We’re joined by Sue Finneron, Faculty of the Canadian Dealer Academy and former owner of one of Canada’s most successful Hyundai dealerships. Widely known in the industry as “Super Sue,” she built a powerhouse dealership in British Columbia with a brand and culture that made her a force in automotive retail.
Sue shares candid insights on what it’s like to sell a dealership, protect your team, and step into life after ownership. She opens up about leadership lessons, financial realities, and how to approach one of the biggest transitions of a dealer’s career. For anyone considering a sale, Sue’s journey is filled with wisdom and real-world takeaways that will resonate deeply.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:33 Early beginnings in the dealership business and developing a vision for leadership.
04:58 “Super Sue” branding turned the dealership into a household community name.
07:43 The pivotal moment it became clear it was time to sell.
09:20 Facing the fear of life after running a dealership.
10:23 How handling environmental issues early smoothed the sales process.
12:51 The emotional impact of closing day and walking away for the last time.
13:43 Post-sale realities: years of legal, accounting, and company wind-downs.
20:01 Lessons on working on the business instead of just in it.
23:48 Financial and emotional preparation for life without a steady dealership paycheck.
27:13 The four big things you need when you’re ready to sell.
Additional Resources:
Driving Performance | Website
https://performancebrokerageservices.com/driving-performance-podcast/
Performance Brokerage Services | Website
https://performancebrokerageservices.com/
Performance Brokerage Services | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/performance-brokerage-services
Sue Finneron | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-finneron-16704b23/?originalSubdomain=ca
Automotive Business School of Canada | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/school/automotive-business-school-of-canada/
Automotive Business School of Canada | Website
Thanks for listening to “Driving Performance.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.
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