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  • Ep. 7 - Turn and Burn: Mastering the Power of Moving Inventory
    2024/10/31

    Unlock the secrets to mastering inventory efficiency in the automotive industry with the Lewis Brothers. We promise you'll learn how to detach emotions from inventory and use the "X factor" to boost financial success beyond traditional margins. Our latest episode of Crossroads Conversations offers actionable insights into understanding inventory as both physical products and time, crucial for service-oriented businesses. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, we demonstrate how adaptability and strategic leadership can transform your business efficiency.

    Picture this: a "happy hour" model that turns slow periods into bustling opportunities, or a leadership approach that reallocates employees much like a quarterback orchestrating a game-winning play. These are just a taste of the innovative strategies we explore to maximize time and inventory efficiency. From managing inventory turnover rates to minimizing holding costs and depreciation, we discuss the financial imperatives of running a business with a focus on metrics rather than emotions. Understanding daily holding costs and strategic pricing adjustments are key takeaways for those eager to maintain fresh inventory and shield against market fluctuations.

    We also shift gears into our new segment, where we share our luxurious journey in the Grand Wagoneer L, inviting our audience to connect with us. Learn how to optimize your sales strategy for success by understanding customer motivations and leveraging effective marketing techniques. Engage with us, share your feedback, and be part of our conversation. Whether you're fascinated by the automotive industry or intrigued by family business dynamics, your insights and questions fuel our discussions, ensuring we cover the topics that matter most to you. Join us for this compelling episode and take a step toward transforming your business approach.

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    59 分
  • Ep. 6 - Navigating Challenging Employee Dynamics
    2024/10/24

    What if you could unlock the secret to managing challenging employees and turn conflicts into opportunities for success? Join the Lewis Brothers on Crossroad Conversations as we explore the art of employee management within a family-run business. Learn how understanding the motivations, strengths, and quirks of your team members can lead to a more positive work environment, with insights from iconic figures like Elon Musk and Henry Ford. This episode promises actionable advice to help you enhance your management skills and improve employee relations.

    Ever wondered what truly drives your employees beyond their paychecks? Discover the power of identifying individual motivations and how tailoring incentives—be it a trip to Disney or a new bike—can boost productivity and morale. From stories of Clark Griswold to the dynamics of the automotive industry, we discuss creative strategies for aligning employees' personal goals with company objectives. We'll also share techniques for managing high performers who may disrupt team harmony, ensuring everyone is held accountable and valued.

    Finally, we delve into the challenges of maintaining a cohesive team culture amidst a sea of high performers and underachievers. Learn how consistent cultural practices, like red carpet traditions, can elevate customer experiences and foster team unity. We also touch on the importance of flexibility in management roles, emphasizing listening over speaking. Engage with us by suggesting topics or guests, and be a part of shaping a dynamic, listener-driven podcast experience.

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    1 時間
  • Ep. 5 - Turning Crisis into Opportunity
    2024/10/17

    Ever find yourself in a situation where everything that could go wrong does? Join us on Crossroads Conversations with the Lewis Brothers, where we share the real-life rollercoaster of running a family-owned automotive business. From dealing with unexpected hailstorms to managing a major mall sale during the COVID-19 pandemic, we uncover the gritty details of crisis management and how a resilient mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. With tales of split shifts, remote work, and guaranteed pay during the pandemic, we promise you'll gain insights into adapting business strategies to weather any storm.

    In this episode, we unravel our approach to navigating the automotive industry's ups and downs. Discover how we transformed a hailstorm setback into a successful hail sale and learn about our strategic pivot from new to used car sales when inventory ran dry. We share our innovative strategies for team building and inventory management that not only kept our business afloat but also drove it to new heights. Our experience showcases the power of quick decision-making and maintaining a strong company culture to ensure long-term success.

    Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of leadership and communication in managing unexpected employee absences and system outages. With stories of overcoming a month-long system outage and manually processing thousands of transactions, we highlight the value of teamwork, proactive problem-solving, and transparency. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or just someone interested in the dynamics of a family-run business, our episode offers valuable lessons on resilience and the strength of a united team.

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    57 分
  • Ep. 4 - Building a Thriving Workplace Culture
    2024/10/10

    Unlock the secrets to crafting a workplace culture that not only retains employees but also turns them into brand ambassadors. Ever wondered why some businesses thrive while others flounder despite facing the same external challenges? Discover how the Lewis Brothers, with their extensive experience in the automotive industry, have harnessed the power of a strong company culture to drive success. With 90% of employees considering quitting due to poor culture, understanding the nuances of workplace dynamics could be your blueprint for transformation.

