Keffer Auto Group is pressing ahead with growth, proving that expansion is possible even in a challenging retail climate. CEO Jim Keffer recently discussed the company’s strategy following its acquisition of a Chevrolet dealership in Minnesota, highlighting the Keffer Auto Group expansion philosophy: focus on people before geography.
According to Keffer, success depends less on location and more on trusted operators. “The business is as good as whoever we have operating it,” he explained, pointing out that Chevrolet remains a strong-performing brand regionally.
The group’s people-first approach is rooted in history. In 1974, Keffer’s father entered the auto business through a 10-year buyout arrangement, inspiring a system that allows general managers and qualified operators to buy into dealerships. Today, Keffer Auto Group continues that model, offering buyout opportunities and profit participation to help managers transition into full ownership. Keffer emphasized that “people are the most engaged when they are involved not just as a leader, but as an owner.”
This structure has fueled performance improvements across the group’s dealerships, with several brands hitting record sales despite affordability pressures. Still, Keffer cautioned that high volume doesn’t always guarantee high margins, underscoring the need for strong leadership within each store.
Industry headwinds remain a reality. On electric vehicles, Keffer used a vivid analogy: “It’s the bear in the woods. You don’t have to run faster than the bear… just faster than your friend.” On tariffs, he noted the effect on pricing, stressing that affordability limits are pushing demand for used cars higher than ever.
Despite these challenges, Keffer remains optimistic. “The second half of the year, we expect to be better because we need it to be,” he said, signaling confidence in the group’s resilience and its operator-first philosophy.
For Keffer Auto Group, the Minnesota Chevrolet acquisition represents more than just expansion. It reflects a deeper strategy — building a network of dealerships that thrive by investing in people, empowering operators, and maintaining flexibility in a rapidly changing automotive market.