The Dealership Doctor, Free Streaming, Apple Back To Work, BestBuy Lays Off

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This Tuesday we’re talking about unconventional healthcare with big time satisfaction. The Walmart - Amazon rivalry takes another step up. We also cover Apple's return to work (finally) and layoffs at Best Buy which could benefit Dealership employee searches.

• One Florida Dealership provides some very special health care services, including a Dr who sees patients several days a week at the store
  • After a 35% rate increase in 2019-2020, Greg Balasco, owner of Lakeland Automall who is a Ford, Hyundai, and Genesis dealer had enough and began looking for other options
  • "There was sheer frustration over the lack of quality health care and the continual increase in expenses for me and our employees every year," Balasco told Automotive News. "Now, we're managing our health care ourselves instead of allowing these big companies to do it and take advantage of the employee and employer.”
  • Worked with advisor Health Rosetta to find a fit and now manages their own health
    • Saved 25% for everyone
    • Many no deductible services and no-cost durable medical equip
    • Quick call/text access to the Dealership doctor anytime
    • Health card bears the Dealership logo
  • The “Dealership Dr” Dr. Christopher Salud, said in an interview w ABC Action News in Tampa, Fla., that he enjoys spending more quality time with fewer patients.
    • The store sold 5200 vehicles last year
• Take away: We bet they have a lower than normal turnover rate.
• Walmart has reached a deal with Paramount + to offer the ad supported version of the streaming platform to all members of Walmart+ subscription service for free
  • Direct move to remain competitive for its 16 million members with rival, Amazon
  • Paramount has had an office in Bentonville for many years
  • Walmart+ is $98 per year and includes free shipping, gasoline discounts, and 6 months of Spotify premium. Amazon Prime costs $139 and features a robust streaming offering for video and music
• Apple tells its employees they will need to return to in-person work 3 days per week starting September 5th
  • Employees will be required to be in-office Tuesday, Thursday, and one other day of their choice
  • The return was originally planned for July of 2021 but was shelved due to employee protest
  • From CEO Tim Cook, “We are excited to move forward with the pilot and believe that this revised framework will enhance our ability to work flexibly, while preserving the in-person collaboration that is so essential to our culture. We also know that we still have a lot to learn. And we are committed to listening, adapting, and growing together in the weeks and months ahead.”
• Best Buy announces layoffs likely including hundreds of jobs at the store level

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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