Anthony Scala - City Chevrolet of Grayslake

Anthony Scala, owner of City Chevy Grayslake, sits down with Dave today. They dive into Anthony's rich family history in the car business and his journey from a porter to a dealership owner. Anthony shares his commitment to community involvement, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships and creating a welcoming atmosphere at City Chevy. They discuss the challenges of rebuilding trust within the community and the dealership's focus on customer service. The episode wraps up with playful insights into Anthony's personal life and his passion for fostering a positive work environment.

Discovering Grayslake: A Deep Dive into Anthony Scala's Journey and Insights on the Car Business

In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host Tony sits down with Anthony Scala, the owner of City Chevy, at Agora, a co-working space in Grayslake. The conversation is rich with insights into Anthony's background in the automotive industry, his family's legacy, and his journey to becoming a dealership owner. This blog post will break down the key themes discussed in the episode, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to guide listeners and readers alike.

Family Legacy and Early Experiences

The Scala Family Legacy
Anthony Scala's journey in the car business is deeply rooted in his family's history. His grandfather owned a dealership in the late 70s and early 80s, and his father continued the legacy by running the Lynch Auto Group in Chicago. Growing up in this environment, Anthony was naturally drawn to the car industry, although he admits that no child dreams of becoming a car dealer.

Lessons from a Strict Upbringing
Anthony shares a personal story about his upbringing, highlighting the strict parenting style of his father. As the oldest of five siblings, he felt the pressure of being the firstborn. He recalls how his father monitored his every move, which he initially resented but later came to appreciate. Anthony reflects on how his father's high expectations and support shaped him, even when he made poor choices as a teenager. This strict yet supportive environment instilled in him the values of hard work and determination.

The Importance of Community Involvement

Building Relationships with Customers
Anthony emphasizes that building relationships with customers is crucial. He believes that understanding the local demographic is essential for tailoring services and marketing strategies. Each of the five dealerships he operates caters to different communities, and he recognizes that what works in one area may not be effective in another. This adaptability is key to his success.

Community Engagement
Tony expresses gratitude for City Chevy's community involvement, highlighting the dealership's sponsorship of local events. Anthony shares that they have an even more robust schedule of community activities planned for the upcoming spring and summer, emphasizing the importance of being an active participant in the community. This commitment to community engagement helps build trust and fosters long-term relationships with customers.

Customer Service Philosophy

Creating a Positive Experience
Anthony explains that while data and demographics inform marketing strategies, the real focus should be on personal interactions. He believes that if a customer doesn't feel a connection with the staff, they are unlikely to make a purchase or return for service. This philosophy drives the hiring and training processes at City Chevy, where he aims to foster a culture of respect and teamwork.

The Role of Authenticity
Scala emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere at his dealership. He believes that the first impression is crucial, and he encourages his employees to assess the "vibe" of the store each day. According to him, the dealership has a significantly more positive energy, characterized by friendly and genuine staff. He acknowledges that while some aspects of customer service can be faked, the authenticity and kindness of the team are what truly matter.

Challenges and Rebuilding Trust

Overcoming Past Management Issues
Anthony acknowledges that there were trust issues within the community due to past management practices. To address this, he has worked diligently to rebuild relationships and establish a reputation for integrity and transparency. Anthony shares anecdotes about how he has engaged with the community, from sponsoring local events to participating in charity initiatives, all aimed at demonstrating his commitment to Grayslake.

Turning Around Underperforming Stores
Scala shares his track record of revitalizing underperforming dealerships. He has successfully turned around every store he has purchased, and he is currently in the process of doing the same with City Chevy. He mentions that General Motors views his dealership as a model for year-over-year growth, even if the progress is gradual. Scala recognizes that his dealership may not be the right fit for everyone, as they cater to logical and rational buyers.

Personal Insights and Competitive Nature

Lessons from Sports
Anthony reveals his competitive nature, which he attributes to his background in sports, particularly basketball. He recounts a pivotal moment during his college years when he realized he needed to improve physically to compete with more experienced players. This experience taught him the value of hard work and determination, lessons he applies to his business today. He believes that the same principles of teamwork and respect he learned on the court are essential in the workplace.

Building a Positive Work Environment
Tony and Anthony delve into the importance of creating a positive work environment at the dealership. Anthony stresses that every employee, regardless of their position, deserves respect. He shares a personal anecdote about how witnessing disrespect among employees triggers a strong reaction from him. He believes that fostering a culture of mutual respect not only benefits employees but also enhances the customer experience.

The Role of Data in Business

Balancing Data and Personal Interactions
The conversation also highlights Anthony's analytical approach to business. He enjoys tracking metrics and using data to inform decisions, but he emphasizes that numbers alone do not drive success. Understanding people and building relationships are equally important. He explains that while data can guide marketing efforts, the real magic happens when employees connect with customers on a personal level.

Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

Expanding Community Efforts
As the episode draws to a close, Anthony shares his aspirations for the future of City Chevy and his ongoing commitment to the Grayslake community. He envisions expanding community engagement efforts and continuing to build a dealership that reflects the values of respect, integrity, and teamwork. He believes that by investing in relationships, both with customers and employees, he can create a thriving business that positively impacts the community.

Conclusion

In this engaging conversation, Tony and Anthony explore the intersection of business, community, and personal growth. Anthony Scala's journey from a strict upbringing to a successful dealership owner illustrates the importance of resilience, hard work, and the power of relationships. The episode serves as a reminder that success in business is not just about numbers; it's about the people behind the numbers and the connections forged along the way.

Key Takeaways:
Community Involvement**: Building relationships with local customers is essential for long-term success.
Customer Service**: Authenticity and personal interactions are crucial for creating a positive customer experience.
Work Environment**: Fostering a culture of respect and teamwork benefits both employees and customers.
Data and Personal Touch**: Balancing data-driven decisions with personal interactions leads to better business outcomes.

By focusing on these principles, Anthony Scala has successfully turned around underperforming dealerships and built a thriving business that positively impacts the Grayslake community. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the importance of building genuine relationships in business.