We’re joined by Mickey Anderson, President and CEO of Baxter Auto Group, a family-owned business with 20 dealerships across multiple states. Mickey shares candid insights on building a legacy, the power of people-first leadership, navigating acquisitions and divestitures, and the future of automotive retail. From honoring his father’s vision to championing digital transformation and government advocacy, Mickey offers practical lessons for dealers looking to grow with purpose and integrity.
Key Takeaways:
(02:44) Carrying forward a family legacy and the story behind Baxter Auto Group’s origins.
(08:12) Hiring for mindset and values over skills, and building teams that care about the community.
(11:09) Onboarding and quarterly “GPS” check-ins to support employee growth and alignment.
(15:18) Divesting stores that no longer match the group’s values or market conditions.
(17:03) Advocating for dealers and consumers on Capitol Hill, including legal action on EV mandates.
(20:09) Embracing digital retailing and AI to improve the customer experience and streamline operations.
(24:00) Promoting from within — the journey of a bike mechanic to general manager in under six years.
(26:21) Focusing on leadership development and building a legacy of operational excellence.
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
Mickey Anderson | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-anderson-a9279380/
Baxter Auto Group | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/baxterauto/
Baxter Auto Group | Website
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