How can car dealerships innovate while maintaining customer trust?
Cliff Cummings shares his journey from college golfer to owning multiple Toyota and Subaru dealerships across California. He traces his path from selling cars in Virginia to transforming underperforming dealerships into high-volume operations.
The conversation explores how Cliff's dealerships differentiate themselves through long-term employee relationships and community involvement. He discusses navigating industry changes, from inventory challenges during COVID-19 to evolving customer expectations about the car-buying experience.
The discussion concludes with his perspective on dealership operations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and efficiency in sales processes while maintaining personal connections with customers.
Key people who shaped Cliff's business approach:
Irving Newsome - His first employer at a Toyota dealership who supported young athletes and gave him flexibility to pursue golf while learning the car business
Bob McCurry - Former Toyota executive who recognized Cliff's talent and advised him to focus on cars over golf: "You're one hell of a golfer, but you're a better car guy"
Clint McGee - Early mentor who taught him fundamental sales principles like "if the first 10 words are wrong, the next 10,000 don't matter"
Long-term employees - Including his assistant since 1983 who has helped shape the business culture
Don't miss this engaging discussion with an automotive industry veteran who built thriving dealerships through employee development, community engagement, and ethical business practices.
References:
Email: ccummings@toyotasb.com
Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency
https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/
Transcript | Trust and Transparency: Cliff Cummings' Business Model
Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency
