Reality TV comes to dealership

Snouffer and staff get a turn in the spotlight, By Jennifer Jean Miller Sussex — It is back to reality, literally, for Franklin Sussex Auto Mall this week, after being under the microscope last week, when filming for a SpikeTV reality show. The new reality TV show features internationally known automotive sales and management consultant Tom Stuker. Stuker, who is easily recognized the black cowboy hat and boots that he sports as he walks through dealerships, has traveled worldwide so extensively to help car sales outlets, he was recently honored by United Airlines for logging in over 10 million miles with them. "The show gives us an inside look into the life of a dealership," said executive producer Craig Armstrong. Currently titled "Car Boss" and scheduled for airtime in 2012. Armstrong was a co-executive producer for "Survivor" and executive producer for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Supernanny" and "Food Revolution," which received an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program. Armstrong has received six other Emmy nominations during his career. He said Stuker and his team work with dealerships to strengthen various facets of their business. "It's really interesting to find out how it all works and what makes a dealership tick," Armstrong said. "It's meant to be a lot of fun and to enjoy the process of selling cars." During the week, the spotlight was on Bill Snouffer, general manager of Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, and his team. On Saturday, Aug. 6, the dealership hosted festivities, including a barbecue, in coordination with their Sizzling Summer Sales Event. The event wrapped up with a drawing for a 32-inch LCD HDTV; Tom and Patty Prout of Wantage won the TV. "I've been in this business for 32 years, and this is one of the best dealerships around," Stuker told the crowd. "Bill's been a successful operator for a long time and one of the classiest people in the car business." Stuker said he worked with some of the sales people, and in areas where they were struggling, they were now stronger, and he was pleased with their progress. "There are a few sales people who were doing well and are now doing excellent," said Vem Miller, the show's creator, as he watched the filming. General sales manager Claude Jaillet was pleased with the experience."I've learned a lot from him, it's been an interesting week, it's been a lot of fun, and there are a lot of good guys on the crew." Stuker also commended Snouffer for his interaction with his employees. "He cares about his employees, like he cares about his customers," Stuker said.