ANTHONY MICHLIG Title: Platform Manager Company: Butte Auto Group NADA Graduation Date: November 2021 — Graduating Class 379 How did you get into the industry? After studying business communications in Western Montana, I took my first job as a salesperson at a local Chevrolet dealership. I immediately knew that I was in the right business! I moved on to larger dealer groups in multiple cities and excelled in sales, finance and desking. I learned each position and gravitated toward the entire operation versus one position. I have always been good with people and loved new cars, so it was a match! I became the Platform Manager for Butte Auto Group in 2019 and haven’t looked back! Why did you decide to attend the NADA Academy? I have always sought to learn from successful peers in our industry, and the NADA Academy is an organization that has taken decades of industry experience that far outweighs what any single organization or 20 Group could offer. I manage four new car dealerships, and I needed a blueprint for success. I am a leader that promotes the “always learning” motto within my organizations. When any employee seeks more knowledge, I always facilitate it happening, and this opportunity for me was no different. The Academy would became my master’s class for successfully running four dealerships. Please share one of the key takeaways you learned from the academy. While specific takeaways from the academy may vary depending on the individual and their role within the industry, one takeaway for me from NADA Academy is a deep understanding of the fundamentals and best practices of running a successful automotive dealership. They key in on customer-centricity. The program emphasizes the significance of building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, understanding their needs and preferences, and providing exceptional customer service. I also really enjoyed the information and tools that emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and adapting to changes in the industry. I learned about emerging trends, technology advancements and evolving customer expectations. The Academy provided insights into strategies for staying competitive in a rapidly changing market and managing various aspects of dealership operations, including sales, marketing, finance, parts and service. Do you have any advice for your peers that might be considering going to the NADA Academy? Any time I seek to learn and grow in the industry, I set clear goals. Whether it’s improving your skills in a particular area or gaining a comprehensive understanding of dealership operations, having clear goals will help you make the most of your time at the academy. I strive to be open-minded to what I do not know instead of closing myself off to new information. I would also attempt to be fully engaged. There are many opportunities in workshops, discussions and networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and learn from their insights. What really cemented what I was learning was applying the knowledge and skills in real time! 23
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