Returning home after a long day at work can feel like stepping into a different world, one filled with either the triumphs of success or the weight of defeat. We open up about our personal experiences managing the complexities of running a family business while ensuring those emotions don’t cross into our family time. You'll walk away with practical strategies for maintaining positivity in your home, even when your workday feels like a battlefield. Plus, we share insights into boosting business revenue through innovative expense evaluations and self-performance techniques.

Navigating the thin line between personal and professional life is a challenge many face, and we are here to explore the nuances with you. Our discussion highlights the importance of drawing boundaries at work, balancing productivity with the occasional, yet valuable, personal interaction. Through personal anecdotes, we explore how different personalities maintain this balance. We recognize the importance of being present at work while appreciating the human connections that can enhance workplace cohesion.

Ever wondered how leaders mentally prepare for their daily challenges? We discuss the importance of setting boundaries to prioritize personal well-being and the significance of unplugging after work. You'll hear about our methods to maintain a work-life balance, such as listening to comedy during commutes and setting clear expectations with partners about sharing work events. We believe in supporting not just ourselves but also our employees in achieving harmony between their personal commitments and career demands. Join us as we explore strategies for fostering growth, accountability, and a supportive environment both at work and home.

Join us on a transformative journey into the world of business and automotive innovation with "Crossroad Conversations with the Lewis Brothers." Discover how to transform ambitious ideas into actionable business ventures, and learn from our collaborations with Dealer OMG, experts in digital and social marketing strategies. We'll also provide insights into the latest automotive trends, such as the benefits of plug-in hybrid vehicles like the 4xe Wrangler, which promise both efficiency and sustainability. Whether you're an entrepreneur at heart or simply a car enthusiast, this episode promises valuable insights and inspiration.

We explore the intricate dance between nurturing innovation and overcoming common business challenges. Understand the importance of a customer-centric approach and the pitfalls of being too rigid with initial plans. Through personal anecdotes and real-world examples, we lay out the necessity of flexibility and strategic planning. Hear about our ventures, learn from our missteps, and discover how being open to feedback and willing to pivot can lead to greater success. This rich discussion is packed with lessons on fostering collaboration and maintaining a dynamic environment that encourages growth and innovation.

Finally, we confront the human side of running a business—managing burnout and self-doubt, particularly within family-run enterprises. Get an inside look at the dynamics of working closely with family members and how mutual respect and clear communication can lead to a thriving business. We share our strategies for overcoming personal and professional challenges, emphasizing the value of proactive problem-solving and decision-making. This episode aims to inspire you to build successful businesses while maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being.

What if your business could navigate the digital marketing landscape more effectively, especially in a rapidly changing industry like automotive? Join us on Crossroads Conversations with the Lewis Brothers, where we explore how businesses can prepare themselves for increased demand and decide where to allocate their marketing resources wisely. Our partners at DealerOMG share game-changing insights into optimizing digital advertising, perfect for any budget, and discuss how businesses can transition from traditional to digital marketing strategies to capture and maintain customer engagement.

We'll guide you through the fascinating journeys of two marketing professionals who ventured into digital marketing from distinct backgrounds—radio and fashion merchandising. These personal stories illustrate the vast opportunities waiting in the digital world. Ashley and Andrew delve into how they founded DealerOMG, targeting the auto industry by leveraging existing customer data to shift from generic ads to personalized communications. Through strategic targeting and fostering long-lasting customer relationships, we uncover how dealerships can expand their reach and improve service retention rates through tailored marketing.

Discover how the creative aspects of marketing are evolving from old-school guerrilla tactics to innovative, data-driven techniques. While metrics like cost per lead are important, crafting engaging and memorable content that truly connects with audiences is paramount. We discuss the challenges of convincing dealership managers to adopt long-term social media strategies and the exciting potential of integrating AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse into marketing plans. Dive into the realm of social media platforms and learn how to harness these tools for maximum impact, ensuring your business stays ahead in a competitive digital age.

Curious about transforming your automotive business through strategic marketing and employee retention? Join us as Andrew and Ashley from DealerOMG share their winning formulas for success. Discover the power of targeted social media advertising and learn how investing in top talent can lead to long-term gains, even with initial costs. Gain insights into how standing out in a competitive market and building strong community ties can be the game-changer your business needs, with inspiration from standout local companies like Fayettechill.

Through the lens of our own podcasting journey, we explore how sharing stories and insights can build connections and enrich a family business legacy. Ashley Kilbarger brings her wealth of experience in the automotive industry to the table, highlighting innovative approaches to recruitment and retention. Our conversation reveals how effective communication and continuous learning can be fostered through storytelling, helping both new and established employees align with company values.

Experience the journey of creating spaces that prioritize both employee satisfaction and customer engagement. From climate-controlled workshops to inviting breakrooms, we discuss the thoughtful infrastructure that supports a thriving workplace culture. We also touch on the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a legacy business, emphasizing leadership's crucial role in adapting to growth while preserving core values. As we wrap up, we invite you to be part of the conversation, share your thoughts, and tune in for exciting future guests who will continue to enrich our exploration of the automotive industry.

