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Michael Esposito

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Michael Esposito Blog Posts

Are You Ready to Grow Your Dealership to the Next Level?

by Michael Esposito 6 days ago

Are You Ready to Grow Your Dealership to the Next Level?

by Michael Esposito 6 days ago
Do you want to grow your business? Perhaps you are a 'next generation' owner about to take over your family's dealership. Or perhaps you want t…
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8 Signs Your Employees Function as a Team

by Michael Esposito June 13th

8 Signs Your Employees Function as a Team

by Michael Esposito June 13th
Many dealers realize that to improve their customer experience, they need to first improve their employee experience. When your employees are happy, they a…
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Dashboard Dealership Enterprises Integrates with Auto/Mate's DMS

by Michael Esposito May 31st

Dashboard Dealership Enterprises Integrates with Auto/Mate's DMS

by Michael Esposito May 31st
Albany, N.Y. – May 31st, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that its dealership management system (DMS) is fully integrated wi…
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To Improve The Customer Experience, First Learn What It Is

by Michael Esposito May 9th

To Improve The Customer Experience, First Learn What It Is

by Michael Esposito May 9th
It seems like improving the customer experience is this year's catch phrase. Everyone is talking about it, from dealers to consultants and technology v…
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Auto/Mate Announces Fall Customer User Summit Dates in San Antonio, TX

by Michael Esposito May 8th

Auto/Mate Announces Fall Customer User Summit Dates in San Antonio, TX

by Michael Esposito May 8th
ALBANY, N.Y. – May 8th, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems (http://www.automate.com) today announced its second national Customer User Summit,…
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Times Union Names Auto/Mate a Winner of the New York Capital Region 2017 Top Workplaces Award

by Michael Esposito April 10th

Times Union Names Auto/Mate a Winner of the New York Capital Region 2017 Top Workplaces Award

by Michael Esposito April 10th
Auto/Mate Grabs Top Spot in Medium-Sized Companies Category Albany, NY – April 10th, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today tha…
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Your Employee Turnover Won't Change Until This Changes

by Michael Esposito April 4th

Your Employee Turnover Won't Change Until This Changes

by Michael Esposito April 4th
Word has it that many dealers are still having problems finding and keeping 'good' salespeople. According to the 2016 NADA Dealership Workforce Stu…
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Five Fun Team-Building Exercises for Your Next Sales Meeting

by Michael Esposito March 7th

Five Fun Team-Building Exercises for Your Next Sales Meeting

by Michael Esposito March 7th
I'm a big advocate for sales training. I think meetings and training are important aspects of building a strong sales team. However, there's more t…
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How to Introduce a New Technology Into Your Dealership

by Michael Esposito February 14th

How to Introduce a New Technology Into Your Dealership

by Michael Esposito February 14th
Every year at NADA I am amazed at the number of new and exciting technologies being introduced. Some are completely new, like virtual reality showrooms; ot…
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Why Your Star Performers Shouldn't Automatically Become Managers

by Michael Esposito January 18th

Why Your Star Performers Shouldn't Automatically Become Managers

by Michael Esposito January 18th
It's a pretty common scenario; your best performing salesperson also happens to be ambitious. A management position opens up and the salesperson lobbie…
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Auto/Mate Announces Updates to Fixed Ops Suite: VIN Scan and myCarfax.com Service Shop Integration

by Michael Esposito January 17th

Auto/Mate Announces Updates to Fixed Ops Suite: VIN Scan and myCarfax.com Service Shop Integration

by Michael Esposito January 17th
Albany, N.Y. – January 17th, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today the addition of two feature updates to its dealership manageme…
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How to Turn Employee Setbacks into Comebacks

by Michael Esposito Dec 15, 2016

How to Turn Employee Setbacks into Comebacks

by Michael Esposito Dec 15, 2016
When employees make mistakes or seem to be harboring a bad attitude, what's a leader to do? Yell at them, write them off or fire them? Or, do you try t…
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Auto/Mate Names Patrick Reilly as New Head of Marketing

by Michael Esposito Dec 5, 2016

Auto/Mate Names Patrick Reilly as New Head of Marketing

by Michael Esposito Dec 5, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – December 5th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that Patrick Reilly has joined its team as the new Head of Mar…
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Auto/Mate Employees Surpass 1,000 Years Combined Experience Working in Auto Dealerships

by Michael Esposito Nov 21, 2016

Auto/Mate Employees Surpass 1,000 Years Combined Experience Working in Auto Dealerships

by Michael Esposito Nov 21, 2016
DMS Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM Remains #1 in Customer Satisfaction Albany, N.Y. – November 21st, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Sy…
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Don't Pay Overtime! 9 Tips to Boost Employee Productivity

by Michael Esposito Nov 8, 2016

Don't Pay Overtime! 9 Tips to Boost Employee Productivity

by Michael Esposito Nov 8, 2016
On December 1st the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) goes into effect. Most dealers have by now identified employees that make less than $47,476 and therefo…
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Auto/Mate Wins "Best Places to Work" Award for Seventh Straight Year

by Michael Esposito Nov 7, 2016

Auto/Mate Wins "Best Places to Work" Award for Seventh Straight Year

by Michael Esposito Nov 7, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – November 7th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems has been recognized as one of the 36 “Best Places to Work” in New …
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Seven Tips for Promoting Community Involvement

by Michael Esposito Oct 11, 2016

Seven Tips for Promoting Community Involvement

by Michael Esposito Oct 11, 2016
You've probably heard the term "Doing good is good for business." Many studies support this statement. Companies that become involved in thei…
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Auto/Mate Integrates Fixed Ops Suite with Singlethread Text-Message Platform

by Michael Esposito Oct 10, 2016

Auto/Mate Integrates Fixed Ops Suite with Singlethread Text-Message Platform

by Michael Esposito Oct 10, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – October 10th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that its dealership management system (DMS) is fully integrate…
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Auto/Mate's National Customer User Summit was Largest Yet with Dozens of Events for Attendees

by Michael Esposito Sep 27, 2016

Auto/Mate's National Customer User Summit was Largest Yet with Dozens of Events for Attendees

by Michael Esposito Sep 27, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – September 27th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that its National Customer User Summit was its largest yet, …
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Auto/Mate Announces Integration of DMS with QuickScreen from 700Credit

by Michael Esposito Sep 19, 2016

Auto/Mate Announces Integration of DMS with QuickScreen from 700Credit

by Michael Esposito Sep 19, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – September 19th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that its dealership management system (DMS) is fully integra…
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Why You Should Test, Hire and Fire For Attitude

by Michael Esposito Sep 15, 2016

Why You Should Test, Hire and Fire For Attitude

by Michael Esposito Sep 15, 2016
Imagine two candidates for a sales position. One has a great attitude and great people skills, but doesn't have the greatest sales record. The other ca…
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Auto/Mate Integrates DMS with Traffic Control, Improving Auto Dealers' Employee Activity Management

by Michael Esposito Sep 12, 2016

Auto/Mate Integrates DMS with Traffic Control, Improving Auto Dealers' Employee Activity Management

by Michael Esposito Sep 12, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – September 12th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems today announced the integration of its dealership management system (DMS) wi…
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Auto/Mate Completes DMS Integration with Dominion Sales Center CRM

by Michael Esposito Aug 22, 2016

Auto/Mate Completes DMS Integration with Dominion Sales Center CRM

by Michael Esposito Aug 22, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – August 22nd, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems today announced the integration of its dealership management system (DMS) with …
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What Marriage Therapists Can Teach About Customer Retention

by Michael Esposito Aug 18, 2016

What Marriage Therapists Can Teach About Customer Retention

by Michael Esposito Aug 18, 2016
Want to know the best way to increase customer retention? It's not rocket science. It all comes down to the relationships that your employees have with…
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Auto/Mate Integrates Dealership Management System with Unotifi

by Michael Esposito Aug 15, 2016

Auto/Mate Integrates Dealership Management System with Unotifi

by Michael Esposito Aug 15, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – August 15th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems today announced the integration of its dealership management system (DMS) …
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10 Warnings Signs Your Dealership's Culture is Toxic

