1389

Breaking News for Women in Leadership attending NADA: If you missed out on attending another Women's lunch on Saturday due to their successful sell-out, we have a fantastic solution.

Join us on Saturday, March 12th for the 1st Women in Automotive Leadership luncheon.  This is part of our GROW initiative announced a few months ago.

We already have nearly 20 professionals signed up and have space for up to 40. 

After hearing some were disappointed they missed out on another luncheon, I decided this lunch event needed to happen.

I reached out first to make sure we had a place to gather and then to a select group of industry friends to sponsor this event. 

Due to their generosity, this event will be complimentary for our guests!

I will speaking to kick off our event and set the tone for our networking and collaboration. Our core objective is that our participants leave with new insights and expand their networks.

Many thanks to all of our sponsors and for all of you for spreading the word. 

Dealers United Audientis Automotive Advisors, LLC Force Marketing Driveitaway are just a few of those who are supporting this effort and hosting you. Many thanks to Pete Petersen William J. Pergolini John Fitzpatrick, John Possumato, Esq. and others for their immediate and enthusiastic support!

Remember, you must hold a leadership role and space is limited. Reach out today to https://lnkd.in/drWghYE or text/call 269.217.0414.

This is #BetterTogether in action, yet again.
#GROW #PowerOfPartnerships #DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive #LeadingAutomotiveWomen #Career #Networking

1387

I'm thrilled to join Elena Ciccotelli as we present together to OnRamp with the Venture Café Philadelphia .

We will share our personal entrepreneurial journeys and offer marketing and branding tips as well. Thank you to John Possumato, Esq. for creating this special opportunity to contribute to the students and participants in this program.

#BetterTogether #LeadershipMatters #EntrepreneurLife #Strategy #Automotive #ExecutiveCoaching #BrandStrategy #BusinessStrategy

1385

On Another Podcast Interview Plus My Agenda at NADA: After #AFSA, I will be 'live' at the Polly (formerly DealerPolicy) booth along with Rene F Cejas, Jason Harris, Mike theCarGuy Correra and many more.

Join us at the conference Friday morning for coffee and insights. Listen in and learn first-hand how my company was built to offer strategic, profitable and people-friendly solutions throughout Automotive. I'm proud that we are able to offer our excellent services to fully- developed companies, start-ups and everything in between.

Here is what they wrote earlier to promote my time with their team:

"We have the one and only ⭐Laurie Foster in the booth!!! Don't miss this interview with Laurie and #CandidateConnect by #AutoHubShow!!!! Talking about dealership strategies with one of the best in the business!!! Friday 8:30am, the coffee bar in the booth will be serving up free drinks!!!! Come hang out and take part in this open conversation!!!!"

I finally found someone who uses exclamation points more than I do! ( You cannot keep all of this enthusiasm bottled up forever) Thank you for the warm welcome and kind words, Rene F!

In addition to meeting up here, you can find me
🎯 Speaking at Additional Vendor Booths
🎯 Hosting Private, Confidential Conversations with Clients,
🎯 Meeting with New Clients,
🎯 Discussing Investment Opportunities
and
🎯 Hosting our just-announced Women's Leadership Lunch. on Saturday, March 12th. We are now almost at capacity at 40 Women Auto Leaders across many sectors. Many thanks to our terrific sponsors!

You will also spot me in action
👉 Connecting Outstanding Industry Professionals and Companies like I do every day.

When you see me, don't be shy.
Let me know how I can help or to whom you would like to be introduced.

Thanks again, for this special opportunity. I look forward to seeing you all next week at @NADA in Las Vegas.

#BetterTogether #FosterStrategiesGroup #Solutions #Strategies #PowerOfPartnerships #Automotive #NADA #AFSA #Polly #DealerPolicy #Podcast #Insights #BusinessInsights #AutomotiveLeadership #DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive


1384

This is a tremendous group of Entrepreneurs and I am honored to speak with them this afternoon from 4:30-6p ET.

It's a bonus to share the stage with my dear friend and terrific colleague, Elena Ciccotelli, Head of Automotive Partnerships at #Lyft.

Many thanks for introducing me to @OnRamp and the work the University is doing to offer a fast-track to success.

#BetterTogether #LeadershipInAction #Presentations #SpeakingEngagements #ExecutiveCoach #LeadershipStrategies #EntrepreneurPath #Traction Gino Wickman!


1383

A Very Special Event For Women Leaders in Automotive.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors!

