10 minutes with… Jonathan Turner, Account Manager
Former car dealer Jonathan Turner knows a thing or two about business growth. He nurtures and maintains relationships with new and existing customers across an area encompassing the Midlands, North Wales, mid-Wales, the Wirral and Derbyshire.
We caught up with Jonathan to learn more about his passion for the trade and his remarkable “fruit and veg theory”. He also explains how stock funding can be crucial to business-building.
What does your role involve?
I seek out dealers that could benefit from working with NextGear Capital and make sure everything is ship shape with existing customers. I love the trade and the characters in it. Having been a dealer myself, I know well the journey that dealers are on, venturing out on their own… building a business.
Working with dealers…
I feel my background in the trade helps me provide the best advice and carefully and simply explain stock funding to dealers. But what I’m passionate about is learning their ambitions and what motivates them. It helps me understand how I can help their business grow. To NextGear Capital they aren’t merely customers; it’s a partnership so I always try to find the right solution.
Supporting dealers…
Running a car dealership is not that different to a fruit and veg shop. Keeping stock fresh is key.
Stock that’s not appealing or perfectly priced puts people off. Admittedly, cars are a little different to bananas but both start to look less appealing if you leave them out for too long. And, as we all know, dealers should always steer clear of lemons!
I help dealers maintain an inventory that draws customers in and builds a strong reputation. I ensure their business is in good health by advising on sourcing and funding, keeping the pipeline flowing and driving profits.
A good example…
A large motorcycle retailer I work with removed one of their franchise partners to focus more on used motorbikes. They had two sites and wanted to crank up the stock levels at both. Following my advice, we provided the funding they needed to achieve that goal, ultimately increasing their overall profitability. It was a great example of how stock funding helps dealers grow and achieve their ambitions.
Quickfire questions 🔥
Sum up NextGear Capital culture in one word…
Collaborative.
Your greatest personal achievement…
I actually have two. I was in the Warwickshire second 11 as a teenager and got the chance to train with some greats. I once bowled against Viv Richards when the West Indies visited Edgbaston. The ball disappeared a lot!
In 2016, I ran the London Marathon in 4hrs 30mins. I only had a few months to train and several injuries almost prevented me from doing it.
Hobbies…
Walking with my wife Yvonne is one. I also love watching most sports and I row and play golf too. I watch a lot of cricket and have a Wolves season ticket, for my sins. Although they didn’t do too badly against Man City this season.
Favourite food…
A nice bit of seabass is my favourite.
Favourite film…
The Shawshank Redemption.
Ideal dinner party guests…
Tiger Woods, Wolves/England legend Billy Wright, Oliver Reed, Beyoncé, Jessica Ennis, Jennifer Anniston… plus Yvonne of course!
Favourite quote…
“Don’t put off what you’re doing today to tomorrow 'cause if you like it you can always do it again tomorrow.” Tommy Mundon, Black Country Comic.
Are you a dealer in the Midlands, North Wales, Mid-Wales, the Wirral or Derbyshire, and would like to learn more about stock funding? Book an appointment with Jonathan today.