From the Desk of MMG President Cody Eckhardt 2024 - Year In Review
Dear Mopar Masters Guild Members,
As we approach the close of another dynamic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments, express my gratitude, and share our vision for the year ahead.
This year has been a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to excellence within the Mopar Masters Guild.
First and foremost, I would like to thank every one of you for your dedication and contributions. Whether you’re a long-standing member or a new addition to our Guild, your passion for our industry and your willingness to share knowledge and insights have been invaluable. A special thank you to our Executive Committee, whose steadfast support and guidance have been pivotal in driving our initiatives forward.
Highlights from this year include our impactful annual meeting in Las Vegas, which saw an unprecedented number of first-time attendees, Service and Parts Managers, and engaging discussions with our supporting vendors. Held during NADA, this meeting, unbeknownst to us at the time, would be our last at that venue. The decision was made to align future meetings with the Mopar Service & Parts Conferences - a move that reflects our commitment to greater synergy and alignment within our industry.
A big thank you goes to all our supporting vendors for their tremendous financial support, without which our initiatives would not be possible. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Helm as a Tier 1 vendor and Better Car People as a Tier 2 vendor. Your involvement and backing have been instrumental in helping us envision the future of the service and parts industry.
All of our vendors play a crucial role in our success, and we deeply value their contributions. Your partnership has been a cornerstone of our progress.
Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to Kat Monteiro for continuing her “View from MY Office” articles. These pieces have been instrumental in keeping our members, especially the MMG wives, up to speed and actively involved. Kat, your dedication to fostering connection and communication within our Guild is deeply appreciated.
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Don Cushing for keeping us all on task throughout the year. Your steady guidance and organizational skills have been vital in ensuring our continued success. Lastly, a special acknowledgment goes to ChatGPT for assisting in crafting this article and helping convey our collective achievements and vision.
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Leaders in the Sale of Quality Mopar Parts
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As we look ahead to 2025, our focus remains clear: to enhance membership value, foster professional growth, and advocate for solutions that benefit both our members and the broader Mopar community. The Executive Committee and I are already planning initiatives that will build on this year’s successes, ensuring that we continue to set the standard for excellence in our field.
In closing, I am incredibly proud to serve as your president during this pivotal time. Together, we are not only preserving the rich legacy of the Mopar Masters Guild but also shaping a brighter future for our industry. Thank you for your trust, your energy, and your commitment. Let’s carry this momentum into the new year and achieve even greater heights.
Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Cody Eckhardt - President - Mopar Masters Guild Service Director - Ken Garff CDJRF - W. Valley City UT
MBA Dealer Services, LLC Parts & Service Performance Groups Host Meeting at Hyatt House, North Scottsdale, Arizona
November 14-15
Your hosts were Mark Beaton & Jennifer Short.
MBA Dealer Services, LLC Parts & Service Performance Groups is a network of professionals in the automo ve service and parts industry focused on helping businesses improve their performance through shared knowledge and best prac ces. The groups are designed to bring together service managers, parts managers, and other automo ve industry professionals to discuss challenges, exchange insights, and collaborate on strategies to op mize opera ons. The members of these groups typically represent a wide range of geographical locaons and businesses, allowing for diverse perspec ves and solu ons.
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Leaders in the Sale of Quality Mopar Parts
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The Performance Group meetings, like this one held in Sco sdale, Arizona, provide a pla orm for open discussions, problem-solving, and learning from industry leaders. Topics range from opera onal challenges to specific issues major auto manufacturers face, such as Stellan s in this case. These mee ngs aim to enhance each member’s ability to run a more efficient, profitable service and parts opera on by learning from peers and sharing best prac ces in a collabora ve environment.
The Group’s ac vi es also include the recogni on of top performers, with the Best Prac ce Session being an opportunity for members to present their most successful strategies. The atmosphere involves learning, sharing, and networking, providing professional growth and personal connec ons for those involved.
Here’s a rundown of the mee ng in November:
Guests began arriving on Wednesday evening, November 13th. Most met in the lounge to acclima ze themselves to the hotel.
Thursday November 14th – Day 1
Mark greeted and welcomed everyone. This was a combina on of several different groups.
