MC on the Mic: Episode 1 - Building a Dealership from Scratch

Introduction

• Host: MC
• Episode focus: Building a dealership from the ground up
• Sponsor: autoi
  • Helps dealers sell smarter online and in showrooms
  • Benefits: Faster sales, higher satisfaction, more profit

Regular Solo Episodes

• New initiative: Monthly solo episodes
• Sharing insights and experiences relevant to the auto industry

Project Overview

• Building a new dealership from scratch
• Unique opportunity to challenge industry norms
• Focus on exceptional guest experience and innovative practices

Key Collaborators

• Glenn Lundy
  • Previous GM of the highest volume Chevy store in America
  • Founded the 800% Elite Automotive Club
  • Expertise in growing dealership operations by 800%
  • Concept: Dealership as a leadership training facility that sells cars

Unique Dealership Features

• Training Facility
  • Focus on leadership and operations training
  • Open-book approach: Sharing all experiences, challenges, and successes
• Guest Experience
  • No 'customers'; only 'guests' and 'community members'
  • Emphasis on hospitality over traditional retail

Innovative Practices

• Employees to have 7 weeks off per year
• Flexible work hours with focus on company’s best interest
• BDC as guest experience coordinators, not call center agents
• Marketing Strategies
  • Build relationships of trust in the community (BRT approach)

Marketing Campaigns

• Podcast Studio
  • Located in the middle of the showroom
  • Tool for fostering community relationships
  • Featuring local business owners and everyday people
  • Podcast as a business tool, not a fame tool
• Community Engagement
  • Example: Hosting events linked with local attractions like haunted houses
  • Use of social media and physical presence to build brand awareness

Vehicle Sales Strategy

• Focus on popular colors: black, white, and silver
• Target demographic: Everyday cars for everyday people
• Vehicle Criteria:
  • Mileage under 80,000 miles
  • Price range: $15,000 - $35,000
  • Lifetime powertrain warranty

Marketing and Guest Experience

• Focus on incredible guest experience
• Align in-store experience with online marketing
• Partners:
  • Flex Dealer: For website and digital marketing
  • autoi: For online car buying experience and dealership tools

Ambassadorship

• Importance of being proud ambassadors for the brand
• Team commitment and representation of the dealership everywhere

Conclusion

• Excitement about the journey of building a dealership
• Encouragement to follow the journey on new YouTube channel: 800% Elite Auto Sales
• Invitation for listeners to stay tuned for more insights in future episodes