Insider View
Constellation gives us the autonomy to develop and evolve our own vision and mission. They understand that we are in the best position to know what our goals should be and what we should be striving for. This freedom allows us to stay true to our core values and pursue the objectives that are most relevant to our business and industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the dealership industry, and how did it lead to your current role as General Manager of IDS?
My journey with Constellation began in 2016 as the Director of Customer Services for IDS. Over the next four years, I worked closely with our teams to ensure an exceptional customer experience. This involved direct engagement with dealers to understand their challenges and address them head-on. With IDS’s 30-year background in helping dealers operate their businesses, I was honored to be chosen to lead the IDS team in 2020.
What are some key lessons or insights you've gained from leading IDS?
One key lesson I've learned from leading IDS is that simplicity is crucial. Dealers are incredibly busy, so while we have a wealth of valuable metrics, it's essential to simplify and distill this information into digestible pieces. By presenting concise and relevant insights, we can help dealers make informed business decisions more efficiently.
In your view, what are the benefits of joining Constellation Dealer Group for a dealer software business?
One of the most significant benefits of joining Constellation Dealer Group is our decentralized structure. This unique setup allows you to manage your business independently, preserving your unique identity and operational freedom. At the same time, you can tap into the wealth of best practices that Constellation has accumulated over 25 years, enhancing your business's potential for success.
We strive to provide a work environment where staff can thrive, feel challenged, develop their skills, and excel. This commitment to personal growth is a significant reason why IDS can experiment and try new things and be at the forefront of industry advancements. We value our team members and their contributions, and this belief is at the core of our company culture.
How has IDS's approach to innovation and product development evolved since joining Constellation Dealer Group?
You can count on IDS to prioritize the needs of our dealers with a 'Dealer first' approach. Instead of focusing solely on technology, we spend significant time with dealers, understanding their daily operations and identifying challenges that affect their workflow. By doing so, our development efforts are aimed at creating technology solutions that are customized to their needs. We recognize that it's the users, not just the technology, that can truly make a difference.
How does IDS maintain its unique identity while being part of a larger organization?
Constellation gives us the autonomy to develop and evolve our own vision and mission. They understand that we are in the best position to know what our goals should be and what we should be striving for. This freedom allows us to stay true to our core values and pursue the objectives that are most relevant to our business and industry. So, while we enjoy the advantages of being part of Constellation, we still have the independence to chart our own course and maintain the culture and values that make IDS special.
What does the future hold for IDS as part of Constellation Dealer Group, and why is it a promising prospect for similar businesses considering this path?
Looking ahead, we will continue to put our customers at the center of everything we do. As part of the Constellation Dealer Group, IDS benefits from a wealth of shared knowledge and resources, allowing us to invest and develop innovative solutions that meet dealers’ evolving needs. This makes it a highly advantageous path for similar businesses looking to be a part of a collaborative network that prioritizes long-term, quality growth.
How has being part of Constellation Dealer Group benefitted professional growth and opportunities for IDS employees?
Personally, I’ve benefited from Constellation Academy, which brings together people from different businesses within Constellation to share best practices. It allowed me to build a network of peers and mentors whom I can call upon to bounce ideas off or seek advice.
Whenever our employees attend the Academy, I always advise them to come back with at least five contacts they plan to keep in touch with to form their own peer group. Additionally, there are professional development opportunities, such as training and certifications, which they can leverage in their core functions.
What advice would you give to business owners in the dealer industry who are thinking of selling?
Deciding whether to sell your business and to whom can be daunting. While the financial aspect is crucial, my advice would be to first identify what’s most important to you.
Do you want your brand and legacy to continue? This could mean ensuring that your business retains the unique identity you have worked hard to build over the years and finding a buyer who views your business as a "forever home" rather than a short-term investment.
What’s the buyer’s philosophy on taking care of customers? Similarly, what’s the buyer’s philosophy on taking care of your employees? It’s important that their approach aligns with your values. If you can, speak with other business owners who have sold their businesses to potential buyers. Their experiences will give you insight into what to expect.
