1409

Introducing Stella Automotive AI!
Congratulations to the brilliant minds and hard working teams including Josselyn B., Jennifer (Blount) Sanford, Hunter Swift and a host of others as they bring this exciting solution to automotive just in time for National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

Kudos to all of the innovators the innovators out there! We are all better for you're groundbreaking products and solutions.

#Automotive #AI #Solutions #FixedOps #Frictionless #CustomerExperience #Profit #Sales #CompetitiveEdge

1407

On attracting the talent to allow you to grow beyond your current borders. Today, let's pause the 'Great Resignation' conversation and focus on our crucial support teams. They are often invisible when it comes to 'pay' conversations.

💡 What is the hourly rate required to hire great talent today?
It's important to break it down like this when attempting to attract support teams.

👉 We don't blink an eye when paying salaries upwards of $150,000, but blanche at the thought of paying 'a whopping $20 an hour' for our critical customer care and team productivity services.

First up, your open roles. If you're like most companies, your hiring is at a frenzied pace.

💲 Up for some quick math?

$150,000 annually is $75 an hour. Did you ever think about it this way? It's okay...let's move forward, quickly.

😲An impactful support person can often support 3-10 of your team members who cumulatively are a $450k- 1.5m add to your payroll.

At these conservative estimates, this is $225- $750/hour.💲💲💲💲💲

Yet we often look at the role that supports them and decide that the $17 per hour seems generous.

You did give them a $1 raise again last year after all. (It sounds a little off now, doesn't it? Keep going...)

I know my audience well,🤣 so make no mistake...this is not about minimum wage 'requirements or mandates'.

Rather, this may provide greater clarity to the importance of our desperately needed support teams and a more realistic and thoughtful approach to hiring.

Customer experience, profitability and smooth operations often land squarely on the shoulders of those for whom we withhold financial stability and interest.

We also cut back on these resources when times get tough rather than offering our highly paid teams greater resources in an effort to give them more time to be productive and generate new business and increase profitability.

In an attempt to 'tighten your belts' are we choking our future instead?

We've all heard the phrases 'penny wise and pound foolish' and 'walking over dollars to pick up dimes', yet somehow we build a fortress around our HCEs and ignore or remove the very roles that make their work more profitable for the organization.

Paying well doesn't start at the top, it starts with every employee's role and contribution being evaluated mindfully with data and good business practices in view.

📈 Take a closer look at your payroll ratios and profitability indices. After the shock wears off, give us a call.

🎯 We are strategists armed with a full arsenal of solutions after all.

Attract great talent. End of story.
It starts with a culture of generosity and purpose.

Make this your strategy today.

Foster Strategies Group ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We Increase Performance and Profitability.

1406

On Choices We Make I The SAME Conversation: Shared, Autonomous, Mobility and EV Edition.

The commotion is reaching a fever pitch.
The confusion and chaos are mounting.

When this happens, our primal Fight or Flight instincts show up.
There is nothing to be afraid of.
Other than willful ignorance and intentional denial.

Change has always been here. We still hear Automotive Retail called 'Horse-trading' after all.

But horses are now free to be prized pets, treated better than many humans. And in most places, they are not eaten...please don't tell me otherwise.
This is not that article! 🤣🤣🤣

For most years, we thought we had simpler ways to define our industry. It was much more complex, but we liked to put it into buckets we were comfortable carrying.

Now, at once, it's just as simple or more complex.

What has changed is the resistance in the mindset.

😱EVs aren't real.
😱No one will want them.
😱Autonomous vehicles are nothing but trouble.
😱Mobility is just a conference topic.
😱Shared vehicles aren't something the public will embrace.

The list goes on.
When you hear this, check your pulse for your own Fear-O-Meter.
Check your own knowledge, not your opinions.

Schedule time to learn more. Dedicate time to have new conversations.

In the Wall Street Journal today, please note that car accidents increased by an enormous leap, even amidst lower miles driven.

Your belief system that 'real' drivers are always safer drivers is suffering serious blows.

Through my strategy and coaching sessions, we routinely explore why our reactions 'against' something new are so harsh with so little data.

