Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

How This Hoosier Family Built a $1B Car Empire from Scratch

Discover how Ryan Rohrman transformed his grandfather's 1963 gravel lot dealership into one of America's largest family-owned automotive groups.

Podcast Summary

On today’s show I sat down with Ryan Rohrman, CEO of Rohrman Automotive Group, one of the largest family-owned dealership groups in the United States.

Ryan shares his inspiring journey and how the business, started by his grandfather Bob Rohrman on a gravel lot in 1963, evolved into a thriving enterprise.

Our conversation explores the unique challenges and strategies involved in leading a third-generation family business, including the impact of digital marketing, culture building, and social media on modernizing the company.

Ryan also dives into the importance of customer relationships, employee retention, and community involvement while honoring the company's rich legacy.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast

You are going to learn about:

  • How Rohrman Automotive Group Became a $1B Enterprise

  • Strategies for Generational Family Business Leaders

  • How Customer Relationships, Employee Retention and Community Involvement Drive Business

Thank you to our partners:
Duke Homes
Indy Grills

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:23 Guest Introduction: Ryan Rohrman, Rohrman Automotive Group
02:11 The Origins of Rohrman Automotive Group
07:17 Expansion and Success in the Automotive Industry
10:52 Generational Transition and Family Involvement
15:27 Ryan's Personal Journey and Career Path
24:00 Insights into Car Sales and Customer Experience
41:29 The Grandfather's Influence
42:00 Early Career and Growth
43:12 Late Night Conversations
44:35 Sales Strategies and Experiences
50:44 Taking Over the Family Business
57:05 Innovations and Unifying the Group
01:07:33 Social Media and Modern Marketing
01:16:21 Community Impact and Personal Insights

Guest(s)

Ryan Rohrman

Date Published

October 17, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Related Get IN. Podcasts

ClusterTruck CEO Janet Monroe and first franchisee Joe Curtis talk franchising, the Carmel launch, and the tech behind the kitchen.

Business & Economy

|

01:06:53

text

text

ClusterTruck CEO Janet Monroe and first franchisee Joe Curtis talk franchising, the Carmel launch, and the tech behind the kitchen.

Business & Economy

|

01:06:53

text

text

ClusterTruck CEO Janet Monroe and first franchisee Joe Curtis talk franchising, the Carmel launch, and the tech behind the kitchen.

Business & Economy

|

01:06:53

text

text

N2 Company co-founder Earl Seals shares how he scaled a neighborhood media business to 850+ locations and his involvement with The Chosen TV series.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:38

text

text

N2 Company co-founder Earl Seals shares how he scaled a neighborhood media business to 850+ locations and his involvement with The Chosen TV series.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:38

text

text

N2 Company co-founder Earl Seals shares how he scaled a neighborhood media business to 850+ locations and his involvement with The Chosen TV series.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:38

text

text

Remodel Health co-founders Scott Lingle and Justin Clements share how they're revitalizing Danville and Martinsville through local investment and entrepreneurship.

Business & Economy

|

01:20:57

text

text

Remodel Health co-founders Scott Lingle and Justin Clements share how they're revitalizing Danville and Martinsville through local investment and entrepreneurship.

Business & Economy

|

01:20:57

text

text

Remodel Health co-founders Scott Lingle and Justin Clements share how they're revitalizing Danville and Martinsville through local investment and entrepreneurship.

Business & Economy

|

01:20:57

text

text

Jeff Boone shares how Cowpokes grew from a 1993 startup to Indiana's top Western wear destination, plus his family's auction legacy.

Business & Economy

|

01:14:50

text

text

Jeff Boone shares how Cowpokes grew from a 1993 startup to Indiana's top Western wear destination, plus his family's auction legacy.

Business & Economy

|

01:14:50

text

text

Jeff Boone shares how Cowpokes grew from a 1993 startup to Indiana's top Western wear destination, plus his family's auction legacy.

Business & Economy

|

01:14:50

text

text

High School Hustle helps Indiana teens start real businesses. Hear from a 15-year-old who earned $25K in two months knocking on doors

Business & Economy

|

01:12:29

text

text

High School Hustle helps Indiana teens start real businesses. Hear from a 15-year-old who earned $25K in two months knocking on doors

Business & Economy

|

01:12:29

text

text

High School Hustle helps Indiana teens start real businesses. Hear from a 15-year-old who earned $25K in two months knocking on doors

Business & Economy

|

01:12:29

text

text

Nick Smarrelli shares how Butler University's entrepreneurship program uses student-run businesses and hands-on learning to develop Indiana's next business leaders.

Business & Economy

|

01:31:06

text

text

Nick Smarrelli shares how Butler University's entrepreneurship program uses student-run businesses and hands-on learning to develop Indiana's next business leaders.

Business & Economy

|

01:31:06

text

text

Nick Smarrelli shares how Butler University's entrepreneurship program uses student-run businesses and hands-on learning to develop Indiana's next business leaders.

Business & Economy

|

01:31:06

text

text

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.