Devinder Singh Bains was hired at Singh Pontiac Buick GMC Cadillac in 1989 as a service adviser by Mr. Dalip Singh Sethi. Within six months, Devinder was promoted to service manager and started working in the sales department on weekends. In 1994 he was promoted to finance manager, and again in 1994, he was promoted to general sales manager and then general manager in 1996.
In 2004, Devinder acquired Taft Chevrolet Buick Pontiac and ultimately purchased Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in 2013.
Before taking a job in the industry in 1989, Devinder operated three gas and service stations in Cleveland, Ohio, and was determined to get into the dealership business. He worked as a certified technician with the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE), which is now known as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to help him with his ambitions.
Devinder has received a number of recognitions since he started his career in the industry:
- 1992 Master Service Adviser by Cadillac
- 1993 CSA Lane of Fame by Buick
- 1994 Sales Master Award by GMC
- 1996 Sales Master Award by Pontiac
- 2001 AFIP Certification
- 2004 Mark of Excellence General Motors
- 2007 Finalist with 11th Urban Wheel Awards
- 2020 Prominent Sikhs of USA
Membership in CNCDA is important to Devinder because, in his words, “It’s the voice for all auto dealers in California.” He continued, “The CNCDA TEAM (Together Everyone Accomplishes More) works tirelessly to protect us.”
Devinder’s can-do attitude has helped him thrive in the past and will undoubtedly bring him continued success in the future. “Challenges are always going to be there. Tackling one at a time with patience, knowledge and asking for help are key. Problems often seem hard in the beginning, but more often, they are not,” he said. “The auto industry is changing rapidly. We need to adapt to and welcome the changes if we want to excel.” One of the biggest challenges he sees right now is shrinking profit margins and increased pricing: “In other words, cost of doing business has increased compared to profit margins.”
Now that his children are getting older, they are involved in the business. As graduates from the NADA Dealer Academy, his children can bring a fresh look with discipline and training, and Devinder looks forward to increasing business.
Looking ahead, Devinder has some sound advice for the next generation of dealers: Don’t believe in luck. You are the LUCK (Labor Under Correct Knowledge). You must have a purpose for everything you do and never deviate from honesty and hard work — success will follow.
Giving back and providing community service is just who Devinder is. He serves in the following local community organizations.
- Co-Chair of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce
- First Vice President at CMDA (Chrysler Minority Dealer Association)
- CABCOP (Community Advisory Board to the Chief of Police)
This past July, Devinder was recognized by the Turlock Police Department for his service. Chief of Police Jason Hedden said, “Since I became the Chief of Police for the City of Turlock, I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Bains and have seen his commitment to the community. He is a long-time resident of Turlock and is an influential leader and a prodigious example of someone who is committed to making the community of Turlock a better place to live.”
Devinder and his wife, Amrit Kaur Bains, (Dr. Mom) have three children: Dr. Gurvijay S. Bains, Dr. Simran K. Bains and Dr. Jasmeet K. Bains, who is a California State Assemblymember. “All credit goes to Dr. Mom for their upbringing and success,” said Devinder.
He loves to travel, spend time with family and watch comedy movies for a good laugh.
