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07-22-2010, 11:29 AM | #16 |
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I am a graduate of Northwood in 1978 with degrees in Automotive Marketing, Management and Advertising. I come from a family owned Chrysler store and the school exposed me to alot of things that you would not get from just going to NADA. From the school of hard knocks, I cannot recommend any school these days. You can gain more experience at a dealership if you are at the right store with the right mentor and a plan for success. Most young people do not have a plan. Beyond that, the last company you want to get into be with is Chrysler. They are the worst. They lie, cheat and will screw you at every turn. I have been with Chrysler since 1962 and have seen it all. I started with Tex Colbert selling Chrysler of England-Simca and Sunbeem, then Dodge in 1966, Jeep in 1967, and finally Chrysler in 2008 when the local dealer went under. I made a lot of money with Lee Iacocca, but Tom Pappert was an ass. Bob Eaton began the process of screwing the dealers and the Germans finished us off. Right now I can't figure out who is worse...the Germans or the Italians because neither one of them have a clue and the few Chrysler employees that are still with the company fear for their jobs every day. The company is disfunctional. My family has eaten very well at the Chrysler table until 2000, then it all started to come apart and they are worse now than every. I cannot recommend you take on a Chrysler store as I have serious doubts that they will make it over time. GM isn't much better, Ford or and Import store is your best bet.
Good luck. If I had to do it all over, I would not get in to the car business. There are alot of ways to make money with alot fewer headaches and alot fewer employees. Find an easier way and go for it. I should have. |
07-22-2010, 12:55 PM | #17 | |
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07-22-2010, 01:10 PM | #18 | |
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There's still a potential to make good money, but as I've stated before I don't think the risk/reward ratio makes sense for the dealers who have to build multi-million dollar facilities. In this age, it's probably easier to make your first Million by writing apps for the iPhone than it is to run a dealership. |
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07-22-2010, 01:11 PM | #19 |
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Well said Unhappy CDJ. I am one of the OLDCO souls (still chained to this store, unable to give it up and go to the light). Having lost our franchise after 54 years I feel much the same as you. I could not advise anyone to invest their time or money into Chrysler.
If you get a chance, search for some of "Ralph"'s post, your thoughts and expressions reminded me a lot of him. On the other hand, welcome to the forum. |
07-22-2010, 03:24 PM | #20 |
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Although I understand the frustration of Needhelp and Unhappy CJD (My father is an OldCo dealer), I have a much different take on things. First, I agree that there is nothing better then learning in a dealership setting. Other then a standard business administrative degree, I only experienced Chryler's "Son's and Daughters" month long training. It was marginally beneficial.
As far as Chrysler is concerned, I have employeed at two Chrysler dealerships over the last 15+ years. At the end of last year I bought into a Chrysler store and am excited about the prospects. In my mind, with values where they are for Chrysler stores, this may be the only oppertunity to get great value. At least for someone who does not have the funds to buy into whatever may be the safer bet. I believe Chrysler will succeed and I believe that my dealership will be worth more next year then it is this year. And alot more in 5 years... Chrysler did some pretty ugly things and I am not letting them off the hook. It should be a lesson to all of us to not trust any manufacturer and protect yourself at all costs. But as a business decision, I am excited amout my future as a dealer principle and excited to be in the industry. |
07-22-2010, 03:29 PM | #21 |
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I never went to Northwood. But my experience at NADA Dealer Candidate Academy was top notch. Working extensively in each dept. and also making life-long friends in the business. I was also a dealer son and groomed to take over the family business. My family had enough of the dealership's and sold it. My experience at the dealership, NADA and my college allowed me to go out there and find my own success. As my family would say that they wished they had not brought me into the business. But I feel blessed to be part of this business and ability to go out there and make a difference which results in more $$$. I constantly sign paychecks to salespeople, technicians, managers, advisors that far exceed the customers incomes that are buying cars from us.
This is truly a business that if you make a difference and work hard work can get somewhere. By the way I have been thru it all with Chrysler. The good times and the bad. The public owned companies, Chrysler owned dealership, and privately owned successful stores. THE CAR BUSINESS IS GREAT!! |
07-22-2010, 07:14 PM | #22 |
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07-22-2010, 07:19 PM | #23 | |
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07-22-2010, 09:22 PM | #24 | |
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07-22-2010, 09:26 PM | #25 | |
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It's also good to hear you had a positive experience with the NADA Dealer Academy. |
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