Dealer Magazine had the privilege of talking with the Hansel Auto Group’s David J. Long.
With four decades of experience in the automotive industry, Long has built an impressive career in dealership operations holding a multitude of leadership roles including general manager, vice president of operations, consultant, owner and operating partner. Long has operated 80 buy-centers in the United States and Brazil.
In our interview, Long discussed his first job in the industry, the importance of transparency with the customer, the impact artificial intelligence across the dealership and what is the most important trait he looks for when hiring someone.
Since we last published, the 2024 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo was held. As we detail in this story, artificial intelligence (AI) products and speaker subject focused, highlighting how the technology will be and is currently used at auto dealerships across the U.S.
Experts and vendors noted AI in the auto industry is currently in two forms: it’s actually capabilities and how those capabilities are being marketed. The former is starting to be front and center in exhibitors and dealers’ business plans while the future possibilities were on full display at #DDCE2024.
Among the highlights of the event held over three days were the 2024 Digital Dealer Best of Awards, networking programs such as the Women’s Meetup, Dealer Vendor Exchange, a Speed Networking Program and keynote address that featured “Big” Al Gillespie of Mark Wahlberg Automotive Group, Kevin Frye of Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, and April Simmons of Horne Auto Group, Nelson Lyles, managing partner and GM, Withers Automotive Group, and Sean V. Bradley, president, Dealer Synergy.
As we turn the page to 2025, our eye turns to DealerPoint, set for April 9-11, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, FL. DealerPoint is a VIP networking experience highly curated for each dealership attendee that features 1:1 private meetings and boardroom presentations foster long-term relationships for both the Dealer Executives and Solution Providers. Through this unique format, both dealership attendees and vendors will have the opportunity to connect like never before.
And it is a mix of happiness (for him) and sadness (for us) that Dealer magazine columnist Charlie Polston of BG Products, Inc. announced that he is retiring from the industry after 42 years, including the last 10 yeas writing for us. Charlie's final byline is him running through the tape—the human connection that happens between those in the industry and those we serve. All of us at Dealer magazine and DigitalDealer.com wish Charlie all the best in retirement.
We at Dealer Magazine and DigitialDealer.com wish you the happiest of holidays!
Sincerely,
James Hickey, Managing Editor, Digital Dealer