Can you tell us about the history of Tommy Car Auto Group and how it has evolved over the years?
Growing up surrounded by the automotive industry, I witnessed my father's evolution from a wholesaler to a used car dealer, eventually acquiring his first new car franchise: Chrysler. Despite this background, my initial interests diverged, leading me to pursue undergraduate studies in psychology and develop a passion for research. I worked as a research assistant and in a hospital setting, planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University.
However, during the application process for my Ph.D., there was a gap in time before I would start, so my father asked me to assist at the dealership. Stepping into this male-dominated industry, particularly as the owner's daughter, was challenging. I faced resistance and skepticism, with many assuming my position was due to nepotism rather than merit. Despite this, I was determined to prove myself and earn respect.
I enrolled in the NADA Dealer Academy, where I discovered a new passion for the automotive business. Leveraging my psychology background, I sought to revolutionize the car-buying experience and bring fresh perspectives to our business practices. I immersed myself in every aspect of the dealership, eventually taking on managerial roles and running a store.
The trajectory of my life and career changed dramatically when my father, at just 49 years old, was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma brain tumor. Despite initially being given only six months, he lived for over two more years, during which we spent invaluable time together, and I gained insights that shaped my approach to business.
Following my father's passing in 2009, my brother and I took ownership of the dealerships. Since then, we have been dedicated to honoring our father's legacy and continuing the growth of Tommy Car Auto Group. Our journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to transforming the car-buying experience for our customers.
What are the key factors that have contributed to the success of Tommy Car Auto Group?
At Tommy Car Auto Group, our success is rooted in a commitment to creating a people-focused culture.
Our journey started with my father's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to exceptional service. His values of integrity, customer care, and hard work continue to inspire and guide us. Being a family-owned business, I hold a deep commitment to both our community and our employees.
Our employees are our greatest asset. Building a truly people-focused culture has been essential to our success. I prioritize their development, well-being, and engagement. This commitment is evident in our continuous efforts to provide professional growth opportunities, a supportive work environment, and a strong sense of belonging within our team.
The automotive industry is ever-evolving, and our ability to innovate and adapt has been crucial. From embracing digital marketing strategies to implementing cutting-edge technologies in our operations, we strive to stay ahead of industry trends. This focus on innovation ensures that we meet the changing needs of our customers and maintain a competitive edge.
At the heart of our business is a dedication to exceptional customer service. I aim to make the car-buying experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. By deeply understanding and exceeding customer expectations, we have built long-lasting relationships and a loyal customer base.
Giving back to the community is a core value for me. Through initiatives like the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament and the Tom Cosenzi Scholarship, we support local causes and make a positive impact. This community-focused approach not only strengthens our ties with the local area but also reflects our commitment to social responsibility.
Under the leadership of my brother and me, Tommy Car Auto Group has continued to thrive. We carry forward our father's vision and are dedicated to steering the company towards a future of sustained growth and success. My leadership is focused on strategic planning, fostering a collaborative culture, and setting a clear direction for our team.
I invest in our employees' professional development and empower them to take initiative. By offering continuous training and growth opportunities, I ensure that our team is equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. This investment in our people is a cornerstone of our long-term success.
As we look to the future, I remain committed to scaling our people processes and capabilities in readiness for the next chapter of business growth. Our ongoing focus on fostering a supportive and innovative culture will continue to drive our success and set us apart in the automotive industry.
How do you stay competitive in the automotive industry, and what trends do you see shaping its future?
First and foremost, we prioritize customer experience. We believe that by providing exceptional service at every touchpoint, from sales to service, we can differentiate ourselves from the competition.
Second, we invest heavily in our team. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure that our employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Third, we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. Currently, we’re implementing the latest digital marketing tools to enhance the customer’s online buying experience; we're committed to leveraging technology to improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience.
As for future trends, we see several shaping the industry. One major trend is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for sustainable mobility solutions. We prepared for this shift by expanding our EV inventory and investing in charging stations.
How do you balance your responsibilities as a business leader with your role as a mother?
Balancing my responsibilities as a business leader and a mother is certainly challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. I’ve found that the key to managing both roles effectively lies in a combination of intention, strategic planning and setting priorities.
Firstly, I prioritize and organize my time meticulously. I plan my schedule, making sure to allocate dedicated time for both my business commitments and family activities. It’s essential to have a clear separation between work and home life to ensure that I can be fully present in each role.
Secondly, I’m fortunate to have an incredible team at TommyCar Auto Group who share my vision and values. Delegating responsibilities and trusting my team allows me to balance my workload effectively. It’s important to surround yourself with people who are capable and share your commitment to the business. This way, I can step away when needed without compromising the company's operations.
