Scottsdale, Ariz. — The Automotive Dealership Institute (ADI) recently held the first of its dealership-exclusive workshops. The packed workshop was led by dealership consultant and ADI professor Rebecca D. Chernek. Dr. Robert W. Serum, former vice president of academics and international programs at Northwood University and recipient of the 2007 Automotive Education Excellence Award, was among those in attendance, along with his wife, Dr. Camella Serum. They were joined by the associate publisher of F&I Management and Technology magazine and Special Finance magazine, David Gesualdo. Other attendees included finance directors, finance managers, sales managers and general agents from across the country.

“The automotive industry is evolving so quickly, it’s more important than ever for dealers to employ the most up-to-date methods available,” says Gesualdo. “This means refreshing and updating the education of dealership personnel, from upper management to sales personnel on the floor.”

This workshop is the result of the recent professional alliance between ADI and Chernek Consulting Inc., a dealership consultation company. “It’s been a great experience working with Ms. Chernek and CCI,” says Alan Algan, executive director and CEO of ADI. “In fact, Becky facilitates all of ADI’s in-store dealership consulting.”

The first day concentrated on interdepartmental cooperation, especially the transition between the sales and finance departments. Day two focused on the customer interview process, when the finance manager establishes rapport with the customer. On the third day, participants honed their menu presentation techniques, which can significantly increase their customer acceptance ratio.

“The goal,” says Chernek, “is to teach dealers to minimize liability while maximizing profits both in the front and back end.”

Throughout the entire workshop, the focus was training dealership personnel to create consistent, effective dealership operations. At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on ethically practicing these new techniques. “It was a real world atmosphere,” reports Finance Director Sandra Parks of Green’s Toyota in Lexington, Ky. “The interaction and exchange of viewpoints between Ms. Chernek and the attendees was incredibly valuable.”

Due to the overwhelming response, ADI has announced the next dealership-exclusive workshop, Closing Tools & Increasing F&I Revenue, will take place May 20-22, 2008. Seating will be limited, so early registration is recommended. For more information, visit http://www.autodealerinstitute.com/auto-dealership-workshops.php.