by Michael Esposito Jul 14, 2016

10 Warnings Signs Your Dealership's Culture is Toxic

by Michael Esposito Jul 14, 2016
Company culture is a hot topic recently, and with good reason. Companies with a great workplace culture enjoy increased employee and customer retention rat…
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Auto/Mate Announces Speakers and Presentations for the 2016 National Customer User Summit

by Michael Esposito Jun 20, 2016

Auto/Mate Announces Speakers and Presentations for the 2016 National Customer User Summit

by Michael Esposito Jun 20, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – June 20th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems today announced the full agenda of speakers and presentations for its National Cu…
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Has Your Dealership Embraced Mobile Tablets?

by Michael Esposito Jun 9, 2016

Has Your Dealership Embraced Mobile Tablets?

by Michael Esposito Jun 9, 2016
Are employees in your dealership using mobile tablets in service, sales and/or F&I departments? Despite much interest and even hype surrounding usage o…
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How to Create a Culture of Health for Happy, Productive Employees

by Michael Esposito May 12, 2016

How to Create a Culture of Health for Happy, Productive Employees

by Michael Esposito May 12, 2016
Are you looking for ways to improve employee productivity and boost morale? Consider creating a culture of health in your dealership.   Many stu…
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Auto/Mate Releases eBook: Auto Dealer's 10-Step Guide to Using Tablets in Service, Sales and F&I

by Michael Esposito Apr 25, 2016

Auto/Mate Releases eBook: Auto Dealer's 10-Step Guide to Using Tablets in Service, Sales and F&I

by Michael Esposito Apr 25, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – April 25th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that it is releasing a free eBook for download, titled The Auto …
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Auto/Mate Receives a “Top Workplaces” Award for the Fifth Consecutive Year from The Times-Union

by Michael Esposito Apr 22, 2016

Auto/Mate Receives a “Top Workplaces” Award for the Fifth Consecutive Year from The Times-Union

by Michael Esposito Apr 22, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – April 19th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that it has received a "Top Workplaces" award from the…
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Auto/Mate Announces Dates for its 2016 National Customer User Summit

by Michael Esposito Apr 11, 2016

Auto/Mate Announces Dates for its 2016 National Customer User Summit

by Michael Esposito Apr 11, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – April 11th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems today announced dates for its national customer User Summit, anticipated to…
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Auto/Mate Introduces New Streamlined and Intuitive Payroll Application for Auto Dealerships

by Michael Esposito Mar 24, 2016

Auto/Mate Introduces New Streamlined and Intuitive Payroll Application for Auto Dealerships

by Michael Esposito Mar 24, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – March 22nd, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems today introduced a completely redesigned payroll application for auto dealers, l…
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Auto/Mate Announces DMS Accounting Suite Updates, Improving Productivity for Dealership Personnel

by Michael Esposito Mar 28, 2016

Auto/Mate Announces DMS Accounting Suite Updates, Improving Productivity for Dealership Personnel

by Michael Esposito Mar 28, 2016
Albany, N.Y. – March 14th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems today announced new features in its dealership management system (DMS) Acco…
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What's Your Definition of Success?

by Michael Esposito Mar 3, 2016

What's Your Definition of Success?

by Michael Esposito Mar 3, 2016
How do you define success: a financial goal, peer recognition or a title or position? Most people think of success in terms of their personal success, but …
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How to Create Work-Life Balance for Happy Employees and Happy Customers

by Michael Esposito Feb 18, 2016

How to Create Work-Life Balance for Happy Employees and Happy Customers

by Michael Esposito Feb 18, 2016
Studies show that one of the best ways for companies to become more profitable is to have engaged employees. An engaged employee is defined as having high …
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Top Five Reasons Why Good Employees Quit

by Michael Esposito Jan 7, 2016

Top Five Reasons Why Good Employees Quit

by Michael Esposito Jan 7, 2016
High employee turnover rates continue to be a problem for car dealers, according to the 2015 NADA Workforce Study. Competition for talent is fierce. For de…
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How to Reduce Employee Turnover

