About

About Howard Wilner

Howard Wilner’s leadership style is best described as persistent and visionary. His extensive experience in the automotive industry encompasses business development and dealership operations. He has also ventured into property investment and has established himself as an entrepreneur and mentor. 

Many years of Howard’s professional journey were spent in shaping Automax Preowned. With the firm, he cemented his knack for building businesses that meet customer needs while raising the bar for management and service.

A Path Shaped by Education and Dedication

Howard’s early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his lifelong pursuit of learning. He graduated from Framingham North High School in 1984 and then enrolled in Massachusetts Bay Community College. He subsequently took courses at Framingham State College and Boston College. 

Howard’s educational experience helped strengthen his understanding of business administration and management. It also imbued him with valuable knowledge that later proved applicable to the automotive world.

Apart from academics, Howard was committed to personal and professional growth. He always tempered his entrepreneurial ambitions with an intense devotion to family life. Now married with three children, he attributes his success to his educational background and talent for negotiation. 

From Dealer to Executive Leader

1990 was the year when Howard Wilner launched Automax Preowned. The dealership quickly became synonymous with quality and reliability. 

Automax achieved unprecedented growth almost immediately. It expanded to seven locations before consolidating into two hugely successful flagship outlets. Howard attributes this not to chance but to carefully applied strategy and the company’s customer-first approach.

In 2000, Howard established Mina Property Group. The company focused on commercial property acquisitions, which further diversified his business interests. 

Howard subsequently assumed leadership of New England AutoMax, Inc., expanding his role in the automotive industry. The company achieved an impressive 13% growth in sales by 2010, concurrent with Howard’s management of all departmental operations. As the president of the company’s service center in Marlboro, Massachusetts, he was primarily tasked with overseeing factory-direct services for all vehicle makes and models.

Howard’s tenure as president of Marlboro Auto Exchange further demonstrated his adaptability and talent for guiding companies to growth in competitive markets. One of the largest independent dealers in New England, the company is testament to Howard’s ability to build businesses and guide them to long-term success. 

Leadership Beyond the Showroom

Howard’s career wasn’t limited to sales and operations. He has also frequently advocated for leadership development, particularly for new managers. He’s cautioned first-time leaders against the tendency to dominate conversations in an attempt to prove themselves. For the seasoned team leader, true leadership requires listening to and understanding team dynamics. Consequently, he always strives for an environment where collaboration thrives.

Howard further advises managers to work to inspire their teams and invest in building strong relationships. He stresses that credibility is built by practicing what leaders preach. To him, authenticity and consistent behavior are twin qualities that earn management trust and respect.

Howard’s guidance is based on real-world experience. Having led teams through dynamic environments and competitive challenges, he knows fully well how leaders can build resilience and maintain focus. It’s not surprising that his influence extends beyond his own companies, as he frequently offers practical wisdom to emerging leaders. 

Community and Professional Engagement

Another of Howard Wilner’s enduring characteristics is his frequent engagement with organizations that enrich professional and personal development. These include memberships with Rotary International and the Boston College Club, as well as the Charter Oak Golf Club, NHREIA, and the New England Society. These affiliations reflect his commitment to building networks and contributing to community initiatives while staying connected to industry and civic life.

Automax Preowned: A Customer-First Dealership

Howard’s success story wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Automax Preowned, the dealership he built on his vision of making high-quality vehicles accessible to customers. Under his leadership, the business has become the trusted choice for pre-owned cars that strike a balance between quality and affordability.

Automax offers an extensive inventory of late-model foreign and domestic vehicles, many priced below industry benchmarks such as KBB values. It provides customers with full support throughout the vehicle selection process, from financing, enabling them to choose cars that fit their lifestyles and budgets.

Customers with less-than-stellar credit have access to Automax’s dedicated finance department. This enables them to secure loans tailored to their unique financial situations.

Howard’s leadership is evident in every aspect of Automax’s operations. More than just selling vehicles, it also provides guidance and reliable service. By positioning Automax Preowned as more than just a dealership, Howard utilizes trust and customer satisfaction to nurture long-term loyalty.

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Howard Wilner’s career represents a balance between entrepreneurial drive and thoughtful leadership. From his early education to the creation of Automax Preowned and Mina Property Group, his trajectory demonstrates consistent growth and adaptability. His focus on cultivating leadership qualities attests to his belief that success is rooted in vision and credibility.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Howard’s story demonstrates the value of combining experience with innovation. His career serves as an example of how commitment and leadership shape successful businesses, leaving a lasting impact on the community and the industry at large.