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Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 560, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball business development company (BDC) funds for Edward in Illinois before diving into buckets of cash, T-bills, decumulation, and Roth conversion timing for Pebbles and Bam Bam. Plus, the fellas help 34 year old Keith in Connecticut figure out if he's actually on track, whether he's taking too much risk, or just worrying too much. They also spitball on the six-figure annuity gain that Gus in Philly's 95 year old dad has amassed. Finally, why yelling "never pay an advisor" on the internet doesn't necessarily magically turn MYGAs into the perfect investment for everyone. (While Joe and Big Al enjoy a little seasonal downtime and Andi recovers from surgery, enjoy this encore presentation of these questions from a January 2025 episode.) Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-560 (full show notes & episode transcript) 10 Steps to Improve Investing Success - free download Tax-Smart Charitable Giving Guide 6 Secrets to Bigger Tax Deductions from Your Non-Profit Donations - YMYW TV Financial Blueprint (self-guided) Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional) REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis DOWNLOAD more free guides READ financial blogs WATCH educational videos SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter Connect With Us: YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation in the comments Podcast apps: subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite Apple Podcasts: leave your honest reviews and ratings Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This week on the YMYW Podcast 01:03 - What's the Risk With Business Company Development (BDC) Funds? (Edward, IL) 03:58 - T-Bills, Decumulation, IRAs, and Investing Strategies (Pebbles & Bam Bam, Kentuckystone) 12:02 - I'm 34. Are My Investments Appropriate for My Time Horizon? (Keith, CT) 17:59 - MYGA Retirement Withdrawal Strategy for Dad (Gus in Philly) 23:00 - Just Buy Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) and Bonds (comment from Ken, YouTube) 28:04 - YouTube comments: State Taxes, Pro-Rated Sale of Primary Residence, Bonds vs. Pension, and PERMA 35:27 - YMYW Podcast Outro
Get inspired by Nick Cossette, co-founder and Head of Growth & Operations at Matador AI, as he shares his journey from working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car to creating one of automotive's leading AI tools. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Nick reveals how Matador AI is revolutionizing dealership sales, BDC follow-ups, and customer engagement. From SMS automation to human-like AI conversations and now even voice AI, learn how Nick and his team are reshaping the way dealers connect with customers and drive results. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of automotive technology, AI, and elevating dealership operations. Get more info @ Matador.ai Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Part 4 of Jen Suzuki's 4-part mini-series gives managers a simple, repeatable structure for teaching one of the most stressful skills in sales: handling customer objections. In this episode, Jen breaks down how to coach your team through pushback without pressure — using a calm, confident, 4-step framework: Acknowledge → Reframe → Offer → Close the Gap. You'll learn exactly how to teach the structure in minutes, demonstrate both strong and weak examples, and set up fast role-plays that build confidence instead of anxiety. Jen also shares practical ways to evaluate tone, body language, pacing, and delivery using quick checklists and 10-minute coaching drills. Plus, she reveals her favorite contest ideas to keep the skill top-of-mind and drive real behavior change. This power session helps salespeople, BDC agents, service advisors, and anyone facing customer objections turn stressful moments into calm, controlled wins. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Part 3 of Jen Suzuki's 4-part manager mini-series goes deep into one of the most profitable coaching skills in the dealership: teaching teams how to gain more service approvals using her formula called Job–Risk–Reward (JRR). Jen breaks down exactly how to train advisors, salespeople, and BDC agents to explain value simply, clearly, and with confidence — without scripts. You'll learn how to teach the formula in minutes, demonstrate it live, then drive real application with team exercises, role-play, and even spicy contests that make learning stick. From wipers and brake pads to leather seats and display screens, Jen shows you how this formula boosts trust, increases transparency, and gets customers saying yes more often. This is your playbook for fast, high-impact coaching that drives approvals, customer loyalty, and profitability. