Car Dealership Guy Podcast Dealer Succession Panel w/ Fred Beans | Daily Dealer Live
Jan 19, 2026
Fred Beans, owner of a regional automotive group, shares his extensive experience in succession planning alongside his daughter, Beth Beans Gilbert, who focuses on operational strategies. Hugh Roberts, a succession planning advisor, provides insights into the emotional barriers that dealers face. They discuss the importance of starting succession planning early, assessing family dynamics realistically, and the complexities of blended families. Valuable guidance on preserving harmony among successors and the pursuit of legacy through community stewardship and strong brand promises is also explored.
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Start Succession Early To Build Value
- Succession planning is easily postponed because owners see it as a future problem rather than a value-builder today.
- Hugh Roberts says early planning strengthens the business and gives time to develop people and address taxes.
Use Expert Guidance And Reading
- Read practical resources like Hugh Roberts' book to confront family-business issues head-on.
- Fred Beans says the book exposed estate and operational issues they otherwise avoided.
Engage Succession Planners Early
- Engage succession consultants like The Rawls Group early to reduce tax burden and design a workable estate plan.
- Fred Beans regrets not starting sooner because it cost them more in taxes and complexity.
