In an era where many people are skeptical of the used car industry, Lance Griffin is working to build something different in Penn Hills. As the owner of LIAS Auto Sales, located at 270 Coal Hollow Road in Verona, Griffin has built his business around a simple philosophy: treat people right, offer quality vehicles, and let trust drive the business.

For many families, purchasing a vehicle is one of the biggest financial decisions they will make. A dependable car can mean the difference between getting to work, taking children to school, or creating opportunities for a better future. Griffin understands that responsibility and has made customer relationships a major part of his business model.

LIAS Auto Sales operates differently than many dealerships. The dealership focuses on straightforward vehicle sales and emphasizes transparency with customers. The business has also become known throughout the community through word-of-mouth referrals and Griffin’s active presence on social media, where he regularly showcases available inventory and connects directly with potential customers.

What makes local businesses important is not simply what they sell, but the role they play in the community. Small business owners often invest back into the neighborhoods they serve, create opportunities for local residents, and help strengthen the local economy.

Griffin’s journey as a business owner reflects the determination required to build something from the ground up. Running a dealership involves far more than selling vehicles. It requires managing inventory, building customer trust, marketing the business, and adapting to the constantly changing automotive market.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, independent dealerships like LIAS Auto Sales remain an important option for buyers looking for a more personal experience. For Griffin, success isn’t measured solely by the number of vehicles sold. It’s also measured by repeat customers, referrals, and the reputation he continues to build throughout the Penn Hills and Verona communities.

Recently, LIAS Auto Sales has continued expanding its visibility through social media and community engagement while offering a variety of vehicles to local buyers.

For many entrepreneurs, the goal is simply to make a living. For Griffin, the goal appears to be building a business that people trust and a name that people remember.

 

Q: Tell us about yourself. Who is Lance Griffin beyond the car business?

A: Beyond the business, I take the most pride in being a father, a husband, a son, and a friend. Those roles mean more to me than anything. Business is what I do, but family and the people closest to me are who I am.

 

Q:  What inspired you to open LIAS Auto Sales?

A: I saw an opportunity to sell quality cars in the community and do it the right way. Selling cars in the hood and selling them fast became the vision, and I knew I could build something people could trust.

 

Q: Why did you choose Verona/Penn Hills as the place to build your business?

A: I moved to the area in 1997 and came back as an adult in 2003. My journey here really started with my car wash in Penn Hills, so opening LIAS Auto Sales here felt like the next natural step.

 

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting the dealership?

A: The biggest challenge was learning all the paperwork and staying on top of deadlines. My father helped build my other businesses, but when it came to the dealership, he made me figure everything out on my own. Looking back, that made me a better businessman.

 

Q: What separates LIAS Auto Sales from other used car dealerships?

A: Honesty and transparency. I don’t expect everyone else to be honest, but I know I have to be. I make sure customers know exactly what they’re getting because that’s how you build a lasting business.

 

Q: What is the biggest misconception people have about the used car industry?

A: A lot of people think every used car dealer is trying to take advantage of them. That’s simply not true. There are honest dealers who care about their customers and their reputation.

 

Q: How important is honesty and trust when dealing with customers?

A: It’s everything. I may not expect honesty from everyone else, but I hold myself to that standard. Being transparent is the only way to earn repeat customers and referrals.

 

Q:  What do you look for when deciding which vehicles to put on your lot?

A: I look for dependable vehicles that people can trust. I want customers to leave knowing they bought something reliable.

 

Q: What advice would you give someone buying a used vehicle for the first time?

A: Do your homework. Check the ratings and reviews of anywhere you’re planning to spend your money, especially when buying from a used car dealership. Reputation matters.

 

Q: Have there been any customer stories that have stayed with you over the years?

A: One customer told me, “I got a good little runner from there, and I’m still driving it!” Hearing stories like that lets me know we’re doing things the right way.

 

Q: How has social media helped grow your business?

A: Social media has been huge. It keeps my business moving because I’ve built a strong connection with my audience. Most of them have become like family, and they help support and promote all of my businesses.

 

Q: What lessons has entrepreneurship taught you about life?

A: Entrepreneurship teaches you resilience. Every challenge is another opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger.

 

Q: What does being a Black business owner mean to you?

A: It means everything because it gives me the opportunity to hire our youth and invest back into our people. That’s something I’m proud of.

 

Q: What are some mistakes young entrepreneurs make when starting a business?

A: Too many people care about what others think or what they have to say. You have to stay focused on your own vision and block out the noise.

 

Q: How important is supporting local businesses in communities like Penn Hills?

A: It’s extremely important. A community grows when people support one another. If we want our neighborhoods to thrive, we have to invest in each other.

 

Q: What are your long-term goals for LIAS Auto Sales?

A: I want to continue growing the business, serving the community, and creating more opportunities for the next generation.

 

Q: If you could change one thing about the car business, what would it be?

A: I’d like to see more trust between dealerships and customers. Honest dealers deserve to be recognized, and customers deserve a better overall buying experience.

 

Q: What motivates you to keep pushing forward during difficult times?

A: My family. Knowing that every uphill battle is just another battle to fight keeps me motivated to keep going.

 

Q: What advice would you give young people who want to become business owners?

A: Just do it. Stay focused, stay consistent, and never give up. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence pays off.

 

Q:  When people hear the name LIAS Auto Sales 10 years from now, what do you hope they think about?

A: I hope they think of a business built on honesty, community, and taking care of people. I want LIAS Auto Sales to be known as a place people could trust and recommend to their family and friends.