Groups involved were:
Bal more
Houston
Mopar Master Guild
Paci
c Northwest
Phoenix
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The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
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Mark changed the Composite discussions to accommodate the group dynamic. A er the composite discussions, Mark went around the room to make individual introduc ons.
We then took a short break, and the challenge was elici ng responses from everyone at the mee ng. A queson posed to a endees was: “How do we keep people engaged so there is no awkward silence?”
Mark then led an open discussion of why managers some mes lose their tempers. One response was, “Most of the me, we let issues build up before addressing them. When we do this, it o en confuses our employees.” We need open and trus ng discussions with our employees on what turns them off. We need to know how to gain their trust so that there will be no repercussions for their honesty”.
A er a lengthy discussion, we broke for lunch and con nued our composite discussions.
Later that a ernoon, we began our Best Prac ce Session. The top Four winners of the Best Prac ce were:
1st Place – Robert Chatwin – Larry Miller CDJR – Sandy, Utah
2nd Place – Todd Novak – Anchorage CDJR – Anchorage, Alaska
3rd Place – Chris Lardieri – Route 18 CJDR – East Brunswick, New Jersey
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Leaders in the Sale of Quality Mopar Parts
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That ended the first day of our Performance Group Mee ngs. We joined Mark, Jen, and Michaele Beaton at Lou Malna ’s Restaurant in Sco sdale for great food, drink, and conversa on.
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The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
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Best Prac ce for Bolstering Saturday Business
Friday November 15th – Day 2
We had open discussions on a variety of topics, such as:
Who should be responsible for calling on past-due accounts?
When to shut off customers
Credit Card Fees
Bad Checks
D2D Discussions
Who takes advantage of the D2D Exchange Program
Discussions on Obtaining Appren ces
When to move an appren ce to the main line
The abuse of in-training techs ge ng used to living on the appren ce hours
Pros & Cons of a 4-day work week with 4–10-hour workdays
Best Prac ce for upselling preventa ve maintenance on the drive
Best Ra o of Techs vs. Service Advisors
What Service Marke ng Strategy has worked best for the groups?
Parts & Service Breakout Discussions
Issues cri cal to parts managers
Topics important to service managers
The main course of much of the dialogue was all the issues with Stellan s!
Mr. Beaton then called the mee ng to an end, and another successful 2 days with some of the best minds in the industry was complete!
Notes Submi ed by MMG Secretary John Russo - Dallas Dodge - Ram - Chrysler - Jeep
Pictures Submi ed by MMG V. President Jim Jaeger - Bosak Motors of Merrillville LLC
Stellantis sets course after Carlos Tavares departure
The Carlos Tavares era is over at Stellan s as the former CEO leaves behind fractured relationships with dealers, employees and suppliers
A key mission moving forward is building trust among these stakeholders a er Tavares’ sudden resignaon Dec. 1.
Tavares oversaw a global cost-cu ng crusade that eliminated thousands of jobs and eroded market share. Dealers, who felt Tavares misunderstood their importance, complained about steep vehicle pricing and accused him of chasing record profits through reckless short-term decision-making He also wanted suppliers to help absorb the increased costs of building electric vehicles, which led to multiple public clashes.
Stellan s CFO Doug Ostermann said the company was grateful for Tavares’ work bringing together the PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and realizing considerable synergy in the merger’s first few years.
But Ostermann said there was an increasing divergence between the CEO and the board of directors about the company’s priori es and how it should be run for the remainder of Tavares’ tenure, which was expected to last into early 2026. Short-term goals were in conflict with the need for more las ng benefits, Ostermann said Dec. 4 at a Goldman Sachs Industrials & Autos Week event.
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“The second area, I would say, was really in kind of how we interact with our key stakeholders,” he said. “And by our key stakeholders, I mean really our dealers, our suppliers, our unions, the governments in all the regions in which we operate — those are areas where I think clearly, you know, we need to build back trust.”
With Tavares gone, an interim execu ve commi ee led by Stellan s Chairman John Elkann will guide the company un l a new CEO can be named in the first half of 2025. Tavares led the company since its incep on in January 2021. He was PSA’s CEO since 2014, a er he was Carlos Ghosn’s top lieutenant at Renault.
“This execu ve commi ee is really about keeping things running,” said Stephanie Brinley, associate director of AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility. “They have a decent strategy. They have a big year of launches in both North America and Europe.”
