If you spend a bit of time at auto conferences and around the social media watering holes where auto folks hang out, you’ll find that there’s a family in this industry. We may compete vigorously for customers and customer budgets, but I count so many people in this industry amongst my closest friends. Auto is a family and when a family member has a good day, it demands acknowledgement.

Cars.com announced yesterday morning that it has acquired Dealer Inspire. I’m excited for my friends Joe Chura (Dealer Inspire’s founder and CEO), Alex Vetter (Cars.com CEO) and Greg McGivney (now Dealer Inspire’s COO) on an amazing outcome, and I wish them well as they begin the often difficult process of integrating their companies.

The market declares value with its dollars and an investment of this magnitude in a competitor is both great news for the Dealer Inspire team and great news for DealerOn! This acquisition is not only a vote for Dealer Inspire, but a vote for the insurgency that DealerOn has long led: to provide the auto industry with innovative and compelling next generation alternatives to the entrenched interests that have dominated the space for years — CDK Global and Cox Automotive’s Dealer.com.

Congratulations Joe, Alex, and Greg! And GAME ON!