Yes, we are more comfortable with what we thought we knew.

The problem is, we don't check this frequently against new data and new options.

I don't have all the answers. No one does.
But I am confident that our better, more profitable future lies in these new territories.

Let's stop resting on past 'successes' and start leaning forward.
The future is already here.

Win with us.

Foster Strategies Group ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solutions to Future-proof Your Organization.

#Automotive #Strategy #Consulting #Data #Mobility #EV #Autonomous #SharedVehicles #Profit

1405

On Keeping the Team You Already Have: New Benefits Employers Could Offer Their Current Teams, Making Them Want to Stay.
Such a terrific article from The Wall Street Journal today.

💡 Five thought leaders contributed to share their hyper-current insights on People and Talent.

While many organizations scramble to hire, spending more on fresh entrants, left out of this frenzy is a strategy to embrace and retain those who said 'YES' years ago.

👉 Here are my Top Five Take-Aways:

🎯 1. Your Management Team + Leaders Must Be More Proactive, Engaged, Accountable
Dorie Clark authored ' The Long Game' to help companies lead more powerfully with increased confidence, starting with #PeopleStrategies

🎯 2. Teams Have a Strong Role in Determining Compensation, Bonuses, et al.
Before you run, check out the insights from Keith Ferrazzi as he shares how teams are more reliant on each other than ever in their quest for success.
His new book, 'Competing in the New World Order' releases on February 15.

🎯 3. Grey Collar Strategy! I jumped up and applauded here in my home office as I read this out loud. Laurie Ruettimann has nailed this topic as she leads from the front line of #HR.
As companies struggle to attract the latest generation - I've lost track...time to brush up on X,Y,Zs! 😱- Her plan includes business strategy to revamp your treatment, attraction and retention for these crucial employees. They hold years of experience, valued insights, proven perseverance, deep relationships and industry expertise, yet are often taken for granted, or worse, ignored in your Talent and People Strategies.
Be sure to pick up her latest book, 'Betting On You'.

🎯 4. Better Time Off. Note it doesn't merely say 'More'.
Flexibility and delight are key to keeping your current staff at ease, appreciative and more productive. Be sure to follow Laszlo Bock, author of 'Work Rules', former leader at Google and currently leading the charge at Humu.

🎯 5. Offer more than a Holiday Party. As Donald Sull, Researcher and Tech Strategist at MIT Sloan School of Management shares, leaning on a one-off event is less effective than creating a culture of micro-celebrations, unexpected events and a culture where appreciation + community are demonstrated with increased frequency. Follow Mr. Sull for a steady stream of insider info on leadership. His LinkedIn is brimming with his work and an intro to myriad subject matter experts.

I am confident you have other ideas and new strategies and solutions. Be sure to share them below.

👏We always win when we focus on and share the incredible efforts we make with lifting our #People.
📈We can also discuss the data on how this improves the #BottomLine in another post.

Many thanks to Benoit Morenne for his thought-provoking piece today.

Love to hear from Bruce Martin, Sandy Zannino, SPHR,, Sherry Schultz Faith London

#Hiring #Careers #People #Talent #TalentRetention #Talent #BetterTogether #Strategy

1404

On Keeping the Team You Already Have: New Benefits Employers Could Offer Their Current Teams, Making Them Want to Stay.
Such a terrific article from The Wall Street Journal today.

💡 Five thought leaders contributed to share their hyper-current insights on People and Talent.

While many organizations scramble to hire, spending more on fresh entrants, left out of this frenzy is a strategy to embrace and retain those who said 'YES' years ago.

👉 Here are my Top Five Take-Aways:

🎯 1. Your Management Team + Leaders Must Be More Proactive, Engaged, Accountable
Dorie Clark authored ' The Long Game' to help companies lead more powerfully with increased confidence, starting with #PeopleStrategies

🎯 2. Teams Have a Strong Role in Determining Compensation, Bonuses, et al.
Before you run, check out the insights from Keith Ferrazzi as he shares how teams are more reliant on each other than ever in their quest for success.
His new book, 'Competing in the New World Order' releases on February 15.

