It goes without saying that 2020 was a year to remember. Uncertainty became a very familiar feeling to many of us, both personally and professionally. The automotive industry faced unprecedented challenges, with retailers and wholesalers alike forced to implement creative approaches to the showroom experience, test drives, vehicle delivery, service, and more. Sellers had to reimagine their entire sales process, moving much of it online. There is no doubt that the events of 2020 will have lasting impact on our industry, driving the acceptance and acceleration of digital merchandising and retailing strategies that help dealerships not just survive, but thrive in the new reality.
Like many other companies, Impel (formerly SpinCar) moved to a remote work model in March of 2020. While nothing compares to the energy and camaraderie that results from being together physically, events like virtual happy hours, trivia competitions, and book clubs helped keep our relationships strong. And we were proud to continue servicing the thousands of dealers who rely on Impel to power their merchandising efforts. In fact, our support and customer success teams never skipped a beat.
The “SpinFam” grew with new employees, precious newborns, four-legged family members, engagements and weddings. The pandemic impacted our ability to travel to meet with customers, partners and friends on site and at tradeshows. However, our team found new ways to take our product demonstrations on the road, traveling thousands of miles in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter JetVan to meet safely with prospects and partners. In many ways, video-conferencing brought us even closer to our partners, and we enjoyed networking at virtual events and sharing our digital merchandising knowledge through webinars led by our executives.
In a year in which our community needed support more than ever, our employees stepped up in a big way. Impel team members helped raise $10,000 for youth and development programs in central New York, including The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Good Life Youth Foundation. We donated 500 KN95 masks to our employees and their families, our local VA medical center and a NYC nursing home. And when our local restaurants faced restrictions, closures and plummeting foot traffic, Impel employees hosted Small Business Rallies to support these important businesses.
2020 was a difficult year – yet there are so many things to be proud of and thankful for. Our team demonstrated true resilience and grit, finding creative ways to address business, organizational and personal challenges with a passion that characterizes our Impel culture. Many challenges remain, but we look forward to the new opportunities and growth we’ll make happen in 2021 together with our customers and partners.
Onward!
