The Coaches Corner

Join Bobby Hobbs and Paul Brown as they delve into the latest dealership insights. This week, they discuss how tariffs are impacting production schedules and manufacturers' plans for new models. They'll also explore the critical role of facility image, emphasizing the need for clean, modern, and welcoming dealerships that enhance the customer experience. Plus, Bobby and Paul tackle the pervasive issue of phone addiction, discussing its impact on mental health and productivity for both managers and salespeople and offering strategies for finding balance.

Explore the critical roles of accountability and value in driving business success. Discover how to cultivate a culture of accountability within your team and ensure everyone is striving for more. Learn effective strategies for building value with customers, moving beyond price-focused selling to create lasting relationships and maximize profitability. Learn why consistent training is essential for reinforcing value and avoiding the development of bad habits, especially in changing markets.

In this episode of The Coaches Corner, hosts Bobby Hobbs and Paul Brown dive deep into the concept of "Paralysis by Analysis," exploring how the pursuit of perfection can sometimes hinder progress. Bobby shares his personal struggles with perfectionism and how it has, at times, prevented him from taking action. He discusses how learning to be "dangerous" enough rather than perfect has helped him move forward. Paul chimes in with strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy by observing others and creating a solid game plan. The discussion includes the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, drawing parallels to the evolution of spiders, where the weak are eliminated, and the strong survive. They also discuss how to maintain a positive mindset when things don't go as planned and avoiding "co-misery" in the workplace. Paul highlights the need for a "battle buddy," someone who can provide support and understanding during challenging times. This episode emphasizes the significance of mental health and the strength in vulnerability, encouraging listeners to seek help when needed.This episode also includes a segment from a live interview with Adam Marburger, CEO of Ascent Dealer Services, discussing his participation in Public Policy Day in Washington, D.C. and the release of his new book, "The Servant Leading F&I Manager". Adam explains the importance of F&I products and the need for government to not overstep, and to allow the retail customer to transact the way they want to transact. Adam also speaks on the value of servant leadership. He also shares a special offer to send out personally signed copies of his book to anyone who reaches out to him. Additionally, Paul and Bobby promote an upcoming F&I training event in Atlanta on April 2nd and 3rd, featuring themselves, Adam Marburger, and Jonathan Dawson.Key Takeaways:Perfectionism can be a roadblock to progress. It's essential to get started even if you don't feel fully prepared.Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.Develop a support system and seek help when you need it.Focus on your mindset and find ways to shift your perspective when you're down.Be a servant leader by loving people and helping them grow.F&I products provide value to consumers, and the government should not overregulate the industry.#ParalysisByAnalysis #Perfectionism #OvercomingObstacles #MentalHealth #Leadership #ServantLeadership #AutomotiveIndustry #FandI #Training #Podcast #CoachesCorner #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #AdamMarburger #AscentDealerServices #PublicPolicy #FailureIsGrowth #Teamwork #SupportSystem #DealerTraining #CarSales #AutomotiveSales #SalesPsychology #JonathanDawson