⭐⭐⭐John Fitzpatrick, Force Marketing
⭐⭐⭐Pete Petersen, Dealers United
⭐⭐⭐William J. Pergolini, Audientis, LLC
⭐⭐⭐Samantha Foster UVeye
⭐⭐⭐Kate Colacelli PureCars
⭐⭐⭐Shane Stender SilverBack Advertising
And more are still joining in!

Register today! We are at 35 of 40 open seats already for this remarkable event.

#BetterTogether #WomenInLeadership

1382

On Pulling All of the Late Nights and Early Mornings Leading Up To NADA: So much to do, but it is exhilarating to think we will all finally meet up after 2+ years.

While part of me wishes we had more time prior to next week, the stronger half would be there today if possible.

I will be on the ground starting Tuesday afternoon and heading straight to American Financial Services Association with the inimitable Marguerite Watanabe. How she knows everyone in the industry and keeps up with their latest moves stymies me. People think I'm connected? Not only is she busy connecting everyone, she connects all of the dots, staying on top of the world of Finance like none other.

Scott Naugle and I will be part of a special Q&A on Thursday the 10th. His deep history within Automotive is only outmatched by his ability to navigate ever deep waters throughout the Finance realm. His particular expertise is invaluable to the Dealers and Auto Adjacent companies he advises with Audientis, LLC and their own Dealer Zeus.

I have a few (a few) slots available for interviews or podcasts. Thursday late afternoon and Friday on the NADA floor. Always glad to contribute whenever possible.

1380

On Introducing Another Fantastic Female Professional I'm Honored to Know: Meet Aubrey Amatelli.

I'm grateful our paths crossed and appreciate the introduction to the Wnet - Women's Network in Electronic Transactions organization. We had a terrific first call this week. It will be a great pleasure bringing my strategic coaching to their efforts.

For those in the ET industry, be sure to join the other 4400 members of #Wnet with Wendy (Tronge) Holliday, M.Ed., CAE enjoying the guidance and collaboration they offer.

To my colleagues, Aubrey is someone whose expertise you can trust in the Payments sector.

She now leads from the front at QuickFee, bringing her years of proven sales, team building and growth strategies after a successful 10 year run at JPMorgan Chase & Co.


More to come...As their first female C-suite leader, Ms. Amatelli continues to expand her influence and experience.

Be sure to connect with Aubrey and stay tuned to learn more about her and meet more fascinating friends of mine.

#BetterTogether #LeadershipMatters #Sales #Payments #ElectronicTransactions #CSuite #Network

Stacia Smith Katie Jewell


1379

On A Dose of Stillness Tonight.
The last few months have almost been a blur.
The last several weeks were a tsunami.

It has been far too long since I simply sat outside.

This was to be my first full week back at my home office and on Monday morning it started with "Oh boy...it looks like we need to host an additional event for women in Las Vegas at the conference...in 12 days."

How could I not answer this call?

Yes, it added added an element of controlled chaos to the week, but it was also me in my purest element.

Thrown back.
I was back.
Wholeheartedly.

If I could show you the sheer number of calls I was on today, this beautiful Saturday.

But my heart is so happy. Because I do what I do for the industry I love as a choice. I choose to look out for and care about others and live it out.

When you wonder what I do… I do this.
I make things happen.

Quickly.
Strategically.

I'm not afraid to say that tonight. Because you all matter and this mission, this vision I had years ago is happening.


Perhaps it's easier tonight because I'm a little tired and I have precious little time to rest before taking off for the conference.

But I will be fine because I cannot wait to be there and you will be there.
And we will be together.

And we are smarter and stronger and faster and more generous and more successful when we are...
And we are...always
#BetterTogether.

We have now filled every seat and have a waiting list for our Women in Leadership luncheon.

All details are in order.
Hurrah!

My very special thanks to Emily Cole Pamela Patton Maureen Martin Marguerite Watanabe Elena Ciccotelli today.

There is much more to come.
And it's all good for all of us.

And that's all for tonight.
Rest well and safe travels my friends.
❤ Laurie

1378

If you haven't booked your confidential appointment yet to meet with Audientis, LLC the industry's leading advisors for dealers and their families you still have time.

The best time to reach out is
⭐️Before you approach a purchase or a sale
⭐️Before your family has a succession interruption
⭐️Before you are concerned about your investment portfolio

The next best time is when you're in the middle of a challenge.

We are still here to quickly, strategically and soundly place you on a solid course and increase your confidence.

Message me today and we will work to align schedules with you and your team.

