Don Forman, CEO and Founder of Forman Automotive

Growing up, I didn’t dream of being in the automotive industry. In fact, my foray into the car business started as a bet in 1991. Today, most know me as a successful automotive entrepreneur, but few know I was rejected 3 times before becoming a salesman. Even then, it took me 45 days to sell my first car.  

But once I started to find my groove, I was hooked. Helping people with their vehicle needs — and leading teams of like-minded people — became my passion. From that day on, I set myself an agenda which I religiously read every morning on what I wanted to accomplish next. I had given myself a goal to become a sales manager in 6 months. And when that came into fruition 9 months later, I drafted my next plan. In just four years, I climbed the ladder from a fresh-faced salesman in Phoenix, AZ to a seasoned General Sales Manager in Albuquerque, NM.  

I truly started to lay down my roots in 1995 when I moved to Las Vegas. My first week here still lives fresh in my memory. The lights were mesmerizing and the heat was overwhelming, but I had a visceral feeling this was where I was meant to be. In 1997, I had officially achieved my goal of running my first dealership. I was the General Manager of Nissan West for three years before receiving a phone call that changed my life. 

My friend had called saying his boss, racing legend and business aficionado, Roger Penske, wanted to meet with me. That day was what I imagine it feels like for basketball players during the NBA draft. I left that meeting as his business partner and worked my first day at United Nissan on April 4th, 2000. 

Roger knew I had a knack for fixing things and he wanted to turn around the store, which has been failing miserably for months. In my first 45 days, with the help of a staff I had handpicked, the store started to make a profit again. That year, Roger awarded me the “Fastest Turnaround” award, which was something he’d never done before. 

In a decade that felt like it flew by, I went from not being able to sell a car in 45 days, to leading the quickest store turnaround in 45 days. My passion for automotive had grown to something I’d never known before and the store’s success granted me opportunities to venture into other projects like United Racing and custom car building. 

Three years later, Roger Penske sold me United Nissan. Under my leadership, and through the hard work and dedication of my team, the store grew to be the number one volume Nissan Dealer on the West Coast. Since then, we’ve been the recipient of various awards, including the Nissan Dealer Award of Excellence and the prestigious Nissan Circle of Excellence Award.

Despite accomplishing all the goals I had set out as a young man in 1991, my dreams and vision for the future expands year after year. I find fulfillment in taking an idea and turning it into something tangible. Like building a house, you must start with the foundation, then framework, and so on and so forth. The same applies to my life and business. When I founded Forman Automotive, it was not only as a way to serve the demands of car buyers but the greater community as a whole. 

From the beginning, my goal has been to support the growth of my community alongside my businesses. One of the ways this dream has come to life is through my partnership with FOX5 in our creation of the FOX5 Surprise Squad. Over 500 episodes and counting, we’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of families across the Las Vegas valley since 2013. 

My community has graciously shown me support throughout the years, and in return, I find it a privilege to give back in significant ways. To me, there is nothing more satisfying. And while giving back monetarily will always be a staple for me, I also hope my life story serves as an inspiration to others. 

Aside from my automotive dealerships, I have a diversified business portfolio spanning dozens of industries. Outside of business and investing, I’m an avid traveler, wine enthusiast, golfer, thrill-seeker, risk-taker, loyal friend, husband, and father. 

If you have any questions, I’d be happy to connect. Please feel free to reach me directly here.