In this episode of Training Camp with Adam Marburger, Eric Barbosa, Vice President of Variable Operations for Cavender Automotive Group, takes us behind the scenes of Cavender’s growth and culture. Barbosa shares his unique insights on fostering a cohesive and empowered workplace in the automotive industry, from groundbreaking dealership expansions to training the next generation of leaders.
As a 20-year industry veteran, Eric Barbosa has been integral to Cavender Automotive Group’s success. Recently, he spearheaded the development of what he calls a “Taj Mahal” Ford dealership in South Texas. This facility, featuring 63 service bays and top-tier amenities, is a significant upgrade from Cavender’s previous location and positions them to substantially impact the regional market. Leveraging a team-focused marketing approach, Cavender heavily showcases this new dealership across social media, reflecting Barbosa’s commitment to building a brand presence that resonates with customers and employees alike.
Barbosa also highlights Cavender’s dedication to internal growth, stressing the importance of training that extends beyond entry-level positions. Every Friday at 7:30 a.m., their general sales managers participate in ongoing development sessions, ensuring a steady pipeline of well-prepared leaders for GM roles. By emphasizing values such as integrity, empowerment, innovation, and commitment, Cavender sets a standard that Barbosa believes sets them apart in the marketplace. He stresses that these core values drive every aspect of their operations, from customer service to employee development.
To aspiring finance managers and those looking to grow within the dealership, Barbosa has one piece of advice: always ask for help and prioritize self-improvement. He notes that ambition alone isn’t enough—the commitment to continuous learning and humility creates long-term success.
"At Cavender, we’re building a values-based leadership model—integrity, empowerment, innovation, and commitment. From top to bottom, these values guide how we hire, talk, and serve our customers." – Eric Barbosa
