Albany, N.Y. – May 31st, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that its dealership management system (DMS) is fully integrated with Dashboard Dealership Enterprises, a developer of high quality system products and related services to satisfy the current and emerging needs of its customers. Auto dealerships using both Auto/Mate's DMS and Dashboard's reporting solutions are now able to enjoy seamless data exchange and real-time updates between the two systems.

"Managers at every level in automotive retail have more important things to do than spend time compiling data into reports, which quickly become inaccurate and don't tell the story behind the numbers," said Mike Esposito, President and CEO of Auto/Mate. "Analytics and business intelligence software allow managers to drill down and identify why problems are occurring, so they can take immediate and appropriate action."

Dashboard Dealership Enterprises' flagship product, Executive Eye, has built its reputation as a proven leader in dealership management reporting, and continues to innovate in the world of business analytics. Executive Eye is a mainstay in over 750 dealerships, including many on the 2016 Automotive News ‘Top 150’ Dealership Groups.

"Our mission is to exceed customer expectations for services, quality, speed of implementation, ease of use and support," said Josh Blick, Dashboard Dealership Enterprises CEO. "The Open/Mate integration process with Auto/Mate was painless and we are thrilled that more auto dealers now have an enterprise option to analytics and business intelligence."

Auto/Mate designed its Open/Mate program using open standards to provide an affordable integration experience for third-party vendors. The more vendors that integrate with each other, the greater cost savings dealerships are able to achieve. Auto/Mate doesn't believe in charging big certification fees because those costs get passed directly to the dealership.

Auto/Mate is an award-winning DMS vendor servicing 1,350 dealership rooftops, including large auto groups and single-store franchises. Auto/Mate is the #1 DMS vendor in customer satisfaction and is well known for its outstanding software and customer support.

For more information, visit http://www.automate.com or call 877-829-7020.

About Dashboard Dealership Enterprises

Dashboard Dealership Enterprises is a full-Service Enterprise Analytic and Business Intelligence provider, serving the Retail Automotive market since 1996. We provide Turn-Key Data Analytics and Business Intelligence for every Retail Automotive DMS in North America, and beyond. We use cutting edge systems to deliver this information in a fast, easy to understand, and diverse platform.

We answer the phone!  Our experienced Install & Support staff provide training, phone support, and most importantly, assist our clients in optimizing their experience.

For more information, visit http://www.dashboardonline.com/ or call 415-295-2195

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships, typically saving dealers thousands of dollars per month from their current provider. Our Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,350 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate has received DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards every year from 2012 to 2016.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 1,000 years of combined experience working in franchised auto dealerships, the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM” slogan. Auto/Mate is committed to winning its customers’ business each and every month with no long-term contracts and free software upgrades. For more information follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS and subscribe to our blog at www.automate.com/blog.

It seems like improving the customer experience is this year's catch phrase. Everyone is talking about it, from dealers to consultants and technology vendors. But to improve the customer experience, you must first have a good understanding of what that experience actually is.

As a dealership principal or manager, you are not treated like a customer in your own store. You're treated like the boss, and when you walk by your employees they are always on their best behavior.

So how can you know what your customers' true experience is at your store? One way to learn is to hire an outside consultant who can do the research for you. Or you can act like your own consultant. It shouldn't take much time or expense to gain an understanding of what your customers' experience is. Here are a few tips:

Observe

When was the last time you were in the service lane at 7 a.m. on a Monday morning? When was the last time you watched someone walk into the showroom and, instead of alerting a salesperson to that customer's presence, simply observed what that customer's experience was, viewing it through their eyes? When was the last time you called your dealership's phone number to ask about a vehicle listed on your website?

On a daily basis we are all caught up in our list of what must get done. It's easy to run around the dealership without really noticing what's happening. But if you're serious about improving your customer experience, this is a critical step. Slow down. Observe. Try to be surreptitious. If that's impossible, ask your managers to participate in this exercise. Don't immediately judge or correct; your objective here is to simply learn.

Ask

Conduct a customer survey. Host a customer night. Call several customers who recently purchased a vehicle and customers who did not purchase a vehicle. Call customers who recently got some service work done. Ask them directly what their experience was and how it could be improved.

When your customers call, are they getting connected with people who can help them, or are they sent to voice mail? When a customer walks into your showroom, are they greeted like you would greet a guest in your home, or is a salesperson treating them like their next meal ticket? In your service lane, how long does it take to drop off a vehicle? Are your customers notified when their car is ready or do they have to call to find out?

