Built for the people who make dealerships work.

George Oliva is the Founder and CEO of The Car Department, an online learning academy dedicated to developing automotive professionals through practical, real-world training in sales, finance and insurance (F&I), and dealership management.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, George earned his bachelor's degree in International Business with a minor in Spanish. Shortly after graduating, he began working as a car salesman at a large franchise dealership in his hometown of Austin, Texas. What he initially viewed as a temporary opportunity quickly developed into a lifelong career in the automotive industry.

Starting on the showroom floor, George worked his way through the ranks of dealership management before eventually opening his own independent used car dealership. His firsthand experience in sales, management, and dealership ownership gave him a comprehensive understanding of the automotive business, from day-to-day operations to the strategies that drive long-term profitability.

Throughout his career, George has expanded his expertise beyond traditional automotive retail, working closely with dealerships across the automotive, powersports, marine, and RV industries. His experience includes F&I operations, dealership development, revenue growth, product performance, and customer retention. He has consistently emphasized the importance of building customer trust, delivering genuine value, and creating sustainable business growth.

A lifelong automotive enthusiast, George's passion for cars began long before his professional career. Growing up, he immersed himself in automotive publications like Car and Driver and developed a hands-on appreciation for vehicles that continues today. Whether working on his own cars or personally taking care of a customer's vehicle, he has always believed that no detail is too small when it comes to delivering an exceptional experience.

Through The Car Department, George is bringing his years of firsthand industry experience into an accessible online learning environment. His mission is to equip aspiring and experienced automotive professionals with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to advance their careers, improve performance, and succeed in an ever-evolving industry.

Outside of his professional pursuits, George is a proud father of two sons. He enjoys spending time outdoors with them and can frequently be found cheering them on at their sporting events.