Mark Howes, Chief Supply Chain Officer, shares his journey from independent dealer to valued member of Strata GPO using the customer journey framework.
Awareness
What was the primary need for joining a buying group?
Effective tracking and management of rebates, training opportunities for members, and access to vendor programs. Significant barriers arise when a buying group offers excellent programs but lacks a robust rebate tracking system.
Consideration
How is Strata different from other GPOs?
Strata's exceptional management team is innovative, bold, and ambitious. Their technology enables vendors to receive payment just one day after invoicing through the Central Pay model. Dealers can get rebates in as little as two weeks, fully reconciled at the end of each quarter. This technology also offers vendors real-time insights into each dealer's sales volume, helping them identify challenges related to training, manufacturer representatives, or misalignment with their target customer base.
Decision
What were the pivotal criteria?
Vendor program economics, rebate structure and payments, rebate tracking, technology used, and access to top-tier industry training. Strata's training platform exceeds expectations by providing opportunities to earn CFSP credits — this collaborative opportunity is unmatched by any other platform available.
Retention
I am excited to become involved in Strata's Guidance Alliance, a program where a select group of dealers actively advocate for and support the GPO's strategic initiatives for the collective benefit of all members.
The Strata Advantage
Advice for other dealers looking to switch or join a buying group?
Repeating the same actions while expecting different results is the definition of insanity. To thrive, we must attract younger talent and demonstrate the exciting career opportunities available in our field. Join Strata and become part of the revolution that is shaping the future.— Mark Howes, Chief Supply Chain Officer