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Dive into what's next for enterprise AI in the latest episode of Tech-Driven Business. Mustansir Saifuddin welcomes SAP expert Andrea Haupfear for an in-depth conversation on how SAP is helping organizations turn AI from hype into measurable business value. If you're navigating transformation across finance, supply chain, or operations, this episode is a must-listen. Andrea breaks down what makes enterprise AI different—why trusted data, business context, and governance are non-negotiable—and how SAP is embedding AI directly into business processes to improve speed, accuracy, and ROI. Tune in for a real-world example and practical guidance on how organizations can start small, prioritize high-impact use cases, and prepare for what's coming next with Agentic AI. Andrea Haupfear is a Business Process Architect with over a decade of experience driving digital transformation through artificial intelligence and advanced analytics. She specializes in designing and implementing AI-powered solutions that enhance operational efficiency, decision-making, and adaptability across diverse business environments. Andrea is recognized for her strategic leadership in translating complex technologies into scalable, real-world applications, making her a trusted advisor in navigating change and unlocking value through innovation. Connect with Us: LinkedIn: Andrea Haupfear Mustansir Saifuddin Innovative Solution Partners X: @Mmsaifuddin YouTube or learn more about our sponsor Innovative Solution Partners to schedule a free consultation. Episode Transcript [00:00:00] Mustansir Saifuddin: Welcome to Tech Driven Business, brought to you by Innovative Solution Partners. I'm honored to have Andrea Haupfear of SAP. Join me today to break down how SAP is helping organizations leverage AI to drive efficiency, reduce risk and deliver measurable ROI. We'll also look ahead at what's next and how you and your team can prepare as AI moves from experimental to essential for enterprises to thrive. [00:00:35] Hello Andrea. How are you? [00:00:37] Andrea Haupfear: I'm good. How are you? [00:00:40] Mustansir Saifuddin: Doing well, doing well. I'm so excited to have you on our show. So thank you for coming on. Today we would like to talk about the latest SAP's AI journey and the business transformation. And what it really means for SAP customers. How does it sound? [00:00:57] Andrea Haupfear: Sure. No, it sounds great. This is one of my passions that I love to talk about, and so you know, happy and excited to actually share a little bit about what we're doing with AI at SAP and what we've seen in the field with our customers. So, super excited and it's a pleasure being here. [00:01:14] So thank you again for inviting me here. [00:01:17] Mustansir Saifuddin: Awesome. Awesome. Let's get into it, we know we are at an inflection point, right? AI is moving so fast and it's actually turning from experimental to essential, right? For in a lot of different cases. So let's focus in how is SAP's AI strategy fundamentally different from consumer AI? And why does it really matter for enterprises? [00:01:39] Andrea Haupfear: Yeah, absolutely. So a couple of things that I wanna kind of touch on here. So oftentimes, and you mentioned this, right, we, we've used, we've used AI in our personal and daily lives for, you know, the last decade plus, right? I mean, when you think about AI, a lot of people think about Siri or Alexa or ChatGPT, right? [00:02:01] And you know, when I personally think about AI you've got your broad and creative tasks. What we've done in our personal lives, you know, everything from creating a grocery list to, editing a, a photo, right? A family photo. But from a business perspective you know, an enterprise AI, it really has to change those business outcomes. [00:02:26] And really when you think about this, think about, you know, everything from could be closing the books faster or. A faster on time delivery rate or reducing risk in my supply chain. And how do we ultimately do it with the highest level of governance, auditability, cost control. And so SAP's approach is really built around that flywheel of applications, data and that additional layer of artificial intelligence on top of it. [00:02:58] So there's, there's that aspect to it, but then also thinking about it in a couple of other ways of how we're doing this. Is, you know, yes, we're embedding it where your business or where the work happens. So making it easier for our end users to be able to leverage artificial intelligent capabilities and even machine learning capabilities, not just [00:03:23] from a digital assistant or a chat perspective, but how do we integrate it and infuse it within their specific business, day-to-day business processes to make their lives that much easier? But then also thinking about it from a strategic perspective, how can I obtain that high level of ROI by leveraging artificial intelligence. [00:03:47] So we're seeing it in a couple of different flavors from our customers. And then also what we're developing from a, from a product perspective as well. So we're thinking