Episode 4 of The Coach's Corner: CARS Rule Reversal, NADA Show Recap & Knowing Your Strengths In this episode, join us as we dive into the latest automotive industry news and insights. We start with a discussion of the newly reversed CARS rule. We'll explore what this rule was meant to do, why it was overturned, and what this means for dealerships moving forward. We'll also discuss the importance of compliance and treating customers right. Next, we recap the NADA show with Paul Brown, who was on the ground in New Orleans. We'll talk about the travel challenges, the lighter attendance, and the overwhelming presence of vendors. Plus, we'll highlight the key theme of the show: the integration of AI into automotive software. We'll examine the potential benefits of AI, as well as the need for caution and proper vetting of technology partners. Finally, we'll delve into the importance of self-awareness and understanding both your strengths and weaknesses. We'll share stories and insights about: Embracing weaknesses to become a well-rounded person and leader. The power of seeking feedback from those you manage. The importance of apologizing meaningfully and following through with change. The value of questioning everything and listening to those around you. Featured in this episode: A discussion of the CARS rule and its implications. A recap of the NADA show, including the travel issues and new technology. Insights into self-improvement and management strategies. A personal story about the impact of feedback and self-reflection. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable steps to improve your dealership and your leadership skills. Don't forget to check out the links in the comments for Adam's new book, "The Servant Leading F&I Manager," and the book, "What Got You Here Won't Get You There". This episode is available on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of The Coaches Corner, Bobby Hobbs and Paul Brown discuss the current state of the auto industry, specifically the rise in auto loan amounts and the importance of maximizing technology in dealerships. Key takeaways from the episode: Data shows that 19% of new car loans in Q4 2023 were over $1,000 per month, with average terms increasing and interest rates decreasing. Dealerships need to stay informed about trends to make the most of opportunities, especially given customer acclimation to higher payments. Dealerships often underutilize their CRM systems and should focus on inputting actionable notes to identify areas for improvement and use data for targeted marketing. Dealers should also evaluate the use of service aspects of their CRMs, used car tools, and DMSs to ensure they are maximizing their investments and eliminating redundancies. The potential of AI to revolutionize dealership operations, including training and customer follow-up, is discussed, emphasizing the importance of embracing new technologies. #cardealership #autoindustry #CRM #AI #technology #finance #sales #trends #podcast #coachescorner #thecoachscorner

This episode of The Coaches Corner, hosted by Bobby Hobbs and Paul Brown, focuses on embracing vulnerability and committing to growth in the automotive industry. Bobby shares his experience of transitioning from a successful dealership career to a new role, highlighting his financial and emotional challenges. He opens up about struggling with a significant pay cut and the fear of not knowing enough in his new position. To overcome these obstacles, he started driving for Uber to supplement his income and found that it gave him valuable time to think and plan, helping him regain a sense of control. This leads to a broader discussion about the importance of vulnerability and continuous learning. Bobby encourages listeners to be honest about what they don't know and seek out opportunities to grow. Paul reinforces this message, emphasizing that failure only comes when you stop trying. They also touch on the changing landscape of the automotive industry, including the rise of direct-to-consumer sales models. They express concerns about this trend, arguing that it negatively impacts both dealerships and the customer experience. They advocate for stronger relationships between manufacturers and dealerships to better serve customers and navigate the evolving market. The episode ends with a call to action: Embrace the challenge of personal and professional growth instead of succumbing to negativity and stagnation. Key takeaways from the episode: ●Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. ●Continuous learning is essential for success in a rapidly changing industry. ●Commit to your goals and take action, even if it's uncomfortable. ●Choose the hard path of growth and self-improvement. ●Stronger manufacturer-dealership relationships are crucial for the future of the automotive industry.

Welcome to the Coaches Corner, a brand new podcast hosted by automotive industry veterans Bobby Hobbs and Paul Brown! In this debut episode, Bobby and Paul delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of the car dealership, focusing on the rise of AI and its impact on every aspect of the business. Drawing on their combined decades of experience in sales, F&I, and dealership management, they offer a candid and insightful discussion on: ●The growing prevalence of AI in customer interactions and dealership operations ●The potential benefits and challenges of AI implementation, including its impact on personnel ●How dealers can leverage AI to enhance customer experience and streamline processes ●Strategies for navigating the changing landscape and staying ahead of the curve Beyond AI, Bobby and Paul touch on other critical topics shaping the automotive industry, including: ●Manufacturer instability and the challenges brands face in adapting to market shifts and evolving customer demands ●The impact of government regulations on the industry and predictions for the future ●The importance of strong departmental interaction for overall dealership success **Join Bobby and Paul for a lively conversation as they explore these key themes and share their unique perspectives on the future of the car dealership. Don't miss this insightful and engaging debut episode of the Coaches Corner!