over the years, also recommending him to their friends and family.

He even has customers who travel from far as Charlottesville to buy a car from him. “A lot of them have told me I can’t retire,” Brundege said of his customers.

He was employee of the month every month for seven years. He has also been awarded two Toyota Star Awards which requires the employee to have high customer satisfaction, demonstrate product knowledge, sell a certain number of vehicles and have a high cus...