Brian J. Dennis
Brian Dennis is the Founder and CEO of Dennis & Co. Auto Group, one of the largest auto dealership networks in the Metropolitan New York Region.
Originally from Michigan, Brian began his automotive career in dealership sales. He was quickly promoted to finance manager and soon after provided finance consulting to dealerships. He founded his first business in 1999, a national sub-prime consulting company, Advantage Finance Solutions. He founded Dennis & Co. Auto Group in 2006 when he purchased Riverdale Chrysler Jeep in the Bronx, an underperforming single-point store.
He has since transformed the company into a business representing 17 automotive brands across 15 locations, a reinsurance company, real estate holdings, and a dealer-to-consumer retail startup, generating $760M+ in annual revenue and 15,000 units sold. Brian provides executive oversight on all business activities, leads the management teams, and ultimately oversees 800+ employees.
Under Brian’s leadership, one of Dennis & Co Auto Group’s pillars to success is an unwavering dedication to people.
For his customers, this means a shift from high-pressure sales to seamless interactions that can begin online and conclude in person. It means one call, text, or email in the event of a car service issue. It means access to a dedicated Customer Care department for immediate attention to and resolution of any customer concerns.
Brian’s company CORE values, Compensation, Opportunity, Respect, and Expectations, have led to his employees offering a world-class customer experience. Dennis & Co. Auto Group has consistently exceeded customer satisfaction expectations and received multiple manufacturer awards, including the Pentastar Club Award, Volkswagen Wolfsberg Crest club Award, and Chrysler Customer First Award for Excellence.
As an 18-year active member, Brian currently serves as the Chairman of the New York State Automobile Dealers Association, and formerly as Chairman of NYSADA’s Legislative Committee. Working with U.S. senators, congressmen, attorney general, and the New York State governor, he actively advocates for auto dealers state-wide. He is also a member of the NADA PAC President’s Club.
Brian also participates in one of the highest-performing NADA Dealer 20 Groups, CD-03, Super Group 01, and serves on the FCA Northeast Business Center Dealer Council and the Kia Dealer Council, where he represents all FCA and Kia dealers to manufacturers.
With his nearly 800 employees, Brian has established incredible relationships and retention through a laser-like focus on personal growth and development. In addition to offering college tuition to all employees and supporting industry-specific education, he provides organizational career pathways for each role with a comprehensive reward and recognition program. Nearly all of the group’s leaders began with the company in an entry-level capacity, earning increased responsibilities, and finding great success in their current management and partner roles.
Brian’s commitment to people extends far beyond his network of stores into the surrounding community. Committed to diversity, rehabilitation, and empowerment, he has developed strong relationships with local groups, organizations, and charities, paying special attention to the community’s youth.
Through the New York City Justice Corps prisoner reentry internship program, Brian offers young adults with criminal records a supportive environment focused on building skills and promoting behavioral changes to keep them out of the justice system. “I’m honored to provide justice-involved young adults with a sense of dignity and possibility for their future and shift perceptions of them to worthy and valued members of our community,” says Brian about the program.
For each vehicle sold, Dennis & Co donates to The STEM Alliance, a non-profit organization that enhances STEM education for all. “As vehicle sales and service leaders, we know the need for trained technicians and industry specialists. We share The STEM Alliance’s vision that the path to inspiring the next generation of STEM-trained workers starts with equal access to high-quality programs for all ages,” shares Brian.
As the News 12 Bronx Scholar-Athlete Program’s exclusive sponsor, Brian helped recognize the outstanding abilities shown by local high school seniors in athletics, scholarship, leadership, and service to others.
The group is also proud to support the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program, which challenges Bronx youth to be positive and productive.
Similarly, with support from Brian and Dennis & Co, the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program brings tennis to youth from high-risk, low-income inner-city neighborhoods and offers self-development opportunities, emphasizing education and a positive code of behavior.
In addition to the youth programs, Brian’s charitable acts extend to scholarship fundraising efforts, medical foundations, clothing and toy drives, local festivals, youth sports, chambers of commerce, and more.
Brian studied Business and Finance at Walsh College and is a 2006 graduate of the NADA Dealer Academy. He grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, and currently resides in Mamaroneck, NY with his wife, Tina, and their three children. Brian likes to travel, fish, run, participate in Spartan Tough Mudders, and play golf and hockey.