Many of you know this but I am privileged to work alongside so many high performing dealerships and their leadership. Most top 20 in the country for their brands. I use my podcast to share what I learn, teach and implement with the end game - building a championship team.

In this episode, we dive into the critical role General Managers (GMs) play as the "head coaches" of their dealerships, driving performance through daily coaching of their management teams. Achieving championship-level results—rising above all stores in the region or country—is no small feat. It requires a relentless focus on developing managers into high-performing coaches who can guide their teams to win every day.

We explore how top-performing GMs pull their managers in, just like a head coach, to model effective coaching strategies. From improving team execution with tools like guest sheets and CRMs to perfecting follow-up texts, coaching managers daily is a game-changer.

You'll also hear real-life tactics, like how one GM taught his Service Director to implement a "stamp" system for declined work, bringing more awareness to the shop and protecting their people. It's all about leading by example, fostering collaboration, and helping managers pass those skills on to their teams.

We'll also cover the importance of private one-on-one coaching over public scolding, creating a culture of learning, and ensuring team members feel supported, motivated, and empowered to perform.

If you're a GM or dealership leader, this episode gives you actionable strategies to elevate your managers, instill confidence in your teams, and drive better results. Coaching doesn't stop at performance talks—it's about getting involved, listening, and leading by example in every aspect of the business.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

automotiveMastermind provides trusted data and technology solutions for the automotive industry, using its Mastermind solution to empower retailers to enhance sales through predictive analytics and personalized experiences. NADA Show Booth #3535

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing. NADA Show Booth #4451

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803
Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

Join us in an enlightening conversation as we sit down with Chris Sutton, Vice President Retail at JD Power and Associates, to unravel insights from their comprehensive study involving 35,000 car buyers. Delve into the dynamics of the automotive industry, where constraints and high prices challenge buyers, yet improvements in the overall consumer experience continue to shine through.

Despite service appointment delays and the absence of loaners, consumers have reported incremental enhancements in their service interactions, showcasing a resilient and evolving landscape. The heart of positive sales and service experiences lies in the personal connections forged with salespeople and advisors, emphasizing the pivotal role of human touch in delivering a friendly and memorable customer journey.

In the quest to foster customer loyalty, retailers are recognizing the significance of building lasting relationships through meaningful interactions. Chris sheds light on the transformative impact of video inspections and MPI (Multi-Point Inspections) in building trust and confidence among customers, essential elements that drive business growth and enhance customer loyalty.

With over 30 years of industry benchmarking expertise, JD Power and Associates unveil key consumer preferences in dealership experiences, shedding light on the evolving landscape of digital retailing. While online transactions have gained traction, a significant percentage of customers still prefer a blend of online and in-store experiences, especially in the realm of EV (Electric Vehicle) purchases.

As customer expectations continue to rise, retailers are urged to streamline processes and reduce wait times to meet evolving demands. Discover how the automotive industry is adapting to the changing landscape of consumer preferences and digital advancements to enhance business performance and customer loyalty.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into consumer expectations, digital retailing trends, and the future of dealership experiences from the industry expert, Chris Sutton.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest challenges dealerships face: turnover. With 70% turnover rates in sales and service, it's nearly impossible to build client loyalty or hit nationally ranked numbers when you're constantly starting over with new team members.

The solution? It starts with the General Manager. I share the tactics I've used to shift team behaviors and improve retention, beginning with the leadership at the top. From personally observing processes in service and sales to identifying patterns in body language, communication, and professionalism, I reveal how GMs can better understand the root causes of turnover and implement targeted training that works.

We'll explore how nurturing your team members' success—and showing them you genuinely care—creates the environment needed for loyalty, growth, and better results. And we'll discuss why GMs need to spend more time in the service department, where the real momentum lies.

Plus, I'll share actionable strategies like daily MVP recognition to inspire and motivate your team to reach their potential. This episode is your playbook for reducing turnover, building a stronger team, and ultimately driving better outcomes.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

automotiveMastermind provides trusted data and technology solutions for the automotive industry, using its Mastermind solution to empower retailers to enhance sales through predictive analytics and personalized experiences.

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

AutoSled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.