Robert Issenman, President & CEO
Helping dealers save money
Robert Issenman, President & CEO
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Quebec-based Leader Auto Resources (LAR) attended the NADA Show 2019 with eight team members looking not only to sell — but to save dealers money, according to the group’s President & CEO, Robert Issenman.
“Larger dealer groups are looking to have uniformity and simplicity. They’re looking to be able to interchange staff from one dealership to another and find the same setups and processes everywhere,” said Issenman. “Our objective is to make them as cost effective and cost efficient as possible. We’re here to improve their process and we’re here to streamline — all of which can help dealers save money.”
LAR describes itself as the largest car dealer buying group in North America. The group is well known in eastern Canada, but attending the NADA Show allows them to spread awareness about the group out west and in the U.S. as well. Issenman said LAR has several projects in development in western Canada that includes the Downtown Automotive Group.
“We actually did a highlight on the Downtown Auto Group and I’m pleased to say that LAR is a central player in the development of it,” said Issenman. “At the base we have six dealerships, which in itself is unique to see six dealerships in one location. (There are) four floors of service downstairs (below ground), six dealerships upstairs, and condominiums and retail space as well. It’s a very unique concept.”
Issenman adds that the project, the fact that it’s all located in downtown core, is a first of its kind in North America.
As for the show itself, he said NADA is the group’s favourite and busiest show, allowing them to meet with dealers — and particularly the ones that have never heard of LAR. “The most rewarding part for me is when you go to a dealer that has never heard of LAR, and you’re telling them about it and it almost sounds too good to be true,” said Issenman. “But when you leave and they’ve signed up to be a shareholder in LAR, the fact that they can recognize the benefits and the value that we provide is very gratifying. Our whole mandate is to save our dealers money.”
Return to NADA Show 2019
