Executive bio
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Automotive Dealership Turnaround Executive & Multi-Store Operator
Rod Ricciardi is a performance-driven automotive dealership executive known for Stabilizing underperforming and newly acquired dealerships before results bottom out. Dealer principals and ownership groups bring Rod in when unit volume stalls, margins compress, CSI declines, or execution discipline breaks across sales, F&I, BDC, parts, and service.
His leadership experience includes roles across major dealer groups such as DARCARS, California Superstores, Miller Management Automotive, Step One Automotive Group, Patriot Motors, and Hoover CDJR.
Rod has led both single-point and multi-store operations across CDJR, Fiat, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Lincoln, Mitsubishi, and other import and domestic franchises, managing organizations ranging from 50 employees to more than 130 team members.
He operates with full P&L accountability, overseeing inventory strategy (with a strong used-vehicle focus), lender and banking relationships, OEM scorecard performance (MSR and CSI), staffing architecture, and operational governance across diverse markets—from seasonal trade areas to major metro footprints.
Rod’s operating model is rooted in measurable conversion and disciplined execution. He enforces CRM and BDC accountability, implements structured phone and appointment processes, standardizes full-number presentations, and strengthens third-party trade valuation accuracy.
His turnaround results include:
- Increasing monthly volume from 50 to 200 units
- Improving close ratios by 50%
- Achieving 60%+ close on shown appointments
- Driving store financial performance from -$1M to +$3M within 12 months
- Converting negative operations into +$2.5M annual profitability
He also brings strong automotive digital demand-generation strategy, aligning paid social, third-party marketplaces, and direct-response campaigns to measurable lead flow and appointment conversion.
Rod’s leadership philosophy is grounded in discipline and cadence. As a former professional martial artist, he builds organizations around accountability, systems, and repeatable execution. He believes sustainable performance is created through structured processes and strong culture—not short-term pushes.
Beyond dealership operations, Rod has supported Find A Dream since 2004, an outreach initiative focused on fentanyl awareness and supporting families impacted by addiction and loss. That mission reflects how he leads—bringing urgency, structure, and care for people into every organization he serves.
