“The best part is being able to work with my best friend,” said Jamie Bunch, half of the husband-and-wife duo that recently launched a car-buying concierge service.
Jamie and her husband, Brian, created Deal Inked last fall due to Brian’s frustration with the traditional car buying process. After 20-plus years of selling cars and working in customer service, he wanted to make the process easier.
“The stigma of going to a car dealership and dealing with salesman – it’s not a great picture for a lot of people,” Jamie said. She’d listened to her husband’s growing frustration for years over how he was directed to approach and sell to customers. She suggested he strike out on his own and sell cars his way.
His way is car buying without high-pressure sales tactics. Through Deal Inked, a customer tells Brian what they need in a vehicle and he does the rest: finds options that match their needs and budget, negotiates the deal on their behalf, handles all paperwork, and delivers the new car directly to them.
Watching her husband’s passion for the business is one of Jamie’s favorite parts of working with her spouse.
“I love to watch him turn this into a good experience for customers. Now, they actually enjoy this buying a car instead of dreading it.”
Taking the Wheel
Brian and Jamie met online in May of 2017 and were married that November. Both had children from previous marriages, and the blended family consists of four kids: 22-year-old Tristan, 21-year-old Jackson, Bronson, who is 19, and a daughter, Ayla, who is 18 (plus two fur babies, golden retrievers Irl and Mason).
From the start, the couple focused on strong communication within their relationship—a trait that now serves them well as they build their business. Another perk of being a husband-and-wife team? Pushing each other past their comfort zones.
“Brian’s really strong at networking and I’m trying to flex that muscle through this adventure. I’m getting out in the community more and finding ways to support others.”
While Brian is the face of Deal Inked, Jamie manages as the company’s operations. She does everything from arranging Brian’s calendar to marketing and managing their banking and social media accounts.
Jamie said she is proud of how much her husband knows about his industry and how naturally he works with clients.
“He just explains things in a way that makes sense and it’s not salesy in any way.”
Brian has a newfound appreciation for his wife’s dedication and willingness to help.
“I’ve always known she was a hard worker, but I’m watching her learn new things that neither of us know anything about and it’s impressive.”
The couple shared their best advice for other couples who are going into business together.
“Figure out when to turn the business off and turn the marriage on,” Jamie said. “You have to be able to separate it as much as possible. Be intentional about your time together.”
Brian’s advice?
“Be patient. Be understanding. And communicate, communicate, communicate.”
For more information, visit: mydealinked.com
“Figure out when to turn the business off and turn the marriage on. Be patient. Be understanding. And communicate, communicate, communicate."