How Haley Automotive Builds Future Leaders, Embraces AI, and Wins with Culture | Kinsey Pridgen

n this episode of Kain & Friends, David Kain sits down with Kinsey Pridgen, President of Haley Automotive Group, one of Virginia's largest privately owned dealership organizations with 11 locations across Richmond, Roanoke, and Farmville. As a second-generation dealer, Kinsey shares her journey from working in the accounting office as a teenager to leading a multi-franchise automotive group representing Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Volvo, and Haley Express. The conversation explores Haley Automotive's highly successful Management Training Program, which develops future leaders by rotating team members through every department of the dealership. Kinsey discusses how empathy, accountability, and cross-functional experience help create stronger managers and better customer experiences. David and Kinsey also dive into: • Building a customer-first culture around the promise "Yes, Yes We Do" • Recruiting and retaining top talent in today's market • The role of AI in dealership operations • Creating accountability through scorecards and performance management • Compensation trends and employee expectations • Leadership lessons for the next generation of automotive professionals • Community involvement and industry stewardship Whether you're a dealer principal, manager, industry partner, or someone considering a career in automotive retail, this episode offers practical insights into leadership, culture, technology, and the opportunities available in today's dealership environment.