The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association recapped several developments on Wednesday, including its new 20 group moderator and consultant for buy-here, pay-here dealers, fundraising to help members impacted by Hurricane Helene and the successes of its 2024 Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.

The newest member of the NIADA staff set to join the association on Monday is Brad White.

NIADA highlighted White brings more than two decades of extensive industry experience to his new role to help dealers navigate the challenges of the BHPH market.

White also will be teaching sessions when NIADA hosts the BHPH Dealer Forum in New Orleans Nov. 10-12.

“We are thrilled to add White to our team to assist BHPH dealers grow their business and prosper,” NIADA CEO Jeff Martin said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge in multiple areas of operations.”

Before joining NIADA, White served as the franchise consultant with Byrider to guide franchise operations, enhance dealer profitability and ensure compliance with corporate standards at more than 150 locations.

The association mentioned White also has vast experience in advertising and marketing for BHPH dealerships as well as in operations since he previously progressed from general manager to CEO, overseeing large-volume, multi-location dealerships.

“I’m looking forward to helping dealers across the nation,” White said. “I can’t wait to join the team and bring the knowledge and experience I’ve gained from working with great dealers. I want to give back and help dealers become successful, from the ones who have been in the industry a long time to the ones who are new.”

Help for Hurricane Helene victims

A host of NIADA members have been impacted from destruction generated by Hurricane Helene, which crashed through Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and elsewhere last week.

Darla Booher is a member of the NIADA board of directors and president of Deal Depot in Greer, S.C.

“It’s devastating. There’s no way to know how many are impacted because there’s no communication,” Booher said. “There’s going to be a real need.”

Those wanting to help the recovery efforts of these dealers are asked to donate to the NIADA Foundation. The NIADA Foundation raises and distributes donations to assist members of the automotive community after natural disasters.

“In times of tragedy, our dealer community rallies together to help one another,” Martin said. “We ask you to consider contributing to the NIADA Foundation. That’s how we get the dollars to help our dealers.”

Donations can be made via this website.

Successes in Washington

Dealers and industry partners from across the nation joined NIADA for the 2024 Policy Conference, stretching over three days in Washington, D.C.

More than 100 NIADA members met with U.S. Representatives and Senators during the Day on the Hill, discussing the Right to Repair to bring down the costs of auto repairs for consumers, the REDO Act to stop the vehicle shopping rule and the PART Act to curtail catalytic converter thefts.

“A lot of people listened to our issues. We moved the needle on a couple of the issues and created more awareness,” said Cole Hitchcox of 865 Autos in Clinton, Tenn.

Dealers also met with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission for conversations about issues facing the industry. NIADA said dealers displayed the complexity of the paperwork in a current vehicle sale and explained the work they do on behalf of consumers.

Jack Carter of Turn and Burn Motors in Austell, Ga., was with the group of dealers meeting with the CFPB.

“It was a great conversation. They were very receptive and not intimidating,” Carter said. “It was a roundtable discussion where they were seeking to understand our industry.”

NIADA also hosted Sen. Tommy Tuberville who retired as college football coach and became a lawmaker representing Alabama. Tuberville appeared as part of the PAC Cup Dinner, which generated funds for the NIADA’s political action committee that financially supports candidates who back the used-car industry.

“You take a chance on people,” Tuberville said. “You give a service to the people of this country. Thanks for being a capitalist and working to help this country.”

“Everybody’s a winner donating to the PAC,” said Gordon Tormohlen, NIADA chairman and a member of Region III, which won the PAC Cup by raising $71,200 of the $126,500 designated for the political action committee.  “The money helps us get meetings, access and increases our influence to help dealers nationwide.”

Another part of the conference included an event with more than a dozen members of the U.S. Congress at the Capitol Hill Club.

The Legislative Reception capped the first night of the NIADA Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., and provided dealers an opportunity to engage lawmakers on issues facing the independent auto industry.

The legislators at the reception were Steve Womack (Arkansas), Gary Palmer (Alabama), Morgan Griffith (Virginia), Buddy Carter (Georgia), Michelle Fischbach (Minnesota), Mike Collins (Georgia), Greg Murphy (North Carolina), John Joyce (Pennsylvania), Bob Latta (Ohio), Beth Van Duyne (Texas), Monica De La Cruz (Texas), Russell Fry (South Carolina) and Ralph Norman (South Carolina).

The lawmakers went around the room and visited with constituents.

“They all were supportive of the association and want to learn about our issues,” said Greg Zak of Dixon Motors in Houston.