How Top Dealerships Are Winning with a People-First Culture
If you run or work in a dealership, you know success isn’t just about selling cars — it’s about building a strong, people-first culture that drives everything. In this live recording from NADA 2025, Peter Duffy (CEO of Dealer Image Pro™) chats with Dennis Gingrich, Sales & Finance Director at The Niello Company, and Sam D’Arc, CEO of Zeigler Auto Group, about what it really looks like to build a people-first culture in automotive. And, why it works.
Between them, these leaders support over 40 rooftops and hundreds of employees. But their approach to leadership is surprisingly simple: empower your people, remove roadblocks, and give them room to grow.
Watch the full interview below. ⤵️
What You'll Learn:
1. Culture starts with clarity.
Sam and Dennis both believe in setting a clear vision, then getting out of the way. That means no micromanaging — just accountability, autonomy, and real conversations about where each team member wants to go.
2. Internal growth isn’t just possible — it’s the goal.
At Zeigler, team members can climb the ladder without ever leaving the company, thanks to programs like Zeigler University and performance groups. Niello does the same, encouraging employees to speak up about their goals early and often.
3. Failing forward is part of the process.
Not every role is the right fit, and that’s okay. These teams embrace self-selection, giving people a safe space to pivot, learn, and land where they’ll thrive.
4. Invest in your people — and they’ll take care of your customers.
From porters to finance managers, when team members feel supported, they show up better for customers. That’s how you shift the reputation of the automotive industry — one employee at a time.
5. Culture is built, not bought.
Whether it’s a GM launching a hot air balloon to boost community visibility or an internal podcast to keep messaging consistent, both leaders agree: culture is created through action, not perks.
🎧 Tune in to the full conversation here.
