Publisher's Notes
By Mike Roscoe
Well, there are a lot of exciting things to talk about in this issue. The NADA Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas, the premiere issue of my new magazine, Digital Dealer, our Cover Story dealer, Fletcher Jones Jr., Oldsmobile, and the Tennessee Titans, so let's get right to it.
NADA is always a great time for me. Not only is it the impetus for our biggest issue of the year, advertising-wise, but it's a time to reflect on how far this little magazine has come. It was just six seemingly short years ago that I went to NADA for the first time in Dallas. I didn't know anybody; I just walked through the aisles briskly trying to look like I had somewhere to go.
In recent years, I can't even get up to speed as exhibitors, editorial contributors, state ATAEs and advertisers, as well as dealers, stop me to say "hi" or comment on DEALER magazine. Last year, we counted over 130 dealers who came up to our booth to say "thanks" for taking their side and standing up for them. Plus dozens who said the same to me in the aisles, lines, hotel lobbies and elevators. Although this operation is, in fact, a for-profit enterprise, getting substantial positive feedback from those who we strive to serve really does make it all worthwhile. There are many ways to make money. There are far fewer ways to make money and make a difference.
Another vehicle with which I hope to make a difference is my new magazine, Digital Dealer. It is my belief that for the most part, the dealer community is under-educated on the potential of technology to affect your bottom line. Up to now, the only way you've heard or been exposed to new technology solutions and applications is through the press releases of the companies who are trying to sell you which have been run in existing industry publications. And also through the salespeople of these technology companies, who, obviously are trying to sell you.
You don't need to be sold. You just need to be told. Digital Dealer's goal is to inform the dealers and managers who "get it," and to educate those who, as of yet, do not. We will do this by covering every aspect of technology products and services for every department with the same "insider" approach we use in DEALER magazine. That means no "outsiders," such as reporters, editors, journalists or freelance writers. Only those who are experts on the topics about which they write will be found in Digital Dealer. In fact, as is the case with my filling the position of editor for DEALER magazine, the editor of Digital Dealer is not really an "editor" at all.
Sandi Jerome consults and lectures on computer utilization, customer service and business management for NADA Management Education, automotive CPA firms, manufacturers, and three of the major computer companies. She is a highly-respected dealership computer consultant, a CPA, and has worked in this industry for over twenty years. Sandi has dealership experience as an F&I manager, service director and assistant general manager. As she fills the role of editor for Digital Dealer, you will easily see that Sandi has more knowledge about technology applications and solutions in the retail automobile business than all the journalists, reporters and freelance writers in the industry ever will.
Well, it looks like I'm about out of room here, so let me just say, read the Cover Story on Fletcher Jones Jr., too bad about Oldsmobile, and GO TITANS!
