I recently read an article written by Jeremy Cato, a multi-award-winning journalist and senior writer for the Globe and Mail. Twice, he was named the automotive journalist of the year. His credentials are sterling.

            Mr. Cato attended the February 2013 International Autoshow in Toronto and was guest speaker to a large group of car dealers. He was asked, “How can dealers be better at serving their customers?”

            He looked over the room and saw nothing but…

EMBRACE CHANGE

            The glass ceiling for women’s acceptance in the finance industry was shattered over a decade ago.

            According to the 2012 Catalyst Census of Women Executive Officers and Top Earners, which counts the number of women in upper management in Fortune 500 companies, women comprise over 18% of all executive officers in the finance industry, and 19% of board directors in the finance and insurance industries…

AutoNation USA, the #1 publicly owned retailer, opened it’s doors as a mega “one pricing” pre-owned operation in 1997. It built elaborate showrooms; county records show one was 218,000 square feet. The showrooms included a café, a playroom, and an aftermarket display platform.

Kiosks with computers were placed throughout the store enabling consumers to efficiently check out in-stock inventory or to submit a loan application. Customers were greeted at these kiosks by F&I…

           Great article, Greg! I’ve been singing in the same chorus, but it seems that other members are either staying home or remaining silent. Both reasons denote an underlying sense of fear or helplessness or ignorance of the real issues.  It’s hard to change “old ways” but not impossible. Change is good.

            However, too many F&I managers are still being lumped into the same crock of criticism; some deserve to be there, but many more don’t. The dealership…