SAT #34 -🙋‍♀️ Here I Am

Welcome to Labor Day weekend, Troublemakers!

Because we know you know a great Labor Day deal when you see it, we decided that from now through Monday, all Dealer Participant tickets are 50% off!

Use code “LABORDAY” to get your ticket now!

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Growing and Growing Carol Kitts

This week, Chris spoke with Carol Kitts, the GM of VW of Fairfield, one of the Automotive New 40 under 40, and a fierce anti-human trafficking advocate.

Hey Carol, thanks for talking with me today! Let's dive right in. How did you join the industry?

It's quite a story. I was in college for nursing. While working at a parts store to make ends meet, I realized I didn't want to continue with the nursing work and got into car sales. There was apprehension at first, but I took the leap with my part-time job as a backup. Here I am, two decades later.

Two decades can change a lot! Tell me about the time between the first sale's position and now.

My first try at selling cars was fruitful. However, as the workplace culture shifted at my first dealership, I re-evaluated and moved to another store, where I continued my sales success.

When the 2008 market crashed, I wanted something more stable for my family, so I pivoted to a service advisory role and learned the fixed ops world.

Over the years, I transitioned between roles and dealerships, facing distinct challenges and grasping opportunities. A notable point was when I took a job as a service manager with a bottom-performing Nissan store; some techs quit on the spot because I am a woman. We turned the store's performance around and were in the top 3 within a year and a half.

I tried to step away from the car business once, but it's true what everybody says – you never really leave. Cox Automotive eventually roped me in, moved on to Schomp as a corporate trainer, and built a business development center for them. Currently, I'm in a joint venture between Schomp Automotive and its partners.

They needed a GM, and I always want to keep growing, so I said, "Here I am."

Wow, that is excellent! How do you and your team engage with your community?

We support nonprofits that educate high school students and fund anti-human trafficking efforts. We aim to emphasize that we're not just a dealership – we're a part of the community, looking to give back.

Growth has been a central part of your story so far; what's next?

I want to see my dealership thrive, aiming to position it among the top five in the Bay Area. We have hurdles like construction and foundational challenges, but with commitment and drive, we're on our way.

Ah, so it's like your commitment to growth is personal but not selfish. So you can see the whole store and its associates growing as more of the good stuff!

Yes! Leadership is key. Previous roles taught me the value of investment and equipping others for success. Every person in my store knows I'm all in, and I expect the same dedication from them.

We set goals, we meet them, and then we set our sights even higher.

CONTENT RECAP

The Week in the Rearview

EMAIL:

• Cleo Bay Subaru of Killeen pays their respects to fallen heroes. 🪖

• Covert Bee Cave partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to make a boy with muscular dystrophy’s dream of riding in a classic Corvette come true. 🐝

• New studies by Wards Auto and Urban Science highlight ways dealerships can best navigate the new automotive landscape. 🗺️

PODCAST:

This week our guest, Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, tells us all about his inspiring journey of grit, determination, and a love for Banana Ball that overcame naysayers and doubts.

If you want to be inspired, enlightened, and challenged to rethink the way you approach your business and your dreams, this is the podcast you cannot miss.

🎧🎙️ Check out the replay here! 👈

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

SOMETHING FUN

Hell Cat Car Boat

YouTuber WhistlinDiesel is no stranger to eyebrow-raising stunts. Now, he has transformed a 707hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat into a… boat?

Just days after a fiery end to his Ferrari F8, Cody Detwiler set the automotive community abuzz again. This Hellcat, previously famous for its buggy wheels in 2021, got a marine makeover with 6-foot aluminum "wheels."

Seated atop a pontoon-like platform, it resembles a steamboat with paddle wheels. WhistlinDiesel's antics continue to captivate over 6 million subscribers. See for yourself.  

ONE MORE TIME IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Click the image above to jump straight to the 50% off dealer tickets and get ready for ASOTU CON 2023 this month, September 25 -27, in Baltimore, MD!