The First Pencil cover art

The First Pencil

The First Pencil

By: Kathi Kruse and Mike theCarGuy Correra
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Kathi Kruse and Mike The Car Guy Correra are best friends, with many many years of retail experience in the car biz. "We decided to get together and talk about the things that are important to us in the auto industry, and hope you’ll come along for the ride. We’ll cover auto industry stuff, dealership profitability, and digital platforms, all with a dose of humor and our love for 80s/90s music. Join us!"

© 2025 The First Pencil Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Is Social Media Still Worth It for Car Dealers?

    Is Social Media Still Worth It for Car Dealers?
    Jun 3 2025

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈

    Social media isn’t dead—but it’s definitely not what it used to be. In this episode, we dig into the shifting landscape of social platforms and what it means for car dealers trying to stay visible and relevant. Is organic reach a thing of the past? Are paid ads worth the spend? Tune in as we break down what’s working, what’s not, and how to rethink your social media strategy before wasting another dollar—or minute—online.

    Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - Rick Derringer & The Edgar Winter Group | The Midnight Special

    a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]


    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈

    Got a question? Email either of us!
    Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com
    Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Ego: The Hidden Expense Killing Dealership Culture

    Ego: The Hidden Expense Killing Dealership Culture
    May 20 2025

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    In this episode, we dig into one of the most overlooked threats to dealership performance: ego-driven leadership. From plummeting morale to costly turnover and stalled growth, unchecked egos can quietly drain profits and poison culture. We’ll explore how to recognize the signs, shift from control to collaboration, and build a team environment where respect—not ego—drives results.

    May 19th: Anniversary of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis’ death

    Doc series: American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈

    Got a question? Email either of us!

    Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com

    Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Desktop is Not Dead (and other marketing musings)

    Desktop is Not Dead (and other marketing musings)
    May 13 2025

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈

    Dealership marketers, buckle up—things are shifting again. A new study reveals that desktop usage is making a surprising comeback, throwing a wrench in mobile-first assumptions. Meanwhile, Meta’s unleashing AI bots on Facebook that want to "befriend" your customers (creepy, right?) Google's latest Business Profile update is cracking down on image uploads, and Instagram’s user experience? Let’s just say... it’s seen better days. In this episode, we unpack what these changes mean, how they could impact your store's digital visibility, and what to do next to stay ahead of the chaos.

    Twitter: Breaking The Bird documentary

    Cyndi Lauper Doc: Let The Canary Sing

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈

    Got a question? Email either of us!

    Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com

    Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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