The Good People Trying to Fix a Broken Industry

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been fortunate to connect with a number of sharp, forward-thinking people in the dealership world. Some are seasoned managers. Others are new to leadership. Some are advisors or techs who’ve been in the trenches for years. What they all have in common is that they genuinely care.

And I can’t emphasize enough how important that is—especially in this industry.

The automotive world can be messy. We’ve inherited broken processes, outdated business models, and in many cases, toxic workplace habits. Too many stores are stuck in survival mode, with high turnover, low morale, and managers who were never properly developed themselves. It's easy to point fingers and say the industry is broken—and in many ways, it is.

But behind all that, there are good people trying to fix it.

They’re building stronger teams. They’re asking better questions. They’re investing in training and development, not just for the sake of numbers, but because they care about helping their people grow. They’re not perfect—but they’re trying. And that matters more than anything.

What really stands out to me lately is how much impact a simple mindset shift can have—when someone decides to lead with empathy and treat people like people.

One of my favourite quotes is from Perry Carpenter:

“It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men, who has the most difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury to others. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring.”

That line speaks directly to what I see all the time in stores. When leaders become disconnected—when they stop caring about the people around them—everything else breaks down. Culture suffers. Performance drops. Trust disappears.

But the reverse is also true. When you lead with care, things start to improve. And often, it begins with something as simple as being kind.

Kindness goes a long way.

A kind word to an overwhelmed advisor. A thank-you to a tech who stayed late. A little patience with a new hire still finding their feet. These small moments don’t always show up on a spreadsheet, but they absolutely show up in your results.

Kindness isn’t weakness—it’s leadership. It builds trust. It encourages open communication. It creates an environment where people want to stay and grow.

We’re not going to fix this industry overnight. But the people who are willing to show up with empathy, take responsibility, and do the right thing—those are the ones who are moving us forward.

If you’re one of those people, keep going. You may not always get recognition for it, but your effort matters. And you’re not alone.

This industry doesn’t just need more process—it needs more heart.