about it from a couple of different angles. [00:04:00] Additionally, thinking about it from a AI operating system for our developers and for our consultants, leveraging the AI foundation on the business technology platform. [00:04:13] So think about what used to be our developers would have to generate thousands upon thousands of lines of code. Now that's no longer the case, right? It can take them you know, a, a minute or so now to develop the, these applications and these lines of code to where it's, it's easier for them to go about their day-to-day jobs and their, their tasks where now they don't have to spend days upon days trying to develop these different applications and agents. [00:04:45] It also lets you and I just mentioned around agents, it also lets you create and govern custom agents to read and write back to SAP and non SAP systems. Thinking about this automation and accountability, not just getting those pointed answers, right? And then last but not least, kind of how I think about this is, yes, you've got your trust. [00:05:09] Think about trust not only in the data from looking at it in your SAP systems, but also think about non SAP systems. Think about your third party applications that you're going in and looking at the data, whether it's geographic information customer sentiment information, or it could even be, asset related sensor information, right? So bringing in that data as well as looking at it from your SAP business data context but then also looking at it with responsibility. So SAP has that responsible AI program in place really aligned to the UN UNESCO principles and the ISO 4 2 0 0 1 certification to really prioritize [00:05:57] those ethics and compliance and human oversight within our, our AI applications such as, you know, AI core and our digital assistant juul. So really taking it from a full spectrum approach and looking at it at the holistic level and how we can bring in artificial intelligence within these, these areas. [00:06:20] Mustansir Saifuddin: I love the way you kind of package it all together, from an overall perspective, especially, you know, the two things that really stuck out to me was. Again, coming from a business side, what is in it for a customer, right? What is the real value? [00:06:35] And you touched upon two things, embedding it. So a person who is currently doing a job and they're used to doing it manually. Now you can. Embed these ai component to their daily work streams, right? And how they can, you know, utilize that. And the second part I really loved it is you talked about ROI really what is the return I'm getting on this investment, right? And then lastly, you talked about data. So let's, let's talk about that. You know, here's the uncomfortable truth. AI is only as good as the data it learns from. We all know that. We all talk about it. And we have always heard this term garbage and garbage out, but what that sort really mean when we are talking SAP AI, making recommendations to customers and we are talking the effect in terms of millions in revenues or supply chain decisions. How would you like to address that? What is, what is SAP's approach on that? [00:07:33] Andrea Haupfear: Yeah, so a couple of things and you know, I've heard that term many times and coming and being an ex consultant. It's, it's definitely right. You're only as good as, as I've heard, you know, as the data that you have. So my thought on this is really when you have an AI agent that recommends, say for example, expediting a shipment or reclassifying a receivable, the truth that it relies on, [00:08:00] is your master data. [00:08:01] It is your transactional history and any sort of process constraints that lie in between. So ultimately, when I think about this, it's not just your, your master data. It's a, it's a multitude of things that ultimately will help the AI model in the end. In the end game to take those three pillars and turn garbage in into good decisions out. [00:08:27] The other piece that, how I think about this are semantics and not necessarily just schemas. So think about when we have some of our solutions such as Business Data Cloud, which carries those semantics and lineage into your AI workloads. So say for example, the customer, the plants, or an open po, it means the same thing everywhere. [00:08:51] And that's really critical for explainability and audit purposes. That's another way how I think about this. And then also just looking at this from a context perspective. So I also think about, you have to train a model when at first go, right? And be able to provide it some context, some instruction, some understanding that says, this is where this particular business process lies. [00:09:17] This is how the process should look and feel. What does good look like? And that's ultimately what we explain and tell our customers is we need to train our model to understand what does good look like, and this is where you have that context, rich retrieval and not just kind of that blind prompting that