Baseball legend Yogi Berra once famously remarked, “The beauty of life is that it never asks for perfection — only participation.” In other words, it’s essential we participate. NJ CAR’s NextGen Committee provides the opportunity for dealers and dealership employees to connect with others at in-person events and online roundtables.
What is NextGen?
NextGen is a networking and professional group that facilitates discussions regarding the most critical issues facing the automotive retail industry. The group consists of individuals dedicated to developing themselves professionally to become the next generation of dealership leaders.
The Committee’s vision is to provide opportunities for our members to participate in events that foster peer relations; support education and social engagement; and create opportunities to advocate in front of State and Congressional representatives on behalf of the industry.
Meet with Key Policy Makers and Make Your Voice Heard
When NextGen members join NJ CAR staff and members of the Coalition’s Board of Trustees to meet with New Jersey’s State and Congressional representatives, we advocate for dealer priorities, aiming to give dealerships a face and story that legislators can identify with. Each dealer has the opportunity to provide them with details about their dealership that demonstrate the value their local businesses bring to the Garden State. Such details often include their store’s total employee count; types of locally-supported charities; how much the dealership contributes to state and local economies; and much more.
Congressional meetings are scheduled by NJ CAR in partnership with national trade associations NADA and ATD and an informative two-day conference. The Coalition is also responsible for hosting periodic meetings at the State Capitol.
Collaborate with Us at NextGen Social Events
NJ CAR’s NextGen program offers a variety of ways to participate. In addition to engagement through political events, we offer opportunities to connect at our NextGen Social Events. In 2026, NextGen members were able to take part in two extended Happy Hours, where attendance at both events filled the room to capacity, prompting NJ CAR to identify larger venues for our 2027 events.
Join Our Reserved Online Roundtables
NextGen also offers educational panel discussions to its committee members. This includes the three insightful roundtables we hosted in 2026, covering a wide variety of topics impacting the industry. The first two conversations focused on relationship building with manufacturers and policy updates. The third — scheduled for November 12 — features NADA PAC Director Josh Heit who will provide participants with insights from the midterm Congressional election results, share how they may impact the industry at a federal level, and discuss how the results might inform New Jersey’s 2027 elections.
Become a NextGen Member
If you’re considering becoming a member, please note that there’s no age threshold, job title requirement, or dealership experience minimum necessary to join. NextGen is voluntary, open to all dealership employees, and free to apply. This Committee differs from the national NextGen program in three key areas:
- We only focus on New Jersey: New Jersey dealers are best informed when they understand what’s happening at the local level.
- Our NextGen does not have a PAC: Members of NJ CAR’s NextGen are not charged to support a PAC. Our program is free.
- NJ CAR’s NextGen Committee is open to all levels of dealership employment: From customer service to technician to GM, NextGen is open to all who are interested in working to invest in New Jersey’s franchise system and its dealership community.
Introducing Our Current NextGen Committee
NJ CAR’s NextGen has a solid leadership structure. Its governance committee is made up of dealer members who’ve volunteered their time to help our staff develop events, secure presenters, and cultivate inclusivity within NextGen to help foster professional growth.
2026 NJ CAR NextGen Committee Members
- Chairman: Thomas DeFelice, III — Circle BMW
- Spencer Campbell — Campbell Supply
- Gregg Ciocca, Jr. — Ciocca Auto Group
- John Johnson, III — Johnson Dodge Chrysler
- CJ Kull — Avalon Honda
- Amanda Pellegrino — Pellegrino Buick GMC
- Paul Sansone, III — Sansone Jr.’s 66 Auto Mall
- Ryan Schmidt — Bell Audi
- Jay Schwartz — Maurice Schwartz & Sons
- Dee Skidmore — Bridgeton Auto Group
To join the NextGen Committee, please apply online or download the NextGen application and return it to me at mpadilla@njcar.org.
