Description

An owner is the chief investor in a dealership and responsible for all aspects, including new and used car sales, fixed operations (service, collision repair, and parts), expense control, and profits. The owner sets company standards through his/her leadership and integrity. The owner provides a comfortable and safe working environment, maintains all necessary licenses and certifications, may hire managers to oversee various operations, and monitors business performance.

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Must be a leader. Must enjoy working with people, working around cars and trucks, and be comfortable with leadership responsibilities. Must be able to build relationships with customers, employees, and manufacturer representatives. Good communication and sales skills are essential. Must have self-confidence, enjoy learning, and pay close attention to detail.

Job Outlook

New and used car sales are part of our culture. The demand for these will always be here. Like other businesses, new car dealerships are subject to the economy in general, market conditions locally, and good employee available. As long as a good rate of return can be expected on this investment, a new car dealership can be rewarding in many ways.

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

Math, reading, accounting, and business management skills are necessary to understand and manage all the operations necessary in a new car dealership. A high school education is required with post-secondary education essential for success. Sales and additional industry experience are necessary to communicate effectively with customers, employees, and manufacturers.

Earnings

Dependent on sales, expenses, and debt, owners choose how to divide profits between personal income, debt retirement, and reinvestment. With a sizable investment at risk, there are possibilities of both losing money as well as realizing profits.

Career Path

An experienced salesman is an ideal candidate, but the business can be learned by the right person with good customer service and business management skills. Dealership management and sales experience can lead to resources needed to make this large investment.

Continuing Education

Post-secondary and advanced business education is available through local or on-line colleges. Specific automotive management education is available through the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and can result in the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

 

 

 

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