TIME Dealer Nominees Enter Industry in Varying Ways

One nominee got into the auto business by responding to a newspaper ad. Two others followed in the footsteps of family members.

In the next group of profiles of nominees for TIME Dealer of the Year Award, these store executives all share what’s important to them — in and out of the showroom.

The awards program, which is produced in cooperation with the National Automobile Dealers Association and sponsored by Ally Financial, aims to recognize the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service.

Auto Remarketing plans to publish these nominee profiles between now and when the winner is announced during the NADA Convention and Expo that runs Feb. 3 to 6 in Las Vegas.

Geoffrey Isringhausen, president and dealer principal, Isringhausen Imports Inc., Springfield, Ill.

Graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, Isringhausen began his automotive career in 1984 after working for a year in the field.  It was not what he expected, so he followed his brother, Rob, into selling pre-owned high-end European cars.  The original operation was in a rented metal storage building, which was able to hold 12-15 cars.  They would advertise in national publications and drive the cars back to their Springfield store.

From modest beginnings, the business turned around in 1985 when the brothers acquired a Saab new-car franchise and a new building. The business then flourished and opportunities came along to purchase new car franchises for BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

Today, their dedication to excellent customer service and continuous training has helped them grow in this demanding segment. “The most rewarding aspect is the relationships I have built with our many long-term employees. I truly care about each of them and know they care about Isringhausen Imports and me personally,” Isringhausen stated.

Their community outreach helps support more than 45 individual charitable and civic groups. Isringhausen also serves on the board of directors for Downtown Springfield and the Memorial Medical Center.  In 2010, he established the Isringhausen Foundation to park excess funds that are not allocated by the end of each year.  Isringhausen plans to let this grow over 10 years and donate the accumulated funds to a local faith-based organization that is meeting the needs of the underprivileged in his community.  “I feel my most important civic achievement is the reputation Isringhausen Imports has established as a generous and consistent supporter of charitable and non-profit organizations in our community,” Isringhausen stated.

Robert Johnson, chairman, RLJ-McLarty-Landers Automotive Holdings, Little Rock, Ark.

“As the largest minority-owned automotive dealership group, it is rewarding to work with the management team we have in place,” Johnson insisted. “We continue to grow and expand our dealership base and have a great team with a solid reputation to execute and compete in the automotive industry.”