Dealer.com Acquires hearforward to Expand Social Media Services
The online marketing firm expects to beef up its social media offerings with its acquisition of hearforward on Aug. 17. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Dealer.com, global online marketing solution, has acquired selected assets of Hurley and Frank Industries Inc. (dba hearforward), a Burlington-based firm that develops, executes and measures social media promotional campaigns. The acquisition closed on Aug. 17. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Hearforward's talented and creative team leverages deep knowledge of the direct marketing and social media space to help its clients develop, launch and execute successful social media campaigns. With a data-first approach, the company is able to measure and tune its clients' campaigns to maximize the reach of their message and deliver unprecedented insight into the return on their investment. Hearforward has worked with several renowned and global brands including Pepsi, National Hockey League, Green Mountain Coffee, Seventh Generation and King Arthur Flour.
"This strategic acquisition supports our commitment to helping our clients leverage social media to run their dealerships more profitably, while enhancing customer engagement at the same time," said Rick Gibbs, president and chief technology officer of Dealer.com. "The hearforward team's experience developing highly successful and effective social media campaigns is demonstrated by their work with some of the world's most respected brands, and we are excited to bring this expertise in-house to help deliver similar value to our automotive customers."
As part of the transaction, Sean Hurley, partner and CEO at hearforward, will join Dealer.com as director of social and marketing analytics.
More F&I
Sell Value, Build Trust
In this video, Trent White explains why selling on value, not fear, builds lasting customer trust, reduces cancellations, and drives long-term success.
Read More →
F&I Sales Give Dealers First-Half Lift
Product business shored up total profits to avoid an overall revenue tanking as product penetrations held steady, StoneEagle reported.
Read More →
Targeted Training Drives Results
Today’s technology, instead of threatening F&I managers, can actually make them better, according to an industry veteran who’s watched market setbacks roil the unprepared.
Read More →
Double the Change, Double the Chance
When an F&I manager gets a customer refusal, it’s a wise move to tweak more than one thing in the product offering.
Read More →
Just Do It
F&I managers need training, but instead of resisting application or expecting perfection, they should improve by simply acting on what they learn.
Read More →
Dealer Lender Preferences Revealed
When lenders provide consistent, fast service, their overall satisfaction scores with dealers greatly improve, according to JD Power research.
Read More →
Leading with Purpose
In this video, Trent White explains how understanding your people’s 'why' is a key leadership responsibility of F&I professionals and how that mindset drives dealership engagement, trust and performance.
Read More →
Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →