Brian Benstock, a renowned innovator in automotive retail and digital transformation, is among a dynamic lineup of “who’s-who” in the world of automotive leadership that will be at the 2025 CAMS Industry Summit on Sept. 18 at Northwood University.
Benstock, Vice President of Paragon Honda & Acura — the No. 1 certified Honda and Acura dealership in the world — will headline the summit with a keynote address from 1 to 2:30 p.m. inside Griswold Lecture Hall. Known for transforming how vehicles are sold and serviced, Benstock has been featured by CNN Money, FOX Business, Bloomberg Technology, CBS News, and Automotive News for his insights on leadership, customer experience, and dealership innovation.
“Brian Benstock is a visionary automotive retail leader who challenges us all to rethink what’s possible in our industry,” said Dr. Dave Oventhal, Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University. “His career exemplifies innovation and grit, and our students, faculty, and industry partners will gain valuable perspective from his insights.”
Hosted by the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS) at Northwood University, the CAMS Industry Summit brings together executives, alumni, faculty, students, and community members for a day of panels, networking, and industry insights. Moderated by Ted Ings of Ted Ings’ Fixed Ops Roundtable, topics will include automotive industry trends, women in the automotive industry, trends in automotive technology, and insights from past chairs of the Northwood University International Auto Show.
“The CAMS Industry Summit is a true extension of Northwood’s leadership in automotive and mobility education,” noted Dr. Matthew Bennett, Vice President of Enrollment and Strategic Alliances. “Bringing respected and proven industry leaders like Brian Benstock to campus connects professionals in the Great Lakes Bay Region to outside expertise and inspires our students to think bigger about their own future in this dynamic industry.”
Other speakers who will be featured at the CAMS Industry Summit include:
- Julie Douglas, President/CEO, Dealer Pay
- Chris Gaunce, President, Central Maine Motors Group
- Shon Kingrey, V.P. of Fixed Operations, Kayser Automotive Group
- Brian Kramer, EVP, Dealer Growth & Success, Cars Commerce
- Eve Knudtsen, President/Owner, Knudtsen Chevrolet
- Maureen Martin, VP of Strategic Alliances, Dynatron Software
- Niki Paparella-Paschall, Michigan CAT, Manager, Customer Experience Marketing
- David Reinicke, Automotive Warranty Network
- Ed Robert, COO of Bozard Ford/Lincoln
- Art White, Owner, AW Auto Group
- Camron Wilson, Vice President, Education & Training / Dealership Operations, NADA
“The CAMS Industry Summit continues to set the stage for meaningful discussions between industry leaders and the next generation of automotive professionals who believe in personal freedom, individual responsibility, earned success, and the importance of free enterprise,” added Elgie Bright, who chairs Northwood’s Automotive Marketing and Management degree program. “Our students learn about industry challenges and opportunities in real time while building professional networks that will fuel their careers. At the same time, the summit is open to the public, so professionals throughout the region can also benefit from this insightful programming, including Brian Benstock’s keynote at 1 p.m.”
Benstock, a 24-time marathon runner, motorcycle enthusiast, and family man, blends high-performance discipline with his business philosophy. His expertise spans leadership, digital retailing, entrepreneurship, and customer experience, making his keynote a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of the automotive and mobility industries.
The CAMS Industry Summit runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 in Griswold Lecture Hall. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required online at https://forms.northwood.edu/cams-industry-summit/.
For more information about the CAMS Industry Summit, email Dr. David Oventhal at .
