Greg and Doug Stokes interview Robert Watson, a veteran of the car business and former owner of Watson Quality Ford in Jackson, Mississippi. Robert shares his journey in the automotive industry, starting from his father's legacy to his own experiences in building a successful dealership. The conversation covers the evolution of car sales, the impact of the internet on customer interactions, the challenges of vehicle financing, and the future of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. Robert also reflects on the nostalgia and artistry of classic cars and the changing landscape of dealerships, emphasizing the importance of customer relationships for potential industry growth.

Key Takeaways

• [00:17] - Introduction to Robert Watson and his family’s legacy

• [04:03] - Growing up in the car business

• [07:10] - Building relationships and strategies for success in sales

• [09:36] - How to be profitable: dealership operations and cost controls

• [14:04] - The evolution of car sales and customer interactions

• [17:12] - The changing landscape of vehicle financing/affordability

• [24:53] - The future of electric vehicles and autonomous driving

• [32:36] - Nostalgia for classic cars and their artistry and value

• [42:15] - The Future of dealerships and opportunities for growth

View Transcript

Connect with our hosts

• Doug Stokes

• Greg Stokes

• Stokes Family Office

Subscribe and stay in touch

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com

Disclosure

The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision.

Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.