Join Dan Carrigan as he speaks with Emily Marlow Beck, President of Marlow Motor Company and Virginia’s 2026 Time Dealer of the Year, for a candid and insightful conversation about leadership and the future of the family-run dealership. In this interview, Emily shares her unique journey from her legal background as an attorney to her current role as dealer principal. She explains how her father instilled a character-building work ethic from the ground up, and why being prepared to “pivot and go” is the true key to navigating uncertainty and the rapid changes in the corporate world. Beck emphasizes the philosophy that leaders must “share the credit and hog the blame” to encourage an environment where employees feel safe to admit mistakes and foster true collaboration. She also discusses the vital role of community and culture, explaining how employee-led initiatives like her CARES Committee and the viral 75 Acts of Kindness built a servanthood culture that directly impacts her sales floor and customer relationships. This is an indispensable guide for dealership leaders focused on operational excellence, ethical culture, and successfully transitioning a family business.