We will all be attending the @American Financial Services Association, #AFSA, conference where Scott Naugle and I will be discussing current strategies to strengthen
Dealer health and also at National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

I will also be hosting the first #WomenInLeadership luncheon, co-sponsored by William J. Pergolini of Audientis, LLC along with several other generous key partners including Dealers United Force Marketing Driveitaway UVeye PureCars SilverBack Advertising inSearchX Sweet Relish and #WOCAN.

We now have 45 attendees from across the entire spectrum of Automotive and Automotive professional services for this exciting event.

We work with the best to do the best work for our client partners.

Again if you're a dealer or business owner attending these outstanding conferences and you're prime for taking your financial portfolio to the next level and securing your best future, reach out today.

⭐️For fastest service and connection you can DM me below or

Text or call 269.217.0414
E Laurie@fosterstrategiesgroup.com

Steve Jones, CPA

#BetterTogether

1377

On 10 Tips from a Professional Speaker:
As we roll into a week full of interviews, podcasts and panels, here are 10 of my tips to share.

Far too often we see well-intentioned facilitators of these conversations taking/seeking too much of the limelight.

The best of these interactions is when the host is there to highlight and feature their guests or guests.

Your reputation, your company's reputation and the guest's are all on the line. Choose your best person to handle this and do your homework.

⭐️Foster Strategies Speaking Tips for Moderators


1. Know your objective(s). Why did you invite this person to speak with you?

2. Learn about your guest.

3. Find something to compliment and recognize.

4. Work on your introductions.

5. I always have a shortlist of important questions to cover and a few things in case the conversation is the conversation. meanders.

6. Spot any anxiety or nerves and help your guest recover as quickly as possible. Be ready to get the conversation back on track and give them the reassurance that everything is just fine quietly… without words.

7. Keep your opinions to yourself... Unless of course it's just about opinions.

8. Depending on the format, share something that you knew about the person before this engagement. Some accomplishment or something you experience together.

9. Talk to your guest in advance if at all possible. If it's a panel, get everyone on the video call in advance. If nothing else get everyone together 30 minutes before the panel starts.

The more they know each other the more kindness and respect there will be when they join the stage together.

10. If there is more than one guest, tell everyone the rules of engagement in advance. It's about hearing from others...not 'owning' the stage.

⭐️ Bonus tip!

Keep it moving and look at your audience to make sure they are engaged.

When you need more tips, I can coach your individuals or teams. If you prefer to have a professional moderate these engagements, with 20 years of experience, I'm glad to help.
I have a long list of strong references and adding more every week.

1376

On High Net Worth Automotive and Automotive Adjacent Business Leaders: Why You May Be Interested to Meet Audientis, LLC.

Audientis Automotive Advisors was born of the unique challenges, opportunities and unmet financial needs facing William J. Pergolini's clients in the Automotive sector.

After serving myriad industries with his #FinancialStrategies for years, as he took the time to study and learn from his #AutomotiveRetail clients, it became increasingly clear their specific needs were underserved, and there was no one in sight to support them holistically.

While many good companies could provide their singular services, Pergolini's objective was to offer 360 guidance and leadership encompassing a wide array of his clients' true financial portfolio.

In addition, unlike many other businesses, he answered the crucial element of assisting these family businesses through a full range of situations arising from...a family business.

He then skillfully added Audientis Automotive Advisors from the solid foundation he had built successfully improving the financial stability he had for his clients since the 1980s.

Bill and his team now support their large client base with a formidable retinue of services, including:

👉Mergers and Acquisitions
👉Valuations
👉Financial Portfolio Advisory
👉OEM Approvals and Positioning
👉Succession Planning and Strategies
👉Tax Advisory and Structuring

This week, William J. Pergolini will be joined by two of his leaders at American Financial Services Association and National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

I encourage you to set aside a few minutes to meet one on one with Bill, Scott Naugle or Steve Jones, CPA when they are all available at these leading industry conferences.

I will join Scott as we discuss #Strategies for #DealerHealth and the #Future of Retail at the request of the highly regarded Marguerite Watanabe at #AFSA on Thursday, March 10th.

Dealers and Auto Adjacent Business leader, this is a rare opportunity to speak with a team not looking to take from you, but to unlock greater options and financial security for you and your families.

As we grow at Foster Strategies Group, so do the partnerships we can offer to our friends across the industry.

Call me any time or reach out to Bill, Scott, Steve directly, mentioning you heard about Audientis on #LinkedIn.

