Spader Group Deep Dive: Dealer 20 Groups and Operational Performance Consulting

Executive Overview

Spader Group -- operating historically as Spader Business Management -- was one of the most recognized names in dealer performance improvement across North America's specialty vehicle and equipment industries. For over 45 years, the company built a reputation as the premier 20 Group facilitator and management training provider for RV dealers, marine dealers, powersports dealers, farm equipment dealers, and motorcoach operators. Unlike generalist consulting firms, Spader was vertically specialized: it understood the unique financial structures, seasonal dynamics, and operational rhythms of these industries because it had spent decades serving little else.

The company was founded by Duane Spader and later led by his son, John Spader, from its headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At its peak, Spader Business Management facilitated dozens of 20 Groups across multiple industries, operated a state-of-the-art training facility, and maintained a subsidiary called A World of Training that extended its curriculum reach.

On August 31, 2022, Spader Business Management was acquired by NCM Associates, the Kansas City-based originator of the automotive 20 Group concept (founded in 1947). The acquisition was framed as a strategic merger of equals in their respective domains: NCM brought the largest database of dealership financial data in North America and deep automotive experience; Spader brought deep relationships and proven methodology in RV, marine, powersports, farm equipment, and motorcoach. John Spader joined NCM's Executive Leadership Team to oversee the integration. The Spader name and logo have since transitioned under the NCM ARC brand umbrella, though the Sioux Falls office and training facility remain operational.

This deep dive examines Spader's history, its product and service offerings, its competitive position pre- and post-acquisition, and what dealers considering 20 Group membership should understand about the combined NCM-Spader organization today.

History

Founding and Early Years

Spader Group's roots trace to Duane Spader, who identified a gap in the market: while automotive dealers had access to 20 Groups and structured peer-learning forums through organizations like NCM Associates, dealers in adjacent industries -- RV, marine, powersports, and farm equipment -- had few, if any, structured options for benchmarking financial performance against peers and learning best practices from non-competing operators.

Duane Spader built Spader Business Management around the conviction that the same principles that made automotive 20 Groups effective could be applied to these underserved industries. The key insight was that dealers across these verticals faced fundamentally similar challenges -- inventory management, parts and service profitability, F&I optimization, seasonal cash flow planning -- even if the specific products and customer bases differed.

Growth Under John Spader

John Spader took over leadership of the company from his father and expanded it significantly. Under his tenure, Spader Business Management grew from a regional player to a nationally recognized brand. The company invested heavily in:

• Facilities: A state-of-the-art training center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, purpose-built for immersive management education.
• Curriculum development: Structured training programs spanning financial management, leadership, service operations, parts management, and sales processes.
• Technology: Proprietary financial reporting and benchmarking systems that allowed 20 Group members to submit monthly financial data and receive consolidated peer-comparison reports.
• Industry partnerships: Deep relationships with industry associations including RVDA (RV Dealers Association), MRAA (Marine Retailers Association of the Americas), and NATDA (North American Trailer Dealers Association).

At the time of the NCM acquisition, Spader Business Management had served clients for 45 years and had established itself as the definitive 20 Group provider in its target industries.

The NCM Acquisition (2022)

The acquisition by NCM Associates was announced on September 7, 2022, effective August 31, 2022. Key terms and context:

• Acquirer: NCM Associates, founded in 1947 and credited with originating the first automotive 20 Group. NCM serves thousands of business owners across the United States, Canada, and Asia-Pacific.
• Stated rationale: "Building off the foundation established by his father and Spader Business Management founder Duane Spader, John Spader has built an enviable business built on a culture of trust," said Paul Faletti, NCM President and CEO. "The employees of NCM are honored to have the opportunity to partner with their talented associates and their outstanding roster of clients."
• John Spader's role: Joined NCM's Executive Leadership Team, managing Spader Business Management operations.
• Operations: The Sioux Falls corporate office and training facility remained open.
• Brand transition: The Spader name and logo have since transitioned to NCM. The combined entity operates under the NCM ARC brand, which integrates Spader's industry-specific 20 Groups with NCM's broader training, consulting, and business intelligence offerings.
• Subsidiary: A World of Training, Spader's training subsidiary, was included in the acquisition.

The FAQ published by NCM regarding the acquisition emphasizes continuity of service: "Spader and NCM can expand our offerings and resources to better serve our clients. Spader clients can expect continued exceptional customer service and products while both companies continue to merge and discover synergies."

