Every year, NCADA asks its associate members — experts who work closely with our dealers every day — to share bite-sized insights, proven best practices and practical strategies you can put to work right away. From tightening up operations to boosting efficiency, Profit Tips focus on small, smart improvements that add up to meaningful gains.
Jonathan Davis — Reynolds & Reynolds
“For many customers, phone calls are the crucial first impression of your service drive. But if left on hold, 69% will hang up, and most won’t ever call back. Using AI tools to answer calls and schedule appointments could help your dealership capture more customers by ensuring every call gets answered on the first ring, 24/7.”
Ryan Riley — Proton Dealership IT
“Data breaches take place when cybersecurity becomes an afterthought. Find a way to turn training into something that engages your entire team. Everything goes better with a free lunch!”
Austin Poole — Gubagoo
“Data should power smarter decisions, not create confusion. If first-party data isn’t organized, connected, and fed back into core systems like the CRM, its value quickly breaks down. Establishing a single, reliable source of truth makes customer insights actionable across the dealership.”
Nyssa Frazer Shaw — Vitu
“Vitu encourages North Carolina dealers to utilize the state-approved online registration program and its digital document submission tools to expedite and expertly complete title and registration transactions for customers. The use of these systems reduces time-consuming errors, streamlines paperwork, prevents fee miscalculations and, most importantly, mitigates the potential for fraud. All of these issues impact a dealership’s profit.”
Stephen Tamburrino Jr. — Priority Payment Systems Local
“In today’s automotive industry, fee-eliminating programs such as surcharging and dual pricing have become the norm, and dealerships that embrace them the right way are seeing real bottom-line benefits. The key is to work with an automotive payment processor that prioritizes compliance, transparency and employee training. A compliant, well-structured program ensures your dealership stays protected while maximizing savings. Just as important, your team’s ability to clearly communicate the program to customers makes all the difference. When employees are confident explaining surcharging or dual pricing, customers have a smoother payment experience, and that translates directly into savings for your dealership.”
Joseph A. Freeman — Adolos Asset Management
“Dealers are masters at managing inventory and margins, but often keep too much wealth tied up in the business. Redirecting a portion of annual profits into a diversified portfolio can create balance, liquidity and long-term security for you and your family. The same discipline that drives your dealership’s success can also build personal financial independence — even in the most cyclical of industries.”
Julie O’Dwyer — Goree
“Say goodbye to the ordinary! Thoughtfully curated spaces turn your dealership into an experience. Try adding a signature photo-op spot, a memorable vehicle delivery area, or a hotel-worthy cafe to showcase your unique personality and leave customers with a lasting, share-worthy impression.”
Ron Sodoma — Dealer Driven Payments
“The average dealership loses six figures annually to card processing costs alone. Not because prices are wrong, but because their payment strategy is outdated. Dealers are now adopting surcharge and cash-discount pricing models to offset rising card fees while keeping vehicle and repair pricing unchanged. The fastest way to increase margin in 2026 may not be selling more cars; it may be fixing how you get paid.”
Michael Wasle — American Fidelity
“High turnover can disrupt your dealership’s success. Investing in structured onboarding and career development not only reduces attrition but also builds a stronger, more loyal team. A well-trained, engaged workforce is your best competitive advantage.”
Carol Wagoner — Gallagher
“Managing weight loss just got easier! GLP-1 drugs are now available in a pill for those who are needle-averse. While there is no clinical outcome differential between the shot and the pill, the pill is more cost-effective for group health plans, often one-third to half the cost of the injectable. If you are an employer who covers GLP-1 drugs, reach out to your carrier to see if you have flexibility in pushing participants from a needle to a pill. You could see a substantial drop in your costs.”
Steve Timberlake — ACV Auctions
“Buy as many vehicles as possible from consumers and wholesale those that do not meet your criteria. Do this by creating a consistent process to appraise each service vehicle using accurate market data to determine the right value, build consumer trust and make the right move for every car.”
Amberly Allen — Priority Commerce Automotive
“Many dealers worry that passing on credit card fees will hurt their CSI scores, but transparency is the key to keeping customers happy. By clearly communicating your payment policies and using a professional, compliant system, you can eliminate merchant fees without creating friction at the service desk. This allows you to protect your bottom line while staying focused on providing a great customer experience.”
