Rob King, CEO of Bob King Automotive Group, was elected as the 2025-2026 chairman of NCADA during the Annual Family Convention this past June. Rob’s 45 years in the industry and his involvement with many nonprofit and community organizations have prepared him well for this position.

He firmly believes that “to whom much is given, much is required,” and is extremely active in his local community of Winston-Salem. Rob and his wife, Kristen Martin King, have four children in their blended family, ages 17 to 38.

We recently sat down with Rob and learned more about him, his career journey and what he wants to accomplish as chairman. The following are excerpts from our conversation.

How did you get started in the automotive industry, and were there any formative experiences that guided you to where you are today?
At the ripe age of 14, I unwisely announced to my parents that I would not be running spring track in school as expected, to give myself more free time. I planned on having fun and goofing off. My parents had other ideas for my schedule that had suddenly opened up. My mom candidly told my dad that I would end up driving her crazy. So, Dad put me to work at the dealership washing cars and cleaning the mechanic’s bathroom after school.

I worked there until I left for Appalachian State University. I came home over the Christmas break and spent that time working at the dealership. I ended up selling so many cars and making so much money that I had very little intention of returning to college, but I ended up going back.

I had the opportunity to attend the NADA Academy — the third one ever held — and that solidified my path in the auto industry. My career started at the bottom of the food chain in the dealership, and I worked my way through every job until I took over the company at 32 years old.

What inspired you to take on the role of NCADA chairman, and what aspects of your background prepared you for this leadership position?
Funny you should ask. I happened to be at a board of directors meeting where we were holding a vote to spend a fair amount of money on advertising. Our bylaws stated it had to pass with unanimous consent. When my turn came, I was the only one to vote no. I thought we were chasing the wrong clients. We didn’t need to use cable TV to talk to people about EV cars because those consumers don’t watch traditional TV. I felt that we needed to chase them via computer or handheld device. Once I had explained my concerns, the board decided to go in a different direction.

As I left the meeting, two of my good friends said to me, “We need to put you on the EC.” Not paying any attention to what that was, I said, “Sure!” The next thing you know, I’m on the EC (executive committee) as secretary of NCADA, the next year as treasurer, then VC and now chairman. I have learned a lot through each role while working alongside so many smart and talented dealers.

I have been fortunate to have served on a number of university and community boards that were struggling when I came on, and we were able to turn them around. I’ve had a great deal of experience working with higher education: faculty, donors, stakeholders, etc. As a result of these opportunities, my skill set has evolved beyond that of a car dealer or a businessperson. I served as president of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Foundation for five years, on their board of trustees for nine years, including five as the board chairman. I also chaired the search committee during this time for multiple deans and chancellors for the school, an honor I took very seriously.

Additionally, I have served two terms on the Kia National Dealer Council, the Mitsubishi National Dealer Council, the Hyundai National Dealer Council and two terms on the Mazda National Dealer Council, including serving as chairman of the council one of those years.

Our dealerships have been the corporate sponsor for the Forsyth Humane Society Furr Ball, the main fundraiser for our local Humane Society, for the past eight years, raising over $2.5 million to increase community awareness of the need for fostering and adopting the animals in our community. My wife, Kristen, and I are the lead corporate sponsors for the Smiley Kids for Kids Triathlon, the No. 1-ranked kids triathlon in the United States.

I also spend a great deal of time on the Grandfather Community Foundation Board serving Avery County. This foundation raised $2.7 million for hurricane relief in a short three-month period and is committed to educating the less fortunate in the Avery County area.

I understand that when it comes to leading and in order to get things done, one must first learn to figure out what people really want and why they want it. Oftentimes, understanding the why is the catalyst for moving forward with an action plan.

What are you focusing on during your term as chairman?
We need to continue to protect the franchise model. Throughout the history of automobile sales, OEMs that have decided to build and sell cars have been epic failures. Ford tried to sell cars at Sears, Roebuck and Company; it didn’t work. However, when Ford switched to the franchise system, it became highly successful. Again, in the 1990s, Ford and General Motors tried to sell direct by owning auto dealerships — the formation of the Utah Auto Collection proved disastrous. This was a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and a group of 13 local Ford dealers. The aim was to operate the dealerships under a single name and marketing agreement, reportedly to reduce competition among Ford dealers and improve business. The model proved unpopular with dealers and customers.

My focus will always be on protecting dealers and their investments first and foremost.

We have to make sure that we take care of our members and the citizens of North Carolina.

Additionally, we’ve already worked with legislators on moving titling to an electronic method in the future. But again, moving the DMV is kind of like moving the Queen Mary and asking it to be nimble. Some things just don’t happen as quickly as you need them to happen, but we will keep working on them.

How do you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
I am of the mindset, “Work hard, play hard, but be present.” If I’m having a conversation with you, I don’t need to be thinking about where I’m going to be tomorrow. I need to be 100% present. Today, having had a lengthy professional career, my family remains first in my life, and I try to maximize time together with my wife and children, making as many memories together as possible.