Last week I had the opportunity to visit Carter Myers Automotive, a 100-year-old car dealership comprised of 24 stores, in Virginia. It is an excellent example of a successful business. I wanted to know why is this car dealership so successful.

CMA Is led by Liza Myers, the 4th generation president and owner of this amazing company. I visited one of her partners— Scott Simons — who is the general manager and president of 5 of 24 of CMA’s dealerships in Staunton, Virginia.

There are a few things — based on my observation — which make CMA so successful:

• A focus on developing leaders
• Customer service and experience
• Hiring the right people — who embody the CMA corporate values
• Marketing — getting the word out about the company through social media and one-to-one networking and relationship building
• Investing in employees and wanting them to grow and learn

Let’s dive deeper into a few principles

Start the day together and work together as a team

Carter Myers Automotive team members have a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Each morning, the team meets to review the day’s agenda and set priorities. This daily meeting allows everyone to get on the same page and start the day with a clear sense of purpose and direction.

This approach is not only effective in the automotive industry but can be applied to any business or organization. Starting the day together and working as a team can create a sense of unity and shared purpose that can help drive success. By working together and supporting each other, teams can accomplish more than they would on their own.

It was amazing to join the CMA Staunton team for a 5:30 am workout

Importance of starting the day early and the right way

Another key takeaway was the importance of starting the day early and correctly. At Carter Myers Automotive, the team begins the day at 7:30 am, allowing them to get a jumpstart on the day’s tasks and be more productive.

Starting the day early can also help set the tone for the rest of the day. By waking up early and engaging in activities such as exercise or meditation, individuals can set themselves up for success and approach their day with a positive attitude and energy.

Fitness and Health are Important For Success In Life

Fitness and health are crucial components of success in life, not just in business. At Carter Myers Automotive, the team prioritizes fitness and health.

Making time for fitness and health can increase energy, improve focus, and improve overall well-being. It can also lead to a more positive attitude and better handling of stress and challenges.

Leaders Must Develop Other Leaders

One of the critical aspects of leadership is the ability to develop other leaders. At Carter Myers Automotive, Liza Borches (and Scott Simons) focus on developing other leaders within the organization, creating an environment of growth and opportunity.

This approach not only helps to ensure the success of the business but also helps create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. By investing in the development of other leaders, businesses can create a strong foundation for long-term success.

Related: How to Become a Good Leader in Your Business

Measure your Progress in Business and Life

Measuring progress is essential for success in both business and life. At Carter Myers Automotive, the team uses a scorecard to measure their progress in various areas of the business, such as customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and sales.

You can apply this approach to other businesses and industries. In life, measuring progress can help individuals identify areas for personal growth and development, allowing them to take steps toward achieving their goals.

Focus on What’s Best for the Customer

Customer experience is a critical component of success in any business. At Carter Myers Automotive, the team focuses on providing the best possible experience for their customers by focusing on what’s best for them.

This approach not only leads to increased customer satisfaction but also helps to build a strong reputation and loyal customer base. Businesses can create a positive and successful environment by putting the customer first and focusing on their needs and preferences.

I spent some time with an online salesperson, Mindy. She showed me many videos of her bringing intentional delight to CMA customers! Powerful.

Related: How To Develop Relationships Not Transactions

Having fun while you work

Finally, one of the most important lessons I learned during his visit was the importance of having fun while you work. At Carter Myers Automotive encourages their team to have fun and enjoy their work with regular team-building activities and events.

Employees who enjoy their work are more likely to be engaged and productive, leading to a positive work environment and increased success. Having fun can also help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, leading to happier and healthier employees.

My visit to Carter Myers Automotive provided several valuable lessons on leadership and success. By prioritizing teamwork, fitness and health, leadership development, customer experience, and having fun while you work, you can build a strong foundation for long-term success and create a positive and productive workplace environment.

By focusing on these key areas, leaders can create a strong foundation for long-term success, build a loyal customer base, and create a positive workplace culture that fosters growth and development.

So, take the time to assess your business or organization and see how you can apply these lessons to your daily operations.