Note your customers' comments and your own observations. From these two exercises alone, you should be able to identify one or more processes that need improvement.

Fix

Address your process breakdowns. It's not always enough to have a process in place. You have to understand why it's not being followed. Is it a process problem, a people problem, or both?

I've found the best way to fix a process is to first make sure that everyone understands what the process is. Write it down then ask your employees for feedback.

The goal is not to ask, "Why aren't you following this process?" because that puts people on the defensive. Instead, ask "Is there a problem with this process that makes it difficult to follow?" If there is, ask for a solution. When employees take ownership of a process they are much more likely to follow it.

Deliver

It's difficult to improve your customer experience unless you and your employees know exactly what type of experience you want them to have. Is it a fast, efficient, no frills type of experience? Or is it a luxurious VIP experience with plenty of personal attention? There's a place and time for both, and it may depend on what type of dealership you run.

Customer experience is created not just by process, but by emotion. How do you want your customer to feel when they walk into your showroom? How do you want them to feel when they pick up their car from your service department? What types of interactions with your employees are necessary in order to generate those feelings?

This customer experience is something that should be defined and shared with your employees. Just saying you want to improve the experience doesn't mean anything. Your employees should know exactly what your expectations are and how to deliver.

If you're serious about improving the customer experience at your dealership, first learn what it is. Establish a baseline, set your expectations and measure your progress along the way.

What tips do you have for improving the customer experience?

ALBANY, N.Y. – May 8th, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems (http://www.automate.com) today announced its second national Customer User Summit, scheduled for October 11th - 13th in San Antonio, TX. The User Summit spans over three days and features breakout sessions and product experts giving in-depth training on the latest and greatest features of Auto/Mate's dealership management system (DMS).

"We have heard from previous attendees that they appreciate learning so much about our system, how to use certain features, time-saving short cuts and best practices in a short period of time. These are actionable items that customers they can take back to their dealerships and put to practical use right away; and they have a great time doing it," said Mike Esposito, President and CEO of Auto/Mate Dealership Systems.

Renee Bissonnette with Evergreen Subaru attended the 2016 User Summit in Chicago. “I really enjoy the seminars about the different modules where you can learn best practices with the current module and changes that will be coming," said Bissonnette. "I love that each seminar includes an individual from Auto/Mate who takes notes on new ideas from attendees."

Auto/Mate's User Summit is designed for dealership principals, executives and department managers. Highlights include breakout sessions, speakers, happy hours and more. Attendees will learn best practices and in-depth feature overviews designed to increase efficiencies, all within a fun, collaborative environment.

Early bird registration deadline for the User Summit is July 7th, 2017. Customer rates are $99 for the first attendee and $79 for each additional attendee from the same dealership. Final deadline for registration is September 8th, 2017. Regular rates are $129/attendee and $109 for each additional attendee from the same dealership.

To register, visit http://www.automate.com/usersummit.

Call for Sponsorships

Auto/Mate is offering sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities at its User Summit to Open/Mate and third-party partners, as well as other industry vendors. Sponsorships increase brand awareness and provide the opportunity to network with Auto/Mate team members, customers and other vendors.

“This event was really well done," said 2016 sponsor Ken Hill, Managing Director with 700Credit. "Auto/Mate structured the event so that vendors had plenty of opportunities to meet with every dealer in attendance, which was very much appreciated by our team. We look forward to the 2017 User Summit!"

For more details on sponsorships and exhibitor opportunities contact Jessica Joralemon, CMP at Auto/Mate at usersummit@automate.com or 877-340-2677.

Auto/Mate's User Summit will be held at the Hilton Palacio Del Rio, right on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk! To book a room reservation call 210-222-1400 and ask for the Auto/Mate User Summit discounted room rate.

For more information or to register visit: http://www.automate.com/usersummit/. Follow the event on Twitter @AutoMateDMS #AMUserSummit

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships, typically saving dealers thousands of dollars per month from their current provider. Our Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,350 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate has received DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 1,000 years of combined experience working in franchised auto dealerships, the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM” slogan. Auto/Mate is committed to winning its customers’ business each and every month with no long-term contracts and free software upgrades. For more information follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS and subscribe to our blog at www.automate.com/blog.

