Sean Grant, IADA’s current chair, is a second-generation dealer and IADA member. Landmark Automotive, a Ford dealership in Springfield, Illinois, was started by Sean’s father, William Grant, Jr., in 1975. The company now has six dealerships that mainly sell domestic brands, and under Sean’s leadership, Landmark has continued its steady growth in sales and customers. Sean was born in June 1971, and he began selling cars after high school during the summers. Sean received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, then attended NADA Academy and graduated in 1995. Sean’s biggest mentor was his father. He was originally a banker who never sold a car in his life until he bought a dealership as an investment. “It’s been a good one,” said Sean. “My father was honest. You could take every word he said to the bank, no pun intended. He taught me that if we take care of our customers and employees, everything else will fall into place. You have nothing to manage or calculate if you don’t have customers, and you also have to take care of your employees. The two go hand in hand.” Over a career that spans 30 years, Sean has worked in every department within the dealership and knows what it is like to work in each position. He is now the dealer principal and president. Sean said, “It’s an exciting business. Every day is different, which keeps it fun. When you enjoy doing something, it doesn’t feel like work. I am very lucky to be able to say that. Some people can’t find that niche on their own.” Sean has three pieces of advice for other dealers, and younger colleagues looking to make the automobile industry a career: 1. Honesty is the best policy. 2. Take care of your customers 100% after the sale. 3. Lead by example. Don’t expect others to do anything you won’t do. In addition to being an IADA member, Sean has also been a member of NADA’s President’s Club for seven years. He thinks it is important to support dealership associations on both a state and national level so the associations can protect dealership interests. Being an association member has been important to Sean. “You get a front-row seat on issues that directly affect car dealers in Illinois,” said Sean. “You can give your money, time, or both to make changes that help fellow Illinois dealers. I try to do both. Right now, that means holding franchise laws high and strong. I also think it’s fun to meet other car dealers. We learn from each other, and we network. That’s a big benefit being directly involved with the association.” As Sean thought about the benefits of his IADA and NADA memberships, he said, “There are lots of benefits to being involved. Some people don’t have the time or capacity, but it only takes a little time, and I’ve seen many positives.” Sean first got involved as a leader within the association because he wanted to help fellow dealers. “I want to protect our franchise laws so that our franchises continue to be involved in selling vehicles. Dealerships provide a huge amount of support to our local communities. We hire employees and pay taxes that support our local communities, and we make charitable contributions to not-for-profit organizations like the Boys and Girls Club. I’ve been on the board of directors for that organization for more than 20 years.” Meet IADA’s Current Chair Sean Grant 8
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