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Ken Garff Auto Group

Ken Garff Auto Group

Multi-location auto dealer focused on transparency

Automotive Service Manager

Full-Time
No salary listed
Senior, Expert
Houston, TX, USA
In Person

About the job

Requirements
  • Five to ten years of experience in a service management or leadership role is required.
  • A proven track record of building and developing a high-performing service department is required.
  • A team-oriented, hands-on, and inclusive leadership style is required.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Candidates must be able to provide references upon request.
  • A valid in-state driver's license and a good driving record, per company standards, are required.
  • Strong written and verbal problem-solving and communication skills are required.
  • Advanced knowledge of automobiles and repair work is required.
  • Advanced computer and technical skills are required.
Responsibilities
  • Forecast and meet goals and objectives for the service department.
  • Prepare and administer an annual operating budget for the service department.
  • Understand, keep abreast of, and comply with federal, state, and local regulations affecting service operations, including hazardous waste disposal and OSHA right-to-know requirements.
  • Hire, train, motivate, counsel, support, and monitor the needs and performance of all service department staff, including approximately XX direct reports.
  • Serve as liaison with brand factory representatives.
  • Handle escalated situations and follow up as needed.
  • Break down estimates into labor and parts before work begins so repair technicians are aware of time allowances.
  • Quality-check completed jobs as needed.
  • Keep abreast of new equipment and tools and recommend purchases.
  • Ensure that work areas and the customer waiting area are clean and inviting.
  • Control department performance using Daily Operating Control, efficiency and productivity controls, comeback reports, order trends and metrics, warranty reports, telephone surveys, and monthly forecasts.
  • Handle staff time-off requests, payroll corrections, and other managerial tasks.
  • Maintain reporting systems required by general management and the manufacturer.
Desired Qualifications
  • A college degree is preferred.
  • Previous use of Ignite, Dealertrack, or Arkona is desirable based on the stated experience requirement.

About the company

Ken Garff Auto Group operates a multi-location network of car dealerships across Utah, Texas, Iowa, Nevada, Michigan, and California. It sells new and used vehicles and provides automotive services, parts, and customer support through its many stores. The company emphasizes a customer experience built around transparency, trust, and attentive service, encapsulated in its brand slogan “We Hear You.” Its approach combines a long-standing commitment to ethical business practices with community involvement, employee benefits, and a focus on making the car-buying process clearer and more respectful than traditional dealerships. The goal is to deliver an unsurpassed customer experience at every interaction while supporting the communities it serves and maintaining strong, people-oriented corporate values.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Salt Lake City, Utah

Founded

1932

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Ken Garff bought Volkswagen SouthTowne on June 8, 2026, adding Utah scale.
  • Brett Hopkins said the company targets broader expansion after Lexus and Volkswagen purchases.
  • Community programs in Colorado and Utah strengthen hiring appeal and local brand trust.

What critics are saying

  • Young Automotive bought Ken Garff Nissan Riverdale on June 16, 2026, shrinking Utah presence.
  • The Tekion conversion through 2026 risks store disruption, training friction, and delayed closings.
  • Captive finance concentration with Arivo exposes earnings to nonprime credit deterioration.

What makes Ken Garff Auto Group unique

  • Salt Lake City-rooted group owns 71-plus dealerships across nine states in 2026.
  • Tekion rollout spans all stores by end-2026, standardizing retail operations systemwide.
  • Arivo Acceptance becomes its captive finance arm, tightening sales-to-lending integration.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Mental Health Support

Wellness Program

Employee Discounts

Company News

CBT News
Jun 8th, 2026
Ken Garff expands Utah footprint with Volkswagen purchase.

Ken Garff expands Utah footprint with Volkswagen purchase. Ken Garff Automotive Group has acquired Volkswagen SouthTowne in South Jordan, Utah, from Susan Watkins. Announced on June 8, 2026, the transaction marks the group's first acquisition of 2026 and expands its dealership portfolio in its home state. The dealership has been renamed Ken Garff Volkswagen Southtowne. David Ibarra of Live Ready(R) Dealer Exchange Brokering facilitated the transaction. Deal details: Seller: Susan Watkins Buyer: Ken Garff Automotive Group Transaction Date: June 8, 2026 Rebranded Dealerships: * Volkswagen SouthTowne | Ken Garff Volkswagen Southtowne Advisor/Facilitator: Live Ready(R) Dealer Exchange Brokering

North Forty News
Nov 19th, 2025
Ken Garff Automotive Group Provides Thanksgiving Meals to Local Veterans

Ken Garff Automotive Group provides Thanksgiving meals to local veterans. Fort Collins and Greeley sites host drive-through giveaways as part of multi-state community service effort. Ken Garff Automotive Group is partnering with the Northern Colorado Veterans Resource Center and the Community Veteran Project to provide free Thanksgiving meals to veterans and military families during its annual "Drive Out Hunger" events in Greeley and Fort Collins. The effort is part of the company's "We're 'Hear' for You" community-giving initiative, which engages employees in hands-on service projects across nine states. Each vehicle that enters the drive-through will receive a tote bag containing a frozen turkey, sides, dessert, and cooking essentials - support intended to help Northern Colorado veterans enjoy a complete holiday meal. "Drive Out Hunger is our way of giving back to those who have given so much," said Brett Hopkins, CEO of Ken Garff Automotive Group. "We're proud to expand this event across all nine states where we do business, allowing us to connect with even more veterans and their families." Packing Events - Tuesday, Nov. 18 - 2 p.m. Ken Garff Ford Greeley, 4901 29th St., Greeley - Thursday, Nov. 20 - 11 a.m. - Noon and 1 - 2 p.m. Ken Garff Ford Fort Collins, 4809 S. College Ave. Distribution Events - Thursday, Nov. 20 - 3 - 6 p.m. Ken Garff Ford Greeley, 4901 29th St., Greeley - Friday, Nov. 21 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ken Garff Ford Fort Collins, 4809 S. College Ave. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A Military ID, VA Medical Card, or Veterans Identification Card is required. Find more Northern Colorado community stories at https://northfortynews.com.

Coverager
Aug 5th, 2024
AutoComplete secures funding from investors

AutoComplete, a company helping car dealerships offer insurance, has closed a SAFE-structured financing round with participation from Bain Ventures, FM Capital, Presidio, and several strategic dealership group investors including AutoNation Inc., Butler Automotive Group, and others. Founded in 2021 and led by Ahmed Khaishgi, AutoComplete aims to expand its auto insurance platform with this new backing.