Jan 28 2025 56 mins
In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, join LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley as they unveil the blueprint for community-centric success in the automotive industry. Special guest Nate Barrett, president of Twin City CDJR, shares insights into how his dealership has thrived through five decades by treating people right and embedding themselves within the community. Explore the inspiring journey of Twin City CDJR from its humble beginnings under the guidance of Nate's grandfather, Don Trout, to its current achievements and continued dedication to community service. This episode offers invaluable advice for dealerships seeking longevity and deeper community connections in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Dive into the discussion as Nate Barrett, with over 25 years in the automotive industry, delves into the philosophy of running a customer-focused dealership. Key highlights include the importance of treating customers how you would like to be treated, and innovative ways to engage with the community through athletic sponsorships, partnerships with local organizations, and initiatives like "Fill the RAM" food drives. Nate addresses the challenges the Stellantis brand faces and shares proactive strategies for navigating industry turbulence, such as enhancing fixed operations and embracing AI technology. Sean V. Bradley further adds value by suggesting actionable improvements to Nate’s dealership’s online presence and community initiatives, emphasizing the synergy between personalizing service and leveraging digital tools.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Community Connection: Building strong community ties is crucial. Host charity events, partner with local organizations, and get involved in events to improve brand reputation and customer loyalty.
✅ Operational Excellence: Focus on optimizing fixed operations and used car sales alongside new car leasing to ensure consistent dealership profitability, especially in uncertain times.
✅ Embrace Technology: Integrate AI tools to enhance customer engagement and efficiently manage CRM systems for deeper insights and better customer service.
✅ Personal Stories Matter: Sharing personal and organizational history builds authenticity and connection with both employees and customers, fostering a culture of loyalty and trust.
✅ Employee Involvement: Engage employees in decision-making, especially
About Nathaniel Barrett
Nate Barrett was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, and is a proud graduate of Purdue University. Nate is the President of Twin City Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat in Lafayette representing the third generation of this family business. He also serves on the Stellantis Midwest Business Center Dealer Council. Nate is a NCM 20 Group Past Chair, past member of the board of directors of Greater Lafayette Commerce, and currently serves on the Franciscan Health Foundation Western Indiana Advisory Board. Nate enjoys emceeing events for the John Purdue Club, as well as doing voice work for Purdue University. Nate and his wife Brandy, also a Purdue graduate, have three children, Noah, Luke, and Ashlyn.
Resources:
Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership’s sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!
NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.
Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.
Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry’s #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.
The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!
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The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By:
Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!
NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.
Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry’s only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.
Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.
Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry’s top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!