Along with revealing who will give the keynote address of the 2022 NIADA Convention and Expo, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association also announced its newest Gold-level National Corporate Partner.

Coming aboard in that capacity on Wednesday was LHPH Capital, a capital provider for lease-here, pay here dealers, in an effort to share its leasing expertise and provide educational opportunities to NIADA member dealers interested in leasing.

LHPH Capital offers lines of credit to independent dealerships to start or support a used-vehicle leasing program.

The company was founded in 2017 by Terry Bowdler and George Klinke, who have more than 80 years of combined experience in the leasing industry.

NIADA highlighted that LHPH Capital has supported more than $450 million in lease originations with its dealer partners, a number that continues to grow as more dealers adopt leasing programs.

“We value the long-term success of our dealers through our strong commitment to the lease-here, pay here industry and by tailoring our program to support innovative business models,” LHPH Capital president Tim Lawrence said in a news release.

“We’re very excited for the opportunity to contribute to leasing education and build a community of successful LHPH dealers, helping them bridge the gap between dealer profitability and consumer affordability in today’s high-priced used car market,” Lawrence continued.

NIADA pointed out that LHPH Capital’s primary product is a line of credit, ranging from $500,000 to $20 million, with no unused line fees or “nickel-and-dime fee schedules.”

The association added, “The funding program is set up for dealers to build equity in their dealership quickly while also growing a portfolio that can be passed down as a legacy or de-leveraged over time as they plan for the future.”

For more information about LHPH Capital or used-vehicle leasing in general, contact Trevor Watson at (619) 222-9990 or twatson@lhph.com, or visit www.lhph.com.

Taffer to be keynote speaker for 2022 NIADA Convention and Expo

Perhaps Jon Taffer has an affinity for the automotive industry.

After serving in a similar capacity last week in Las Vegas during the Vehicle Finance Conference hosted by the American Financial Services Association, the entertainer, entrepreneur, strategic advisor, profitability expert and best-selling author also will deliver the keynote address of the 2022 NIADA Convention and Expo.

The 76th annual edition is set for June 20-23 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In a session sponsored by Carfax, the creator, executive producer and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue is scheduled to speak June 21 — the opening day of the convention’s education agenda.

Afterward, NIADA said in another news release that Taffer will be available for a meet and greet session with attendees at the Carfax booth in the Expo Hall during the Expo Grand Opening reception.

The association highlighted that Taffer is best known as a “larger-than-life” television personality and hospitality industry guru who takes a no-holds-barred approach to helping hotels, restaurants, bars and other businesses reach their full potential.

“He uses his four decades of industry experience to guide companies through remodeling, reprogramming and restarting their business models to embrace the future,” NIADA said. “He’s consulted for well-known brands such as the NFL Network, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Buffalo Wild Wings and Anheuser-Busch.

“And he rebuilds the lives of failing bar owners in his hit series Bar Rescue as a master of powerful presentations that rescue businesses from themselves and propel them toward success,” the association continued.

“Taffer offers guidance on transformation, training programs and ‘reaction management strategies.’ His broad areas of expertise include product and brand recognition, merchandising promotions and customer acquisition,” NIADA went on to say.

His address at the NIADA Convention and Expo is part of the extensive education agenda available for independent dealers, featuring more than 60 sessions covering all aspects of store operations.

The event also includes an Expo Hall offering the industry’s latest, most innovative products and services, a Finance Fair to connect dealers with finance sources, special events, receptions, networking and awards recognizing the best in the business.

For more information or to register, visit niadaconvention.com.