November 22, 2022

For the first time in history, we have five generations in the workplace, which also means associations are juggling the interests, needs and communication styles of members whose ages span over a half-century. Each of these groups has been influenced by the socio-cultural events that took place during the formative years of their lifetimes, including how each generation views its financial needs, goals and communication preferences. A generation is defined as “a group of people born around the same time and raised around the same place. People in this birth cohort exhibit similar characteristics, preferences, and values over their lifetimes.”

One of the significant challenges of running any automotive dealership is moderating expenses. General managers and dealer principals are responsible for controlling many costs, including payroll, vehicle inventory, floorplan, and parts inventory. Monthly bills add up, and there is less revenue to put toward necessary resources. A major opportunity for expense control may be the dealership’s software stack.

While there are many considerations in running a thriving dealership, one of the most important – and often overlooked – is developing and maintaining a succession plan. A strategy that allows for the transfer of ownership to the next round of leaders – whether family members, a trusted partner or an outside buyer – will position you and your business for future success.

As we get closer to wrapping up 2022, it should come as no surprise by now that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) remains active in directing its attention toward dealerships across the country. Aside from the Motor Vehicles Trade Regulation Rule that is taking up most dealer attorneys’ attention as of late (as well as the National Automobile Dealers Association), another looming, and arguably just as important, regulation will come knocking at your showroom door come December 9th called the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act’s revised Safeguards Rule. They won’t be looking for candy.

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of Harold Mildenberger.
He will truly be missed by all.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the primary federal regulatory agency that oversees automotive retail – from the sale of new and used cars and trucks, to financing of vehicles, voluntary protection products (VPPs) like service contracts and GAP Waiver that protect their purchases, automotive service and repairs, as well as advertising and other aspects of the retail automotive business.

Think back to 2021 at the 107th MTADA Family Conference when we were all in Helena. During that event – and it was a blast – John Brueggeman from Vitu talked about a completely digital process for Dealer Title Only (DTO) transactions. That was a year and a half ago. But even back then, we all looked forward
to a new, faster and better way for DTO and other things. Vitu understood it. MTADA wanted it. As Montana Dealers,
I think the collective response was, “Give it to me now!”

The MTADA 108th Annual Family Convention was held June 9-11 in Billings, Montana. Attendees enjoyed networking, entertainment and a fun day of golf. A big thanks to our sponsors and presenters who made this convention one to remember. We hope to see you at our next event. To learn more, please visit www.mtada.com.

Fill vs. Fit for F&I
Sometimes, the urgent need to fill a position can result in a rushed – and less than perfect – hiring process for your dealership. This can have lasting consequences for your organization and culture. Ask yourself this: is it worth meeting a hiring deadline and then having to go through the process again if things don’t work out? No matter how critical the need, finding the right person should always be priority number one. That’s why, to improve your odds in recruiting and hiring the right fit for your dealership, it takes a village.

MTADA held its 5th Annual Trap Shoot on September 6 at the Helena Trap Club. Attendees enjoyed an evening of competitive fun, food and networking. A big thanks to our sponsor, VITU. We hope to see you at our next event. For more information, please visit www.mtada.com.

2005. MTADA offered no legislation regarding the Montana Dealer Law during the 2005 session. The session concluded with a favorable resolution of most of the bills of general interest to the business community that MTADA took an interest in. 2007. MTADA offered legislation to permit franchised dealers to display and sell new cars at out-of-county

R. J. “Jim” Sewell, Jr., a Deer Lodge native and fifth-generation Montanan, graduated from Carroll College in 1968 and served in the U.S. Navy in 1968 and 1969. He joined Smith Law Firm, P.C., in the private practice of law upon receiving his law degree from the University of Montana in June 1971 and acquired the firm in 1992. He began his automobile dealers’ legal work in the late 1970s and has been general counsel to the Montana Automobile Dealers Association since 2004. He was elected to the National Association of Dealer Counsel (NADC) board of directors in April 2015 and served as a board member for six years. In addition to the NADC, Sewell is a member of the State Bar of Montana and the National Association of Dealer Counsel. He is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of Montana, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

After graduating from high school – where he was voted “Most Likely to Be a Car Dealer” by his senior class – he attended Montana State University-Northern, where he received degrees in Autobody and Automotive Technology. He also has his real estate and broker’s licenses.

Winning Issue: https://montana-auto-dealer.thenewslinkgroup.org/pub-1-2021-issue-2/

ADS Of Montanawww.adsfi.com Ally Financialwww.ally.com Auto Auction of Montana/MTADAwww.autoauctionmt.com BMO Harris Bank N.A.www.bmoharris.com/main/personal Carbon Offset Companycarbonoffsetcompany.org Comply Autocomplyauto.com Cox Automotivewww.coxautoinc.com DAA Northwestmagauctions.com Dealer Development Systemsdealerdevelopment-inc.com Dealer Vaultwww.dealervault.com Dominion DMSwww.drivedominion.com EBMSwww.ebms.com Eide Bailly, LLPwww.eidebailly.com EMC Insurance Companywww.emcins.com Federated Insurancewww.federatedinsurance.com First Call Computer Solutionsfirstsolution.com First Interstate Bank (Billings)www.firstinterstatebank.com First Security Bank Helenawww.ourbank.com GP Capital Partners, LLCwww.gpcapital.com It

The past couple of years have been interesting for auto dealerships. From the COVID-19 pandemic to inventory constraints to global supply chain issues, we have all had to adapt, regroup and change our ways of dealing with issues. But we’ve taken these issues head-on and dealt with them with dignity, grace and the camaraderie that exists within the auto industry. With all that said, not wanting to ask, “What’s next?” doesn’t seem so unreasonable. But whatever does happen next, I’m certain the MTADA will see it through, and with grateful hearts.