About Mark Gilbert – CEO and Visionary Leader

With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Mark Gilbert stands as a titan in the automotive industry. As the CEO of the Automotive Training Network (ATN), Mark has not only built dealerships from the ground up but has also guided and managed automotive enterprises across the globe. His profound expertise in sales strategies, behavioral psychology, and personality profiling has made him a sought-after leader and speaker in the industry.

Mark’s journey began in Northern California, where he established his first dealership in 1982. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand to as many as fourteen dealerships before becoming a principal partner in ATN. Throughout his career, Mark has been committed to improving the operational and financial performance of dealerships, focusing on innovative training and leadership development.

A prominent figure at industry events, Mark has been a keynote speaker at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA) shows. His insights have also been featured on The Tom Stuker Show, where he shares his vast knowledge of the automotive world. In the fall of 2023, Mark’s latest book, The Salesperson’s Guide for Success in Auto Sales, will be hitting the shelves, further solidifying his role as a thought leader.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mark has contributed to over 200 seminars and training programs worldwide, working with industry giants such as Ford Motor Company, Nike, Hewlett Packard, and various telecom companies. His dedication to fostering leadership skills has seen him direct manager training retreats and lead personal development certifications for groups of up to 300 participants.

Mark’s leadership extends beyond the corporate world. He serves on several prestigious boards, including the SBA Senate Subcommittee Automotive Group and the FTC Dealer Advisory Board. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his contributions as a Board Member and Board Chair at the Mayo Clinic and the Scottsdale Village.

When not immersed in his work, Mark enjoys quality time with his family. A devoted husband of 24 years, he is a proud father of five and a grandfather to nine. Mark’s adventurous spirit is evident in his hobbies—he is a PADI Certified Dive Instructor, a former NCAA college basketball official, and an airplane pilot with a turbine engine rating. His passion for travel keeps him constantly on the move, logging hundreds of thousands of air miles each year to stay connected with clients and partners.

Mark Gilbert’s legacy in the automotive industry is one of innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.