EPISODE 05
From Fixed Ops to Dealer Principal: A Blueprint for Dealership Success
Featuring Guest Jerry Romano
Episode Description
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
BILL SPRINGER
and president of Krex Inc.
Jerry Romano
Owner & COO of Windward Hyundai, Windward Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Jerry V’s Honolulu Hyundai
Would you like to Be a guest on our podcast?
Convenience Has Changed the Fixed Ops Playbook
Customers are no longer comparing your service drive only to the dealership across town. They’re comparing it to every fast, convenient, transparent experience they have elsewhere. Many dealerships may not realize how quickly that standard is rising. Keeping up means choosing technology and service models that fit your customers rather than adopting every new tool the same way.
Moving Beyond the Discount
A discount may win today’s repair order, but what brings that customer back for the next one? As service prices rise and customers become more price-sensitive, dealerships need to separate the offers that close a transaction from the strategies that build an actual habit.
The Trust Gap Hiding in Your Multi-Point Inspections
Most dealerships say they want to build trust in the service lane, but too many are sitting on one of the simplest tools for doing exactly that. Video inspections don’t just explain recommended work. They help customers see what you see, and that visibility can be the difference between hesitation and approval.