Holiday Today - January 2018

HOLIDAY TODAY

Holidayautomotive.com/newsletter January 2018 - Edition 29

THE PURSUIT OF

MAKING FANS PAGE 3

WHAT’S HOT, NEW AND

1. 2018 CT6

EXCITING!

1. Cadillac’s biggest sedan is the vehicle the company has introduced its available Super Cruise semiautonomous driving system on. Holiday Cadillac Brand Manager Mike Egli tells us that a CT6 with the premium equipment package that includes the system is anticipated to arrive in about 4 to 6 weeks, just in time for the spring driving season.

2. Arriving soon, the 2018 Buick Regal TourX redefines the station wagon with its turbocharged 2.0-liter, 250 hp powerplant coupled to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all standard.

2. 2018 Regal TourX

3. The handsome, new 2018 Enclave is Buicks new luxury crossover. It’s longer and wider than the prior model, with more cabin space and spirited driving dynamics. Enclave shares its platform and engine with the new 2018 Chevy Traverse. Both models are here now and expected to perform well as SUV sales continue to grow, and three-row crossovers have become the new minivan for those needing more.

4. For 2018, the elegantly styled Mazda6 ratchets up the power, premium amenities and quiet with the introduction of a new Signature trim level and an available 2.5 liter direct injected turbocharged engine (already available in the CX-9) on higher trim level models.

3. 2018 Enclave

4. 2018 Mazda6

5. 2018 EcoSport

5. The new 2018 Ford EcoSport is here to meet demand as smaller sport utility vehicles continue to surge in popularity.

The early buzz from reviewers is positive, with remarks about EcoSports impressive passenger space, ample tech features, rear door that opens sideways and more. Take a look for yourself, they are in stock at Holiday Ford.

6. The 2018 Ford Expedition is redesigned and built upon the same architecture as the new Ford F-150. That makes this full size SUV lighter than its predecessor, stronger, and jam packed with gotta have features and an updated EcoBoost 3.5-liter twin turbo V-6 with more power and torque. Available in a standard and longer wheelbase model, Expedition Max.

6. 2018 Expedition

♥ A BRIGHTER CHRISTMAS FOR AREA FAMILIES THANKS TO

TEAM HOLIDAY

F

or the 2017 holiday season, Holiday Automotive provided some extra cheer to families in need in Fond du Lac County.

For the last 10 years, the dealership has operated a toy drive with a local organization called Fond du Lac Cops for Kids. The toy drive is an annual event at Holiday Automotive and it supports the dealership’s “Give Where We Live” core value.

Every year, the Holiday Automotive team exchanges names and each team member buys gifts for the toy drive inspired by their coworkers.

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These gifts, along with gifts purchased through additional funds provided by a secret donor, were all picked up by officers on December 14.

The Fond du Lac Police, along with other area businesses, volunteers and the Fond du Lac Cops for Kids board, delivered everything on December 22. All the gifts hopefully made the holidays a little brighter for local families in need. In addition to toys, families also received a holiday meal and winter apparel, including coats for the children.

January 2018

A RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF

TURNING CUSTOMERS INTO FANS

A

nother tremendous year is in the record books for Holiday Automotive.

The Team at Holiday helped 7,392 new and returning customers improve their driving experience with a new or pre-owned vehicle in 2017. That is an increase of 371 vehicles, up 5.3% over 2016.

Our used vehicle performance destroyed old records and the competition. We delivered 4804 pre-owned vehicles, beating the next highest dealership by 1,483 units. We are #1, because of our care, concern and respect for each other and the customer.

Together, we relentlessly pursue building a great customer experience and the word is getting around.

In 2017, Holiday Automotive dominated the used car market #1 Used Vehicle Dealer in Wisconsin

January 2018

#1 Used Truck Dealer in Wisconsin #1 Ford Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Dealer in Wisconsin #1 Mazda CPO Dealer in Wisconsin #12 GM CPO Dealer in the Nation New Cars are not to be missed here. We ranked #2 in the State for GM and Mazda and #9 for Ford. Not too shabby for a dealership in Fond du Lac. In addition to our Sales department success, our Service and Body Shop departments are also setting new records. Our customer service business was up 11.6% over 2016. In the Body Shop, sales were up over 5%. 2017 was a good growth year.

So how do we do that? The credit goes to the 324 team members of Holiday who have a Vision to be the best dealership, with the best team, delivering the best experience. One of the traits that we ask our

people to have is what we call “C.A.N.I.” It is Constant And Never-ending Improvement that challenges us to keep changing and making enhancements to our processes to better serve our fans. Our team has many different departments, many different roles and each position contributes to the customer experience. We want to guarantee that “It’s Worth the Trip.” In 2017, our team did a great job.