just says, go do this. [00:09:36] But the model will try to establish what it thinks good looks like, which may not necessarily mean what you think good looks like. This is where SAP HANA Cloud will bring in that vector engine, so those semantic retrievals and documents and notes and images. [00:09:53] Think about a knowledge graph. So it brings in those specific facts and relationships from your ERP, but then also thinking about a rag model as well, reducing those hallucinations and making those citations explainable. So why did the model or an agent be able to go through the process that it did? [00:10:16] Well, that's because there's multiple steps and instructions that the model has to take in order to provide an accurate response. Those are some of the things in, in which we leverage today with our customers and really making it so that way it's, yes, they may not always have the best data, but let's provide additional context to really help, again, make those good decisions coming out. [00:10:41] Mustansir Saifuddin: I liked the way you tied it together, right? We talk about business semantics being so important, BDC, the business data cloud. How is that coming into play in this conversation? And then coming from business semantics into a context. A context really is required for the answers to make sense and be business relevant. [00:11:03] So I really love the way you kind of connected together. Let's zoom in. Let's pick an industry. And there are so many examples that manufacturing, retail, financial services. Can you walk us through one compelling use case where SAP AI is really creating these breakthrough value? [00:11:21] What was the business problem? And how did AI solve it differently? [00:11:26] Andrea Haupfear: Yeah, absolutely. Mentioned at the beginning, SAP is investing heavily within artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, not just from an embedded AI perspective, but also think about it from a tailored AI perspective. So I mentioned [00:11:41] Business Data Cloud, being able to pull information and data not only from your internal SAP systems, but also external and third party information. And I wanna give you an example in a use case real world use case of a dairy co-op out of Wisconsin that is actually doing this today [00:12:00] from a very innovative approach. [00:12:02] Their challenge was around their performance at the subcontracting level. Ultimately these guys have a dairy co-op with their local farmers or farm base. They bring in the milk to not only from an internal manufacturing perspective to process out milk cheese, butter whey, et cetera cream, but they also subcontract it out as well. [00:12:28] And so this is really where they wanted to be able to get a better understanding, not just insights perspective on their data at their subcontractors from a yield output perspective. How much dairy, how much cheese was being was an output or yield, but what was going in and then going in versus going out. [00:12:50] And so ultimately what they wanted to be able to do was, yes, be able to look at the yield perspective from an insights, but they wanted to be able to leverage and infuse artificial intelligence from this process to ultimately help with their reduce of shrink. And contributing to a 1% KPI, which ultimately makes up to you and I roughly 10 to $15 million. [00:13:16] Okay. So just to kind of put it in perspective here of how much we're talking about. And so what they did was, yes, we have the insights from an analytics perspective, they wanted to be able to make it easier for their dairy supply chain planners to be able to, in real time through natural language processing, be able to chat with a digital assistant to gain insights around, Hey, what is my yield output for specific plant? [00:13:42] Tell me my highest and lowest plants that had the yield output. Tell me un understanding from a scrapping perspective how much waste is going out. So they wanted to be able to look at these specific metrics and be able to get a better understanding, hey, which particular plant is performing the best versus the worst. [00:14:03] So that way they can help to be able to retain and possibly improve some of these plant relationships going forward. Additionally as kind of that part two, what they wanted to be able to do is they receive manual yield output reports on a weekly basis from these subcontractors. It's typically in a PDF format, Excel, PDF format, and oftentimes these can be miskeyed into their S4 system. [00:14:35] And what they wanted to be able to do is be able to have an a little bit more of an automated process. Of, yes, not only uploading these reports that they, they have to manually key in today, but they wanted to be able to provide some intelligence behind it. And so this is where we've put in outlier detection on these attachments to where now I can see, okay, was there a miskey or an oversight that says, okay, you know, this should have been 2,622 versus 6,222. It can detect those mis