For Bruce Bryant, Working at America’s Car-Mart is a Lifestyle

The Sky’s the Limit.


Editor’s Note – This blog was first published in August 2020. Since then, Bruce Bryant has celebrated his 30th anniversary with America’s Car-Mart. Here’s what Bruce shares about reaching this milestone.

America’s Car-Mart had only 30 dealerships in 1995. That year, Bruce Bryant was hired at 30, looking for something better. He joined Car-Mart and within three months, he was hooked on the company atmosphere.

Now serving as Director of Expense Management, Bruce is celebrating 30 years with Car-Mart. Reflecting on his journey during his 25th anniversary, he spoke about the meaningful experiences that shaped his career. In this insightful Q&A, Bruce shared his deep passion for the company and why he made Car-Mart a central part of his life.

Bruce Bryant with his 25 years of service at Car-Mart award and poster
Bruce Bryant celebrates with his 25 years of service at Car-Mart.
Talk about your Car-Mart career.

“When I joined Car-Mart on July 25, 1995, I was simply looking for a job. I wasn’t looking for a career here. I had a plan that would prevent me from staying long-term. I never dreamed Car-Mart would become a game-changer so quickly.

I read a newspaper ad where this little car dealership was seeking management trainees. I put on my best suit and applied on a Sunday. Car-Mart was open seven days a week at the time. A week passed and nothing. I felt I had a good resume. I saw the ad again, so I called and talked to the manager, Steve Fisher. He had not seen my application but invited me in for an interview right then. I said I wasn’t dressed for an interview, and he told me to come anyway. We had a productive conversation that lasted over an hour.

The next day, I interviewed with the District Manager Ted Taylor, for three hours. That was common for Car-Mart as they wanted to know who they hired. Ted offered me the job, and I started the next day. I was hired as a Manager – Trainee at Car-Mart of Fort Smith, Ark. I had never worked around cars or auto financing.

The training program was approximately two years. I started the basic training in Ft. Smith learning Inventory Management/Sales for the first four months. Then it was on to Car-Mart of Tulsa, Okla. where I was the first associate to be a part of a new pilot program where the Trainee had to become a successful Purchasing Agent before being allowed to continue training in other areas. After four months of purchasing, I relocated to Car-Mart of Texarkana, Texas where I learned Collections. Rick Musial was very generous with his time for me – I learned a lot more than Collections, I learned how to teach. Then I moved back to Ft. Smith as an Assistant Manager until taking the Car-Mart of Joplin, Missouri lot in 1997.

As a Trainee, my job description was simple – ‘whatever it takes.’ The same job description still applies to us today.

I had a meeting with the CEO and four other Assistant Managers on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 1997. It was a one-day seminar with Nan Smith, and she told us that, at the end of the day, one of us would get our own lot. It was a wonderful, educational day. At 5 p.m., she dismissed everyone but me. She had the key in her hand and said ‘I’m the new GM at Car-Mart of Joplin.’

I took that job without ever seeing the lot or having been to Joplin. Nan wanted me to start the next day, so I drove back to Fort Smith, packed and left the following morning at 3 a.m. to be at work in Joplin at 7 a.m.

While in Joplin, my team and I worked to make projections. We almost made projections in my first partial year. The second year, we tore the roof off it. We were always top performers, and in 2003, we won the Lot of the Year.

Joplin lot of the year staff photo
Bruce Bryant with his team at Car-Mart of Joplin, Missouri for winning 2003 Lot of the Year at Car-Mart.

In 2004, I became an Area Operations Manager and did that for four years. But I missed managing at the lot level, so I returned to Joplin as GM. And, in 2016, I had another opportunity to become Director of Expense Management. And here I am today.

It’s been a great ride!”

Describe your first few days at Car-Mart.

“On the first day on the job, I’m in the manager’s office filling out the onboarding paperwork. Steve Fisher kept looking out the window at the customers who had no associates helping them. I ask, ‘You want me to catch ‘em?’ I had officially been working for five minutes. I went out and met the first lady. She told me she liked the looks of one particular car. After looking inside and seeing keys in the ignition, I asked her if she would like to drive it. So, she hopped in and sped away.

Another couple drove up. They were back for a second look at a truck. I asked them instantly, ‘Do you want to drive it?’ The keys are in it, and they hopped in it and sped away.

As they were leaving the lot, Steve came running out with a dealer tag in hand and asked, ‘What are you doing?’ I proudly said I got two customers on a test drive, then learned quickly the vehicle should have a dealer tag and an associate in the car with them.

