Several years ago I read an article about the NIADA Certified Master Dealer Program and I knew I wanted to become a CMD. I wanted to be among the best of the best independent dealers in Georgia. As a busy dealer with teenage sons I found it very difficult to leave my dealership just to take a class until I started reading more about the program and then I knew that I couldn’t afford not to attend.
I started the application process with Georgia Brown at the NIADA and it was a very easy. Georgia walked me through everything that she needed from me and after I sent all of the required paperwork, within a few days I received an acceptance letter for the program.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the class because after being in this business for over 10 years I began to fool myself into thinking that I already knew everything about the car business. Boy was I wrong!
From day one of the class, Joe Lescota, the instructor lets you know that you are in a class and not a seminar. The difference of course is passing the tests.
As I sat back and listened to Joe’s teaching, I took notes and learned pretty quickly that there was so much more about this business that I needed to know. His teaching style leaves you wanting to learn even more. Yes, I was getting valuable information about the used car industry but I was also learning about relationships and how they factor into our lives as well as our businesses.
Speaking of relationships, I was impressed that the class also had several employees from AutoTrader there just to learn more about Independent dealers and how we do business. Since they are not dealers, they were not even eligible to receive the CMD certificate. Their dedication to our industry made me take a closer look at Autotrader as more of a partner instead of just a vendor. Some vendors are just that, and others become business partners that are invaluable to your day to day operations.
Not only did I gain insightful information from Joe, I also had an opportunity to network with other Independent dealers from all around the country and I learned from each of them as well. Our class seemed to bond well with each other, which made learning the material easier and a lot more fun.
Also since I have been out of school for quite some time, I lost my study rhythm. There were three students from Northwood University’s Automotive Marketing and Management Program there to assist all of us with regaining our rhythm. I can honestly say that each of those young men worked diligently with all of the CMD candidates to ensure that we understood the teaching. Some of the study sessions were very long indeed!
Three days and three tests later I can honestly say that I, without a doubt, made the right decision
to go through the CMD training. I made new friends and gained a wealth of knowledge that I didn’t have before about the used car industry. The CMD program makes you want to get out of your office and learn more and more about this exciting and ever changing business that we are in. It makes you want to get more involved.
In conclusion, since going through the CMD program I have made a commitment to get more involved with the used car industry and not just sit behind my desk all day. I want to continue gaining knowledge and lose the fear of changing as our industry changes. If you are considering getting more involved yourself and would like to learn more about the used car industry as well as reach an awesome goal, the CMD program is right for you.
Michelle L. Groover
President/CEO
Members AutoChoice, LLC
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Becoming a Certified Master Dealer
Several years ago I read an article about the NIADA Certified Master Dealer Program and I knew I wanted to become a CMD. I wanted to be among the best of the best independent dealers in Georgia. As a busy dealer with teenage sons I found it very difficult to leave my dealership just to take a class until I started reading more about the program and then I knew that I couldn’t afford not to attend.
I started the application process with Georgia Brown at the NIADA and it was a very easy. Georgia walked me through everything that she needed from me and after I sent all of the required paperwork, within a few days I received an acceptance letter for the program.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the class because after being in this business for over 10 years I began to fool myself into thinking that I already knew everything about the car business. Boy was I wrong!
From day one of the class, Joe Lescota, the instructor lets you know that you are in a class and not a seminar. The difference of course is passing the tests.
As I sat back and listened to Joe’s teaching, I took notes and learned pretty quickly that there was so much more about this business that I needed to know. His teaching style leaves you wanting to learn even more. Yes, I was getting valuable information about the used car industry but I was also learning about relationships and how they factor into our lives as well as our businesses.
Speaking of relationships, I was impressed that the class also had several employees from AutoTrader there just to learn more about Independent dealers and how we do business. Since they are not dealers, they were not even eligible to receive the CMD certificate. Their dedication to our industry made me take a closer look at Autotrader as more of a partner instead of just a vendor. Some vendors are just that, and others become business partners that are invaluable to your day to day operations.
Not only did I gain insightful information from Joe, I also had an opportunity to network with other Independent dealers from all around the country and I learned from each of them as well. Our class seemed to bond well with each other, which made learning the material easier and a lot more fun.
Also since I have been out of school for quite some time, I lost my study rhythm. There were three students from Northwood University’s Automotive Marketing and Management Program there to assist all of us with regaining our rhythm. I can honestly say that each of those young men worked diligently with all of the CMD candidates to ensure that we understood the teaching. Some of the study sessions were very long indeed!
Three days and three tests later I can honestly say that I, without a doubt, made the right decision
to go through the CMD training. I made new friends and gained a wealth of knowledge that I didn’t have before about the used car industry. The CMD program makes you want to get out of your office and learn more and more about this exciting and ever changing business that we are in. It makes you want to get more involved.
In conclusion, since going through the CMD program I have made a commitment to get more involved with the used car industry and not just sit behind my desk all day. I want to continue gaining knowledge and lose the fear of changing as our industry changes. If you are considering getting more involved yourself and would like to learn more about the used car industry as well as reach an awesome goal, the CMD program is right for you.
Michelle L. Groover
President/CEO
Members AutoChoice, LLC