Project: Strategic Turnaround & Exit of Distressed Automotive Asset

Industry: Automotive Retail / Used Dealership

The Challenge
Our client held a secondary used car lot that was operating as a "spillover" location for their primary dealership. Due to a lack of dedicated oversight, the location had become a financial liability. The physical lot was neglected and disorganized, creating poor curb appeal that deterred walk-in traffic. Furthermore, the sales figures were stagnant due to a passive sales culture. The client’s objective was clear: stabilize the asset, prove its profitability, and divest (sell) the location within 12 months.

The Solution
We executed a targeted revitalization plan focused on sales volume, physical presentation, and cost-effective staffing.

  • Sales Strategy Transformation: We shifted the sales culture from a transactional, "order-taking" mindset to a Consultative Sales Approach. We retrained existing staff to focus on needs-analysis and relationship building rather than high-pressure tactics. This approach built immediate trust with customers wary of the "used car" stigma, resulting in higher closing ratios and increased referral business.

  • Physical Revitalization: To change market perception, we overhauled the lot’s physical appearance. We reorganized the inventory display for better flow and visibility and implemented strict cleanliness standards. The improved "curb appeal" signaled to drive-by traffic that this was a reputable, professional business, not a dumping ground for unwanted inventory.

  • Strategic Staffing: To support these changes without bloating the payroll, we recruited and hired two dedicated part-time employees. These roles were designed to handle lot logistics, inventory merchandising, and customer greeting during peak hours. This allowed the senior sales staff to focus entirely on closing deals rather than administrative tasks or lot maintenance.

The Result
The operational overhaul yielded immediate returns.

  • Sales Growth: Within the first quarter of the new strategy, monthly unit sales volume increased by 35%, with gross profit per unit rising due to the higher value perceived by the customer.

  • The Exit: By transforming the location from a neglected lot into a polished, high-performing retailer, we attracted multiple interested buyers. The client successfully sold the dealership as a turnkey, profitable operation, meeting their exit timeline and maximizing their return on investment.

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