A Battle Is Brewin' At Frank Myers Auto

- NOTE: The following article will appear in NC Entrepreneur. Enjoy!

While McDonald’s continues to battle Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts for the title of “Coffee King”, a North Carolina entrepreneur throws his brew into the mix.

"The coffee war has begun and I’m ready for a battle,” says Tracy Myers, owner of Frank Myers Auto Group, a group of businesses based in Winston-Salem, NC. "It's been coming for a while."

To get consumers to wake up and smell his brand, Myers poured an estimated twelve-hundred 8-ounce cups of Uncle Frank’s World-Class Gourmet Coffee at its flagship store last month.

Tracy is vying for his fix of the coffee business, which is expected to reach about $19 billion in the next five years, according to sales tracker Mintel. Convenience store giant 7-Eleven boosted its coffee program last year with new flavors and resealable cups. Even beverage giant Coca-Cola launched Coca-Cola Blak, a Coke-and-coffee combination.

McDonald's, with 13,700 U.S. locations, also wants its share. "One of the primary ways people select where they buy coffee is location," says Mintel market analyst Bill Hulkower. "If it's faster and easier to get coffee at a McDonald's drive-through, then the Starbucks brand may not be as powerful."

But Myers is ready for the battle and even has a secret weapon. "Customers are demanding great coffee, something Starbucks has been doing right for 30 years," says Myers. "The biggest difference between their coffee experience and ours is the price. Their coffee can cost as much as $4.00 a cup while ours is 100% free. I think with the superior quality of our coffee and the big difference in price, I can turn Frank Myers into a destination for something other than cars."

At least one Starbucks fan is unlikely to make the switch. "I don't frequent Frank Myers Auto Maxx" says Darryl Brenner, 34, a day trader from Rural Hall, NC as he sipped a grande, three-shot, non-fat latte. "The fact they make good coffee isn't going to change that."

Myers said he will still try. Invitations distributed in Winston-Salem last weekend encouraged residents to visit the dealerships coffee bar for their free 8-ounce serving of the the gourmet coffee and, in return, receive a free car wash.

"When people ask us why we’re giving away free gourmet coffee, the answer is simple. It’s our way of saying thanks to the folks who have supported the Myers family over the past 82 years and also meeting new friends…building new relationships,” says Ashley Bennett, Family Ambassador for Frank Myers Auto Group.

Hulkower adds that other choices will influence decisions. "It will depend on whether people want an Egg McMuffin with their coffee, a cranberry muffin, a doughnut or a car."

Frank Myers Auto Maxx Partners With POADA

A Winston-Salem, NC used car dealership has partnered with the POADA.

Frank Myers Auto Maxx, one of the top 30 used car dealers in the United States, and the POADA, the Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Alliance, have teamed up as partners, states a spokesperson for Frank Myers Auto.

The POADA was formed in the 2009 to spotlight the unique segmentation of the pre-owned vehicle marketplace. While the United States’ used vehicle industry is huge, with an average of more than 40 million transactions per year. POADA focuses on the most exciting, the most profitable and the most dynamic market segment for dealers throughout the country.

POADA is affiliated with its sister company Cherokee Automotive Group (CAG) and S&A Cherokee. The two principal executives involved in directing POADA (Ron Smith and Bill Zadeits have more than 40 years of combined experience in the used vehicle marketplace.)

POADA identifies the pre-owned marketplace as those used vehicles with less than 100,000 odometer miles at time of resale that are between current model and four years old. The Alliance’s goal is to bring dealers, industry service companies focused on the pre-owned marketplace and consumers together for the benefit of all.

POADA receives strong support from its sister company Cherokee Automotive Group. Founded in 1990, CAG is the used vehicle industry’s leading communications voice. Its first publication, Auto Remarketing NewsMagazine, was first produced in 1990 and today publishes twice per month with a per-run distribution of more than 50,000 to the industry’s top dealers. CAG also publishes SubPrime Auto Finance News once per month. The company also produces several national and international conferences related to the used-vehicle industry each year.

