EP 11:03 From Moms to Mentors: Building Legacies with their Daughters in Automotive Sales

In this powerful and heartwarming episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Tianna Mick, joined by her powerhouse mother, Karen Bradley, CEO of Dealer Synergy, welcomes another incredible mother-daughter duo, Tiffany Kruzer and Liana Nikel, to the show!

“For me, it's just I've watched this amazing empire that my mom has built for herself, and it really motivates me to push myself to succeed." - Liana Nikel

Together, these dynamic women share their stories of breaking barriers and building legacies in the automotive industry. From navigating the challenges of a traditionally male-dominated field to embracing mentorship, technology, and modern marketing strategies, they reveal what it takes to thrive and transform the car business for future generations!

"People purchase and like people that they know they can trust and building that relationship and not just forgetting about a person after you have had contact with them." - Tiffany Kruzer

Listeners will hear first-hand how these mother-daughter teams:

• Create lasting family legacies in automotive.

• Balance old-school customer relationships with new-school digital marketing.

• Overcome obstacles with persistence, self-motivation, and trust.

• Highlight the power of female representation and leadership in auto sales.
  
  

This episode is filled with inspiration, strategy, and proof that women are not only thriving but reshaping the automotive world. Whether you’re a sales professional, a leader in the industry, or someone looking to create your own legacy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

 

Key Takeaways:

✅ The power of mentorship, especially from family, offers a profound support system that can significantly enhance career development in the automotive industry.

✅ Transitioning between generations in the automotive industry highlights the evolution of sales techniques, incorporating both traditional methods and modern technology.

✅ Developing long-term customer relationships is crucial for sustained success and can significantly increase referrals, building a future-proof sales business.

✅ Overcoming challenges as women in a male-dominated industry requires determination and the ability to remain resilient against societal stereotypes.

✅ Legacy creation is about more than individual achievements; it's about instilling values and establishing systems for future generations to succeed and innovate.

About Tiffany Kruzer
Tiffany Kruzer is a record-breaking saleswoman at Ken Ganley Honda. Her career began in telemarketing and quickly transitioned to the auto industry, where she leverages her exceptional communication skills to achieve astounding sales records. Her journey is marked by overcoming gender barriers, leading her to be featured on the cover of Auto Dealer Monthly!

 

About Liana Nikel
Liana Nikel is a rising star at Medina Buick GMC Cadillac, and daughter of Tiffany Kruzer. Initially a preschool teacher, Liana transitioned to automotive sales, inspired by her mother's successful career. Her approach is centered around building long-term customer relationships!

 

About Karen Bradley, CEO
Karen Bradley is the CEO of Dealer Synergy, specializing in automotive training, branding, and sales strategy. Her career in the automotive industry spans 18 years, marked by a deep commitment to operational excellence and employee development. Notably, she advanced from an intern to leading the company, which was founded by her husband, Sean Bradley.

 

About Tianna ‘T Got Your Keys’ Mick
Tianna Mick aka T Got Your Keys, is a significant figure in the world of automotive sales. She has emerged as a vital part of the family legacy at Dealer Synergy, following the footsteps of her mother, Karen Bradley, in transforming the sales landscape.

 

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Unleashing Automotive Success: The Impact of Mother-Daughter Duos in the Industry

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship within the automotive industry, particularly from family connections, significantly enhances career success and personal growth.

• Embracing a blend of generational experiences creates a powerful synergy that drives innovation and adaptability in a traditionally male-dominated field.

• Building a legacy is about continuous influence and active mentorship, crafting a pathway for future generations to thrive in automotive sales and leadership.

The Transformative Power of Mother-Daughter Mentorship in Automotive

The automotive industry is often perceived as a daunting male-dominated arena, where women have historically faced numerous challenges. However, in the recent episode of the "Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast," an inspiring conversation unfolds. Hosted by Tianna Mick, also known as "T," and featuring powerful industry leaders like Karen Bradley and Tiffany Kruzer, this discussion unlocks the essence of mentorship, generational synergy, and legacy building within the sector.