    Join us as we paint a vivid picture of a customer-focused ethos, where every element from music to language plays a pivotal role in shaping both employee satisfaction and customer perceptions. Learn how maintaining professionalism and promoting transparency can build trust and enhance long-term customer loyalty. The Lewis Brothers share practical insights on creating an inclusive environment that resonates with diverse demographics, transforming everyday interactions into opportunities for building a robust business reputation.

    Finally, we explore the profound impact of positive workplace interactions, guided by leaders who lead by example and foster an uplifting environment. From vibrant meetings that energize and motivate to personal customer interactions that make every visit memorable, the Lewis Brothers guide you through the essentials of cultivating a supportive culture. As we gear up for our next conversation on navigating workplace crises, we invite you to engage with us, share your questions, and embark on this journey of cultural transformation alongside us.

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    40 分
  • Ep. 3 - Creating Powerful Teams in Business
    2024/10/03

    How can you transform your early mornings into a productivity booster? Join us in this insightful episode of Crossroads Conversations with the Lewis Brothers as we share our personal journey of evolving leadership within our family automotive business. You’ll learn the secrets behind our success, from strategic task organization using tools like Google Sheets to the indispensable role of clear communication in enhancing efficiency. Shelby shares how stepping back to distribute ideas among the team has ensured clarity and smooth operations, setting the stage for a thriving business environment.

    Ever wondered how to achieve more by doing less? We tackle the often challenging but essential practice of delegating tasks and calibrating expectations. Hear our candid anecdotes about the trials and triumphs of trusting others with responsibilities and accepting a 70-80% efficiency rate from team members compared to our own. Discover how this recalibration has freed up valuable time for strategic projects, leading to more significant achievements. We also highlight the pivotal role of accountability partners and a robust business network in maintaining productivity and hitting goals.

    Navigating growth in a family business can be complex, but we’ve got some strategies that have worked wonders for us. We discuss the intricate process of leading through organizational evolution, especially during periods of change such as moving to a new facility. Learn how empowering long-term managers and maintaining core values can keep employees motivated and aligned with the company's vision. From setting realistic expectations to maintaining customer excitement, this episode is packed with practical lessons and inspirational insights on leadership, delegation, and growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership game within your family business!

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    59 分
  • Ep. 2 - Community and Commerce: Legacy in Northwest Arkansas
    2024/09/26

    What happens when a family’s entrepreneurial spirit spans generations? From a humble hardware store in the 1800s to acquiring a Ford dealership after WWII, the Lewis Brothers share their fascinating journey of business evolution and community involvement in Northwest Arkansas. You'll hear about our great-grandfather Buck’s pivotal decision in 1946, pushing the family into the automotive industry, and our ongoing massive construction project which aims to reshape the future of our dealership while staying true to our roots.

    Ever wondered about the strategic hurdles of relocating a business? Discover the behind-the-scenes story of how we tackled manufacturer pushbacks, navigated through misleading data, and ultimately found the perfect new location for our dealership. Learn from our meticulous land search, including engaging interactions with property owners and the importance of visibility and accessibility. Through sheer persistence and strategic vision, we negotiated a prime piece of land with the Williams family, culminating in a handshake deal that underscores the value of trust and mutual respect in business.

    But it’s not just about buildings and land; it’s about creating an exceptional customer experience and fostering community connections. From glass-walled manager offices to climate-controlled service drives, we've designed our facilities to enhance both customer convenience and employee satisfaction. Join us as we recount our memorable Texas Bronco Rodeo adventure, all while emphasizing our unwavering commitment to giving back to the Northwest Arkansas community. This episode is a testament to the Lewis family’s enduring dedication to business growth and community engagement.

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    56 分
  • Ep. 1 - From Humble Beginnings to Success: The 78-Year Journey of the Lewis Family Automotive Business
    2024/09/19

    What does it take to transform a small car dealership into a multi-location enterprise spanning four generations? Join us, Shelby, Matt, and Taylor Lewis, as we share the fascinating history of our 78-year-old family automotive business and the core values that drive our success. From humble beginnings to an industry leader, we recount personal stories of growing up in the automotive world, the fun challenges we face as a tight-knit family, and the enduring commitment to customer service that sets us apart.

    You'll hear about our entrepreneurial adventures, starting with selling snacks in junior high to managing a dish network business in high school, and the invaluable lessons learned from our grandfather and father. Discover how these early experiences and a strong work ethic prepared us for our roles in the company. We'll also share insights into the operational growth of our business, including our diverse franchise offerings and the independent collision center, all while maintaining a strong family presence.

    We can't wait to share the importance of effective communication, networking, and deep community ties—illustrated by a memorable letter from Sam Walton himself. As we launch our podcast, "Crossroad Conversations with the Lewis Brothers," we invite you to connect with us, subscribe, share, and send in your questions. Together, let's celebrate the journey, the values, and the commitment that have made our family business a community cornerstone for nearly eight decades.

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    46 分