Dealers large and small, in small towns and large metropolitan areas, have been directly impacted by the dramatic shift in the automotive landscape that has occurred in recent years. The traditional dealership’s operations have been turned topsy-turvy, with many a dealer questioning whether he has control of his own destiny.

POADA is just what its name says — an alliance. Take the Merriam-Webster alliance definition: “An association to further the common interests of the members.” That clearly describes the POADA mission of bringing together dealers throughout the country to improve the operations and profitability of their pre-owned vehicle sales.

Nancy Davis, Family Ambassador for Frank Myers Auto Maxx, said that the Frank Myers vision and that of the POADA are one in the same. "Both of us focus not on the entire automotive marketplace but instead on dynamic pre-owned vehicle sales. We are excited to be partnered with the POADA and continue to focus on the vehicles that our customers want...used vehicles in age between current and four model years old with less than 100,000 odometer miles at time of retail."

Frank Myers Auto Named Top Merchant

Winston-Salem, NC: Nancy Davis, The Family Ambassador for Frank Myers Auto Maxx, is excited to announce that they have been chosen as a Top Merchant on MerchantCircle. They received a letter from MerchantCircle Headquarters in Mountain View, California announcing, “Congratulations! You rank among the most successful Merchants using MerchantCircle.” In a neatly packaged envelope with a MerchantCircle logo printed on the outside of the envelope, Frank Myers Auto Maxx received a “Top Merchant on MerchantCircle” decal.

Also included in the envelope was a letter that reads, “Now you can help your customers indentify you as a reliable and trusted source on the nation’s largest social network of local business owners.”

“It is always an honor to be recognized by an organization as reputable as MerchantCircle. I am truly grateful to them for allowing us to be a part of their online community,” said Tracy Myers, owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx.

The Top Merchant badge is given to merchants who distinguish themselves as a reliable and trusted source on MerchantCircle. These merchants rank among the most successful in using MerchantCircle to find customers and promote their business online.

About MerchantsCircle: MerchantCircle is a Mountain View, California based start-up company which helps small businesses reach local customers through referrals based on on-line advertising. Its CEO is Ben T. Smith, IV. The company was founded in 2005, and was awarded the title of "Media Newcomer of the year" by AlwaysOn magazine in 2007. In June 2008, MerchantCircle announced over 5 million monthly users, 500,000 registered merchant users, and over 5,000 paying client. Quantcast reports MerchantCircle's estimated monthly users at 5.7 million. As of July 2009, MerchantCircle has over 20M unique consumers.

Recently, MerchantCircle has conducted numerous research projects and surveys into its large base of small business owners. Those surveys have been quoted in the The New York Times and Forbes - amongst others.

About Frank Myers Auto Maxx: The original Frank Myers Store was started more than 83 years ago by Frank Myers, the Great-Grandfather of the current owner Tracy Myers and the Grandfather of the previous owner, Franklin Myers. Tracy has spent the past 15+ years trying to change the landscape of the car business and the bruised reputation of car salespeople all over the country. Tracy was one of the first 100 Certified Master Dealers in the Nation, a NIADA Eagle Award Winner and was the youngest recipient ever to be honored with the highest available distinction in the used car industry...the National Quality Dealer award. Frank Myers Auto Maxx was recently recognized as one of the Top 28 Independent Automotive Retailers in the United States by Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine, one of the Top 10 Internet Auto Retailers in the Nation & one of the Top 3 dealerships to work for in the country by The Dealer Business Journal. Tracy is also the Co-Creator of the world famous "Everybody Rides" program and author of the best selling book "Car Buying Secrets Exposed: The Dirty Little Secrets of a Used Car Dealer", available at Amazon.com and better bookstores. He is a Christian Business Owner whose goal is to run his business "By the Book". The dealership specializes in helping people find, qualify for and own the vehicle of their dreams with little or no money down...even with less than perfect credit. http://www.frankmyersauto.com

Winston-Salem Used Car Dealer Welcomes New Non-Commissioned Sales Professional

Popular Winston-Salem, NC used car dealership hires veteran sales professional.