keys in real time to say, Hey. For my supply chain planner, this doesn't necessarily look right. It's way outta whack compared to what was previously entered in, in the previous weeks. [00:15:24] You should triple check this, right? So it's, it's being able to provide a little bit more of, think of like big brother watching over you before it actually goes and hits into their ERP system. This is ultimately contributing to their supply chain process and has a direct impact on their KPI metrics that they're leveraging. [00:15:44] In this case, it's it's within shrink, so really getting a, a better handle on that. [00:15:50] Mustansir Saifuddin: No, I think the, the way you explained it, it is a great example 'cause now I can see not only does it apply to this particular industry, but it can cut across multiple industries. [00:16:00] Right. Because the example talked about production at a plant level. At the same time, the supply chain mishaps that can happen. [00:16:08] And usually a human eye can take so much [00:16:11] or can detect so much, but you can't try and put it together in a way that you guide your, your workforce to look at anomalies that can really help you steer the ship in the right direction quickly and efficiently. So that's great. [00:16:26] That really leads into my, my next question is, all of this is great, right? This is happening right now, we can see like the example you use, [00:16:35] right? It is in action. It is in motion, and customers are seeing value. Let's fast forward, where is SAP's AI development heading? You know, let's take a time horizon, 18 to 24 months. What capabilities should organizations be preparing for? Because it is all about future proofing ourselves, right? And how should they architect the solutions today to be ready for that feature, you know, coming up so quickly? [00:17:02] Andrea Haupfear: Yeah, absolutely. So a couple things that that come to mind. So number one and we've all been hearing kind of the next and elitist buzzword is around agents and agentic AI. So really how. I think about agents is how do we provide some of those tasks that, you know, may not necessarily whether they're they're still important, but, you know, maybe take up a lot of our time [00:17:29] but being able to provide and have a AI model behind that. To really free up some of the workload and provide some of our end users more on the strategic front. Freeing up some of that time. So I think in my humbled opinion, Agentic AI but Agentic AI at scale. So a lot of our customers are looking at what we have and this is where we're embedding. [00:17:54] Within our SAP applications agents within each one of our lines of business, but also custom agents. So this is something that is going to be released here in the next next several months, is looking at I have my embedded agents, but if I have very specific and unique, maybe differentiated business processes, how can I be able to integrate and infuse custom agents or an agent within this particular process? [00:18:23] And so this is really where I think is gonna we're really gonna see a lot of value coming in from our customers that says, yes, I can use agents in a multitude of different ways. Second is thinking about as an organization, we're becoming more dynamic and, and open source for data and how we can process it in a business context. [00:18:47] So thinking about, yes, I mentioned the Business Data Cloud, but also you know, strong partnerships. That was just announced with Snowflake as well. Right? So bringing in, yes, not only our internal data, but also our external data as well. How can we take that data and be able to normalize it? As far as from an architect's perspective, here are a couple points that I was kind of thinking about in my mind as we were going through this. [00:19:13] Was around keeping the core clean, right? So making sure that, yes, we're using our, our business technology platform various extensions and agents and skills from from JUUL studio and avoiding really those those drastic upgrades. And also kind of how I'm thinking about this is adopting that data product mindset. [00:19:40] So looking at, and I mentioned this as well, like Business Data Cloud, from looking at semantics and lineage, but also looking at retrieval methods. So vector engines and knowledge graphs. But then also thinking about it from a process perspective and [00:20:00] designing agent guardrails. So making sure that you have a much more standardization of an understanding of those roles and permissions. [00:20:10] Understanding human in the loop checkpoints at what point should be automated versus, okay, we need to have a set of eyes on this to actually be able to say, yep, this looks correct. I think that that's extremely important. [00:20:25] Mustansir Saifuddin: Yeah, for sure. And I think a couple of things that really stuck out for me. One is very near and dear to me, is the data part. And you talked about the partnership with Snowflake coming out recently, and I think it's