Taylor Whatley is a second-generation new car dealer and managing partner at Mike Whatley Honda, located in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Taylor has spent a cumulative 20 years in the automotive industry. He grew up around the car business, often going to work with his father, Mike Whatley. Early in his career, Taylor made the decision to leave the retail automotive side of the industry and the family business. He spent five years working for the Acura Division of American Honda Motor Co. before returning to the family business. 

Having worked on both sides of the industry, Taylor gained a uniquely broad and strong foundation upon which he is building a successful career. 

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Taylor and learned more about his career path, his membership in MADA, and what the future holds. The following are excerpts from our conversation.

Please tell us about Mike Whatley Honda. What makes the dealership unique?

Our story starts back in 2005 in Louisiana. My father and mother, and their business partners expanded outside of the state and made an investment in this dealership. After about six years, my family was able to purchase it outright. That started the Mike Whatley Honda era. 

Next year, we will be celebrating 20 years in Brookhaven. Our longevity and many accolades are because of the people who work here. The team makes it all possible, as do our loyal customers. We have been acknowledged as a president’s award-winning dealership five times and were one of the first dealerships in the state of Mississippi to receive the Council of Parts and Service Professionals award. Last year, we were recognized for our overall customer experience satisfaction, finishing in the top 15 in the nation out of over 1,100 Honda dealerships. Recently, we discovered that our dealership won the Council of Excellence Award for the second consecutive year and only 1 of 2 Honda dealers in the state! 

As I mentioned, all of this goes back to our people. Many of whom worked here before we purchased the dealership. Our employee longevity speaks to the uniqueness of the store and the familiarity within the community. In addition to our upcoming 20-year anniversary, we have some huge employee anniversaries — 22, 24 and 25 years working here. 

Have you had any specialized training or education?

When I graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in business and communications, I started doing some digital marketing for the dealership, helping to build up our online presence and assisting with the website. I was also attending finance school prior to my opportunity with the factory. In January of 2016, I started with American Honda Motor Co. Acura Division, serving a multitude of roles for the OEM and building on my automotive foundation. 

By the time I came back to the dealership, the COVID pandemic was raging. We didn’t know what one day looked like to the next, what we were going to be doing or what business was going to look like when the pandemic ended. So I took advantage of the time and signed up for NADA Academy. I was in the first virtual class they held. We completed everything online, which is the exact opposite of the traditional presentation of going for a week to learn a curriculum and then for the next eight weeks apply it at the dealership. 

I’m thankful for the virtual learning experience because twice a week, as soon as I’d finish my class, I could apply what I’d learned. I’m very thankful for that experience; it’s been extremely instrumental in many of our successes. 

Have you had any mentors and what did you learn from them? 

My dad’s always had the saying, “It’s your attitude, not your aptitude, that ultimately determines your altitude.” He came from air traffic control and my grandfather an FAA examiner, so the use of pilot lingo is common in our family. That statement has always been his motto. No matter where you go or what you do, it’s always applicable.  

There have been many other people who have helped me throughout my professional career. It’s hard for me to list all of them, but I’ve learned a tremendous amount, both professionally and personally, from some amazing people. The many lessons I learned from my mentors somehow all come back to community and people. Taking care of our customers is the most important thing. Without them, we have nothing. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your career to this point?

The most rewarding part is being able to help the dealership thrive. Implementing those processes and procedures I observed during my time working for the factory and from NADA Academy have been instrumental in our successes. We’ve grown tremendously, and have to give credit where it’s due.

Where do you see yourself and the dealership in the next three-five years?

Things are always evolving, and as far as growth goes, I try to take that one step at a time. As far as the next three to five years, I’d say it’s pretty straightforward: Take care of our customers and meet them where their needs are. In addition, the industry is ever-changing. Decisions made today will shape our future for years to come. By implementing the appropriate processes or technology to help us provide the most convenience for our customers, we will be prepared for whatever comes. 

How long have you been a member of MADA? What benefits does association membership bring?

Mike Whatley Honda has been a member of MADA for as long as I can remember. My father, Mike, served on the executive committee for seven years and as the chairman of the association in 2016. 

My participation in the association started in 2020 once I returned back to retail from the factory. I reached out to Marty and asked what I could do to begin contributing to MADA. It was then the early discussions began of bringing NextGen to MADA. As a part of NextGen, Marty has allowed us to begin participation in board meetings, giving us lots of early exposure to what’s to come. In addition, we’ve been visiting the capital with MADA to show our support to our state representatives who are instrumental in protecting our industry. 

The benefits of the association largely outweigh the commitment that Marty asks of us. MADA is always hard at work at the U.S. and State Capitol, maintaining relationships that our industry needs and helping to protect the people that we employ as well as the people we serve. Membership is a no-brainer — if you’re in this industry, you need to be a part of the association. 

What is your favorite way to spend time when you are not working?

My girlfriend, Griselda and I just added a new dachshund to the family, that makes number three. We’ve been spending a lot of time training and making sure she’s getting along with her brothers. Right now, it’s basketball playoff time. I’m a big basketball fan. Unfortunately, my team’s not doing too great, but I am enjoying watching the playoffs. 

Driving is something I am passionate about. Whether it’s racing or drifting, I enjoy driving; it gets my adrenaline going. Other than that, I like to be outdoors. Griselda and I have visited a number of national parks, most recently, Zion National Park in Utah. We hope to visit them all one day.