Post-Acquisition: The Spader Group Today (A Note on Naming)

There is a potential source of confusion worth addressing. A separate entity called "Spader Group" operates at spadergroup.com, based in Hastings, Minnesota, led by Shawndel Spader. This entity provides bookkeeping services, virtual CFO support, and coaching to small businesses and entrepreneurs. It is not the same company as Spader Business Management, and it does not offer 20 Groups or dealer-specific consulting. The dealer 20 Groups and training business that was Spader Business Management now operates under the NCM ARC umbrella at sf.ncmassociates.com. The user of this article should understand "Spader Group" in the dealer consulting context to refer to the Spader Business Management legacy, which is now part of NCM.

Products and Services

Spader's core offerings -- both historically and as continued under NCM ARC -- fall into several categories:

1. 20 Groups

The flagship product. A 20 Group brings together roughly 15-20 non-competing dealers from the same industry to meet several times per year, share financial data confidentially, benchmark performance, and discuss best practices. Key features:

Group Composition and Matching: Dealers are matched into groups based on commonalities in sales volume, business profile, goals, and personal fit. Groups are moderated by an NCM (formerly Spader) facilitator with industry-specific knowledge. Most meetings take place at or near a member's facility so the group can tour the host dealership and see operations firsthand.

Industries Served (Spader legacy):

• RV Dealers (Class A, B, C, travel trailers, 5th wheels, fold-downs)
• Marine Dealers (inboard, I/O, outboard, pontoon, performance boats)
• Powersports Dealers (motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, PWCs)
• Farm Equipment Dealers (combines, tractors, whole goods, consumer products)
• Motorcoach Operators (charter, tours, fixed route, school bus)
• Trailer Dealers
• Bus Dealers
• Harley-Davidson Performance Groups
• Light Ag / Industrial Equipment
• RV Service and Parts (dedicated groups for fixed operations managers)
• Light Ag Service and Parts Managers

Data Submission and Reporting: Each month, members submit financial data to the group. In return, they receive consolidated financial reports with key metrics. Dealers can compare their operation to high, low, and average performers within their group and industry. NCM's True dashboard provides color-coded group and industry comparisons.

Forward Forecasting: NCM's proprietary forecasting analysis helps dealers predict future financial performance, explore new areas of focus, and model the potential profitability of new services, product lines, or marketing approaches.

Meeting Cadence: Groups meet several times per year. Members share an equal share of meeting expenses (room rental, refreshments, A/V, etc.).

Pricing: A one-time setup fee of $1,195 is payable with the application. Prior to group approval, dealers pay $195/month for financial reporting setup and would become familiar with the True reporting platform. Quarterly fees vary by group and are billed in advance.

2. Management Training

NCM (continuing Spader's training legacy) offers a structured curriculum:

Flagship Programs:

• Total Management 1: A comprehensive multi-day program covering the fundamentals of dealership financial management, profit center analysis, and operational control.
• Total Management 2: Winning Culture and People: Focuses on building high-performing teams and culture.
• Built to Perform: Performance-driven management training.
• Service Foundations and Service Foundations & Management Financials: Two-tier service department training.
• Parts & Accessories Management: Inventory turn improvement, process optimization.
• Profit Strategies: Margin improvement and revenue optimization.
• Interviewing & Talent Retention Management 1 and 2: Hiring and retention best practices.
• DISCovering Self & Others: Personality and communication style assessment training.
• Hiring & Developing Winners: Structured hiring methodology.

Training is delivered both at NCM's facilities (including the former Spader Sioux Falls training center) and on-site at dealerships. The "On-Site Development" arm delivers process improvement and implementation training directly at the dealer's location, working alongside front-line staff and managers.

3. Consulting and Coaching

Spader/NCM consulting services are designed for dealers who need customized, one-on-one support beyond the group setting:

• Budget Builder: Interview-based process to create a customized profit plan with specific financial goals and objectives.
• Chart of Accounts Builder: Structure the chart of accounts to produce high-performance financial data.
• Financial Consulting and Coaching: Custom-designed initiative for financial stability or growth.
• High-Performing Teams and Teamwork: Apply the five key factors for high-performing teams.
• Hiring for Key Positions (Hiring and Developing Winners): Increase hiring success rates from the typical 10-25% to 75% or better.
• JobTRACK Performance Management: System for improving and maintaining departmental and individual performance.
• Management Link: A system for measuring the impact of changes on business performance in real time.
• Managing By Values: Building and Sustaining a Winning Company Culture: Three-phase culture-building program.
• Parts Review & Tune-Up: Process improvement for the parts department, designed for front-line parts managers.
• PRO-daptive Leadership and Management Coaching: Deliver success and fulfillment at individual, departmental, and company-wide levels.
• Potentia P6 Personal High-Performance Assessments: Whole-person assessments for employees, candidates, and teams.