I am proud to work alongside the hard working men and women of Holiday as we roll into 2018 ready to serve even more than before.

Gratefully,

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IN THE

SPOTLIGHT

ANDIE KOHLMAN ABBI RETZLEFF

Ford Service Lane Concierge

GM Service Lane Concierge

S

ince the second half of 2017, customers arriving at the Holiday GM and Ford Service Centers have yet another reason to ensure their experience lives up to being worth the trip. The reason stems from creation of a new role within the service department called—Service Lane Concierge. The first two Team Holiday members to fulfill this new role are the subject of this edition of In the Spotlight.

Meet Andie Kohlman and Abbi Retzleff. Kohlman first joined Team Holiday as a greeter about four-and-a-half years ago, eventually transitioning to the BDC as the dealerships first ever BDC Service Specialist, then moving to the BDC Sales Team before becoming the Ford concierge.

Similarly, Retzleff also got her start with Holiday as a greeterreceptionist at the Ford store, then stepped into the role of concierge at GM in November.

Both are Fond du Lac area natives.

What does the Service Concierge do?

“Anything and everything to do with Holiday hospitality,” says Kohlman. “It’s all about creating a positive first impression, making the experience better and expediting the process. For instance, Andie Kohlman newer customers may not know where to go unless they’ve been here before, so we direct them.It gives them confidence.” Adds Abbi; “We welcome them with a warm smile and greeting and ultimately make sure they get connected with the right advisor to address the nature of their visit.” Along the way, the concierge answers general questions, offers refreshments and engages in casual conversation to make any time spent waiting less painful, such as when an advisor is working with someone else.

What personality traits are well suited to your role? “Positivity is number one for me, having that big smile on your face, courtesy and attention to detail,” cites Andie. “I would have to say being friendly, hard working and able to express concern and respect toward customers is what helps me most,” says Abbi.

What’s the best part of the role? Andie: “I find it satisfying just to see the customer happy, leaving with a smile on their face and a positive attitude. We get a lot of sincere thank yous, and comments like ‘wow, that’s what I call service’ for actions like when we open a door.”

Abbi: “Some customers may not be in the best of moods on arrival, saying things like ‘not great’ and ‘could be better’ when asked how their day is going. They may be frightened or unhappy about a car problem when they arrive, and we help change their mood with our concern and attention, and that’s a really good feeling!”

ABBI RETZLEFF

“It’s all about creating a

POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION,

ANDIE KOHLMAN

Andie stays busy as a mom to her 9-year-old son, Alex.

making the experience better and expediting the process.“

Abbi has two dogs in her world, her 13 year old Golden Retriever named Luke, and a nearly 3 year old mixed breed, Charlie, that was a rescue that her father found in a box on a roadside one day.

A few pieces of Abbi’s artwork.

Andie and Alex have two cats in their household, Jean Clawed Van Damme and LuciPurr

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January 2018

Mike Shannon CEO

ACHIEVING

EXCELLENCE

♥

As part of the Holiday Automotive Sales Team Kickoff Meeting in early January, CEO Mike Shannon shared some inspiring insights with the group on how to become more focused and more successful in 2018. While the message that day was geared to those in sales, the majority of the points are very relevant to becoming more satisfied, confident and successful in life and in your career.

RAISE THE BAR ■ Don’t

settle for being average. “Average” can quickly be replaced.

■ Work

hard to provide good things for your family.

■ Always

have your mind set on prospecting. It’s fun! Be passionate about it.

■ You

are always selling yourself. Facebook is a great example of that.

■ Successful

people dress the part. Perception is reality you only get one chance at a first impression.

■ Thank

God every day for your abilities and use them wisely.

■ Appreciate ■ Always ■ Be

what others do for you.

do the right thing, especially when nobody is looking.

the person other people can count on.

DEVELOP A BELIEF SYSTEM ■ Be

willing to do what average people won’t.

■ Surround ■ Avoid

yourself with positive and successful people.

negative people like you would avoid the plague.

■ People

either inspire you or drain you. Pick them wisely.

January 2018

MAZDA PROJECT

ON-TARGET

The Mazda Retail Evolution project is advancing on schedule, as the interior of the facility gets most of the attention from the work crews. The showroom “jewel box” hoist will be installed next week, the former BDC and F&I offices will be soon be torn down to make room for new consultation spaces and many other upgrades.