Auto/Mate Grabs Top Spot in Medium-Sized Companies Category

Albany, NY – April 10th, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that it has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by the Times Union. Auto/Mate ranked as the #1 Top Workplace in the medium-sized companies category, beating out 19 other companies in the New York Capital Region for the top spot. This is the sixth consecutive year that Auto/Mate has received a Top Workplaces award.

"I would like to sincerely thank our employees for voting us as a Top Workplace; this is truly incredible and I am excited and humbled," said Mike Esposito, President and CEO of Auto/Mate. "Many business associates are skeptical when I say we put our employees first, before our customers and our shareholders, but this award proves that when you put employees first they will work hard and help make your company successful."

The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.

“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. Often times, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits.” says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together." Claffey adds, “Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”

For more information about careers and workplace culture at Auto/Mate visit www.automate.com/careers

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships, typically saving dealers thousands of dollars per month from their current provider. Our Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,200 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate has received DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 1,000 years of combined experience working in franchised auto dealerships, the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM” slogan. Auto/Mate is committed to winning its customers’ business each and every month with no long-term contracts and free software upgrades. For more information follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS and subscribe to our blog at www.automate.com/blog.

About WorkplaceDynamics, LLC

Headquartered in Exton, PA, WorkplaceDynamics specializes in employee feedback surveys and workplace improvement. This year alone, more than two million employees in over 6,000 organizations will participate in the Top Workplaces™ campaign—a program it conducts in partnership with more than 40 prestigious media partners across the United States. Workplace Dynamics also provides consulting services to improve employee engagement and organizational health. WorkplaceDynamics is a founding B Corporation member, a coalition of organizations that are leading a global movement to redefine success in business by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business.

Word has it that many dealers are still having problems finding and keeping 'good' salespeople. According to the 2016 NADA Dealership Workforce Study, the average turnover rate for salespeople is 67 percent, and as high as 72 percent at non-luxury dealerships.

High turnover rates in the auto industry are not news. But is the problem really the lack of 'good' salespeople, or is the problem with the way dealerships are treating their salespeople? It's an important question and something that dealers should figure out, because consulting firm ESI Trends estimates that employee turnover costs the average dealership half a million dollars every year.

The fact is, sales consultant turnover rate won't change until these two things change:

1) Pay Plans

The average starting salary for college graduates today is $52,569 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The average salary for car salespeople is $31,000, according to Glassdoor.com. Sure, there's a chance you can make a lot in commissions; but there's also a chance that you won't make a lot in commissions.

And let's face it: selling cars is a stressful job. Why put up with the stress and long hours when you can go pump gas and make almost as much, without all the stress?

Some forward-thinking dealerships are addressing this salary gap with higher salaries and smaller commissions based on CSI scores or other factors. Unfortunately some dealers believe that without commissions as incentive, salespeople won't do the work. This belief is misguided because there are plenty of ways to hold salespeople accountable. When you hire an accountant, are you worried that they won't do the work because they're getting a salary?

Until dealerships rethink their pay plans and come up with packages that compete with other companies in other industries, they're going to have a really hard time finding and keeping the best talent.

2) Workplace Culture

Auto/Mate currently has over 180 employees and a turnover rate of one to two percent. It's a big deal if we lose two or three people a year. This is no accident. Creating a workplace culture focused on employee engagement and happiness is the top priority of upper management in our organization. And when I say top I do mean top. We care about it more than revenue and more than customer satisfaction.

I see the eye-rolling skeptics out there, but here's how this works. Employee engagement is our top priority because happy employees take great care of customers. Happy customers become loyal customers. This has a positive impact on the bottom line, so ultimately the shareholders are happy too.

I have written extensively about how to increase employee happiness. But the one, core nugget of advice is this: your employees have to believe that you really care about them. This can't be faked. If you don't know your employees' spouses names, or their kids' names, or you don't know which of your employees are going through a difficult personal challenge, you don't really care. And your employees know it.

When you care about your employees, they care about you and your company. They care about the company's mission and vision. They will feel part of something and be motivated to help make it a success. And they won't want to leave.

So if employee turnover is an issue at your dealership, address pay plans and focus on workplace culture. What are your tips for reducing employee turnover?

It's a pretty common scenario; your best performing salesperson also happens to be ambitious. A management position opens up and the salesperson lobbies hard. It's difficult to deny this person; they've worked hard and made your dealership a lot of money. So do you automatically promote them?