important, especially when we talk about data for an organization. It's not just SAP data, it's like the overall, right? [00:20:42] You know, this, what does it really make up my organization? So [00:20:45] great approach from SAP, how it's trying to bring in like a business context around it, right? You have information within your ERP, outside of your ERP and then using the BTP platform. and the BDC platform to kind of bring it all together. So I think great segue, especially when we talk about agents and you know, we've all been talking about agents you know, for quite some time now, but now we can see the real value, how we can customize it and bring it together from a data perspective. So great conversation. On a personal note, how are you staying up, you know, on top of all these changes taking place in technology and business? What is your secret sauce? [00:21:26] Andrea Haupfear: Yeah, no, it's tough 'cause it's changing daily, weekly, right. And so being able to stay, have it stay top of mind. This is something that is part of, yes, not only my passion and what I do day in and day out, right, but also looking and getting, keeping educated not only from a process perspective by virtue of, you know, our internal processes, what we have in our products and our product offering, but also external with our clients. [00:21:54] To say, okay, what are they doing today with their processes? And then how can we leverage AI within that? So yes, not only from an internal knowledge sharing perspective, from a functional and technical perspective, but also external as well. And then thinking about external blogs, news sources, those are just kind of some of the things that I try to stay up to date. [00:22:16] You know, as best as I can. [00:22:18] Mustansir Saifuddin: No, I hear you on that. It is, it is a constant learning and I think that's the key, right? Educating [00:22:23] and educating and educating and be able to find your sources. I think that's the key. Great conversation. I know we are at time, what would you take out of this conversation that we just had and want to leave a particular takeaway for our listeners and folks who are interested in this topic? [00:22:42] Andrea Haupfear: Sure. Absolutely. So AI is not just like, and, and I meant we mentioned this earlier on, right? AI is not just in our personal lives, but it's also in our workplace and it's very, very real. We are seeing our companies and our customers take advantage of infusing AI into their business processes and receiving the high ROI in their processes. [00:23:05] The key is to start small. Strategically and identify which areas will have AI and will have that high ROI, but then also have the highest value when it comes from an impact perspective. We see this to where we run this as, as ultimately an ideation sessions with our customers and from the takeaway out of those sessions is they can start to craft an internal roadmap that will lead them to AI success. [00:23:38] And ultimately our organization can help them get there along the way, even whether they're just dipping their toe in the AI pool or some, some customers that we deal with already have strong partnerships with large language model providers or they're partnering with universities, things like that. [00:23:57] The end goal in net net is that [00:24:00] our organization can help to not only help identify those high value AI use cases, but also investing in you to create those. We offer a free proof of concept in as much as eight weeks. You mentioned this, you know how frequently this is changing. [00:24:18] AI is changing. Right? And this is where we can develop these proof of concepts to where you, our customers can be able to realize those value in a very quick and short amount of time. And so that's ultimately where I wanna leave the audience with is that we're, we're seeing AI not just in our personal lives, but also in the workplace. [00:24:39] And we're actually showing them and, having them realize it in real time. So you guys can, can feel free to reach out to me. I think we'll have my contact information at the end of the podcast here. But you know, happy to have further conversations with you and your organization. [00:24:55] I wanna thank you again personally for inviting me to the podcast and to discuss a, a very, very close and passionate topic for me. [00:25:04] Mustansir Saifuddin: It's a pleasure to have you, Andrea, and really, I think it was a great conversation. You touched upon so many different things and I think that was the purpose of this, was to kind of bring light to exactly what's going on in, you know, we talk about AI in general, but what is really happening at the inter-enterprise level [00:25:21] and what is the real value when folks are looking at, from a business perspective. How to increase ROI in this new technology and what does really mean in terms of increasing business revenue and across the board improving efficiencies. Right? So it's all together. But thank you so much for