On November 11, 1977, a sixteen-year-old high school student stepped onto a truck lot wearing a freshly pressed suit. Young Sam Weaver was eager to begin his automotive career on the very land that would later house Marriott International’s global headquarters. What he didn’t know when he dressed up that morning was that his supervisor’s first order of business would be handing him a hose to wash trucks.
Though classmates occasionally teased him for wearing suits to school, Sam was on a mission. He grew up watching his father build a 51-year career in car sales, absorbing a piece of advice his father offered on that first day: when you do what you don't get paid for, you get paid for what you do. That grounded lesson became Sam’s lifelong motto. He wasn't working just for a paycheck; he was working to learn every corner of the business.
Upon graduating high school, Sam chose hands-on experience over a traditional college path. He took an evening accounting class, and the financial side clicked instantly. Sam steadily rose through the ranks to become controller and eventually partnered with his childhood friend, John Bowis, to lead Chevy Chase Acura.
The dealership carried deep family heritage. John’s grandfather, Art Bowis, established Chevy Chase Chevrolet in 1939. In 1957, Sam’s father and John’s father, Fred Bowis, started at the dealership during the exact same month. Fred was a community pillar and a personal hero to Sam, a quiet, wise gentleman whose memory continues to inspire the spirit of Chevy Chase Acura today.
Navigating the business world often brings pivotal moments of reflection. For Sam, the 2008 financial crisis was a profound eye-opener. Facing unprecedented economic shifts across the industry, he realized how quickly circumstances could change and how important it was to build an unwavering foundation for his team and community.
That period transformed his approach to leadership. Sam pledged to run the business with long-term security in mind, ensuring that Chevy Chase Acura could weather any storm while taking care of its people. It also changed how he viewed daily operations. Rather than treating sales, service, and parts as separate departments, Sam focused on breaking down internal walls to better serve the neighbors walking through his doors.
To meet the complete needs of local drivers, Sam expanded the business into a practical network of automotive services. He established specialized care for detailing, wheel repair, tire replacement, auto glass, and key fob programming. Recognizing the evolving digital landscape, he also helped pioneer technology like AutoAI and its Radar tool to keep dealership marketing transparent and compliant. These experiences inspired Sam to write his book, Together Is How We Win, sharing how businesses can work as one aligned team to serve people thoughtfully.
Serving Bethesda and Chevy Chase means working alongside a discerning, close-knit community. Sam learned early on that lasting success isn't about pushing a transaction; it's about earning trust and demonstrating genuine value. That same care extends inward to his team of 130 employees, where Sam prioritizes flexibility and family, making sure staff can be present for life's important moments.
That human-first culture has fostered incredible loyalty, with several team members remaining for decades. Sam’s devotion to people reaches well beyond the dealership doors. After Fred Bowis passed away, Sam helped launch a charitable foundation through the Maryland Auto Dealers Association to honor industry pioneers, providing scholarships and technical education pathways for young people. He also mentors local youth and helped create the Automotive Career Pathways Program through Identity Youth, while staying active with the Rotary Club and launched the Rotary Business Network and Beyond group. Today, he serves as Chairman of the Maryland Auto Dealers Association and National Chairman for Acura dealers nationwide.
Through every milestone, Sam’s philosophy remains simple. He views life and business as an open hand: when you hold your hand open to give time, mentorship, and support, you always receive far more back than you give. For Sam Weaver, Chevy Chase Acura isn't merely a business, it is a community home built on trust, family heritage, and lasting relationships.
"When you do what you don't get paid for, you get paid for what you do."
- Sam Weaver, Sr.