Photo Credit: Warren Henry Auto Group
Warren Henry Zinn, President and CEO of Warren Henry Auto Group, shares his insights on his family’s well-established dealerships across South Florida. The Zinn family’s involvement in the auto industry dates back to 1955. Warren’s father, David Zinn, sold Lincolns in the Bronx before moving to Miami Beach where he sold Chevys. He opened Florida’s first Toyota dealership in 1965. Warren’s passion for cars stems from growing up around his dad’s dealership. He attended automotive college to strengthen his knowledge of the booming auto industry. Warren’s first taste of his own career began when he was just 21 years old. Now Warren Henry Auto Group contains 13 franchise locations in Florida. We sat down with the automotive industry veteran to discuss the importance of a family business, the successes behind his dealerships and the bright future of Warren Henry Auto Group.
HL: How are you passing down your legacy to your son?
WH: We are continuing the growth and momentum with the brands our dealer group carries together. The future of the Warren Henry Auto Group is very bright, and we look forward to the continued expansion of our footprint in a dynamic Florida market.
HL: Why is keeping the business in the family so important to you?
WH: My father and grandfather graciously helped me start my first dealership venture when I was just 21 years old. I have enjoyed seeing our family-owned business continue to thrive and support so many other families in our beautiful South Florida community.
Photo Credit: Warren Henry Auto Group
HL: What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned from being in the business for 42 years?
WH: The greatest lesson I have learned is to always listen and to never doubt yourself. Listen to your head and your heart together to make the best decision and never look back!
HL: Tell us about the new headquarter move. What will this encompass, and why is it so noteworthy?
WH: We’re excited to announce that we’ll be moving closer to our customer base. The newly constructed state-of-the-art facility will enable us to provide the best customer experience possible. Notably, the North Miami location will have adequate parking for over 2,000 vehicles. Our new location is projected to be the largest Land Rover/Jaguar store in the entire nation.
Photo Credit: Warren Henry Auto Group
HL: What are some of Warren Henry Auto Group’s accomplishments from 2017?
WH: One of our most prestigious accomplishments
is over the last five years, the Warren Henry Auto Group has had all of its dealerships featured in the top “100 Best Dealerships to Work For” by Automotive News every year. In 2017, three of the Warren Henry Auto Group brands were included in the top 10, including Lamborghini Broward being awarded number one Best Dealership to Work For. We are proud to say that our dealerships brought in the most sales out of other competitive dealerships both regionally and nationally! The 2017 Land Rover North Dade location became the highest volume Land Rover store nationwide, and the 2017 Warren Henry Infiniti was the highest volume Infiniti store in the South Eastern US. 2017 Warren Henry Auto Group also acquired Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram today known as Keys Auto Center, as well as launched FlexWheels, a monthly subscription service that provides an alternative to car ownership or leasing.
HL: What are your plans for 2018-2019?
WH: We were recently included in South Florida Business Journal’s 2018 Fast 50, which recognizes the region’s 50 fastest-growing private companies. Larry Zinn, Auto Group General Manager, is being honored as one of the 2018 Automotive News Forty under 40 for his career achievements and community works. Other exciting accomplishments we’re looking forward to is the new North Miami location construction completion in 2019 while construction of new Land Rover/Jaguar facilities at the South Dade and the West Broward locations will begin. By 2020, with our fast-growing expansions, Warren Henry Auto Group will encompass 13 brands, totaling 16 franchises, in 5 locations: North Dade, South Dade, West Broward, Gainesville and Key West.
