With the ever-changing market, the oldest used car dealership in Alabama, Ralph Smith Motors in Montgomery, is still looking for new tips to stay ahead in the business.
Representatives of the dealership, which dates back to 1942, are attending the NIADA BHPH Dealer Forum in New Orleans, Louisiana, Nov. 10-12.
“With the way the game is changing and the current economy, we wanted to put our heads together with other specific BHPH dealers to see how they are doing things differently,” said Joanna Smith of Ralph Smith Motors.
“We want to hear what other dealers are doing. If you stick to what you’ve always done, you’re not going to improve. You have to have an open mind and be flexible. You’ll have a better chance for survival.”
She won the drawing for the hotel room upgrade to an executive-level suite at the New Orleans Marriott during the Dealer Forum.
A second drawing for a suite upgrade will be held for all dealers registered by Sept. 27.
The dealer-centric event features roundtables led by many of the industry’s top BHPH dealers, including Richard Barnard, Tio Chuy’s Auto Sales, Oklahoma City; Steve Jordan, AutoVida, Lancaster, Texas; Russell Moore, Top Notch Used Cars, Conroe, Texas and Ben Libby, Highway Motors, Chico, California.
NIADA will present three extensive workshops – Building a Proper Business Plan, Creating the Customer Life Cycle and The Ins and Outs of Service.
The education breakout sessions led by industry experts and dealer panels will address accessing capital, hiring talent, adopting emerging technology, best 20 Group tips, marketing, sales, inventory management, protecting your dealership from fraud and compliance issues.
Register now at niada.com/bhphdealerforum. Early-bird registration is open through Oct. 4 and is $200 off the standard member rate. Group discounts are also available.
