EP 10:23 Process Over Panic: Tips from a Former Internet Director Turned CFO

In this must-listen episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosts Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams sit down with Justin Rody, CFO of Kalispell Auto Group, to discuss the critical leadership lessons and strategies that have shaped his journey from Internet Director to C-suite executive. This episode is especially important for anyone in the automotive industry looking to navigate the evolving landscape of dealership operations.

"The Internet and phones are the new showroom.”

Justin dives into the often-underappreciated roles of Internet and BDC departments, shedding light on their vital contribution to modern sales success. With years of experience under his belt, he offers valuable insights on process adherence, the influence of one-price sales strategies on customer satisfaction, and the innovative community engagement tactics that can drive customer loyalty, like car raffles in partnership with local schools.

"If somebody's throwing an Internet manager into a position that hasn't sold a car or been involved in sales, it's not the right thing to do."

This episode is packed with actionable advice for dealership leaders and sales teams alike, offering a roadmap to creating a customer-focused, value-driven dealership that thrives in today’s competitive market. Don’t miss out—this conversation is a game-changer!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Having experience in sales and management roles can significantly enhance the effectiveness of Internet and BDC managers.

✅ Cultivating a culture of process adherence is crucial for dealership success and customer satisfaction.

✅ Implementing a one-price sales model can streamline operations and build trust with customers, although it requires a strong value proposition.

✅ Community involvement and charitable initiatives are vital in establishing a dealership's reputation and fostering long-term customer relationships.

✅ Leveraging technology, such as AI for CRM and lead management, can optimize dealership efficiency and profits.

 

About Justin Rody
Justin Rody is the Chief Financial Officer at Kalispell Auto Group in Montana. With a deep-rooted background in automotive sales, he began his career by immersing himself in various roles within dealerships, from internet director to executive positions. His connection with the auto industry dates back to a family legacy, with experiences ranging from washing cars in his grandfather's small car dealership to managing an auto racing track. Justin brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong emphasis on process and customer satisfaction to his current role overseeing Ford, VW, and Toyota dealerships within the group.

 

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The Importance of Internet Sales Savvy: Transforming Automotive Dealership Leadership

Key Takeaways

• Foundation of Experience: For an Internet Director to truly excel, they should have tangible experience in BDC roles, sales, and management.

• One-Price Dealer Model: Establishing a one-price, no-negotiation dealership fosters a streamlined process and builds trust with consumers.

• Community Engagement: Successful dealerships integrate community involvement into their business model, benefiting both local organizations and the dealership’s reputation.

 

Rethinking Internet and BDC Management in Dealerships

In today’s fast-evolving automotive landscape, the role of the Internet Director holds significant weight. Yet, despite its importance, this position often lacks due recognition and appropriate resourcing in many dealerships. According to Justin Rody, a former Internet Director turned CFO, one core issue is placing individuals in these roles who haven’t experienced the hustle and nuance of direct car sales. "It's almost like setting the person up for failure," Rody articulates, highlighting that the Internet manager should ideally have sales experience to truly grasp the complexities of the car buying process.

Sean V. Bradley, in the podcast, shares a strong sentiment: "How can you tell me as a salesperson or a manager what to do, when to do it, how to do it? And you've never even taken up before." This speaks to the critical need for online and BDC managers to have firsthand sales and customer service exposure. Forcing a person into a managerial role without proper preparation or experience diminishes their potential for success and hampers dealership effectiveness.

The overarching benefit here is clear. If Internet directors are equipped with comprehensive industry knowledge and hands-on experience, they can lead with authority, improve Internet sales integration, and foster a harmonious relationship with sales teams. Such a coherent setup not only boosts morale but lays the groundwork for more innovative sales strategies and efficient processes within the dealership.

 

The One-Price Model: Revolutionizing Consumer Trust and Efficiency

The concept of a one-price store disrupts traditional dealership tactics by eliminating the negotiation phase that's been a cornerstone for many. When executed correctly, it not only streamlines the car-buying process but enhances the dealership's transparency and trust. Justin Rody testifies, "We haven't negotiated one car deal since 2007." For his dealership, the firm pricing strategy removes uncertainties and accelerates buying decisions.

Bradley underscores how this aligns with efficiency, noting that "anything that elongates the process is counterproductive; taking 10 minutes to cook minute rice is a waste." The one-price model offers peace of mind to both customers and salespeople. By setting clear expectations, it ensures swift transactions and nurtures a reputation of honesty and reliability—an irresistible draw for many buyers.

Moreover, this model aligns with broader automotive consumer trends where digital interaction and swift, transparent transactions are increasingly valued. By curtailing the negotiation process, dealerships can dedicate more resources to enhance the customer's buying journey, reinforcing loyalty and repeat business.

Community Engagement: Enhancing Reputation and Building Trust

Supporting local communities is more than just good public relations for car dealerships; it's a business imperative that boosts brand reputation and customer loyalty. Justin’s dealership exemplifies this by engaging deeply with the community, notably through their innovative school car raffle initiative that has raised significant funds annually for local schools. As Rody shared, “That generated somewhere…like 50 to $80,000 of money that goes right to the general fund of the school."

This initiative taps into the mutual benefits of a strong community-dealer relationship. For the dealership, it means fostering a positive public image and engendering goodwill among potential customers. It acts as a reciprocal arrangement where the community feels valued and wishes to support a business that shares its success. The concept is simple: when dealerships give back, they create an emotional connection, which is priceless in building long-term customer relationships.

Moreover, integrating these acts of service into the dealership’s marketing strategy by showcasing on platforms and websites bolsters SEO and web presence, ensuring potential customers notice the dealership for not just their cars but their values.

Justin Rody’s journey from an Internet Director to CFO within a dealership illustrates the transformative potential of industry experience when placed in strategic roles. His emphasis on transparent practices, streamlined processes, and community involvement paints a clear picture of a sustainable path forward for modern dealerships. By addressing both internal structure and external engagement, dealerships have the opportunity to cultivate enduring success in a competitive automotive market.

 

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Resources:

Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership’s sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!

 

Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry’s #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.

 

The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 29,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!

 

Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.

 

 

The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By:

Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!

 

Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.

 

Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry’s top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!