My wife came over and handed me the latest version of HOG Magazine, and said we should do this for your 50th birthday. So I picked up the magazine and started to read about a quest to ride 
in 50 states in 50 days on your 50th birthday. What a great idea for a ride, my instant reaction was I need a new touring bike before I turn 50. I would never make it with my current bike.
My mind started racing about the possibilities where would I start what would I want to see. I few minutes into this dream, I started thinking practically. Would I be able to take that much time off from work? The concept of taking that much time off or leaving a 
business alone for that long is really unheard of. It would take an exceptional management team to make me feel comfortable to take that much time off from a business that I owned.
I would like to hear from the dealer community and see who has put in place an exceptional management team, and who feels that they could take an extended amount of time away from their business. Where would you go? Who would you take with you? Please share your stories, and who knows we could be headed out on a journey soon.
Joe Weinstein is the National Product Manager, Manheim Specialty and Heavy Truck & Equipment Auctions
I was reading an article in RV Executive Today written by Jeff Sellers that reminded me of my first experience of buying a motorcycle. The article talked about the sales, F&I, Service and parts profit centers and how they should function as a team in the overall success of the organization.
When we finally decided on our bike, our sales person personally walked us through the entire dealership. First we met the customization manager, where we found out what our options were available to personalize our bike and make it feel like our own bike. Then we walked over to the motor clothes manager, and he made sure we had the right gear to enjoy our new toy. Our next stop on the tour was the service department, where we met the person who would personally take care of us if we needed help. Our tour ended with the last stop the F&I department, where the deal was finalized and the sale complete.
Each stop added value to our experience and added profit to theirs, and it was done in a friendly and non overbearing way. What does your dealership do to make itself stand out? I would love to hear your stories about successful teamwork that have worked for you.
Joe Weinstein is the National Product Manager, Manheim Specialty and Heavy Truck & Equipment Auctions