Celebrating a Legend: John Stegall’s 30-Year Impact on the Auto Industry

By: Dee Jones

🚗 Celebrating a Legend: John Stegall’s 30-Year Impact on the Auto Industry

“A true leader doesn't just lead—he lifts others into leadership.”

As we reflect on the incredible career of John Stegall, we’re not just honoring a professional milestone—we’re celebrating a man who defined what it means to lead with integrity, wisdom, and heart.

John is approaching retirement after three remarkable decades in the Central Ohio automotive industry, and those of us at the Midwest Dealer Association (MDA) couldn’t let this moment pass without recognizing the massive imprint he’s left on our industry, our community, and our careers.

🏆 A Career Built on Character

For over 30 years, John Stegall has been a force in the dealership world—not because he chased the spotlight, but because he earned it.

From his earliest days in sales to becoming a respected leader and co-chairman of the MDA Board, John's contributions have helped shape the trajectory of countless dealerships and professionals across Ohio and the greater Midwest.

His leadership wasn’t just about hitting numbers—it was about developing people, building relationships, and raising the standards of what the car business could be.

🤝 A Mentor, A Friend, A Force of Nature

I had the privilege of meeting John in 2019. What started as a professional connection quickly evolved into a genuine friendship.

John didn’t just advise me—he challenged me. He motivated me. He believed in me. He saw leadership in me before I fully saw it in myself.

👉 "He told me when I was wrong... and gave me credit when I was right." That’s rare. That’s John.

In an industry where egos can be big and patience can be short, John was always the calm voice, the encouraging hand, and the guy who lit up the room the moment he walked in.

💼 An Impact That Spans the Midwest

Talk to any salesperson from Cleveland to Cincinnati, or Toledo to Terre Haute, and chances are they’ll tell you the same thing:

“John Stegall helped shape my career.”

His influence reached beyond dealership walls and executive offices. He was a champion for salespeople, a coach for managers, and a strategist for owners. He cared deeply about helping others rise up and succeed—whether it was their first year in the business or their fifteenth.

That’s what leadership really looks like.

🙌 Midwest Dealer Association Salutes You

As co-chairman and board member of the MDA, John poured his energy, ideas, and heart into making the Midwest Dealer Association a powerful, united resource for dealers across the region.

Whether he was working behind the scenes or leading a roundtable discussion, he made sure every voice was heard, and every idea was respected.

His legacy with the MDA is not just in what he accomplished—it’s in the foundation he helped build for future leaders to thrive on. 👏

🔥 Callout: True Leaders Create More Leaders

John didn’t just climb the ladder—he brought others up with him. His greatest pride wasn’t in awards or accolades—it was in seeing others grow, succeed, and achieve.

For me personally—and I know for many others—John will always be one of the few people in this business who truly made a difference in my career and in my life. 🙏

🎉 Thank You, John

So as you approach retirement, this is more than a “farewell”—it’s a celebration of who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’ve given to so many of us.

From all of us at the Midwest Dealer Association, and on behalf of every salesperson, every dealership manager, and every industry peer you’ve uplifted:

Thank you, sir.

✅ Thank you for your leadership.
✅ Thank you for your honesty.
✅ Thank you for your unwavering dedication.
✅ And thank you for being one of the real ones.

We’ll miss seeing you at every turn, but we know your impact will be felt for years to come.

💬 Final Word

"Some people work a job. John built a legacy."

We wish you nothing but the best in this next chapter. May your days ahead be filled with the same joy, integrity, and laughter you brought to this business.

God bless you, John Stegall. ❤️
Your MDA family