When Garrett Eddings first gripped a tire wrench at 16, he didn’t realize he was tightening the bolts on a bigger dream — one that would one day redefine how auto dealers get started in California.
Fast forward two decades, and that dream now drives California Dealer Academy — a powerhouse of real-world mentorship, dealer setup support, and compliance mastery helping hundreds of ambitious entrepreneurs across the state break into one of the most heavily regulated markets in the U.S.
This isn’t your average pre-licensing school. California Dealer Academy is rewriting the script for what it means to become an auto dealer or auto broker — transforming curious, hardworking individuals into confident business owners who not only pass the test but stay profitable, legal, and resilient for the long haul.
Why So Many Dealers Fail — And Why California Dealer Academy’s Graduates Don’t
Every year, thousands of would-be dealers in California walk into licensing tests unprepared for the actual business of running a dealership. Even more launch with a license in hand, only to get sidelined by paperwork errors, compliance issues, or lack of access to the wholesale auctions that fuel inventory.
Garrett Eddings saw this pattern firsthand.
“Passing a test is easy. Building a dealership that survives the first year? That’s the hard part,” says Eddings, who spent years in the trenches as a dealership owner and trainer before founding California Dealer Academy in 2014.
He launched the academy not to churn out license holders—but to create real business owners.
The Auto Dealer’s Blueprint: Building a Business from the Ground Up
California Dealer Academy’s promise is simple but powerful: We won’t just teach you how to pass. We’ll show you how to build.
The academy guides students step by step through the full launch process—from registering an LLC and securing insurance to installing signage and accessing dealer-only auctions like Manheim, Adesa, and ACV.
But it’s the real-world mentorship that makes the difference.
Students learn what paperwork trips up new dealers. How to structure deals to avoid legal backlash. When to scale inventory. And most importantly—how to stay in compliance with California’s notoriously complex DMV system.
“Everything we do is California-specific,” Eddings emphasizes. “This isn’t a generic, national program. Every document, every lesson, every checklist is built for our state’s rules, right down to the signage requirements.”
Meet the Graduate: From First Sale to Second Location
The results speak for themselves.
Take Luis M., a former mechanic who dreamed of flipping cars full time. After completing the academy’s course, he launched a wholesale dealership out of a small Sacramento office. Today, Luis operates two locations, has full auction access, and mentors new dealers himself.
“I never thought I’d run my own business,” Luis said. “I thought I was just taking a class. But Garrett and the team gave me the playbook for the whole thing—from forms to deals to what not to do.”
Stories like Luis’s aren’t rare. Graduates often return for compliance coaching, growth strategies, and to tap into the academy’s vendor network as they expand.
A Safety Net for New Dealers — And a Launchpad for the Ambitious
Beyond launching businesses, the academy offers ongoing post-license support: renewals, one-on-one compliance audits, and business coaching that keeps students sharp and compliant. It’s a crucial safeguard in a state where even minor violations can mean hefty fines or license loss.
New dealers also gain access to an inner circle: industry-only events, dealer auction networks, vendor partnerships, and Garrett’s private mentorship sessions for select students.
For those ready to go all in, California Dealer Academy is less a class and more a transformation.
Why California Dealer Academy Is the Hidden Engine Behind California’s Next Generation of Dealers
Most licensing courses do one thing: get you past the test. California Dealer Academy does five things better:
- Real-World Mentorship: Led by seasoned dealer-owners, not just instructors.
- Full Setup Services: LLC formation, bonding, signage, insurance — all handled.
- California-Centric Curriculum: Built around California’s unique regulatory climate.
- Auction & Vendor Access: Connections to top platforms like Manheim, ACV, and more.
- Post-License Support: From compliance audits to growth coaching, help doesn’t stop at graduation.
In an industry where the margin for error is razor thin, this kind of support can mean the difference between a side hustle and a six-figure business.
Ready to Launch Your Own Dealership in California?
Whether you’re a former mechanic, a first-time entrepreneur, or just ready for a career shift, California Dealer Academy is your fast track to ownership—with every tool and safeguard you need to thrive.
Visit www.CaliforniaDealerAcademy.com to explore programs, or dive into their YouTube Channel for real-world insights and student stories.
Or call (916) 610-3169 and start a conversation that could change your career forever.
