Thomas J. DeFelice Jr. The Circle name has been a fixture in the Monmouth County, New Jersey automotive dealership and business community for 80 years. In 1946, Circle Chevrolet was founded by Thomas C. DeFelice, along with his sons Tom and Ed, in Freehold on the former Route 9 traffic circle. This was a bustling location for traffic traveling north and south through central N.J. (Today, this is where Rt. 9 intersects with Rt. 33.) As the population grew and shifted east, the dealership was moved in 1953 to Red Bank and to its current home on Shrewsbury Avenue in Shrewsbury in 1969.  

In 1975, BMW of North America established its headquarters and U.S. dealership network. The German brand caught the eye of Tom DeFelice, Jr., grandson of Thomas C., who was working at Circle Chevrolet. DeFelice landed the BMW franchise and in 1980, Circle BMW was established in Shrewsbury.

Over the next two decades, Circle BMW experienced tremendous growth and in 2003, DeFelice purchased nine acres of land on Route 36 in Eatontown. A new building was constructed, and in 2005, Circle BMW was moved to its current location in Eatontown.



 


 

Throughout the years, Circle BMW has earned numerous accolades and awards from a variety of industry organizations including Automotive News, BMW of North America, NJBIZ, Cars.com, CarFax, DealerRater and many others. Circle BMW is a five-time recipient of BMW's prestigious Center of Excellence Award, an honor bestowed upon less than 10 percent of BMW dealerships nationwide.




Thomas J. DeFelice III, Esq.         


Thomas J. DeFelice Jr. & Thomas J. DeFelice III, Esq
 

Joining his father and serving as the fourth-generation automotive operator, Thomas J. DeFelice III, Esq. returned from practicing law in 2020 to help run Circle BMW. In a short time, the dealership expanded its offerings as the area's authorized manufacturer service provider for Mini vehicles and a seller of Bintelli Golf Carts. 



 

In June 2025, Shrewsbury Avenue-based dealerships, World Subaru and World Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM were purchased by the DeFelice family, an acquisition led by Tom III. Circle Motor Group was formally established, remaining family owned and operated and proudly continuing the Circle legacy. Renamed Circle Subaru and Circle Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, these stores together with Circle BMW, make-up the Circle Motor Group family of dealerships.

Customers of Circle Subaru and Circle Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM will find the same friendly and professional staff, including Joe Wajda, Executive Manager and managing partner, who are eager to welcome customers and carry on the exceptional service that is synonymous with the Circle name. With more than 20 years of management experience, Joe remains at the helm of these two stores, partnering with the DeFelice family to grow the business.

 
Joe Wajda

Remarkably, both Joe and Tom III were recognized in 2017 and 2025 respectively as 40 Under 40 industry trailblazers by Automotive News. This is a competitive and prestigious honor that is awarded to talented automotive professionals in the United States. 

Thomas J. DeFelice III, Esq

With a storied history and deep roots in the community, Circle dealerships have long supported positive change. Giving back and providing support to individuals, families and organizations in Monmouth County aligns with the company's values and mission. Throughout the years, recipients of Circle's charitable contributions have included AutismMVP Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern N.J., Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County, Fulfill, The Count Basie Center for the Arts, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center, Holiday Express, Lunch Break, The Monmouth County SPCA, Monmouth County Historical Association, Monmouth University Athletics, Tunnel to Towers Foundation and many more!