Pre-Winter service appointments can help your customer's stay work ready all winter long!
Say ‘Hello’ to DJ Lord, our September Dealer Spotlight!
How long has Hendrick Auto Group been serving the community?
DJ: Hendrick Automotive Group has been proudly serving customers and communities for 50 years. Since Mr. Hendrick opened his first dealership in 1976, we have grown into one of the largest and most respected automotive groups in the nation, built on relationships, trust, and a relentless commitment to excellence. This September, we celebrated our company’s 50th anniversary and the people-first values that have guided us from the beginning.
What is Hendrick Auto Group’s favorite way to give back to the local area?
DJ: We put our legacy of caring for others into action through our corporate social responsibility program, Hendrick Cares. Our teammates across the country respond to the needs of others in countless ways, whether that’s rallying together for annual food drives, investing in the next generation of the automotive workforce, or funding critical medical research and services through the Hendrick Family Foundation. The Ricky Hendrick Scholarship Fund is another cause close to our hearts, honoring the memory of Mr. Hendrick’s son, Ricky, by helping eligible dependents of Hendrick teammates further their education. That connection to community isn’t a campaign; it’s a core part of who we are and how we operate.
What is your role at the dealership?
DJ: I serve as the Manager of Fleet & Commercial for Hendrick Automotive Group. In this role, I oversee our fleet and commercial operations across 32 dealerships in 14 states. My focus is ensuring these locations have the necessary tools, strategies, and support to connect businesses and fleet customers with the right solutions to keep their operations running efficiently and help our stores grow a strong, sustainable fleet and commercial business.
How has Work Truck Solutions helped you in your role?
DJ: Work Truck Solutions has been a game changer for how we manage our fleet and commercial inventory across all of our locations. The market insights it provides are invaluable, giving us a clear view of what’s happening in each local market and allowing us to make smarter stocking decisions to ensure our teams have the right vehicles in the right markets at the right time. Rather than guessing what business buyers need, we’re making data-driven decisions that keep our
inventory aligned with real demand. That visibility across our entire footprint has helped our teams move faster, serve customers better, and build a stronger commercial business from coast to coast.
What's your favorite thing about working with commercial trucks?
DJ: My passion is working directly with business owners and leaders, and that’s what makes this role so fulfilling. Every business is different, and matching the right truck to the right application, whether it’s a contractor, utility company, or small fleet operator, never gets old. But what truly drives me is the bigger picture: helping business owners stay focused on running and growing their business while Hendrick Automotive Group handles their vehicle needs, from acquisition and inventory to the ongoing operation of their fleet. At the scale we operate, we have the unique ability to be a true partner, not just a vendor.
Equally important to me is investing in our own people. I love teaching and helping our teammates grow their careers. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone on our team develop their skills, gain confidence, and go on to help others do the same. When a business owner tells me our team’s support has allowed them to focus on what they do best, or when a teammate reaches a new level in their career, that’s what it’s all about.
What's one piece of advice you would like to give that has helped you throughout your career?
DJ: First, embrace servant leadership. Servant leadership is the foundation of everything we do at Hendrick Automotive Group, and it’s a principle Mr. Hendrick instilled in our organization from the very beginning. Over the course of my 27-year career, I’ve been fortunate to work for and alongside some truly exceptional servant leaders, and their influence has undoubtedly been the single greatest factor in my professional growth. They shaped how I think, how I lead, and how I show up for my team every day.
Also, lead by listening. The best thing you can do for any customer, teammate, or business partner is understand their world before you start talking about yours. When you genuinely understand someone’s operation, their challenges, and what their version of success looks like, the right solution becomes much clearer. Mr. Hendrick has always believed that when you take care of people first – your customers, your teammates, and your community – the rest follows. That philosophy has shaped how we lead at Hendrick Automotive Group, and it has built more long-term relationships, trust, and repeat business than any sales strategy alone. Put others first, invest in the people around you, and lead by example. That mindset will take you far.
Would you recommend Work Truck Solutions to other dealerships? Why?
DJ: Absolutely. The fleet and commercial segment deserves purpose-built tools, and Work Truck Solutions delivers exactly that. It brings real efficiency to inventory management, helps us reach the right buyers, and reflects the professionalism that business customers expect. For any dealership serious about growing its commercial business, it is a smart investment that delivers value quickly.
There’s always something happening in the commercial vehicle world, and staying connected doesn’t have to feel like homework! Commercial Vehicle Business Network (CVBN) is a great resource for keeping up with industry trends, customer needs, and what’s happening across the commercial vehicle space.
A couple of recent episodes are worth checking out. Episode 220 with TruckScience explores why properly specing a vehicle before it’s built is so important — helping avoid costly mistakes and making sure the truck is built for the job. Episode 219 takes a look at Q2 market trends, fleet demand, and how commercial business can contribute to dealership revenue and profitability.
Whether you have a few minutes to listen to a podcast or just want to see what’s happening across the industry, CVBN is a great way to stay informed and connected.
Stay connected with CVBN:
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Keep an eye on CVBN for more industry news, insights, and updates to help you stay in the loop.