Rebuilding trust among Stellan s’ U.S. dealers
Stellan s North America COO Antonio Filosa, who is also CEO of the Jeep brand, has been cul va ng rela onships with dealers and mee ngs with retailers around the country. He now also has responsibility over South America, where he was COO for five years, as part of the execu ve commi ee a er Tavares’ exit.
Filosa said in a Nov. 21 interview that one way to earn dealer trust is to help them move metal. Dealers lost paence with company leadership in the past year because of ballooning inventories, overpriced vehicles, falling market share and feeble incen ves.
The company has responded with more aggressive discoun ng, lower prices on some 2025 nameplates, increased communica on with its U.S. dealer council and an October execu ve shakeup that included the appointment of Filosa as North America COO.
Ostermann said the automaker already has met its goal of cu ng its U.S. inventory from 430,000 vehicles in June to 330,000 by the end of the year. It reached that mark by mid-November, Ostermann said, and ended the month at around 310,000.
“I think we’re making some good progress on bringing things back into alignment,” Ostermann said. “And that should give us a lot of confidence to be able to launch into 2025 in a much more healthy way. And I think we need to be able to show the industry and the investor community, really, what our business is capable of. And, certainly, this year is not representa ve of that.”
The dealer council and Stellan s’ U.S. retail team began holding weekly calls in recent months to keep informaon flowing between the two sides.
The hope is that the next CEO has sufficient knowledge of the North America retail landscape. Some would like to see retired Dodge and Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis take the reins.
“I would say there’s a lot of talent out there that needs to be ve ed,” said Randy Dye, a former Stellan s dealer council chairman who owns Daytona Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram and Masera -Alfa Romeo of Daytona in Florida. “Paramount is the understanding of the North American market.”
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Leaders in the Sale of Quality Mopar Parts
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Dealers seek more transparency from Stellan s
Stellan s Na onal Dealer Council Chairman Kevin Farrish was impressed when Elkann took me for a video call with the council’s four-member execu ve commi ee a day a er Tavares quit. Other execu ves joined the call, including Filosa and Ma Thompson, the automaker’s senior vice president of U.S. retail sales.
Farrish said the company has been rebuilding trust through increased transparency.
Elkann’s outreach, Farrish said, has helped restore dealer confidence that the board will select a CEO capable of naviga ng industry shi s profitably.
“I’ve never heard of a board of directors chairman reaching out to his na onal dealer council and dealer network chair and team like he did,” Farrish said in a Dec. 2 interview. “It was respec ul. It was great conversaon. It was crystal clear on his direc on. I applaud him for pu ng a plan out there that I think is actually a very sound and good business plan of having Mr. Filosa as the head of not just North America, but all of America’s opera ons.”
Farrish said the company has promised to present more proposals to the dealer council in the coming weeks but so far has laid out “a good interim plan.”
Source: www.autonews.com
The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
The View From My Office
With Kat Monteiro
Happy Holidays!
Who can believe it? Another year is at its end. I hope everyone has been enjoying this magical me of year with family and friends. It was a special Thanksgiving for us. We made our way up to our house on the Mendocino Coast the weekend before Thanksgiving Day where we will stay ll New Years.
What made it special was Terra flew in from Lincoln, Nebraska and Jessie drove over from Napa - so we had both girls with us for the holiday - we had not had both girls together on a holiday in about 5 years! So, this momma was happy! We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Day together and we invited our friends over that have a house 2 over from us. It was a day filled with good food, (Rick really outdid himself with the turkey!) family, friends, and happiness. That is what I love about this me of year - there seems to be more happiness in the air. So, if you have any extra happiness in your pocket, I ask that you spread it around!
I was so excited to have her meet us in Chicago! She arrived midmorning. We had breakfast then caught a Ly to our next hotel in Downtown. We le our bags at the front desk and then headed out to explore. Of course we went to Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”, which is one of Chicago’s most popular sights. The monumental work of art anchors downtown Millennium Park and reflects the city’s famous skyline and the surrounding green space.
In the last newsle er I wrote about our epic Amtrak train trip on the Empire Builder from Portland to Chicago. I’m here to finish our story in Part 2!
