Digital Dealer - December 2017 - 29

I'VE WORKED HARD TO CONTINUE WHAT MY
FATHER STARTED, IN TERMS OF TREATING OUR
EMPLOYEES VERY WELL, BEING THANKFUL FOR
WHAT THEY DO AND LETTING THEM KNOW THAT."
CRM system, which is VIN Solutions. It's what we use to build up
our digital footprint, including our
email database.

LET'S SHIFT TO PRODUCTS.
BOWMAN RECEIVED ITS
FIRST BOLT EVS LAST
MONTH. ARE YOU SEEING AN
INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR
ELECTRIC VEHICLES?

We're seeing an increase in interest in electric vehicles and some
demand, as well. The Bolt EV has
drawn a lot of interest in our showroom. I believe in electric vehicles,
am excited about the technology
and think GM has done a great job
in being a leader in the industry
when it comes to giving consumers
more electric vehicle choices.
In addition to the Bolt EV, I
think the Volt is amazing, offering
a battery-driven car with a gas
backup. It gives the customer the
freedom to go on a long trip and
still have the capability to use electric when driving closer to home.
Our Volt customer base loves their
vehicle. They repeatedly get a new
Volt when they come in to get a
new car. They are truly passionate.
I'd say, on average, they get about
200 miles per gallon. They have
clubs where they watch the mileage
they're getting and try to beat each
other out. I think EVs will be here
in great numbers sooner than we
think, especially with the competitive companies going after the
future of what we'll be driving.

WHAT SEPARATES YOUR
DEALERSHIP FROM THE
PACK?

I'd say it's our team. I've worked
hard to continue what my father
started, in terms of treating our
employees very well, being thankful
for what they do and letting them

know that. Since I took over, I've
worked very hard to make sure we
stay involved in our community.
We support four main charities that
we've been involved with since my
dad started the dealership. SCAMP,
a special needs camp based here in
Clarkston. I have a younger sister
who was a camper there, and she
now works in the dealership. My
parents were involved in SCAMP
even before the dealership. We also
support Easter Seals, Clarkston
Area Youth Assistance (CAYA), and
My Habitat Clarkston, which is a
local branch of Habitat for Humanity.
Those four are the biggest
charities we contribute to, but,
quite frankly, we write checks every
month to Little League teams and
soccer teams and hockey leagues.
Causes that our customers come in
and ask us to support and we rarely
say no. We've expanded that to be
more boots on the ground in helping where and when we can. I really
think that community involvement
and our team all marching in the
same direction, working toward a
common goal every day of giving
our customers the best customer
experience, make us stand out.
Also, the great products from the
Chevrolet lineup are easy to sell.
We're very fortunate to have those
products.
But if I had to summarize what
makes us stand out, I'd say we're
passionate about the customer experience and our local community.
I think the more people can learn
about the many ways a dealership
gives back to the local community
is a good part of the story.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR
BOWMAN CHEVROLET IN,
SAY, THE NEXT FIVE TO TEN

YEARS?

I plan on continuing our growth
and doing it in a way that we
manage that growth and still provide our customers with the best
experience.
Bowman Auto Group today
includes Bowman Chevrolet, which
sells new, used and commercial
products. We're continuing to grow
our commercial truck business and
provide options for our business
customers. In 2013, we opened
Bowman Auto Center, which
includes used-car sales, houses our
body shop and prep department,
and in 2014 we added Isuzu Commercial Truck.
In five to 10 years, I hope to continue to expand, grow our sales and
possibly add another franchise.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST
ABOUT WORKING IN THE
AUTO RETAIL INDUSTRY?

That's a good question. I like how
each day brings a different challenge, and that there are five businesses or more within one rooftop.
You have new car, used car, parts,
service, body shop, and I think
of the accounting department as
another business because it brings
all the other departments together.
I have always enjoyed the financial
side of the business, analyzing our
statements, looking for opportunities, improving processes.
Ultimately, helping our employees and our customers have a good
experience. I really like helping
customers find the right vehicle for
their lifestyle. We are not a pushy
sales place. We view ourselves as a
partner of our customer, and I just
love it when I hear a customer say
the car they bought from us was
perfect for their life. ■

D I G I TA L D E A L E R . C O M

DECEMBER 2017

http://www.DIGITALDEALER.COM

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