In a time of change and evolving challenges within the automotive industry, CNCDA’s NextGen group stands as a beacon for the future of California’s franchised new car and truck dealerships. This dynamic group of engaged leaders is not just preparing for the future — they’re actively shaping it.
Who Is NextGen?
NextGen members at CNCDA are defined as individuals holding managerial positions at franchised new car and truck dealerships. Regardless of age or family relationships, these future leaders are dedicated to carrying forward the legacy of their predecessors while innovating and adapting to the demands of tomorrow.
Mission and Vision
NextGen’s mission is to empower, encourage and develop future dealership leaders through engagement, education and community. The group is committed to strengthening a community of leaders prepared to steer California’s automotive industry into the future.
Recent Successes: A Year of Growth and Achievement
The past year has been a testament to the NextGen group’s strength and the important role they play statewide. This past March, CNCDA’s Dealer Day gathered 20 NextGen dealers. This was a huge milestone as the group’s goal was to hopefully get just a handful to attend. These 20 first-time Dealer Day attendees networked and engaged with the broader dealership community, marking a crucial step in their development as leaders. At the same time, their attendance marked a SIGNIFICANT boost to our association’s advocacy efforts.
“I’m incredibly proud of California’s NextGen accomplishments this year. Our NextGen members made up roughly 20% of the total dealers at CNCDA’s 2024 Dealer Day, far surpassing the goals we set. There is a clear need and desire for engagement by the NextGen members we serve.”
— Kailey Hatfield, Hatfield Buick GMC
The momentum continued last month with the group’s Second Annual NextGen Retreat, held in Paso Robles. This retreat brought together both the Steering Committee and invited NextGen members for a few days of education, networking and strategizing. The event also saw a larger attendance than initially anticipated.
The retreat featured a variety of speakers who are experts in their fields. Kenton Stanhope, CNCDA’s Director of Government Affairs, highlighted the importance of grassroots activism in the current political climate. Rinaldi Halim, Sierra Automotive Group, Open Road Capital and CNCDA board member, shared invaluable insights from his life journey and how he’s accrued his success in the automotive industry. Members also learned the importance of succession planning, with Jan Slania from Federated Insurance offering essential advice on keeping dealerships thriving across generations.
In addition to these keynotes, the retreat provided a platform for members to brainstorm, troubleshoot and share experiences in a supportive environment. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the opportunity to connect with peers and gain practical knowledge to apply in their dealerships.
The Future is Bright: Strategic Priorities for the Year Ahead
Looking ahead, the Steering Committee’s priorities for the coming year focus on promoting and educating automotive successors, engaging NextGen members in key activities and serving as a vital resource for information and peer networking.
Key goals include boosting NextGen attendance at: 2025 Dealer Day, the Annual Retreat and CNCDA’s Welcome Reception at the NADA Show in New Orleans. The goal is to strengthen connections and better position NextGen members to lead their dealerships into the future.
The Importance of Involvement
NextGen is not just a group — it’s a movement critical to the long-term success and sustainability of California’s automotive industry. The involvement of these emerging leaders in advocacy and community engagement ensures that the association remains strong and effective for decades to come. By participating in events, contributing to discussions and engaging in advocacy, NextGen members are laying the groundwork for a thriving franchised dealership community in California.
As we reflect on the past year’s successes and look forward to the opportunities ahead, it’s clear that NextGen is more than just the future of CNCDA — it’s the driving force to sustain and propel our industry forward.
As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, the NextGen group remains a cornerstone of CNCDA’s efforts to empower and inspire the next generation of dealership leaders. Their involvement is crucial to ensuring our association survives and thrives in the future. Let’s continue to support and engage with NextGen — because the future of our industry depends on it.
If you want to receive NextGen communications, please email Autumn Heacox at aheacox@cncda.org.
Meet Your 2024/2025 NextGen Steering Committee
These leaders are driving the vision and strategic priorities of the NextGen group, ensuring a solid future for California’s dealership community:
- Chair: Kailey Hatfield, Hatfield Buick GMC
- Vice Chair: Joe Castelino, Stevens Creek Volkswagen
- Secretary: Scott Normandin, Normandin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT
- Treasurer: Tanner Hedrick, Hedrick’s Chevrolet
- Officers: Jeremy Cappalo, Reliable Buick GMC Cadillac, and Seth Simpson, Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove
