TORRANCE, Calif. -- By setting itself apart from the competition through innovative programs, efforts at compliance and great community relations, F&I Management & Technology magazine has recognized Ferman Motor Car Company as its 2005 Dealer of the Year.

To proactively address compliance issues, Ferman Motor Car Company has established a compliance team to keep abreast of changing laws and regulations. Many dealership policies are created and adopted before the law even demands such measures.

This team is comprised of the dealership’s chief financial officer, controller, corporate compliance officer, corporate counsel, systems programmer and a rotating position filled by a general manager. "We meet every Tuesday morning and each one of these folks is extremely knowledgeable about not only legal and regulatory compliance issues, but also how we can translate our compliance objectives into real world profitability and high CSI," says Steve Straske, vice president and corporate counsel for Ferman Management Services Corp.

"Our corporate compliance officer, David Ray Gaul, plays a huge role in our compliance success," Straske adds. "His focus on training and implementing compliance solutions in the field and then auditing for adherence to our policies afterwards, has been monumentally important in achieving our compliance objectives."

Straske also credits the organization's F&I directors and managers, its outside legal counsel, its external auditor and consultant and its F&I vendor-partner for the successful development of a compliance culture.

Since 1895, the Ferman family of companies has strived to conduct business with honesty, integrity and responsibility to customers, employees and the community. "We have unwavering leadership from the very top of our organization," Straske said. "CEO Jim Ferman Jr., is the third generation of Fermans to lead our 110-year-old company."