Is Your Dealership Secretly Vulnerable?

Succession planning often feels like a daunting task, especially for family-run businesses. However, with the right approach, it can be transformed into a growth opportunity. Kendall Rawls, Director of Development at The Rawls Group, is on a mission to change the perception of succession planning. Her team focuses on creating options for dealers and families, allowing them to craft their stories on their terms. Kendall was recently featured in a Presidio podcast, Full Throttle, where she shared her innovative approach to succession planning and how it can be both informative and engaging.

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Table of Contents

• The Genesis of Dr. Merlot
• Dr. Merlot at NADA
• Making Succession More Palatable
• The Most Common Succession Mistake
• Lessons from a Family Business
• Resources and Content
• FAQs

The Genesis of Dr. Merlot

Dr. Merlot is a creative character born out of necessity. Loyd Rawls, Kendall’s father and founder of The Rawls Group, created Dr. Merlot as an outlet to address tough topics with a more direct voice. This alter ego allows Loyd to bypass the polished, diplomatic approach often required in professional settings. Dr. Merlot brings a refreshing candor to discussions about family business succession planning, often using humor and levity to tackle complex issues.

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Dr. Merlot at NADA

At the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention, Dr. Merlot became a talking point. Initially, Kendall was hesitant about the reception of Dr. Merlot, fearing the character might not resonate with clients. However, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees asking for Dr. Merlot quotes and advice. This unexpected popularity led to the development of a brand around Dr. Merlot, including a video series that highlights his straightforward approach to family business challenges.

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Making Succession More Palatable

Succession planning is often perceived as a sensitive subject, especially in family businesses. The Rawls Group aims to flip the script, making it more palatable and digestible. Kendall emphasizes that succession planning is about growth and creating options, not about planning for an exit or retirement. It’s about writing your story on your terms, without being pushed out or causing family turmoil.

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Preparing a business to transition from one generation to another requires focusing on ten key areas, which we call the Succession Matrix.  Click the following link for more drill-down resources on The Succession Matrix

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