Description
Build It. Lead It. Own It.
This is not a typical General Manager role.
This is a build-and-lead opportunity with a clear path to equity and long-term partnership for the right operator.
Don Johnson Auto Group is a fifth-generation, family-owned dealership organization (est. 1915) with multiple franchise locations across Northwest Wisconsin. We’ve been recognized as one of the Best Dealerships to Work For and Wisconsin Family Business of the Year.
Our Ladysmith location is at an inflection point—and we’re looking for a proven leader to stabilize, rebuild, and grow the business with full ownership support.
Why This Role Matters
You won’t inherit a finished product—you’ll build one.
This role is for a leader who wants to:
- Take full ownership of dealership performance
- Rebuild culture, accountability, and team alignment
- Drive meaningful growth across sales and fixed operations
- Develop people and future leaders
- Create a dealership that the community is proud of
For the right candidate, this includes a structured path to equity participation and long-term value creation.
What You’ll Own
- Full P&L responsibility across variable and fixed operations
- Execution of clear processes, scorecards, and accountability (EOS-driven)
- Talent acquisition, development, and retention
- Culture building aligned with The Don Johnson Way Fundamentals
- Sales, gross, and fixed absorption performance
- Guest experience and reputation management
- Community engagement and local brand presence
What Success Looks Like
- A healthy, engaged, accountable team
- Consistent execution of processes and standards
- Measurable improvement in sales, gross, and profitability
- Strong fixed operations performance and absorption
- Positive reputation within the Ladysmith community
- A dealership that reflects a high-performance, values-driven culture
Who You Are
You’re a builder, operator, and leader—not just a manager.
You likely:
- Have a proven track record leading a dealership or high-performing department
- Understand how to drive both variable and fixed operations
- Lead with accountability while developing people
- Are process-oriented and performance-driven
- Take ownership of results—good or bad
- Are motivated by long-term value creation and equity, not just salary
Automotive leadership experience is strongly preferred.
Full operational accountability experience is required.
Compensation & Equity Opportunity
- Competitive base salary + performance-based incentives
- Full benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k, etc.)
- Defined path to equity participation for high performers
- Long-term wealth-building opportunity tied to dealership success
Why Don Johnson Auto Group
- Fifth-generation, family-owned organization
- Values-driven culture: The Don Johnson Way Fundamentals
- Transparent leadership and open-book mindset
- Strong operational support across multiple rooftops
- Commitment to growth, development, and long-term careers
We don’t just operate dealerships.
We build people, teams, and future partners.
About Ladysmith, WI
A close-knit, supportive community offering a high quality of life, strong schools, and the opportunity to make a real impact—professionally and personally.
Ready to Build Something That Matters?
If you’re ready to lead, grow, and create long-term value—with a path to ownership—we’d welcome the conversation.