Episode 54: Ryan LaFontaine, CEO of LaFontaine Automotive Group

Ryan shares how he balances rapid expansion with family values, why 95% of his promotions come from within, and what it really takes to preserve a people-first culture while scaling across brands and markets. He also dives into:

🚗 Betting on brands like Mitsubishi & Infiniti for long-term growth⚡ The EV transition, tax incentives, and what consumers really want🤖 The role of AI & tech in service, sales, and customer experience🛠 How LaFontaine invests in technicians — with some earning $300K+ a year🏈 His passion for Detroit football and why he became a Lions superfan on ESPN

Whether you’re in the automotive industry, leading a fast-growing business, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at dealership leadership at scale, this conversation is packed with lessons on culture, technology, and the future of mobility.

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⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
2:27 – How LaFontaine Automotive scaled to 43 dealerships while protecting culture and DNA.
5:01 – Why Ryan personally interviews most hires and how the “Family Deal” training works.
8:27 – Why he doubled down on Mitsubishi and Infiniti — and his long-term brand philosophy.
12:23 – Integrating technology, AI, and CRM tools to enhance the customer journey.
17:12 – How tariffs and the $7,500 EV tax credit are shaping sales strategies.
18:47 – Why LaFontaine techs can make $300K+ and the future of skilled trades.
21:08 – Ryan’s ESPN cameo and passion for the Lions.

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