After more than 30 years of owning a dealership, Tommy Brandis felt compelled to take another step in his journey of giving back to the industry.
Brandis found the perfect opportunity to put his experience and knowledge of the used vehicle industry to work on behalf of other dealers as the new executive director for the MidAtlantic Independent Automobile Dealers Association. Brandis started Aug. 21 and is preparing for the MidAtlantic Independent Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo Sept. 24-26 in Atlantic City.
“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and am at a point where I wanted to give back,” Brandis said. “This role fell into place. It’s an opportunity to give back and help dealers.”
Brandis owns Advantage Auto Sales and Credit in Quakertown, Penn., which started in 1992. The dealership has sold more than 10,000 vehicles, according to its website. He’s spent past few years mentoring his soon-to-be son-in-law to take over a leadership role in the dealership.
Brandis is not new to the association or leadership. He joined the board of the Pennsylvania Independent Auto Dealers Association in 2007. In 2013, he began serving on the MidAtlantic Regional Independent Automotive Dealers Association board.
Brandis also contributes to the BHPH Success group on Facebook, which has more than 4,300 members.
His focus on the page and in his new position is helping dealers be successful.
“There’s so much regulation, it’s a lot harder to be a dealer these days,” Brandis said. “For someone getting into the business, I want to make sure they have the knowledge before making some of the mistakes those who have come before them have.”
In announcing Brandis’ appointment, the MidAtlantic Independent Automobile Dealers Association President Bert Straub said in a release, “Tommy has an impressive background in the independent dealer world and years of BHPH experience. As an active board member for years, he has already demonstrated his dedication to the association. His track record aligns perfectly with our organization’s vision and values.
“We have found a leader in Tommy who possesses the necessary skills and embodies the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and commitment to excellence that defines the MidAtlantic Independent Automobile Dealers Association. With his guidance, we are confident that we can continue reaching new heights and positively impacting our members and beyond.”
