For Jordan Stevens, a summer job between college semesters unexpectedly became a 22-year career in the automotive industry — and a path toward leading his family’s dealership into its next generation. More than two decades ago, Jordan began working in the parts department at the family business in Tupelo, Mississippi. At the time, he had no intention of making a career in the automotive industry. But one opportunity led to another. He moved from delivering parts to working the parts counter, then into F&I, business development and sales management. Along the way, he even became the dealership’s unofficial IT person. Today, Jordan serves as general manager of Crossroads Chevrolet GMC. His experience in nearly every corner of the business has shaped a simple philosophy: successful dealerships are built on people. That people-first philosophy extends beyond the dealership itself. Crossroads invests in its employees and prioritizes giving back to the Corinth and Alcorn County community through its Crossroads CAN — Community Action Now — initiative. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, Jordan is also committed to continuing his own education. A recent graduate of the NADA Dealer Academy, he believes that growth requires leaders to keep learning, adapt to change and occasionally step out of their comfort zones. We recently sat down with Jordan to learn more about his path through the automotive industry, the people who have shaped his career and his vision for the future of Crossroads Chevrolet GMC. The following are excerpts from our conversation. How did you get started in the automotive industry? I’ve been with the company for 22 years. When I started, my wife’s grandfather owned the company, and they had three dealerships. My wife and I were dating at the time, and I just needed a summer job between college semesters. I certainly didn’t think that job would become my career. I grew up around an auto parts store because my grandfather owned one, so parts were familiar to me. I started as a delivery person, moved to the parts counter and then eventually went into F&I, where I spent several years. Later, my father-in-law asked me to start a Business Development Center. I went through training and ran the BDC for about six years, handling internet leads, incoming phone calls and following up with customers. From there, I moved into sales management while continuing to back up finance. Somehow, I also became the dealership’s IT person along the way. Eventually, all those experiences led me to become the general manager. Who have been some of your most important mentors? My first mentor was the dealership’s parts manager when I started in the business — and he is still our parts manager today. He took me under his wing and helped me grow both professionally and personally. My father-in-law has obviously been a mentor along the way, too. Sometimes it can be difficult to separate family and business, so he intentionally steps back and allows our executive manager to mentor me. That removes the family connection from the equation and can make things easier. Over the past six years, Crossroads’ executive manager has worked closely with me and taken a genuine interest in my development. NextGen Dealer Spotlight Getting to Know Jordan Stevens 18
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