We’re excited to celebrate Steve Smith, sales advisor at AutoNation Acura Hunt Valley, as a distinguished honoree of CBT News’ 40 Under 40 awards. This recognition highlights the top retail automotive professionals who demonstrate remarkable leadership, unwavering passion and outstanding achievements.
Known to thousands online as “bmorelikesteve,” Smith is redefining what it means to be a modern automotive professional. He is a force to be reckoned with both inside and outside of the showroom. With over 20 years of experience in retail automotive, he consistently ranks among the top performers at his dealership. Beyond his full-time role, Smith manages a residential and commercial painting business, Million Dollar Colors Painting & Design LLC, and has built a personal brand across multiple social media platforms. He also mentors aspiring professionals who aim to enter the retail automotive industry.
Smith’s passion for cars began in childhood. Shortly after graduating high school, he visited a dealership to purchase a new car—and left with both a vehicle and a new career. He began in the sales department, took a brief detour into telemarketing, and returned to sales. He proudly calls himself the “car matchmaker,” and is dedicated to helping customers find the perfect vehicle.
He leverages his social media presence to connect with customers, share deals, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of the dealership, provide up-close vehicle videos and educate buyers on their options. His goal is to ensure each customer finds a car that fits their lifestyle and budget.
Balancing a full-time job, a thriving business and an active digital presence is no small feat. While it can be quite challenging, Smith credits his success to prioritization and avoiding overcommitting to multiple projects at once.
"You're going to fall a few times, but you just have to stay consistent and keep going. You have to have faith in yourself."
Â
For newer salespeople, Smith emphasizes the importance of product knowledge. The more they understand the vehicles they’re selling, the more confidence they will feel, which translates to more sales. He encourages experimenting with different word tracks and closing techniques to find a style that works for their personality and style. Shadowing top performers or visiting competing dealerships as a customer can also provide valuable insights into effective sales techniques.
Looking toward 2026, Smith remains optimistic. Despite potential challenges in the first quarter, he predicts a market similar to COVID-era conditions, with limited vehicle availability and higher prices. He also expects many manufacturers to continue scaling back on electric vehicles.
Smith’s proudest career moment came when he sold 36 cars in a single month. Over the next five years, he envisions hosting his own car show on television. While he continues to enjoy direct customer interaction, he is increasingly drawn to the digital automotive entertainment space.
