How NAMAD gives minority dealers and car buyers a voice

The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) plays a critical role in giving underrepresented dealers a voice and driving diversity, equity, and inclusion across the retail automotive sector. On this episode of Diversity in Automotive, host Shyann Malone is joined by Perry Watson IV, president of NAMAD, and Damon Lester, vice chairman and upcoming chairman of NAMAD, to discuss the organization’s efforts and shed light on the minority experience within the dealership.

Key Takeaways

1. NAMAD plays a crucial role in providing access and opportunities to historically marginalized individuals in the automotive industry. Its goal is to achieve parity between demographics and increase the minority dealer network, advocating for diversity and growth within the industry.

2. Despite external challenges, the business case for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity) remains strong. Diverse communities are growing faster, emphasizing the importance of aligning with these communities to grow market share and maintain leadership positions. However, as Watson notes, DEI is not a mere buzzword: businesses must also practice what they preach. 

3. Partnerships play a vital role in recruiting minorities into the automotive industry. Collaborative relationships ensure a shared mission and outcome, helping each other achieve respective goals and create a level playing field.

4. NAMAD’s annual membership meeting is back this year, this time set in Miami from August 20th to 23rd. The event promises valuable networking opportunities, discussions on increasing minority dealership ownership, and a focus on banking relationships to support industry growth.

5. NAMAD plans to continue its efforts to drive diversity in the industry workforce and help dealers from underrepresented groups gain recognition for their contributions to the retail automotive sector. To learn more about this important organization, visit their website here.

“There’s one thing to say that you value diversity, equity, and inclusion. Minority consumers, in particular, are walking in saying ‘Okay, do I see myself in management there? Do I see myself at the executive level there?’ They’d rather…see a sermon than hear a sermon.” — Perry Watson IV