Maybe...maybe not. It really depends on the type of person they are, and the type of person you want in a leadership position at your dealership. Great managers have certain skills, and great salespeople have certain skills. Sometimes those skills conflict.

Let's take a look at some of the traits that nearly every great salesperson shares:

Confidence

The best salespeople are confident about their own abilities and confident about their understanding of the product, the customer and the market. They are not afraid to challenge decision makers. As salespeople, this means they aren't afraid to challenge the customer if incorrect assumptions are made. This is a necessary skill in sales in order to overcome objections. But if you promote that salesperson into management, you better be prepared to start having your own decisions challenged.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. Leaders should be challenged once in a while. And great managers are confident about their abilities too, but they can also show humility. As C.S. Lewis said: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." The best managers are very team-oriented and work well with their subordinates, fellow managers and bosses. If your star performer operates with a 'we' mentality, instead of an 'I' mentality, by all means promote them.

Resilience

The best salespeople don't get discouraged easily. No's roll off them like water off a duck's back, and every 'no' they encounter means they're that much closer to a 'yes.' Resilience and optimism stem from confidence and come easily to some people. It may be difficult for someone like this to understand the mindset of someone who does get discouraged easily. When I ran a large dealership, I saw my share of resilient salespeople dismiss their peers who struggled with rejection.

Obviously, someone who gets discouraged easily will not last long in sales. But teaching and coaching can go a long way in turning an average, willing performer into a good performer. Great managers know how to teach, coach and motivate their team. That should be their primary role. If your star performer is the type who motivates their fellow team members to do better, instead of dismissing them as inferior, by all means promote them.

Productive

The best salespeople know how to manage their time well. They are focused and productive. They make the calls, send the emails and go the extra mile without having to be asked. They are self-motivated, naturally persistent and they don't need their boss's approval. They know how to pat themselves on the back and say "Good job, me!" Their own success is reward enough.

You think this is good, right? You want your managers to be productive, too. But sometimes a star salesperson has trouble adapting from doing the work to getting others to do the work. They may be tempted to step in to help close the deal because they know how to get it done.

The best managers, on the other hand, know how to make their team more productive. In a study titled The Value of Good Bosses, researchers found that people working for "good bosses" were 10 percent more productive than people working for "bad bosses." In this study, bosses supervised an average of nine workers, so the combined productivity increase was equal to the amount produced by an average worker. In effect, having a "good boss" was like having an extra employee in that department!

Not coincidentally, this research team found that "good bosses" identified their primary objectives as teaching and motivating. If your star salesperson has the skills to teach their team how to be more productive, by all means promote them.

If your star performer doesn't have these skills, I'm not saying that you shouldn't promote them. Like other skills, management skills can be learned. Share your concerns and if the salesperson can acknowledge their own shortcomings and commit to improving them, and if you are willing to teach, coach and motivate them to becoming a good manager, then by all means promote them.

Albany, N.Y. – January 17th, 2017 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today the addition of two feature updates to its dealership management system (DMS) Fixed Ops Suite. The new features are designed to increase efficiencies and revenue in auto dealership service departments and will be demoed at Auto/Mate's booth #1707 at the NADA Convention & Expo in New Orleans, LA.

Updates include:

VIN Scan. Offered as part of Auto/Mate's service mobile tablet solution, VIN Scan allows service advisors to optically scan a VIN barcode with their mobile tablet camera. Once scanned, the most recent customer data associated with that vehicle such as name, address, VIN, make/model and more, instantly auto-populates the customer information fields. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, greatly expediting the mobile check-in process.

Alternately, a new reverse phone lookup utility can be used for the same purpose. Offered through Authenticom as a monthly subscription, this too lets service advisors enter the customer's phone number, and reverse phone lookup suggests names and addresses associated with that number. Service advisors confirm with the customer, select the correct one and the data will auto-populate the fields in the mobile check-in app as well as create a record in the DMS.

From there, the service advisor selects which labor ops codes are associated with the appointment and an electronic RO will instantly be generated.

