
Strolid Transforms Dealer Operations:
How Reed Zibilich Delivered Game-Changing Results for
Gilchrist Automotive Group
When Stephen Gilchrist of Gilchrist Automotive Group struggled with lead management chaos, he didn’t just need a vendor; he needed a partner who could understand his pain and deliver real solutions. That’s precisely what he found in our Sales Director Reed Zibilich whose June achievements showcase the transformative power of expertise, trust-building, and measurable results that define Strolid’s commitment to excellence.
The Challenge: When Good Intentions Fall Short
Every dealership owner knows the frustration Stephen faced. His internal team was logging appointments, but something fundamental was missing. “Stephen was dealing with a lack of structure and follow-through on leads,” Reed explains. “Appointments were being logged, but he had no real way to verify the quality of those appointments or if the leads were even being worked.”
This disconnect between activity and results cost the dealership more than missed opportunities; it eroded trust in their lead management process. Gilchrist needed accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, someone who could deliver on their promises.
The Solution: Reed’s Strategic Approach to Trust and Transparency
What set Reed apart wasn’t just his technical knowledge of Strolid’s BDC solutions but his ability to understand the human element behind the business challenge. Reed recognized that Stephen’s frustration stemmed from a lack of organizational structure and consistency that his internal team couldn’t provide.
“Stephen chose to move forward with Strolid after identifying that his internal team lacked the organization and consistency needed to manage inbound leads effectively and set real appointments,” Reed shares. The breakthrough moment came when Reed demonstrated how Strolid operates “completely independently from the showroom, which removed internal distractions and influence from salespeople.”
This wasn’t just about process improvement but about giving Stephen the confidence to trust his data again. Reed’s promise of complete transparency in every customer interaction resonated because it addressed the core issue: accountability.
The Results: Measurable Excellence in Action
Reed’s expertise delivered results that speak louder than any sales pitch. Within just two weeks of implementation, the transformation was undeniable:
- Response times consistently under 10 minutes, a dramatic improvement in speed to lead
- Appointment set rates that surpassed their prior in-house results, proving quality over quantity
- Complete transparency in every customer interaction, rebuilding trust through data
“What made the difference was our clear emphasis on appointment quality and our ability to show that every customer interaction was tracked, managed, and outcome-driven,” Reed explains. This wasn’t about checking boxes but setting “solid, real appointments, not fluff.”
The Impact: Beyond Numbers to Lasting Partnership
Reed’s success with Gilchrist Automotive Group exemplifies what happens when technical expertise meets genuine relationship-building. By focusing on the metrics that mattered most to Stephen — appointment set rate, speed to lead, and appointment quality — Reed didn’t just deliver a service and peace of mind.
The transformation allowed Stephen to “trust the data and hold his in-store team to higher standards,” creating a ripple effect of accountability throughout the organization. This partnership builds lasting client relationships and reinforces Strolid’s reputation as the trusted leader in BDC solutions.
Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Growth
Reed’s June achievements remind us that exceptional results come from combining deep industry expertise with genuine care for our client’s success. His ability to diagnose challenges, build trust, and deliver measurable improvements reflects the values that make Strolid exceptional: accountability, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to client outcomes.
As we celebrate Reed’s outstanding performance, we’re reminded that every Strolid team member has the opportunity to create these transformative client experiences. Reed’s success story isn’t just about one month’s achievements; it’s a blueprint for the excellence we bring to every client relationship daily, helping our dealers to Never Miss.