Kathi Kruse is a nationally acclaimed automotive retail advisor and subject matter expert.
Kathi Kruse is a nationally recognized advisor and expert in automotive retail, known for her deep understanding of how dealerships really work. Her influence spans every corner of the business, from showroom floors to the back office, and she’s a familiar presence at conventions, 20 Groups, workshops, webinars, and training events across the country.
Why is Kathi Kruse in such high demand?
It starts with her ability to see clearly what others often miss. Dealership operations, finances, customer behavior, employee motivation — Kathi connects the dots. As the auto industry reshapes itself faster than anyone imagined, she helps dealerships adapt with practical tools and a steady hand.
Her approach combines rare insight with a CFO’s common sense. She has a gift for demystifying dealership financials and applying time-tested methods to restore order: assessing financial records, cleaning up the mess, rebuilding broken processes, and reining in runaway expenses.
There are three core factors of optimal dealership profit
- Sell more cars, service and parts
- Control expenses using industry benchmarks
- Maintain high customer and employee satisfaction to encourage loyalty and repeat business
All three actions must be present for a dealership to achieve its highest potential.
Kathi’s Automotive CFO‑To‑Go™ is a proven three‑step system that helps dealers regain control of their finances. It delivers clean, accurate statements, streamlines expenses, increases profit, and reduces risk in far less time than traditional methods. The outcome is a stronger, more predictable business and the peace of mind that comes from knowing nothing is quietly slipping through the cracks.
What sets Kathi Kruse apart?
Kathi has worked in many corners of the dealership world, but her true gift is her ability to read a financial statement the way some people read a mystery novel. She takes in the numbers, spots the clues others miss, and quickly identifies the source of a dealer’s discomfort. Her blend of practical strategy and imaginative problem-solving consistently leads to outcomes that not only improve performance but also strengthen a dealer’s reputation with customers and manufacturers alike.
She has a long history of seeing the industry through a slightly different lens. Years of navigating difficult markets have given her a perspective that is both steady and inventive. With more than 25 years of experience, she brings together the best of traditional dealership practice and modern financial strategy, giving her clients the clarity and confidence they need to make well-informed decisions.
Below is a selection of key events and national media where Kathi has appeared as a speaker, columnist, trainer, expert panelist, subject matter expert, and more.
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Speaking & Workshop Engagements
- National OEM training programs
- NIADA Conventions
- 15 Year Alumni: Digital Dealer Conference
- Numerous 20 Groups including Porsche, Lexus, Ford, Mercedes-Benz
- ADOMA Auto Dealer Office Managers Assoc Annual Retreat
- Auto CPA Group Annual Retreat
- Canadian Digital Dealer
- OEM regional sales meetings
The First Pencil Podcast
The First Pencil PodcastKathi Kruse and Mike The Car Guy Correra are best friends, with many many years of retail experience in the car biz. “We decided to get together and talk about the things that are important to us in the auto industry, and hope you’ll come along for the ride. We’ll cover auto industry stuff, dealership profitability, and digital platforms, all with a dose of humor and our love for 80s/90s music. Join us!”
Kathi Kruse: Columnist in these Publications
Kruse Control Newsletter – Automotive CFO To Go topics including dealership accounting practices, business growth, superior management techniques, leadership, online reputation management, accounting assessments/clean up/recovery and customer experience.
Dealer Magazine – Monthly Columnist on social selling and online reputation management
Used Car Dealer Magazine – Bi-monthly columnist on online reputation management, digital retail strategy and proven dealership best practices.
NIADA – Monthly national newsletter. Topics include social selling, online reputation management, and customer experience.
Marketingland.com – Columnist on digital business strategy.
Ragan.com – Columnist on digital business strategy.
Auto Remarketing – Columnist on social selling and online reputation management.
CBT News (Car Biz Today) – Early contributor on digital strategy and social selling.
Canadian Auto World – Quarterly Column on digital retail, social selling and online reputation management.
Kathi Kruse free e-Books available:
Essential KPIs for Tracking Dealership Profitability
The Beginner’s Guide to AI for Automotive Retail
The Ultimate Guide to Social Selling for Car Salespeople
8 Top Reasons to Review and/or Implement a Social Media Policy