Tyler’s story reflects a lifetime spent in the automotive industry, grounded in family values, hard work and a commitment to serving both customers and employees with integrity. In our conversation, he shared insights into his early beginnings in the dealership, the legacy his family has built and his vision for the future of their growing organization.

Tell us about your background in the car business and the role you hold today.

I’m 30 years old and truly a lifelong car dealer’s son. I started working at our dealership when I was 9 or 10 — pulling weeds in the lot, working in the detail shop, washing vehicles and eventually learning to change oil and brakes by age 14. My parents figured out I liked to talk, so they put me in sales, and the rest is history.

Today, I’m the vice president of our group. I run several of our stores and oversee day‑to‑day operations.

With 11 stores in your group, what sets Kirk Auto Group apart and has contributed to its success?

My grandfather started our group in 1973. He grew up with nothing, worked in construction and eventually began selling cars. He and another salesman bought the Ford store we still operate today.

He worked extremely hard his whole life and made a tremendous impact on everyone around him — customers, employees and community members. He sadly passed away in early February, and more than a thousand people attended the visitation. He was a man of strong faith, and he passed that on to us.

I believe our difference lies in the culture he established: treating customers and employees the way we would want to be treated. That principle guides every decision we make.

What training or education have you pursued, and who have been your most influential mentors?

On top of being a Northwood University graduate, I’m also a NADA Academy graduate and an NCM Institute graduate. NCM’s General Management Executive Program is very similar to the NADA Academy program. In the way of dealer training, I’m about as trained as one could be, but the real knowledge comes from being hands-on in the business!

My biggest mentors in life have been my grandfather and father, and Alan Eagles, a dealer in upstate New York whom I consider a dear friend and confidant. I also want to mention my instructors at NCM and our group moderator, Steve Velosi, who has had a major influence on my career.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Seeing people come into this industry and, more specifically, our business, feeling lost or struggling and watching them transform their lives. Knowing I played even a small role in helping change a family’s trajectory is an incredible gift.

What does the future look like for Kirk Auto Group? Are you pursuing further growth?

Yes — we just acquired a new Ford store in Springfield, Tennessee, and we are still looking for opportunities. But we believe growth must be good growth. Expanding before your organization is ready only adds headaches. We focus on what Steve Velosi calls “minimal incrementalism” — growing consistently, even if it’s just by 1%.

Tell us about your involvement with MADA — how long you’ve been a member, any roles you’ve held and events you participate in.

We’ve been MADA members for more than 10 years. I haven’t held any roles yet, but I’d love to serve however I can. I’ve attended Dealer Day at the Capitol twice. One of my close friends is a state representative, so I enjoy seeing what his day looks like at the Capitol, and he always gives me a shout‑out on the floor, which is fun. Legislation significantly affects our business, and the MADA team does a great job of keeping dealers informed.

Outside of work, what does life look like for you, and how do you approach balancing personal and professional responsibilities?

I have two young sons — a 3‑year‑old and a 1‑year‑old — so most of my free time is spent with them. I also turkey hunt a little and try to exercise. As for balance, I’ve learned that true work‑life balance doesn’t really exist. What you do is part of who you are. I focus on giving 100% wherever I am — at work or at home. On Wednesdays, for example, I pick up my oldest son and bring him to the dealership; it’s the best of both worlds. Balance isn’t always achievable, so I just do my best to be present in what I’m doing.

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?

With all the darkness in the world, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that most people are probably good people. Looking for the good in people and being kind can make a real impact.