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