Dealer news: AutoNation joins Army’s jobs program; Iowa store changes hands

AutoNation has joined the Army.

OK, not exactly. The nationwide auto retailer has joined with the U.S. Army as a partner in the Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, which provides soldiers with career pathways following their military service.

The program guarantees soldiers five job interviews from a network of companies after they have completed their service, allowing them to simultaneously serve their country and prepare for their future.

“Military service prepares individuals for the workforce in unique and valuable ways,” AutoNation chief human resource officer Lisa Esparza said, “providing skills and experiences that are transferrable and highly valued by our organization.

“AutoNation associates share the same ambition and determination to be the best each and every day. From retail sales and service technicians to corporate positions, AutoNation offers veterans significant opportunities for career growth and skills training from coast to coast.”

AutoNation currently employs more than 1,000 veterans in positions including technicians, general managers and other leadership roles. Through its partnership with the Army PaYS Program, the company said, AutoNation is committed to providing veterans with opportunities to build rewarding careers.

“The U.S. Army is a reliable recruitment source for businesses with an endless pool of qualified talent,” PaYS program manager Antonio Johnson said, “and we’re pleased that AutoNation is committed to helping soldiers find employment after military service.”

The PaYS program is a strategic partnership between the Army and a cross-section of private industry, academia and state and local public institutes. More than 1,300 employers have partnered with the program since it began in 2000.

DeYarman adds another Iowa dealership

DeYarman Automotive Group has added a third Iowa location with the acquisition of Deery of Ames Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram from Mark Chasey, according to Performance Brokerage Services, which advised the buyer in the transaction.

Doug DeYarman worked 30 years in the auto industry before opening his first dealership, DeYarman Ford of Indianola, Iowa. DeYarman Automotive Group later added a store in Knoxville, Iowa, housing Chevrolet GMC and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchises.

Its newest acquisition has been renamed DeYarman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ames.