GOS Profile

Dealer Profile

Interview with president Charles Scales

OPI Executive Briefing: Are you diversifying into non-traditional OP product areas? How necessary do you feel this is for dealers today?

Charles Scales: We have already diversified with six divisions. This is most important in order to compete with the superstores.

OPI: Which wholesalers do you use?

CS: First Call SP Richards. We just bid them out.

OPI:Do you source any products direct from the manufacturer? If so, what percentage? Do you plan on increasing this percentage?

CS: Yes we bring in 55 percent and this percentage is continually increasing.

OPI:What would you say has been your company’s best decision and what has been its worst?

CS: We just purchased our biggest independent competition. Our worst decision was not doing it sooner.

OPI:How do you cultivate customer relations to ensure you are the first point of call for your customer’s OP needs?

CS: Relationship, relationship and follow up.

OPI:How do you aim to differentiate yourself from other dealers?

We provide superior service from the time you call us and talk to a real person until the check clears at the bank.

OPI:What do you feel is the secret of your company’s success?

CS: Continued hardwork by a longstanding and dedicated workforce.

OPI: What do you consider to be your greatest challenges over the next year?

CS: Our greatest challenge is the perception of the superstores gaining strength.

OPI: What are your priorities for the coming year?

CS: Kicking the superstores’ butts.

OPI: What trends do you expect to most impact the dealer community over the next five years?

CS: Internet buying and technology.