The VIN scan and reverse phone lookup utilities eliminate manual data entry for the vast majority of new customers, shaving minutes from each new appointment and improving the customer experience.

myCarfax Service Shop Integration. Auto/Mate is the only DMS provider that is integrated with myCarfax.com Service Shop solution. Dealers can now enroll customers in the FREE myCarfax.com program with one click from their DMS. A desktop and mobile app service, myCarfax.com helps car owners stay informed about maintenance and recalls on all vehicle brands (not just those sold by your dealership). myCarfax.com also sends dealerships' customers reminders when it's time to bring their vehicles in for recommended service. Auto/Mate customers that are also myCarfax Service Shop customers have access to newly integrated tools, which include Carfax Service History Check.

For more information or to see demos of Auto/Mate's Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) DMS solution, visit Booth #1707 at the NADA Convention & Expo in New Orleans, January 26th - 29th. To schedule an appointment visit http://www.automate.com/nada or call 877-340-2677.

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships, typically saving dealers thousands of dollars per month from their current provider. Our Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,200 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate has received DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 1,000 years of combined experience working in franchised auto dealerships, the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM” slogan. Auto/Mate is committed to winning its customers’ business each and every month with no long-term contracts and free software upgrades. For more information follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS and subscribe to our blog at www.automate.com/blog.

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 to turn their setback into a comeback?

When I was General Manager of a large dealership, we had a rule that a salesperson must always take the test drive with a customer. One day, somehow, a customer talked one of our salespeople into letting them take the test drive alone. Somehow that customer's license was never copied. And, you guessed it: we never saw that car or customer again.

It was a major process breakdown. The salesperson felt awful. He expected to be fired. Many dealers would have fired him to set an example.

But here's the thing: if I fired him it would have sent a message to every other employee that if they make a mistake, they get fired. This is not a message that motivates employees to perform their best. And you have to figure this salesperson--and every other salesperson on the team--learned an important lesson. Process matters and rules exist for a reason.

When bad things happen, it's critical that leaders step up and turn it into something positive. As Don Shula, the coach who led the Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history once said: "The minute I get negative, that is going to have an influence on my team."

Sometimes leaders have to be coaches. If you're not sure how, just look to the best coaches in sports for inspiration. Here are some tips on how great coaches have turned setbacks into comebacks.

Don't Humiliate Your Employees

The best coaches don't yell at their players in public. In 1993 Marv Levy coached the Buffalo Bills through the greatest NFL comeback of all time. "I didn't go around castigating them publicly," said Levy of his players. "They knew I wouldn't embarrass them, but if something had to be said in private, I'd say it."

When employees make a mistake, yelling at them in public does nothing to help them and makes their humiliation worse. If you need to get a point across, do it in private, stay calm and incorporate constructive criticism.

Identify What Went Wrong and Make a Plan to Fix It

The best coaches don't throw their players under the bus. So when an employee makes a mistake, don't automatically place all the blame on them. Acknowledge it could be your leadership that has contributed to the problem.

"Coaches have to watch for what they don't want to see and listen to what they don't want to hear," said John Madden, an NFL coach who led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl win in 1977.

When a mistake is made, sit down with the employee and ask what happened, prompting them through the incident. Approach this as a team-building exercise, where the goal is to identify what went wrong and come up with ideas on how to avoid making the same mistake again.

Remind Employees Why Processes Are in Place

In business, process paves the way for success. In sports, this equates to "practice makes perfect."

John Wooden was one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time.  During his last 12 years at UCLA, the Bruins won 10 national championship titles. Coach Wooden famously began his first practice every season by showing the players how to put on their socks and shoes. His reasoning was that if you don't put your socks on properly, there could be wrinkles, which could give you blisters, which could result in lost playing time. If your shoes became untied during practice, that results in lost playing time.

It seems a little extreme, but sometimes the most basic processes have to be explained. The rules must be followed for a reason. They don't exist to make the employee's life difficult, but to help them succeed.

Remind Employees They Are Part of a Team

One of the major jobs of a coach is to get players thinking “Team First.” All great teams have players who know and willingly try to fulfill their rolls on the team. Do your employees know their roles in your team? Do they realize how important their job is to the overall success of your team?

Bo Schembechler, former coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team, gave a famous locker-room speech that promoted the importance of the team. "No man is more important than the team," he said. "No coach is more important than the team. Everything that you do, you take into consideration, what effect does this have on my team?"

And one of Coach Wooden's best-know quotes is:  "Make sure that team members know they are working with you, not for you."

One of a leader's most important jobs is to build a strong team. Every employee should know how important it is to be a team player.

Keep Employees Focused on Goals

All great coaches know how to keep their players focused on the goals.