We arrived in Chicago early Friday evening. We caught a Ly over to a hotel that was close to the OHare Airport.
Saturday morning had Rick leaving early to meet up with Kent Cogswell for a morning round of golf, while I waited for Terra to arrive. Her birthday was that Sunday so we flew her into Chicago so we could celebrate her birthday and hang out for a few days.
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Leaders in the Sale of Quality Mopar Parts
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Then we walked around the city. It was a beau ful day weather wise, so we got lucky. I was just so happy to be with my girl.
Saturday night did not disappoint! Kent scored us ckets to the Blackhawks Hockey game! Terra and I met Rick, Kent and his wife Susan, at a restaurant close to the arena. I have never been to an ice hockey game before, and I only watch it on TV when the Stanley Cup Finals are on. I am telling you; it was so fun!! I could totally become a fan! Of course, the top-notch seats that Kent scored us helped with my excitement over this game. I mean we were si ng 3 rows from the glass, so the ac on was right there in your face! I am not going to lie, I found myself dunking down when I saw that puck flying right at me, knowing it was going to smack me right in the forehead! LOL! We had so much fun hanging out with Kent and Susan! They are big hockey fans, so it was nice to have someone help with play by play. And of course, Kent was out there making friends with everyone in the whole arena! So fun!
Sunday came, me to celebrate Terra’s birthday all day!
The day started with Terra and Rick going over to the Willis Tower - a 110-story tower! Terra went out on the glass observa on deck. Crazy! Then we spent the day walking around the city. We went to the Chicago Cultural Center where we found 2 different halls where the glass domes above were made by Tiffany Company. They were so beau ful. One hall used to be the Chicago Library.
We then went on a boat tour that went through the river that runs right through the city. It was amazing. They talked about all the different buildings and their unique architecture. If you are ever in Chicago, I highly recommend this tour. We finished the day with a wonderful dinner and then an art show where they projected video up on the buildings. It was a wonderful day.
Monday had us rising very early to catch a train to Springfield, Illinois! We arrived, checked into another hotel, and then we were off to the State Capitol! When Rick and I are traveling we always try to stop into the Capitol of whatever State we are in. If you do not visit state Capitols, I highly recommended it.
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They are free, there is usually someone there to guide you and give you the history, and you never know what you are going to see - they o en have different displays or exhibits that rotate. The Capitol has so much history and is so beau ful with amazing architecture - worth checking out. A er the Capitol we headed over to the Abraham Lincoln Presiden al Library and Museum. So much history in Springfield, Illinois! I had no idea.
Tuesday morning had Terra back on the train to Chicago where she caught a flight back home to Lincoln. (so sad) Rick and I walked over to a neighborhood where the home of Abraham Lincoln is - the State Park System took over the whole neighborhood and turned it back to how it was in the me of Lincoln, with wood plank sidewalks, wagons with campaign signs on them in the streets and it is all blocked off to traffic. We went on a tour of Lincoln’s home which was really cool. They had other homes open also that had different exhibits in them and historical melines.
Tuesday late a ernoon had us back on a train headed to Longview, Texas! We boarded the train at 5 and were to arrive in Longview at 8 am, it was just a short overnight trip, so we decided to just book a coach seat. It wasn’t all that bad, the seats were very roomy, and we each had the 2 seats together for ourselves. But sleeping was a different ma er, neither of us slept much, and I don’t think we will book overnight in coach again, but hey, we had to try it!
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Leaders in the Sale of Quality Mopar Parts
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Once in Longview we hopped on an Amtrak bus that took us to Shreveport, Louisiana! There, Rick’s cousin John Kirsch picked us up and took us to their house in Benton where we stayed a week. It was so nice to visit with John and Malve and be at their beau ful home on the lake. Rick and John got plenty of golf in, and even drove to Arkansas and played a course there so Rick could knock that state off his list - he has a goal of playing golf in every state!
A er our week was up, we got on the bus back to Longview where we hopped back on the train and headed for Dallas. Once in Dallas we got a ride over to Love Field where we caught a plane home to San Diego.
It was an awesome adventure! I can hardly wait to plan the next one!
Thanks to all of you for reading my stories. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy telling them.
I want to shout out for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May 2025 be a great year filled with good health, wealth and happiness.
