Empowering aspiring dealership owners with real-world mentorship, insider knowledge, and ongoing support for success.
Owning an auto dealership isn’t just about selling cars—it’s about navigating a maze of regulations, mastering compliance, and transforming passion into a thriving business. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, this dream often hits a roadblock after they pass their licensing exam. Garrett Eddings, the visionary founder of California Dealer Academy, has witnessed this challenge firsthand. What started as a passion for cars has grown into a mission to empower others to succeed where others fail.
California Dealer Academy goes beyond simply preparing individuals to pass a licensing test. It’s about laying the foundation for a successful business that can last. Through expert mentorship, hands-on guidance, and a comprehensive curriculum, the academy is transforming automotive enthusiasts into confident, compliant dealership owners and training the auto brokers of tomorrow.
The Cost of Ignoring Real-World Training
California’s auto industry is one of the most heavily regulated in the country. Yet, many aspiring dealership owners walk into licensing exams and paperwork with little understanding of what it really takes to succeed. Mistakes—whether minor errors in compliance or missing auction access—can derail an entire business before it even gets off the ground.
Eddings wanted to change that. He realized that just passing a test wasn’t enough; entrepreneurs needed real-world tools, insider knowledge, and mentorship to actually thrive. This inspired him to create a comprehensive program that doesn’t just prepare students to pass an exam but equips them with the practical skills they need to turn their dealership dreams into reality.
The Power of Real Mentorship
What sets California Dealer Academy apart is its hands-on approach. Garrett Eddings and his team of seasoned dealership owners don’t just teach—you get personalized mentorship, guiding you every step of the way. The goal is to transform aspiring entrepreneurs into dealership owners who understand the nuts and bolts of the business, not just the paperwork.
Luis M., a graduate, shares his experience: “Before the academy, I thought I would just flip a few cars. But Garrett showed me the blueprint to run a real business. Now I have two locations and I’m mentoring others to follow the same path.”
California Dealer Academy offers students more than just licensing prep. Graduates leave with a roadmap—how to set up your dealership, navigate legal challenges, access exclusive auction inventories, and secure vendor relationships that set them up for long-term success.
Success Stories That Matter
The academy isn’t just producing “license holders” but real entrepreneurs who are making a tangible impact in the auto industry. Chris S., another graduate, started from scratch, opened his own auto dealership in San Diego, and went from zero to over $1 million in sales within just 18 months.
“I didn’t even know where to start,” Chris admits. “But the academy gave me the foundation I needed, and I never felt like I was alone. They provided everything from insurance to vendor connections.”
Success stories like Chris’s and Luis’s are a testament to how California Dealer Academy is reshaping the auto industry. It’s not just about education; it’s about giving entrepreneurs the confidence and support to build something lasting.
Post-License Support: A Lifeline for New Dealers
One of the unique features of California Dealer Academy is its ongoing support after graduation. Many new dealership owners find themselves floundering after they’ve passed their exam, but Eddings and his team provide continued guidance to ensure graduates stay compliant, grow their businesses, and avoid costly mistakes.
“The DMV system in California is incredibly complicated,” explains Eddings. “A single oversight can cost you your license or worse—your business. That’s why we’re committed to helping our graduates stay compliant and successful.”
Graduates also gain access to an exclusive network, connecting them with some of the biggest auction houses in the industry—Manheim, Carmax, ACV, and Adesa. These connections make it easier to access inventory and stay competitive in a fast-paced market. Students also learn how to get dealer plates and how that can be beneficial for aspiring dealers as well.
Why California Dealer Academy Is the Key to Long-Term Success
Unlike traditional licensing courses, California Dealer Academy offers a comprehensive approach to dealership ownership. Graduates benefit from:
- Real-World Mentorship: Instructors are experienced dealership owners, not just teachers.
- Complete Setup Services: From LLC formation to insurance, they handle the logistics.
- California-Specific Curriculum: Tailored to California’s unique regulations and requirements.
- Exclusive Auction & Vendor Access: Connecting graduates with top auction houses and vendors.
- Ongoing Support: From compliance audits to business coaching, the help doesn’t stop after graduation.
For Garrett Eddings, the success of his students is the ultimate measure of the academy’s impact. “Our graduates don’t just pass a test. They create businesses that last. That’s our mission.”
Ready to Shift Gears Toward Dealership Success?
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own dealership, now is the time to turn that vision into reality. California Dealer Academy offers the tools, mentorship, and resources to help you succeed in one of the country’s most competitive industries. Whether you’re a mechanic looking to level up or a first-time entrepreneur, the academy’s comprehensive approach will set you on the path to success.
To learn more about the academy’s programs, visit CaliforniaDealerAcademy.com or call (760) 681-1757. It’s time to unlock your dealership dreams—and California Dealer Academy is the key to making them come true.
