Eric Barbosa is the newly appointed Vice President of Variable Operations at Cavender Auto Group. Eric has over two decades of experience in the Auto Industry. Starting as a teenage car detailer, Eric climbed the ranks to become one of the youngest GMs and Operating Partners in the industry. His passion for marketing led him to dominate Spanish media with infomercials and later, to conquer social media, earning the title of the #1 Viewed Social Media Dealer in the nation. With unparalleled dedication, he now mentors dealers across the country on social media mastery.
In this episode, he joins us to discuss leadership, communication, and the importance of understanding different perspectives in the automotive industry.
Eric's journey in the industry began with washing cars at 16, which eventually led him to a sales role at a dealership in Southern California. Since then, he has worked his way up and now oversees eight stores within the well-established Cavender Auto Group, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Texas.
When discussing the transition into his new role, Eric emphasized the importance of focusing on what the organization is doing right, rather than merely searching for problems. This mindset allows him to identify opportunities for growth and improvement within the company. One key aspect of Cavender Auto Group's success is its strong culture, which Eric says is genuinely "lived" by the employees.
As a leader, Eric acknowledges that he is both a leader and a student. He believes in humility, confidence, and exposure to create wisdom and foster continuous learning. He emphasizes the importance of communication and comprehension, both of which are essential for effective leadership.
Social media and marketing
Social media and marketing play a crucial role in today's automotive industry. Dealerships must encourage their staff to use social media platforms to build rapport with potential customers and promote their brand. Eric's passion for social media was evident, and he shared how easy it is to reach millions of people with just a single post.
Eric Barbosa's insights into leadership and communication within the automotive industry serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of understanding different perspectives, fostering a strong culture, and continually learning and growing as a leader. His approach to leadership, with a focus on humility, confidence, and exposure, is an inspiring example of what effective leadership can look like in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape.
Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Eric Barbosa!
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Thanks, Eric Barbosa!
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