Our Services

What's more expensive: Train an employee and they leave or not train an employee and they stay?

Process Improvement

Our process improvement strategy is based on a thorough on-site analysis of your departments operations and interacting with the employees. Our Action plans are focused on the client’s needs and structured upon our findings and recommendations. Modifying existing written processes or creating new processes to better serve the customer and the dealer.

Express Service

Dealership Express Service is a viable part of our industry, We offer both implementation for dealers that do not currently have an Express Department as well as training existing Express Advisors and Technicians.

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Repair Order Evaluation

This is a unique and proven evaluation of Repair Orders, which includes a review of the Multi Point Inspections. The end result will show the strengths and weaknesses in Service Advisor selling techniques and Technician recommendations. These evaluations can be performed on or off site. A presentation of the findings will be reviewed and provided. Also provided will be a list of our recommendations that can be implemented by dealer management along with some that may require on site assistance.

Service Advisor Training

Service Advisor training structured around the entire service process, from reception to an active delivery. One on one training may differ with each Advisor as each individual has their strengths and weaknesses. We will work with each person to further nurture those strengths and build on their weaknesses. 

AJ HOLST

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AJ Holst is a highly skilled, passionate, automotive professional with 36 years of automotive experience.

For the past 12 years, AJ has been an independent consultant as President of AJ Holst Consulting. AJ has built a reputation as an energetic speaker and trainer among the dealerships he has worked with while facilitating at dealerships and for OEM projects representing Ardent Learning and Precision Dynamic International.  He is also skilled at virtual facilitation. He has successfully trained many dealer personnel while implementing the Express Service Business model representing Service Operation Specialists for Chrysler, Subaru, Nissan and Acura. His passion for the industry, attention to detailed processes, and positive attitude allow dealership staff to have fun while learning strong customer-focused skills and techniques.

Prior to AJ Holst Consulting, AJ worked his way up in the retail automotive setting form product delivery specialist, sales consultant, service consultant, and service manager representing quality automobile lines such as Chevrolet, Nissan, Cadillac, Kia and Saturn. AJ prides himself as being a loyal employee as he worked the majority of his career for the same dealer group, Pine Belt Enterprises, one of the largest dealer groups in New Jersey. He has earned numerous awards as a sales and service leader in sales volume/profitability and customer satisfaction.

When AJ is not flying around the country spreading Richard Branson’s motto, “Train your people well enough so they can leave, but, treat them well enough that they don’t want to,” he relishes spending time with his loving and supportive wife of 34 years which he met when she purchased her first vehicle at his dealership. They are also the proud grand parents of identical twins .  AJ is an active member in his church, enjoys surf fishing, golf and cooking for his family.

CONTACT US

What our clients are saying

Jeff DeVries
Fixed Operations Director
Signature Dealer Group

The coaching AJ has provided to our service drives has been an immense help. He understands the business, and tailors the trainings to fit the individual dealership.  His observations assist in reinforcing good habits and identifying areas of opportunity in a respectful manner. From the strategies taught to advisors, to the follow-up material and support provided, I could not be more pleased with his work.

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Robert Malchano
Independent Consultant

I have had the pleasure to work directly with AJ for over 7 years. When you are looking for a consultant /  trainer, his hard work and dedication to help you be successful makes him a great asset to take a  company or client to the next level.  ​

Jacob Billau
Fixed Operations Manager
Infiniti Motor Company

AJ is the consummate professional. He has a vast knowledge of the automotive industry, with a focus on fixed operations.  During my time traveling with AJ, I found his training ability to be excellent. Not only does he have the knowledge to train service advisors and service technicians, he has the unique ability to get the listener to understand the WHY of what is being trained. He is able to get  buy in to what is being taught. 
AJ is also an excellent presenter, to service management, parts managers, GM’s and dealer principals. I personally observed many presentations, he is very detailed, yet not boring where he loses the audience. I highly recommend AJ as a fixed operations consultant.  He will help grow your business. People + Process = Success!​

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Ruby Bolduc
Automotive Professional

It gives me great pleasure to say A.J. is one of the best! I have worked with hundreds of people in my automotive career and very few people exhibit the passion, dedication and leadership to change not only minds but change behavior. He guides them to new ways of doing, believing and earning. 
A.J. was a business partner with my company, we worked side by side on a mutual project in multiple locations. I came to rely on his thoughtful analysis, listening and coaching; a steady hand in the face of many constraints. Never one to give up, diving in and peeling back the onion, he always found a new way to approach old challenges. 
What impressed me the most was the quick easy way in which he built lasting partnerships with everyone around him. I know that he is missed by many that he coached in the past. If you have a chance to learn and collaborate with A.J., you will see the value immediately.

Leigh Yates
Service, Parts, Warranty Consultant

I had the pleasure of working with AJ for 10 years, beginning in 2010. We both  worked for Service Operations Specialists on a variety of Express Service  Consulting projects for several OEM’s. AJ was originally hired into a project that I  was managing so he worked directly for me. From day 1, AJ was engaged, eager  to learn, and willing to put in 110%. He continued to work for me for several  years across a variety of projects and was always an asset. He became a mentor  for other employees and willingly shared his knowledge, tips and experiences to  new team members. AJ has a wonderful presentation presence and is wonderful  in front of a group. He knows this business, has the common sense and the field  specific knowledge to make changes that last and benefit the stores lucky enough  to work with him.  
I have over 40 years in the Automotive industry at both the retail and wholesale  level. I can honestly say I recommend AJ. His work ethic, knowledge and people  skills make him a great resource. 

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