Perhaps it’s mostly because I have three boys in sports, but our household is always surrounded by coaches and athletes — we’re truly a family of sports enthusiasts — and especially University of Kentucky fans. So it was particularly exciting when I recently had a chance encounter with Mark Pope, the new UK men’s basketball head coach, and I was struck by how genuinely nice he was. As you can see (at right), he kindly stopped and posed for pictures with me.
Pope was a captain of UK’s 1996 National Championship team and has returned to his alma mater to coach. I’ve read that he is well respected among the coaching community for his work ethic and is known as an innovator.
After this fun happenstance, I was reading through our May magazine editorials and had an overwhelming sense that each of our contributors is themselves like a coach. A business coach who wants to help your team win.
Just as a sports coach hones the skills of each player and strategically devises game plans for the team’s victory, each contributor to the magazine (and our website) acts as a specialized coach for different aspects of automotive dealership management. They provide expert insights, strategic advice and practical tips to navigate the competitive landscape of the automotive industry. Their articles serve as training drills, helping dealers sharpen their business acumen, marketing strategies, customer service skills and operational efficiencies.
Each month, this magazine curates a diverse lineup of seasoned professionals — sales experts, marketing strategists, customer experience gurus and industry veterans — all united with a common goal: to equip automotive dealers with the knowledge and tools to elevate their game. Like a well-rounded coaching staff, these contributors offer a variety of perspectives and solutions, ensuring that no matter the challenge a dealer faces, there is guidance available.
These writers, while they may represent their businesses and have their own goals, dedicate themselves to the readers’ success first and foremost. This selfless sharing of knowledge reflects a coach’s commitment to their athlete’s success, irrespective of the personal gain. The ultimate aim is to see each dealership, like each athlete, not just compete but win in their respective fields.
Thus, the magazine acts not just as a publication, but as a strategic partner or a coaching team, committed to developing the potential of automotive dealers, helping them outmaneuver competitors, enhance customer satisfaction and drive sustainable growth. Each issue is more than just a collection of articles; it’s a playbook designed for victory in the demanding world of automotive sales.
Here’s to a winning season!