The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
Our Supporting Vendors: Support those who support you .
Our Supporting Vendors: Support those who support you
The REAL Automotive CDP That Delivers
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info.activator.ai/nada-2025-booth-3119
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Leaders
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The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
Collision Parts Solutions
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EMPOWERING DEALERS & ELEVATING SERVICES:
EMPOWERING DEALERSHIPS FOR SUCCESS: QB BUSINESS SOLUTIONS IN 2025
At QB Business Solu ons, we remain steadfast in our mission to help dealerships op mize their opera ons and maximize profitability. With over 75 years of combined industry experience, our team is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the automo ve industry. As we step into 2025, we are proud to exhibit at NADA in New Orleans this upcoming January, showcasing our innova ve solu ons and commitment to dealership success.
Our three core services—Warranty Reimbursement for Parts and Labor, Warranty Claims Processing, and Dealer Analy cs—are designed to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and growth for our clients.
1. WARRANTY REIMBURSEMENT FOR PARTS AND LABOR
Naviga ng the complexi es of warranty repair reimbursement is a challenge many dealerships face. QB Business Solu ons specializes in securing retail-level reimbursement rates for Parts and Labor, helping dealerships recover revenue and achieve profitability.
Increased Profitability: Ensuring that all warranty rate increases are submi ed at retail rates.
Compliance and Accuracy: Staying updated on state laws and manufacturer guidelines to guarantee compliant, error-free submissions.
Ongoing Support: Providing con nuous guidance to adapt to regulatory changes, ensuring maximum reimbursement poten al.
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By handling the en re process—from data gathering to submi ng repair orders—our experts uncover hidden opportuni es, making sure dealerships are compensated fairly for their quality work.
2. WARRANTY CLAIMS PROCESSING
Processing warranty claims efficiently is vital for maintaining cash flow and customer sa sfac on. At QB Business Solu ons, our Warranty Claims Processing service is recognized for delivering industry-leading approval rates and streamlining the en re claims process.
Higher Approval Rates: Leveraging deep exper se in warranty regula ons to reduce denials and maximize reimbursements.
Time and Resource Efficiency: Freeing up dealership staff by managing all claim submissions, followups, and resubmissions.
Quick Turnaround: Accelera ng the claims process to maintain a healthy cash flow.
With our me culous approach, we ensure every claim is handled accurately and efficiently, allowing dealerships to focus on serving customers and growing their business.
3. DEALER ANALYTICS: A VISION FOR 2025
In today’s data-driven landscape, ac onable insights are cri cal to op mizing dealership performance. Powered by Benchmark Data Suite, our Dealer Analy cs pla orm transforms raw dealership data into meaningful intelligence to drive smarter decisions.
New for 2025:
Enhanced Performance Metrics: We’re introducing real- me dashboards, enabling managers to idenfy and address opera onal issues as they arise.
Predic ve Market Trends: Improved predic ve analy cs tools to an cipate customer behavior and market shi s, helping dealerships stay ahead of the compe on.
Key Features:
Parts Matrix and Labor Grid Op miza on: Streamlining pricing strategies to improve profitability and customer sa sfac on.
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Exclusive Parts Calculator: Offering dynamic pricing adjustments based on parts usage, demand, and market trends to boost margins.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Turning complex dealership data into ac onable insights to op mize inventory, service opera ons, and pricing strategies.
With these advancements, QB Business Solu ons con nues to posi on dealerships for long-term success in an ever-evolving market.
VISIT US AT NADA 2025
We are thrilled to kick off 2025 by exhibi ng at NADA in New Orleans this January. Join us to learn more about how QB Business Solu ons can help your dealership achieve its goals and thrive in the years ahead. From tailored analy cs to streamlined warranty processes, we’re here to drive your success.
At QB Business Solu ons, we don’t just provide services—we build partnerships. Contact us today to explore how we can transform your dealership’s opera ons and profitability. Let’s make 2025 your most successful year yet!
The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
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August 23rd, 2024
TO: ALL Continental US STELLANTIS DEALERS
ATTN: PARTS MANAGER & SERVICE MANAGER
Subject: IMPORTANT CHANGE TO CORE RETURN PICKUPS
To improve core return processing and operations we are pleased to announce that:
AER Sales and their partners Fred Jones Enterprises and Holman Parts, who deliver via D2D Distributor Program will now be able to pick up select mechanical core returns in addition to Fascia and Wheel Core Returns they are already picking up today.
