Richard Rodgers has built a distinguished career as a senior executive in the automotive, financial, and insurance industries. He began his executive trajectory at Penske Automotive Group, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he managed a 5,000-unit in-house lease fleet and later developed a comprehensive accounting system to track transactions after the company sold the fleet but retained its servicing operations. During his tenure, he successfully led more than 20 mergers and acquisitions, establishing himself as a results-driven leader in financial management and operations.
Following his time at Penske, Richard held senior executive positions at other high-profile organizations, including Galpin Motors and CarsDirect, where he expanded his leadership in dealership operations, financial strategy, and corporate governance.
He went on to serve as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and equity partner of a $400 million auto group in Southern California, where he oversaw the financial operations of six dealerships employing more than 500 people. There, he established three captive insurance companies, consolidated business offices into a single centralized operation, and launched a warranty company that delivered significant tax savings and risk transfer benefits. He also spearheaded the implementation of a pioneering digital archiving system, effectively eliminating the group’s reliance on physical records.
Richard is currently the Founder of Dannah Investment Group LLC, where he focuses on helping business owners increase profitability and reduce tax burdens through strategic financial and investment planning.
Beyond his automotive leadership, Richard is the Founder and original Chairman of CMF International (Christian Missionary Fund), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports missionaries worldwide. Under his guidance, the fund has grown to more than $100,000 in assets.
Earlier in his career, Richard served as an Adjunct Professor at Azusa Pacific University, teaching senior-level accounting, and as a Senior Auditor at Peat Marwick, where he worked with major clients across multiple industries.
Richard’s professional impact extends through his board service. He currently holds two board appointments and has previously served on the boards of the Automotive Resource Network, the Automotive Management Association of Southern California, a local school, and a church.
Recognized as an industry thought leader, Richard has been quoted in the press on regulatory developments in the automotive sector and has delivered keynote addresses at Auto Dealers Office Managers Association (ADOMA) Conferences, Dale Carnegie programs, and various church events on charitable giving.
Throughout his career, Richard has received numerous awards and honors, including:
- Top 10 Life Producer Award – Allianz Insurance Company
- Top Financial Advisor Award – The Annuity Store
- Top Financial Advisor Award – First Annuity
- Dale Carnegie Best of Class Award
- Multiple President’s Awards at leading auto groups
Richard earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Computer Science from Azusa Pacific University. He is licensed as a Registered Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65) with Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC and holds Series 7 and 63 licenses with Kingswood Capital Partners LLC. In addition, he maintains life, accident, health, property, and casualty insurance licenses. He also holds a Captive Insurance Management Accreditation from the University of Vermont and the International Center for Captive Insurance Education (ICCIE) and is recognized as a licensed captive manager in the State of North Carolina.