Some people spend their entire careers helping someone else build a business.

After nearly four decades in the automotive industry, Craig Blum decided it was finally time to build his own.

In October 2025, the MiraBay resident opened Apollo Beach Motors, bringing years of experience, a passion for quality vehicles, and a simple philosophy to the local car-buying experience: treat people the way you would want to be treated.

For Craig, however, the dealership is only part of the story.

Family, life on the water, and a strong sense of community are what ultimately led him to Apollo Beach… and eventually to MiraBay.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Potomac, Maryland, Craig spent many years living on Kent Island, a waterfront community on Maryland's Eastern Shore. When he decided to trade cold winters for sunshine, he wasn't looking for just any place in Florida.

He was looking for a community that felt familiar.

"When I found Apollo Beach, it reminded me of Kent Island," Craig says. "It had the same small-town feel, the boating lifestyle, and the sense of community."

Craig spent his first decade in Apollo Beach living in Andalucia. During that time, he met Heather, a longtime MiraBay resident. The two quickly discovered they shared a love for family, community, and the waterfront lifestyle.

Together, they made the decision to build a home together in MiraBay, moving into their newly constructed home on Manns Harbor Drive in 2009.

Today, the couple enjoys everything that first attracted them to the area - friendly neighbors, an active lifestyle, and a welcome escape from the congestion and pace of larger cities.

Family remains at the center of their lives. Craig is the proud father of three daughters and one son. His youngest daughter, Sierra, lives at home with Craig and Heather, while daughter Madison lives nearby in MiraBay's Seacrest section. Together, the family enjoys gathering whenever possible, especially when grandchildren are involved.

Weekends often revolve around boating, fishing, beach days, and spending time with their seven-year-old grandson and eighteen-year-old granddaughter.

Asked whether he prefers a beach day, a boat day, or a fishing day, Craig laughs before answering:

"All three."

Long before he became a business owner, Craig was simply a young man who loved cars.

His first vehicle was a 1970 Chevrolet Nova, and his dream car remains a 1962 Split Window Corvette. That passion eventually turned into a career spanning nearly 40 years in the automotive industry.

Over the years, Craig worked in virtually every aspect of the used-car business, developing a deep understanding of the industry and building a reputation for honesty, professionalism, and customer service.

Still, there was one goal he had never achieved.

Owning his own dealership.

That dream became reality last fall when Apollo Beach Motors opened its doors just minutes from MiraBay.

"The best part is being able to make my own decisions," Craig says. "I can focus on doing what's right for the customer and the business."

Ask Craig what sets Apollo Beach Motors apart, and his answer comes quickly.

Integrity.

It's a word that's easy to say but much harder to live by in an industry that often battles public skepticism.

Craig has built his dealership around transparency and trust. Every vehicle undergoes a comprehensive 126-point inspection, regardless of its age or condition when acquired. Every vehicle comes with a clean CARFAX report, available service records, and complete transparency about its history.

"I put every vehicle in the condition I would want my own family driving," he says.

Another lesson Craig learned early as a business owner was the importance of staying focused. Rather than chasing niche markets or luxury inventory, Apollo Beach Motors focuses on reliable, high-quality vehicles that fit the needs of most families, with the average vehicle priced under $30,000.

The dealership also offers financing, warranty and insurance options, as well as on-site servicing and detailing, creating a convenient one-stop-shop experience for customers.

Unlike larger dealerships that may face manufacturer sales pressures, Craig and his team focus on helping customers find the right vehicle - not the most expensive one.

For Craig, success isn't measured only by sales numbers.

It's measured by repeat customers, referrals, and relationships.

Many customers describe him as honest, straightforward, and genuinely caring, all qualities that have helped Apollo Beach Motors grow rapidly during its first year.

Looking ahead, Craig plans to significantly expand the dealership's inventory while growing his team from three employees to nine to meet increasing demand.

For MiraBay residents, that's welcome news. Having a trusted automotive resource just minutes away - and owned by a neighbor who understands the value of honesty, relationships, and community - makes the car-buying process much more personal.

And if you happen to run into Craig when he's not at the dealership, don't be surprised if he's on a boat, casting a fishing line, heading to the beach, or planning his next road trip to Key West.

After all, some dreams are still waiting to be checked off the list.

Like that 1962 Split Window Corvette.