Fighting for Car Dealers: Doug Smith on Protecting the Industry

In this episode of The Car Bar, we sit down with Doug Smith, President of the Missouri Auto Dealers Association (MADA), to discuss the critical work he does every day to protect and advocate for Missouri auto dealers. Doug shares his lifelong connection to the automotive industry, including memorable experiences like purchasing vehicles from now-Governor Mike Kehoe, and how those experiences shaped his understanding of the industry.Doug walks us through the challenges and opportunities facing auto dealers in Missouri, including regulatory, legislative, and market pressures, and the strategies MADA uses to support dealers, protect profits, and strengthen the automotive business in the state. This conversation provides a unique insider’s look at how dealer advocacy impacts sales, operations, and the future of the car business.Whether you’re a dealer principal, sales manager, or dealership professional, this episode offers actionable insights into dealer advocacy, industry protection, and strengthening dealership operations at the state level.Subscribe to The Car Bar for monthly conversations on automotive sales, dealership leadership, dealer finance, and ownership strategy.