🎯 3. Grey Collar Strategy! I jumped up and applauded here in my home office as I read this out loud. Laurie Ruettimann has nailed this topic as she leads from the front line of #HR.
As companies struggle to attract the latest generation - I've lost track...time to brush up on X,Y,Zs! 😱- Her plan includes business strategy to revamp your treatment, attraction and retention for these crucial employees. They hold years of experience, valued insights, proven perseverance, deep relationships and industry expertise, yet are often taken for granted, or worse, ignored in your Talent and People Strategies.
Be sure to pick up her latest book, 'Betting On You'.

🎯 4. Better Time Off. Note it doesn't merely say 'More'.
Flexibility and delight are key to keeping your current staff at ease, appreciative and more productive. Be sure to follow Laszlo Bock, author of 'Work Rules', former leader at Google and currently leading the charge at Humu.

🎯 5. Offer more than a Holiday Party. As Donald Sull, Researcher and Tech Strategist at MIT Sloan School of Management shares, leaning on a one-off event is less effective than creating a culture of micro-celebrations, unexpected events and a culture where appreciation + community are demonstrated with increased frequency. Follow Mr. Sull for a steady stream of insider info on leadership. His LinkedIn is brimming with his work and an intro to myriad subject matter experts.

I am confident you have other ideas and new strategies and solutions. Be sure to share them below.

👏We always win when we focus on and share the incredible efforts we make with lifting our #People.
📈We can also discuss the data on how this improves the #BottomLine in another post.

Many thanks to Benoit Morenne for his thought-provoking piece today.

Love to hear from Bruce Martin, Sandy, Sherry Schultz Faith London

#Hiring #Careers #People #Talent #TalentRetention #Talent #BetterTogether #Strategy

1403

On A Terrific Connection for Finding Talent and Securing a New Career Opportunity: Meet Bruce Martin, #CEO and #Founder of Broad & Pattison, Inc.

I'm always glad to share the wide range of exceptional career opportunities available through my talented friend, Bruce.

His business has grown steadily over the years, but in the last year due to several factors we all are aware of, he and his team have experienced exponential growth. 📈📈📈

😰 Sadly, LinkedIn's algo doesn't like 'shares'.
I actually have decent data to support this.

Although they supply us with their cute little arrow and the word 'Share', (Sharrow?!) it typically slashes your reach. 😱

WHY, LINKEDIN, WHY?!!!❓❓❓

👉👉👉I say this to you so you will personally share Bruce's info with anyone you may know on the Search and Recruiting or Job Seeking categories. I will count on you to do so!

👏👏👏Many thanks and kudos for the service you provide to our industry.

💥HOT TIP: If you're not already following Bruce, do so today.

Here's to finding the best people and being the best places to work.https://https://lnkd.in/dFyj9y7S

Here are some of B&P's current searches in progress:
Automotive #ExecutiveSearch
✪ VP - Aftermarket
✪ Sr. Manager - Incentives
✪ Director - Real Estate
✪ Chief Technical Officer
✪ National Manager - HR
www.Broad-Pattison.com

#Automotive #Career #JobSearch #VicePresident #Director #RealEstate #Aftersales #HumanResources #CTO

⭐ For more info, always feel free to reach me directly with 100% confidence and confidentiality.

#BetterTogether #Automotive #OEM #Search #Recruiting #TalentAcquisition #Careers #JobSearch #Professional #JobCandidates #PowerOfPartnership #Strategy #BroadAndPattison #FosterStrategiesGroup #ExecutiveSearch

1402

On Pertinent Questions To Consider As You Seek to Secure Talent: The Somewhat Light-Hearted Edition.

❓ Who is Hiring?
🌟 Everyone!
❓ Whose Hiring Ads Look the Same as They Did 10 Years Ago?
😲 Everyone's!
❓ Whose 'Career Opportunities' Posts Raise More Questions Than Answers?
😱 Everyone's!
❓ What Do Fantastic Candidates Do When There Isn't Enough Good Information or Anything to Intrigue Them?
👉 Send in their complete resume and an artfully articulated cover letter???

