Privacy Policy
Client Information, Privacy Practices, and Notice Regarding Confidential Communications
You may have concerns about the confidentiality of the information you provide to this company. Our policy is to keep your personal, business, and dealership matters confidential to the extent permitted by law.
We handle all information you provide us with the utmost confidentiality. Your information will only be shared with members of our company who need access to it to complete the work you have retained us to do. We will not disclose your information to anyone outside our company without your express written permission to do so, unless we are legally required to do so. For example, if a manufacturer, lender, or regulatory body contacts our office seeking information, we will first request that you provide written authorization before responding, unless disclosure is required by law.
While we treat all information you provide as confidential, please note that communications with consultants are generally not protected by legal adviser–client privilege. Although the company's principal, Joseph Girardot, is a licensed attorney, our engagement is specifically not that of attorney-client privilege. If you believe any matter requires privileged legal communication, we will recommend that you consult with your attorney.
1. Information You Provide to Us
We may collect and maintain the following types of information to provide our consulting services:
• Personal & Business Information: Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dealership ownership details, and corporate records.
• Financial & Facility Information: Information relating to dealership financing, real estate, property development, and facilities planning.
• Communication Data: Information exchanged via email, SMS, phone, video conference, or in-person meetings, including client documents and correspondence.
2. Information We Collect Automatically
When you visit our website, we may collect certain information automatically from your device. This information may include:
• Log and Usage Data: Your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, referring URLs, and timestamps of your visit.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We may use cookies to operate and administer our website and improve your experience. A cookie is a piece of information sent to your browser that allows our site to remember information about your visit. You can set your browser to accept or reject all cookies or to notify you when a cookie is set.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information only as necessary to:
• Assist with manufacturer applications and approval processes.
• Provide guidance on corporate governance and ownership structures.
• Advise on dealership real estate, facilities planning, and compliance issues.
• Communicate with you regarding projects, meetings, or ongoing engagements.
• Improve our website's functionality and analyze usage trends.
• Comply with applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
4. SMS and Electronic Communications
Our firm may use SMS messaging or other electronic methods for general inquiries or updates at your request. Messaging services are provided through secure telecommunications providers. By providing your mobile number or email address, you consent to receiving messages from us. Standard messaging or data rates may apply. You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying ‘STOP’ to any message.
5. How We Protect Your Information
We implement reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, including:
• Secure storage of electronic and physical records.
• Limiting access to your information to authorized personnel only.
• Encryption and secure transfer protocols where applicable.
6. Data Breach Procedures
In the event of a data breach that is likely to result in a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will take immediate steps to mitigate the harm and will notify you and any applicable regulatory authorities as required by law.
7. Sharing and Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal or business information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your information may be disclosed only:
• To trusted third-party service providers who assist us in our operations. These may include providers of IT services, cloud data storage, and communication platforms. These providers are contractually bound to protect your information and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.
• To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government/regulatory requests.
• When you provide express written authorization for disclosure.
8. Data Retention
We retain your information for the duration of our professional engagement and for a period of seven (7) years thereafter to comply with legal, accounting, and professional obligations. After this period, your information will be securely and permanently deleted from our systems.
9. Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
• Access and Review: Request access to the personal or business information we maintain about you.
• Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request the deletion of your information, subject to our data retention obligations for legal and professional purposes.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for SMS or electronic messaging at any time by notifying our office or using the opt-out mechanisms provided.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in the "Contact Us" section below.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for or directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as necessary. Changes will be posted on our website, and the effective date will be updated accordingly.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:
Automotive Due Diligence Services
Newtown, CT 06470
Email: info@adds-consulting.com Phone: 860-795-7939
Effective Date: October 3, 2025