In this lively exchange, Tianna Mick, along with her mother Karen Bradley, CEO of Dealer Synergy, align voices with Tiffany Kruzer and her daughter, Liana Nikel, illustrating the vibrant dynamics involved in navigating and thriving in automotive sales. The dialogue elaborates on how robust mentorship and familial bonds are not only transforming individual careers but reshaping the very fabric of the industry.

Karen Bradley highlights the importance of mentorship by stating, "Knowing and understanding that sometimes we don't necessarily want to do things, but we need to do those things is what sets us apart." This mindset is a cornerstone for emerging leaders in the automotive world, emphasizing that consistent actions and demonstrated success pave the way for future improvements.

Empowering Women Through Generational Synergy

Generational synergy is a force multiplier. As evidenced by Liana Nikel's transition from teaching to automotive sales, where she attributes the shift to observing her mother, Tiffany Kruzer. The blend of past wisdom and modern approaches—an environment Karen and Tiffany have cultivated—is pushing industry barriers. Tiffany reflects on her journey, "At first was in a career when I was doing telemarketing; I noticed I really had a drive to talk to people, and I was good at it."

Here, we see the intersection of traditional perseverance with contemporary technology and social integration. The older managerial styles, depicted vividly as Liana recounts experiences at her "old-school" dealership, clash yet ultimately harmonize with the more progressive tactics of their new environment. This fusion represents how the automotive landscape is shifting, driven in part by female leadership and family mentorship.

Tianna Mick sheds light on this transformation, recalling her own journey, "When I had that opportunity… I saw that was something that I was pretty good at." Demonstrating that when nurtured adequately, younger generations thrive, bridging traditional practices with innovative strategies.

Legacy Building: Creating a Foundation for the Future

Through the lens of legacy building, this conversation enriches the understanding of how purposeful mentorship creates lasting impact. Karen Bradley expresses her thoughts on legacy: "I want to leave behind values and good habits for future generations." This notion is reinforced as Tiffany Kruzer shares stories of leading by example, proving that actions over time inspire those who follow.

Legacy in the context of the automotive world extends beyond family. It is about empowering a community—through shared knowledge, experience, and opportunity. Tiffany and Karen's support of their daughters not only provides personal insight but sets a precedent within their professional realms. Tianna Mick reiterates this shared mission by pointing out, "Legacy isn't just passed down, it's built together."

The significance of actively nurturing relationships within the industry comes through in how Tiffany describes her client interactions. By maintaining connections, she secures repeat business and referrals, embodying the ideal of a professional legacy: "Spending all day with… our children… influences their success and future."

The Continuous Influence of Mentorship Across Generations

In the web of professional transitions and personal growth, the unifying thread is the family mentorship that transcends simple guidance. As the industry increasingly diversifies, these relationships illuminate pathways for more inclusive and effective leadership. This dynamic dialogue unveils that embracing diverse career perspectives—even those not initially charted by one’s own vision—are vital in carving roles for women in automotive spaces.

Both seasoned mothers and their ambitious daughters are clear about their mission. For Karen Bradley, it's about demonstrating "that sometimes actions speak louder than words." Meanwhile, Tiffany encourages the next generation to "carry [their] own weather," a metaphor for maintaining inner strength and resiliency regardless of external circumstances. These reflective insights underscore not just a transition of skills or aspirations but highlight a collective ambition for where the future can expand.

Ultimately, the podcast crystallizes how integral these family partnerships are to reshaping the automotive industry, emphasizing that success is deeply rooted in the sharing of experiences and continued growth. This episode offers a masterclass in personal and professional development, providing a blueprint not just for ascending in ranks, but for altogether reinventing them for those to come.

 

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Resources + Our Proud Sponsors:

The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!

Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry’s #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology!

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