Ted Smith, President of the Florida Automobile Dealers Association, joins us for a candid conversation about what it really takes to protect the franchise system in today’s landscape. From OEM overreach to policy threats, Ted breaks down how FADA is proactively fighting for dealers through legislation, litigation, and constant advocacy.

We discuss why dealer engagement at the state level is more critical than ever, how direct-to-consumer models and tariffs could impact dealership value, and why the franchise system remains essential to a competitive, consumer-friendly market. Whether you’re looking to grow, sell, or simply protect what you’ve built — this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

(03:38) Associations play a critical role in dealer advocacy and communication.

(06:45) The direct-to-consumer model poses real risks to the franchise system.

(08:33) Factory-owned trade-ins show the pitfalls of bypassing local dealers.

(09:43) Legislators recognize the long-term investments dealers make in their markets.

(12:27) A pro-business regulatory environment supports franchise growth and stability.

(15:02) Tariffs create unpredictable pricing pressures across OEMs and dealerships.

(17:40) Franchise dealers show resilience through economic and operational disruptions.

(21:02) Diverse leadership brings stronger community engagement and new perspectives.

(25:57) Franchise law enforcement remains a critical gap at the state level.

(30:56) Strategic involvement often surprises new board members during their first year.

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

Ted Smith | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-smith-9ab26632/

Florida Automobile Dealers Association | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/florida-automobile-dealers-association/

Florida Automobile Dealers Association | Website

https://www.flada.org/

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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