4. Tool Box (Business Tools and Resources)

• Business Management Flat Rates: Standardized labor time guides for service departments.
• Assessments and Development Tools: Personality, leadership, and performance assessments.
• On-Demand Client Portal: Access to reports, tools, and resources.

5. A World of Training (Subsidiary)

Spader's training subsidiary, acquired alongside the parent company, offered additional curriculum and training delivery capacity. Now integrated into NCM's broader training catalog.

6. Post-Acquisition Enhancements for Spader Clients

Following the NCM merger, Spader clients gained access to:

• Travel solutions: A full-service travel agency with discounted hotel, flight, and rental car rates for 20 Group meeting travel.
• Meeting coordination: A dedicated NCM team to handle event logistics, booking, and catering.
• Additional training classes: Expanded curriculum from NCM's catalog.
• Monthly executive briefings: Economic condition and risk reports from Armada Corporate Intelligence.

What They Excel At

Spader -- and now NCM with the Spader legacy -- excels at several things that distinguish them in the dealer services market:

Deep Industry Specialization in Non-Automotive Verticals

Spader's core strength was its focus on industries that were underserved by traditional 20 Group providers. While automotive dealers had multiple options for peer groups and benchmarking, RV, marine, powersports, farm equipment, and motorcoach dealers had very few. Spader filled this gap with industry-specific facilitators who understood the nuances of, say, RV Class A vs. travel trailer margins, or the seasonal cash flow dynamics of a farm equipment dealer in the upper Midwest.

Financial Benchmarking at Scale

The monthly data submission and consolidated reporting cycle gives 20 Group members a level of financial visibility that most independent dealers cannot achieve on their own. The ability to see how your gross margin, expense ratios, inventory turns, and profitability compare to a peer set of 15-20 similar dealers is powerful. Spader/NCM maintains what it describes as North America's largest database of financial data and operational metrics in the industries it serves.

Structured Peer Accountability

The 20 Group model works because it creates structured accountability. Dealers commit to submitting data, attending meetings, and implementing agreed-upon action items between sessions. The facilitated discussions keep groups focused on measurable outcomes rather than general industry gripe sessions.

Training Curriculum Depth

The training catalog -- from Total Management down to department-specific programs like Parts Review & Tune-Up -- covers the full spectrum of dealer operational needs. Programs are offered both as open-enrollment public sessions and as private on-site engagements.

Successful Merger Integration

The transition from a family-owned business (Spader Business Management) into a larger organization (NCM Associates) appears to have been handled with care for client relationships. The FAQ and public statements emphasized continuity, the retention of the Sioux Falls facility, and John Spader's ongoing leadership role. Clients were given clear communication about what would change and what would stay the same.

Who They're Best For

Spader/NCM 20 Groups and training are best suited for:

RV Dealers

This was Spader's core industry. RVDA membership is required for U.S. and Canadian members. Groups are split by dealer size and product mix. Dedicated groups exist for RV service and parts managers.

Marine Dealers

MRAA membership is required for U.S. members. NCM has been involved in marine 20 Groups for over 40 years. Groups cover the full range of boat categories and marina operations.

Powersports Dealers

Covering motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, and PWCs. Includes dedicated Harley-Davidson Performance Groups with specific HDMC dealer number requirements.

Farm Equipment Dealers

Covering combines, tractors, whole goods, and consumer products. Includes a dedicated Light Ag / Industrial Equipment track.

Motorcoach Operators

Covering charter, tours, fixed route, and school bus operations.

Trailer Dealers

NATDA membership is strongly encouraged.

Bus Dealers

Commercial bus, school bus, and para-transit.

Dealers Who Want Structured Financial Benchmarking

The monthly reporting cycle is ideal for dealers who want to move beyond gut-feel management and develop data-driven decision-making habits.

Dealers Committed to Long-Term Improvement

20 Groups require a multi-year commitment to see full benefit. The model rewards persistence and active participation.

Multi-Location Dealers

The financial reporting and benchmarking tools are particularly valuable for dealers with multiple locations who need standardized performance visibility across their operations.

Questions to Ask Before Joining

For dealers evaluating an NCM/Spader 20 Group membership or engaging their consulting services, these questions are worth exploring:

About the Group Fit

1. What is the exact composition of the group I would join -- how many members, what geographic range, what sales volume range?
2. How are members rotated or replaced? What happens if a member leaves mid-year?
3. Can I visit a group meeting as a guest before committing?
4. What is the facilitator's specific industry background? Have they run a dealership or only facilitated groups?
5. How much direct interaction happens between meetings? Is there a group communication channel?

