Most of us hop in our car each morning, turn the key, and go.
Work. School. The grocery store. A doctor’s appointment. Life moves, and our vehicle quietly makes it possible. For many of us, that convenience is so normal we barely think about it.
But what if that wasn’t the case?
What if every trip required walking a mile to a bus stop? Waiting in the cold. Carrying only what you could physically manage. Planning your entire life around routes and schedules you don’t control.
It doesn’t sound impossible—until you imagine it in real life.
- It’s January. Thirty-four degrees. A family of five needs groceries. You walk a mile to the bus stop, wait, shop carefully because you can only carry so much, ride back, and walk that mile home again—arms full, fingers numb.
- Your child gets hurt—maybe it’s a sprain, maybe it’s broken. The bus isn’t an option. You choose an ambulance instead of an Uber because you don’t have the money today. The hospital bill will come later, adding even more financial strain.
- You finally get a job offer after months of searching. It’s third shift. You need the job. But you’re a single mom, living in a tough neighborhood, and that one-mile walk to the bus stop at 1:00 a.m. is a dealbreaker.
This is the reality for millions of people.
In fact, one in five people remain in poverty simply because they don’t have access to a reliable vehicle.
A Second Chance, in the Name of Jesus
To help address this need, MAP Automotive launched Second Gear—a faith-based car ministry powered by MAP Automotive and the MAP Foundation.
Second Gear exists for one simple reason:
Reliable transportation restores dignity, opportunity, and hope.
This ministry was started by Brad Jinkerson, a passionate mechanic at Lexus of Lexington, who saw firsthand how often a broken-down car stood between people and their future. Brad believed that everyone deserves a second chance—and sometimes, that second chance starts with a set of keys.
Second Gear provides safe, reliable vehicles to low-income families, in the name of Jesus, so they can move forward with confidence and stability.
Real Lives, Real Impact
One recipient shared this testimony after receiving a vehicle through Second Gear:
“A vehicle is an essential part of the American lifestyle — something many people, including myself, often take for granted. I never fully appreciated this until I no longer had a reliable one.
I was recently accepted into a university 30 minutes away, but I considered withdrawing because my old car had more problems than positives. It couldn’t get me there safely. It would shut off in the middle of the road, wouldn’t drive over 25 mph, and the roof leaked whenever it rained.
Now that I have a working vehicle, the impact on my life has been astronomical. Second Gear restored peace, stability, and joy to my daily routine—and played a major role in helping me work toward my future goals.
I am forever grateful for their support and the opportunity to move forward with confidence.”
This is what Second Gear is about. Not just cars—but freedom, safety, and the ability to dream again.
How Second Gear Works
Second Gear is designed to be sustainable, dignified, and intentional—for both donors and recipients.
- Step 1: Vehicle Intake & Repair
- Vehicles are donated to the MAP Foundation. f a vehicle can be repaired at a reasonable cost, it is serviced through MAP Automotive Group dealerships. Repair costs are covered by the MAP Foundation. Vehicles that cannot be repaired are sent to auction, with proceeds supporting the ministry.
- Step 2: Owner Readiness & Support
- Recipient families are selected through trusted partner ministries, including Lions Gate, Woodhill Community Center, Fatherhood Initiative, Emerald Youth Foundation, and others. Families receive financial coaching, provide proof of insurance, and commit to caring for the vehicle responsibly. As a way to “pay it forward,” families donate $50 per month for 24 months back to the MAP Foundation to help future recipients.
How You Can Help
Second Gear depends on people who are willing to give.
- Dealership option: Instead of sending a vehicle to wholesale, dealerships can donate it to the MAP Foundation.
- Customer option: Customers may choose to donate their vehicle rather than trade it in. For those who itemize their taxes, the IRS allows a charitable deduction based on the Kelley Blue Book estimated trade-in value—which is often more than a typical dealership offer.
Your donated vehicle can become someone’s way to work, school, medical care, and a better future.
