In the second of three exclusive interviews from The Cannata Report with GreatAmerica executives, Chief Editor Mark Vruno asks Chief Strategy Officer Leighton Smith about digital transformation (DX), which he attempts to define. The DX quest is intentional for many dealers, and GreatAmerica appreciates being a sounding board for its customers and deepening those DX integrations. There will be some “bumps and bruises” along the way, Smith warns. As a relative newcomer to the channel niche, he has already witnessed the consolidation trend firsthand and notes divergent business strategies among dealer owners. Whatever their approach, Smith urges leaders not to get caught up in punchlines and notions. Action is key, and be clear with your “thesis,” he advises, pointing out that timelines need to be well thought out.
The GreatAmerica partnership
Mitch Leahy, VP/GM of the lessor’s Office Equipment Group, discusses ways that dealers are adapting for the future. He says that while the next 12 months are important, looking forward five years or even 10 years is critical. What might be the new technologies and new markets in 2031 and 2036? Dealers historically are strong adapters, he observes, when it comes to exploring and expanding into new products and services. GreatAmerica’s goal is to become an even better partner for them. CEO Martin Golobic stresses that everything they do comes from the voice of the customer. As a second-generation leader, Golobic relates to many of the family-oriented businesses in the dealer channel. Leahy concludes by citing some of the most pressing challenges facing dealers heading into 2027. What are they? Watch to find out!
In Part 1, Vruno inquired about GreatAmerica’s pending bank acquisition and its small-ticket leasing approach as well as what the leasing company is doing to help alleviate persistent dealer challenges.