🤣🤣🤣

Just kidding.

✈ They 'swipe left' and move on, quickly. Forgetting they ever even saw your post.

⭐When you are ready to stand out amongst the chaos and attract the talent you are seeking, give us a call.

🎯 We'll help you set the stage even before you spend a dime or another minute. You cannot enter this ring unprepared.

🎯 The Great Resignation is a Great Opportunity for progressive-minded companies to stand out.

Foster Strategies Group ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Connecting the Best Talent to Outstanding Organizations

#TalentAcquisition #PowerOfPartnerships #Careers #Hiring
#CareerOpportunities #Value #Purpose #Strategies #Solutions

original post

1401

On Pertinent Questions To Consider As You Seek to Secure Talent: The Somewhat Light-Hearted Edition.

❓ Who is Hiring?

🌟 Everyone! Yay!

❓ Whose Hiring Ads Look the Same as They Did 10 Years Ago?

😲 Everyone's! Oh no.

❓ Whose 'Career Opportunities' Posts Raise More Questions Than Answers?

😱 Everyone's! Seriously - obscure + uninteresting.

❓ What Do Fantastic Candidates Do When There Isn't Enough Good Information or Anything to Intrigue Them?

👉 Send in their complete resume and an artfully articulated cover letter???

Are you aware of how much competition is in the open opportunity market?

🤣🤣🤣

Just kidding.

✈ They 'swipe left' and move on, quickly. Forgetting they ever even saw your post.

⭐When you are ready to stand out amongst the chaos and attract the talent you are seeking, give us a call.

🎯 We'll help you set the stage even before you spend a dime or another minute. You cannot enter this ring unprepared.

🎯 The Great Resignation is a Great Opportunity for progressive-minded companies to stand out.

Foster Strategies Group ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Connecting the Best Talent to Outstanding Organizations

#TalentAcquisition #PowerOfPartnerships #Careers #Hiring
#CareerOpportunities #Value #Purpose #Strategies #Solutions

1400

On Being Prepared for the Inevitable Downturn: This is The 'Party Doesn't Last Forever' Edition.
📈Used and New Car prices and profits skyrocketed to unprecedented levels since Q3 2022.
💲Dealerships have raked in previously unfathomable increases, crushing the last several years of competition and margin compression.
👉Many, if not most, Dealerships had pivoted to leaning heavily on their Fixed Operations teams to carry them.

When this massive shift occurred, very quickly Dealers cut spending and focus on #Service and their #Absorption Rate while they took advantage of the pressing demand for their vehicles.

👉 Supplies were low.
👉 Chip shortages were rampant
👉 Desire and demand escalated abruptly
👉 Consumers added or replaced vehicles resulting from Pandemic's effect on their travels.
❌✈❌ This included their ability to travel, undesirability of public transport and personal enjoyment in an era where the radius for vacation travel tightened.
😲 Marketing budgets were slashed,
😰 Focus on Fixed Ops moved back to auto-pilot.

What has been lost?

✔ A strategy for the inevitable shift back towards the reopening of supply and the consumer's ability to negotiate once again, reigniting competitive threats.

✔ We are also poised to suffer the consequences of these high loans and negative equity starting in the next 12 months.
Simultaneously, this could result in breaking the banks and dealership profitability with consumers unable to carry the consequences of the highest payment burden ever recorded.

🎯 We must remember the past in order to mindfully, realistically prepare for the future,

⭐ We can help you with a proactive, strategic solutions and customized options to keep you and your team aligned to new objectives that include success metrics and profitability positions.

🎯 Our specialty is mid-sized groups with 5-50 rooftops.
🎯 We support a wide-range of Automotive Support teams including #MarTech, #FinTech, #Agencies #OEMs #Marketing #Saas among others

🌟 We make it easy to start with a complimentary introductory call with your leadership team.

Foster Strategies Group ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We Help Your Automotive Business Perform at Its Highest Potential with Our Customized Solutions.

#Automotive #Consulting #Strategy #BusinessStrategy #PeakPerformance #Sales #Service
#BetterTogether #Marketing

1399

On The Ultimate in Transitions and Timing.
Saying Goodbye to my Father, Welcoming My Grandson. 
The last two weeks have overflowed with every imaginable scenario and emotion.