I would also like to acknowledge Nicolas Garcia who, although he will not be at these events due to scheduling, is an integral part of their, and your, success.

Choose your partners well. Talk to Audientis Automotive Advisors, LLC today.

#PowerOfPartnerships #DealershipAdvisory #BusinessStrategy #GrowthStrategies #FinancialAdvisory #AutomotiveAdjacentBusinesses #Automotive #FutureOfAutomotive #BetterTogether #SuccessionPlanning

1375

On Three Things I Know to Be True About Nearly Every Successful Dealer in a 20 Group:
👉1. They Want More, Not Less

📈 Stronger Performance
💲 Increased Margins
💥Greater ROI
💡 Opportunities to Take the Lead as Investors or Creators in New Technologies and Services
👏 Securing and Building their Current Financial Holdings


👉 2. They are Competitive- and They Realize the Game is Changing Quickly

🥇Some more, some less. But all are Competitive.
🎯Many are more competitive today than ever as the 'Goliaths' and Mega Groups grow in number and scale.
❓ Their legacy competitors have moved from 'the store across town' to the likes of competitive threats including Carvana, CarMax Vroom and myriad other entrants to the arena.

👉 They Share Concerns When Looking to Find Reliable, Proven Partners to Support Them for the Long Game

❓ Many companies offer an admirable 'slice' of services needed, but these business leaders need a partner who can listen carefully and build an overarching strategy encompassing all of their needs with a solid foundation and aggressive timelines.

👉 It Can Take Time to Build Trust With An Automotive Leader, But Once You Do, They are Phenomenally Loyal- and Increasingly Successful

⭐ This is where far too many less formidable make terrible decisions about their potential or current Dealer clients or Auto Business Leaders.

✔There are a litany of reasons why their lack of confidence in 'new to them' opportunities exists.

💡But companies who understand this and take the time to listen and partner with their Automotive partners experience and benefit from some of the most mutually rewarding partnerships in business.

👏I've personally partnered with 100s of outstanding Dealers who are a wealth of insight, generous with referrals and eager to learn and press forward.

To all of you who participate in a #20Group, you know the validity of these topics and more. What else would you add to the list I have shared?

You deserve a refreshing team who can support you throughout a decades long journey of success as you face and overcome challenges and create new opportunities together.

You deserve to know Audientis and Audientis Automotive Advisors, LLC.

Reach out today to schedule your complimentary introductory conversation. info@fosterstrategiesgroup.com M 269.217.0414 or DM us below.

To schedule the Audientis team for your next 20 Group, use the same contact information.

William J. Pergolini Scott Naugle Steve Jones, CPA Nicolas Garcia

#FinancialAdvisors #Mergers #Acquisitions #SuccessionPlanning #TaxStructure #InvestmentOpportunities #20Group

1374

On Why High Net Worth Automotive and Automotive Adjacent Business Leaders Choose Audientis, LLC.

Audientis Automotive Advisors was born of the unique challenges, opportunities and unmet financial needs facing William J. Pergolini's clients in the Automotive sector.

After serving myriad industries with his #FinancialStrategies for years, as he took the time to study and learn from his #AutomotiveRetail clients, it became increasingly clear their specific needs were underserved, and there was no one in sight to support them holistically.

While many good companies could provide their singular services, Pergolini's objective was to offer 360 guidance and leadership encompassing a wide array of his clients' true financial portfolio.

In addition, unlike many other businesses, he answered the crucial element of assisting these family businesses through a full range of situations arising from...a family business.

He then skillfully added Audientis Automotive Advisors from the solid foundation he had built successfully improving the financial stability he had for his clients since the 1980s.

Bill and his team now support their large client base with a formidable retinue of services, including:

👉Mergers and Acquisitions
👉Valuations
👉Financial Portfolio Advisory
👉OEM Approvals and Positioning
👉Succession Planning and Strategies
👉Tax Advisory and Structuring

This week, William J. Pergolini will be joined by two of his leaders at American Financial Services Association and National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

I encourage you to set aside a few minutes to meet one on one with Bill, Scott Naugle or Steve Jones, CPA when they are all available at these leading industry conferences.

I will join Scott as we discuss #Strategies for #DealerHealth and the #Future of Retail at the request of the highly regarded Marguerite Watanabe at #AFSA on Thursday, March 10th.

Dealers and Auto Adjacent Business leader, this is a rare opportunity to speak with a team not looking to take from you, but to unlock greater options and financial security for you and your families.

