From the February issue of UCD
By John Dismukes
For this installment of Conversations About Cars, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dana and Rick Bress, the husband-and-wife team behind Galaxy Auto Place. Together, they’ve built more than just a successful dealership – they’ve built a partnership that blends marriage, leadership and entrepreneurship in one of the most demanding businesses out there.
Owning a dealership is hard enough. Owning one alongside your spouse brings an entirely different set of challenges and rewards. Dana and Rick share what it’s really like to divide responsibilities, navigate tough decisions, and grow a business together while protecting the relationship behind it. Their story is honest, grounded, and full of lessons for any dealer who’s ever wondered how family and business can coexist under the same roof.
What stood out most in this conversation wasn’t just how long they’ve been in business, but how they’ve stayed aligned through growth, change, and the daily realities of independent auto retail. If you’ve ever worked with a spouse, considered it, or simply admire family-run dealerships that do it the right way, this is a conversation worth reading.
John Dismukes: How did you first decide to go into the car business together?
Dana & Rick: We started the business when we were very young, 21 and 23, with nothing but a shared dream of building something meaningful together. From the beginning, this was a joint decision rooted in faith, trust, a strong work ethic and a willingness to take risks side by side. What began as a very small operation has grown into a 30‑year business partnership and a 33‑year marriage.
JD: How do you divide responsibilities at the dealership today?
D & R: While we have clearly defined roles, we truly run the dealership together on a daily basis. We are both deeply involved in operations, decision‑making and leadership. Over the years, we’ve learned how to collaborate efficiently, communicate clearly and rely on each other’s strengths, while staying aligned on every major aspect of the business.
JD: Has that division of roles changed over time?
D & R: Absolutely. In the early years, we did everything ourselves. As the business grew, we learned the importance of structure, delegation and building a strong team. Today, we’re supported by an incredible group of long‑term employees, many of whom have been with us for decades, which allows us to lead strategically while remaining actively involved.
JD: What surprised you most about working with your spouse?
D & R: How much our partnership strengthened both the business and our relationship. Working together forced us to communicate better, listen more closely and grow in ways we might not have otherwise. We learned early on how to disagree productively, make decisions together and stay focused on long‑term goals rather than short‑term challenges.
JD: What’s the best advice you’d give couples thinking about working together?
D & R: Build structure, communicate often, and protect the relationship behind the business. Clear expectations and mutual respect keep the partnership strong, and when the partnership is strong, the business follows. Those principles have carried beyond the dealership into other ventures we’ve built together. And don’t forget to enjoy the process of building your dream together.
JD: How do your personalities complement each other?
D & R: We balance each other in a way that creates both stability and momentum. When one of us is more cautious, the other may be more visionary. That balance leads to thoughtful, well‑rounded decisions, and our shared values keep us aligned even when our approaches differ.
JD: Are your leadership styles similar or very different?
D & R: They’re complementary. We both lead with integrity, consistency and accountability, but we bring different perspectives to the table. That diversity in leadership has helped guide our team through growth, change and long‑term success.
JD: What has been your biggest operational challenge as a couple?
D & R: Learning how to grow the business while preserving balance. As the dealership expanded, we had to become better delegators and trust others to lead alongside us. Building a strong management team was essential to sustaining both the business and our family life.
JD: What’s been your proudest business moment so far?
D & R: Reaching nearly 30 years in business while remaining independently owned and family‑run. Seeing our employees grow with us, some for nearly the entire journey, and knowing we’ve built a business rooted in integrity, trust, and longevity has been incredibly rewarding.
JD: What’s the hardest conversation you’ve had as business partners?
D & R: Navigating difficult decisions that affect people we care about. Those moments require honesty, unity, and compassion. Facing them together has strengthened both our leadership and our partnership.
JD: What do you think independent dealers underestimate about family‑run operations?
D & R: The level of professionalism, discipline and commitment required. Family‑run does not mean casual. In many ways, it demands greater accountability, clearer communication and a stronger long‑term vision.
JD: Who’s more optimistic?
D & R: We both are, especially when it comes to the future of our business and our people.
JD: Who worries more?
D & R: We share the responsibility, which helps keep perspective and balance.
JD: Who’s better with customers?
D & R: We both are, each in our own way.
JD: Who’s better with numbers?
D & R: It depends on who’s had coffee first, but we’re strongest when we review them together.
JD: Who would survive a week on the lot alone?
D & R: Neither of us would want to. The business works because we operate as a team.
JD: Finish this sentence: Running a dealership with my spouse is…
D & R: An honor, a challenge, and a blessing that has allowed us to build a beautiful life, a family and a business together.