The last few days, even more so. 
 
As my daughter-in-law's Jan. 30 due date rapidly approached, my Dad was admitted to the hospital once again.  
  
My concern for Connie increased. With her recent bout of covid, working, Eliza, winter storms, and being at full term, I knew she was ready.

Dad's prognosis was grim and time was short.

I was acutely aware of the very real possibility we'd experience an exit for one loved one and an entrance of a new one simultaneously.  
After tears in stillness and solitude, I chose my course.  
I would continue to celebrate the baby's arrival even as I helped my dad on his journey with dignity and love.  
 
I would find beauty, peace, comfort in the timing. 
Not chaos or sadness.
No conflicted emotions. 
 
I would fully embrace the fragility of life along with the joy and the gift it is.

A long day with my dad on Monday was sprinkled with brief, but still meaningful conversations and hands-on care. 

I drove to see Kurt and Connie before they were off to the hospital. We were together with our Eliza as they left at 8:30 pm.  
 
As the procedures started their labor, Dad became unresponsive.  
 
A steady stream of your messages was coming in supporting the birth, dad, and the family.  

With each call, my words shifted from one part of our real, active situations to the other, even as my heart held both parts. 
 
"Dad is really leaving, definitely today," I thought. The baby is most likely arriving tonight." 
 
Your questions and concern were trepid and sincere:  
How is your mom? What do you need? How are your kids and the baby? What do they need? 
How are you doing, Laurie?

A full-on experience of life coming and going with the craziest possible timing.  
 
Tears of sadness mixed with tears of joy and anticipation.  
Prayers for health and safety in the delivery.  
 
Comfort for our aching, joy-filled, bursting hearts. 
 
On Tuesday, my mom, siblings, and I were with dad as he took his last breath peacefully at 1:45p. 
 
My Dad had been stubborn to leave, the baby, slow to arrive. 
While holding dad's hand, I asked him a question: 
 
Had they planned all along to meet in their transition? 

What did he say to his great-grandson as he was getting ready to enter this life? 
 
What did Reese ask his great-grandpa as he saw him pulling away from here? 
 
I hope they discussed that both places can sometimes be scary and uncertain, but you won't be alone. I hope they reassured each other and hugged.
 
I watched my phone for Kurt’s call, wondering if these events would share the date or be separated by the thin line of midnight. 

9.5 hours later, shortly after 11, Reese James, my 8lb, 4 oz, 19" grandson entered the world. 

Goodbye, Dad. You will be deeply missed. 
 
Welcome to the world, Reese.
I love you and cannot wait to meet you.❤️

1397

Today we laid my father, Bobby J. Foster, US Air Force Veteran, to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

I want to thank all of the wonderful people in the military who made this beautiful service possible as we honored his memory and thanked him for his service.

His years and the service were some of the very best years of his life. His time based in Okinawa served to help him grow personally and give him training and experiences to last a lifetime.

I hate that it was so cold and windy today,Dad. I know how much you preferred the beach to the awful Michigan weather we had today.

I'm still going to talk to you and keep working to make you proud every single day.

Rest well, Dad

1396

Off the Automotive Track: Looking for someone in the Architectural field.

The Architect program has a steep learning curve. I have a friend who would benefit from someone who has been through the grad program and could offer a few tips and perhaps a boost of encouragement.

While this person has always been a remarkable student throughout their schooling, a few new habits may be in order to improve study time.

If you are this person or know someone who would be open to a brief call, please add in comments or DM me.

Thank you in advance!
#BetterTogether #Architect #GradProgram #Mentorship #Leadership #Career

1395

On Nothing Ordinary About This Trip Through O'Hare.

When I left Charlotte on Sunday, February 6th in a hurry to get to my dad's side in Portage, Michigan, I knew his time was short. I had no idea he would be gone in less than 48 hours.

When Reese came to the world late the same evening on February 8th just down the road at Bronson Hospital, I had no idea the next level of love that was about to open up in my heart.

