David Sampson – Ciocca Dealerships

In the competitive automotive dealership industry, success hinges on an intricate balance of operational efficiency, brand integrity and customer satisfaction. At Ciocca Dealerships, a rapidly growing organization with 53 locations, over $2 billion in annual sales, and over 2,000 employees, the Facilities Management team is vital in ensuring seamless operations and exceptional customer experiences. David Sampson, director of facilities for the western division, leads this team with dedication and expertise.

Sampson’s journey at Ciocca exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on experience and visionary leadership. Starting his career as an entry-level technician and rising to the master technician level, he gained invaluable insight into the inner workings of dealerships. This unique perspective allowed him to identify a critical gap in traditional dealership operations: the lack of a proactive, structured facilities management program. Sampson saw the need for a preventative maintenance model that could save costs, extend the lifecycle of assets, and ensure operational efficiency.

Since joining Ciocca Dealerships, Sampson has revolutionized the company’s approach to facilities management. Under his guidance, the western division implemented a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that reduced costs and ensured that dealerships remained welcoming, functional, and compliant with manufacturer standards. His achievements have set the stage for company-wide expansion.

One of Sampson’s most significant accomplishments is the Hyundai Dealership Renovation in Williamsport, a $3 million project that redefined facilities management at Ciocca. The renovation was driven by Hyundai’s stringent branding and operational requirements, which mandated everything from structural elements to the most minor design details, such as light fixtures and seating arrangements.

Sampson approached this challenge with meticulous planning and determination. Despite having limited large-scale project experience at the time, he immersed himself in the renovation process, conducting extensive research and collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure the project’s success. The renovation included tearing down and rebuilding the showroom, expanding the facility, and integrating Hyundai’s branding guidelines into every element of the space.

The result was a top-to-bottom transformation that exceeded expectations. Customers now enjoy a modern, inviting space to enhance their overall experience, while the facility serves as a benchmark for other dealerships. Beyond aesthetics, the project demonstrated Sampson’s ability to balance manufacturer expectations with the needs of ownership and customers, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and brand cohesion.

The Hyundai project also highlighted Sampson’s skill in navigating local permitting processes and working closely with township officials, engineers, and subcontractors. This experience cemented his reputation as a leader who learns and adapts through every project.

Sampson’s commitment to safety defines his leadership. Every facility department meeting begins and ends with a focus on safety, reflecting his belief that a secure work environment is foundational to operational success.

“Let’s come to work in one piece and go home in one piece,” Sampson says.

This focus on safety extends to all facility initiatives, including the development of electric vehicle infrastructure across Ciocca dealerships. As EV adoption grows, Sampson has taken the reins on implementing charging stations and ensuring facilities are equipped to meet future demands. His hands-on approach ensures that these projects are executed precisely, keeping Ciocca at the forefront of the evolution of the automotive industry.

At its core, Sampson’s role bridges the gap between ownership expectations, manufacturer requirements, and the needs of building and production staff. By leaning on his technician background, Sampson offers a unique perspective that allows him to understand the challenges employees face on the ground. This understanding has driven improvements in workflows, saved technicians time and energy, and enhanced the overall efficiency of dealership operations.

Sampson has also built a robust internal maintenance team of 10 skilled professionals who ensure facilities operate smoothly. The success of his efforts has inspired company leadership to expand the facilities program, with Sampson playing a key role in onboarding and mentoring the eastern division facilities director. Through vendor partnerships, innovative solutions, and process optimizations, Sampson has positioned Ciocca Dealerships as a leader in facilities management within the automotive industry.

Sampson’s passion for the automotive industry was sparked early, starting with vocational training in high school. He began his career as a technician, honing his skills in independent and family-owned shops before transitioning to the dealer space in 2006. Over nearly two decades, he rose through the ranks, becoming a master tech and diesel tech and gaining deep insight into the operational needs of repair facilities. His ability to streamline workflows for technicians naturally led to his broader understanding of dealership efficiency.

During his time as a shop foreman, an owner recognized Sampson’s potential and tasked him with leading a facilities maintenance program. At the time, preventative maintenance in dealerships was minimal, with most tasks handled ad hoc and outsourced. Sampson saw an opportunity to transform this approach. He introduced proactive maintenance schedules for high-wear items, helping dealerships manage expenses and reduce downtime.

His methods quickly proved effective. Within a few years, he was overseeing facilities maintenance across 23 dealerships, building a full-time maintenance team, and continuously training to improve processes.

In the wake of the pandemic, Sampson took the next step in his career, joining Ciocca Dealerships as regional facilities director three years ago. His role allows him to apply the principles he’s mastered over his career to streamline operations and drive efficiency across multiple locations. Outside of work, Sampson is a devoted family man who enjoys spending his free time with his daughters.