CHAIRMAN WILLEY SAYS EVERY DEALER STILL MATTERS

Incoming chairman Willey “passionate” about NADA

February 5, 2007—Even though we’re likely to see Chinese and Indian automakers in this country within 10 years, says incoming NADA chairman Dale Willey, dealers needn’t fear—proliferation isn’t unique to the auto industry. Reminding the audience at the closing general session that once, only three major TV networks existed, Willey noted that it’s now impossible to watch more than a fraction of the available channels.

“Is that bad? As long as you have your remote handy, it’s kind of nice. The same goes for us—competition will increase, but so will opportunities.”

And NADA will be here to help dealers take advantage of those opportunities, Willey added. In fact, the GM dealer from Lawrence, Kans., is  “passionate” about NADA—how it helped him as a struggling young dealer, and how it can help dealers today.

Willey started his business in the midst of a UAW strike that choked off supply and eventually left him with one used car on the lot. He turned to NADA’s 20 Group and consultant programs when he had trouble making a profit from an always-slammed service department. The consultant’s on-site advice was so on-the-mark that within a month of implementing the changes, Willey made enough money to not only cover the consultant’s fee but also turn a profit.

“Now you know why I am so passionate when I say NADA can help every dealer become more profitable—it helped me and it can help you.”

Specifically, the association’s Lifeline to Profits program “can help you meet any number of challenges, from having too much inventory to seeing our cash flow trickle to a near standstill,” Willey told conventioneers. It can actually make the difference between profitability and bankruptcy.

And that’s what Willey plans to focus on during his 2007 chairmanship—making sure every dealer continues to matter.

Audio/Video provided by AutoNetwork.com

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