Episode 42: Building Future Automotive Group with Founder & CEO Steve Pleau

Bite Sized Finance

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Steve Pleau, the Founder and CEO of the Future Automotive Group, as he shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Northern California to becoming a leading figure in the automotive industry. Steve recounts his unexpected move to Sacramento before his senior year of high school, his early days working as a lot boy, and his passion for gymnastics that saw him coaching while working full-time. His collegiate gymnastics career at Sac State, marked by an undefeated streak, reveals the dedication and resilience that have been key to his success. Listen in as Steve discusses his transition from a pre-med major to business at Sac State and his time serving in the military during the Vietnam era. He shares his experiences of joining his father's automotive business, working long hours, and eventually buying his own dealership at the age of 35. We explore the challenges he faced, including reopening a closed Ford dealership in Roseville, and his efforts to improve the industry's reputation in the early 70s. Steve's story provides valuable insights into the foundational years that led to the success of the Future Automotive Group. In our discussion, we also examine the relationships between car dealerships and manufacturers, the success story of the Roseville Auto Mall, and the future of automotive technology. Steve sheds light on the significant influence of manufacturers, the innovative strategies behind the Auto Mall's success, and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. We touch on the evolving role of e-commerce in car sales, the balance between EVs and internal combustion engines, and the importance of exceptional customer service. This episode is packed with strategic insights and the hard work that transformed a regional dealer group into a multi-store, multi-brand dealer group. Future Automotive Group is a wonderful reflection on our market and Steve has certainly demonstrated that when the customer is treated properly, everyone wins. To learn more about Future Automotive Group or to buy a car, visithttps://www.futureautomotive.com/ For more information on what we provide at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com. You can contact me, Kelly Brothers, through the show at: [email protected] To reach me at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com/locations/sacramento-ca/ Episode Highlights(00:00 - 00:31) Business Journey Stories on Podcast (03:40 - 04:45) Gymnastics Memories and Shoulder Injuries (10:17 - 13:06) Success of Future Automotive Group CEO (18:45 - 19:31) Ownership of Dealership Vehicle Inventory (25:42 - 26:48) Father and Son Work Relationship (30:42 - 32:04) Auto Mall Development Success Story (34:27 - 37:55) The Future of Automotive and EVs (41:53 - 44:01) The Importance of Customer Satisfaction