Winston Salem, NC - Uncle Frank is excited to welcome Non-Commissioned Sales Professional Bruno Ricena to his team. Bruno is excited about helping folks drive home in the car of their dreams and he says "Finding the right car lot for your credit situation has never been easier. Frank Myers Auto Maxx is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina but serves all of North Carolina. We even offer FREE shipping for South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. The cities we serve include Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, King, High Point, East Bend, Boonville, Yadkinville, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Greensboro, Kernersville, Rural Hall, Stanleyville, Germanton, Walnut Cove and anyone looking for Worry-Free Car Buying in the Piedmont Triad!"

Bruno continues by saying, "We offer bank financing for those with bad credit and even offer our world famous "Everybody Rides" program which will help you rebuild your credit. We also have vehicles for every need. Cars, Trucks, Minivans and SUV'S is what you will find at Frank Myers Auto Maxx. Our huge inventory and great financing options make it a no braniner for you if you are looking for a used car in the Triad." To contact Bruno for a 100% FREE credit consultation, please call him today at (336) 767-3432.

Frank Myers Auto Maxx Offers Savings Up To 50% Off

Winston Salem, NC - Local dealer fuels bargain buying frenzy by hosting a "Happy Used Year Scratch & Dent Special Event" with savings of up to 50% OFF original MSRP.

Local automotive expert, Tracy Myers from Frank Myers Auto Maxx, explains, “It’s all about who you know. Many dealers don’t know how to source the right inventory or price their cars fairly. Those aren’t the people you want to know. You should look for a dealer that studies consumer-buying patterns and understands what people want. That’s how you’ll end up getting a car for almost half price…simple as that.”

Can You Spot The Scratches?

Currently at Frank Myers Auto Maxx, you’ll find a special selection of certified scratch & dent vehicles set aside with preferential pricing. All scratches and all dings are clearly marked for your careful inspection before you buy. Most blemishes are barely perceptible. Of course, the bigger the ding, the bigger the discount. The more it’s scratched, the more you’ll save.

Scratch & Dent Cars – Up To 50% OFF

Scratch & Dent SUVs – Up To 50% OFF

Scratch & Dent Minivans – Up To 50% OFF

Scratch & Dent Trucks – Up To 50% OFF

They’re all mildly scratched and dented but they’re in near-new condition with a warranty!

“Right now I’ve got a bunch to choose from, but they’re going fast. It really could be just a matter of days before my entire scratch & dent supply is gone, so you’ll want to get here very soon. Plus, to make the deal even better, when you trade in your existing car, you’ll receive up to $1,000 more than it’s normally worth,” said Tracy Myers.

Customers With Credit Considerations Have No Need To Worry

Frank Myers Auto is also staffed with trained credit professionals who have made special arrangements with local and national banks to help you get approved. "My EVERYBODY RIDES Program means that you’ll get a fair shot at the credit you deserve no matter what kinds of mistakes you’ve made in the past," exclaimed Myers.

Not Your Typical Car Dealer

Myers is not your typical car dealer. In his words, "I'm a car dealer FOR THE PEOPLE!" As many of us know, most car dealers are out to sell their wares and operate like a common street vendor.

Myers is cut from a different cloth and is going out of his way to not just say he's different but to prove it. "Innovative solutions like my EVERYBODY RIDES Credit Approval Program, my Iron-Clad Money Back Guarantee and my Free Lifetime Warranty makes my dealership stand head and shoulders over all others. No one else offers anything close to what I do… nobody," boasts Myers.

Myers is an automotive transportation and finance expert as well as a consumer advocate, and author of several consumer reports like "8 Keys To A Better Car Deal."

To receive an exclusive list of additional scratch & dent vehicles that won’t be available to the general public, go to http://www.frankmyersauto.com and fill out the No Obligation form on the home page.