As CEO of VADA, I’m often asked about processing fees. Here’s a look at why these fees are essential for transparency, protecting consumer data, and maintaining a competitive free market.
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Standing up for our franchise system in 2026
January in Richmond is always a blend of tradition, new beginnings, and hard work.
China, competition, and the long game
China is the world’s second largest economy, and is hellbent on becoming No. 1. We can compete and win — but only if we do it the American way.
Seasons of gratitude and transition in Virginia
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.
Why service is the largest single influence on the public’s perception of your dealership
Customers judge a dealership more by its service department than its showroom. While many focus on sales, fixed ops is the most profitable area of a store and the single largest influence on public perception.
Investing in education: the overlooked power of the parts department
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.
Tariffs or otherwise, we’ve been down this road before
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
‘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.
Community Colleges: the key to automotive’s workforce challenges
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.
Transparency and Talent on the Minds of Automotive Association Leaders
Don Hall spent a few days with his counterparts this month in North Carolina. Here’s what they talked about.