In this week's episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosts Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams, get the secrets to success from special guest Hayden Hicks, President of Jerry Hunt Supercenter. 

"I remember walking outside and clenching my knuckles... my kids will never know this life." - Hayden Hicks

Hayden shares insights into the remarkable success of his dealership group and the specific strategies for achieving high sales volumes! Hayden discusses his team's approach to vehicle acquisition, customer service, and fostering a strong dealership culture; and emphasizes the importance of a value-driven, community-focused mindset in transforming Jerry Hunt Supercenter into a top destination for car buyers in North Carolina.

"I want to out serve, out care, my competition. If you are ignoring AI, you will be left behind" - Hayden Hicks

The conversation covers a wide range of topics essential for dealership leadership, including effective desking techniques, the role of lifelong learning, and the use of technology. Hayden articulates the necessity of viewing the dealership's BDC as the new digital showroom, advocating for innovative customer engagement approaches. Emphasizing the power of digital marketing and social media presence, Hayden illustrates how developing robust content strategies can drive customer interest and loyalty, positioning Jerry Hunt Supercenter as a market leader in used car sales!

 

Key Takeaways:

✅ Vehicle Acquisition Expertise: Hayden Hicks reveals strategies for obtaining inventory, including utilizing a specialized Vehicle Buying Center and leveraging team efforts to secure the best deals.

✅ Servant Leadership: Hayden underscores serving customers and the community, ensuring that all dealership interactions reflect the values of respect and appreciation.

✅ Digital Showroom Approach: The importance of leveraging technology and maintaining a strong BDC presence to meet the evolving needs of modern car buyers.

✅ Content and Social Media Strategy: Developing engaging and informative content to build an audience and drive dealership recognition at local and broader levels.

✅ Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Hayden Hicks prides himself on being a lifelong learner, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance dealership operations and team performance.

 

 

About Hayden Hicks

Hayden Hicks is the President of Jerry Hunt Supercenter, a top-performing independent dealership group in North Carolina. With a background deeply rooted in the automotive industry, Hayden Hicks advanced through various roles, from sales manager to desk manager, finance director, and general manager, before stepping into his current leadership position. Known for his expertise in desking and strategy in vehicle acquisition, Hayden drives the organization's success with a focus on service excellence and community engagement.

 

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Accelerating Success in Automotive Sales: Insights from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast

Key Takeaways

• Servant leadership and a focus on community impact can transform the traditional car sales experience, particularly in independent dealerships.

• Robust CRM and data management are vital to leveraging existing customer relationships and optimizing dealership operations.

• Harnessing AI and innovative technologies can significantly enhance customer engagement and streamline dealership processes.

 

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A New Approach to Car Sales: The Value of Servant Leadership

In the latest episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Hayden Hicks, President of Jerry Hunt Supercenter, discusses shifting paradigms in independent car dealerships by embracing servant leadership. This approach, which prioritizes the well-being of employees and customers, aims to dismantle the stigma often associated with independent dealerships.

Reflecting on his upbringing in the automotive industry, Hayden emphasizes the importance of gratitude and service. "I understand as an independent car dealership that we are already starting from behind in a customer's perspective," he notes. This perspective has led him to inculcate a culture that goes beyond mere transactions. Jerry Hunt Supercenter strives to offer a remarkable customer experience, asserting that purchasing a car is one of the most significant financial undertakings for many.

The broader implications of this servant leadership approach are profound. By fostering an environment where employees are motivated to serve and innovate, independent dealerships can dramatically improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. This model not only challenges traditional views but sets a new standard for client-focused service in the automotive industry.

CRM and Data Management: Mining Gold in Customer Relations

A critical game changer for Jerry Hunt Supercenter has been their strategic use of CRM tools, notably Promax, to enhance customer relations and dealership operations. As Hayden mentions, "We have around 150,000 people in our database… it’s like a gold mine." This vast reservoir of data enables the dealership to tap into existing customer relationships effectively and drive repeat business.

Hayden acknowledges the importance of a CRM specialist: "We have a person on site that used to work for Promax, now works for us to ensure that we are following in that footsteps of using the CRM 100% correctly." This dedicated focus ensures that the CRM is leveraged to its full potential, optimizing both sales strategies and customer engagement.

For dealerships looking to innovate, the lesson here is clear: efficient data management can be the key to unlocking substantial business growth. By understanding and anticipating customer needs through detailed data analysis, dealerships can craft personalized experiences that create lasting loyalty and drive sales.

Embracing AI and Technology: Revolutionizing Engagement and Operations

The podcast underscores a forward-looking approach to integrating AI and technology into dealership operations. Hayden articulates how Jerry Hunt Supercenter plans to incorporate AI solutions like Podium, emphasizing the critical role of engagement: "We are going to initiate it in the beginning to help our agents interact… until engagement happens."

In today’s competitive market, AI tools can significantly improve engagement rates, which have traditionally hovered at a mere 6-8% for phone calls. AI's ability to provide instant responses and streamline after-hours interactions can bridge the gap between dealerships and potential buyers, making customer engagement more efficient and impactful.

The transformative potential of AI in automotive sales is immense. By embracing these technologies, dealerships can not only improve their responsiveness and customer satisfaction but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital landscape.

Jerry Hunt Supercenter: A Vision for the Future

Hayden Hicks’ leadership philosophy at Jerry Hunt Supercenter offers a detailed blueprint for any dealership aiming for substantial growth and innovation. By nurturing a culture of service, strategically utilizing CRM data, and integrating cutting-edge AI technology, the dealership has carved out a leadership position within the industry.

The dealership's commitment to a holistic and forward-thinking business model reflects a dedication to progress and customer-centricity. As Hayden ambitiously states, "Our goal is to have a thousand cars every single month… to continue to serve our customers at a high level."

Jerry Hunt Supercenter is not just competing in a challenging market; it’s paving the way with innovative practices that emphasize empathy, efficiency, and excellence. For industry leaders and dealerships everywhere, Hayden Hicks’ insights offer not just practical strategies but a compelling vision of what the future of car sales can and should look like.

 

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Resources:

Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership’s sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!

 

NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!

 

Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn mor