Bama....I'm sure you don't need it, but would like to throw in my 2 cents on the great opportunities that you are considering. I think the financial and business aspects have been wisely presented by our friend Hubbard. I also think that they are especially important from the viewpoint that you are investing your REPUTATION in the new business relationship. Based upon that reasoning I would lean towards the GM position, even if the immediate financial return was not as great as in a higher volume sales management position. It's apparent from your comments that you've been successful in building a client base rooted in fair and equitable treatment accompanied by sincere customer service. Depending upon the operation, you may not be in a position to build upon your expertise and reputation in a sales management position. Your resolution of problems and customer concerns are only as good as the attitude and management style of the the GM that you are working for.
Having family and some of my closest friends involved in HD dealerships as managers, GM's and owners my observations have been that building on the HD corporate "family" basis of maintaining critical repeat customers translates to making the correct decisions each and every day. In short, and I say this in the most respectful way, HD shops are indeed "asshole magnets" and the success of the shop is usually determined by the way the management deals with the less than ideal customers.
Just a thought and ....... GOOD LUCK.....as your concept of good business is exactly what HD needs more of.
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Topic: Lordy Lordy What to do? (Read 5003 times)