Woodland Hills GENERAL MANAGER: Ali Shirazi Growth Rate: 220% “Luxury for less.” That’s how Ali Shirazi explains Keyes Woodland Hills Hyundai’s two-year revenue growth of 220 percent. Shirazi, general manager of the dealership on Ventura Boulevard, gives some credit to parent company Keyes Automotive Group, also on the Business Journals’ list of Fastest Growing Companies. But Keyes has owned the dealership for years, so he attributes the recent run-up in sales to Hyundai’s brand appeal. “We are selling a good brand for less than the competitive brands,” he said. “Overall, the Hyundai brand is coming together with styling, price and dependability.” In a sense, Shirazi’s direct competitors are sister dealerships. Keyes also owns Keyes Hyundai of Van Nuys and Keyes Mission Hills Hyundai. Shirazi said the most popular model at his dealership is the Sonata sedan. The Sonata carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $22,050. As for internal growth factors, Shirazi cites his treatment of his workforce. The dealership has about 55 employees, with the biggest contingent in sales. His approach – and advice for managers at other businesses – is to help employees grow. “Of course, we promote from within,” he said. “They get rewarded if they do a good job, and eventually move up to the next position.” But growth, he emphasized, involves a lot more than promotions. “Find out where they need help. If you make a list of the people you’ve hired, it should show you where they are. Then think about how to improve their talents and what you can teach them to alleviate their weaknesses,” he said. For 2018, Shirazi sees the outlook as “good, good, good.” The National Automobile Dealers Association forecasts this year’s strong market, with projected new vehicle sales of 17.1 million, will extend into next year. – Joel Russell
50 Fastest Growing Private Companies 2017: KEYES woodland hills HYUNDAI
