Think Business With Jon Dwoskin

Ryan LaFontaine’s path after graduation was always clear – he wanted to work for his family’s auto dealership group, which was established by his father, Michael Sr., and mother, Maureen, in 1984. By 2008, LaFontaine was named chief operating officer of the LaFontaine Automotive Group, which has since grown to encompass 39 franchises, 20 retail locations, a global vehicles division, a parts warehouse and five full-service collision centers, employing more than 1,300 individuals across Michigan. And he is a recognized industry leader, having served as president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) and recently named chairman of the 2018 North American International Auto Show, the youngest chairman in the show’s 111-year history. LaFontaine is also proud to guide the next generation of automotive industry leaders through the LaFontaine Automotive Internship Program, a 12-week immersive experience at his dealerships. And while LaFontaine’s career has been meteoric, he suffered a setback in 2008 when he