The Versant Group is an F&I provider that stands out from the competition. They offer a full suite of products such as vehicle service contracts, GAP, Tire & Wheel, Ceramic coatings, GPS, etc. However, the cornerstone of their business is the commitment to training and income development that they provide for their dealers. What also makes them unique is that they are owned by auto dealers and continue to allow new producing dealers to become shareholders. The mindset of “We don’t have clients; we have partners” has made this company second to none. Their dealer partners include almost 50% of the rooftops in Mississippi.

They started in 1977 with Louisiana Dealer Services Insurance, Inc. (LDS). In 1999, the decision was made to expand to Mississippi. The Versant Group was formed by a group of Mississippi franchised dealers and has now expanded into other states such as Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida. After more than 23 years of serving dealers in Mississippi, The Versant Group is doing better than ever.

The steady growth of the company resulted in needing a new building that would accommodate the now 58 team members. Located in Baton Rouge, the new building is 18,000 square feet. A lot of thought went into the design — from the high-tech training facilities to the large breakroom, an open-air balcony for relaxing and enjoying some fresh air and floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows. The building is tall, light and airy.

The focus on employee satisfaction and happiness is a priority for management, resulting in very little employee turnover. The yearly Christmas party, employee appreciation days and trips to TopGolf create an atmosphere of appreciation that is passed on to every dealer partner. For the fourth year in a row, The Versant Group has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” in Baton Rouge.

And being owned by dealers, The Versant Group takes pride in its involvement with the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association (MADA). “Every time MADA holds an area meeting, we’re there. Every time they need a sponsor, we support the association at a platinum level. We try to sponsor everything they do, whether it’s the area meetings, the annual convention, or political contributions; it all goes back to being owned by dealers,” said Keith Decell, President of The Versant Group.