Mark Stephen McCollum Calls for a "People-First Revolution " in Automotive Retail

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 Yet, turnover among dealership staff exceeds 40% annually, with many citing burnout, outdated systems, and a lack of support.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

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