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Beyond The First Pencil

Beyond The First Pencil

Written by: 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.

© 2026 Beyond The First Pencil Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
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]


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    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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