Don Hall’s Monthly Columns

This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the power of gratitude for our families, teams, and customers. I also address Virginia’s recent election results, our constructive path forward with Governor-elect Spanberger, and our unwavering mission to protect dealers in this new political landscape.

This month, I went back to the classroom at the NADA Academy to dive deep into a critical, yet often overlooked, area of the dealership: the parts department. After more than 40 years in this business, it was a humbling reminder that there’s always more to learn.

Proposed 25% auto tariffs threaten to significantly increase vehicle prices, creating challenges for dealers and consumers alike. Despite the uncertainty, the industry is preparing, drawing on a long history of resilience to navigate economic shifts.

‘When you stop learning, you stop leading.’ That’s a truth I reaffirmed at a recent industry gathering, where I was reminded that continuous growth is essential, no matter where you are in your career. I challenge you to seek opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and push beyond your comfort zone, because staying stagnant is a recipe for irrelevance.

VADA’s Don Hall joined officials from Virginia’s community college system on a bus tour of community colleges in Tennessee. Here’s what they saw.