More Than a Car
Second Gear isn’t just about transportation.
It’s about restoring dignity, creating stability, and showing the love of Christ in a practical, tangible way.Sometimes, the road forward starts with someone else choosing to give.
If you’re interested in donating a vehicle or learning more about Second Gear, we invite you to check out our website at https://2nd-gear.com and join us in helping families shift into their next chapter—with confidence, safety, and hope.
Here at MAP, we take “Jesus, take the wheel” literally. Our faith is the driving force behind our organization. It’s something that, regrettably, is rare to find in a workplace in today’s world, but it is also incredibly valuable. Like discovering rubies, yet far more precious.
We believe God is our CEO, and that every decision, every conversation, every handshake, and every smile, both in and out of the showroom, is an opportunity to serve Him first.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord”
Psalms 150:6
A Workplace Rooted in Worship
What if workplaces weren’t just about business? What if they were also places of worship? At MAP, that vision is our reality. And how valuable is that? Not only having the passion and discipline to work well, but also knowing that your work invests in something eternal. Something greater than yourself.
Our dealerships are places where faith is lived out daily: in the way we treat each other, in the way we serve our customers, and in the way we approach challenges. Our work is our worship, and what a beautiful thing that is.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
Grounded in the Word
Every week, our team gathers for Bible study. Isn’t that so incredibly cool? As a recent college graduate, I can honestly say that, aside from my friends who went into ministry, I don’t know anyone else who has an opportunity like this at their workplace. That fact is both incredibly sad and something that makes me even more grateful for this blessing.
Our Bible studies are a time of fellowship, Chick-fil-A (of course), learning, and honest conversations about Jesus. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, yet I still walk away each week having learned something new, gained a fresh perspective, or grown in a new way. It can make a world of difference in your week to come to a place of peace and friendship, no matter what the rest of your days have looked like.
Community is essential, and prayer—prayer is powerful. There’s nothing quite like a room full of voices lifting one another up to the Lord. Outside of our meetings, devotionals and group chats keep the encouragement going. What a gift it is not only to be challenged to write devotionals for co-workers, but also to learn from them and gain new or renewed insights every single week. There’s truly nothing like it.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”
Matthew 18:20
Faith in Action
Our faith isn’t something we keep inside the walls of MAP. This beautiful community that has been built with intention over time isn’t something we hide away from the world. We are called to live in the world but not of it, and at MAP we believe in living that out.
Whether through The MAP Foundation Inc., Lexus for the Little Ones, the Woodhill Community Center, Focus Ministries, our Second Gear program, or any of the other initiatives we are blessed to support, we are committed to serving others. Every effort is an opportunity to build the Kingdom.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…”
Galatians 6:10
God as Our CEO
At the heart of it all is the truth we stand on: God is Our CEO. Just like a car needs a solid foundation, so do we. We depend on Him to guide our steps, shape our culture, and direct our impact on the community.
We’re more than a group of dealerships, or even a network of interconnected companies. We’re a family, fueled by faith, and committed to honoring God in all we do. At MAP, faith is our foundation, and the road ahead is His.
“The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.”
Psalms 97:1
Thank you for reading and we’ll (hopefully) see you next month for the next edition of the monthly MAP Auto Blog. 👋
The MAP of Who We Are
MAP Automotive = Driven by people. Fueled by purpose.
If you’re reading this, you might be wondering: “What’s MAP?”
Maybe you’ve heard of us, maybe you haven’t — either way, we’re glad you’re here.
MAP Automotive Group is, well… an automotive group. We own and operate seven dealerships across four states. If you’re local to Kentucky, you’ve probably seen us around without even realizing it. We’re proud to be home to one of the state’s few Lexus dealerships (Lexus of Lexington) as well as Toyota on Nicholasville (yes, the “where price sells cars” place) and Nicholasville CDJR.
