TheeAnna Stevens: Put people first, and keep adapting
With more than 40 years in the automobile business, TheeAnna Stevens has led dealership operations across sales, service, finance, and customer relations. As the vice president of Stevens Management Company, she helps oversee four dealership locations. At The Business Journal’s 2026 60 Ideas in Sixty Minutes event, held live on September 29, 2026, she shared her insights.
Key Advice:
- People-first approach: "Take care of your people, and they will take care of your customers." Stevens highlights employee longevity, with many staying for over 15, 20, and even 25 years, as a testament to a workplace that values its staff.
- Sound management: While emphasizing people-first, Stevens stresses the importance of knowing the numbers, evaluating vendors and contracts, reviewing processes, and reducing waste.
- Adaptability: She warns against assuming stability, urging leaders to question, verify, and stay close to daily operations to recognize changes.
- Hire for character: Stevens believes in prioritizing character during hiring, while developing skills through responsibility, support, and accountability.
- Reputation over deals: She argues that reputation is more valuable than any single deal and that making the right decisions, even when difficult, builds strong relationships.
- Timing and humility: Stevens emphasizes the importance of addressing problems promptly and encourages continuous learning, stating, "Cars are the product, people are the business."
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