Carl Sewell, a native Dallasite, received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking, Finance, and Economics from SMU in 1966.

After graduating and serving in the Army, Sewell joined the family automobile business in 1967.  As a third generation automotive dealer, Sewell continued the legacy of leadership and principles of service that his family has embraced since its founding in 1911. With the current business involvement of his daughter, Jacquelin, and son, Carl, there are now four generations in the Sewell family business.  Sewell is chairman of Sewell Automotive Companies, which includes 16 franchises.

As a national leader in the automotive industry and an innovator in establishing customer service standards, Sewell is often asked to share the keys to his success. He has lectured at SMU and other universities as well as companies such as General Motors, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Amoco and Apple, Inc. His successful business philosophy is also set forth in the book he co-authored, Customers for Life, which has been printed in 17 languages and sold more than one million copies.  

Sewell has served as chairman of both the Cadillac and Lexus National Dealer Councils. He is also on the board of American Tire Distributors, Southwestern Medical Foundation and the State Fair of Texas. He has previously served as chairman of Goals for Dallas and as a board member of the Neiman Marcus Group, Southwest Media Corporation, First City Bank, Ford Bank Group, United National Bank, and the Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

Sewell has been recognized with SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award and the Cox School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as awards from Dallas civic organizations.  Other honors include election to the Junior Achievement 2000 Dallas Business Hall of Fame, the Automotive Hall of Fame, and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association Diamond Select Circle.

Sewell is a member of the Board of Trustees of SMU where he served as chairman, and was the past chair of the SMU Cox School of Business Executive Board.