Representative Director Shunsuke Yamano, an Expert in the Auto Industry's Structure, Appears on Popular YouTube Program to Discuss Franchise Management Philosophy Behind Rapid Growth
Representative Director Shunsuke Yamano of Smile Company Inc. appeared on a popular YouTube program, discussing the rapid growth of their used car buying franchise. He emphasized their management philosophy of "supporting and continuing" for franchisees and their deep understanding of the auto industry's structure, which has led to over 100 stores nationwide.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 18:00
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As a business leader with a deep understanding of the automotive industry's structure, Representative Director Shunsuke Yamano appeared on a popular YouTube program to discuss the philosophy of franchise management that supports rapid growth.
This video, titled "Following a Monster Who Earned 6.9 Billion Yen in 3 Years of Entrepreneurship, They Turned Out to Be a Superstar Who Understood the Auto Industry...!". It closely follows representative Yamano Shunsuke, who achieved nationwide growth in a short period, and discusses the realities of the car industry, the essence of franchise management, and the story behind business expansion from a field perspective.
In the video, Yamano, who reached his current business after seven job changes, frankly discusses the background and decision-making criteria that led him to entrepreneurship while looking back on his career. He also explains why the unique business model of a used car buying franchise that operates without physical stores is viable and where its competitive advantage lies, based on his understanding of the automotive industry's structure centered on auction distribution. Furthermore, he touches upon his management philosophy, which emphasizes not just "joining" a franchise, but "supporting and continuing" it. He highlights that prioritizing the creation of an environment where franchisees can sustainably operate their businesses in the long term, rather than short-term expansion or flashy success, is key, and introduces community design and support systems for本部 (headquarters) and franchisees to grow together.
The video also delves into the reality of franchise operations that expanded to 100 stores in a short period, and presents practical management ideas based on the premise that "blue oceans do not exist," focusing on how to find winning strategies within existing markets. The content is expected to be highly informative for those interested in entrepreneurship, business growth, and franchise management.
Smile Company will continue to aim for business growth that earns long-term trust by building sustainable business models that correctly grasp the structure of the automotive industry and by providing support tailored to each franchisee.
## Video Summary
Title: Following a Monster Who Earned 6.9 Billion Yen in 3 Years of Entrepreneurship, They Turned Out to Be a Superstar Who Understood the Auto Industry...!
Publication Date: April 2, 2026
Distribution: YouTube
Appearance: Shunsuke Yamano, Representative Director, Smile Company Inc.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2nfVDv5DVI
*"President, Can I Follow You?" is an interview program that accompanies popular CEOs and entrepreneurs for a day, delving into management insights, behind-the-scenes business operations, and the personalities of the executives.
Reference: About Smile Company Inc.
With the motto "To continue being a partner that pleases our customers," Smile Company Inc. operates over 100 "Smile Cars" used car buying franchise locations nationwide. In September 2025, it was selected as one of the "Top 100 Companies in Saitama." Starting in 2026, they also began recruiting franchisees for "Smile Truck," a franchise specializing in work vehicles. Moving forward, Smile Company Inc. will continue to aim for sustainable business growth by sincerely engaging with franchisee owners and establishing a field-based franchise model.
Smile Cars Official Page
Smile Truck Official Page
Smile Company Inc. Corporate Information Page
Reference: First Book by Representative Director Shunsuke Yamano
This book chronicles the journey of "Smile Cars," a store-less used car buying franchise, breaking through 100 nationwide stores just three years after starting franchise recruitment. It focuses on the accumulation of on-site decisions and dialogues rather than just success stories. The book also includes a roundtable discussion with three franchisee owners, presenting their unfiltered opinions and experiences alongside success stories to convey the true nature and organizational temperature of "Smile Cars."
Book Title: Why Smile Cars, a Used Car Buying Franchise, Continues to Grow to Over 100 Stores in 3 Years?
Author: Shunsuke Yamano
Release Date: March 11, 2026
Publisher: Fusosha
Price: 1,700 yen (including tax)
Online Sales: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4594102409/
【Company Overview】
Company Name: Smile Company Inc.
