Jennifer Rafael

Don't miss out on One View's insightful eBook, "A Dealership's Guide to Data Redundancy in Automotive Dealerships," to learn more about WHAT data should be backed up and WHY each of these pieces are important! ✨ Highlights: 🚀 Discover the importance of data archiving and what to archive each month. 📄 Review specific reports should be backed up each month and why these are important. 🔍 Evaluate who should be backing these up, and what format they should be kept. ⚖️ Learn how to implement checks and balances to ensure this process occurs monthly. https://buff.ly/3YT1IIA #Automotive #DocumentManagement #DataRedundancy #BusinessContinuity #eBook

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Real-time data, 160+ micro territory specifics, condition insights, & configured business model. Time to trade up from your 90's trade tool ACV Auctions ACV MAX ClearCar

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Michigan dealership group takes branding to the skies with hot air balloon. Zeigler Automotive Group goes above and beyond to spread the word about their dealerships. Literally. Flying high above billboards and car lots, a hot air balloon emblazoned with the name of the Kalamazoo, Mich., dealership group dances through Midwest skies every summer. In an increasingly competitive market following the inventory shortage, Zeigler's balloon advertising strategy is to connect positive emotions with their brand, said Sam D'Arc, Zeigler's COO. "We buy from people that we trust and that we have an emotional connection with. That is what the balloon does," D'Arc said. "I have never seen someone watching a hot air balloon who doesn't have a smile on their face." The dealership group bought the custom balloon in 2021 for about $75,000 and it will last about 15 years, CEO Aaron Zeigler said. Pilot Derrick Jones flies it almost every weekend from May to October at dealership grand openings, balloon shows, charity events and more. Jones typically takes two passengers at a time for trips that last about an hour. Riders range from Zeigler staff to clients to members of the public who bid for the opportunity at charity auctions. Many people also post pictures of it on social media when they see it overhead. "It is singular in its ability to engage with communities," D'Arc said. Memorable marketing The balloon is a key piece of branding as the dealership group grows, Zeigler said. It added six stores last year, bringing its total to 41, and retailed 20,644 new vehicles. Zeigler ranks No. 45 on Automotive News' list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S. Jones, who also is the director of Zeigler's Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat dealerships in Grandville, Mich., sees firsthand how the balloon creates a "circle of brand and marketing," he said. "If people are thinking about the Zeigler balloon, they think of Derrick. And if they are looking for a car, I usually get a call, text or email saying: 'My uncle, my neighbor, my friend, my coworker is looking for a vehicle,' " Jones said. "People just don't forget about it — it's memorable." It is tricky to calculate any direct return on investment for the balloon, D'Arc said. But the auto group is counting on the balloon's unique ability to inspire joy, loyalty, and brand awareness. "You cannot buy a bigger billboard," D'Arc said. "And it's traveling, so everyone who sees it is pointing it out to people." Team becomes crew Being a top performer at Ziegler could mean the chance to travel to the top of the skies. The dealership group uses balloon rides as an incentive for team members, Zeigler said. It is a rare opportunity for employees and their family members so it brings out people's competitive sides.

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Michigan dealership group takes branding to the skies with hot air balloon. Zeigler Automotive Group goes above and beyond to spread the word about their dealerships. Literally. Flying high above billboards and car lots, a hot air balloon emblazoned with the name of the Kalamazoo, Mich., dealership group dances through Midwest skies every summer. In an increasingly competitive market following the inventory shortage, Zeigler's balloon advertising strategy is to connect positive emotions with their brand, said Sam D'Arc, Zeigler's COO. "We buy from people that we trust and that we have an emotional connection with. That is what the balloon does," D'Arc said. "I have never seen someone watching a hot air balloon who doesn't have a smile on their face." The dealership group bought the custom balloon in 2021 for about $75,000 and it will last about 15 years, CEO Aaron Zeigler said. Pilot Derrick Jones flies it almost every weekend from May to October at dealership grand openings, balloon shows, charity events and more. Jones typically takes two passengers at a time for trips that last about an hour. Riders range from Zeigler staff to clients to members of the public who bid for the opportunity at charity auctions. Many people also post pictures of it on social media when they see it overhead. "It is singular in its ability to engage with communities," D'Arc said. Memorable marketing The balloon is a key piece of branding as the dealership group grows, Zeigler said. It added six stores last year, bringing its total to 41, and retailed 20,644 new vehicles. Zeigler ranks No. 45 on Automotive News' list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S. Jones, who also is the director of Zeigler's Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat dealerships in Grandville, Mich., sees firsthand how the balloon creates a "circle of brand and marketing," he said. "If people are thinking about the Zeigler balloon, they think of Derrick. And if they are looking for a car, I usually get a call, text or email saying: 'My uncle, my neighbor, my friend, my coworker is looking for a vehicle,' " Jones said. "People just don't forget about it — it's memorable." It is tricky to calculate any direct return on investment for the balloon, D'Arc said. But the auto group is counting on the balloon's unique ability to inspire joy, loyalty, and brand awareness. "You cannot buy a bigger billboard," D'Arc said. "And it's traveling, so everyone who sees it is pointing it out to people." Team becomes crew Being a top performer at Ziegler could mean the chance to travel to the top of the skies. The dealership group uses balloon rides as an incentive for team members, Zeigler said. It is a rare opportunity for employees and their family members so it brings out people's competitive sides.