Once complete, the new Holiday Mazda will provide customers with a more premium environment that reflects the driving spirit and direction of the Mazda brand and a classy showcase for the Mazda line-up.

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CHAD GUELL has been raising Bald Head Roller pigeons since 1984

DID YOU DAVE ELLIOTT enjoys pheasant hunting with his dogs Tikka and Gunner

KNOW...

TONYA ODEKIRK is an avid baker and enjoys making themed cupcakes and cookie bouquets

JIM KRUG coaches high school baseball at Campbellsport high school

WEDDING

BELLS

Greg Van De Kreeke (Ford Tech) and his wife Sue were married January 6, 2018

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STUART POWELL has been to the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean

NEW FAMILY

MEMBERS

JORDEN TAYLOR RETZLEFF

6lbs 11oz 21,” was born to Shaquitae Moore (BDC) and Taylor Retzleff on December 30.

CLARA GRACE BRATTON

6 lbs, 4 oz. and 19,” was born to Arthur Bratton (Digital Marketing Coordinator) and his wife Emily on December 1.

January 2018

WELCOME TO TEAM HOLIDAY

Elijah Moses

Bradley Beger

Hannah LoBianco

Corey Gleason

Nathan Leitz

Cordell Schmidt

An area native and graduate of Laconia H.S., Elijah is currently pursuing studies at UW. Fond du Lac and hopes someday to own his own business. Outside of work he enjoys weightlifting, skateboarding, hiking and making music.

Originally from Plymouth, Bradley now lives in Lamartine. For fun he enjoys golfing, snowmobiling and spending time with his wife and 3 children. He’s a fan of prime rib and both Dodge and Ford trucks.

Ripon is home to Hannah who enjoys fishing, shooting pool, cooking and woodworking. May 2018 will mark her 3rd wedding anniversary with Lauren. Hannah is enrolled in FVTC’s Tech Program, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and a Packer and UFC fan.

Corey calls Oshkosh home. He’s into building replica cars (like the Knight Rider car from the ’80s TV show), playing in a blues band and enjoys family time. Corey and wife Alexandria have a 4 year old daughter and are expecting a new addition to the family in March.

From Ripon, WI., Nathan enjoys hiking, writing, playing games and time spent with his dog. He also stays busy with online coursework through Southern New Hampshire University.

Faves include pizza and Autumn.

From Oakfield, Cordell enjoys spending time with his friends and playing video games.

Future plans include going to school for video game design. Some of his favorites include action movies and the Dallas Cowboys.

Jared Stellmacher

Jarrod Gaffney

Trevor Goodwin Quick Lube Tech, GM

Quick Lube Tech, Mazda

Quick Lube Tech, Mazda

Bryce Gurno

Gregory Jagdfeld

Fondy native, former power sports salesperson and a Packer fan, Jared enjoys motorcyle riding, drag racing, and working on his sport bike. He hopes someday to attend school to pursue an engineering degree. His favorite season is anything but winter.

From NFDL, Jarrod is an honor roll student and senior at Horace Mann High School, and aspires to become a history teacher. A few of his favorite things: comedy movies, nachos, and wintertime.

For fun, this Fondy native enjoys activities like biking and diving. He intends to go to school to become a teacher.

On the favorites short list are mystery movies, pizza and the Packers.

Lamartine is home for this 2-time regional conference wrestling champion from Oakfield High School. He likes bowhunting for whitetails and bird hunting with his friends. He hopes to become a lineman and travel all over the U.S. for work.

A North Fondy resident, Bryce enjoys time spent working on cars with his friends. He hopes to get an auto tech apprenticeship position through Fox Valley Tech. His favorite movie; Taledega Nights, favorite season; Winter, favorite vehicle; Audi S4.

Quick Lube Tech, Mazda

Quick Lube Tech, GM

Body Shop Technician, Reconditioning Center

Hydrotech, GM

Technician, Ford

Quick Lube, Mazda

Dylan Jacob

Detailer

Hydrotech, Ford

Service Lane Greeter, GM A native of the greater Fond du Lac area, Gregory enjoys time spent watching sports, hunting and fishing. Married for 24 years, he is a fan of western movies, prime rib, all 4 seasons, Mazda and Ford’s F-150, and the Pack.

#WORTHTHETRIP

January 2018

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ANNIVERSARIES

Deal With Holiday Stress

LIVING AT THE PACE OF Focus on healthy ways during these hectic days

FRED FINSTAD: 24 YEARS

exhaustion Quick Tips for Stress Reduc2on

STEVE BOONE: 22 YEARS

• Make a “to do” list. Rank order tasks. Plan rest periods in your hectic schedule

·∙ Have a posi2ve a8tude.

