Partner & General Manager

We’re looking for a General Manager who wants more than a job.

This is a chance to take ownership of a small-town dealership with real upside—and turn it into something special.

Don Johnson Auto Group is a fifth-generation, family-owned organization (est. 1915) with a track record of growth, strong culture, and industry recognition. We operate multiple franchise locations across Northwest Wisconsin and have been named one of the Best Dealerships to Work For and Wisconsin Family Business of the Year.

Our Ladysmith store is at an inflection point.

We’re looking for the right leader to stabilize, rebuild, and grow—with the full support of an engaged ownership team.

This isn’t a maintenance role. It’s a build-and-lead opportunity.

You will:

• Own the business day-to-day
• Rebuild culture and accountability
• Drive sales and fixed ops performance
• Develop people and future leaders
• Create a dealership that the community is proud of

For the right leader, this role includes a clear path to equity and long-term partnership.

We are open to structuring a meaningful ownership opportunity for someone who proves they can build a high-performing, sustainable operation.

• Full P&L ownership across variable and fixed operations
• Establishing clear expectations, scorecards, and accountability (EOS-driven)
• Recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent
• Creating a high-performance, values-driven culture
• Driving consistent growth in sales, service, and profitability
• Building strong community presence and relationships
• Delivering a best-in-class guest experience

• A healthy, engaged team aligned with clear expectations
• Consistent execution of process and accountability
• Measurable improvement in sales, gross, and fixed absorption
• Strong reputation in the Ladysmith community
• A dealership that reflects The Don Johnson Way

You’re not just a manager—you’re a builder, operator, and future partner.

You likely:

• Have proven success leading a dealership or department at a high level
• Know how to drive both variable and fixed operations
• Are process-driven but people-first
• Hold high standards and aren’t afraid to own results
• Thrive in environments where you can make a real impact
• Are motivated by the opportunity to earn equity, not just compensation

Automotive experience is strongly preferred. Leadership experience with full operational accountability is required.

• Family-owned. Values-driven. Built to last.
• Clear culture: The Don Johnson Way Fundamentals
• Transparent leadership and open-book mindset
• Strong support structure across multiple rooftops
• Commitment to growth, development, and long-term opportunity

We don’t just run dealerships.

We build people, teams, and future partners.

Ladysmith, Wisconsin

A great place to live, lead, and make a meaningful impact in a close-knit community.

Compensation is structured to reward performance and impact.

Top performers will have the opportunity to participate in a structured equity program tied to dealership performance and long-term value creation.

If you’re ready to **build something, lead people, and create long-term value—with a path to ownership—**we’d welcome the conversation.