ARLINGTON, Texas -

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association happily announced this week that Joe Lescota is back.

The auto retail expert and acclaimed dealer educator will once again share his knowledge, experience and insights with independent dealers from across the nation at the 75th annual NIADA Convention and Expo, coming up on Aug. 23-26 in San Antonio.

And, according to NIADA, dealers could not be more thrilled. The association shared multiple enthusiastic reactions to the announcement via a news release.

“Need to be inspired? Need direction? Need a kick in the behind? Joe’s the guy,” said Brenna Stansberry, co-owner and general manager of Park Marina Motors in Redding, Calif., and an NIADA Certified Master Dealer. “So glad he’s back!”

Lescota has provided NIADA members with inspiration, direction and actionable ideas, techniques and strategies for sustainable success for some 20 years.

As chairman of Northwood University’s Automotive Marketing Department, Lescota helped create the Certified Master Dealer program in 2001, and was the lead CMD instructor for 14 years.

Lescota served as NIADA's director of dealer development from 2012 to 2017.

Darla Booher, owner of Deal Depot in Greer, S.C., and NIADA’s 2015 National Quality Dealer, said Lescota’s guidance as CMD instructor “helped me get my business on track.

“I’ve been a sponge ever since,” she said. “If Joe’s speaking, I’m listening.”

Lescota will be speaking twice at the NIADA Convention, leading off the education agenda on Aug. 24 with a session titled “Was Your Bottom Line as Big as You Expected?” and closing it two days later with “Manage Your Inventory to Maximize Your Investment.”

Both sessions are sponsored by Peak Performance, and NIADA said both segments are expected to draw big crowds.

“Joe is a genuine auto industry rock star who packs rooms whenever he speaks,” NIADA vice president of industry insights and analysis Larry Dixon said. “His sessions are a must-see for any dealer who wants to run a more efficient and profitable dealership. My advice: Get there early to make sure you get a seat.”

Lescota said his sessions are “not about today – they’re about tomorrow.”

He added, “Right now, it’s a seller’s market/ But as we all know, what goes up must come down.

“So I’m looking forward to getting back and assisting independents in the arena of education and preparation, from a financial standpoint and a management/leadership standpoint,” he went on to say.

NIADA highlighted that Lescota is among a long list of prominent names scheduled to speak at the used vehicle industry’s premier event.

The education agenda — which includes 60 sessions — features:

— Keynote speaker, Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin

— NABD founder Ken Shilson

— “Bulldog of the Service Drive” Chris Collins

— Attorney Steve Levine

— Doug Hadden of ACV Auctions

— Agora Data’s Chris Barry

— Financial specialist Mark Burkholder

— Independent dealer and marketing expert Tracy Myers

The association also mentioned the event’s expo hall will be packed with more than 150 exhibitors offering the latest products and services designed to help dealerships succeed.

The event includes award ceremonies, networking and special events, celebrating NIADA’s 75th anniversary.

For more information about the convention or to register, visit niadaconvention.com.