Mike Wangle: The Honest and Ethical Leader Driving Success at Greenway Kia West Palm Beach

In the competitive world of automotive retail, leadership plays a critical role in the success and reputation of dealerships. One standout leader in this field is Mike Wangle, the General Manager of Greenway Kia in West Palm Beach, Florida. Known for his honest and ethical approach to management, Mike has transformed dealerships, driven impressive sales volumes, and cultivated strong teams that deliver exceptional customer service.
This article explores the professional journey, leadership style, and impact of Mike Wangle, focusing primarily on his role at Greenway Kia West Palm Beach. It also explores his unique blend of skills, strategic vision, and the reasons why he remains a respected figure in the automotive industry.
Who is Mike Wangle?
Mike Wangle is an experienced automotive general manager with over six years at Greenway Kia West Palm Beach. His career spans various key roles in sales, finance, dealership management, and training. Mike’s diverse background uniquely equips him with comprehensive insights into dealership operations—from sales floors to finance offices.
He holds a degree from Columbus State University and brings a rare combination of technical skills and moral leadership to his work. His reputation is built on honesty, ethical standards, and a commitment to excellence, making him a respected figure not only within his dealership but across the automotive industry.
Mike Wangle’s Career Path and Experience
Mike’s career is marked by consistent leadership roles where he has driven remarkable results:
- Greenway Kia West Palm Beach (2019-Present): As General Manager, Mike has led the dealership to increased profitability and enhanced customer satisfaction. His ethical leadership and hands-on management style have been instrumental in transforming the dealership’s culture and operational success.
- Off Lease Only, West Palm Beach (2018 – 2019): Mike served as General Manager at one of the world’s largest used car dealerships. This role honed his ability to manage large teams and high-volume sales environments.
- Titusville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2017 – 2018): Acting as a consultant and general manager, he was involved in buy-sell contracts and dealership turnarounds.
- South Miami Kia (2016): Mike took charge during a critical turnaround phase, making the dealership profitable within 60 days by improving inventory management and doubling service and parts profits.
- West Palm Beach Kia (2014 – 2016): As General Manager, Mike increased profits by 82% in his first year, elevating the average gross per new Kia and pre-owned units to record levels, according to Kia USA.
- Salespeople On Demand (1998 – 2014): Owner of an automotive recruiting and sales training company, providing innovative off-site recruiting strategies and training services for over 16 years.
- Quality Mercedes (2009 – 2013): General Manager role in a luxury automotive dealership.
This extensive and varied background illustrates Mike’s depth of expertise across sales, finance, recruitment, training, and overall dealership management.
Leadership Style: Honest, Ethical, and Hands-On
One of the most distinguishing features of Mike Wangle’s management approach is his unwavering commitment to honesty and ethical business practices. He believes in leading by example and managing every aspect of the dealership himself when needed.
Coaching and Team Development
Mike coaches and trains over 60 salespeople and 18 finance managers, emphasizing the development of skills and integrity in every transaction. His leadership creates an environment where employees are motivated to excel, maintain professionalism, and prioritize customer satisfaction.
Operational Excellence
Mike is deeply involved in day-to-day operations, from recruiting and training to sales floor management and finance. This hands-on style ensures that all departments align with the dealership’s strategic goals and customer service standards.
Problem Solving and Turnarounds
Known for dealership turnarounds, Mike’s leadership has saved struggling dealerships by optimizing inventory, enhancing service and parts profits, and improving sales processes. His strategic insight helps dealerships regain profitability rapidly.
Achievements at Greenway Kia West Palm Beach
Since taking on the role of General Manager in February 2019, Mike Wangle has been pivotal in Greenway Kia’s growth and enhanced reputation:
- Profitability: Through strategic management, Mike has improved profit margins and sales volume while maintaining a high standard of customer service and maximizing dealership efficiency.
- Sales Volume: Mike leverages his deep knowledge of sales and finance to maintain a retail volume exceeding 1,000 units per month, a significant benchmark in the automotive retail industry.
- Staff Development: Under Mike’s leadership, Greenway Kia West Palm Beach employs a well-trained, motivated, and ethical team, which is critical to sustaining long-term success.
- Customer Satisfaction: The dealership is renowned for delivering exceptional customer experiences, reflecting Mike’s commitment to ethical sales and service practices.
The Role of SEO and Modern Marketing in Mike’s Strategy
In addition to traditional dealership management, Mike Wangle is skilled in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing strategies. This expertise enables Greenway Kia West Palm Beach to enhance its online visibility and attract more potential customers.
By integrating SEO best practices, the dealership’s website ranks higher on search engines, resulting in increased traffic and a higher volume of sales inquiries. This modern approach to marketing distinguishes Mike from many of his peers and keeps the dealership competitive in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
Why Mike Wangle Stands Out in the Automotive Industry
- Broad Expertise: From sales to finance, training, recruiting, and marketing, Mike’s multifaceted skill set enables him to oversee all dealership operations seamlessly.
- Ethical Leadership: In an industry often criticized for its aggressive sales tactics, Mike’s commitment to honest and ethical business practices sets a positive standard.
- Proven Results: Mike’s track record of turning around dealerships and driving profitability is a testament to his strategic acumen.
- Team Builder: His ability to coach and develop large teams contributes significantly to sustained dealership performance.
- Customer-Centric Focus: Mike understands that customer satisfaction and trust are essential for long-term success, which he shapes accordingly in his dealership’s culture.
Mike Wangle and Greenway Kia West Palm Beach: A Success Partnership
Greenway Kia West Palm Beach benefits immensely from Mike’s leadership. The dealership’s substantial sales numbers, positive customer reviews, and operational stability all point to his effective management.
Mike’s approach fosters a dealership culture that balances sales targets with ethical standards and employee well-being. This combination has positioned Greenway Kia West Palm Beach as a trusted destination for new and used Kia vehicles in the Florida market.
Also Read: Rachel Bender, A Dynamic Leader in Brand Marketing at The Boston Beer Company
Conclusion
Mike Wangle exemplifies what it means to be an honest, ethical, and results-driven leader in the automotive industry. His extensive experience, combined with his dedication to integrity and team development, has transformed Greenway Kia West Palm Beach into a successful and respected dealership.
For dealerships seeking sustainable growth and a positive reputation, Mike Wangle’s leadership offers a valuable blueprint. His commitment to excellence, modern marketing acumen, and hands-on management style ensure that Greenway Kia West Palm Beach remains a leader in its market.