JIM KOENIGS: 22 YEARS

·∙ Try not to worry about • Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect things out of your control. or just like last year. As families change and grow,

JOHN KARLS: 15 YEARS

traditions and rituals often change ·∙ Problem solve with people around you. Ask them to help you alleviate • Focus on family fun. Play with your stress.

ALISSA REINHOLD: 10 YEARS

children and

grandchildren

ANDREA CROSSMAN: 9 YEARS

·∙ Exercise. A few extra minutes of exercise a day can benefit your overall • Don't health.

CHARLIE WILHELM: 9 YEARS

abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.

·∙ Eat Nutri2onal food.

Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.

JOE SAWICKI: 8 YEARS NEIL SONNENBERG: 8 YEARS

·∙ Meditate, or take a class in relaxa2on and stretching techniques -­‐-­‐ like Tai Chi or Yoga.

JOHN BARBER: 7 YEARS

·∙ Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages

LEXY SWENSON: 7 YEARS

·∙ Rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep each day.

MACY FINK: 7 YEARS

• Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend.

• Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.

·∙ Get a massage. A • Set aside differences. massage can be beneficial members and friends as for the mind and body

Try to accept family they are. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion.

Mayoclinic.com

MICHAEL BUSLAFF: 5 YEARS DAVE WITT: 5 YEARS SEAN-RAY AVILEZ: 5 YEARS JULIEN BITTERWOLF: 5 YEARS JORDYN SCHALK: 4 YEARS JAKE REIS: 4 YEARS STEPHEN RHOADES: 4 YEARS TONY DEICH: 3 YEARS JOE BORST: 3 YEARS CHRIS HOLMES: 3 YEARS JORDAN DAUN: 3 YEARS DAVE HOFFMAN: 3 YEARS JAKE NINNEMAN: 3 YEARS DALE BRATH: 3 YEARS JAMIE SCHNEIDER: 3 YEARS ERIK PETERSON: 2 YEARS MICHAEL STEPHANY: 2 YEARS RAY BESELER: 2 YEARS SCOTT THERN: 2 YEARS SETH JOHNSON: 2 YEARS ANDY DAWSON: 2 YEARS STEVEN GUELL: 2 YEARS ZACH BROEHM: 1 YEAR RON NEITZEL: 1 YEAR DAWSON SOKOLIK: 1 YEAR KARL LANGE: 1 YEAR HALSEY FISHER: 1 YEAR

D

oes this sound familiar: your days are filled with back to back meetings and by the time you get to your desk to reply to some emails it’s practically time to call it a day.

And, somewhere in there you are supposed to get your own work done. When and how is that going to happen?

If you hear an invisible stopwatch ticking, you aren’t alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18% of the U.S. population is living with an anxiety disorder. That means many of us don’t know how to deal with the overwhelming workload, pressures of family responsibilities and lack of personal time. And, it affects every aspect of our health—relationships, sleep patterns, eating habits, etc.

TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH So, what if we try living a little slower. Living slow doesn’t mean being lazy, or overly relaxed, it just means trying to live your life at the right speed, not a frenzied pace. Living slow is about taking time to enjoy the journey; it’s about making a connection with the things you do, rather than just ticking them off a to-do list.

■ Take some time to assess your stressors – For a few days, step back and see what overwhelms you most. Is it a time issue? Your work? Relationships? Find out what triggers your hectic lifestyle so that you can pinpoint some slow-down solutions.

■ Fast is not always first-rate – And fast does not always lead to first. Instead of speed, look for efficiency in what you do. Doing something efficiently is not the same as rushing it!

■ Take your social life back offline – Technology has changed our life, and not always for the better. Close your laptop, turn off your smart phone or tablet. Even turn off the TV. Get out and go for a walk with a friend; actually chat with someone you usually only ‘chat’ with on Facebook. Be more real-world social and take the time to appreciate your friends and family.

■ Laughter is the best medicine – Sometimes it can be hard to smile let alone enjoy a good hearty laugh. Laughter has positive health impacts, so find the joy in your life again, and laugh it out!

■ Power down for a few – Every now and then take some time for yourself. With those devices still turned off, decompress with a hot bath or close your eyes for a 20 minute power nap.

Sometimes peace and quiet can be invigorating, and a quick nap can be refreshing; it may even be a source of inspiration.

■ Get your balance right – Balance is the key to long term success. If you keep pushing yourself too hard, it’s not sustainable. Yes, you might gain in the short term, but long term you could burn out.

Sources: apa.org; dailyworth.com

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January 2018