New NAMAD President Hugene Fields shares his vision for the association moving forward

It has been a few months since Hugene Fields was chosen as the new President of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD). On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Hugene joins the show to discuss what he hopes to achieve as President and NAMAD’s goals for 2023.

Fields has spent the last 15 years working in the non-profit sector in various capacities. By moving away from the public accounting sector, he began collaborating with non-profits on strategic development, accounting work, and launching all of their programs.

The mission of NAMAD is to increase the proportion of ethnically owned new franchise dealers so that they can continue to interact with manufacturers and hold them accountable. Fields notes, accountability is key. However, since it’s challenging to obtain capital, NAMAD is working with financial institutions. These institutions, according to Fields, “allow open avenues of contact so we can expand and grow.”

Fields’ first aim as President is to expand its reach and prominence within the sector by enhancing its branding and sending out more messages on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. According to Fields, “our mission is to bridge the gap for the next generation members, for other vendors, and for OEMs alike.” As the organization develops, the bridge helps the relationships both internally and externally.

However, NAMAD offers a variety of membership levels that, once enrolled, entitle members to exceptional benefits, including one-on-one consultations. As well as, a platform for advocacy, accessibility, and informative resources. The membership program extends all the way from dealer principles to associate employees. “We urge all dealer candidates and members to complete the talent register where OEMs seek to determine which candidate is a good fit for particular rooftops on a case-by-case basis,” says Fields.

For those who are now employed at dealers but want to keep informed, NAMAD will launch a new membership category in the remaining months of the year.