# How Character Built the Preston Automotive Group Founder, Dave Wilson | The Moments That Built a Leader!

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dealer-talk-with-jen-suzuki-3437256/how-character-built-the-preston-automotive-group-founder-dave-wilson-the-moments-that-built-a-leader
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dealer-talk-with-jen-suzuki-3437256/how-character-built-the-preston-automotive-group-founder-dave-wilson-the-moments-that-built-a-leader.md
Podcast: [Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki](https://stenobird.com/podcast/dealer-talk-with-jen-suzuki-3437256)
Published: 2026-08-05T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://jennifersuzuki.libsyn.com/how-character-built-the-preston-automotive-group-founder-dave-wilson-the-moments-that-built-a-leader
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/jennifersuzuki/DTWJS_-_Dave_Wilson_-_7-27-26_LL_MTDR_ZT_fixed.mp3?dest-id=2463665
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/dealer-talk-with-jen-suzuki-3437256/episodes/how-character-built-the-preston-automotive-group-founder-dave-wilson-the-moments-that-built-a-leader
Duration seconds: 2769

## Resource

What really creates a great leader? It's probably not what you think. In this episode of Dealer Talk, I sit down with Dave Wilson, founder of Preston Automotive Group, to talk about something much bigger than dealerships, profits, or expansion. We talk about the moments nobody sees. The mentors who shaped him. The difficult conversations every leader eventually has to face. Why culture always starts with character. How "show the love" became a core business philosophy. Why humility is a competitive advantage. And why the best leaders never believe they've arrived. Dave shares lessons from buying his first dealership at just 22 years old, making painful hiring decisions, learning from expensive mistakes and building an organization where people genuinely want to stay and grow. Whether you lead a dealership, a department, or a small team, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with courage, consistency, and compassion. If you're looking for leadership advice that goes beyond business tactics and into the mindset that builds lasting organizations, this episode is one you won't forget. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai , AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships. ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

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