As February progresses, we will continue to recognize Black automotive dealers and their accomplishments in the business. Jenell Ross, President of Bob Ross Automotive Group, is the first African-American woman to run a Mercedes-Benz and Buick GMC dealership. On today’s Inside Automotive, we’ll hear Jenell’s thoughts on where the industry sits today and where it’s headed.
Bob Ross Auto Group is proud to serve drivers in Centerville and the neighboring Ohio areas. Both a wide range of recently released models, as well as a line-up of pre-owned cars that have undergone rigorous inspections, are available for purchase at their dealership. Also, their well-respected finance department is staffed by an educated team of finance experts who can help clients get the best loan or lease in a simple, quick manner.
Related Interview:
Watch: Facing diversity, sales and electrification challenges in the dealership — Lawrence Vaughn
Taking on the year
Related Interview:
Watch: Facing diversity, sales and electrification challenges in the dealership — Lawrence Vaughn
In comparison to the previous 24 years, 2022 was one of Ross’s most interesting. “There was no playbook, there was a new normal,” she adds, “and the new team members enabled everyone to re-educate themselves back to the basics of selling.” On the other hand, Ross emphasizes that the group’s main focus is to continue investing in order to put their best foot forward. As they approach 2024, Ross is not promoting the agency model because the dealer model provides the best representation for OEMs.
According to Ross, “the industry is all about taking chances and analyzing all the options.” Therefore, Ross’s auto group is continuously seeking to grow because the industry is constantly changing. With 285 African-American-owned dealerships, the 2009 recession struck both American-American and domestic dealers hard. But, the greater the adoption of various programs and forms of support by other manufacturers, the more they will contribute to the growth of the overall numbers.
More Females
All three of the organizations—NADA, NAMAD, and AIDA—are committed to raising awareness of the women working in the field already. In contrast to earlier years, it allows those female employees the chance to advance and take managerial positions by increasing their awareness of education. According to Ross, some dealers still find it challenging that a woman can be in the same room or on the same level as them. But, according to Ross, “if we can continue to educate one at a time, we may potentially create a better opportunity for everyone.”
“I highlight the need for education in providing greater opportunities for both females and domestic dealers.”
Locally, Ross addresses several women’s organizations and young people enrolled in educational institutions to enlighten them of the opportunities available from within the industry. Ideally, her hope is to provide them with the chance to demonstrate opportunities for career and field advancement.
