Management
Attracting the Next Generation of Technicians
TuesdayRepairing vehicles is the easy part, but finding and retaining technicians has become one of the industry's greatest tests. Jay Goninen has been in repair shops since he was 9. He has been a professional technician and managed numerous shops. He is committed to helping dealers attract and retain the next generation of technicians.
Keeping Score to Keep Everyone Accountable
TuesdayDealer Luke Godwin says keeping employees accountable can be fun. He finds ways to keep the score at everything and encourages healthy competition among his team. Come hear how he uses an actual scoreboard to promote accountability and keep everyone focused on the daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals.
Improve Your Inventory Acquisition and Your Bottom Line
TuesdayEvery dealer has a don’t-buy list, but very few have a process to evaluate every vehicle, auction, seller and buyer after the vehicle is acquired. These two dealers will explain why they measure everything after the sale to create boundaries and accountability for themselves and their buyers. Learn how to get the right vehicle to the frontline faster from two of the most innovative dealers in our industry.
Getting Back to Smart Buying: Mistake-proof Your Acquisition
TuesdayFaster, smarter and independent. This workshop will show dealers how to implement strategies, data and AI to make faster, informed buying decisions. This means eliminating unexpected reconditioning costs, and decreasing time to retail, and wholesale turn times. Participants will assess their dealership operations’ health and uncover ways to maximize profits, including tapping into consumer trades, buying strategies to save time and improving their online presence.
Your "Gut Feeling" May Be The Problem
WednesdayAs we face some of the greatest challenges our industry has seen in years, the “gut” way of doing things may be holding you back. Jon Turan will tell you fighting the gut feeling and trusting the numbers is not easy, but it’s the future and his obsession. He will explain how to find and trust the answers in the data.
Certified Master Dealer: An Informative Update and How To Become One
WednesdayWhether you’re a current Certified Master Dealer or want more information on becoming one, this is the session for you. Being a Certified Master Dealer (CMD) comes with a lot of prestige. It’s a commitment to excellence, customer experience and the knowledge to put your dealership on a profitable and compliant path. Ed Curry, NIADA Senior 20 Group Moderator, sits down with Donald Sullivan, Jr., a current CMD dealer, to update current CMDs on what’s changed in the industry and provide information for those who want to become a Certified Master Dealer.
Where Management and Entrepreneurship Collide
WednesdaySuccess as an entrepreneur and used car dealer isn’t guaranteed. It takes a detailed business plan. Jim Hop, Department Chair for Entrepreneurship and Franchising Management at Northwood University, will lead you through how to diagram business models and develop plans to enhance the profitability of your dealership or department using the Business Model Canvas. Learn how to identify emerging trends and unmet needs, and generate new business ideas.
Do You Have a Weak Spot - Employee Safety Plans and More
WednesdayActive shooter, irate customer, petty thief, or an organized crime ring. Today, dealers have to be prepared for everything and recognize when you, your employees, or your property may be in danger. Learn from Sgt. Darren Schlosser of the Houston Police Department strategies you should implement before, during, and after an emergency at your dealership.
Leadership – Focus on Culture and the Sales Will Follow
WednesdayGlenn Lundy, a 26-year automotive industry veteran, breaks down his journey from 120 to 1,043 cars at a small-town Kentucky dealership. He’ll share his strategies, insights and the lessons from his successes and failures. Be inspired and equipped with practical tools for unleashing potential in small markets, building a winning culture and transformational leadership.
Is Anyone On The Bench
ThursdayIs anyone on your team next in line to take a key position, fill a recent vacancy, or even be the next superstar? If the answer is I don’t know, no, or maybe – you have a bench strength problem. Ben Goodman will show you how to build your bench strength from hiring, onboarding to employee development.
Young Guns Under 40 – Dealers Under 40 Finding Success
ThursdayThis is not your daddy’s dealership. These young gun dealers are finding new ways to play an old game. These three dealers under 40 are bucking some of the old trends as they carve their own path. If you have ever wondered what these young kids are up, this is your chance to ask. No question is off the table for these greenhorns.