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iPacket is collaborating at the Automotive State of the Union Conference! Why? Because they are revolutionizing the car buying and selling experience and have a whole lot tell our participants about how they are helping do it. Born right inside a dealership, it was created to tackle the frustration buyers face and the challenges dealers endure in providing accurate information 👊 Everything dealers and buyers need to know is available in one place, with comprehensive details and thorough documentation easily accessible. So they are doing a panel, moderated by Michael Cirillo with Andrew Breedlove, Sales Director from iPacket and Ashley Cavazos, Marketing Director at DeMontrond Auto Group to give their front line insights on bridging the gap between initial customer engagement and final sales transactions. "How To Build Smoother Communication Flows From The BDC To The Sales Floor" ‍ Key Takeaways: -Practical tools and technologies that facilitate real-time communication and data sharing between the BDC and sales teams. -Strategies for establishing processes that ensure a seamless handoff of customers from the BDC to the sales floor. -Cultural initiatives that foster a team-oriented approach to customer service and sales, enhancing overall performance and customer satisfaction. Be there to connect and learn this May 14-17th in Baltimore, MD! https://www.asotucon.com ___ #automotiveindustry #automotive #carsales #automotivemarketing #cardealers

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USA Automotive News 15-07-242024T Industry News and Market Trends 📰 📰 Number of Cars on Dealer Lots Climbing Higher - CleanTechnica: The number of cars available on dealer lots across the USA is increasing, reflecting a potential shift in market dynamics and inventory management strategies. https://lnkd.in/gBbdA2ve 📰 Auto CEO Makes Bold Promise After Cyberattack - TheStreet: Following a cyberattack and subsequent outage, a leading auto CEO has made a strong commitment to bolstering cybersecurity measures and ensuring operational resilience. https://lnkd.in/gAA8peh9 📰 Car Dealer Shares Best Summer Deals - MSN: A car dealer reveals why summer is the optimal time to secure the best deals on new cars, providing insights into seasonal trends and pricing strategies. https://lnkd.in/gkkVhcQU 📰 CDK Suffers Another Data Breach - Yahoo Singapore News: CDK Global experienced another data breach while attempting to recover from a previous cyberattack, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity challenges in the automotive industry. https://lnkd.in/gKh72EGW 📰 I Bought a New Car That Broke on Drive Home - The US Sun: A new car buyer shares their frustrating experience of purchasing a vehicle that broke down on the drive home, with the dealership refusing to take responsibility. https://lnkd.in/g47CxeqY Join 10k+ Automotive Professionals for One Daily Email with bite-sized summaries 👉 https://lnkd.in/gerYXFAa

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🔥 Used Car Managers 🚙 🚗 General Managers 🔥 🔥 Dealer Principals 🚘 🚙 Automotive Professionals 🔥 Don’t let margin compression put the squeeze on you. This Friday, September 27th, starting at 9AM EST/ 6AM PST... Join David Long, Vasilios Lambos, Jasen Rice, Diego Vargas, John Ellis, Brian Kramer, Tommy Gibbs, Brian Miller, and other leading automotive experts as they discuss What It Takes To Be Profitable on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to RSVP. You'll be texted a reminder once the room opens up. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales

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🔥 Used Car Managers 🚙 🚗 General Managers 🔥 🔥 Dealer Principals 🚘 🚙 Automotive Professionals 🔥 Don’t let margin compression put the squeeze on you. This Friday, September 27th, starting at 9AM EST/ 6AM PST... Join David Long, Vasilios Lambos, Jasen Rice, Diego Vargas, John Ellis, Brian Kramer, Tommy Gibbs, Brian Miller, and other leading automotive experts as they discuss What It Takes To Be Profitable on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to RSVP. You'll be texted a reminder once the room opens up. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales

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September U.S. Auto Sales Rate Up While overall U.S. auto sales in September were lower than the previous year due to Labor Day timing and fewer selling days, the sales rate improved. Despite this, the auto market remains stagnant due to high interest rates and vehicle prices. Despite increasing inventory levels, pressure to sell the remaining 2024 models will grow as 2025 models become more available. While some automakers reduce production, affordability issues are expected to persist due to high interest rates and vehicle prices. The long-term forecast remains positive for electric vehicle sales, which have seen steady growth in recent months. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePaXEMNq #auto #sales #us #september #2024 #inventory #electricvehicles #BEV #forecast #market #economy #interest #rates #prices #affordability #production #inventory #models

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The day after the election brings both uncertainty and opportunity for the automotive industry. As we navigate these changes, dealerships are looking to adapt and recalibrate in response to the evolving market. Check out our insights on the post-election landscape and what it means for your auto parts business.

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Major companies like Stellantis and Nissan have been making headlines due to significant earnings declines. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Chris Saraceno, Vice President and Partner of Kelly Automotive Group and Author of The Theory of 5, discusses how these declines are affecting dealers

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Start each morning with what's happening in the auto industry. Sign up for Quell's Motor Minute newsletter to receive your daily dose of automotive news: https://lnkd.in/gAjsJdVU

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For a long time, I did not really talk about being #queer while I was at work. I wasn't masking exactly. I am straight passing without trying. I was married to a man for years, and I have a child, both of which make it seem like I'm part of the majority. But I'm a fantastically different human being, in terms of the way I think, the way I show up in the world, the way I lead and the way that I parented my son, who is also part of the #LGBTQIA+ community. I came to realize that Pride wasn't about me attracting attention and shine for myself so much as it was about lighting a path for others - especially those whose identities are very much on display or in transformation - and who are on their own career and #leadership journeys. Just as I am a rarity as a woman C-level, and a Chief Revenue Officer at that, when most Sales and Revenue leaders are male (even on predominantly female executive staffs, it's wild), I am even more rare as a queer, bisexual woman and I need to stand in everything I am, the things you can see and the things you cannot, so that others can be taken seriously on their own path. So now, when I am talking to others who might want to hire me or have me serve on their board or council or any of the number of opportunities in front of me, I lead with it. Not because I want to check their diversity box, but because I want them to understand how very valuable our measurable brain differences are. Queer people aren't like everyone else, and that is a very very good thing. Pride is important for us because many of us, myself included, have been taught that sexuality is shameful or is something that doesn't belong at work. I am still a very private person in some ways, despite being a free-spirited open book in others. But being LGBTQIA+ is so much more than who you love, it's who you are. And therefore, if you really want to know me, it's important that you know this about me, and that I show up for everyone else as my full self. Needless to say, please register for this panel; it's gonna be juicy: https://lnkd.in/gCJmy3MD Friday, the 28th at 10 am PT/ 1 pm ET

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🔥🚙 🚀Used Car Managers, General Managers, Dealer Principals, and Automotive Professionals 🚗🔥🚀 In this quick exchange, David Long, Patrick Abad, and Roger Hendon, Jr. explain how to bring more profitabilty to your dealership INSTANTLY. David Long’s All Things Used Cars... Every Friday morning at 9AM EST/6AM PST. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to the full episode replay of What It Takes To Be Profitable. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales #cardealership #davidlong #allthingsusedcars

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#ICYMI: Autos Drive America and American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) recently released their 2024 Economic Impact Report, highlighting how international automakers outproduced the Detroit-3 for the very first time! Read more about the economic impact of international automakers across the U.S. in Bloomberg: https://bloom.bg/3SjIZls and in Automotive News: https://bit.ly/4bSq4VS

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