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You don't know what you got 'till it's gone

What struck me was how big money can organize itself to "displace" smaller players. I know that Grocers don't have free rein over their shelf space. Chips and beverages are "bundled" to max out all avail shelf space.

I prefer to do biz with a small local bank. Craft beers have made a come-back at stores in our area. Maybe it's time for craft colas. Mega Auto Dealers have advantages, but must work to not become corporate. Makin' Loyalty ain't easy.

The pendulum swings... Small to big... big to small. Happens in all biz'es. Very Darwinian.
 
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Fueled by passion indeed! Thanks for sharing Joe. I've logged the url and am looking forward to sharing with our people. It's that type of pride and passion that sets the 1%'er from a 20%'er. Isn't it always cool when you get into a conversation with folks who really love what they do and just ooze when they get the chance to divulge about their passion! I find the closest in our industry is usually found at a local Harley dealer or bike shop... I can't believe I hadn't stumbled onto this thread until now!
 
Dealers are one of an old and seemingly fading group of retail outlets not being undercut by larger more influential auto retailers. Thankfully there are laws preventing mfg.'s from wholesaling autos to larger groups at a deeper discount than smaller retailers. This singularity has given entrepreneurs and consumers a true marketplace. The day Toyota or Honda actively engage in favoritism to their franchises is the day auto retail will go to your local costco's and wallmart.
 

✨ AI Highlights

  • A dealer shares a YouTube video about a niche soda pop shop, sparking discussion about how small businesses can thrive through passion and specialization despite competition from larger corporate players.
  • The conversation draws parallels to the automotive industry, with participants noting that craft/niche products are making comebacks and that franchise laws currently protect independent dealers from manufacturer favoritism.
  • The key insight is that while big business has organizational advantages, small businesses fueled by passion and niche positioning can survive and succeed—a dynamic that applies across industries.

A dealer shares a YouTube video about a niche soda pop shop, sparking discussion about how small businesses can thrive through passion and specialization despite competition from larger corporate players. The conversation draws parallels to the automotive industry, with participants noting that craft/niche products are making comebacks and that franchise laws currently protect independent dealers from manufacturer favoritism. The key insight is that while big business has organizational advantages, small businesses fueled by passion and niche positioning can survive and succeed—a dynamic that applies across industries.

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