Howard Bentley Buick GMC Names Taylor Bentley Conner its First Female Dealer Principal
TL;DR
Howard Bentley Buick GMC has named Taylor Bentley Conner as its first female Dealer Principal, marking a historic milestone for the Albertville, Alabama dealership. Taylor, who has served as General Manager since 2018, has led the dealership to become the #1 Buick GMC dealer in Alabama and #3 in the Southeast. She represents a growing trend of women in automotive leadership, with women now making up about 21% of dealership employees nationwide.
Taylor Bentley Conner as its first female dealer principal in Howard Bentley Buick GMC’s history
A Historic Leadership Transition
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — Howard Bentley Buick GMC has officially named Taylor Bentley Conner as its Dealer Principal, making her the first woman to hold the top leadership position in the dealership’s history. The announcement marks a significant milestone not only for the Albertville-based dealership but also for the broader automotive industry, where female dealer principals remain relatively rare.
Taylor Bentley Conner has been instrumental in the dealership’s growth and success since taking on the role of General Manager in 2018. Under her leadership, Howard Bentley Buick GMC has risen to become the #1 Buick GMC dealership in Alabama and the #3 Buick GMC dealership in the entire Southeast region — a remarkable achievement for a dealership located in a city of approximately 22,000 people.
Women in Automotive Leadership
Taylor’s appointment reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now represent approximately 21% of employees at automobile dealerships across the United States. While that number has been growing steadily, women in top dealer principal roles remain the exception rather than the rule, making Taylor’s achievement all the more noteworthy.
Her rise to the top position at Howard Bentley Buick GMC demonstrates that talent, dedication, and results-driven leadership transcend gender barriers in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.
A Family Legacy of Excellence
The Bentley family’s connection to the dealership spans decades. The dealership’s namesake, Howard Bentley, is a former NASA alumnus whose name has become synonymous with quality automotive sales and service in the Albertville area. Wayne Bentley acquired the dealership in 1988 and built it into one of the most respected Buick GMC dealerships in the region.
Taylor’s journey to the top has been defined by education and hands-on experience. She completed the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Academy in 2015, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama, and went on to obtain her MBA from Northwood University — one of the premier institutions for automotive industry management education.
Community Leadership Beyond the Dealership
Taylor’s leadership extends well beyond the showroom floor. In 2024, she joined the Board of Directors at Citizens Bank & Trust, further cementing her role as a key business leader in the Albertville community. This appointment reflects her growing influence in the region’s business landscape and her commitment to serving the community that has supported the dealership for decades.
Under Taylor’s guidance, Howard Bentley Buick GMC continues to be a cornerstone of the Albertville community, combining a legacy of family values with forward-thinking leadership that positions the dealership for continued growth and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Dealer Principal at Howard Bentley Buick GMC?
Taylor Bentley Conner is the Dealer Principal at Howard Bentley Buick GMC in Albertville, Alabama. She is the first woman to hold this position in the dealership’s history and has led the dealership since serving as General Manager starting in 2018.
How has Howard Bentley Buick GMC performed under Taylor Bentley Conner’s leadership?
Under Taylor Bentley Conner’s leadership, Howard Bentley Buick GMC has become the #1 Buick GMC dealership in Alabama and the #3 Buick GMC dealership in the Southeast region.
What is Taylor Bentley Conner’s educational background?
Taylor Bentley Conner completed the NADA Academy in 2015, earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama, and obtained her MBA from Northwood University, which is renowned for its automotive industry management programs.
What percentage of dealership employees are women?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women represent approximately 21% of employees at automobile dealerships in the United States. Female dealer principals like Taylor Bentley Conner remain relatively rare in the industry.
What is the history of Howard Bentley Buick GMC?
Howard Bentley Buick GMC is named after Howard Bentley, a former NASA alumnus. Wayne Bentley acquired the dealership in 1988 and built it into one of the most respected Buick GMC dealerships in the region. Taylor Bentley Conner now leads the dealership as its first female Dealer Principal.