I recently visited Bergstrom Automotive, a dealership group out in Wisconsin, and a thought came to me. Are you doing something because it’s relevant to the culture, or are you being authentic with yourself in what you do?
Read MoreIt seems the word "disruption" is thrown around pretty loosely these days. Ernie Garcia legitimately disrupted one of the largest retail industries in the USA. Automotive.
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between crazy and eccentric? My guest today says where you fall on that spectrum depends on how much money you have. I think he’s eccentric, he says he’s not rich enough. Either way, he’s one of the most interesting men I’ve met in a long time.
Read MoreWhen BowTie Terrance found himself selling cars nearly 800 miles from home, he found a way to make sure people knew who he was. I can’t wait for you to meet him.
Read MoreFor the first (and probably last time) in my life, the words “Who are you, Barbara Walters?!” were spoken to me. They came from this week’s guest, Jim Fitzpatrick, CEO of the CBT News Network and the Atlanta Small Business Network when I started asking him questions about his legacy.
Read MoreIf I had to describe this influential COO in one word, it would be balanced. No... maybe it would be intelligent Or maybe poised. Open-handed might be a good one. Anyway... you get it!
Since I first met him in February of this year, he has quickly become a true mentor. The more I get to know him, the deeper my admiration grows. Not only does he have a long list of professional successes, but he balances that with great success as a husband, father, and community servant.
Read MoreSpeechless. That was my response when I was asked by a co-worker about my trip to the Ciocca Auto Group based in Allentown, PA. Now I’ve had the privilege of being in and out of hundreds of dealerships throughout my career in automotive. I’ve seen all types of leadership. Good leaders, dysfunctional leaders, brilliant leaders, co-dependent leaders, temperamental leaders and on and on. RARELY have I found generational leadership which was so well executed, that the incoming generation truly garners the same respect as the former.
Read MoreIts a special day on the Dealers Compressed podcast today as we welcome a very special guest, Brandin Wilkinson. Brandin is a young, innovative dealer who convinces customers to drive lots of miles just to do business with his Dodge store.
Read MoreAs business becomes more relational and engaging, communication plays a heavier factor in how we interact with our customers. Empathy is the key to hacking these interactions.
Read MoreReputation? Brand? Whatever you call it, it's the biggest asset (or hurdle) to your growing your business.
Read MoreIt's hot. Customers don't want to walk a lot for their new car. They want to research it online like everything else they bought this week.
Read MoreAn Autotrader survey found that less than half of 1% like the current car buying process. That's pretty embarrassing. We got a chance to talk to Drive Motors SVP of Customer Experience, Matt Weinberg, about his perspective on how dealers can adapt to better serve their customers.
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