In today’s episode of Training Camp with Adam Marburger, we’re joined by Andrew Suntrup, Vice President of Operations at Suntrup Ford Westport, to share his perspective on leadership, personal development, and the importance of process in automotive operations.
With a career spanning top-performing Ford dealerships and a family-owned business, Suntrup’s perspective on building a strong team and fostering an environment of continuous growth is invaluable for automotive professionals striving to elevate their operations.
During the conversation, Suntrup begins by sharing his journey from starting in a high-performing sales role to transitioning into VP of Operations at Suntrup Ford Westport. This highlights the power of personal development and the importance of surrounding oneself with a motivated, like-minded team.
After working in one of the highest-volume Ford stores in the Midwest, Suntrup returned to his family’s business with a newfound commitment to growth and leadership. He stresses that effective leadership involves creating a team that outperforms the leader, which fosters a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
In addition, Suntrup’s approach to F&I operations is all about early involvement and adherence to the process. He believes that F&I professionals should be integrated into the sales process from the start, with an emphasis on understanding customer needs through thorough interviews.
By repeatedly practicing the steps of the sale, Suntrup believes F&I professionals can seamlessly transition to their role, ensuring they provide the best service while increasing compliance and customer satisfaction. Nevertheless, Suntrup stresses the importance of regular training and development. He encourages dealers to foster their teams to continually refine their skills to stay ahead in a competitive market.
"It's all about repetitive practice. The more you do it, the easier it becomes, and eventually, it becomes second nature. That’s how you truly serve your customers and perfect the process." — Andrew Suntrup