About Data and Confidentiality

6. Exactly what financial data must I submit each month? What level of detail is required?
7. Who has access to my data within the NCM organization besides my facilitator?
8. Is the data stored on-premise or in the cloud? What security certifications apply?
9. Can I audit who has accessed my company's data?
10. What happens to my historical data if I leave the group?

About Cost and Commitment

11. What is the total all-in annual cost including quarterly fees, meeting expenses, and travel?
12. What is the initial commitment period? How much notice is required to withdraw?
13. Are there penalties for missed meetings or late data submissions?
14. Can I switch groups if the initial fit isn't right?
15. Do consulting/coaching services require a separate contract from the 20 Group membership?

About the Post-Acquisition Transition

16. Which former Spader staff members are still involved in my industry's groups?
17. How much has the group experience changed since the NCM acquisition?
18. Are the training programs still offered at the Sioux Falls facility?
19. What NCM resources and services are now available to me that were not available under standalone Spader?
20. Is there a dedicated support contact who knows the Spader legacy and industry context?

Competitive Landscape

Spader operated in a competitive space that includes both national organizations and regional players. Here is an overview of the landscape:

Direct Competitors (20 Group Providers)

NCM Associates (Pre-Acquisition) Ironically, NCM was both the acquirer and, for many years, Spader's primary competitor. NCM originated the 20 Group concept in 1947 and was heavily automotive-focused. The acquisition effectively combined the two largest 20 Group providers in North America, eliminating direct competition between them. NCM's strengths include its proprietary True dashboard, its vast database of financial benchmarks, its travel agency services, and its deep bench of facilitators. The combined entity now dominates the 20 Group market.

Automotive 20 Groups (Non-Spader Industries) In the automotive space, dealers have options including:

• The Rawls Group: Focuses on dealership succession planning and valuation.
• Dealer.com / Cox Automotive: Provides digital marketing and data analytics but not structured peer groups.
• Auto Team America: A dealer-led 20 Group organization.
• Dennis Marketing / 20 Groups by Denny: Regional automotive-focused groups.

These are not direct competitors to Spader's legacy industries (RV, marine, powersports, farm equipment) but are relevant for dealers who operate in both automotive and non-automotive spaces.

Adjacent Competitors

Industry Associations Associations like RVDA, MRAA, and NATDA offer some benchmarking and peer networking, but generally lack the structured data submission and facilitated meeting format of a dedicated 20 Group. They are complementary rather than directly competitive.

Consulting Firms Generalist business consulting firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) do not operate in the independent dealer space at Spader's price point or level of specialization. Regional accounting firms and dealership-specific consultancies may offer similar services but without the peer-group component.

Online Benchmarking Platforms Platforms like DealerSocket, CDK Global, and Reynolds & Reynolds provide data analytics and reporting tools, but these are technology products rather than facilitated peer-learning programs. A dealer could use these tools but would miss the accountability and shared learning of a 20 Group.

Competitive Advantages Post-Acquisition

The NCM-Spader combination creates a formidable competitive position:

• Scale: The combined organization serves thousands of business owners across the United States, Canada, and Asia-Pacific.
• Data assets: North America's largest database of dealership financial data across automotive, RV, marine, powersports, farm equipment, motorcoach, and trailer industries.
• Industry breadth: No other provider offers 20 Groups across this many verticals under one roof.
• Training infrastructure: Multiple training facilities including the former Spader Sioux Falls center and NCM's Kansas City headquarters.
• Longevity and trust: NCM dates to 1947; Spader had 45+ years. Combined, the organization represents over seven decades of industry experience.

Competitive Vulnerabilities

• Post-merger integration risk: Brand consolidation and organizational changes can create uncertainty. Some Spader loyalists may feel the culture has changed.
• One-size-fits-all pressure: As the combined organization scales, there is a risk that industry-specific nuance gets diluted in broader NCM processes.
• Price pressure: The $1,195 setup fee and quarterly fees may be a barrier for smaller dealers.
• Technology gap: Modern dealers expect mobile-friendly dashboards and real-time data, not just monthly PDF reports. NCM's True platform is a step in this direction, but the industry is evolving.

