Dealer Interview

Here at CBT News, we’ve had several discussions with prominent figures on diversity in the retail automotive industry. AutoNation, the largest retailer in the country, has had tremendous success in hiring and retaining African-Americans and other minorities. Today, we’re joined by Rock Anderson, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for AutoNation, who discusses recruiting and hiring minorities, and the importance of promoting diversity. In this segment, Anderson and anchor Jim Fitzpatrick discuss AutoNation's great reputation for attracting and retaining women, African-Americans, and other minority groups. We find out how Anderson sustains diverse recruiting practices, and what needs to change industry-wide…

Sonic Automotive opened its newest preowned EchoPark brand store in Houston, Texas on Sept. 8, 2020, making it the eleventh retail store for the brand since launching in 2014. On today’s show, we are talking to Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive, about this latest expansion and what it means for Sonic Automotive as a whole. Even in the midst of a pandemic, Sonic Automotive hasn't slowed down a bit. The brand new eleventh EchoPark location in Southwest Houston is already on pace to sell 200 cars this month. The industry powerhouse also opened up an EchoPark delivery center in…

After several dealers experienced strong months during July and August, many auto retailers are wondering what to expect in the future. Brian Benstock, partner VP, and GM of Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura has experienced great success recently as his dealership was named number the one volume Honda dealership for the month of August by Honda Motor Company. We asked Brian what his outlook was for the months ahead. In this segment, Brian Benstock and anchor Jim Fitzpatrick discuss the recent announcement from Honda naming Paragon the number one selling Honda store in the country for August. The pair then…

In 2007 Corina Diehl experienced the tragic loss of her husband and was left to pick up the pieces and run the business herself. Since then she has grown Diehl Automotive Group into the empire it is today and serves as the President and CEO. She joins us today to talk about the challenges and successes of her business, as well as her plans moving forward. In this segment, Jim and Corina discuss her journey in the automotive industry including the unique challenges and obstacles that she encountered and still faces as a woman in the industry. The pair also…

The vehicle purchase process can be a daunting one for many consumers, but one used independent car dealer has made it her mission to change that with the “GoJo Experience”. Amanda Gordon, Owner of GoJo Auto talks to us about her efforts and what’s next for her dealership. In this segment, Jim and Amanda begin by discussing her journey in the automotive retail industry. From humble beginnings working at GAP, Amanda was already making a splash. She was recruited by a customer to work in a Honda dealership and quickly moved through the ranks which ultimately lead to opening and…

Women continue to gain prominent leadership roles in automotive as the industry continues to evolve. Annette Sykora joined our show to talk about her journey in the industry. Annette was the first female to hold the role of Chairwoman for the National Automobile Dealers Association in 2008, one of the most turbulent years on record for dealers. She is currently the dealer principal of Smith South Plains Ford Lincoln, in Levelland, Texas. Annette is a resilient dealer. She has met the challenges of COVID-19 head-on and she asserts that she is no stranger to challenging market conditions. During her tenure…

In the midst of racial injustice and suffering throughout the United States, businesses are turning their focus toward diversity and inclusion. Several retail automotive groups are taking a stand and amplifying their voices to spark change. Jenell Ross, President of Bob Ross Auto Group joined us to talk about her unique position as the only African-American woman to own a Mercedes-Benz and Buick GMC dealership. In this segment, Jim and Jenell first discuss her career journey in the automotive industry. At the young age of 27, Jenell assumed her role as the leader of the Bob Ross Auto Group after…

There are countless lessons to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dealers are learning more in the span of a few months than they might over the course of a few years. However, for Vince Sheehy, president of Sheehy Auto Stores, one thing has remained constant; his dedication to helping others and lifting up his community. He joins us today to talk about the lessons he has learned running his dealership in the midst of a pandemic, and how his dealer group is giving back during this crisis. Like many other dealers we’ve spoken to, sales across Sheehy’s 29 dealerships took a…

With all of the challenges presented to dealers by the Coronavirus, Street Volkswagen in Amarillo, TX decided to face them head-on and re-invest in their customer community. They offered free vehicle inspections and opened up their service drive to all car brands. John Luciano, Head of the VW of America Dealer Council and Managing Partner for the dealership, wanted to make sure that front line workers and other essential personnel had reliable transportation. Even with factory closures, John says that Volkswagen sales are up about five percent year over year. Largely in part because CPOs playing a bigger role today…

More women have emerged in the retail automotive industry in recent years and one woman in Nevada is truly making a name for herself as Findlay Automotive Group’s first female General Manager. We're pleased to welcome Melisa Eichbauer, general manager at Findlay Volkswagen Henderson.  By her own admission, Melisa sort of fell into the industry after taking a gap year from her college studies in criminal justice. She began on the sales floor as so many managers do, and after going through various levels of management, she became the general sales manager of a large Chevy store. Then, Melisa's career…