Autosoft: a perfect fit for Christian Brothers Ford

Christian Brothers Ford Finds the Perfect Fit with Autosoft

Running a dealership in a small town like Crookston, Minnesota, means wearing many hats. At Christian Brothers Ford, Office Manager Kathy Parr is the go-to person for nearly every aspect of the business—from accounts payable and receivable to vehicle check-ins, sales processing, and service scheduling. With just 13 employees and an average of 25-30 car sales per month, efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. That’s where Autosoft comes in.

Kathy and the team at Christian Brothers Ford have relied on Autosoft’s Dealer Management System (DMS) since 2013, and according to her, it’s been a game-changer. “Autosoft helps me all day, every day,” she says. “I use it for everything—parts, service, sales, payroll, you name it.” Having a system that streamlines operations and is easy to navigate makes a big difference in a dealership where every role is interconnected.

A DMS That’s Built for Small Dealerships

With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Kathy has seen how dealer management software can either help or hinder daily operations. When Christian Brothers Ford made the switch to Autosoft, she was initially apprehensive about learning a new system. But that concern quickly faded.

“I remember it being a little scary coming onto a new DMS platform, but once you get it down, it has everything you need,” she explains. “It’s so easy to use, and it’s priced right. That’s a big deal for a smaller dealership like ours.” Despite its simplicity, Autosoft delivers powerful functionality that supports every department. “Autosoft has so much to it, yet it’s very simple to learn and understand,” Kathy adds. “You just need to know your screens, and you’ll be able to do everything.”

A Comprehensive Tool for Every Department

One of the biggest advantages of Autosoft for Christian Brothers Ford is that it covers every aspect of their dealership. “We use all of it—parts, service, sales,” Kathy says. “I’m in receivables, payables, checking in vehicles for service, making sales. Every vehicle that comes in, I enter it. Every sale that goes through, it gets in my hands before it’s done.”

When it comes to reporting, Autosoft also makes Kathy’s job easier. “I look at the Profit & Loss statements and handle the end of the month when we’re doing our financial statements,” she explains. The ability to generate reports quickly and accurately helps Christian Brothers Ford stay on top of its financials and make informed decisions.

Simplifying Service Scheduling

For a dealership that serves customers from across the region—and even from out of state—having a reliable, all-in-one system is essential. Kathy highlights Autosoft’s service scheduling tool as a particular standout. “I can actually schedule out the day in the mornings before the service techs even get in,” she says. “We can schedule any type of service—major repairs, minor things like oil changes, and quick maintenance.” She also appreciates the visibility that the system provides. “I really like how you can see what everybody’s doing,” she adds. “You’ve got their schedule, and you can put that schedule out as far in advance as you want. That makes planning a lot easier.”

Easy Training and Top-Notch Support

As a small dealership, every new hire needs to hit the ground running. That’s why Kathy values Autosoft’s ease of use and training resources. “New employees catch on fairly quickly, actually,” she says. “There are always things to learn, but the basic stuff? They pick it up fast.”

Autosoft’s training videos have been particularly helpful. “I like showing them the pre-recorded videos,” Kathy explains. “I can pause them and go look at a screen with them. Some people prefer hands-on training, and Autosoft offers that too. But those videos are really useful.”

In addition to its training resources, Autosoft’s customer support also stands out. “Autosoft support is good at helping you if you need something along the way,” Kathy says. “They answer quickly—you’re not sitting on hold forever or waiting in a web chat. If you ever need help, they’re there.”

A System That Drives Profitability

At the end of the day, a dealership management system should help improve efficiency and profitability. According to Kathy, Autosoft does exactly that. “Oh yeah, for sure,” she says when asked if Autosoft has contributed to the dealership’s success. “There’s no doubt. It’s a good setup, and it’s a great fit for us at Christian Brothers Ford.” For low-volume franchise dealerships like Christian Brothers Ford, Autosoft provides the perfect blend of power, simplicity, and affordability. And for Kathy, it’s an essential part of keeping the dealership running smoothly every day.