• Stop being a LURKER - join our dealer community and get involved. Sign up and start a conversation.

I Was On A Podcast

SUMMARY:
Nate Mahalovich, CEO of Lasso Roundup, interviews Bill Vaughn from Kirksville Motor Company. They discuss Vaughn's career journey, the importance of mentorship, and the unique challenges of running a high-volume dealership in a small town. Vaughn shares insights on adaptability, work-life balance, and customer trust, while Mahalovich emphasizes the intersection of hard work and luck, the value of partnerships, and leveraging technology for dealership success. Their conversation provides valuable lessons on effective sales strategies, customer-centric approaches, and continuous improvement in the automotive industry.
 

Key Insights from Bill Vaughn:​

  • Mentorship and Learning: Learning from experienced colleagues is crucial.
  • Adaptability in Sales: Transitioning to a non-commissioned sales model.
  • Work-Life Balance: Allowing salespeople to set their own sales goals.
  • Customer Trust: Building trust through sincerity and transparency.
  • Attention to Detail: Focusing on small details to attract long-distance customers.
  • Over-Communication: Ensuring thorough communication with customers.
  • Process and Structure: Establishing solid processes and structures.
  • Partnerships and Vendor Relationships: Viewing vendors as partners.
  • Hiring for Likability: Prioritizing likability and effort in new hires.
  • Technological Integration: Using AI and technology to enhance processes.
  • Market Adaptation: Adapting to selling beyond the local area.
  • Continuous Improvement: Always seeking growth and improvement.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BillKVMotorCo

Key Insights from Nate Mahalovich:​

  • Luck and Hard Work Intersection: Luck often comes from hard work and timing.
  • Importance of Mentorship: Significant impact of mentors on career growth.
  • Understanding Different Markets: Unique challenges of different market types.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Building trust through transparency and over-communication.
  • Leveraging Technology: Role of AI in improving operations and engagement.
  • Marketing and Traffic Generation: Importance of a strong online presence.
  • Data Utilization: Using data to identify opportunities and improve conversions.
  • Partnerships Over Vendors: Treating vendors as partners for mutual success.
  • Work-Life Balance: Recognizing the importance of work-life balance.
  • Innovative Sales Strategies: Unique strategies like pre-claiming discounts.
  • Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Adapting to changing markets and preferences.
  • Encouraging Industry Progress: Highlighting progressive approaches in the industry.
 
On a more serious note I really like the sales approach of doing a vehicle walkaround before the customer even comes and showing them even the smallest chip or scratch.
Thanks! It really gives the customer some extra peace of mind and helps them justify taking the risk of the trip. Shows how transparent we are willing to be and how much we care about the guest.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Carsten

Key Insights from Nate Mahalovich:​

  • Luck and Hard Work Intersection: Luck often comes from hard work and timing.
  • Importance of Mentorship: Significant impact of mentors on career growth.
  • Understanding Different Markets: Unique challenges of different market types.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Building trust through transparency and over-communication.
  • Leveraging Technology: Role of AI in improving operations and engagement.
  • Marketing and Traffic Generation: Importance of a strong online presence.
  • Data Utilization: Using data to identify opportunities and improve conversions.
  • Partnerships Over Vendors: Treating vendors as partners for mutual success.
  • Work-Life Balance: Recognizing the importance of work-life balance.
  • Innovative Sales Strategies: Unique strategies like pre-claiming discounts.
  • Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Adapting to changing markets and preferences.
  • Encouraging Industry Progress: Highlighting progressive approaches in the industry.
Thank you!