Making Magic for Customers and Employees at Patriot Auto Group
Watch – David Shoemaker with Patriot Auto Group
THE CHALLENGE
Patriot Auto Group faced several critical challenges that hindered operational efficiency and profitability. These included difficulties in inventory management, pricing, and vehicle acquisition. The dealership sought a comprehensive, mobile-friendly solution to consolidate operations, provide actionable data, and improve productivity across all levels of staff.
“You guys should be called magic makers”
– David Shoemaker, General Manager, Patriot Acura & Patriot Subaru
THE SOLUTION: Utilizing VINCUE End-to-End Inventory Management
Patriot Auto Group implemented the VINCUE end-to-end inventory management platform to address these pain points. Innovative tools—including mobile capabilities, vehicle buying center (VBC) solutions, robust reporting, and comprehensive data—provided the dealership with a streamlined and data-driven approach to inventory management, pricing, and vehicle acquisition.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS |
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| Consolidated Operations Patriot Auto Group transitioned from multiple vendors to the VINCUE unified platform. David Shoemaker, General Manager and Magic Maker, emphasized the importance of having reporting, appraisal, and buying tools in one system. This consolidation made the platform easier to use for sales managers and staff alike. |
| Mobile Accessibility The VINCUE mobile app played a critical role in enhancing day-to-day operations. Salespeople and managers could use the app to scan vehicles, take photos, and provide customers with accurate appraisals in real-time. This transparency built trust with customers by showing them how car values were determined based on data rather than subjective opinions. |
| Streamlined Training Onboarding new employees became more efficient with VINCUE intuitive tools and processes. Shoemaker noted that training an associate on doing an appraisal could take as little as one week, depending on the employee’s learning pace. The focus on understanding the data and metrics behind pricing decisions helped staff quickly adapt to the system. |
| Dedicated Performance Management VINCUE performance managers actively engage with the dealership, offering tailored recommendations and ongoing support. This proactive approach ensured Patriot Auto Group fully utilized the platform’s capabilities, providing feedback to drive continuous improvement to VINCUE and stronger results for the dealership. |
| Dealer-Requested Enhancements Shoemaker shared how VINCUE demonstrated agility and responsiveness by implementing requested features like improved reporting systems and dashboards within just a few months. He described the ability for VINCUE to adapt and innovate as “impressive,” highlighting the strong partnership between the dealership and VINCUE. |
| Results |
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| Improved Efficiency and Productivity: VINCUE enabled Patriot Auto Group to do more in less time. Tasks like pricing and re-pricing vehicles, which previously required managerial oversight, could now be handled by administrative staff using data-driven processes. This reduced overhead and improved operational efficiency. |
| Enhanced Vehicle Acquisition: The dealership saw significant growth in vehicle acquisition. Monthly purchases from private sellers increased from 5-6 vehicles to 30-40 vehicles, thanks to the implementation of the VINCUE Vehicle Buying Center. This shift allowed Patriot Auto Group to maintain a robust inventory without relying on auctions. |
| Higher Trade-In Ratios: Trade-in percentages improved from 48-50% to nearly 60%, reflecting the platform’s effectiveness in facilitating better deals for customers and the dealership alike. |
| Scalable Inventory Management: Patriot Auto Group now maintains an inventory of approximately 180 used vehicles across two locations. Shoemaker highlighted that the Acura store achieved a 2:1 used-to-new sales ratio, while the Subaru store maintained a 2:1 new-to-used ratio, showcasing the flexibility and scalability of the VINCUE tool set. |
DEALER INSIGHTS
- Trust in Data and People: Shoemaker underscored the importance of trusting both the data provided by VINCUE and the people interpreting it. “It’s not about feelings anymore; it’s about facts,” he said, emphasizing a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Ease of Transition: The onboarding process was seamless, with only minor integration hiccups that were quickly resolved by VINCUE’s responsive team. Shoemaker praised the performance managers for their dedication and honest feedback, which ensured the dealership leveraged the platform to its fullest potential.
- Collaborative Innovation: Shoemaker noted that VINCUE’s ability to adapt to dealer feedback was a game-changer. “You guys should be called the Magic Makers,” he said, reflecting on how quickly and effectively VINCUE implemented requested changes.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
| Patriot Auto Group continues to optimize its operations with VINCUE tools, focusing on: |
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| Expanding Vehicle Acquisition: With the VBC’s success, the dealership plans to further scale its private vehicle buying initiatives. |
| Continuous Training and Development: Ongoing education for staff ensures they remain proficient in using VINCUE features effectively. |
| Strengthening Vendor Partnerships: Shoemaker values the collaborative relationship with VINCUE, describing it as “a refreshing change of pace” that fosters mutual growth. |
CONCLUSION
Patriot Auto Group’s adoption of VINCUE has transformed its operations, enabling the dealership to achieve greater efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. By integrating data-driven tools with a mobile-first approach, VINCUE has empowered Patriot Auto Group to remain competitive and adaptable in a dynamic automotive market.
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