CarMax and Sheehy Auto Stores are both expanding, but in different ways.

While CarMax outlined its aggressive hiring strategy for the remainder of the year, Sheehy added two more rooftops to its portfolio of dealerships located near Washington D.C., Baltimore, Hagerstown, Md., and Richmond, Va.

According to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, the firm aided in the sale of Ultimate Subaru and Ultimate Buick GMC of Fredericksburg, Va., from Randy Harris to Vince Sheehy of Sheehy Auto Stores.

“In preparing to look for additional growth opportunities, we worked with George Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Services to find the right opportunity in the right market,” Vince Sheehy said in the news release. “After many inquiries, George identified a dealer who was interested in selling and worked with both parties to ensure a smooth transaction. Throughout the process, George was engaged and willing to do whatever was needed bring the deal to a close.”

Sheehy Auto Stores began as a small family-owned Ford dealership in 1966. Now Sheehy serves customers in Maryland, Virginia and the nation’s capital with franchises such as Honda, Nissan, Lexus, INFINITI, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Mazda and Harley-Davidson.

Chaconas, the Southeast partner for Performance Brokerage Services, shared that his relationship with Harris spans almost six years.

“After visiting him at his store in Fredericksburg, I knew he would consider selling one day,” Chaconas said. “I reached out to Randy on behalf of Vince Sheehy of Sheehy Auto Stores since I previously helped Vince acquire Ron Rosner's Toyota stores in Fredericksburg and Stafford. Eventually, through a lot of persistence and follow-up, Randy agreed to consider selling and was very comfortable and open when speaking to Vince. We soon agreed on a price and terms acceptable to all parties.

“Through a challenging closing process due to the pandemic and a slow buy-sell approval from the manufacturer, we were very grateful to finally get to the closing table,” Chaconas continued. “I wish Randy the best in his retirement, although he mentioned he still has a few years left in the automotive industry. It has been an honor and privilege to work with Vince and his team at Sheehy Auto Stores to help them acquire another strategic dealership in their existing market and continue to grow their footprint.”

Following the sale, Harris offered these anecdotes in the news release.

“I met George Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Services many years ago when I was looking to expand my portfolio,” Harris said. “We developed a good relationship and he continued to stay in touch over the years, eager to assist when the time was right to exit. He reached out at the right time with a very qualified buyer.

“After telling George to ‘show me the money,’ we had smooth negotiations. Thanks to George Chaconas, I now get to travel as much as I like,” Harris went on to say.

According to the announcement, the dealerships will remain at their current locations at 5150 and 5160 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg.

This deal is helping Performance Brokerage Services maintain its pace for a record-breaking year, as the firm expects to consummate more than 70 transactions in 2021.

CarMax looks to fill 3,700 positions by year end

Meanwhile, the theme at CarMax nowadays is “help wanted.”

On Tuesday, the retailer announced plans to hire for 3,700 positions companywide by the end of year. At a time when many retailers are hiring for temporary seasonal positions, CarMax said is looking for candidates seeking to “build careers.”

CarMax has more than 27,000 associates nationwide and is hiring for a variety of positions among its customer experience centers, digital innovation centers, corporate locations, and more than 220 stores nationwide.

Positions in high demand include the following:

— More than 1,400 auto technicians and service operations associates (including detailers, painters and more) to support the company’s continued growth by helping increase production of vehicles.

CarMax said these associates will primarily work on reconditioning vehicles and preparing them for sale.

The company said auto technicians can earn $19 to $53 per hour as it varies by location and experience.

And select locations offer sign-on bonuses of up to $7,500 for some positions.

— More than 700 customer service consultants, assistants and managers: Work directly with customers online and over the phone to provide support during their vehicle-buying journey.

Customer service consultants can earn $18 to $20 per hour plus a monthly bonus.

CarMax said select locations offer sign-on bonuses of up to $2,000 for some positions and an additional $1,500 bonus for bilingual hires.

Positions are available in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Raleigh, N.C., and Richmond, Va., with opportunities for some positions to work from home.

— More than 900 store sales and business office associates.

Sales consultants work directly with customers to answer questions and help them find the best vehicle option to fit their needs.

Business office associates guide customers through the administrative process associated with vehicle sales and support the functions of all store departments.

— More than 150 positions in digital technology, product and data science

With digital innovation at the core of CarMax’s customer experience, the company said these roles advance technology solutions through machine learning, data science and software development to make the vehicle-buying process easier.

Positions include software engineers, architects, technology managers, technology analysts and more. They include both hybrid and remote positions with offices based out of CarMax’s Dallas Technology Innovation Center or corporate headquarters in Richmond, Va.

“The foundation of our company’s success is our exceptional associates, and we’re looking for candidates who will help us deliver the most customer-centric experience in the industry,” said Diane Cafritz, chief human resources officer and senior vice president at CarMax. 

“CarMax has a people-first culture and we are steadfast in investing in our associates and providing training opportunities to support their growth and help them build great careers,” Cafritz continued.

Applicants can apply at careers.carmax.com.