When I was told the news that Bruce Carfagna would end his 20 + year career with Jeram Marketing, I knew that I would have to dedicate this newsletter to him. Bruce has a great sense of humor, so I asked Jerry if I could “roast” Bruce? But Jerry is such a kind soul….he said absolutely not...no one has that kind of time! So it was decided that this would be a tribute to what Bruce has brought to our organization and what he will take with him as he moves on to a more consultative role from the golf courses in Myrtle Beach and elsewhere.
If you don’t know Bruce, here is a little history: He began his career in the automobile industry several years ago...okay, several decades ago, with a Moon Township dealer. There Bruce enjoyed success selling cars and then was promoted to management. In fact, he was such a good salesman that he even sold one customer on going out with him, and ended up marrying her! He and his wife, Patty have been together ever since. Now that’s a strong closer!
Eventually Bruce decided that it was time to try his hand as a dealer, and together with a partner, purchased a new car franchise in West Virginia. At that time Jeram Marketing was a young and growing organization and when Bruce decided it was again time for a change, it seemed natural that he would represent the F&I company that he worked with as a dealer, and he signed on as Jerry’s 2nd sales representative. As anyone knows who has ever tried their hand at this side of the business, it is not for the faint of heart. But as those who know him can attest, Bruce is tenacious and persistent and became very successful at finding new. But that is just the beginning of his career with Jeram Marketing. As a former salesman and dealer, he had the advantage of knowing how to use the F&I department and products to help a dealership prosper. To this day, that is Bruce’s strength—he takes good care of his dealers and their employees, minimizing the headaches that can come with claims, and maximizing the profit using training, spreadsheets, meetings, spreadsheets, products, and, let’s not forget, spreadsheets. (Seriously, Bruce never met a report he didn’t like).
Another strength that has served him well in his career is the ability to embrace change. When menu selling became important, Bruce embraced it. As the menus have morphed and improved, he has remained updated and on top of all of the new products and services that could increase his clients’ profitability and improve their time efficiency.
I don’t want to leave anyone with the impression that Bruce was all work because he definitely knows how to enjoy a good work/life balance. In the 12 years that I have known him he has seriously improved his golf and bowling games, took a cheese-making class, made wine (ask him what he named his wine), traveled to Italy (twice) and to more other places than I can name. He loves and stays on top of technology, music, movies, restaurants, and shows. And I may be going out on a limb, but I’d say above all he loves his family, especially his grandkids.
Bruce had a love-hate relationship with some of the office equipment at Jeram Marketing. Only the printer and the computer mouse will be happy to see him go. I can honestly say that I have never heard a computer mouse squeak until I saw Bruce manhandle one. And the things he said to the printer, well, they just can’t be put into print.
While we at Jeram Marketing, as well as his clients, will miss the integrity, professionalism, preparedness, and no-nonsense approach to the business he protected, as if it was his own, we will also miss his dry wit and sense of humor that always kept things interesting. We wish him a long and healthy retirement—he’s certainly earned it.
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