by Michael Esposito Dec 17, 2015

How to Reduce Employee Turnover

by Michael Esposito Dec 17, 2015
In the 2015 NADA Workforce Study, one of the most shocking statistics to me was that only 33% of all sales consultants hired reached their three-year servi…
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How to Create a 'Best Place to Work'

by Holly Forsberg Dec 9, 2015

How to Create a 'Best Place to Work'

by Holly Forsberg Dec 9, 2015
Recently Auto/Mate received a 'Best Places to Work' award from the Albany Business Review for the sixth year in a row. We have also been voted a 'Top Wor…
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How Employee Causes Can Help Increase Volunteerism

by Michael Esposito Nov 18, 2015

How Employee Causes Can Help Increase Volunteerism

by Michael Esposito Nov 18, 2015
Auto/Mate has been recognized for six years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" by the Albany Business Review and four years in a row as a "Top Workplace" b…
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Three Things Auto Dealers Can Learn From the Kardashians

by Michael Esposito Nov 4, 2015

Three Things Auto Dealers Can Learn From the Kardashians

by Michael Esposito Nov 4, 2015
How did Kim Kardashian become so famous? Ten years ago, she was a regular Los Angeles socialite, just like hundreds of other socialites. She wasn't the mos…
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Differentiate--or Die!

by Michael Esposito Sep 30, 2015

Differentiate--or Die!

by Michael Esposito Sep 30, 2015
Anyone can buy a white Chevy Malibu from any dealership, so how do you get people to buy from your dealership? If you think you must offer the best price, …
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Celebrating the Aloha Spirit, From Our 'Ohana to Yours (and a Brief Tutorial on Hawaiian Values)

by Michael Esposito Sep 18, 2015

Celebrating the Aloha Spirit, From Our 'Ohana to Yours (and a Brief Tutorial on Hawaiian Values)

by Michael Esposito Sep 18, 2015
On September 15th, Auto/Mate Dealership Systems celebrated Hawaiian Day! Many of our employees tell me Hawaiian Day is one of their favorite company events…
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Why Are You in Business? Hint: "To Make Money" is the Wrong Answer.

by Michael Esposito Jul 29, 2015

Why Are You in Business? Hint: "To Make Money" is the Wrong Answer.

by Michael Esposito Jul 29, 2015
As a business leader, what motivates you to wake up and go to work every day? If you ask many people why they start a business or why they go to work every…
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If Your Employees are on a Need to Know Basis, Here's What You Need to Know: Your Employees Aren't Motivated

by Michael Esposito Jun 23, 2015

If Your Employees are on a Need to Know Basis, Here's What You Need to Know: Your Employees Aren't Motivated

by Michael Esposito Jun 23, 2015
What's the most important skill a great leader must possess? Above all, I believe the ability to communicate is critical to the long-term success of any bu…
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How to Create A Process For Mobile Tablets

by Michael Esposito Apr 29, 2015

How to Create A Process For Mobile Tablets

by Michael Esposito Apr 29, 2015
In an informal survey of more than 100 dealership employees, Auto/Mate found that only 20 percent of auto dealerships use mobile tablets in the sales and s…
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Three Ways Mobile Tablets Increase Transparency In Your Dealership

by Michael Esposito Apr 15, 2015

Three Ways Mobile Tablets Increase Transparency In Your Dealership

by Michael Esposito Apr 15, 2015
Anyone who runs a business knows that transparency is considered to be a good thing. Transparency is an important part of a company's efforts to improve …
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Crime Scene Investigation: What's the Chain of Evidence For Your DMS Data?

by Michael Esposito Mar 11, 2015

Crime Scene Investigation: What's the Chain of Evidence For Your DMS Data?

by Michael Esposito Mar 11, 2015
Heinous crimes are being committed, day after day in auto dealerships around the nation. Somehow the valuable data in your dealership management system (DM…
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Rumors of the F&I Managers' Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

by Michael Esposito Jan 13, 2015

Rumors of the F&I Managers' Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

by Michael Esposito Jan 13, 2015
  For several years there has been some banter concerning the demise of the F&I Manager position. A focus on the need to speed up the car-buying proc…
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Do Your Vendors Deserve Your Loyalty?

