Curious about transforming your automotive business through strategic marketing and employee retention? Join us as Andrew and Ashley from DealerOMG share their winning formulas for success. Discover the power of targeted social media advertising and learn how investing in top talent can lead to long-term gains, even with initial costs. Gain insights into how standing out in a competitive market and building strong community ties can be the game-changer your business needs, with inspiration from standout local companies like Fayettechill.

Through the lens of our own podcasting journey, we explore how sharing stories and insights can build connections and enrich a family business legacy. Ashley Kilbarger brings her wealth of experience in the automotive industry to the table, highlighting innovative approaches to recruitment and retention. Our conversation reveals how effective communication and continuous learning can be fostered through storytelling, helping both new and established employees align with company values.

Experience the journey of creating spaces that prioritize both employee satisfaction and customer engagement. From climate-controlled workshops to inviting breakrooms, we discuss the thoughtful infrastructure that supports a thriving workplace culture. We also touch on the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a legacy business, emphasizing leadership's crucial role in adapting to growth while preserving core values. As we wrap up, we invite you to be part of the conversation, share your thoughts, and tune in for exciting future guests who will continue to enrich our exploration of the automotive industry.

We're celebrating a momentous occasion as we sit down with our father, Tim Lewis, to explore the roots of our family business. Being a third-generation business owner, Dad shares heartwarming stories of his childhood spent at the original dealership in downtown Fayetteville and its relocation to North College in 1969. These nostalgic memories offer insights into how growing up in this environment instilled in us the importance of learning from others and challenging ourselves, a legacy we continue to uphold in the automotive industry.

Discover the power of generational influence and continuous learning in shaping our family's success. We reminisce about the discovery of an old handwritten business plan that ignited a venture into the boat store industry, which later expanded into used cars. Motivational giants like Zig Ziglar inspired a culture of lifelong learning, evolving from cassette tapes to digital formats, benefiting both personal growth and team development. This chapter highlights how learning from industry experts has been pivotal in our journey of personal and professional evolution.

Join us as we recount some of the most imaginative and lively car dealership promotions from the early '70s, like giving away live ponies with the purchase of a Ford Pinto. From the "High Roller" monster truck excitement to the "Whale of a Sale" campaign with a massive bass tank, these stories are a testament to the creative marketing spirit that defined an era. We also explore the crucial role of recognizing and embracing individual strengths within a family business, and how supporting each other's passions fosters a harmonious and successful collaboration.

Transform your business challenges into opportunities for success! Join us as we dive into the world of family-run enterprises, where cultivating a problem-solving mindset is key. We promise you'll gain insights into empowering your team with solution-oriented attitudes, promoting a culture of accountability, and exploring the significance of clear communication. Real-world examples, like a service department's misstep, illustrate how proactive leadership can guide teams in identifying root causes instead of settling for quick fixes, fostering continuous improvement and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Discover how adaptability in leadership can revolutionize your company's operations. By focusing on cross-training and flexible management, we highlight strategies for maintaining quality and managing unexpected absences without compromising the customer experience. Learn how effective leadership and problem-solving skills can create a seamless operation, even in the face of challenges, and understand the vital role of teaching teams to become self-sufficient problem solvers. Our discussion underscores the importance of leaders stepping back to refine strategies, using direct feedback and insights to enhance organizational efficiency.

Lastly, unlock the secrets to creating "raving fans" through exceptional customer service. We explore the power of listening to feedback and adapting strategies to meet evolving expectations, turning challenges into opportunities for building stronger relationships. Whether through mentoring in sales or service roles, identifying opportunities within departments, or addressing customer issues with empathy, this episode lays out effective strategies for success. Witness how personal and professional growth can lead to lasting impressions and satisfied, loyal clients.

Ever wondered if ongoing workplace education is more than just a buzzword? Join us on Crossroads Conversations with the Lewis Brothers as we explore this provocative question and unravel the role of continuous training in professional triumphs. Listen in to discover how vocational and technical schools shape careers, and why foundational business and accounting knowledge is a game-changer, even for non-specialists. We promise you'll walk away with insights on whether a four-year degree holds more value than technical education and how these choices affect your career trajectory.

We dive into the heart of workplace culture and its power to transform employee experiences, especially in the automotive industry. Learn about the proximity principle and how your surroundings and the people in it fuel your growth. We'll share stories of how being in the right place can propel your professional journey, whether you're engaging in direct learning or soaking up knowledge from industry veterans. Leadership isn't about knowing it all; it's about empowering others and being resourceful, as we illustrate with real-life examples in fields like accounting and digital marketing.

The path to success isn't just about acquiring skills but creating an environment where continuous learning thrives. We explore the delicate dance of employee retention and training, and how even with razor-thin margins, investing in people can yield remarkable results. Discover the intricate balance of fostering a culture that encourages employees to grow internally, minimizing the allure of greener pastures. Whether you're a business owner or an aspiring leader, this episode offers a treasure trove of strategies to enhance your professional life and make an indelible impact.

