The Challenge
Cherner Bros Auto Brokers, Inc. has long served customers in Kensington and the surrounding region with trusted automotive sales and brokerage services. As customer demand continued to grow, CEO Carey Cherner began exploring several major expansion opportunities, including increasing service capacity, identifying additional commercial space, hiring key staff, and developing a more structured vehicle import strategy.
The business was also considering how to formalize importing vehicles from Canada, evaluate possible export opportunities, and expand operational capacity while managing compliance, logistics, staffing, and real estate needs.
SBDC Assistance
Carey began working with Maryland SBDC Business Consultant Carmen Braxton, who helped the company organize its growth priorities and identify the right resources to support expansion.
Carmen provided guidance on commercial real estate planning, facility expansion, staffing strategy, and operational considerations for adding service bays. She also connected the business to information on Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation resources, including expansion support, workforce programs, and potential incentives.
Because Cherner Bros was exploring cross-border vehicle importing, Carmen coordinated support from SBDC international trade specialist Luis Diaz-Colorado. Together, the SBDC team helped Carey begin moving from a transactional import approach to a more structured, system-based process. This included guidance on Importer of Record registration, customs broker engagement, HS-7 documentation, EPA and DOT requirements, recordkeeping, and compliance workflows.
The SBDC also provided research on workforce considerations, including visa and employment authorization questions, and helped the business think through future hiring needs such as a sales manager, service technicians, tag and title support, and office management.
Results
Through its work with the Maryland SBDC, Cherner Bros Auto Brokers is better positioned to grow with structure, compliance, and long-term strategy. Rather than pursuing expansion reactively, the company now has a clearer roadmap for space planning, workforce development, international sourcing, and operational scalability.
By combining Carmen’s strategic business counseling with specialized import/export advising, the SBDC helped Cherner Bros move toward a more disciplined growth model that supports both its current customer demand and future market opportunities.
About Cherner Bros Auto Brokers, Inc.
Cherner Bros Auto Brokers, Inc., based in Kensington, Maryland, provides automotive sales and brokerage services to customers throughout the region. The company is exploring strategic expansion opportunities, including increased service capacity, additional commercial space, and structured vehicle sourcing models.
About the Maryland SBDC
The Maryland Small Business Development Center provides no-cost, confidential business consulting and training to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. Through one-on-one advising, technical assistance, and access to specialized resources, the SBDC helps businesses strengthen operations, prepare for growth, and pursue new market opportunities.
Posted: 07/23/2026