Phil Jackson, former head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers said: "I think the most important thing about coaching is that you have to have a sense of confidence about what you're doing. You have to be a salesman and you have to get your players, particularly your leaders, to believe in what you're trying to accomplish."

Herm Edwards, a former NFL coach for the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs, has said: "Stay focused. Your start does not determine how you're going to finish."

When an employee makes a mistake, it's important to re-focus their attention on the big picture. What are their goals? How can they get back on track? What do they need in order to succeed?

As a leader, you know it's inevitable that employees will make mistakes. But look on the bright side. Coach John Wooden said, "If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes."

The key is to make sure your employees learn from their mistakes and are inspired to do better. As a leader, it's your job to coach them to a comeback.

Albany, N.Y. – December 5th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that Patrick Reilly has joined its team as the new Head of Marketing. Reilly brings more than 25 years professional experience in marketing research, advertising, branding and strategy for technology companies and agencies.

In his new role Reilly will oversee the development of a corporate marketing strategy that will increase awareness of Auto/Mate's position as an industry leading DMS provider, fulfill its growth objectives and drive revenue.

"Patrick brings a wealth of marketing knowledge to this position and I'm excited to have his energy, expertise and guidance for achieving our ambitious vision for Auto/Mate's future," said Mike Esposito, President and CEO of Auto/Mate Dealership Systems.

Prior to joining Auto/Mate, Reilly held senior marketing positions with CommerceHub, a cloud-based retail marketing platform; and with Pitney Bowes Software, a global data, location intelligence and customer engagement solutions provider. His ad agency experience includes roles as EVP of Smith & Jones, and as President of Citrin-Reilly & Associates. Reilly has a proven track record of increasing customer engagement, lead generation and revenue while creating and implementing research-based marketing programs.

"In addition to having a great product, Auto/Mate has a compelling brand, story, company culture and message," said Reilly. "I'm looking forward to executing a strategy that will convince auto dealers that this DMS solution is their best choice."

Auto/Mate's award-winning DMS product is ideal for large auto groups and single-store franchises. Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a cost-effective and user-friendly solution with many advanced features. Auto/Mate is the #1 DMS vendor in customer satisfaction and is known for its outstanding customer and technical support.

For more information, visit http://www.automate.com or call 877-829-7020.

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships, typically saving dealers thousands of dollars per month from their current provider. Our Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,200 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate has received DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 1,000 years of combined experience working in franchised auto dealerships, the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM” slogan. Auto/Mate is committed to winning its customers’ business each and every month with no long-term contracts and free software upgrades. For more information follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS and subscribe to our blog at www.automate.com/blog.

DMS Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM Remains #1 in Customer Satisfaction

Albany, N.Y. – November 21st, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that with its latest round of hiring, its employees have surpassed 1,000 years of combined experience working in car dealerships. Auto/Mate's dealership management system (DMS) software was Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM, and the company has long committed to hiring former dealership employees in order to provide unparalleled customer service and training.

"For many dealership employees, calling a vendor's technical support can be frustrating because the person on the other end of the phone may know how the software works, but they don't really know what that dealership employee is trying to do or how to help them through the process," said Mike Esposito, President and CEO of Auto/Mate Dealership Systems.

"Auto/Mate is a breath of fresh air. The process is always easier when car people work with car people," said Alan Goldstein, President of Goldstein Auto Group in the New York Capital Region.

Most of Auto/Mate's customer and technical support specialists have held similar positions in similar departments as the dealership employees who call them. Auto/Mate's specialists know more than just the software; they know what it's like to work in a dealership and the details associated with each customer's role.

"While many software vendors choose to hire inexperienced support specialists to save money, we have always believed that investing in hiring experts creates an outstanding customer experience that is worth the extra effort and cost," said Esposito.

Additionally, Auto/Mate is one of the industry's few software vendors to guarantee that a live person will always answer the phone. This eliminates dealership employees' frustration over being placed on hold or waiting for call backs that never happen.

For more information, call 518-291-4634.

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships, typically saving dealers thousands of dollars per month from their current provider. Our Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,200 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate has received DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 1,000 years of combined experience working in franchised auto dealerships, the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car PeopleTM” slogan. Auto/Mate is committed to winning its customers’ business each and every month with no long-term contracts and free software upgrades. For more information follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS and subscribe to our blog at www.automate.com/blog.