Beyond The First Pencil

Is Social Media Still Worth It for Car Dealers?

👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Social media isn’t dead—but it’s definitely not what it used to be. In this episode, we dig into the shifting landscape of social platforms and what it means for car dealers trying to stay visible and relevant. Is organic reach a thing of the past? Are paid ads worth the spend? Tune in as we break down what’s working, what’s not, and how to rethink your social media strategy before wasting another dollar—or minute—online. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - Rick Derringer & The Edgar Winter Group | The Midnight Special [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_XiMab-FPo] a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914] 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com

Ego: The Hidden Expense Killing Dealership Culture

👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 In this episode, we dig into one of the most overlooked threats to dealership performance: ego-driven leadership. From plummeting morale to costly turnover and stalled growth, unchecked egos can quietly drain profits and poison culture. We’ll explore how to recognize the signs, shift from control to collaboration, and build a team environment where respect—not ego—drives results. May 19th: Anniversary of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis’ death Doc series: American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden [https://www.netflix.com/title/81700898?source=35] 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com [kathi@krusecontrolinc.com] Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com [mikethecarguy@outlook.com]

Desktop is Not Dead (and other marketing musings)

👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Dealership marketers, buckle up—things are shifting again. A new study reveals that desktop usage is making a surprising comeback, throwing a wrench in mobile-first assumptions. Meanwhile, Meta’s unleashing AI bots on Facebook that want to "befriend" your customers (creepy, right?) Google's latest Business Profile update is cracking down on image uploads, and Instagram’s user experience? Let’s just say... it’s seen better days. In this episode, we unpack what these changes mean, how they could impact your store's digital visibility, and what to do next to stay ahead of the chaos. Twitter: Breaking The Bird [https://www.max.com/shows/twitter-breaking-the-bird/bb9ee94c-46b3-4a7f-a499-5fd97bf10c7d?utm_source=universal_search] documentary Cyndi Lauper Doc: Let The Canary Sing [https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.750fb82b-eaeb-48cd-bc47-cd7889c4e20c?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb] 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com [kathi@krusecontrolinc.com] Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com [mikethecarguy@outlook.com]

Likes Are Not Leads for Car Dealerships

👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Many dealerships pour time and money into chasing likes, comments, and shares — but what happens when all that engagement doesn't move a single unit? In this episode, we unpack the myth that social media popularity equals sales success. Learn why focusing on vanity metrics wastes resources and how to shift your strategy toward real-world results that actually drive dealership profitability. Then, we talk about how in times of uncertainty, hesitation is more dangerous than a wrong decision. We dive into why true leadership demands decisiveness, how delays can cost the dealership its momentum, and why clear direction — even in imperfect conditions — builds stronger teams and better results. Music+ segment: * HBO: White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones * Lemmy and Motorhead * (you are going to want to see this one) Cher and Gregg Allman [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVW-4Cr0zHc] “Love Me”  * SOSA Undercover [https://www.youtube.com/@sosaundercover] 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com [kathi@krusecontrolinc.com] Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com [mikethecarguy@outlook.com]

You Can’t Spell Tariffs Without FFS

👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Let’s talk about the scary stuff—aka uncertainty. If you’ve been in the car business for more than a minute, you’ve seen your share of storms. We’ve weathered recessions, inventory shortages, interest rate hikes—you name it. And we’ll get through this round too. But seriously... can someone hit pause on the madness? Now, here’s something that’s been on Kathi’s radar lately: dealers who desperately need accounting help—cleanups, compliance fixes, the works—but hesitate when it comes time to pay experienced professionals what they’re worth. It's like calling the fire department, then arguing about the water bill. 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here [https://www.krusecontrolinc.com/kruse-control-newsletter-subscription/]👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com [kathi@krusecontrolinc.com] Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com [mikethecarguy@outlook.com]