Now, we get it. An automotive group might not sound like the most thrilling thing to read about. And let’s be honest — car dealerships don’t always have the best reputation. Pushy salespeople, confusing paperwork, number bombing, and the classic “let me talk to my manager” moment.
We’ve all been there.
But, here? MAP Automotive isn’t about being that dealership. We’re all about people. Sure, cars are made of steel, wheels, and yes, even great deals (especially with us😉).
But, at the end of the day, they’re really about the lives lived inside them.
The families piling in for road trips. A student getting their very first car. Parents juggling all of their kids after school pickups. The way we all get to where we need to go every single day. Our job isn’t just selling vehicles, it’s making sure those moments happen with confidence, care, and maybe even a smile or two along the way.
That’s why this matters. Because who we are shapes how we serve. With transparency, respect, and a culture built on doing the right thing for the right reasons.
So, as we like to say: we’re not in the car business, we’re in the people business. And that comes to life through three lenses =
- Our Customers
- Our Team
- Our Communities
Our Customers
If you’re reading this, chances are this is you. And if you haven’t been one of our customers yet… Well, you should probably come see us (kidding… sort of 😉).
Here’s the truth: at MAP Automotive, we believe luxury isn’t just about the car you drive, it’s about how you feel when you’re with us. After all, when we seek luxury, adventure, or safety, what we’re really chasing is the feeling those things give us.
That’s why, in every interaction, our goal is to make that chase quick, easy, and enjoyable.
Buying a car is an experience, and we work hard to make sure it’s an great one. We know the stereotypes, but we strive every day to make sure that’s not your story with MAP.
It starts with being upfront and transparent. We care more about doing what’s right than doing what’s easy. Honesty, trust, and accountability are the foundation of every great relationship.
And that’s what we want: a relationship with you — our customers, our team, and our communities. When you visit, you’ll be welcomed like family. From dependable service to attentive care at every step, our goal is that you leave feeling confident, valued, and taken care of — like you’ve caught that very feeling you’ve been chasing. Whether that’s luxury, adventure, or peace of mind on the road ahead.
Because at MAP Automotive, it’s never just about selling cars. It’s about creating experiences built on trust and connection that last long after you drive off the lot.
Our Team
If our customers are at the center of what we do, then our team is the engine that makes it all possible. Teamwork is the foundation of our success. We believe that when individuals work together with mutual respect and a shared purpose, extraordinary things can happen.
Every member of our team brings unique strengths to the table, and our people are truly our greatest strength. We’re intentional about creating a culture that empowers them to grow, thrive, and succeed.
And it helps to genuinely love the people you work with. Yes, we’re professionals and committed to excellence — but we also know the value of laughter in the break room, celebrating wins together, and turning everyday moments into memories. We know how to have fun with each other and with our customers, because part of building a great team isn’t just about hard work — it’s about building trust, sharing joy, and making it feel like a family. When people enjoy where they work and who they work with, that energy naturally carries over to every guest experience.
Because at MAP — fun, trust, and integrity aren’t extras, they’re part of the standard we live by.
Our Communities
At MAP Automotive, community is woven into everything we do. We’re always investing in connection — with customers, within our own culture, and in the places we call home.
Whether it’s joy-filled moments at events like MAP Happy Hour with BadAss Coffee of Hawaii and Azur, or sponsoring meaningful initiatives with our Community Partners, we’re proud to give back and make an impact.
To learn more about our Community Partners, click the button below!
If you’ve made it this far — thank you. We hope this gave you a better sense of who we are beyond just cars. At the end of the day, MAP Automotive is built on people, values, and a culture that keeps us moving forward.
This is just the first edition of our blog, and we’re excited to keep popping the hood — sharing more stories, more behind-the-scenes, and more of the little things that make MAP, well… MAP.
So keep an eye out for next month’s post. Until then, we’ll be here doing what we love most: driving something greater and helping you find your luxury, your adventure, and your peace of mind on the road.
And if you’re curious in the meantime? Follow along on our socials or come say hi — we’d love to meet you.
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