Have you ever watched a puppy and then try to hold a serious conversation? I tried to remain serious while talking with nationwide auto transport customers on a daily basis.
However, that morning Dexter was dragging all of his toys into his bed. It really was the funniest thing I had ever seen. Finally, I gave in to the laughter building inside of me. If the puppy did something that made me laugh, I laughed. There was no use trying to be perfect as a vehicle-shipping expert.
One call was from a nationwide auto transport customer who shared her passion for boxers. She loved to adopt them from the local boxer rescue shelter. Her story was so interesting and fun. We even exchanged pictures of our office dogs. We still correspond to this day.
As the months rolled by and our puppy grew so did our auto transport broker business. I must admit that we both learned how to work around each others needs. He is a very patient loving puppy. I am still not sure who was training whom. Sometimes it was a toss up. When on the phone I would hold up one finger. He knew it would only be minutes and he would get his way.
Boxers have pent up energy, it kicked in daily. This dog was like the Energizer Bunny. At night, he was my entertainment. He was like one of those Greyhound dogs on a track. I am laughing right now just thinking back on those nights. I would soon learn that I was going to need his energy.
Dependable auto shippers get energized
Each day in the office was packed full of work to do. Auto transport quotes were top priority as that meant revenue for the following week. To serve each client we needed to be on top of our game every day. There was no time to be sick, not feel well or be sleepy.
Dexter set a good example for us. He was always up early, following the same routine daily. He was getting his body ready for the day. A quick run in the grass outside, followed by “taking care of business” put the spring in his step. This indicated his eagerness to get to breakfast, the most important meal of the day.
He never let me forget to give him the vitamin that nourished his growing body either. The icing on the cake was a fresh, clean bowl of water to wash it all down. Afterward he would saunter into the office, nudge my leg. He wanted a warm pat on the head and shoulder rub. Very satisfied he would then plop onto the rug and sleep the morning away as the phones continued to ring.
How did Dexter set the example for an auto transport broker? When the call volume is high, clients can be demanding. Dependable auto shippers, anxious for the next nationwide auto transport order knew we provided profitable business. I had to be full of vibrant, good energy to stay on top of my game. A cheerful hello is more inviting than a sullen one. When you feel good, it is easier to smile.
By getting sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed, you wake up and pop out of bed ready to face your day. When you eat a good breakfast, you give your body what it needs to operate properly. I took good vitamins every day to maintain my energy and wellness long term. Even the smallest amount of exercise renewed my mind and body. Dexter was such a good example.
Our customers sometimes called in just to hear my voice and giggle. One customer called every few months just to check in, to see what was new in nationwide auto transport. Matter of fact, he called just today! Those key relationships have proven to be valuable assets to our vehicle transportation business.
Yes, Dexter and our vehicle shipping experts received the necessary auto transport training. Both were full of vibrant energy and able to care for the needs of customers without being perfect.
Stay tuned as his training continues just like our nationwide auto transport does.
Here to Serve,
Carla J Gardiner
Carla J Gardiner is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who built an auto transport brokerage and dispatch center from the ground up. With half a days training and little else Carla learned the business inside and out the hard way…by doing it. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; one to properly train, encourage and mentor other professionals in auto transport.
Carla Gardiner is a wife, mom, and grammy. She left the corporate world of banking in 2004 hitting the ground running with Bullseye Auto Transport in 2005. She diversified her business in 2010 adding dispatch services to car-hauler owners/operators. Carla is on a mission to positively impact people's lives she serves with truths untold about living life better; gaining optimal health and healthy weight loss. Carla has written as The Fiery Grandma since 2010 and this title describes her personality perfectly!
There is so much peace and comfort in owning your own business, especially for us mom’s and grandma’s who want to be there for our family… or to take those vacations when they come up! Freedom is precious – it is worth getting the knowledge and investing in ourselves to have this liberty of working from home! Thanks for sharing, Carla… you are a great leader!
Susan McKenzie
Carla, bravo. I admire for what you stand for. You have the experience, integrity and ‘heart’ that the industry is lacking.
Claudia Looi
That’s pretty amazing. In addition, do I understand that you are going to be showing people how to set themselves up in the auto transport broker business? If it’s set up right and the right level of service is provided, I would imagine it could be an interesting work-from-home business!
Sharon O’Day
Awesome post! It is truly appealing, if one is passionate about the work the individual is doing then there is no scope for it being menial or boring or whatever. A business is where you are the boss and you are the slave, no bossiness stuff.
Anusha
I learned something new! I had no clue what a “snow bird” was before this. In addition, great tips about budgeting. Sometimes I get my head in so many places; I have to remind myself to get back to basics. After all, I cannot expect God to bless me with more if I do not properly manage what is already in my hand. GREAT ARTICLE!