As the manager or owner of a car dealership, hiring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The success of your business hinges on the people you surround yourself with. And while hiring seasoned automotive professionals is often a safe and smart move, it might surprise you to learn that your next top performer could be someone with little or no industry experience.
In fact, bringing in fresh talent from outside the automotive world can help energize your team, inspire innovation, and even push you to become a better leader.
The Strengths of Experienced Workers
There’s no denying it: experienced employees are the backbone of any dealership. A skilled finance manager or seasoned service technician is invaluable. These professionals know the industry, the systems, and the expectations. They understand how to navigate deals, troubleshoot vehicles, and use dealership software like Dealerpull to keep your operations running smoothly.
But even the best and most reliable veterans can sometimes get stuck in their ways.
They know what works, and they stick with it. That consistency is useful but it rarely sparks new ideas. Sometimes what your dealership needs most is a little shake-up. That’s where newcomers come in.
The Benefits of Hiring Someone Without Industry Experience
Keyes Hyundai of Mission Hills found success by hiring individuals from non-automotive backgrounds, such as a former restaurant server, who brought exceptional customer service skills to the sales floor.
When you hire someone from outside the automotive world, you’re opening the door to a host of benefits that can’t always be found in traditional candidates. First, new hires from other industries often come with a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to prove themselves. When you give someone a chance, they often work twice as hard to show that you made the right decision. That kind of motivation can light a spark throughout your entire team.
Second, they’re eager to learn. Because they don’t know the industry, they ask questions. A lot of questions. But far from being a burden, those questions are opportunities. They force your team to explain the “why” behind the “how” and sometimes that process reveals outdated practices or inefficient routines. The simple curiosity of someone new can create a ripple effect, leading your team to rethink and improve the way things are done.
And let’s not overlook loyalty. When someone without automotive experience finds a home at your dealership, they tend to stick around. They remember the chance you gave them and they pay it back with dedication, gratitude, and often a long-term commitment.
Two Key Benefits for You as a Leader
Hiring people from outside the industry does more than benefit your staff. It challenges and improves you as a leader. These hires will ask questions you’ve never thought of, and you’ll need to find new ways to explain your processes. That forces you to be more thoughtful, more patient, and more effective in how you communicate and lead.
Second, it makes you more intentional in your hiring practices.
It’s easy to pick the most experienced candidate on paper. But choosing someone based on their potential? That requires real vision.
You’ll begin to refine your ability to spot drive, curiosity, and coachability, traits that often predict long-term success better than a résumé ever could.
Take the Chance That Pays Off on Your Next Top Performer
Lithia Motors appointed Erik Lewis, with prior experience at Apple Leisure Group and Walmart, as its first Chief Human Resources Officer. His diverse background brought valuable insights into talent management and organizational development.
The best person for the job isn’t always the one who’s done it before.
If you want to build a stronger, more adaptable, and more inspired team, don’t be afraid to look outside the industry. You might be surprised at what you find.
Looking for the best people for your expanding dealership team?
Schedule a call with David Adragna today – 650 808-7066.
