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From Fixed Ops to Dealer Principal: A Blueprint for Dealership Success

Bill Springer | October 6, 2026

Episode 05 — Featuring Guest Jerry Romano

How does a technician rise to become the owner of multiple successful dealerships? For Jerry Romano, it started by mastering service retention and building a brand that customers can't resist. Today he’s the owner and Chief Operating Officer of Windward Hyundai, Windward Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Jerry V's Honolulu Hyundai.

In this episode of Retention Roadmap, Jerry emphasizes how his hands-on experience in fixed operations has shaped his leadership style, allowing him to build strong customer relationships and drive service retention. He also discusses the importance of creating a unique brand identity, such as "Jerry for the People," which resonates with customers and sets his dealerships apart in a competitive market. The branding, combined with consistent marketing and a focus on customer service, has been crucial in maintaining customer loyalty.

Takeaways from this episode:

Specific strategies that contribute to dealership success
How programs like Tires for Life and DriveSure help with customer retention
The challenges of growing technician talent
Adapting to the evolving electric vehicle market
The importance of consistency and maintaining personal connections with customers