Navigating the auto industry’s winding roads at just 19, Michael Dooley, Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Online Marketing, is revolutionizing the landscape of automotive marketing. Having risen through the ranks to dealership management by his mid-20s, Dooley recognized the limitations of salesmanship. The need for a steady flow of clients led him towards the uncharted territory of marketing and brand building, a move that catalyzed a sea change in the automotive marketing sphere.
Fuelled by competitiveness and a thirst for knowledge, Dooley delved into the intricacies of marketing. His initiative bore fruit when he launched a luxury car dealership and started sharing his daily commute and experiences on social media. This documentation of his victories, setbacks, and everyday stories struck a chord with his audience, sparking considerable attention. Dooley’s live videos caught fire, prompting dealerships to approach him for advice.
The up-and-coming entrepreneur had inadvertently created a business. He had uncovered a niche, using his personal brand and industry experience to his advantage. What began as an ‘accident’ soon morphed into a successful venture, placing Dooley as a leading figure in the automotive lead generation and software-as-a-service (SaaS) community.
Pinnacle Online Marketing has since spread its wings, reaching clients across nine countries. Despite its triumphant journey, Dooley stresses the value of authenticity, advocating for individuals to chart their unique paths, untainted by comparison. For him, success is rooted in setting and reaching personal, attainable goals, aligning with one’s own sense of purpose.
Dooley’s journey was not devoid of hurdles. His life after dealership coincided with a period of upheaval in Australia, marked by bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, instead of bowing to these adversities, Dooley chose to view them as catalysts for growth. He broadened his horizon, recognizing the restrictions of a local-only clientele and adopting a global approach.
The secret sauce to Pinnacle’s speedy growth lies not in wooing the biggest clients but in offering solutions and value to individual clients, fostering relationships on all levels. Dooley’s focus on authenticity, his willingness to show his persona as a friend, husband, and father alongside his CEO role, builds trust and nurtures more robust client relationships.
Even amidst the demands of a flourishing enterprise, Dooley makes a point to prioritize work-life balance, reserving Sundays for family. The sense of gratitude garnered from these moments stokes his passion and motivation. He’s also curated an exemplary team at Pinnacle, allowing him to delegate duties and focus on strategic planning and business expansion.
Dooley’s future aspirations are characterized by ambition and innovation. He intends to shape Pinnacle into an ‘all-in-one’ solution for clients by continually amplifying their services and software offerings. On a personal front, he revels in his role as an outsourced CMO for various clients, providing fresh perspectives and global expertise to help businesses amplify their marketing and sales strategies.
For those stepping onto the entrepreneurial path, Dooley’s advice is simple yet profound: “Be genuine and really have a deep ‘why’ as to your purpose. Have a plan, small actionable goals, and execute.”
As he forges ahead, refining his business and championing his clients’ success, it’s clear that Michael Dooley’s influence on the automotive marketing industry is accelerating rather than slowing.
Explore more about Pinnacle Online Marketing here or dive into their story in depth here.
