Enjoying what you’re reading? Sign up now.

Subscribe
Search

Caddie Credentials: 3 Traits to Look for in a Supportive Partner

Article Highlights:

  • Consider what makes a good DMS partner outside of performance.
  • Reliability is the difference between a vendor and a supportive partner.

Canadian summers are perfect for spending long hours on the golf course. While watching the golfers was exciting, I couldn’t help but shift some of my attention to the caddies walking alongside them, quietly supporting each play with precision and care.

Each caddie was dedicated to doing everything they could to help their pro have a perfect hole. Like a caddie, your DMS partner should be by your side, ensuring your dealership is operating as effectively as possible. Let’s look at how the two compare:

 

Picking The Right Tools for the Job

Depending on the hole, there are a lot of factors that can influence a golfer’s play. Distance to the hole, wind speed, and type of terrain are just a few obstacles considered when trying to stay under par. Before each stroke, the caddie is there to suggest which club will be most effective. Like the golfer’s caddie, your dealership should have someone available to suggest the best tools for your process. Having a dedicated performance manager to analyze your current situation and recommend tools or adjustments can be the difference between a ball landing on the green and a ball stuck in the bunker.

 

Working Together to Find the Best Strategy

Focusing on one hole at a time can be effective, but it’s also important to see the big picture to develop a strategy for the long game. A skilled caddie not only understands the tools in play but also knows how and when to use them by studying the course. Similarly, having the right tools in your dealership is a good start, but tailoring them to the fullest is what drives success. Your utilization partner should be in your store regularly, helping you see the big picture and working with you to keep your tools connected in one seamless process. According to the Creating Sustainable Profitability study, dealerships that implement a fully connected process saw an average of 34% increase in gross profit.

 

Helping You Grow No Matter What

Whether it’s a rookie on the rise or a seasoned veteran, every pro has a caddie by their side. They are not only following the golfer through the course for the day, but also alongside them through the entire tour. Utilization partners and performance managers have just as much to offer to single-point stores as they do to nationwide groups. No matter the size of your dealership, there’s always room to grow. Your partners in your store share the same goals as you. They are ready to be a piece of your team for both the day-to-day operations and the long-term plans.

 

While each course presents unique challenges, caddies consistently offer suggestions as the golfer adapts their game. Your DMS partner plays a similar role. They should always have the best interests of your dealership in mind. The most effective way to keep moving onwards and upwards is with a supportive partner in your store, helping guide the way.

Share this Article

Director, Reynolds Consulting Services

Carl Bennett is the director of North American Consulting Operations and Sales for Reynolds Consulting Services. In his consultant role, Bennett teaches automotive retailers in the U.S. and Canada how to achieve higher levels of success and better results in vehicle sales and F&I. Prior to joining Reynolds and Reynolds more than 15 years ago, Bennett worked in dealerships for 15 years as a general manager, finance director, and sales manager.

 

Related Articles:

Reynolds and Reynolds began as a family-owned printing business in 1866 and has since grown into one of the automotive industry’s premier suppliers, offering nearly

When it comes to running a dealership, customer satisfaction is everything. But what about your satisfaction as our customer? I spoke with Alex Abramovich, Consulting Senior

In hindsight, the world changed forever in 1983. Most people weren’t aware of the revolution to come. On New Year’s Day, quietly, the Internet was

Tournaments, like March Madness and the Stanley Cup, are great opportunities to reflect on these elite teams. As they approach the championship game with their