Bob Ross Auto Group’s Jenell R. Ross is Driven by Purpose
Photo by Classic Expressions Photography
By Kristopher Jackson
Jenell R. Ross never planned to take the reins of her family’s business. The responsibility arrived suddenly in 1997 when her father, Robert P. Ross Sr., died unexpectedly. In that moment, she stepped into a legacy built on persistence, courage, and an unshakable belief in service. She has carried that legacy forward with the same conviction that guided her parents.
Today, Ross serves as president of Bob Ross Auto Group in Centerville, Ohio. The company is the only Buick, GMC, and Mercedes-Benz dealership in the nation owned by an African American woman, a distinction that reflects both its history and its continued success. The dealership has operated for more than fifty years and remains a pillar in the Dayton region.
“I think about my parents every day,” she said. “I knew they worked hard and sacrificed so much. Their dedication is what pushes me to stay focused and to honor what they started.”
Ross remembers watching her parents navigate the industry as pioneers. She admits she did not fully grasp the challenges they faced until she took her father’s seat at the table. “People talk about filling shoes, but my parents wore boots,” she said with a smile. “I have been trying to fill those boots for a long time.”
Her leadership has been tested by a changing economy and a rapidly evolving auto market. Through recessions, supply shortages, and a global health crisis, Ross has remained steady. She credits her team as the foundation of the dealership’s endurance. “Success does not belong to one person,” she said. “It belongs to every employee who shows up every day committed to excellence. I am fortunate to work with people who care deeply about our customers.”
Ross’s influence extends beyond her dealerships. In 2013, she became the first African American and only the second woman to chair the American International Automobile Dealers Association. She describes the experience as a chance to open doors for others. “Representation matters,” she said. “Serving in that role allowed me to broaden the conversation and ensure the board reflected the diversity of the industry. Everyone benefits when more voices are included.”
Despite the professional hurdles she has faced, Ross credits mentors with helping her stay grounded. “I have had guidance from people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives,” she said. “Their encouragement kept me steady through some difficult seasons.”
Ross approaches industry changes with curiosity rather than fear. “My mother would always say you cannot just be flexible in this business. You have to be elastic,” she said. “Technology changes everything. From the rise of online sales to artificial intelligence, the future moves fast. You have to keep learning if you want to keep leading.”
Her dedication to service is most visible through the Norma J. Ross Memorial Foundation, named for her mother. The foundation has raised more than one point two million dollars to support breast cancer awareness, education, and youth initiatives. “We focus on what people need right now,” she said. “If a woman needs a mammogram, we remove every barrier we can.”
Faith continues to guide her choices. Her mother often quoted the scripture, “To whom much is given, much is required,” a message Ross carries with her in every role she holds.
Asked how she hopes to be remembered, Ross paused. “If people remember me for leading with integrity, for serving others, and for honoring my parents, then that will be enough,” she said.