Very recently, CFADA highlighted Dealer Alan Wildstein of the Alan Jay Automotive Network. We’d like to share his interview with the Association again in the event you missed it the first time, or if you’d just like to refresh your memory about this Florida car dealer. You come from a car family, so the automotive industry would have been the obvious career choice. And so would taking over the family business, but you chose to strike out on your own in 1992. Tell us about that. Well, I think first and foremost, I have brothers who were already in the family business, so I think striking out on my own was a natural progression. My two brothers still own Tropical Chevrolet Miami Shores on the same site as the original family dealership. My dad is my mentor and best friend, and he is still active in the business. He acts as a consultant. In January 1992, I found a store, which my dad bought for me. He put me in business, and he has been my single biggest mentor, teacher and influencer. I paid my dad back; that was important to me. I still talk to my dad every day about the business, and his insights have been invaluable. My business has grown by acquisition. In retrospect, I did the unusual: I reached out to competitors. I invited them to lunch. Some were reluctant, but I let them know I wanted to be a good industry partner. I made friends with my competitors, which I think makes a great deal of sense. We’re all in the same industry. My dad taught me that. Because of those relationships – based on mutual respect and, in many cases, genuine friendship – I usually had the first offer to buy when someone retired or wanted out of the industry. Our business strategy is community involvement: Giving back. I think our growth has been the dividend of that approach. There’s sound economics in being entrenched in the community in which you do business. Describe your educational background. What did you study? I have a B.A. from Northwood University of Midland, Michigan, in Automotive Marketing and Management. It’s one of the few places This article was originally published in 2021-2022 Issue 2. ALL ABOUT DEALER ALAN WILDSTEIN of Alan Jay Automotive Network where you get a real knowledge of the auto industry in higher education. Are there any specific individuals who had a major impact on your career? My dad, Larry Wildstein. He is passionate about this business; I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. I also followed, and still do, a lot of successful business owners in the car business. There’s a lot to be said for learning from others. The Alan Jay Automotive Network – a network that spans over multiple states and employs close to 1,000 people – is just about to turn 30 years old. That’s a relatively short time to accomplish what you have. What motivates you to get up each day and do it again? Today, it’s growing people, building opportunities and moving people up. People development is fun. We have 12 dealerships in Florida and four in Michigan. Growth is really 30 Pub Yr 2 | Issue 4
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