McLEAN, Va. – NADA University, a comprehensive online education and training resource for dealers, announced that March 14-18, 2011, is the next start date for the Dealer Executive Education at Babson College.

Automobile and truck dealer executives are urged to submit their applications immediately to secure a spot in the class, as availability is limited.

This unprecedented executive education initiative, consisting of six one-week modules over the course of a year, is tailor-made to build leadership, management and business performance for senior-level executives in the auto and truck retail industry. 

Held on the campus of Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., the program focuses on actual business situations to help current dealer operators, retail executives, senior leaders in dealership groups and successor candidates optimize success in all areas of the dealership. Babson Executive Education is a nationally recognized leader in professional development for business leaders. Its faculty and industry experts lead the program.  

“This is the only program in the country that gives auto and truck industry entrepreneurs the tailored, ‘real-life’ information they need to tackle such complex challenges as dealership mergers and acquisitions, expansions into related auto businesses and building long-term profitability,” said John Lyboldt, vice president of dealership operations at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

Dealer executives who have participated in the program say they find it especially valuable in such a fast-changing market. 

“Based on what’s going on in the economy right now, the Babson program has prepared me,” said Chris Zammito, co-owner of Zammito Automotive in Dartmouth, Mass. “You have to react to what’s going on. What you’re doing today may not be what you have to do three months from now. It’s happening that quickly.”

Joe Ristuccia, faculty director of the NADA University Dealer Executive Education Program and a lecturer at Babson College, said the program develops “thought leaders” who are able to take advantage of new market opportunities before the competition. “It focuses on the explicit leadership skills needed to recognize opportunities, build a team that can develop and implement these opportunities, and firmly establish the dealer brand in the minds of consumers,” he said. 

“While most education programs focus on learning the skills to better accomplish the tasks normally conducted within a dealership (adaptive innovation), the Babson experience extends these skills and abilities to see beyond what is currently the norm and encourages leaders to redesign their vision and  operations through generative innovation,” Ristuccia added.   

To apply for the Dealer Executive Education at Babson College program, visit: www.nada.org/nadauniversity/academy/executiveeducation/Exec_Ed_Application_Info.htm.

For more information on NADA University resources, and all of its training and educational programs, visit: www.NADAUniversity.com or call (800) 557-6232.