DEALER: ‘AMSOIL CHOSE ME’
As part of a family of AMSOIL Dealers and users, Jerry Mikielski Jr. of Wyoming, Penn. was a natural to become an AMSOIL Dealer.
“AMSOIL chose me,” Mikielski said. “I’ve been an AMSOIL Dealer since 2011, but I grew up having my father and mother as AMSOIL Dealers. Since I was able to turn a wrench, I’ve been exposed to AMSOIL products in so many applications.
“My parents used AMSOIL products in everything they’ve owned. AMSOIL in our daily drivers, dirt bikes, classic cars, tractors and lawn equipment just to name a few. I remember always referring to the AMSOIL inventory as our ‘candy store,’ which makes complete sense since it’s so sweet.”
Mikielski’s goal is to make a living selling AMSOIL full time. “The AMSOIL business opportunity really motivates me to grow my Dealership,” he said. “The thought of owning your own business, having control of your financial future and doing something you’re passionate about gives me the motivation to work on my Dealership. I’m looking to become a full-time AMSOIL Dealer and that’s only going to happen by putting in the time and effort needed to grow.”
Mikielski has taken concrete steps toward that goal. “I am currently working with a local university that helps small businesses get set up on the right path,” Mikielski said. “I work with a professor and a college student to develop a business plan, budget and many other items I would have not thought about myself. So far it has helped me get a better understanding of what is involved in running your own business.”
Mikielski focuses his efforts on gaining retail accounts and Preferred Customers. “I have more experience in working with full-service garages and DIY enthusiasts who have a classic car, tractor or motorcycle,” he said.
“My parents used AMSOIL products in everything they’ve owned. AMSOIL in our daily drivers, dirt bikes, classic cars, tractors and lawn equipment just to name a few. I remember always referring to the AMSOIL inventory as our ‘candy store,’ which makes complete sense since it’s so sweet.”
Mikielski said his vision aligns with a concept he first heard at a Dealer meeting: “AMSOIL in every garage and a Dealer in every town.”
He knows customer service is about the customer. His approach is to first discover the right type of AMSOIL account for the customer’s needs. “I make myself available to them as much as humanly possible,” he said. “The age of technology has helped do that for accounts that are not physically close to me. I make sure to ask my new customer how often they want to hear from me. This allows us to be on the same page from the beginning. I won’t feel like I am a pest when I do call or email and they will feel they are getting the service they expect.
“There have been many times where I have called and hear my customer say, ‘I’ve been meaning to call you with a question, but I’ve been so busy.’” Mikielski is starting to advertise through social media sites. “Lately I’ve been focusing on social media advertising on Facebook and Instagram,” he said. “There is a learning curve to what works and what does not, but I am making progress.”
Mikielski has a number of interests – all of which are a means to connect him to a variety of online forums and groups. “I love talking to other people in the Jeep* community, classic tractors, pistol shooting and dirt bikes, and I am a part of forums and Facebook groups for all of them. Not only am I there to be around people with like-minded interests, but to be a resource for anyone having questions about oil. I enjoy busting oil myths, too.”
He encourages other Dealers to reach out to others. “Get out there and network,” Mikielski said. “Incorporate AMSOIL into your daily life by talking about it, reading something new or strengthening a current relationship. I’m sure everyone has heard this before: ‘people don’t buy products; they buy YOU.’
“Stop trying to sell AMSOIL and be yourself. Your passion for AMSOIL products will be contagious. Focus on helping others first, and they will reciprocate in helping you.”
He believes success can be had by consistently making the effort to succeed. “As an AMSOIL Dealer, ask yourself how bad do you want to be a successful AMSOIL Dealer,” Mikielski said. “The answer is going to tell you how much time and effort is required to build it to the point where you feel it’s successful.
“Stop trying to sell AMSOIL and be yourself. Your passion for AMSOIL products will be contagious. Focus on helping others first, and they will reciprocate in helping you.”
“So much of my life and AMSOIL Dealership success can be derived from how much time I put into it. I am consistently putting the time into my AMSOIL Dealership, so one day I can become a successful fulltime AMSOIL Dealer. And I do so because I want it bad. And I’m willing to put the time and effort into making it happen.”
He recommends that Dealers also tap into the resources available through AMSOIL programs. “Take full advantage of the AMSOIL programs and staff. I would not be where I am today without the support from AMSOIL corporate,” Mikielski said.
