Veteran auto executive urges industry leaders to invest in people and technology to rebuild trust, strengthen communities, and modernize operations.
AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / November 19, 2025 / Automotive leader and former AutoNation Market President Mark Stephen McCollum is calling on auto retailers and business leaders nationwide to take a people-first approach to technology and growth - an approach he believes is essential for the industry's long-term success.
With over 35 years of leadership experience in automotive retail, McCollum has witnessed the evolution of the industry from high-touch sales floors to increasingly digital showrooms. But he warns that, amid rapid technological change, "too many dealerships are forgetting that trust-not technology-is what drives a customer relationship."
"We've built incredible systems for selling cars," McCollum said. "But we still haven't built great systems for understanding people. Data should serve the relationship, not replace it."
Putting People Back at the Center of Auto Retail
McCollum's message comes at a pivotal time. According to a 2024 Deloitte Automotive Consumer Study, 72% of car buyers say they want a more transparent and personalized buying experience, while 61% report feeling pressured or misinformed during dealership interactions.
McCollum believes that bridging this gap requires a renewed focus on leadership development, employee training, and the integration of smart, ethical technology.
"Dealerships don't fail because of bad technology-they fail because of poor communication," he noted. "If you want to build trust with customers, you have to start by empowering the people who serve them."
His company, Automotive IntelliQence, has focused on creating enterprise software that supports dealer teams rather than replaces them. McCollum says innovation should always enhance human decision-making. "AI can process data, but it can't build loyalty," he said. "That's something only people can do."
Investing in People Means Investing in the Future
The automotive industry employs nearly 2 million Americans, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it one of the country's largest private-sector employers. Yet, turnover among dealership staff exceeds 40% annually, with many citing burnout, outdated systems, and a lack of support.
McCollum says the solution is leadership that prioritizes mentorship and long-term development.
"If you want great managers, you have to teach them," he said. "Experience doesn't replace empathy. The best organizations are the ones that invest time-not just money-in people."
He encourages auto retailers to rethink how they measure success, focusing less on monthly sales and more on culture, communication, and consistency. "A good sale lasts a day. A good relationship lasts a decade," he added.
Beyond the Showroom: Building Stronger Communities
McCollum's advocacy extends beyond the boardroom. As a supporter of the Center for Child Protection in Austin, he stresses that businesses have a civic responsibility to give back. "Business success doesn't mean much if you're not using it to do some good," he said.
He believes that when companies invest in people-inside and outside their walls-they create ripple effects that strengthen communities. "The same leadership principles that build better dealerships also build better neighborhoods," McCollum explained.
A Call to Action: Lead from Where You Are
McCollum's call to action is not just for executives-it's for everyone in the workforce. He urges individuals to focus on small, everyday ways to lead with empathy, adapt to change, and build trust.
"You don't need a title to lead," he said. "Start by listening. Show up for people. Treat every customer, coworker, and partner like they matter-because they do."
He emphasizes that progress starts with mindset, not just money. "Technology will keep changing," McCollum said. "What won't change is the need for integrity, transparency, and human connection."
About Mark Stephen McCollum
Mark Stephen McCollum is a veteran automotive executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience in retail and technology. He has served as Market President for AutoNation, overseeing 22 franchises and $1.5 billion in annual revenue, and as founder and CEO of Automotive IntelliQence, a company dedicated to advancing intelligent software solutions for dealerships. A graduate of Texas A&M University and Lon Morris College, McCollum remains an active advocate for ethical leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
How You Can Help
McCollum encourages business leaders and individuals alike to:
Mentor someone entering your field.
Support local youth and family organizations.
Advocate for ethical and transparent business practices.
Embrace technology that enhances-not replaces-human connection.
"Every industry, not just automotive, is built on people," McCollum concluded. "If we want a better future, we have to start building better relationships-one conversation at a time."
Contact: info@markstephenmccollum.com
SOURCE: Mark Stephen McCollum
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire