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Automotive News has announced its new class of 40 Under 40 in automotive retailing, with two general managers from Michigan. This year’s standouts have been through back-to-back challenges of a pandemic and now a global inventory shortage. From reviving failing stores to devising programs for remote sales or service, they’re making a difference across their dealership groups.
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John Allen (37) – General manager, Allen of Monroe
In 2008, Allen was selling cars for a dealership in Colorado and skiing in his spare time when his father, Tom Allen, asked him to come back to Michigan to work for him just as the recession was beginning. After he did so, General Motors put his father’s franchises on its termination list as part of its bankruptcy restructuring. The same month, his father became bedridden with stage 4 cancer, leaving John Allen to run the business during a turbulent year.
The family fought the franchise termination but needed a partner to keep the store afloat. (read more)
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Patrick Daly (30) – General manager, Randy Wise Chevrolet
During his first year as general manager, a competing dealership opened nearby and poached three of his top staffers, a UAW strike halted GM production and the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., temporarily forcing the store to close.
Despite the obstacles, 2020 was the most profitable year in Randy Wise Chevrolet’s 31-year history. Daly came up with several strategies to get through the crisis, but he is most proud of his ability to navigate the used-vehicle market — a skill he’s been honing since his early days as a car salesman and his time as the used-vehicle director for another dealership. (read more)
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We congratulate all the dealers and staff who work hard to make a positive name for themselves and the auto industry! If you have special news to share about yourself or someone else, please let us know. Email news@michiganada.org.
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