As we grow at Foster Strategies Group, so do the partnerships we can offer to our friends across the industry.

Call me any time or reach out to Bill, Scott, Steve directly, mentioning you heard about Audientis on #LinkedIn.

I would also like to acknowledge Nicolas Garcia who, although he will not be at these events due to scheduling, is an integral part of their, and your, success.

Choose your partners well. Talk to Audientis Automotive Advisors, LLC today.

#PowerOfPartnerships #DealershipAdvisory #BusinessStrategy #GrowthStrategies #FinancialAdvisory #AutomotiveAdjacentBusinesses #Automotive #FutureOfAutomotive #BetterTogether #SuccessionPlanning

1373

On How You Can Ensure Your Daughters Won't Need 'Female-Focused' Business Events on this #IWD22: It starts with you, where you are, right now. And it's easier than you think once you decide to go for it!

👉 Headcount- If it's 80/20 now, go for 25% this year and 30% in 2024

💲💲💲 Payroll- If you have 30% Female staff, do they receive 30% of your Payroll expense?

👩🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻Culture- Ask the women on your team what ELSE you can do to have an inclusive culture

🤸‍♀️Extracurricular Work-Sponsored Events- Is there a gender preference in place? Some activities may unintentionally exclude women

✔Hiring Practices- What is your true, followed process and who is part of it? What expectations do you have of your leaders who are in the Hiring process?

❓Job Descriptions- Check your language. Women are not attracted to companies who employ heavy usage of male-dominant language. There is a source I saw again last week- I will post in the comments.

🤝Leadership Personas and Expectations- Aggression may look different to you from your position than it does to your team.

📈Career Growth Opportunities- Can you demonstrate to candidates the percentage of women who have risen to Leadership roles and the timelines? Anecdotal stories are just that.

🏆Percent of Women Seated in Leadership Roles- Take a close look right now at your entire Management/Leadership staff.

💲💲🎯Other than the owners, again, jot down the percent of Leaders, measure this against Payroll equivalency- 50% balance should equal 50% Payroll, and then measure their contributions and influence in the board room

I am here to help. I have built a career on my expertise in our industry, but cannot look away when I see businesses being held back from additional opportunities to be good corporate citizens and improve their financial picture.

I am working diligently to remove the need for female-only events, even as I host another this week at National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). It will be better for all of us when these are merely an affinity group rather than a necessity.

👏👏👏Women are good for business. After all, how did you get here?

Wishing you the best- and if you would like professional support to achieve these goals for you and your daughters, please do call.

#BetterTogether #InternationalWomensDay #PowerOfPartnerships #Automotive #Strategy #Solutions #Hiring #CareerOpportunities #TalentAcquisition #FinancialHealth #CorporateCitizenry

1372

In Las Vegas for #AFSA and National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and ready to see my industry friends!

I will be at Auto Team America and #AFSA tomorrow along with Scott Naugle, Managing Director of Audientis, LLC.

OPPORTUNITY! I'm looking for one great Dealer Partner to join me at dinner tomorrow night with my friends from Withum and Audientis, LLC. I haven't seen my dear friend Stuart McCallum In far too long and look forward to the meeting their team.

If you're interested, it will be a fantastic group and dinner at Old Homesteak Steakhouse at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Reach me asap!

It's been 2 years since we were all together in person, but we found ways to survive and thrive. Now it's time to celebrate! There's so much opportunity at opportunity at our fingertips.

Off to meet Maureen Martin of Dynatron Software, Inc. right now.

See you all soon!!!
-Laurie

1371

For all that are attending our luncheon today…. here are the final details yet again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Women In Leadership Luncheon ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Saturday, March 12
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Jardin at the Encore
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10:45a gather
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 11a seating
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1p close
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1:15 and forever after, get focused on growing yourself, your people and your network.

Bring your business cards and be ready to meet 45 other terrific women!

I'm having breakfast right now because I don't think I'll be able to eat once we're all together.

I'm thrilled and so proud of US for what we have all done to make this special event a reality!🔥🔥🔥🏆🏆🏆🎖🎖🎖

Thank you again Dealers United Force Marketing Audientis Automotive Advisors, LLC Driveitaway PureCars 700Credit #WOCAN SilverBack Advertising and inSearchX

#BETTERtogether
#AutomotiveLeadership
#WomenInLeadership
#DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive
#CareerGrowth #Networking #PowerOfPartnerships

Find out how our program ‘Automotive Performance Plus’ transforms relationships and results for dealers and vendors!

START Your Transformation Story Now →