Now it is February 24th and after weather delays since Tuesday, I'm headed home to more people I love.

I'm eternally grateful to all of you who expressed your sincere condolences.

I thank you all for celebrating my grandson's birth with me.

I'm grateful that the life I have created for myself personally and professionally allows me to be flexible and that my clients are good, generous and caring people... and friends.

Some even had the 'opportunity' to meet Reese on one of our video calls.

I'll be spending the next few days doubling down on work projects and time with Jordan and Andrea again, even as I am already missing Kurtis and his family.

I've been pretty quiet on social lately as this has been a time of hands on help, quiet reflection and meaningful conversations.

I owe it to my family to double down again now on creating the world I want for them.

I'll be prepared for #NADA as usual, and ready to embrace my Automotive family once again, but I'll be bringing a newer version of myself this time.

There's nothing ordinary this time around.

#BetterTogether #Leadership #LoveAndLoss
#PowerOfPartnerships #StrategicAdvisory
#Consulting #Acquisitions #ExecutiveCoach

1393

Today's Best Dealers and Dealerships Need the Highest Levels of Advisors: Meet Audientis, LLC Automotive Advisors.

Working with Audientis on a few key deals recently, I am impressed with the breadth and depth of solutions they offer businesses. While they provide direct advisory to multiple industries, they have a vertical solely focused on the specific needs of Automotive Dealers and their families.

From Restructuring Debt, Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategic Tax Advisory, Securing Minority Ownership and a full range of services directly impacting the success and portfolio strength of their wealthy clients, you will appreciate all they have to offer.

William J. Pergolini founded Audientis, LLC to offer their high net-worth Dealer clients unparalleled service. Under his leadership, dozens of highly selective, high performing Dealer clients trust their financial moves and families' futures to his expert guidance.

Scott Naugle brings his decades of industry expertise to the table as Managing Director. In addition to the myriad skills he offers, of special interest is his ability to help Minority Buyers in their consummation of acquiring a point and doing so with solid financial strategies. He will be joining me at #AFSA in Las Vegas on March 10th where he will share his insights and thoughts on our near future.

Steve Jones, CPA, in addition to his CPA experience has a deep history in the Buy/Sell landscape. His ability to structure 100's of deals successfully is enhanced by his deep understanding of broader financial implications and his care for his clients' long-term relationships and stability.

In addition, there are exciting investment and partnership opportunities Audientis is spearheading. We share a focus on emerging technologies and the new profit centers they offer.

If you would like to learn more, please reach out to me directly.

I'll be traveling with the Audientis team to NADA and am currently booking appointments where you can meet with all of us at the show or separately to maintain your privacy.

Secure your intro today.

#BetterTogether #PowerOfPartnerships #Automotive #ExcellenceInAutomotive #Leadership #Dealers #WealthManagement #Advisory #Mergers #Acquisitions #Finance


1391

He wants ammunition, not a ride. And his people are right alongside him.

Such a remarkable display of courage and leadership under the most dire of circumstances.

We are with you, Ukraine.
You are the true genius, President Zelenskyy.

If they try to murder you now, the whole world will come after them. You are a modern day hero.

May we all learn from the unflinching bravery we are watching unfold right before our eyes, in real time.

#PrayersAndSupportForUkraine
#LeadershipMatters
#TrueGenius

1390

By popular demand, we are quickly pulling together an impressive Women in Automotive Leadership luncheon as the offering from NADA was at capacity.

I reached out to several outstanding industry friends today and they are raising their hands to sponsor this last-minute, highly impactful networking event for our people.

If you are interested, Dealer or Vendor, and would like to attend, we will keep you updated with details. Since we are actively finalizing the location, we ask for your understanding.

I cannot thank my colleagues enough for their immediate and enthusiastic support. You matter to me enough to make this a reality and you matter enough to all of them to support this terrific event.

Much more to come, including the names of our generous sponsors and their companies.

This, is Leadership in Action and I am so excited to share more in the next few days.

Women in Automotive Leadership is here! Join us!

#BetterTogether #WomenInAutomotiveLeadership #PowerOfPartnerships
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