Beyond The First Pencil

Kathi Kruse and Mike theCarGuy Correra
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Beyond The First Pencil is where dealership operations meet financial reality. Hosted by Kathi Kruse, of Kruse Control and Automotive CFO-To-Go™, this podcast is for dealers, OEMs, GMs, and controllers who want more than surface-level advice. You’ll get straight talk on financial statements, internal controls, cash flow, and the operational gaps that quietly erode profit.  From gross to net, from process to profit, each episode delivers real-world insights on how dealerships actually make money… and where they lose it. Because selling cars is one thing. Keeping the profit is another.

  1. 03/06/2025

    Is Social Media Still Worth It for Car Dealers?

    👉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

    53 min

  2. 20/05/2025

    Ego: The Hidden Expense Killing Dealership Culture

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 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

    51 min

  3. 13/05/2025

    Desktop is Not Dead (and other marketing musings)

    👉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

    44 min

  4. 29/04/2025

    Likes Are Not Leads for Car Dealerships

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Many dealerships pour time and money into chasing likes, comments, and shares — but what happens when all that engagement doesn't move a single unit? In this episode, we unpack the myth that social media popularity equals sales success. Learn why focusing on vanity metrics wastes resources and how to shift your strategy toward real-world results that actually drive dealership profitability. Then, we talk about how in times of uncertainty, hesitation is more dangerous than a wrong decision. We dive into why true leadership demands decisiveness, how delays can cost the dealership its momentum, and why clear direction — even in imperfect conditions — builds stronger teams and better results. Music+ segment: HBO: White Lotus, The Righteous GemstonesLemmy and Motorhead(you are going to want to see this one) Cher and Gregg Allman “Love Me” SOSA Undercover👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com

    1 hr

  5. 15/04/2025

    You Can’t Spell Tariffs Without FFS

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Let’s talk about the scary stuff—aka uncertainty. If you’ve been in the car business for more than a minute, you’ve seen your share of storms. We’ve weathered recessions, inventory shortages, interest rate hikes—you name it. And we’ll get through this round too. But seriously... can someone hit pause on the madness? Now, here’s something that’s been on Kathi’s radar lately: dealers who desperately need accounting help—cleanups, compliance fixes, the works—but hesitate when it comes time to pay experienced professionals what they’re worth. It's like calling the fire department, then arguing about the water bill. 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com

    43 min

  6. 02/04/2025

    Maximizing ROI in a Tightening Marketing Budget Era

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Marketing budgets are getting tighter, but the pressure to bring in leads hasn’t let up. In this episode, we break down how dealerships can stretch their marketing dollars further, cut the fluff, and focus on what actually drives traffic and sales. Whether you’re a GM, GSM, or marketing manager, you’ll pick up real-world tips to boost ROI without blowing the budget. Lily Ray on Twitter The Pitt (HBO) Hacks (HBO) 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com

    42 min

  7. 25/03/2025

    The High Cost of Brand Betrayal

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 What happens when beloved brands make moves that contradict their core identity? In this episode, we dive into Southwest Airlines’ quiet removal of its “First Bag Flies Free” policy and Elon Musk’s increasingly controversial influence on Tesla. From customer trust to brand erosion, we unpack how decisions at the top can ripple through brand equity—and what it really costs when companies stop honoring what made them iconic in the first place. Music segment: Who’s listening to full CDs/Albums? We are! Are you? New Order Power: Corruption & Lies Pearl Jam: Ten Cher & Gregg Allman - Love Me (Old Grey Whistle Test, Nov 15, 1977) Kathi’s must watch: The Righteous Gemstones 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com

    49 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Does Great Customer Experience = More Car Deals?

    👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 We are back from hiatus and Mike’s got a new job! Kathi shares a story to introduce today’s topic around customer experience. Mike tells us how one simple relationship turned into four car deals and counting. He also shares a pretty epic real-time 5 star review story from a dealership non-customer. Here’s the link to the CD player Kathi got Becoming Katherine Graham documentary on Amazon Prime Paradise on Hulu Blue Monday - New Order 👉Sign up for Kathi’s newsletter here👈 Got a question? Email either of us! Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com

    53 min
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About

Beyond The First Pencil is where dealership operations meet financial reality. Hosted by Kathi Kruse, of Kruse Control and Automotive CFO-To-Go™, this podcast is for dealers, OEMs, GMs, and controllers who want more than surface-level advice. You’ll get straight talk on financial statements, internal controls, cash flow, and the operational gaps that quietly erode profit.  From gross to net, from process to profit, each episode delivers real-world insights on how dealerships actually make money… and where they lose it. Because selling cars is one thing. Keeping the profit is another.

Information

  • Creator
    Kathi Kruse and Mike theCarGuy Correra
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond The First Pencil
  • Show Website
    Beyond The First Pencil