Erich Gail: Running Your Store The Cardinale Way

Erich Gail is the COO of the Cardinale Group. One of those groups is Cardinale Automotive. It’s an organization that’s comprised of 15 car dealerships and two Harley Davidson stores in California and Arizona. Right now the company is flourishing, however it hasn’t always been that way.

In his own words Gail explained, “In March of 2009, when in a period of 30 days, we lost 6 franchises, we had to let go 300 plus employees, and by 2009 an organization that was founded in 1979 was gutted. We were completely hemorrhaged we were insolvent. We were out of business.”

Gail said that at his group, they had a moment in 2009 that he’ll never forget. Gail said, “I will never on my watch ever again, look into the eyes of families and entire stores and say goodbye, I failed you. Will never happen again. ”

What rose from the ashes, according to Gail, is a group that lives by core principles. Speaking about those core principles, Gail said, “It’s the Cardinale way. It’s our founding commitment since 1979 and it will be and continues to be our guiding principle of who we are in every relationship. It is the very guide of every decision that we make and every expectation that we have from service, to not only our associates (and) our customers but the communities that we serve.”

Accord to Gail, the Cardinale Group is also an organization, which lives by its development of relationships. Gail said, “Without buy-in, you lack the velocity the momentum and the alignment of purpose. In order to be on purpose, you have to be aligned to your brand promise. It’s not just about we retail sale and service and accessorize automobiles, in our automotive group. For us it is the unbending commitment to our brand promise that his the Cardinale way. It is important that every associate exude that at every level on interaction with consumers so that there is never a question as to what my role or mission is to be of service to you on that day.”

In an industry seemingly known for its turnover, Gail said the Cardinale Group has low turnover because of its investment in its employees. Speaking about avoiding turnover Gail explained, “If you create a family environment where I will love you enough to give you the very best of training and support and guidance and leadership, what I ask for in return is that you accept that investment, that you honor that investment and you honor our brand.”

What do think about the principles of business that Gail outlined? Can you take from that to benefit your dealership or group? Finally, what is the brand and slogan by which you run your dealership or dealer group?