by Michael Esposito Sep 23, 2014

Do Your Vendors Deserve Your Loyalty?

by Michael Esposito Sep 23, 2014
I'd like to have a heart-to-heart with dealers and high-level managers at dealerships, because I am genuinely curious about something. You are all focused …
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Empower Employees with Commander's Intent

by Michael Esposito Jun 24, 2014

Empower Employees with Commander's Intent

by Michael Esposito Jun 24, 2014
As Appeared in the June 2014 issue of Auto Dealer Monthly   Everyone knows how important the chain of command is in the military. But during battles, em…
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How to Create a Great Place to Work and Why You Need to Do This Now

by Michael Esposito Jan 30, 2014

How to Create a Great Place to Work and Why You Need to Do This Now

by Michael Esposito Jan 30, 2014
In my last blog, "Why Aren't Your Customers Loyal?" I discussed the connection between customer loyalty and employee happiness. My belief is …
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Why Aren't Your Customers Loyal? If You Can Handle the Truth, Read This.

by Michael Esposito Jan 22, 2014

Why Aren't Your Customers Loyal? If You Can Handle the Truth, Read This.

by Michael Esposito Jan 22, 2014
We've all seen and heard statistics regarding the connection between customer retention and a company's profitability. Here are some examples: &nb…
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Measuring CSI stinks…Let’s talk Loyalty!

by Michael Esposito Dec 18, 2013

Measuring CSI stinks…Let’s talk Loyalty!

by Michael Esposito Dec 18, 2013
Customer satisfaction and customer loyalty are two different things. The Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores that many dealerships and manufacturers r…
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Don’t Get Caught With Your Shorts Down

by Michael Esposito Sep 4, 2013

Don’t Get Caught With Your Shorts Down

by Michael Esposito Sep 4, 2013
I am posting this blog on behalf of Praveen Tamvada, Director of Marketing, Auto/Mate Dealership Systems   Last weekend was my son’s birt…
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Which Tablet is Best For Your Service Department?

by Michael Esposito Aug 20, 2013

Which Tablet is Best For Your Service Department?

by Michael Esposito Aug 20, 2013
In a recent article by our very own Praveen Tamvada, the pros and cons of the various mobile tablets are examined; and we give some tips on how y…
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What's the Real Cost of Your Dealership's CRM?

by Michael Esposito Jul 8, 2013

What's the Real Cost of Your Dealership's CRM?

by Michael Esposito Jul 8, 2013
sales CRM Download your free ebook: The Auto Dealer's 10-Step Guide on How to Choose the Right CRM for Your Dealership http://www.automate.com/publicatio…
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Need a Strategy for Success? First, Hire the Right People.

by Michael Esposito May 21, 2013

Need a Strategy for Success? First, Hire the Right People.

by Michael Esposito May 21, 2013
A common perception of what makes a business successful is as follows: the leader is a genius who has a vision, defines the strategy, and all the employees…
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Thinking About Buying a New CRM? Read This Reality Check First!

by Michael Esposito May 8, 2013

Thinking About Buying a New CRM? Read This Reality Check First!

by Michael Esposito May 8, 2013
You may be wondering why the president of a dealership management system (DMS) company is talking about CRMs. It’s not because I want to sell you a C…
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Five Traits of Great Leaders

by Michael Esposito Apr 30, 2013

Five Traits of Great Leaders

by Michael Esposito Apr 30, 2013
Is your dealership successful or is it wildly successful? Are you a good leader or a great leader? And if you are merely “good,” but desire to …
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Overwhelmed by Technology Choices at NADA? Here’s All You Need to Know.

by Michael Esposito Feb 13, 2013

Overwhelmed by Technology Choices at NADA? Here’s All You Need to Know.

by Michael Esposito Feb 13, 2013
We spoke with hundreds of dealers at the recent NADA Convention & Expo in Orlando. One of the recurring conversations at our booth was that many dealer…
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Do You Use a CRM? Answer Three Questions in Three Minutes and You May Win $200!

by Michael Esposito Nov 15, 2012

Do You Use a CRM? Answer Three Questions in Three Minutes and You May Win $200!

