Beyond The First Pencil
Beyond The First Pencil is where dealership operations meet financial reality.
Hosted by Kathi Kruse, of Kruse Control and Automotive CFO-To-Go™, this podcast is for dealers, OEMs, GMs, and controllers who want more than surface-level advice. You’ll get straight talk on financial statements, internal controls, cash flow, and the operational gaps that quietly erode profit.
From gross to net, from process to profit, each episode delivers real-world insights on how dealerships actually make money… and where they lose it.
Because selling cars is one thing. Keeping the profit is another.
Beyond The First Pencil
Likes Are Not Leads for Car Dealerships
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Many dealerships pour time and money into chasing likes, comments, and shares — but what happens when all that engagement doesn't move a single unit? In this episode, we unpack the myth that social media popularity equals sales success. Learn why focusing on vanity metrics wastes resources and how to shift your strategy toward real-world results that actually drive dealership profitability.
Then, we talk about how in times of uncertainty, hesitation is more dangerous than a wrong decision. We dive into why true leadership demands decisiveness, how delays can cost the dealership its momentum, and why clear direction — even in imperfect conditions — builds stronger teams and better results.
Music+ segment:
- HBO: White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones
- Lemmy and Motorhead
- (you are going to want to see this one) Cher and Gregg Allman “Love Me”
- SOSA Undercover
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Got a question? Email either of us!
Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com
Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com