One thing we often tell clients when evaluating General Managers and other dealership leaders is this: turn your BS meter on high. 

It usually gets a laugh, but we're only half joking. 

After interviewing hundreds of dealership executives throughout our careers, we've learned that some of the most impressive candidates can also be the most difficult to evaluate accurately. The reason isn't necessarily dishonesty. More often, it's because successful automotive leaders tend to be excellent communicators. They know how to build rapport, read people, overcome objections, and tell a compelling story. 

What if your next great automotive executive hire is over 55?

Let’s say the quiet part out loud.

When companies call an automotive executive search firm about a dealership leadership opening, they usually have a picture in their mind. Not necessarily a specific person, but a profile. Someone with enough experience to have made mistakes, delivered results, and shown major potential – but still young enough to have plenty of career runway ahead and significant “long-term” upside.