How do you differentiate your business from your competitors? We have built Chastang Ford around serving commercial fleet customers across a wide range of industries. While many dealers focus primarily on retail transactions, our approach is centered on long-term partnerships with businesses that depend on their vehicles every day. Our differentiation comes from execution — having the right truck inventory on the ground, a knowledgeable commercial sales team, the right parts in stock and a service operation designed to minimize downtime. Just as important is clear, transparent communication so customers always know where their vehicle stands. Our employees stay because we value them, which provides our customers with consistency, experience and trust. I also believe strongly in accountability — our customers have my cell phone number because I want them to know we stand behind our commitments. What is the most difficult part of your job? My responsibility is to lead through change while protecting our culture, ensuring we adapt without losing sight of who we are. The most difficult part of my job is keeping pace with the constant changes in the industry and among manufacturers while ensuring we have the right people in place to execute at a high level. The commercial truck business continues to evolve rapidly, and staying aligned while maintaining operational consistency is a daily challenge. Equally challenging is finding and developing people who not only have the skills to succeed but who also embrace The Chastang Way. Skills can be taught; values cannot. How does ATD help you run your business? ATD creates valuable opportunities to learn from other truck dealers across the country, allowing us to benchmark performance and share best practices. Just as importantly, ATD serves as a strong voice for dealers at the national level, ensuring our perspectives are represented as the industry evolves. ATD also plays an important role in helping us navigate an increasingly complex industry through advocacy, education and peer collaboration. The insights ATD provides on manufacturer policies, regulatory changes and market trends help us make informed decisions and plan for the future. Why do you believe you were nominated for the ATD Truck Dealer of the Year Award? Honestly, I am honored and humbled by the nomination. There are many outstanding truck dealers across the country, and I do not view myself as more deserving than others. If I had to reflect on why I may have been nominated, I believe it comes down to consistency and commitment — to our people, our customers and our community. I genuinely enjoy being in the store and working behind the scenes to create an environment where employees can succeed and take great care of our customers. Any success we’ve had is the result of a strong team that embraces our values and takes pride in serving others. This nomination reflects their efforts more than any individual accomplishment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent them. This article was originally published on www.truckpartsandservice.com and is reprinted here with permission. DEALERS’ CHOICE 18
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