Lightspeed has always been more than just software. It’s a legacy—built by dealers, for dealers. And one of the earliest and most influential contributors to that legacy was Hal Ethington.
Hal’s deep industry experience, powerful storytelling, and passion for helping dealerships succeed helped shape Lightspeed’s early growth. As the very first Lightspeed dealer, he was a key voice in showing how software could transform dealership operations, making businesses more efficient, more profitable, and more sustainable.
Where it all began
In the early 1980s, Hal, a motorcycle dealer in Salt Lake City, recognized a challenge that many still face today: where does all the profit go? Through firsthand experience, he saw that inventory mismanagement—not lack of sales—was quietly eroding profitability.
That discovery sparked a journey that led him to partner with programmer Ernie Blodgett to build a system that would give dealers the tools they truly needed. What began as a solution to manage parts inventory quickly evolved into the first motorcycle-specific Dealer Management System—and eventually, the creation of Lightspeed in 1986.
In the early days of Lightspeed, Hal played a critical role in training new dealerships. At the time, all new Lightspeed users traveled to Salt Lake City for an intensive, week-long training—and Hal was the trusted instructor guiding them. His ability to connect software to real-world dealership challenges made the difference, setting dealers up for long-term success. Later, he officially joined Lightspeed full-time, continuing his mission to educate and empower dealers across the country.
A Storyteller at Heart
Hal wasn’t just an innovator. He was a storyteller, committed to helping dealers understand the “why” behind their numbers and processes. From the early 2000s to the mid-2010s, Hal regularly shared insights in articles that resonated deeply with the dealership community. These articles range from practical workflow tips to emotional appeals about the American spirit or the resilience it takes to succeed in business. They all feature his unique personality, someone who can both encourage and challenge you at the same time.
Now, We’re Bringing Those Stories Back
In this new blog series, Then and Now, we’re dusting off some of Hal’s most impactful pieces and pairing them with a fresh perspective from someone who’s walked the Lightspeed journey for 30 years—our Chief Sales Officer, Brian Bodine. Brian has worked hand-in-hand with thousands of dealers over the decades and will provide updated insights on how dealership operations have changed—and what challenges remain constant.
Brian has a similar approach to success in this industry, which he calls “slowing down to speed up.” In this series, you’ll notice him reference the idea that, if we don’t stop and make an effort to understand our customers, our businesses, and the information we need to make informed decisions, we’re not going to be able to “speed up” and grow.
Whether you’ve been with us since the early UNIX days or just joined the Lightspeed family, this series will offer a unique look at the history, evolution, and enduring mission of Lightspeed: to make your dealership more efficient, more profitable, and more empowered.
We’re excited to reintroduce you to Hal and to have Brian as your new guide through the past, present, and future of Lightspeed.
Follow along on the Lightspeed blog to see the “Then and Now” series, and we’re confident that you’ll get some tips and even some inspiration to spur you towards success.
Meet the Authors
Brian Bodine
