With a desire to enter into the auto business as a teen, Collier started as a lot attendant and began selling cars to pay his way through college. Collier quickly ascended to sales management and general management positions. In 2004, when Collier was 26 years old he achieved his first major goal when he became the youngest non-succession Ford dealer in Ford Motor Company history. Chad was a recipient of the Automotive News "Innovative Dealer of the Year" in 2008. Chad acquired multiple dealerships in the central southern states. Collier bought and sold three dealerships, including to Autonation, by the age of 32.