Loyd H. RawlsAll Articles
Thriving Through Tariffs: Auto Dealer Strategies for a Volatile Market
The pressure’s on. Tariffs are tightening margins, scrambling supply chains, and forcing auto dealers to either adapt or get left behind. In our previous article, we unpacked the chaos these trade policies are unleashing across the industry. Now it’s time to talk survival — and not the bare minimum. This is your playbook for outmaneuvering the madness. From dominating the used car game to locking in customer loyalty, here’s how sharp dealers are flipping disruption into domination. 5 Ways Dealers Can Stay Profitable in a Volatile Market In a challenging market, adaptability is key. As Loyd Rawls, Founder [...]
Tariffs and the Auto Industry: What’s Fueling the Disruption?
Tariffs are sending shockwaves through the auto industry — driving up costs, disrupting supply chains, and forcing dealers to rethink their strategies. As the landscape rapidly evolves, dealerships must act fast to assess the risks and uncover new opportunities. Here’s a closer look at how tariffs are reshaping the industry and what forward-thinking dealers are doing to stay ahead. How Tariffs Are Disrupting the Auto Industry Tariffs are fundamentally altering the dynamics of the auto industry. From manufacturers to retailers, everyone feels the pressure of rising costs and shrinking supplies. The overarching goal of the current administration seems [...]
In-Laws in the Business: 5 Tips to Keep Your Auto Dealership Free of Family Drama
What’s riskier: hiring a total stranger to work at your family auto dealership or hiring in-laws? If you guessed the stranger, think again. Bringing in-laws into the family auto dealership business can feel like trying to diffuse a ticking time bomb—one wrong move, and you’re dealing with fallout in the showroom and at the dinner table. Hiring in-laws into your family-owned auto dealership can seem like a natural choice. After all, they’re family, right? But that family connection often comes with emotional complexities, workplace tensions, and risks that can make or break both your business and your relationships. The [...]
10 Shocking Truths About Managing Grandchildren in Family Businesses (You Won’t Believe #7!)
Running a family business is already tough, but throw in managing your grandchildren, and you’re in for a wild ride. Fortunately, Loyd Rawls, one of the leading experts in family business succession planning, is here to help you dodge the disaster zone. With over 50 years of experience—and a quirky alter ego called "Dr. Merlot" to lighten the mood—Loyd has seen it all when it comes to the challenges of managing family dynamics in business. Yes, you might catch him with his hat on backward and a glass of wine in hand, reading from his book Family Business Heartburn [...]
10 Must-Know Tips for Hiring In-Laws in a Family Business
Hiring in-laws into your family business can feel like juggling emotional hand grenades. After all, blending family and business is already tricky—and adding in-laws into the mix can feel like you're playing with fire. But don't worry, Loyd Rawls, one of the leading experts in family business succession planning, is here to help you dodge the disaster zone. With over 50 years of experience, and a quirky alter ego called "Dr. Merlot" to lighten the mood, Loyd has plenty to say on how to manage this delicate topic. Yes, you may catch Loyd with his hat on backward and [...]
Lessons in Succession: From CFO to Family Business Owner
In this informative video, Joe Jankowski, the Managing Member of Armatus Dealer Uplift, shares his journey into family business succession planning. Joe previously worked with a large auto group in Maryland before joining a century-old business without a clear successor. As a member of the leadership team, he took on the role of CFO and eventually became the CEO, acting as the "Succession Bridge" within the dealer group. Through this experience, Joe gained valuable insights into the importance of family dynamics and financial/technical aspects in succession planning. Joe's Journey: Discover how Joe's career trajectory led [...]
