As he steps into the role of chairman of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association, Patton Fritze brings a leadership approach shaped by a lifetime inside his family’s nearly century-old dealership, Red River Chevrolet. Growing up immersed in the business and later working closely with his grandfather, Jim Fritze, he gained an early understanding of how relationships and community ties form the backbone of a successful dealership.
Now the general manager of fixed operations, Patton carries that foundation into a forward-looking mindset — honoring tradition while pushing for continuous improvement and a better customer experience. As chairman, he aims to blend those values with practical advocacy, helping dealers navigate industry pressures, seize emerging opportunities and keep Louisiana’s dealer network strong for future generations.
Tell us a little about your background and your experience growing up in the Red River Chevrolet family.
From a very young age, I want to say 6-7 (for my kids 😉), I was invited to attend dealership functions like Christmas parties and Salesman of the Year banquets. One long-standing Red River tradition is celebrating sales and service goals by hosting “camp parties” at our camp on Lake Bistineau, and I got to know many of our employees on a personal level through those events. Believe it or not, several of them are still here!
My favorite memories, however, came a little later. After working my way through parts and the body shop, I landed across the hall from my grandfather, Jim Fritze. For a little over two years, I worked closely with him and got to know my grandfather not just as a grandchild on his knee, but as a man. He was a class act. I will always be grateful for that experience, and I try my best to channel his wisdom in every decision I make.
How are you balancing tradition with new ideas in the dealership?
Because we are a 94-year-old business, I think it’s important to honor traditions and be true to our core principles. But nostalgia can turn into neglect, and distinguishing between the two can be challenging when you work in that space every day. I think the best approach is to see your dealership through your customers’ eyes, then do your best to improve every touchpoint.
What do you believe are the biggest opportunities for dealers right now?
I believe there is a lot of pent-up demand stemming from persistent supply issues, which have pushed the average age of the American fleet from 11.8 to 12.8 years in just five years. Couple that with product improvements and new innovations, and we’re in the position of having exciting new products at the right time for customers who are coming back into the market.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our industry, and how can LADA help members navigate them?
We have challenges coming from everywhere. Some challenges are obvious, like those threatening our state franchise laws; others are more nuanced while still directly affecting our businesses, such as insurance reform or tax law changes. But for every issue affecting our dealers, LADA helps mobilize its membership with the right advocacy messaging. The easiest way to stay on top of it all is to pay attention to LADA Dealer Alerts!
What excites you most about being part of the next generation of leadership in our industry?
It’s an opportunity for me to give back to the industry that has given me so much, and at the same time, pay it forward to the next five generations of family owners, who will hopefully choose to stay in our great state!
If you had chosen a different path, what do you think you would be doing today?
I honestly don’t know. All I’ve ever wanted to do is follow in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps here at Red River. I’m too squeamish to be a doctor, and I dislike arguing too much to be a lawyer. Coming from North Louisiana, I think I could have ended up in timber or oil and gas, but there’s every chance I would have been a know-it-all barista.
What advice would you give to other young people stepping into leadership roles in family dealerships?
Get involved in your community! It doesn’t matter if it’s with your church, volunteering with a local charity, coaching youth sports or attending local functions — whatever you’re passionate about! Everything you give back creates a positive impact on your community, and you may find a new customer along the way!
Let’s move to a few “lightning round” questions. Favorite TV show or movie to rewatch?
I like old-school action movies: anything with Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Van Damme, etc. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is required viewing every holiday season.
Go-to karaoke song?
It depends on how many drinks I’ve had, but probably “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses.
Your baseball walk-out song?
“The Stroke” by Billy Squier for the early innings, and “Funkytown” after the seventh inning stretch.
Hidden talent or hobby?
I’m a die-hard LSU fan and a proud member of the Second String Tailgaters.
If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, who would it be?
First and foremost, Jesus Christ, but it would really be awesome if Rodney Dangerfield came along for a few zingers.
What would your family tell us about you?
They would say my three favorite things are boats, parades and airshows, and that my ultimate trifecta would be watching an airshow while in a boat parade.
