For Jerry McCann, the car business has never just been about selling vehicles—it’s about people. As the owner of the largest Mazda dealership on the West Coast, McCann has built his success on a foundation of trust, transparency, and customer-first service. But his journey to the top of the automotive industry started in an unexpected place.

Growing up in a family of electrical contractors, McCann’s parents had hoped he would follow the same path. Instead, he found his calling in sales. “I started selling cars in my early 20s, against my parents’ better wishes,” McCann recalls with a laugh. His love for both cars and people made the industry a natural fit. More importantly, he recognized early on that hard work could set him apart. “There are a lot of lazy people in the car business. I knew if I really worked hard, I could climb the ladder quickly,” he says. Climb he did. After excelling as a salesperson, McCann moved into management and, 25 years ago, became a dealership owner. Today, he operates one of the most successful Mazda dealerships in the country, recognized as the only President’s Club Mazda Dealer to have won the prestigious award 17 years in a row.

 

Mazda of Everett is known for its welcoming atmosphere and personal approach to customer service. Their team goes out of their way to treat everyone who walks through the door like family, regardless of age, background, or income. “If someone is working hard to rebuild their credit or just needs someone to take a chance on them, we do everything we can to help them find a path forward,” he shares. Over the years, the team at Mazda of Everett has helped thousands of customers purchase vehicles while improving their financial standing, something McCann is especially proud of. “We want people to feel seen, respected, and cared for,” he says.

 

What sets McCann’s dealership apart? According to him, it all comes down to culture. “Our biggest asset isn’t our inventory or our building, it’s our people,” he says. His philosophy is simple: Treat employees well so they, in turn, can provide an exceptional experience for customers. “I always say, if you can’t treat customers like they’re the most important people in the world, you can’t work here,” McCann explains. “Obviously, we don’t always get it right, but we get it right way more often than we get it wrong. And when we do get it wrong, we figure out how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

 

This commitment has led to an impressive 75-80% of McCann’s business coming from repeat customers or referrals. “It’s the best compliment when someone brings in their sister or best friend and says, ‘Hey, Jerry, I trust you to take care of them,” McCann says proudly. That trust was tested during the uncertain days of the pandemic, but McCann never wavered. While many dealerships raised prices to capitalize on vehicle shortages, he refused to follow suit. “We never charged over MSRP during COVID,” McCann says. “It just didn’t sit right with me. We stayed true to our values and continued to do what was right for our customers.” That kind of integrity is rare in the industry and it’s part of what makes Mazda of Everett stand out. “We believe in taking exceptional care of the customer and keeping them for life,” he adds.

 

Car dealerships often carry a stigma, something McCann is keenly aware of. “Car salesmen are people too,” he says. “We’re fathers, grandfathers, husbands, wives, and mothers. But unfortunately, the industry has a reputation that we have to work against.”

That’s why the culture at Mazda of Everett is built on respect among team members and customers alike. His approach has been to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone. “Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a single parent, a retired couple, or a college student—we want everyone to feel comfortable and valued here,” he assures.

 

Looking ahead, McCann is excited about the advancements in automotive technology but remains cautious about how they will impact reliability. “The more technology you put in a car, the more things can go wrong,” he says. Still, he believes that Mazda strikes a balance between innovation and reliability, which is one of the many reasons he stands behind the brand. His dealership is also growing physically. They recently acquired three acres next door and are in the process of building a new 26,000-square-foot service facility. “I’m excited to see that through, even if I’m not thrilled about spending the money,” he jokes.

 

McCann’s belief in Mazda isn’t just professional, it’s personal. His family has had their fair share of close calls on the road, and their Mazda vehicles have been lifesavers. “My wife rolled her CX-5 at 70 miles per hour on I-90—flipped it five times. She walked away without a scratch. My daughter was in a head-on collision at 65 miles per hour, which is usually fatal. She walked away with just an airbag burn. Experiences like these have solidified his trust in the brand. “I feel blessed to sell Mazda because of three things: resale value, reliability, and safety,” he says.

 

Beyond his professional achievements, McCann is a dedicated family man. Recently celebrating his 36th wedding anniversary, he and his wife have five children and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first granddaughter this summer. As for what he hopes readers take away from this article? “I just want people to know that we’re different. If you’re shopping for a car, give us a chance. Come see what we’re all about. Experience the difference yourself."