Car Dealership Guy Podcast

#139 How an “Old-School Car Dog” Wins With An Unlikely Mix: Tech & EQ | Dustin Collins, Vice President at Bill Kay Auto

Nov 26, 2024

Dustin Collins, Vice President at Bill Kay Auto, delves into the blend of technology and emotional intelligence that drives modern car sales. He shares insights on the pivotal traits of a successful service director and how the right focus can enhance dealership operations. Dustin emphasizes the significance of employee retention and innovative strategies for customer experience, including the power of video transparency. His journey from washing cars to leading a dealership illustrates the potential of experiential learning in the automotive industry.

52:15

Episode guests

Dustin Collins

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Leveraging technology like VIN Solutions and V Auto is vital for dealerships to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.

Effective inventory management is crucial for maintaining profitability, requiring a focus on quick turnaround and understanding key performance indicators.

Building a memorable customer experience through transparency and communication fosters loyalty and encourages referrals in a competitive market.

Deep dives

Embracing Technology in the Dealership

In the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, leveraging technology has become crucial for success. Utilizing dealership software enhances the customer experience and streamlines operations, helping dealers maintain a competitive edge. For instance, the integration of platforms like VIN Solutions and V Auto allows management to analyze leads and track inventory metrics effectively. By adapting to new tools, dealerships can ensure they meet modern customer expectations while boosting overall efficiency.

Intro

2min

From Car Wash to Vice President

8min

Navigating Car Dealership Operations

6min

Navigating Inventory Challenges in Automotive Dealerships

14min

Navigating the Evolution of Dealership Technology

2min

Navigating Technology and Marketing in Automotive Dealerships

11min

Fostering Employee Retention in a Changing Industry

5min

Elevating Customer Experience in Automotive

5min

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Dustin Collins, Vice President at Bill Kay Auto, to explore how an "old-school car dog" thrives with an unlikely mix of tech and EQ, why $500 might be the key to increasing car sales, the traits that define a great service director—and much more.

This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by:

Dealer Pay – Designed to increase, productivity and customer retention, Dealer Pay is a "dealer-specific' payments acceptance solution with over 25 years of experience as a trusted payments partner for dealerships across the US. Contact Julie today - julie@dealer-pay.com or 636-442-4901.

Impel - Impel enables automotive retailers, manufacturers, and online marketplaces to turn shoppers into buyers, and buyers into lifelong customers, with the auto industry's most advanced AI-powered Customer Lifecycle Management platform. Learn more @ https://impel.ai/

Car Dealership Guy News - The #1 source for concise and unbiased car industry news. Stay informed with the most relevant and interesting stories by visiting https://news.dealershipguy.com/

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Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:45) - Dustin’s background and career

(00:07:09) - What makes a great Service Director?

(00:09:19) - Where is your focus on the average day?

(00:14:13) - Where are you running into challenges?

(00:16:36) - What has been your net profitability trend?

(00:18:43) - How are you considering inventory acquisition over the next few months?

(00:20:37) - What’s your pricing strategy?

(00:22:41) - How are you sourcing used vehicles?