Company: DealerSocket, San Clemente, CA
Entry Submitted By: Blue Flame 6
Company Description: DealerSocket, the 37th fastest growing company in North America, provides the most comprehensive Customer Relationship Management solution available today in the automotive dealership market. More than 25,000 users at over 500 dealerships throughout the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia leverage DealerSocket to help them work smarter and perform more effectively.
Nomination Category: Company & Office Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Overall Company in North America

Nomination Title: DealerSocket Thrives as Auto Dealerships Leverage Company’s CRM Solution to Recession-Proof Businesses

   1. Tell the story about what this nominated company achieved (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

          Obstacles Overcome: Thriving in a Struggling Vertical Market

          Over the past year, recession woes and the softening economy have put enormous
          strain on the American auto industry. According to marketing firm J. D. Power
          & Associates, approximately 15 million vehicles are expected to be sold in
          2008, down from 16.2 million last year, as sales reach the lowest levels since
          1995. 

          While many other companies serving the automobile industry struggle,
          DealerSocket continues to thrive.  Expanding into the U.K., Canada and
          Australia, the company experienced growth of 4529.4% during the past year and
          earned the #37 spot on Deloitte & Touche 2007 Technology Fast 500 Annual List
          of Fastest Growing Companies in North America, up from #43 in 2006.

          In the current economic environment, the successful management of customer
          relationships has never been more critical, not only for dealerships to
          survive, but also to continue to prosper and grow.  More than ever,
          dealerships are depending on DealerSocket to help them work smarter and
          perform more effectively.  This year, the company surpassed 25,000 users, with
          over 500 dealerships, including 20% of the top dealership franchises,
          leveraging DealerSocket automotive CRM solution to recession-proof their
          businesses. 

          With six years of consecutive profitable quarters, ongoing expansion and
          countless awards under its belt, DealerSocket remains an unstoppable
          powerhouse.

          Recent Accomplishments:

          • Surpasses 25,000 DealerSocket CRM system users
          • Expands into Canada, U.K. and Australia
          • Records five-year revenue growth of 4,529 %
          • Named 37th Fastest Growing Company in North America by Deloitte & Touch
          • 6 year of profitable quarters
          • Records five-year employee growth of 5X and less than 2% volunteer
          turnover
          • 3850% growth in research and development
          • Launches new desktop application to help dealerships stay compliant
          with fair business practice regulations
          • Over 500 dealerships and  20+% of top dealership franchise customers,
          including Van Tuyl, Larry H. Miller, Ken Garff, Findlay, Penske, Mossy and
          Hendrick Automotive

          Culture
          DealerSocket cites its emphasis on character and confidence as one of the main
          reasons for the success of the company.  Under their leadership, co-founders
          Jonathan Ord and Brad Perry have created a culture of confidence and growth in
          the workplace, providing many of their co-workers the opportunity to do,
          contribute, lead, and solve problems when they might not have had the “resume”
          to do so.  This mindset has nurtured a culture of trust, confidence,
          innovation and hard work that is the reason behind the company’s successes. 
          This is evident by the extremely low voluntary turnover in the company (less
          than 2%), as well as the length of time the management team has been together
          (since 2001). This culture positively affects the customer base as well, with
          DealerSocket maintaining a customer retention rate of over 90%.

          Customer Satisfaction
          While DealerSocket strives to maintain its leadership position, the company’s
          sales goals do not take precedence over its zeal for customer satisfaction and
          retention.  As the company continues with a mindset of customer service
          excellence, its exceptional sales numbers become the result as well as a
          goal. 

   2. List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: Begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.youraddress.com]:

          As was the case in each previous year since its founding in 2001, this year,
          DealerSocket received extensive press coverage, and numerous awards and
          accolades for its exceptional growth and ongoing commitment to the retail
          automotive industry.  Comprehensive coverage can be found at
          http://www.dealersocket.com/about/news.html.  Highlights include:

          DealerSocket Ranks #37 on Deloitte & Touche 2007 Technology Fast 500 Annual
          List of Fastest Growing Companies in North America
          http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/cda/doc/content/us_tmt_Technology%20Fast%20500%20Article_102307.pdf

          DealerSocket Ranks #2 on Deloitte & Touche Annual List of Fastest Growing
          Companies in Orange County – 4529.4% Growth
          http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/article/0,1002,sid%253D56072%2526cid%253D177037,00.html    

          OC’s 40 Under 40 – DealerSocket’s Co-Founders Jonathan Ord and Brad Perry
          http://www.ocmetrobusiness.com/t-Cover_40_Under_40.aspx

          DealerSocket Receives Multiple Awards for Growth
          http://www.dealersocket.com/news/PressReleaseDealerSocketGrowthFINAL091307.pdf

          DealerSocket Launches New Desktop Application Helping Dealerships Stay
          Compliant
          http://www.dealersocket.com/news/DSLaunchesNewApp.pdf

          Deloitte & Touch 2006 Technology Fast 500 – DealerSocket #43 on Annual List of
          Fastest Growing Companies in North America
          http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/article/0,1002,sid%253D2205%2526cid%253D134079,00.html

          FireSocket Tops Deloitte's Orange County Technology Fast 50 Ranking of Fastest
          Growing Companies, With 6,180 Percent Revenue Growth Over Five Years
          http://www.dealersocket.com/news/DTPressRelease.pdf

          Automotive Digest Follow the Leaders:  Jonathan Ord, CEO, DealerSocket LLC
          http://www.dealersocket.com/pdf/1107FTL_JonathanOrd.pdf

          In the HighBeams: Interview with Jonathan Ord, CEO, DealerSocket
          http://www.dealersocket.com/pdf/1107FTL_JonathanOrd.pdf

   3. Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated company:

          Jonathan Ord
          Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
          As CEO, Jonathan Ord sets vision and drives strategy for DealerSocket.  Over
          the past 13 years, Jonathan has created and executed business process visions
          for more than 500 companies. 

          Brad Perry
          President, Co-Founder
          As President of DealerSocket, Brad Perry focuses on transforming vision into
          reality, relying on his years of experience in the consulting and ASP software
          industry. 

          Both men are graduates of Brigham Young University.  Jonathan earned a
          Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Spanish, and a Master’s Degree in
          Accounting and Information Systems. Brad earned a Master’s Degree in
          Accounting and Information Systems.