Maintaining my well-being through activities like running, helps me stay energized and focused, allowing me to be the best leader and mother I can be.
Ultimately, I embrace the fact that sometimes there will be overlap between my roles. I make it a point to involve my children in community events or business activities where appropriate, which not only helps them understand what I do but also allows us to spend quality time together.
What values or lessons do you hope to instill in your children through your work and personal experiences?
Firstly, the importance of hard work and perseverance. I want my children to understand that success comes from dedication, resilience, and hard work.
Secondly, the power of empathy and kindness. My work with Carla Cares and our community initiatives reflect the importance of giving back and supporting others. I want my children to grow up understanding the significance of helping those in need and being compassionate towards others.
Moreover, resilience in the face of adversity is a lesson I hope to impart. Life and business are full of ups and downs, and I want my children to learn how to navigate these with strength and grace. By sharing my experiences and how I overcome challenges, I aim to teach them that setbacks are part of the journey and can be valuable learning opportunities.
What inspired you to get involved in charitable work, and how do you integrate that into your business?
After my father's passing, my brother and I were determined to honor his legacy by not only continuing to grow our business but also by deepening our connection to the community. This commitment inspired us to rebrand as a women-owned and operated business and introduce Carla Cares—an initiative that embodies our dedication to giving back and supporting causes close to our hearts and the community's.
Two initiatives at the heart of Carla Cares:
The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament: This annual event, established in memory of my father, raises funds for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Over the years, we have proudly raised over $1.6 million for Dana-Farber, contributing significantly to the fight against cancer and continuing my father's legacy of resilience and generosity.
The Tom Cosenzi Scholarship: This scholarship program, created to honor my father's dedication to education and community, provides financial assistance to deserving students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. By supporting their academic goals and dreams, we are investing in the future and continuing his legacy of giving and community support.
Carla Cares also places a strong emphasis on empowering women and fostering leadership. We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of female leaders through mentorship and leadership development programs tailored specifically for women. These initiatives are designed to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers and beyond.
We are committed to supporting small, women-owned businesses by providing them with the exposure they need to succeed. Recognizing the vital role of connection and growth, we regularly host networking events and workshops designed to bring women together. These gatherings not only facilitate professional development but also create valuable networking opportunities. By fostering a strong support system, we help women-owned businesses thrive and lead, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Our community-focused culture extends to our workplace, where we attract and retain employees who take pride in being part of an organization dedicated to giving back. Our team members are not just employees; they are integral partners in our mission to support the community.
Through Carla Cares, we continue to make a positive impact every day, both in our business operations and through our community-focused efforts.
Do you have any new initiatives or projects in the pipeline that you’re particularly excited about?
We have some exciting new initiatives coming to the forefront that will enhance our customer experience and improve every touchpoint of the customer journey. As technology in our industry evolves, we are committed to evolving with it. By investing in new technology, we aim to provide a seamless Omni channel experience for our customers, whether they engage with us online, in-store, or through our mobile apps. This approach makes interacting with us easy and convenient.
We also have plans to expand and enhance our loyalty programs to reward our repeat customers and incentivize long-term engagement with our brand.
Looking ahead, we have some major projects in the pipeline set to be unveiled later this year and early next year. While we can’t disclose all the details yet, we can assure you that these initiatives will bring significant enhancements to our operations.
In addition, we are also embarking on several expansion efforts aimed at better serving our customers and the community. These expansions will enhance our capabilities, improve our services, and ensure we continue to meet our customers' needs. We can't wait to share these exciting developments with you!
How do you see your role evolving in both your professional and personal life in the next five to ten years?
As I continue my journey of personal and professional growth, my focus remains on achieving organizational success.
I am always working on a “balance” between work and my family life. I strive to be strategic in my approach, ensuring that my long-term goals align with the broader vision of the company.
I plan to be more intentional with my time management, focusing on prioritizing tasks and activities that align with my goals. When I am at work, I remain fully focused, which allows me to enjoy more quality time at home with my family. A key component of this balance is my investment in our employees. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I aim to foster a more collaborative and innovative work environment. This commitment to my team supports their growth and contributes to a more dynamic and successful organization.
At home, my goal is to be present and fully engaged. Being available and attentive to my family is as important to me as being effective and focused at work.
I am continually seeking opportunities for growth by acquiring new skills that enable me to contribute more effectively. I have been taking on more leadership responsibilities to guide and mentor other women in our organization and community. I look forward to dedicating more time to this mentorship in the future, helping others navigate their paths to success.
Lastly, my focus is on fostering healthy, sustainable growth for our company. As we explore new opportunities for expansion, it is equally important to sustain and enhance our existing operations. This ensures we maintain the high standards that our customers and employees expect from us.