Employee and Customer Retention: The Twin Pillars of Dealership Success
After 35 years in the automotive industry, I've learned one undeniable truth: a dealership's success hinges on its ability to retain both its employees and customers. These two elements are inextricably linked, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives sustainable growth and profitability. The Employee Retention Challenge Let's face it – our industry has traditionally struggled with employee turnover. The average dealership turnover rate hovers around 46%, which is significantly higher than the national average across industries. Why Employee Retention Matters When we retain experienced staff, we preserve: Employee Security Deep product knowledge Established customer relationships Efficient operational processes Team cohesion These 3 strategies will dramatically reduce turnover: Career Development Paths Clear advancement opportunities Regular skills training Leadership development programs Compensation Innovation Base pay plus performance incentives Ben