At just 27 years old, Samuel Kentowski has already proven himself as one of the brightest emerging leaders in automotive retail. Starting in the industry at 18, Sam’s journey has been defined by relentless work ethic, humility, and a passion for developing people. Today, as Finance Director at a high-volume dealership, he has led a complete transformation of a once-underperforming department—turning it into one of the store’s strongest and most profitable divisions.
Since stepping into his current role, Sam has increased per-vehicle retail (PVR) by more than $600, adding over $180,000 in monthly gross profit. He has also driven growth across every key performance metric, including PPD and VSC penetration, all while improving process efficiency and customer satisfaction. But what truly sets Sam apart isn’t just his results—it’s how he achieves them. He rebuilt the culture from the ground up, aligning sales and finance as one team and establishing a foundation of accountability, transparency, and mutual respect. The result is a department that not only performs at a high level but operates with pride, consistency, and confidence.
Sam credits his leadership philosophy to lessons learned from his late mentor, Adam Marburger, who taught him that true leadership begins with service. He leads by example, rolling up his sleeves, investing in his team, and putting people before position. That servant-leadership mindset has inspired loyalty among his staff and respect throughout the dealership.
What makes Sam a standout in the next generation of automotive professionals is his blend of strategic focus and emotional intelligence. He doesn’t just build profit—he builds people. By fostering culture, accountability, and teamwork, Samuel Kentowski is shaping not only a stronger department but a stronger future for the automotive industry.
