DealersEdge Professional Forums

I was hopping to get a little advice.I've been working at the same dealership for close to nineteen years.My current posistion is service manager,but there is a service director above me.The problem is I'm doing everything in the department from writing to payroll to shopforeman to customer resolution.The director comes in about nine shakes everybodys hand and is not seen untill it's time to leave.Everybody in the service department comments that I'm the one running the show.My problem is I'm not making the money I feel I'm worth and the new owner has no clue what's going on and I'm not the type to go running to his office.I want to move on but being in the same place for nineteen years and having a family to provide for is making me stay.What should I do?

So much depends on the situation, I am not sure anyone can give you absolute advice.

Most of the time when I see the situation you are in it is because the SD was a long-term loyal employee that the dealer wanted to just keep around until retirement. It is tough to fault loyalty on both sides - actually it is kind of refreshing in some way.

That being said, the person must add some value to the organization - whether it is for the service department or not. I know many SD's in this role who are really the dealer's right hand man as far as all operations - not just running service.

But if his salary is draining the service salary pool - then you have to say something in you honest feelings.

Personally, I would tell the new dealer that you're torn because you feel that you've maxed out in your ability to earn at this store and what his/her thoughts on way to add a deep end to that salary pool.



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** Rob, Editor WD&S **
Help is only a message post away!
robc@dealersedge.com

YOUR COMPLAIN IS A COMMON ONE IN CAR DEALERS
THE ONLY WAY TO EFFECT CHANGE IS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, YOU NEED TO DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR OWNER AND TELL HIM WHAT YOU SEE
IF HE IS LOOKING AT HIS BOTTOM LINE IT CAN ONLY HELP YOU
BELIEVE ME UNLESS YOU TAKE CREDIT FOR THE JOB YOU DO THINGS WILL STAY THE SAME

I agree with Rob on this, so much is dependent on the internal structure of your store. I played second fiddle for a number of years, much the same as your situation. I talked to the principal about it. I waited and it has paid off. I am now the one that shakes hands and am in my office most of the day.
One thing you may be over looking is the other tasks that might be involved with being a director, whether a service director or a fixed operations director or a parts and service director. For any stores' fixed operations to run smoothly there needs to be someone to keep everything on track and running smoothly. There is a lot that should go on behind the scenes.
If you are working for a good store I strongly recommend you talk to your dealer. Express your loyalty to him and your concern for your future. Most principals are there to make money and realize that fixed operations provides the dollars to keep everything else going.

been with my dealer for 18 years, and my only advise is to talk to the dealer and tell them how you really see things. If you've been there that long i can only assume that it is more than the job that kept you there,and if you plan to stay and grow with your company you've gotta do what is right. NO FREE RIDES.

This may be a backward way of doing it.

Do you have a job description for all your employees under you? If not, create them and use them for performance standards and review. It's something you should have anyway. Review and show the dealer them and expecially when it time for raises, and create one for you, too. Everyone should have one.

He might see the light and see who is doing what, that they are responsible and start thinking about what other in the dealership are doing--or not doing to provide profit to the bottom line.

As a field traveller, I've had the privelage of visiting many dealers and speaking with many principles/owners. One thing that I consistently hear from these gentlemen is that they don't know the inside story unless you tell it. I'm not one to be running to the office as well, but, you need to communicate to be heard. And, it will be a lot more sincere coming from the horses mouth than a gossiping clerk from the business office.
Good Luck!

E

Rather odd, but I was thinking the excact same thing lately sp3925. The only difference I see in my situation is I am the service director AND service manager. I get involved in parts and body shop when it comes to upset customers, internal issues, and advice on procedures or problems. I also provide tech assist for the techs, write ro's when needed, repair cars when needed, warranty reconciliation, and pretty much every other service job you can think of. Oh and in my spare time I am the IT guy, the alarm guy, the key trak guy, the find lost keys/plates guy, teh payroll clerk,....well I think you get the picture. I was able to actually finish my lunch today, in between questions from 3 different people, which is highly unusual to even get a chance to order lunch never mind eat it. I take work home at night and on the weekends, I work Saturday when the fixed ops are closed, and I am usually called a minimum of once every weekend on this fantastic nextel thing I have come to hate. Unfortunately it is also my personal cell phone so I can't shut it off. I have been seriously thinking about going upstairs to voice my concerns and ask for an increase which I have not had in 3 1/2 years even though my duties and responsabilities have increased 10 fold. After seeing this post I no longer feel alone but I will be talking to the owner. I really enjoy working here but it is just getting a little too much for what I see on payday. Sorry for the novel but I wanted to make sure I covered it all. I'm sure I left something out. sp3925, I'll keep you informed how I make out. If you want to talk a little more detail feel free to email me.

There's no reason for anyone to have that much on their plate. From a dealer's stand point why would they want all their eggs in one basket. Why would the dealer want it to get to that point? Hire someone or delegate to take the load off you - stand up and say it is too much.

I don't get it, why would someone take on something that forces them to work 60 hours a week unless you owned a piece of it, or it was temporary thing to get over a rough spot.

I just think in today's market, if you shop is busy and you're priced right, there should be plenty of money to make sure things get done without putting in 60 hour weeks.

newcardlr, can we come work for you?