Where can I find a good used car manager? I get 15 to 20 emails a month asking me that question.
Often, when speaking to a 20 group or at a convention, someone will approach me and ask me if I know anyone they can hire for the used car manager’s position.
Very seldom do I have a name. Think about it. For the most part, if someone’s really good at what they do, they are smart enough to stay put.
Whoever they are working for is smart enough to treat them well so they do stay put.
99.9% of the time when someone leaves an organization all the inventory problems come to the surface upon their exit.
My advice is always the same; you need to find someone within your organization, someone who knows your culture and who you can develop for an even greater position.
That’s what leaders do. They grow their team. They don’t run out and hire other people’s problems.
I often say if I were in your shoes, I’d find someone internally with a strong work ethic, who is open-minded, technologically savvy, has some common sense, and I’d coach them to greatness.
For at least 6 months I (meaning the dealer or GM) would hold their hand. They would be my assistant. We’d be like Siamese twins and we would do everything together. He/she would follow me around like a puppy dog.
Here’s how it would work:
I do it and they are with me. (The best part about this is you’re going to find out where all the obstacles and landmines are located.
Because you have the power, you will fix a lot of issues that have been holding your used car operation back.)
Eventually, I’d hand it off to them and they would do it and I’d be with them. I’d watch. I’d critique.
At some point, they would do it. They don’t need me except on issues outside of the scope of their authority.
And then, here’s the biggie, (this is how you grow) they do it, and someone is with them.
This is how you compound and grow your organization. Just like compounding interest.
Until you take this approach, your ability to grow will always be limited. To do anything else, you’re just plugging holes with a temporary worn out cork.
That’s all I’m gonna say, Tommy Gibbs