In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have reshaped industries across the board. From tech giants to local retailers, businesses have leaned into DEI as a driving force for innovation, collaboration, and customer engagement. DEI has become a lens through which many companies now hire, promote, and market. It’s undeniable that DEI has changed the way we do business—everywhere except, perhaps, the car business.
The car business operates on a different set of principles. For decades, it has thrived on simplicity: sell cars, have fun, and make money. While DEI initiatives focus on creating broader access and opportunity, car dealerships have always had their own approach to inclusivity, one that revolves around a singular question: can this person sitting in front of me succeed in this business?
The Car Business Is a Meritocracy
In our world, hiring decisions aren’t bogged down by the latest corporate trends or philosophical debates. We boil it down to three simple qualities:
Are they teachable? Can this person learn the ropes, absorb the processes, and adapt to the fast-paced world of car sales?
Can they show up on time? Reliability is non-negotiable. The car business is built on momentum and rhythm, and punctuality is a cornerstone of success.
Do they honor their commitments? This business thrives on trust—between employees and customers, between team members, and between managers and their staff.
We don’t care about your background, where you went to school, or the latest buzzwords on your resume. What matters is whether you can meet the demands of the job, contribute to the team, and deliver results.
Why We Hire Based on Merit
The car business is inherently inclusive because it’s results-driven. A great salesperson can come from any walk of life. It doesn’t matter if you’re Black, white, Asian, Jewish, or anything else—the playing field is level because it’s about what you can do, not where you come from.
The focus on merit allows us to create a culture that rewards effort and dedication. It fosters camaraderie and respect because every team member knows they’ve earned their place. The diversity you find in car dealerships isn’t forced; it’s organic, and it’s rooted in the simple fact that opportunity is given to anyone willing to show up, work hard, and learn.
The Ultimate DEI Initiative: Putting the Customer First
While other industries invest millions in DEI training and initiatives, the car business has always focused on the ultimate form of inclusivity: serving the customer. Every person who walks onto the lot is treated the same—with the goal of helping them drive away in the car they love.
We’re not distracted by endless corporate mandates or debates about workplace policies. Our singular focus is on the customer, and that focus ensures our teams reflect the communities we serve. In doing so, we accomplish what DEI strives for naturally: we create opportunity, foster growth, and deliver value to everyone we touch.
Conclusion: A Timeless Business Model
As Facebook and other companies rethink their DEI strategies, the car business continues to operate with a clarity that’s rare in today’s corporate world. We’ll continue to hire based on merit, reward effort, and put the customer first. That’s the foundation of our success, and it’s why the car business remains one of the most resilient industries out there.
At the end of the day, it’s simple: sell cars, have fun, and make money. That’s our DEI. And frankly, it works.
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