Unlock the secrets to transforming your business with the power of effective communication. Learn how improving communication skills can set your business apart, as we explore why a staggering 87% of leaders fail to communicate effectively. We promise to provide you with actionable insights that can enhance your team's productivity, performance, and profitability. By sharing personal anecdotes from our own journey, including our experiences with workplace health initiatives and exciting events like the Beast of Burden, we illustrate the real-world impact of strong communication.

We dive into the importance of building a core group of communication catalysts within an organization to facilitate change and ensure clear messaging at all levels. Discover how understanding personality traits can help leaders communicate expectations more effectively, leading to better team alignment and customer satisfaction. Through examples like successful multi-layered communication strategies for events, we reveal the significance of a unified approach that reaches both internal teams and customers, leveraging tools like Slack and dedicated marketing channels.

Adaptability is key in today's business world, and we explore how tailoring communication to meet diverse customer and employee preferences can enhance efficiency and address roadblocks. Learn strategies to maximize profit through improved communication, from the use of visual aids to foster transparency, to the importance of maintaining trust in customer interactions. Join us for an engaging discussion on how communication can bolster sales, reduce expenses, and ultimately drive organizational success, building long-term relationships in competitive markets.

Ever wondered how a personal health journey can transform not just your life but the lives of those around you? Join us, the Lewis Brothers—Matt, Shelby, and Taylor—as we share our own stories of overcoming health challenges and how these experiences have sparked a passion for fostering healthy workplace environments. From navigating the complexities of vasovagal syncope to the pivotal moment that ignited a love for running, we explore the power of intentional lifestyle changes and the impact they have on both personal and professional growth. Our candid conversations offer insights into how embracing wellness can enhance resilience and drive business success.

Through camaraderie and shared goals, we've cultivated a thriving fitness community that extends beyond our family and into the workplace. Listen as we recount the exhilarating experience of transforming from casual joggers to marathon enthusiasts, and how these pursuits have fostered a vibrant culture of support and encouragement. From cheering on participants in the Route 66 marathon to racing through the trails of ultra-endurance events, our journey highlights the importance of teamwork, accountability, and the joy of pushing past perceived limits. Discover how community involvement and a dedication to personal growth have inspired countless others to embark on their own wellness journeys.

We continue our story by diving into the exciting world of event organization, where we strive to create unforgettable experiences. From strategic race-day logistics to the spirited atmosphere of our events, each detail is designed to uplift and motivate. Whether it's the booming sound of personalized cheers or the camaraderie shared over post-race snacks, the energy is contagious, driving everyone involved to pursue continuous improvement. Join us, as we reflect on the lessons learned and the triumphs celebrated along the way, all while emphasizing the importance of setting goals and the power of accountability in achieving personal and collective success.

Can you truly say the customer is always right? We challenge this age-old mantra by exploring the real essence of valuing your customers, even when they might not be entirely correct. Join us as we navigate the intricate dance of customer service, where empathy and effective communication reign supreme. Our journey takes us through the rich tradition of customer care dating back to 1946, and we discuss the delicate art of knowing when it's time to let a customer go. Along the way, we celebrate a milestone—the release of our tenth episode—and share the thrill of winning the Construction Development Awards' Showcase Award.

Tackling the automotive industry's unique challenges, we share candid insights into managing customer complaints and satisfaction. Discover the importance of offering practical solutions, even when the issues are beyond your control, and learn how to maintain customer trust amidst the complexities of warranties and product wear and tear. With personal anecdotes and analogies, we reveal how businesses can turn potentially explosive situations into opportunities for growth and loyalty, using techniques like de-escalation and the power of appreciation to foster goodwill and resolve conflicts.

Dive into strategies for enhancing customer experiences and building a robust reputation, emphasizing the critical role of personalization and the perceived effort in customer interactions. From dealing with feedback in the digital age to creating raving fans through thoughtful solutions, we uncover the secrets of transforming dissatisfied customers into passionate advocates. As family business owners, we understand the challenges of managing vast customer interactions, and we share how empowering your team can lead to better resource management and sustained success. Join us as we offer genuine, no-fluff advice for running a thriving family enterprise.

What happens when humor meets business insights? Join us on Crossroad Conversations as we share our experience at the Construction Developers Awards Banquet, where laughter and learning went hand-in-hand. Not only did we have the honor of receiving an award, but we also celebrated the power of community collaboration and local talent in the construction industry. We couldn't resist bringing a touch of humor to the stage as emcees, making the night both informative and entertaining.

Ever wondered how to spot untapped market opportunities and boost your company's efficiency? We dive into strategies for identifying market gaps and reducing expenses by self-performing certain activities. Our discussion touches on the potential savings and improvements in customer satisfaction that come from direct oversight of services, like applying spray-in bed liners. By sharing our personal experiences and lessons learned, we offer insights into adapting to changing markets while staying open to new approaches.

Explore the pathways to business sustainability with us as we discuss diversifying revenue streams and expanding into larger facilities to meet growing demands. Learn why offering additional services, such as in-house vehicle repairs, can enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Our conversation is filled with practical advice and personal stories that highlight the importance of maintaining strong vendor relationships and the fun in business interactions. Don't miss the chance to engage with us, share your thoughts, and suggest topics for future episodes.