True leadership begins with personal growth and is defined by perseverance, humility and unwavering integrity. On today’s episode of Training Camp, Andrew Suntrup discusses his journey in retail automotive and how he’s shaping the next chapter of his family’s organization.
Suntrup was a recipient of Automotive News’ 2025 40 Under 40 award and serves as the Vice President of Operations at Suntrup Automotive Group, his family’s business, which is well-known in St. Louis for its dedication to customers and employees.
His grandfather, Bill Suntrup, began selling cars in St. Louis in 1957. His father, Tom, later took over and expanded the business by acquiring four dealerships, which now collectively form the Suntrup Automotive Group.
Suntrup spent his early adolescence working summers at the family dealership as a porter. His father didn’t push him into the business—he naturally gravitated toward it and developed a love for cars. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began working as a Sales Manager at Suntrup Ford Westport in 2016. Six years later, in 2022, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations and now oversees the operations of all four dealerships.
"There's always a problem to attack. I think the training from F&I and face-to-face selling was a good transition into what I do now because you're always trying to figure out a solution to a problem."
Early in his career, his favorite role was in the finance and insurance department. He enjoyed serving customers and helping them understand the benefits of extended warranties and other products. Now, as vice president, he embraces the challenges that come with leadership. Each day brings a different problem, and he finds fulfillment in solving them. He credits his experience in the F&I department and face-to-face selling as the foundation that made his transition into leadership smoother.
The dealership is constantly evolving, with new employees joining the organization and others leaving. With this ongoing change, Suntrup and his leaders work diligently to preserve the company’s culture. One way the company reinforces its culture is through social media, publicly showcasing its values and engaging with the community. By advertising who they are and what they stand for, the group builds both reputation and accountability.
Suntrup is highly active on LinkedIn, and he’s noticed his engagement has inspired his team to become more active on social media as well. Most of his salespeople gravitate toward Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram and use them to engage with prospective buyers.
A principle that Suntrup never compromises on, even at the cost of gross margin, is integrity. He believes transparency is of the utmost importance, whether dealing with a first-time customer or an employee with over 20 years of service.
His secret to success is his commitment to bettering himself, both professionally and personally. He’s committed to learning from others and isn’t afraid to ask questions. He also enjoys challenging himself physically and recently completed an Ironman 70.3. After transitioning from sales to leadership, he felt a lack of competition. To fill this void, he pushes his body, which satisfies his need for competition and helps him tackle challenges in both his personal and professional life.
Looking ahead, Suntrup is determined to further grow his family’s organization. His focus will start internally, developing dealership personnel and acquiring additional dealerships to continue his family’s legacy.
