Has the NATDA Dealer Success Group helped your business ? If so , how ?
SWANK : Yes , we ’ ve adopted some practices in our service department and its brought in more revenue .
KING : We ’ re committed to Bob Clements International and we ’ ll be implementing multiple strategies taught by them as soon as some other ground work is completed .
BORG : Yes , one of the concepts discussed was a ‘ Customer Loyalty Program .’ We improvised and expanded this marketing concept . We implemented a ‘ Customer Loyalty and Referral Program ’ in February , which has been a tremendous success !
How involved has Bob Clements International been with your company ? In what ways has Bob Clements International been hands-on with your dealership ?
SWANK : Originally , a member of Bob Clements International visited us and met with our staff . They continue to answer our questions on any issue are happy to give us their time to do so .
Last year , NATDA kicked off a ground-breaking , new program with Bob Clements International . NATDA Dealer Success Groups provide dealers the tools to improve their dealerships ’ overall profitability through online discussions , monthly departmental meetings , owner meetings and more .
We talked with Megan Swank ( White Spruce Trailer Sales ), Gideon Lee King ( Pine Hill Trailers ) and David Borg ( Touch of Class Trailers ) to see how the group has brought about success in their dealerships .
KING : Jeff Blackton ( a member of the Bob Clements International team ) has been very helpful in developing and implementing protocols . He ’ s frequently in touch via email and phone communication .
BORG : I became aware of Mr . Clements during the 80s . I did my management and sales training with his company . As a partowner of an Agribusiness company , I put my salespeople through his sales training programs and they were very successful . From
What are your general thoughts on the NATDA Dealer Success Group ?
SWANK : The Dealer Success Group has been very helpful in giving us the tools to make our dealership better . We ’ ve learned new tips of the trade that we hadn ’ t thought of before . The data they present is also helpful .
KING : The Dealer Success Group is beneficial for those looking for ways to share ideas and have a better understanding of the general industry of trailers outside their region . It ’ s been helpful in developing the ground work in areas like flat rating , service tech monitoring and distinguishing industry standards .
BORG : I believe the Dealer Success Group is of great value to any dealership that includes sales , service or parts departments . The topics are interactive , challenging and helpful in evaluating each dealership ’ s processes and , if needed , helps us make necessary changes to become more profitable . Bob has over thirty years of training experience and knowledge with large , national companies and their dealer networks . He brings his sales and management experience to the trailer industry with enthusiasm .
84 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org