Success in automotive retail starts with disciplined leadership and a focus on people. On this episode of Training Camp, Simons Chevrolet GMC Dealer Principal Scott Simons shares actionable insights into cultivating leadership, connecting with employees on a deeper level, and leveraging personal branding and operational discipline to create lasting results.
Starting the day early is critical. Simons wakes around 4:45 a.m., following the sun’s rhythm by rising and going to bed with it. This routine provides a head start on competition and helps avoid late-night distractions. Breakfast, gym sessions, and time with family before the day begins provide focus and balance, even for those in empty-nester households.
Understanding team members personally is a key leadership principle. Early in his career, Simons assumed employees wanted the same goals he did. He quickly learned that effective leadership requires knowing each individual’s story, personal and professional goals, and providing ongoing accountability. Quarterly check-ins allow team members to progress while demonstrating genuine care, fostering loyalty and reducing turnover.
"There's only one you, there's only one me. It's not getting them to be like me or believe what I want; it's getting them to be the best versions of them."
Profitability is built on preparation and operational discipline. To combat margin compression, Simons emphasizes training teams on customer service, sales processes, and personal branding. Developing employees as a “business within a business” builds credibility, particularly as consumers increasingly research online before purchasing. Personal branding, community involvement, and consistent professional conduct often influence customer decisions, even when prices are comparable.
Attention to detail extends beyond the sales floor. Simons personally reviews bills, expenses, and incoming mail to ensure nothing is overlooked. Monitoring costs and verifying expenses directly supports higher net profitability across dealerships.
Social media is leveraged strategically to expand reach and influence. Simons maintains a visible presence, posts specials, tags customers with permission, and trains teams to do the same. This approach generates organic engagement and reinforces dealership credibility, increasing sales without additional advertising expenditures. Leadership by example strengthens team adoption of these practices.
Simons highlights the importance of service and relationship-building over immediate financial gain. He shares examples of assisting high-profile clients, such as Jake Paul, with specialized vehicle deliveries. Prioritizing customer experience and going above and beyond cultivates long-term loyalty and referrals. A service-first mindset, rather than expecting immediate returns, creates compounding business benefits.
Recommended reading includes Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People for relationship-building and Grant Cardone’s 10X Rule for driving action and growth. These resources complement leadership principles emphasizing community involvement, personal integrity, and leading by example.
Simons’ approach demonstrates that success in automotive retail goes beyond sales tactics or profit margins. Consistent routines, genuine connections with team members, disciplined operations, and thoughtful use of technology and social media all serve a larger purpose: cultivating leadership that inspires trust, loyalty, and sustained growth. At its core, his philosophy shows that investing in people and leading by example creates a culture where both teams and businesses thrive.
"There's only one you, there's only one me. It's not getting them to be like me or believe what I want; it's getting them to be the best versions of them."