We will be expanding the part number list able to be returned via AER in the coming weeks. When submitting returns via Global Core Return System (GCRS) be aware and on the look out for CA Core Material Return tickets.
Please be sure to send CA, CB, CW Core return tickets back with your respective partner and ensure these returns are separated out from DDS Returns and Critical Core Returns
CA2345678- Parts originally distributed via D2D
CB234XXXXX -Fascia/Bumper
CW234XXXXX-Aluminum Wheel Core Return.
C123456789- Continue to send DDS (EXCLUDING CRITICAL CORE RETURNS)
*AER CANNOT ACCEPT OR SCAN C only tickets*
*DDS CANNOT ACCEPT OR SCAN CA, CB, CW Tickets*
ENTER TO WIN
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Order from your local Mopar Powertrain dealer and register your powertrain purchases at www.aergiveaway.com to enter.
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3 Ways to Come Back When Another Shop Recruits Your Tech
1. Build a Culture of Reten on
What do you do when a valued tech gets poached by another shop? Respond by focusing on reten on, create graceful exits and reflect on areas for improvement.
In the compe ve world of automo ve repair, which deals with a shortage of skilled workers, talented technicians are prized and valued. Losing a key team member to another shop can feel like a personal and professional blow. However, it can also be an opportunity to reflect, adapt and grow as a leader. Here are three strategies to respond effec vely when another shop recruits one of your technicians without ge ng into a bidding war.
The founda on of any great team is a workplace culture that fosters loyalty. Erich Schmidt, owner of Schmidt Auto Care, a 14-bay facility in Springboro, Ohio, emphasizes crea ng an environment where technicians feel valued and mo vated. His shop offers a four-day workweek, PTO, health, dental, and vision insurance, and even shuts down for a week at Christmas. Schmidt Auto Care stays warm during frigid winter temps and offers A/C in the summer so technicians have a safe and comfortable environment in which to do their jobs well.
Schmidt says, “Know your employees. Understand what mo vates them.” For some, it’s money, but for others, it might be work-life balance, opportuni es for growth, or access to the latest technology. By maintaining open communica on and tailoring incen ves to individual needs, you reduce the likelihood of your team members being swayed by a higher paycheck elsewhere.
Ac onable Tips:
Conduct regular one-on-one mee ngs to understand your employees’ goals and concerns.
Offer consistent, structured opportuni es for professional development, such as requiring 40 hours of training annually, which Schmidt demands.
Celebrate successes, whether mastering a new skill or achieving a personal milestone.
2. Handle Departures with Grace
When a technician decides to leave, your reac on can have las ng repercussions. Schmidt recalls the first me a tech le his shop: “The tech gave two weeks’ no ce a er being offered more money elsewhere. It was easy to let him go because there was some toxicity.” Not burning bridges paid off; that technician eventually purchased the shop he moved to.
Leaders in the Sale of Quality Mopar Parts
A professional approach ensures that your reputa on remains intact – with the depar ng employee and your current team. “Our industry isn’t as professional as other industries,” Schmidt says. “We need to change that.” By handling exits professionally, you set a standard of respect that resonates across your business.
Ac onable Tips:
Always conduct an exit interview to understand the reasons behind the departure.
Express gra tude for the employee’s contribu ons and wish them well.
Keep communica on lines open; you never know when a former employee might become an ally or return.
3. Reflect and Reinforce
A departure is also an opportunity to evaluate your business prac ces. Schmidt shares, “It’s harder to decide to leave us because we offer a be er workplace for everybody.” Reflec ng on why an employee le can help you iden fy areas for improvement.
In addi on to providing compe ve benefits, Schmidt ensures his shop stays ahead with state-of-the-art technology, from full ADAS capabili es to cu ng-edge diagnos c tools. “My shop foreman has permission to purchase subscrip ons and technology,” Schmidt says. “We don’t just talk about staying current; we act on it.”
Reinforcing your commitment to your team and inves ng in your shop sends a clear message: you value your employees and are willing to evolve to meet their needs.
