The automotive industry is at a crossroads. Rapidly changing customer expectations, digital transformation, and the need for operational excellence have created a demand for dealerships to evolve—and quickly. Yet, many dealerships continue to rely on untrained or undertrained employees to tackle these challenges. The truth is that implementation and training must be prioritized, and partnering with specialized consultants and trainers is far more effective than expecting internal employees to manage these complexities alone.

The Importance of Training and Implementation Brian Kramer, a leader in automotive innovation, states, "Training is not an expense; it’s an investment in the success and sustainability of your dealership. Without proper implementation, even the best tools and processes will fail."

A study by the Association for Talent Development (ATD) revealed that companies with structured training programs see a 218% increase in revenue per employee. Furthermore, a Gallup report found that well-trained employees are 59% more engaged, leading to higher customer satisfaction and retention rates.

Implementation, however, is where the real magic happens. Diego Vargas emphasizes, "Implementation is the bridge between strategy and success. Without it, even the best intentions remain unfulfilled."

Why Specialized Consultants and Trainers Outperform Internal Efforts Many dealerships attempt to handle training and implementation internally, relying on managers or underprepared staff to juggle these critical tasks. The result? Inconsistent execution, employee frustration, and missed opportunities. Specialized consultants bring:

1. Expertise and Objectivity: Consultants like Smartwolf Consulting provide industry- specific expertise, developed through years of hands-on experience. Darrell Steed’s track record—from transforming dealerships to revolutionizing KBB Instant Cash Offer

programs—demonstrates the power of focused implementation and training.

2. Tailored Solutions: Unlike cookie-cutter approaches, consultants customize strategies to fit each dealership’s unique needs. Jasen Rice of Lotpop underscores, "Consultants bring a fresh perspective, identifying blind spots that internal teams often miss."

3. Proven Processes: Specialized trainers like those at the Street Smarts Academy offer battle-tested methodologies that guarantee results. With structured processes, dealerships see faster onboarding, higher productivity, and a cohesive team that drives results.

Real-World Examples of Success

1. Case Study: Livermore Ford Livermore Ford partnered with Smartwolf Consulting to revamp their training and implementation strategies. The results were transformative: operational costs dropped by 15%, employee satisfaction increased by 25%, and the

dealership saw a 20% boost in revenue within a year. Employees credited the clear, actionable training for their newfound confidence and efficiency.

2. Case Study: KBB Instant Cash Offer Under Darrell Steed’s leadership, KBB Instant Cash Offer transformed from a good idea into a powerful tool that dealerships nationwide rely on for customer acquisition. Steed’s focus on process implementation ensured that

dealerships could seamlessly integrate the program, leading to increased

The Risks of Relying on Internal Efforts Dealerships that continue to rely on untrained or overwhelmed internal staff for training and implementation risk more than inefficiency:

 High Turnover: Employees who feel unsupported or unprepared are more likely to

leave, costing dealerships thousands in recruitment and onboarding.

 Customer Dissatisfaction: Inconsistent execution leads to poor customer experiences,

driving potential buyers to competitors.

 Lost Revenue: A lack of proper training and implementation means dealerships miss

opportunities to maximize profitability.

Frank Knox warns, "Dealerships that fail to invest in proper training and implementation are not

just standing still—they’re moving backward in a fast-moving industry."

Why Act Now? The automotive industry’s ecosystem thrives on adaptability and innovation. Delaying investments in training and implementation only widens the gap between dealerships that thrive and those that struggle. Specialized consultants like Smartwolf Consulting and programs like the Street Smarts Academy offer the tools, expertise, and guidance dealerships

need to succeed.

How Smartwolf Consulting and Street Smarts Academy Can Help Darrell Steed’s consistent success in transforming dealership operations speaks for itself. From his work with dealers to his leadership in KBB Instant Cash Offer, Steed’s focus on training, implementation, and process-building has set the standard for excellence.

 Smartwolf Consulting: Offers tailored consulting services that address the unique

challenges of your dealership.

 Street Smarts Academy: Provides hands-on training programs designed to elevate

employee performance and customer experience.

 Genius Group: A mastermind community where dealership leaders can collaborate,

innovate, and thrive.

The future of the automotive industry belongs to dealerships that prioritize training and implementation. Internal efforts, while well-intentioned, cannot match the expertise, focus, and results delivered by specialized consultants and trainers.

Take Action with SmartWolf Consulting

Visit SmartWolf Consulting to learn how we can help you transform your dealership’s operations and outcomes. Explore the Street Smarts Academy and Genius Group at AutoStreetSmarts and take the first step toward reshaping your business.

Check out our podcast, Street Smarts Powered by SmartWolf, available on multiple platforms:

YouTube: SmartWolf Consulting YouTube Channel

Apple Podcasts: Street Smarts on Apple Podcasts

Spotify: Street Smarts on Spotify

Amazon Music: Street Smarts on Amazon Music

AutoStreetSmarts: Street Smarts Podcast

Want more information on our FREE training series or hiring techniques? Text STREETS or HIRE to 775-640-9653 and start transforming your dealership today!