by Michael Esposito Nov 15, 2012
  Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is conducting a survey about CRM and desking solutions. We want to know what the most important features are and wh…
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Good Profit vs. Bad Profit and Why Dealers Should Stay Away From the Latter

by Michael Esposito Oct 29, 2012

Good Profit vs. Bad Profit and Why Dealers Should Stay Away From the Latter

by Michael Esposito Oct 29, 2012
  Most dealers I speak with typically think that ALL profit is good profit. How can any profit be bad? But I believe there is such a thing as bad …
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Disaster? It’ll Never Happen to Us...Yeah, Right!

by Michael Esposito Sep 25, 2012

Disaster? It’ll Never Happen to Us...Yeah, Right!

by Michael Esposito Sep 25, 2012
  About a month ago I was woken up one night at 1 am with a phone call that nobody wants to get. I was told the sprinkler system in our office bui…
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How to Attract & Retain the Best Employees

by Michael Esposito Jun 6, 2012

How to Attract & Retain the Best Employees

by Michael Esposito Jun 6, 2012
  To be a successful dealer these days, there’s no getting around the fact that you have to create an excellent shopping experience for the …
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Are Parts & Service Employees the Hatfields & McCoys of Your Dealership?

by Michael Esposito May 30, 2012

Are Parts & Service Employees the Hatfields & McCoys of Your Dealership?

by Michael Esposito May 30, 2012
  In this series of blogs, I am addressing common processes within a dealership that have a significant impact on the bottom line. My last blog ad…
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"Technology is a Strange Thing. It Brings Greats Gifts with One Hand and Stabs You In the Back with the Other." - C.P. Snow

by Michael Esposito May 22, 2012

"Technology is a Strange Thing. It Brings Greats Gifts with One Hand and Stabs You In the Back with the Other." - C.P. Snow

by Michael Esposito May 22, 2012
The title of this blog is a famous quote by C.P. Snow. It reminds me of a seminar I attended at Digital Dealer, in which I laughed at a scene that was sh…
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Dude, Where's My Car?

by Michael Esposito Apr 24, 2012

Dude, Where's My Car?

by Michael Esposito Apr 24, 2012
  In the 2000 movie “Dude, Where’s My Car?” it was pretty amusing to watch Ashton Kutcher stumble around looking for his lost ca…
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Creating Efficient Processes: Part 1

by Holly Forsberg Feb 28, 2012

Creating Efficient Processes: Part 1

by Holly Forsberg Feb 28, 2012
  The future of the retail automotive industry has arrived. Going forward, only the most efficient dealerships will survive. What do I mean by eff…
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Dealers, You Do Not Have Control of Your Data!

by Michael Esposito Feb 10, 2012

Dealers, You Do Not Have Control of Your Data!

by Michael Esposito Feb 10, 2012
Exhibiting at the NADA 2012 Convention and Expo in Las Vegas was very interesting. One of the hottest topics was the “third party data access&rdquo…
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Are Your Technology Vendors Providing Good Value?

by Michael Esposito Dec 16, 2011

Are Your Technology Vendors Providing Good Value?

by Michael Esposito Dec 16, 2011
  In a recent survey that Auto/Mate conducted, we asked 160 auto dealer general managers and senior managers about the perceived value they were g…
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The True Issue is Control of the Dealer’s Data, Isn’t It?

by Michael Esposito Nov 23, 2011

The True Issue is Control of the Dealer’s Data, Isn’t It?

by Michael Esposito Nov 23, 2011
This week’s Automotive News features a story about a DMS vendor that, in the name of protecting the dealer’s data, doesn’t allow third-…
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STAR Standards Lighting the Way

by Michael Esposito Nov 8, 2011

STAR Standards Lighting the Way

by Michael Esposito Nov 8, 2011
  I’m not a gambling man, but I bet if I asked100 dealers on the street what they thought about STAR, the majority would think I was asking …
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Why Used Car Departments Should Pay “Door Rate” for Service

by Holly Forsberg Oct 18, 2011

Why Used Car Departments Should Pay “Door Rate” for Service

by Holly Forsberg Oct 18, 2011
It’s a generally accepted practice in the auto retail business: the service department offers the used car department discounted rates. Doing so ke…
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Dealership Mobile Apps: Hype or Substance?

by Michael Esposito Sep 26, 2011

Dealership Mobile Apps: Hype or Substance?

by Michael Esposito Sep 26, 2011
  Certain technologies lend themselves really well to mobile application use. Consumers download millions of mobile apps related to gaming, weathe…
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What type of training do you want & prefer from your DMS vendor?

by Michael Esposito Sep 21, 2011

What type of training do you want & prefer from your DMS vendor?

by Michael Esposito Sep 21, 2011
  DMS vendors offer many methods of training. I’ve listed several here because I’d like to know which methods you prefer and which are…
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A World Without Sales Managers or Salespeople (if you believe this I have a bridge to sell you!)

by Michael Esposito Sep 7, 2011

A World Without Sales Managers or Salespeople (if you believe this I have a bridge to sell you!)

by Michael Esposito Sep 7, 2011
Last week Automotive News reported TrueCar Inc.’s purchase of Automotive Lease Guide from DealerTrack Holdings Inc., with plans to incorporate A…
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How Do You Decide Whether to "Make or Buy"

by Michael Esposito Aug 24, 2011

How Do You Decide Whether to "Make or Buy"

by Michael Esposito Aug 24, 2011
  When I became general manager of a large, multi-line dealership years ago, my first goal was to cut costs. One of the first outside vendors I re…
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What has been your dealership’s most successful DMS query for an e-mail marketing campaign?

by Michael Esposito Aug 9, 2011

What has been your dealership’s most successful DMS query for an e-mail marketing campaign?

by Michael Esposito Aug 9, 2011
  Your DMS reporting tools can be used to run a variety of queries for targeted e-mail marketing campaigns. I’d like to know what the most i…
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Is It the CRM or Is It the Process?

by Michael Esposito Jul 25, 2011

Is It the CRM or Is It the Process?

by Michael Esposito Jul 25, 2011
Every so often I hear from GMs who insist their salespeople must have the latest, greatest CRM with every bell, whistle and thing-a-ma-ding ever invented…
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Are customers the best source for used vehicles?

by Michael Esposito May 31, 2011

Are customers the best source for used vehicles?

by Michael Esposito May 31, 2011
  Prices for used cars have hit record highs recently and in the next few months, are expected to climb even higher (NADA: Trade-In Values for Use…
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Paying Attention to History and Your Bottom Line

by Michael Esposito Apr 4, 2011

Paying Attention to History and Your Bottom Line

by Michael Esposito Apr 4, 2011
The old dealership adage, “gross hides all problems” was never truer after the financial meltdown of 2008. As vehicle sales plummeted, so did…
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Are you stuck in Groundhog Day? Learn These Lessons to Escape.

by Michael Esposito Mar 21, 2011

Are you stuck in Groundhog Day? Learn These Lessons to Escape.

by Michael Esposito Mar 21, 2011
In the movie “Groundhog Day,” Bill Murray had to learn how to be a nice person and help other people (and genuinely mean it) before he won th…
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by sara callahan Mar 15, 2010

by sara callahan Mar 15, 2010
For additional information Contact: Mike Esposito, President & CEO Auto/Mate Dealership Systems Phone: 800-371-3970 Email: mesposito@automate.com…
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by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010

by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010
One of the best ways to close a deal is offering customers a bi-weekly payment plan.  Not every F&I menu has a bi-weekly payment calculator, but f…
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by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010

by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010
Wooed by the fancy capabilities, and perhaps prompted by a grumbling Internet sales manager or other salespeople who complain about the current system, man…
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by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010

by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010
F&I has a unique ability to add to a dealership’s revenues.  This is done by working the F&I “Book of Business”.  It re…
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by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010

by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010
Not too long ago I was in a meeting with the Sales Manager, Office Manager, Fixed Ops Manager, and IT Manager of a dealership.  During the meeting, th…
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by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010

by Michael Esposito Mar 15, 2010
I have always felt that government regulations within our industry can be used as a sales advantage. "How so" do you ask? Take the issu…
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