Ac onable Tips:
Survey your team regularly to gather feedback on workplace sa sfac on.
Invest in technology and facili es to ensure a comfortable, efficient workspace.
Partner with a business coach or mentor to maintain accountability and focus on long-term goals.
While losing a technician to another shop is never easy, the experience can catalyze growth. You can turn a poten al setback into an opportunity by building a culture of reten on, handling departures professionally, and using the experience to strengthen your business. As Schmidt wisely notes, “Make sure you’re fully communica ng. Open communica on makes it less likely for employees to be poached.” Ul mately, the best defense is a strong, engaged team that sees your shop as the place to grow and thrive.
Source: h ps://www.ratchetandwrench.com - Ar cle by Leona Sco
The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
Tekion CEO Jay Vijayan In No Rush to Pursue IPO
Tekion CEO Jay Vijayan said he remains in no rush to pull the trigger on an ini al public offering, nine months a er he acknowledged the dealership management system upstart might pursue one if it meets certain milestones.
“We’ve made tons of progress. We’ve grown as a company and I think we are hi ng our growth targets,” Vijayan said during a Dec. 4 interview for the Automo ve News Daily Drive podcast. “An IPO is in the cards some me in the future. I don’t have a meline, and we are not going to rush any meline.”
Tekion, of Pleasanton, Calif., wants to create a modern DMS alterna ve that could disrupt a sector long dominated by CDK Global and Reynolds and Reynolds. If successful, it could upend DMS market dynamics that have remained sta c for decades and boost compe on.
An IPO would allow it to raise substan al capital, but Vijayan reiterated Tekion will pursue one when “it is right for the company.” Focusing on business fundamentals is “more important than anything” and a priority for the foreseeable future, he said.
“We want to make sure we con nue to operate, and we con nue to innovate,” he said.
Tekion over the last year has invested in ar ficial intelligence and will con nue to do so, Vijayan said. He added that the company plans to announce a number of new AI-focused offerings on its DMS pla orm at the 2025 NADA Show, which is scheduled to run Jan. 23-26 in New Orleans.
Tekion has reached the point where historically most companies that raised similar financing hit the public markets.
In July, Tekion announced it raised $200 million from Dragoneer Investment Group to help expand product offerings, speed implementa on melines and boost customer support. That’s on top of more than $450 million in venture capital Tekion has pulled in since its 2016 launch from investors including General Motors, BMW i Ventures, Hyundai Motor Co., and dealership groups such as Serra Automo ve.
Tekion said it works with more than 2,000 automo ve retailers and manufacturers. It has taken big swings with deals such as a 2023 agreement for Asbury Automo ve Group to begin using Tekion’s DMS technology, starting with a four-store pilot in 2024. That pilot started recently a er months of delays fueled by a lawsuit filed by Asbury’s current DMS provider CDK Global, which resisted providing necessary data for Tekion.
If the pilot is successful, Asbury could deploy the pla orm companywide in its 160 dealerships.
Source: www.autonews.com - Ar cle by Mark Hollmer
Stellantis Recalls 317,000 Ram Trucks with Brake Fault
Stellan s is recalling 317,630 Ram trucks because of a problem with the brake hydraulic control unit. The unit may fail or malfunction, affecting the antilock brake system and traction control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall includes the 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500 and 4500 5500. According to NHTSA documents, 100 percent of affected vehicles have the defect.
Stellan s and predecessor Fiat Chrysler Automobiles logged 4,622 customer assistance records, 53,448 warranty claims and 1,460 field reports poten ally linked to the issue between November 2016 and March 2024.
NHTSA opened an investigation on Nov. 28, 2022, into braking issues in the 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The investigation centered on hydraulic control units in antilock brake systems that may fail or make braking more difficult. Stellantis responded to NHTSA inquiries and collaborated on testing through mid2024. After reviewing engineering data and testing defective parts, the automaker initiated a voluntary recall on Nov. 21, 2024, to address the control unit defect.
As of Nov. 18, 2024, the automaker said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the defect.
The faulty hydraulic control units were manufactured by ZF North America Inc., a unit of German auto supplier ZF Group, according to the NHTSA documents. Repairs involve replacing the control units with an upgraded one with a new pump motor brush material.
