The car dealership life is a world unto itself, shaped by unique personalities and forged in the fires of persistence and resilience. If you’ve been in the car business long enough, you know that the word “rebellious” might just be the secret ingredient to success. This is my salute to the old-school car guys, the ones who didn’t have it easy but made it work through sheer grit and determination.
The people I admire and trust in the car business have a common thread. They didn’t have much handed to them. They are fighters, full of a lifetime of bumps and bruises. They don’t back down from much and never have, never will. They did things their way, and it wasn’t always easy.
Most of these individuals didn’t dream of starting a life by selling cars. Instead, they started out of desperation. They needed money—for rent, to feed kids, pay a bookie, or maybe all of the above. The local dealership or used car lot was often the only place that would hire them.
In the 1970s, 80s 90s, and continuing into the new Millenium, sales floors were like the Island of Misfit Toys—one broken character after another, all tough as nails, each a one-off. These were the people who couldn’t fit into the corporate mold, but found a place in the chaotic, rough-and-tumble world of car sales.
The ones that stayed in would get promoted, some made fortunes on the vendor side and many of these guys own or run stores today. If we surveyed the 18,000 or so General Managers at franchise stores in the U.S., most of them would get a glint of nostalgia in their eyes reading this. They’d recall the late nights closing deals when others would have quit, the countless rejections that only fueled their determination, and the camaraderie built with fellow misfits, all chasing the same dream…freedom
Those experiences shaped us, made us resilient, made us who we are today. Does this sound like you or someone you know?
The auto industry owes a debt of gratitude to these recalcitrant car guys. Their spirit, drive, and unyielding nature have built and sustained this business. Let’s continue to honour and recognize their contributions, for they are the true backbone of the auto industry.
It’s the grit and determination of these old-school car guys that keeps the wheels turning in the auto industry. Their stories are our stories, and their resilience is a testament to what it takes to succeed in this business. Let’s continue to learn from them, celebrate them and ensure that their legacy lives on in the next generation of car guys.
Bob Manor is Co-Founder of Auto Auction Review and Founder of Can-Am Dealer Services. His website is BobManor.com.
