About the Show:

"That just stuck with me. That was one of those quotes. It's like, if you will focus on helping enough other people get what they want, you'll get what you want."

Matt Lewis

About the Guest:

Matt Lewis is the current leader of the Lewis Automotive Group, a fourth-generation family-owned car dealership in Northwest Arkansas. The company was founded by his great-grandfather in 1949 and has grown significantly over the decades. Matt, along with his brothers Shelby and Taylor, has worked diligently to expand and modernize the business, recently transitioning from their long-standing location on College Avenue to a new, state-of-the-art facility off I-49. Matt is known for his hands-on approach, commitment to employee satisfaction, and passion for the local community.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another impactful episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, hosted by Randy Wilburn. This week, Randy sits down with Matt Lewis from Lewis Automotive Group to delve into the rich history and dynamic future of one of Northwest Arkansas's oldest family-run businesses. The episode is packed with insights on business management, family legacy, employee engagement, and community impact.

In the conversation, Matt shares the thrilling journey of transitioning Lewis Automotive Group to an innovative, employee-centric facility off I-49. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of the internal customer (employees) to enhance the customer experience. Matt also discusses the meticulous planning and research that went into this strategic move, including visiting over 100 businesses to gather inspiration. Furthermore, they touch on sustaining a family business across generations and the critical practices that have enabled Lewis Automotive Group to thrive where many others have faltered.

Key Takeaways:

Employee Focus: Matt highlights the significance of prioritizing employee satisfaction to deliver exceptional customer service.
Strategic Relocation: The move from College Avenue to I-49 was driven by strategic evaluation and the need to modernize operations.
Generational Legacy: Maintaining a family business across generations requires clear guidelines, external consultation, and commitment from all involved.
Community Engagement: Supporting local communities is a core value that has reciprocal benefits for both the business and the region.
Innovative Facilities: The new location features employee-centric amenities such as a gym and multiple break rooms, emphasizing a modern, inclusive work environment.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Matt Lewis

Website Lewis Automotive Group

Matt Lewis on Facebook

Matt Lewis on Instagram

Matt Lewis on LinkedIn

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.

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Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

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*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

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Mentioned in this episode:

ONBoardNWA.com

Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

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Nico Vergauwen - Founder at Tenderize