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What Business Owners Say
I’ve been saying for years that documentation is the new negotiation. If you’re looking to put my adage into practice you should talk to Mike Anderson, an industry leader for whom I have the greatest respect. The Rikess Group has the preeminent sales training program for dealers who are seeking a totally transparent sales model.
Dave Pollak
FOUNDER, VAUTO
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
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What Business Owners Say
From our transition to NFS in 1997 to today, The Rikess Group has been an invaluable partner for our organization. The Rikess Group has kept us on the leading edge of the industry. The Rikess Group is uniquely gifted at networking within the industry and is continually bringing the latest industry ideas and resources to our 20 Group. It is through these resources and unique contacts that have enabled our organization to evolve with the industry leaders and to take advantage of best technology, operational strategies and training.
Mike Marsh
Owner, Bill Marsh Automotive Group
Traverse City, Michigan
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What Business Owners Say
I purchased Sunnyvale Toyota in 2003, when were the 222 largest Toyota dealer in the country. Today we rank in the top 12 and much of the credit belongs to The Rikess Group. They have helped me craft my current compensation plans, sales process and have provided exceptional support any time we face a challenge. Our 20 Group association continues to keep us on the cutting edge of our industry’s trends and opportunities.
Adam Simms
Dealer Principal, Sunnyvale Toyota
Sunnyvale, California
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What Business Owners Say
The Rikess Group can claim the responsibility for transforming our dealership from one that was personality driven to one that is now process driven. The team at The Rikess Group “lead me to discovery” in a way that made the will to change seem like it was my idea. This was not an easy process. It is really an eye opener when you realize that YOU ARE the impediment that is holding your dealership back. Mark and Dan used a gentle, but effective approach to share, inform, and education our staff to the possibilities that were/are available. As a result, we have been able to double our new and used car business, with substantial increases in customer satisfaction, and profitability. Our current service satisfaction results are above the District, Zone, and Nation in all three of our dealerships. Three years ago our stores were dead last in the nation (worst to first is way cool!). Our Used Car Department is currently (for the past 4 Years) the #1 selling Certified Used car dealership in the WORLD! This is for BOTH our Honda and Acura stores. When The Rikess Group started with us we had aged inventory and we turned our inventory 3-6 times per year. Our current used car inventory is under 30 days old and we turn the inventory 12-4 times per year. ROI is through the roof! Our New Car Sales numbers have continued to climb and currently both our Honda and Acura stores are in the top 5 positions in the Nation. The Rikess Group team are lifelong partners, problem solvers and friends. They provide the best service and resources in the industry, please feel free to contact me directly for any inquiries in connection with Mike Anderson or The Rikess Group.
Brian Benstock
General Manager, Paragon Auto Group
Queens, New York
Woodside, New York
White Plains, New York
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What Business Owners Say
Mike Ferris, Gary Henry and I had a great trip to Chicago. We spent a couple days with several negotiation free (NFS) dealers from across the US. I asked Mike and Gary what they learned and here are a couple highlights: many dealers there talked about the challenge of handling the extra business they saw once they converted to a negotiation free sales process. Customers (guests) really like that style of business so they tend to flock to dealerships that are willing to make it available. Also, this is the type of thing that makes you look back and wonder, “Why didn’t we do this years ago?” This is definitely not a “flavor of the month” change. As you all know by now, this is the sort of cultural endeavor that I wouldn’t ask you to attempt if I didn’t believe truly that you, and our organization, were cut out for it. We are so ready!
Amanda Grappone Osmer
Director of Sales & 4th Gen Family Member,
Grappone Automotive Group
Bow, New Hampshire
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What Business Owners Say
Several years ago, 1995 actually, I recognized there was significant change coming in the automotive industry. I could see that consumers were seeking a different purchase experience and I wanted to be out in front of the change not behind it.
I knew I wanted my business to be recognized for evident honesty and trustworthiness. This could only be accomplished through total transparency.
Trust is earned regardless of brand. Luxury clients want this more than any other! If you try to mingle or mess you lose them!
Joe Laham
President, Premier Auto Group
Oyster Bay, New York
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
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What Business Owners Say
Our tagline at the dealership is One Price, One Person, One Hour. One Price means we put the best price on every car. When we say One Person we mean they do the financing, they deliver the car, they do everything. And One Hour means that once they’ve selected the car we’ll get them out of the dealership in an hour.
The benefits of one price include the ability to be transparent. It makes everything so much easier. It’s just naturally happening with technology and market pricing. It’s also so much more pleasant for our employees to not have to hide anything. No games; it’s just complete transparency. We use a fairly simple pricing formula; we’ve been using it for 25 years and rarely miss a deal on price.
We absolutely attract younger people and more women for sales positions because of one price. They’re much more comfortable with this approach. They don’t have to do the things they’ve had unpleasant experiences with.
Mark Osborne
General Manager, SCHOMP BMW
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
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What Business Owners Say
Elite product specialists (salespersons) are the key to our continued success. The customer absolutely embraces this customer focused process. And our online reviews speak for themselves.
The Elite specialist handles the consultation, numbers and back-end product. This puts the customer at ease.
It also speeds up our sales and delivery process. The elimination of the F&I person also allowed us to redistribute that compensation to the product specialist. This in turn nearly eliminated product specialist turn over. This is how we are able to compensate product specialists in an environment of little front-end gross.
GREG SHORTRIDGE
General Manager, Duncan Honda & Hyundai
Christiansburg, Virginia
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What Business Owners Say
To whom it concerns,
This letter is written in reference to my experience of engaging Mike Anderson and The Rikess Group as consultants for our dealership.
Mike provided consultation services to assist us in our Used Vehicle Operation and Salesperson Pay Plan Development. His experience in the Automotive Industry as well as his knowledge of current strategies and best practices cause him to focus on and recommend appropriate and effective plans.
I have also found Mike to be sincere in his desire to have his recommendations be of benefit to our store. To this end, he has a sharp focus on holding “all the players” accountable to their part so that he can be accountable to our Owner/Management team.
I sincerely recommend Mike for any consultation services you may need.
Sincerely,
Mike Parks
Mark Parks
General Manager, King Mazda
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada