From Corporate to Rural Dealer: What It Takes to Win Today in Every Market | Michael Handwerger, President & Dealer Principal at Alpha One Automotive
About this episode
Michael Handwerger, president of Alpha One Automotive, shares his journey from corporate auto retailing to owning rural dealerships in Texas. He discusses the challenges of operating in smaller markets, including the importance of community engagement and adapting to local demographics. Handwerger emphasizes the need for effective use of social media and innovative marketing strategies to attract customers. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of dealership operations, the impact of technology, and the significance of building a strong team to navigate the complexities of the automotive industry today.
Chevrolet
"...dealer principal of a Ford and Chevy store in rural Texas."
Chevrolet, or Chevy, is another famous car brand that makes a variety of vehicles, including trucks and sports cars.
Chevrolet, often referred to as Chevy, is a division of General Motors that produces a wide range of vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado and Camaro.
Ford
"...dealer principal of a Ford and Chevy store in rural Texas."
Ford is a well-known car company that makes popular vehicles like trucks and sports cars.
Ford is an American multinational automaker known for its trucks, SUVs, and cars, including the iconic Ford Mustang and F-Series trucks.
GM
"Like tell us about the transition now from corporate GM to owner."
GM is a big car company that makes many popular car brands. They are known for making cars like Chevrolets and Cadillacs.
GM stands for General Motors, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick.
independent dealership
"I just felt like what, what I need to do to get back is probably open an independent."
An independent dealership is a car lot that sells cars from different brands, not just one. They usually focus on used cars and can have many options.
An independent dealership is a car dealership that is not affiliated with a specific manufacturer. They often sell used cars from various brands and may offer a wider selection than franchise dealerships.
used car
"You're such a used car guy at heart. You're over here putting this facade with your franchise."
A used car is a car that someone else has owned before. They usually cost less than new cars and can be a good option for buyers on a budget.
A used car is a vehicle that has had previous owners and is typically sold at a lower price than new cars. The used car market can vary greatly in quality and price depending on the vehicle's condition and history.
luxury and exotic cars
"So that was the start of alpha one was the exotic location alpha one motors. And it was a, it was a heck of a run retail."
Luxury cars are fancy cars that have a lot of comfort and high-quality features. Exotic cars are very special and fast cars that are usually very expensive.
Luxury cars are high-end vehicles that offer superior comfort, performance, and features, while exotic cars are often high-performance vehicles that are rare and expensive, typically associated with brands like Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Lancia Couple Beta
"... don't want to confuse anyone, but we have like a couple beta groups, you know, where we're testing things and ..."
The Lancia Beta Coupe is a small, sporty car made in Italy during the 1970s and early 1980s. It's known for its cool looks and fun driving experience, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts who appreciate classic designs.
The Lancia Beta Coupe is a compact sports car produced by the Italian manufacturer Lancia from 1972 to 1984. It is significant for its stylish design and innovative engineering, including a front-wheel-drive layout and a range of engine options. The Beta Coupe is often discussed for its unique character and as a representative of 1970s Italian automotive design.
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