Join us in an enlightening conversation as we sit down with Chris Sutton, Vice President Retail at JD Power and Associates, to unravel insights from their comprehensive study involving 35,000 car buyers. Delve into the dynamics of the automotive industry, where constraints and high prices challenge buyers, yet improvements in the overall consumer experience continue to shine through.

Despite service appointment delays and the absence of loaners, consumers have reported incremental enhancements in their service interactions, showcasing a resilient and evolving landscape. The heart of positive sales and service experiences lies in the personal connections forged with salespeople and advisors, emphasizing the pivotal role of human touch in delivering a friendly and memorable customer journey.

In the quest to foster customer loyalty, retailers are recognizing the significance of building lasting relationships through meaningful interactions. Chris sheds light on the transformative impact of video inspections and MPI (Multi-Point Inspections) in building trust and confidence among customers, essential elements that drive business growth and enhance customer loyalty.

With over 30 years of industry benchmarking expertise, JD Power and Associates unveil key consumer preferences in dealership experiences, shedding light on the evolving landscape of digital retailing. While online transactions have gained traction, a significant percentage of customers still prefer a blend of online and in-store experiences, especially in the realm of EV (Electric Vehicle) purchases.

As customer expectations continue to rise, retailers are urged to streamline processes and reduce wait times to meet evolving demands. Discover how the automotive industry is adapting to the changing landscape of consumer preferences and digital advancements to enhance business performance and customer loyalty.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into consumer expectations, digital retailing trends, and the future of dealership experiences from the industry expert, Chris Sutton.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

Welcome back listeners! This is a quick yet impactful class tailored for everyone working in dealerships—both in sales and service. As competition heats up, creating a standout customer experience is more critical than ever, and I'm here to share actionable tactics that you can implement immediately to enhance relationships and drive loyalty! Let's get it!

Listen in as I explore the power of client history and its role in nurturing loyalty while boosting your bottom line. I'll reveal key strategies for Service Advisors to connect with customers effectively, ensuring they feel appreciated and valued from the moment they walk in. For our sales teams, these tactics can transform your approach, leading to improved appointment rates and increased sales.

I discuss the importance of knowing who is coming in tomorrow—whether they're new or returning clients—and how this knowledge can set the tone for a warm, welcoming experience. Acknowledging customer loyalty through personalized greetings and CRM history not only makes customers feel special but also creates lasting connections.

I provide real-world scenarios for both sales and service teams, making it easy for you to understand and implement these strategies right away. This episode is mission-critical for anyone in the dealership looking to elevate customer interactions and stand apart from the crowd.

Tune in to learn how to make every customer feel like they truly matter, and discover how simple, personalized actions can transform your dealership's culture and customer experience. Let's get started on creating memorable moments that lead to lasting loyalty!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

automotiveMastermind provides trusted data and technology solutions for the automotive industry, using its Mastermind solution to empower retailers to enhance sales through predictive analytics and personalized experiences. NADA Show Booth #3535

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing. NADA Show Booth #4451

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803

Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

So grateful to share time with Rita Case, a prominent figure in the automotive industry, best known for her leadership in the Rick Case Automotive Group, which she co-founded with her late husband, Rick Case. Together, they built a successful dealership network recognized for its commitment to customer service and community involvement.

Rita shares her history as a pioneer in bringing brands like Honda into the US car market. She's been a dealer for 48 years! Find out an interesting story about her views on being the only women in the room especially in a leadership role. She shares her viewpoints on how she makes an impact in business and community while gaining so much respect. Learn a neat story about bicycles and how simple acts of kindness parlayed into a lifelong career!

In recent years, Rita has continued to honor Rick's legacy through various philanthropic initiatives. The Rick Case Automotive Group is actively involved in supporting local charities and community organizations, focusing on causes such as education, health care, and animal welfare. Rita has emphasized the importance of giving back, believing that strong community ties not only benefit those in need but also enhance the dealership's reputation and foster loyalty among customers and employees.

We talk leadership, her passions for philanthropic work in the community, team building and the importance of career paths. We dial into education initiatives and so much more! Hearing your values and how she approaches her culture and mission! You can pick up her book for free by just reaching out to her - she opens the door on this episode - Our Customers, Our Friends: What 50 Years in Business Has Taught Rita and Rick Case About Sales Success and Community Service. Get a copy from her - she gives her contact info!

My favorite quote from Rita:

If you have procedures in place that show respect, appreciation and commitment to others achieving their goals, then they will give you a chance. People want to work for businesses where the owner wants to show them a career with processes in place to prove it. - Rita Case

If you're not having fun, get out of the business! - Rita Case

This is an inspiring episode that will give some meaning to being part of an enormous opportunity to grow in automotive!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

automotiveMastermind provides trusted data and technology solutions for the automotive industry, using its Mastermind solution to empower retailers to enhance sales through predictive analytics and personalized experiences. NADA Show Booth #3535

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing. NADA Show Booth #4451

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803
Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

In this episode, I dial into tackling one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your sales and service conversations: risk. Knowing how to talk about risk with your customers isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for showing value, solving problems, and closing deals.

We'll cover:

• Why identifying and explaining risk is crucial in every customer interaction.
• Real-life examples for sales and service teams that showcase exactly what to say and how to say it.
• How to use risk to connect the dots between problems and solutions, making your presentations stronger and your conversions higher.

For service teams, you can set yourself up to explain the benefits of acting now.

For sales teams, we'll look at how to uncover risks tied to hesitation, making it easier to guide your clients toward the right decision.

Risk isn't just a one-time topic—it's an everyday conversation that drives results. If you're ready to build trust, sell with confidence, and see more approvals, this episode is for you.

Tune in now and start making risk work for you!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

automotiveMastermind provides trusted data and technology solutions for the automotive industry, using its Mastermind solution to empower retailers to enhance sales through predictive analytics and personalized experiences. NADA Show Booth #3535

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing. NADA Show Booth #4451

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803
Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we welcome back Mary Catherine Kenny from automotiveMastermind. Fresh off being named to Auto Remarketing's prestigious 40 Under 40 list, Mary Catherine dives into how automotiveMastermind is transforming dealership sales processes with their innovative tools, including a redesigned customer deal sheet, enhanced Behavior Prediction Score, and new mobile capabilities. We explore the buzz around AI in automotive retail, the importance of nurturing loyalty through actionable data, and how technology empowers—not replaces—sales teams. Plus, hear tips on fostering collaboration, training teams, and staying ahead of future sales trends.

Join us as we connect the dots between actionable insights and dealership success, delivering strategies that help you close more deals and nurture long-term customer relationships!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥
automotiveMastermind provides trusted data and technology solutions for the automotive industry, using its Mastermind solution to empower retailers to enhance sales through predictive analytics and personalized experiences. NADA Show Booth #3535

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing. NADA Show Booth #4451

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803
Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921

Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921