In the used car business, few things matter more than having the right inventory—cars, trucks, and SUVs— at the right time, in the right condition. Inventory impacts everything, from customer experience to operational efficiency to the bottom line. Getting it right isn’t easy, but for leaders like Doug Turner, it’s a challenge built on decades of experience and constant improvement.
As Senior Director of Remarketing at America’s Car-Mart, Doug helps our teams make smarter, faster, more informed decisions about the vehicles we buy and how we prepare them for customers. “Buying and reconditioning is where it all starts,” he says. “If the car’s in great shape, our customers have a much better chance at success.”
Doug brings his expertise to the national stage again this year, presenting at the 2025 National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) Conference and sharing strategies that help independent dealers nationwide improve their inventory performance.
At Car-Mart, we believe in sharing what we’ve learned to help others succeed. Whether it’s through leadership, innovation, or industry collaboration, we’re committed to supporting independent dealers and the communities they serve.
Sharing Insights That Help Dealers – and Communities – Thrive
Doug’s presentation, “The Heart of the Matter – Inventory Management,” offers practical insights to help dealers better serve theircustomers. He’ll take a deep dive into best practices for sourcing and reconditioning vehicles. He’ll also cover inventory management across single-point and multi-location dealerships, with a focus on maximizing efficiency from purchase to sale. He’ll demonstrate how smarter buying decisions and more efficient reconditioning result in better outcomes for both dealers and their customers.
Doug’s topics include:
· Data-driven vehicle sourcing – using data to drive your decisions, not your gut, to buy the right car, at the right time, for the right customers.
· Reducing cycle times – removing one to two days from each step of the inventory process: buying, transporting, reconditioning, and retail-ready preparation.
· Reconditioning for success – why the condition of the vehicle is directly tied to customer satisfaction and success.
· Understanding customer needs vs. wants – stocking vehicles that align with what customers truly need.
· Using AI and technology in auctions – how digital tools and AI-enhanced inspections are creating more objective, consistent vehicle descriptions, and smarter buying decisions.
Doug will be joined by a representative from the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA), who will discuss the changes being implemented at the auctions, especially how AI is transforming auction dynamics.
About Doug Turner – A Career Built on Experience—and Purpose
Doug’s automotive journey began in high school, washing cars at a dealership in Marion, Ind. After earning a degree in business management (marketing/sales promotions) from Ball State University, Muncie, Ind., in 1992, he worked in tire sales and management at a Sears Auto Center. He then moved into leadership roles in operations, purchasing, and remarketing at J.D. Byrider, where he spent 24 years. He also worked at America’s Auto Auction for a year before joining America’s Car-Mart in 2024.
Doug was drawn to Car-Mart because of its strong culture, community focus, and the leadership of CEO Doug Campbell. “I had heard a lot about the company and its great employee culture. I love this business. I love the buy here pay here business model,” he says,
Reflecting on his first days at Car-Mart, Doug recalls, “The welcome I received and the support during my move were tremendous. I knew right away that Car-Mart was the right fit.”
Doug is passionate about Car-Mart’s mission to provide reliable, affordable vehicles to people who may not have access elsewhere. “We’re not just selling cars, we’re helping people get to work, the grocery store, and school,” says Doug. “We’re helping customers live their lives.”
He also serves as Chairperson of the Board for the ARA (Automotive Remarketing Alliance), after a two-year term as president. He has volunteered with this organization since 2000. “It’s good and healthy to be part of these automotive organizations—they raise visibility, bring great people together, and create opportunities to give back,” Doug concludes. “It’s a meaningful way to support and strengthen the industry.”
Ready to Drive Your Career Forward?
At America’s Car-Mart, we’re more than a dealership—we’re a team of people passionate about helping customers and communities thrive. If you’re looking for a place where your ideas matter and your work makes a real difference, join us. Explore current opportunities across our 12-state network and start your journey with Car-Mart today at Car-Mart.com/careers.