What Dealers Should Know

1. The 20 Group Model Works -- But Requires Commitment

The single biggest determinant of whether a dealer gets value from a Spader/NCM 20 Group is the dealer's own commitment. This is not a passive subscription service. Success requires:

• Monthly data submission (accurate and on time)
• Active participation in meetings (not just attendance)
• Willingness to share both successes and failures
• Implementation of action items between meetings

Dealers who treat it as a box to check will get little value. Those who engage fully consistently report it as one of the best investments they make in their business.

2. Confidentiality Is the Foundation

The entire 20 Group model rests on trust. Members share sensitive financial data -- gross margins, expense details, profitability by department. The bylaws and code of ethics are designed to protect this confidentiality. Dealers should verify that the group culture takes this seriously before joining. Ask to speak with current members about their experience with data security and group norms.

3. The NCM Transition Is Still Relatively Recent

As of mid-2026, the acquisition is under four years old. The transition from the Spader brand to NCM is ongoing. Dealers who have been long-time Spader clients may notice changes in facilitation style, reporting formats, and available resources. For new prospects, the key question is whether the combined organization has improved the experience or introduced bureaucracy. Current client testimonials suggest the integration has been handled well, but individual experiences may vary by group and facilitator.

4. Vertical Specialization Matters

Spader's greatest strength was its deep focus on RV, marine, powersports, and farm equipment. Under NCM, there is a risk that this specialization gets diluted as the organization brings in automotive methodologies and facilitators. Dealers should ask specifically about their facilitator's background: Have they worked in the industry? Do they understand the seasonal cycles, the OEM relationships, and the specific margin structures of the products you sell?

5. The Full Suite of Services Is Now Available

One of the clearest benefits of the acquisition is that Spader clients now have access to NCM's broader ecosystem. The training catalog is larger. The consulting bench is deeper. Services like travel booking for meetings and monthly economic briefings are added value. Dealers who were previously "just" 20 Group members may find new value in NCM's training and consulting offerings.

6. Consider the Total Cost of Participation

The $1,195 setup fee and monthly $195 pre-approval rate are just the beginning. Quarterly fees, meeting expenses (travel, lodging, meals), and your own time (multiple multi-day meetings per year) add up. A realistic annual cost including travel might range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on your location and the group's meeting schedule. For most dealers, the ROI from improved margins and better decisions justifies this cost, but it should be budgeted for realistically.

7. Evaluate Against Alternatives

Before committing to a Spader/NCM 20 Group, consider:

• Association programs: RVDA, MRAA, and NATDA offer some peer networking at lower cost.
• DIY benchmarking: If you have a strong accounting team, you can create your own performance benchmarks.
• Smaller facilitators: Some regional facilitators offer 20 Groups at lower price points, though with less infrastructure.
• One-on-one consulting: If your primary need is customized advice rather than peer comparison, a consultant may be a better fit.

8. The Brand Transition Means the "Spader" Name Is Fading

The Spader name and logo have transitioned to NCM. New clients joining what were formerly "Spader 20 Groups" will see NCM branding. The legacy of Duane and John Spader lives on in the methodology and many of the same facilitators, but the brand identity is consolidated under NCM ARC. For dealers who valued the independent, family-owned feel of Spader, this is a change worth acknowledging.

Key Takeaways

• Spader Business Management was acquired by NCM Associates on August 31, 2022, after 45 years as the leading 20 Group provider for RV, marine, powersports, farm equipment, and motorcoach dealers.
• The 20 Group model -- structured peer groups sharing confidential financial data with a trained facilitator -- remains the core value proposition, now operating under the NCM ARC brand.
• Dealers gain access to monthly benchmarking reports, facilitated peer meetings, and accountability that most independent operators cannot replicate on their own.
• The acquisition expanded Spader clients' access to NCM's broader training catalog, consulting services, travel solutions, and economic intelligence.
• John Spader remained in leadership post-acquisition, and the Sioux Falls facility continues to operate, providing continuity for long-time clients.
• The primary risk in the post-acquisition era is dilution of Spader's industry-specific focus as practices are standardized across NCM's larger organization.
• Annual total cost of participation (including fees and travel) typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, with ROI dependent on the dealer's level of engagement.
• Dealers considering membership should evaluate group composition, facilitator industry experience, data confidentiality practices, and the total commitment required before joining.

This deep dive was researched from publicly available sources including the NCM ARC website (sf.ncmassociates.com), archived Spader Business Management materials, industry publications (RV News, Digital Dealer), and the current Spader Group website (spadergroup.com). For the most current information on 20 Group availability, pricing, and group composition, contact NCM Associates directly at 1-800-756-2620 or visit sf.ncmassociates.com.