By: Alena Wiese
Adam Marburger on Building Resilience, Leading with Purpose, and Championing F&I Innovation at NADA 2025
Twelve weeks of relentless preparation. Hours of sparring, precision drills, and mental focus. But these 12 weeks rest on a foundation of years of discipline and dedication. This grueling regimen is more than a practice for Adam Marburger, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a pioneer in Finance and Insurance (F&I) leadership. It’s a philosophy he’s carried from the mats of the academy to the high-stakes world of dealership operations.
“The fight is never won at the moment,” Marburger reflects. “It’s won in the preparation—the work you put in before the challenge even begins. That’s true on the mats and just as true in business.”
Marburger has applied these hard-earned lessons to F&I leadership, crafting a revolutionary approach combining martial arts discipline with servant leadership. With the release of his book, The Servant Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined, at NADA 2025, he’s sharing that philosophy with a broader audience. His story is a testament to how preparation, resilience, and service can transform not just careers but entire industries.
From the Academy to the Dealership: A Philosophy in Action
Photo Courtesy: AJ Stotler / Adam Marburger
In a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, respect for the mats is absolute. Every movement is deliberate, every decision calculated. For Marburger, the F&I office operates on the same principles.
“The mindset that drives success in Jiu-Jitsu is the same mindset that drives success in F&I,” Marburger explains. “It’s about adaptability, precision, and knowing when to yield and when to press forward.”
At NADA 2025, Marburger will present his session, “The Servant-Leading F&I Professional,” on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 3:15 to 3:35 p.m. in the Dealer Learning Lab. He will share actionable strategies from his F&I Blackbelt Process, offering dealership leaders a roadmap to transform operations and elevate customer experiences.
One standout lesson in his book draws from the martial arts principle of “yielding.” In Jiu-Jitsu, yielding is not about surrender but redirecting energy to your advantage. Marburger used this concept to navigate resistance to a significant organizational change, turning potential conflict into collaboration by guiding his team with patience and purpose.
“Leadership isn’t about commanding others,” he says. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to succeed.”
The F&I Blackbelt Process: Principles of Leadership
At the heart of Marburger’s philosophy are three principles that define his F&I Blackbelt Process:
- Alignment: Like a martial artist seeking balance, leaders must align their values, actions, and goals to foster environments where every decision serves a greater purpose.
- Adaptability: In martial arts, rigidity leads to defeat. Marburger teaches leaders to embrace change, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
- Empowerment: Just as a sensei uplifts their students, true leaders inspire and enable their teams to thrive.
These principles aren’t just theoretical—they are practical tools Marburger has refined through years of experience in martial arts and business. They form the core of his work in transforming dealerships into high-performing, customer-focused operations.
A Defining Moment at NADA 2025
Photo Courtesy: AJ Stotler / Adam Marburger
Marburger’s appearance at NADA 2025 is a culmination of years of preparation and dedication. In addition to his presentation, he will host a book signing and meet-and-greet at the Ascent Dealer Services booth. Attendees will have the chance to connect with Marburger, discuss his groundbreaking methods, and receive signed copies of his best-selling book.
The Servant Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined has already garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to F&I leadership, blending strategy with the values of discipline and service.
“This isn’t just about a book or a process,” Marburger says. “It’s about sharing a philosophy that can elevate individuals and teams to new heights.”
A Legacy of Leadership
From the mats of the academy to the leadership stage at NADA, Adam Marburger’s journey is one of resilience, preparation, and a commitment to service. His work exemplifies that true mastery isn’t about dominance but discipline, adaptability, and lifting others to succeed.
As he prepares to inspire the automotive world at NADA 2025, Marburger invites leaders everywhere to embrace the principles that have guided him: prepare relentlessly, adapt courageously, and lead with purpose.
To learn more about Adam Marburger, his book The Servant Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined, and his groundbreaking F&I Blackbelt Process, visit AdamMarburger.com.
Published by Mark V.
