EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – Nick Anderson, general manager of Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, has been named in Car Business Today (CBT) News’ 2025 class of 40 Under 40, a national list that recognizes young professionals influencing the direction of the retail automotive industry.
CBT notes that the selection stems from Anderson’s nearly decade-long leadership at the dealership, his work on statewide industry policy, and his recent efforts to modernize sales and marketing. It is also his second national under-40 recognition, following a separate award he received in 2021.
Anderson said the news came as a genuine surprise. He remembered feeling the same reaction when he was honored in 2021. To him, the scope of the award is what makes it unexpected. With thousands of industry professionals nationwide, being chosen as one of 40 was a great honor. “To be chosen as one out of 40 nationwide is huge,” he said.
CBT News describes its honorees as standout young leaders in sales, service, operations, marketing and community involvement. Anderson’s path to this recognition comes from a small-town dealership that has steadily widened its reach.
Anderson has been general manager for nine years and has overseen eight consecutive years of growth. He credits this progress to being open to reevaluating long-standing industry habits. Instead of relying on the traditional negotiating model, he pushed the dealership toward a transparent pricing structure that lists the best price up front.
He explained that the shift made it possible to reach buyers far beyond the region. The dealership now attracts customers from across the country, including recent sales to out-of-state buyers. In his view, pricing based on real-time market conditions opened new doors while keeping the process clear for customers.
Even as the dealership broadens its reach, he said the local community remains an essential base. The surrounding areas, he noted, provide a strong foundation that the dealership continues to build on.
In Excelsior Springs, many have noticed a change in the dealership’s marketing approach. Anderson introduced a new strategy in July with help from Moss Marketing in Kansas City. The focus is on showing real employees rather than relying on generic dealership ads. He wanted customers to recognize someone before they walked through the door, believing that familiarity helps create a more comfortable experience.
The dealership’s sales and service teams now send introduction videos to customers before appointments. Anderson described it as a small step that makes the process easier and more personable.
Anderson’s work extends beyond the showroom. On December 8, he will step into the role of chairman of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association (MADA), an organization representing every new and used car dealer in the state.
His involvement began early. He grew up attending MADA conventions with his father and developed an interest in the bigger-picture issues affecting dealerships. He formally entered the committee structure about the time he became general manager and has worked his way up since.
A major priority heading into his chairmanship is the implementation of Missouri’s new online titling system. The project, partly funded through administrative fees collected by dealerships, is expected to allow buyers to complete registration and plating at the dealership during the purchase. 
As chairman, he will also be focused on warranty repair reimbursement rates. Manufacturers often pay lower rates for warranty work than customer-pay repairs, which affects technician earnings. Several states have already passed legislation to address the issue, and Anderson said Missouri dealers hope to pursue similar action to create a more balanced system.
Anderson chairs the MADA Next Committee for members under 40. The group raises between $25,000 and $50,000 each year through events such as golf tournaments and clay shoots, then distributes the funds to Missouri-based nonprofits across five regions. Anderson said the work is meant to encourage younger dealers to stay engaged in their communities and demonstrate the role dealerships can play in local support efforts.
At 35, Anderson said he hopes to continue expanding the business in the coming years. His long-term goals include adding more locations, carrying on his family’s legacy in the automotive industry, and finding more ways to be involved in the Excelsior Springs community. 
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Last Updated on November 16, 2025 by S Jason Cole

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