Established: January 2022
Location: 15-13 Wakita Honcho, Kawagoe City, Saitama 350-1123
Representative: Shunsuke Yamano, Representative Director
Business Activities: Operation of used car buying franchises "Smile Cars" and "Smile Truck," and related businesses.
This video, titled "Following a Monster Who Earned 6.9 Billion Yen in 3 Years of Entrepreneurship, They Turned Out to Be a Superstar Who Understood the Auto Industry...!". It closely follows representative Yamano Shunsuke, who achieved nationwide growth in a short period, and discusses the realities of the car industry, the essence of franchise management, and the story behind business expansion from a field perspective.
In the video, Yamano, who reached his current business after seven job changes, frankly discusses the background and decision-making criteria that led him to entrepreneurship while looking back on his career. He also explains why the unique business model of a used car buying franchise that operates without physical stores is viable and where its competitive advantage lies, based on his understanding of the automotive industry's structure centered on auction distribution. Furthermore, he touches upon his management philosophy, which emphasizes not just "joining" a franchise, but "supporting and continuing" it. He highlights that prioritizing the creation of an environment where franchisees can sustainably operate their businesses in the long term, rather than short-term expansion or flashy success, is key, and introduces community design and support systems for本部 (headquarters) and franchisees to grow together.
The video also delves into the reality of franchise operations that expanded to 100 stores in a short period, and presents practical management ideas based on the premise that "blue oceans do not exist," focusing on how to find winning strategies within existing markets. The content is expected to be highly informative for those interested in entrepreneurship, business growth, and franchise management.
Smile Company will continue to aim for business growth that earns long-term trust by building sustainable business models that correctly grasp the structure of the automotive industry and by providing support tailored to each franchisee.
## Video Summary
Title: Following a Monster Who Earned 6.9 Billion Yen in 3 Years of Entrepreneurship, They Turned Out to Be a Superstar Who Understood the Auto Industry...!
Publication Date: April 2, 2026
Distribution: YouTube
Appearance: Shunsuke Yamano, Representative Director, Smile Company Inc.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2nfVDv5DVI
*"President, Can I Follow You?" is an interview program that accompanies popular CEOs and entrepreneurs for a day, delving into management insights, behind-the-scenes business operations, and the personalities of the executives.
Reference: About Smile Company Inc.
With the motto "To continue being a partner that pleases our customers," Smile Company Inc. operates over 100 "Smile Cars" used car buying franchise locations nationwide. In September 2025, it was selected as one of the "Top 100 Companies in Saitama." Starting in 2026, they also began recruiting franchisees for "Smile Truck," a franchise specializing in work vehicles. Moving forward, Smile Company Inc. will continue to aim for sustainable business growth by sincerely engaging with franchisee owners and establishing a field-based franchise model.
Smile Cars Official Page
Smile Truck Official Page
Smile Company Inc. Corporate Information Page
Reference: First Book by Representative Director Shunsuke Yamano
This book chronicles the journey of "Smile Cars," a store-less used car buying franchise, breaking through 100 nationwide stores just three years after starting franchise recruitment. It focuses on the accumulation of on-site decisions and dialogues rather than just success stories. The book also includes a roundtable discussion with three franchisee owners, presenting their unfiltered opinions and experiences alongside success stories to convey the true nature and organizational temperature of "Smile Cars."
Book Title: Why Smile Cars, a Used Car Buying Franchise, Continues to Grow to Over 100 Stores in 3 Years?
Author: Shunsuke Yamano
Release Date: March 11, 2026
Publisher: Fusosha
Price: 1,700 yen (including tax)
Online Sales: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4594102409/
【Company Overview】
Company Name: Smile Company Inc.
Established: January 2022
Location: 15-13 Wakita Honcho, Kawagoe City, Saitama 350-1123
Representative: Shunsuke Yamano, Representative Director
Business Activities: Operation of used car buying franchises "Smile Cars" and "Smile Truck," and related businesses.