UCN
Used Car News
9/6/2021
Cavender Named National Quality Dealer By Jeffrey Bellant
Buy with Total Confidence.
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Car Cruises • Awards
Rush - Dated Material
• Numbers
Lee Cavender of Cavender Auto Sales in Gainesville, Ga., was named the 2021 National Quality Dealer of the Year at this year’s National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo in San Antonio. Back in college, Cavender studied mining engineering in West Virginia. However, because of a strike in the mining industry and after meeting his future wife, Natalie, Cavender moved to Stone Mountain, Ga., to begin working as a new-car salesman. Michael York, who served as master of ceremonies, told Cavender’s story as he announced the award. “Great success, born of great decisions,” York said. “In 1996, Lee and Natalie opened Cavender Auto. A year later they started a finance company and 25 years later, those businesses grew from two employees to 24 and made some great car history along the way.” As Cavender accepted his award, he described the moment as “humbling.” He thanked his wife for her love and support during the early years. Cavender described his children, Chad and Morgan, as an inspiration. He also praised his brother, Rondis, who runs the day-to-day operations of Cavender Auto Sales. “There is nothing that makes me more proud than to walk in there and see the passion that each and every member of our team has,” Cavender said. He added that he can’t describe the benefit he has received from his state and national dealer associations. “If I was going to tell a dealer anything, it would be – participate,” he said. “Participate in everything. Your state and local government
can make a casual decision that will put you out of business. So, you have got to get to know these people.” He added that the more he gives comes back to him tenfold. “I can’t tell you how proud I am,” he said. York said Cavender became a forerunner in his industry over the years, including taking the lead in a legislative battle. “When a new tax issue threatened dealers and their way of doing business in (Georgia), he engaged his state association to express his concerns,” York said. Cavender was challenged to get involved and he has met the challenge, getting to know state sena-
THINK PRIME. THINK WESTLAKE. APRs
01_UCN.indd 1
tors and governors, while being a fixture at the capitol. The 20-group member and Certified Master Dealer has served as commissioner for the Buy-Here, Pay-Here Commission and has attended NIADA’s National Policy Conference in Washington D.C. for seven years. He sponsors local families at Christmas and his dealership is a Toys for Tots location. Cavender has served in various leadership roles in the Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association. During his nominee interview, Cavender talked about the importance of his state association and Continued on page 6
as low as
1.99%
Same Day Funding
8/29/21 9:55 AM