Why Dealership Growth Starts with a Pit Stop

In the fast-paced world of dealership operations, the instinct is often to move quicker, push harder, and never hit the brakes. But here’s a powerful truth our Chief Sales Officer, Brian Bodine, lives by: Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up.

That might sound counterintuitive especially when you’re juggling inventory, customer demands, and a dozen systems at once. But it’s exactly the mindset that sets thriving dealerships apart from the rest.

Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up momentum. It means taking a moment to step back, evaluate your processes, and invest in the changes that will unlock more efficiency, more profit, and more growth. Sure, implementing a new system or integrating new tools may cause a temporary slowdown. Your team might feel the friction of change. But when done right, that short pause becomes the launchpad for something faster, smarter, and stronger.

We see this a lot when it comes to integrations—tools that can eliminate double entry, reduce costly errors, and streamline your workflow. But too often, dealerships delay the setup or don’t push for full adoption. And that hesitation? It slows you down more than the implementation ever will. Like Brian says, slowing down just enough to get your tech stack aligned can save you hours each week—and set your whole operation up to run smoother.

Think of it like a pit stop in a race. It’s not lost time. It’s a strategy. Tires get changed, engines get checked, fuel gets topped off. And then? You’re back out there faster and more focused than before.

So, take the time. Align your team. Set your tools up for success. Because when you slow down with purpose, you’re not falling behind. You’re setting yourself up to win the race.

Ready to rethink your pace? Let’s get in gear.

Jeremy Johnson

Jeremy Johnson

Associate Director, OEM and Business Development

I'm a seasoned veteran in the powersport, marine, and RV industries with over 25 years of experience. I've spent a significant amount of that time in the digital and website space, and I absolutely love it. I recently celebrated my three-year anniversary at Lightspeed, where I get to work with OEMs and dealers and help them succeed in the digital world. When I'm not at work, I enjoy traveling with my family, watching my kids' sporting events, and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Northern Minnesota through hunting and fishing. I'm incredibly passionate about what I do, and I love sharing that passion with others. Whether it's working with my team at Lightspeed or spending time with my family, I'm always up for an adventure.

Lightspeed is the #1 DMS (Dealer Management Solution) used within the Recreation industry for a good reason. We provide a completely integrated solution for dealers, OEMs and their customers. Our goal is to help you operate your business more efficiently and profitably so you can spend more time doing what you love.

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