My first thought was that if they don’t return with those vehicles, I would probably lose my job. They both returned and I sold my first car to the first customer I ever spoke with.

On my first day, I sold one car. On my second day, I sold two cars. On the third, three. On the fourth, four. On the fifth day, I felt like Babe Ruth calling the shots. But unfortunately, I did not sell a car that day.

After my first full month, I won the company’s sales award, having sold 37 cars. That’s with a dealership having two Trainees in sales training, winning three sales awards out of four months.”

How does it feel to be one of the most tenured associates at Car-Mart?

“It’s an amazing feeling. I recall my first manager meeting, where I was asked to introduce myself to everyone. I remember exactly what I said – ‘It is an honor to be affiliated with a group of people of this caliber.’ I said the same thing at my 25th service anniversary celebration. It’s a family, there’s no doubt about it.”

What do you like about working at Car-Mart?

“Creative freedom, inspiring mentors, daily variety.

When you manage a dealership, you become Car-Mart. When you look in the mirror, you are the company! It’s the best job in the world.”

In three words, how would you describe Car-Mart?

“People, philosophy, culture.

Car-Mart offers so much that you can’t get other places. Once I got to Car-Mart, I knew within three months that this was the path for me. I have never once picked up a newspaper or had a thought about leaving Car-Mart. I was made for this job – the customers, the associates, the variety – this was it.

I’m one of the luckiest people I know. Car-Mart is a unique place to be able to do this kind of work with these kinds of people. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.

When Car-Mart started it was about the people. Everything we are today is a direct product of our early people. They developed our culture.

Another great aspect of Car-Mart is being at a dealership and truly impacting people’s lives.  Car-Mart has changed many lives.”

What’s your most proud Car-Mart moment?

“Back in the early 2000s, Joplin became known as a lot that was striving for excellence in every area – collections, repairs, inventory, and purchasing. Many of the people I hired are still with the company. We hire good people. We develop good people.

Bruce Bryant in 2003 when he was the GM of Joplin and won Lot of the Year
Bruce Bryant in 2003 when he was the GM of Joplin and won the Lot of the Year

So, I was especially proud of Joplin to win Lot of the Year – not for myself, but for my associates. I was able to bring that plaque back to the dealership and share it with my team.”

How has Car-Mart evolved to better serve customers?

“Better inventory. Better processes for both before and after the sale. Better service. We’re constantly evolving. Car-Mart is a growth company. We evolve daily. Plus, our senior leadership has a clear vision of where they’re taking our company.”

What do you find rewarding about your current position as Director – Expense Management?

“The biggest thing we do is teach – teaching new managers about the business and how to be efficient with money and achieve profitability goals while maximizing and delivering on customer service. That’s incredibly rewarding. Besides, I’ve had the greatest mentors – Steve Fisher, Rick Musial, Bryan Adams, Ted Taylor. These people are still with our company today. So now I get to pay it forward.”

What makes you smile about working at Car-Mart?

“Car-Mart is a special place.

Years ago, customers would drive up to Car-Mart, shut off their car, get the kids out, put the dog on a leash, and then all come in to make their payment. They would talk to their salesperson and get some popcorn. There’s something for everybody at Car-Mart.

Years ago, we sold young families. Now, we’re selling to their kids and even grandkids.”

What words of advice do you have for someone who may want to start a career at Car-Mart?

“Take the plunge. Do it now.”

What do you want your legacy to be at Car-Mart?

“Someone who worked hard, played hard, and helped others achieve their goals.”

The adventure continues
Bruce Bryant with his family at his 25 years of service at Car-Mart party
Bruce Bryant with his family at his 25th Car-Mart Celebration.

Indeed, Bruce is still as excited to be with the company as he was back in 1995 when he began his Car-Mart journey. He’s enjoyed great success and met many lifelong friends.

When he’s not working at Car-Mart, Bruce spends time with his son and three grandchildren. Every week, you find him high in the sky flying his powered parachute personal aircraft and continuing another adventure.

The sky’s the limit.

 

###

Join our team!

If you’re like Bruce and want to work at a company where you can make magic happen, come work at America’s Car-Mart. Go to Car-Mart.com/careers to learn about job opportunities at Car-Mart in our 12-state area. 

Drive Your Dream Car Today  

At America’s Car-Mart, we’re dedicated to making your car-buying experience seamless and enjoyable. With our low-down payments and flexible financing options, you can get behind the wheel of your dream vehicle. Schedule a Sales Visit today.

Recent Posts

Categories