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
Ego: The Hidden Expense Killing Dealership Culture
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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In this episode, we dig into one of the most overlooked threats to dealership performance: ego-driven leadership. From plummeting morale to costly turnover and stalled growth, unchecked egos can quietly drain profits and poison culture. We’ll explore how to recognize the signs, shift from control to collaboration, and build a team environment where respect—not ego—drives results.
May 19th: Anniversary of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis’ death
Doc series: American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden
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Got a question? Email either of us!
Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com
Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com