Owners are advised to watch for the malfunc on indicator lamp, which signals when the an lock brake system motor is not working.
Source: www.autonews.com - Ar cle by Georgia Hall
The exchange of information by like sized dealers in a non-competitive environment.
2024 Mopar Masters Guild
2 0 2 4 M o p a r M a s t e r s G u i l d
Officers:
O f f i c e r s & C o m m i t t e e s
Officers & Committees
President Cody Eckhardt - Ken Garff CDJRF - W. Valley City UT
V. Pres - Jim Jaeger – Bosak Motors – Merrillville, IN
Secretary - John Russo - Dallas DCJ - Dallas, TX
Treasurer – Chris Hojnacki – Serra CDJR – Lake Orion, MI
Executive Committee - All Officers Including:
Dan Hutton - Tom O’Brien DCJR - Greenwood, IN
Alan Yancey - Hayes CDJ - Alto, GA
Rick Cutaia - Rick Hendrick DCJR – Charleston, SC
Steve Hofer – Park Chrysler Jeep – Burnsville, MN
Susan McDaniel – Bill Luke CJD – Phoenix, AZ
Joe McBeth - Dallas DCJ - Dallas, TX
Guild Committees
MMG Annual Meeting 2024
Jill Vance - Apogee Event Agency
Cody Eckhardt - Ken Garff CDJRF - W. Valley City UT
Finance Committee
Chris Hojnacki - Serra CDJR – Lake Orion, MI
Susan McDaniel - Bill Luke CJD – Phoenix, AZ
Don Cushing – MMG Magazine
Newsletter/Website/Social Media
Don Cushing – MMG Magazine
Vendor Committees
Reynolds & Reynolds
Rick Cutaia - Rick Hendrick DCJR – Charleston, SC (Co-Chair)
Susan McDaniel – Bill Luke CJD – Phoenix, AZ (Co-Chair)
Joe Handzik - Bettenhausen Auto - Tinley Park, IL
Randy Rogers - Huffines CJDR - Plano, TX
Kent Cogswell - Jack Phelan CDJR - Countryside, IL
*David Kiser - Spartanburg CDJR - Spartanburg, SC
*Chris Hojnacki - Serra CDJR – Lake Orion, MI
CDK Global
Joe McBeth - Dallas DCJ – Dallas, TX (Chair)
Ian Grohs – Stateline CDJR – Fort Mill, SC
Robert Chatwin - Larry Miller DCJR - Sandy, UT
Dan Hutton - Tom O’Brien DCJR - Greenwood, IN
*Steve Hofer – Park Chrysler Jeep – Burnsville, MN
*Jim Jaeger - Bosak Auto Group - Merrillville, IN
OEConnection
Dan Hutton - Tom O’Brien CJD – Greenwood, IN (Chair)
John Russo - Dallas DCJ – Dallas, TX
Jim Jaeger - Bosak Motors - Merrillville, IN
Chris Hojnacki - Serra CDJR – Lake Orion, MI
*Steve Hofer – Park Chrysler Jeep – Burnsville, MN
Snap On Business Solutions
Cody Eckhardt - Ken Garff CDJRF - W. Valley City UT (Chair)
Randy Rogers - Huffines CJDR - Plano, TX
*Steve Hofer – Park Chrysler Jeep – Burnsville, MN
AER Manufacturing
Robert Chatwin - Larry Miller DCJR - Sandy, UT (Chair)
Ted Hawkins - Cerritos Dodge - Cerritos. CA
Chris Hojnacki - Serra CDJR – Lake Orion, MI
*Josh Gouldsmith - Gladstone CDJR - Gladstone, MO
*Joe Handzik - Bettenhausen Auto - Tinley Park, IL
Elite Extra - Epicore
Joe McBeth - Dallas DCJ - Dallas, TX
Alan Yancey - Hayes CDJ - Alto, GA
Chris Hojnacki – Serra CDJR – Lake Orion, MI
Steve Anderson - Tonkin Parts Center - Portland, OR
Steve Hofer – Park Chrysler Jeep – Burnsville, MN
Vendor Chairs
Susan McDaniel - Bill Luke CJD – Phoenix, AZ
Cody Eckhardt - Ken Garff CDJRF - W. Valley City UT
*Alternate
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