Mickey Seelye is the operator and president of Seelye Automotive Group, which includes elite dealerships such as Seely Ford in Kalamazoo, Seelye Kia Battle Creek, and Seelye Truck Center of Pawpaw. Known for their exceptional customer service and unique corporate culture, Mickey's leadership is deeply rooted in values of character, integrity, and faith.

Stan Qualls is the general manager at Seelye Automotive Group. His journey from a salesperson to a key leadership role showcases his dedication to transforming the organization with a foundation of strong moral principles and a commitment to serving both customers and employees with the heart of God.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

Both Mickey and Stan Qualls talk about how their faith guides their leadership and creates a unique work environment where values and integrity are paramount. They candidly share the daily challenges they face in the automotive industry and how their faith helps them navigate these obstacles while maintaining a focus on serving others.

We also explore the importance of authentic leadership and building genuine relationships within the workplace. Mickey and Stan highlight the necessity of trust and support among team members, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and understood. They discuss the importance of taking time to engage with their managers about non-business-related issues, building a safe and encouraging environment that prioritizes the well-being of their staff.

Stan opens up about his personal faith journey, recounting how a profound personal tragedy brought him closer to Jesus and shaped his approach to leadership. His story underscores the transformative power of faith in overcoming life's challenges and leading with empathy and understanding. Similarly, Mickey shares his leadership philosophy, emphasizing that true success is measured by the positive impact one has on others, rather than just financial performance.

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• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
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Connect with Mickey Seeyle and Stan Quals

• Stan Qualls: squals@seelye.com
• Mickey Seelye: mickey@seelye.com

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

Ric Gregson has a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, spanning over 42 years. Known for his role as a performance group moderator for CDK, Ric has been a pivotal figure in guiding 20 groups across the nation. His extensive background with AutoNation and his expertise in sales processes and dealership management make him a revered figure in the industry.

What We Discuss In This Episode:

In this episode we dive into the heart of effective leadership within the automotive industry, exploring how leaders can navigate both challenging and prosperous times. Ric shares his invaluable insights on the current state of dealership leadership, particularly in the face of economic fluctuations and technological advancements. He emphasizes that these challenges offer unique opportunities for leaders to test their capabilities and grow stronger.

We begin by discussing the critical role of leadership training in dealerships. Ric points out a common pitfall in the industry: promoting top-performing salespeople to managerial positions without equipping them with the necessary leadership skills. He underscores the importance of continuous development, stating, "We hire great salespeople and promote them to managers, but often, they lack the essential skills to lead people." This conversation highlights the gap in leadership training and its impact on employee turnover and overall dealership performance.

Another significant topic we explore is the distinction between training and coaching. Ric passionately explains that while training is crucial, real performance improvements are achieved through effective coaching. "Training is essential, but coaching is where real performance changes happen," he notes.

Ric and I explore how developing strong leaders not only improves business outcomes but also enhances the personal and professional lives of team members.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Ric Gregson

• Phone: 954-850-3341
• Email: gregsonrick@yahoo.com

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

Chad Staples is the President of Elevation Dealer Services, a leading automotive F&I products agency. With over six years in retail and more than nine years working for administrators and running a large agency, Chad has collaborated with over 500 stores, gaining invaluable insights into dealership operations. His focus on dealer processes, income development, training, recruiting, reinsurance, and customization of various F&I products makes him a sought-after expert in the field.

What We Discuss In This Episode

Chad Staples and I discuss the intricate workings of the automobile industry, focusing on how to optimize dealership operations and overcome common challenges. We discuss the pervasive issue of corporate bloat, which Chad describes as a significant barrier to efficiency and dealer success. By reducing unnecessary overheads and focusing on what truly benefits the dealer, we explore strategies to enhance performance and foster a more productive working environment.

A significant portion of our conversation is dedicated to leadership and the role of emotional intelligence in fostering a positive company culture. Chad opens up about his personal journey, reflecting on his struggles with insecurity and ego during his early career. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-awareness, crucial components of emotional intelligence, in becoming an effective leader.

We also dive into the four components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, discussing how these elements have shaped Chad's leadership style and contributed to his success.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

1. Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
2. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Chad Staples

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-staples-42599915/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevationds/

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching