Chris Graham is a seasoned professional in the car business, currently serving as the general sales manager at Mike Maroone Chevrolet West Palm Beach. Graham’s tenure in the retail automotive sector spans more than two decades. Like many, he started in the car business at a young age, working various roles spanning sales, finance, and used vehicle management during his high school summer break. He attributes his interest in joining the industry to his father, who was Mike Maroone’s business partner for 35 years.
Recently, anchor Jim Fitzpatrick spoke to Graham about his journey and why he was chosen as a CBT News 40 Under 40 honoree in an exclusive interview.
Key Takeaways:
1. As manager, Graham oversees all aspects of the sales department, including follow-up and car deals, daily activities, pricing, trade walks, and morning meetings.
2. Graham’s proudest moment is getting to work alongside Mike Maroone while mentoring others and watching them develop into successful individuals.
3. Looking into the next five years, Graham hopes to continue working alongside Maroone, whether in South Florida or elsewhere. However, as 2024 approaches, Graham is witnessing the margin pressure that continues to accompany new vehicles, yet the goal remains to sell more cars while growing the business.