We're celebrating a momentous occasion as we sit down with our father, Tim Lewis, to explore the roots of our family business. Being a third-generation business owner, Dad shares heartwarming stories of his childhood spent at the original dealership in downtown Fayetteville and its relocation to North College in 1969. These nostalgic memories offer insights into how growing up in this environment instilled in us the importance of learning from others and challenging ourselves, a legacy we continue to uphold in the automotive industry.

Discover the power of generational influence and continuous learning in shaping our family's success. We reminisce about the discovery of an old handwritten business plan that ignited a venture into the boat store industry, which later expanded into used cars. Motivational giants like Zig Ziglar inspired a culture of lifelong learning, evolving from cassette tapes to digital formats, benefiting both personal growth and team development. This chapter highlights how learning from industry experts has been pivotal in our journey of personal and professional evolution.

Join us as we recount some of the most imaginative and lively car dealership promotions from the early '70s, like giving away live ponies with the purchase of a Ford Pinto. From the "High Roller" monster truck excitement to the "Whale of a Sale" campaign with a massive bass tank, these stories are a testament to the creative marketing spirit that defined an era. We also explore the crucial role of recognizing and embracing individual strengths within a family business, and how supporting each other's passions fosters a harmonious and successful collaboration.

Transform your business challenges into opportunities for success! Join us as we dive into the world of family-run enterprises, where cultivating a problem-solving mindset is key. We promise you'll gain insights into empowering your team with solution-oriented attitudes, promoting a culture of accountability, and exploring the significance of clear communication. Real-world examples, like a service department's misstep, illustrate how proactive leadership can guide teams in identifying root causes instead of settling for quick fixes, fostering continuous improvement and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Discover how adaptability in leadership can revolutionize your company's operations. By focusing on cross-training and flexible management, we highlight strategies for maintaining quality and managing unexpected absences without compromising the customer experience. Learn how effective leadership and problem-solving skills can create a seamless operation, even in the face of challenges, and understand the vital role of teaching teams to become self-sufficient problem solvers. Our discussion underscores the importance of leaders stepping back to refine strategies, using direct feedback and insights to enhance organizational efficiency.

Lastly, unlock the secrets to creating "raving fans" through exceptional customer service. We explore the power of listening to feedback and adapting strategies to meet evolving expectations, turning challenges into opportunities for building stronger relationships. Whether through mentoring in sales or service roles, identifying opportunities within departments, or addressing customer issues with empathy, this episode lays out effective strategies for success. Witness how personal and professional growth can lead to lasting impressions and satisfied, loyal clients.

Ever wondered if ongoing workplace education is more than just a buzzword? Join us on Crossroads Conversations with the Lewis Brothers as we explore this provocative question and unravel the role of continuous training in professional triumphs. Listen in to discover how vocational and technical schools shape careers, and why foundational business and accounting knowledge is a game-changer, even for non-specialists. We promise you'll walk away with insights on whether a four-year degree holds more value than technical education and how these choices affect your career trajectory.

We dive into the heart of workplace culture and its power to transform employee experiences, especially in the automotive industry. Learn about the proximity principle and how your surroundings and the people in it fuel your growth. We'll share stories of how being in the right place can propel your professional journey, whether you're engaging in direct learning or soaking up knowledge from industry veterans. Leadership isn't about knowing it all; it's about empowering others and being resourceful, as we illustrate with real-life examples in fields like accounting and digital marketing.

The path to success isn't just about acquiring skills but creating an environment where continuous learning thrives. We explore the delicate dance of employee retention and training, and how even with razor-thin margins, investing in people can yield remarkable results. Discover the intricate balance of fostering a culture that encourages employees to grow internally, minimizing the allure of greener pastures. Whether you're a business owner or an aspiring leader, this episode offers a treasure trove of strategies to enhance your professional life and make an indelible impact.

Unlock the secrets to transforming your business with the power of effective communication. Learn how improving communication skills can set your business apart, as we explore why a staggering 87% of leaders fail to communicate effectively. We promise to provide you with actionable insights that can enhance your team's productivity, performance, and profitability. By sharing personal anecdotes from our own journey, including our experiences with workplace health initiatives and exciting events like the Beast of Burden, we illustrate the real-world impact of strong communication.

We dive into the importance of building a core group of communication catalysts within an organization to facilitate change and ensure clear messaging at all levels. Discover how understanding personality traits can help leaders communicate expectations more effectively, leading to better team alignment and customer satisfaction. Through examples like successful multi-layered communication strategies for events, we reveal the significance of a unified approach that reaches both internal teams and customers, leveraging tools like Slack and dedicated marketing channels.

Adaptability is key in today's business world, and we explore how tailoring communication to meet diverse customer and employee preferences can enhance efficiency and address roadblocks. Learn strategies to maximize profit through improved communication, from the use of visual aids to foster transparency, to the importance of maintaining trust in customer interactions. Join us for an engaging discussion on how communication can bolster sales, reduce expenses, and ultimately drive organizational success, building long-term relationships in competitive markets.