Blog
Short, practical notes on running service, parts and body shop departments that customers come back to.
EV? Are you IN or Out?
In conversations with various dealers regarding the preparation for the big push on Electric Vehicles is alarming. While all dealers are accustomed to working with expensive regulations and requirements, the Electric Vehicle push is likely to be the most tenuous and expensive adventure ever. As always, it comes down to the question, “Are you in…
Will the Bank Scare Hurt?
Watching the news about several banks failing recently brought up some scary memories of 2008 and 2009. Hearing the reason why it happened didn’t bring much comfort. Regional banks are getting bailout money and that is likely to continue. Markets seem stabilized for now; however, dealerships must take notice of actions needed to protect cash.…
Preparation for 2023 Dealerships
Preparation for 2023 Dealerships It’s that time of year when we start preparations for next year. Next year will likely see the average age of vehicles on the road approaching a record 13 years. The average mileage on these vehicles will increase as well to record levels. This will create the foundation for a record…
Critical Fixed Operations KPI
Fixed Operation results are critical for dealerships, and many are fearful of the future. We are seeing strong growth in fixed operations however a few opportunities remain. The average age of vehicles in the United States is now over 12 years. This trend will continue for the next several years. The question is, why are…
Be Your Best
Recently I was visiting a dealer and noticed he had lost weight. As I complimented him, he explained he had lost 50 pounds! Eating good quality foods, exercising, have brought to him an excellent result. This result holds a truth in everything we desire to achieve for ourselves or our company. There is no magic…
Don’t Waist It
Ray Branch 11/20/47 – 8/7/22 Many have said life is short and recently that hit home for me. My good friend Ray Branch passed away after an extended illness. He was a quality individual full of life, who always made me laugh whenever we interacted. He could also challenge my thoughts and we would…
An Old Foundation
Recently I started a rebuilding project at my home. An old 100-year-old garage and upstairs living area was torn down. Starting the rebuild was the foundation. The builders dug about 6 feet down and filled it with concrete. Next came concrete block and sealant to keep the water out. Next step is the actual structure.…
Get Fired Up!
This morning we had a notification our dealership client in Washington state received an approval for $40 more an hour on their warranty labor rate! Another client in Kansas was told by a competitor they had no opportunity for a warranty submission. Our team and software found this dealership $70,000 on additional labor gross profit…
Small Changes Get Big Results
In flight training pilots are taught if you want a smooth landing make small corrections on the approach. If large corrections are made you will likely overshoot the adjustment and ruin your day. Service departments will always benefit from small adjustments, however huge changes create a bumpy ride. If you want to make adjustments in…
Find Your Frogs
Brian Tracy wrote a book titled “Eat That Frog”. In this book he explains if your job is to eat a frog do it first thing in the morning. If it’s to eat two frogs eat the largest one first. If you eat a frog first thing every day no question the rest of your…