Car Dealership Guy Podcast

The $7K Store that Built a 55-Year Dealer Empire & Where It's Going Next | Andrew Habberstad, CEO at Habberstad Auto Group

Jan 31, 2026
Andrew Habberstad, CEO of Habberstad Auto Group and third-generation dealer, traces a $7K BMW start to a 55-year empire. He discusses using EOS to scale multi-dealership operations, selective tech and vendor investments, mobile service and wholesale parts pivots, elevating in-store hospitality, and a growth playbook focused on buying the next store.
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INSIGHT

Operating System Aligns Leadership

  • Habberstad Auto uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to unify leadership language and reduce silos across stores.
  • Weekly L10 meetings and quarterly 'rocks' drive data-focused, accountable problem-solving.
ADVICE

Use One Heuristic To Prioritize

  • Use a single, clear heuristic to decide initiatives by asking if they get you closer to your strategic goal.
  • Stop or pivot projects that harm net profitability even if they boost top-line revenue.
INSIGHT

Mobile Service Boosts Retention And Margin

  • Service innovations like mobile service vans can boost retention, CSI, and manufacturer support.
  • When implemented well, mobile service quickly improves margins through subsidies and warranty multipliers.
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