coming on our show. [00:25:42] Andrea Haupfear: Absolutely. Thank you for having me. [00:25:44] Mustansir Saifuddin: Thanks for listening to Drug Driven Business, brought to you by Innovative Solution Partners. SAP is helping customers move from AI experimentation to enterprise value by embedding AI where work happens, grounding it in trusted data and business context. And ensuring governance, auditability, and control. [00:26:10] Andrea's Key takeaway? Start small. Focus on the highest ROI use cases and build a clear roadmap because when AI is tied to real processes and real outcomes, SAP customers can unlock faster decisions, lower risk, and measurable impact. We would love to hear from you. Continue the conversation by connecting with me on LinkedIn or X. [00:26:36] Learn more about innovative solution partners and schedule a free consultation by visiting isolutionpartners.com. Never miss a podcast by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Information is in the show notes.
Part 2 of Jen Suzuki's 4-part mini-series for dealership leaders drills into the single most important window of any customer interaction — the first three minutes. In this episode Jen teaches managers how to coach teams to win fast: a sharp greeting, purposeful value, and immediate engagement. Learn a compact, repeatable coaching routine (teach → demo → apply) with real scripts for calls, showroom greetings, and walk-ins, plus quick contests and pairing exercises to lock behavior in. This episode is built for GMs, BDC leads, service managers and anyone who needs fast, high-impact coaching that translates to better appointments, higher show rates, and stronger customer loyalty. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean V. Bradley sits down with longtime industry strategist Troy Spring to discuss the evolving state of automotive advertising. With nearly four decades in the business, Troy brings a perspective shaped by experience, data, and a deep understanding of what truly moves the needle for dealerships! "I've never seen anything work better than direct mail ever." - Troy Spring From traditional marketing channels to modern digital ecosystems, the conversation explores how dealers think about their market, their budget, and the strategies that shape their advertising decisions. Sean and Troy examine the realities dealerships face today, from vendor relationships to the role of in-house marketing leadership, and why understanding your market is more important now than ever! "It's a chess match. It's not just advertising. It's about looking at everything holistically." - Troy Spring This episode challenges assumptions, reframes how dealers view their advertising spend, and offers a candid look at the mindset needed to succeed in a competitive landscape. If you're a Dealer, General Manager, marketing manager, or anyone responsible for driving traffic and generating opportunities… this is a conversation you'll want to hear firsthand! Tune in to learn how top operators are rethinking their advertising journey, and why the next evolution of automotive marketing starts with clarity, strategy, and control! Key Takeaways: ✅ Direct mail remains one of the most effective traditional advertising methods for car dealerships, often outperforming digital strategies. ✅ To optimize marketing spend, dealers need to focus on their immediate market area before expanding efforts to broader markets. ✅ Understanding and calculating the true cost-per-sale involves more than just the simple division of ad spend by cars sold. ✅ Dealerships should ensure their marketing managers have both automotive sales experience and technical knowledge in digital marketing certifications. ✅ Successful dealer strategies often include a mix of both traditional and digital marketing methods, customized to their specific market needs. About Troy Spring Troy Spring, Co-founder of Dealer World, is an automotive industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience! He sold his first car at the age of 18 and rose quickly within the ranks to manage dealerships, including leading a four-store group as a platform manager. In 2009, Troy founded Dealer World, a boutique advertising agency specializing in driving traffic and sales strategy for car dealerships. He later co-founded Dealer Funnel, focusing on nurturing leads for better conversion rates. Known for his innovative approach and in-depth understanding of both traditional and digital automotive marketing, Troy is highly respected in the industry! Disrupting Auto Dealership Strategies: Insights from Industry Experts Key Takeaways Dealers must focus on securing their local market before venturing into new territories to maximize profitability. A holistically-managed marketing plan, customizable per dealership's needs, outperforms cookie-cutter OEM vendor solutions. Successful dealership marketing relies on understanding both traditional and digital advertising fundamentals. The Importance of Protecting Your Primary Market Area (PMA) In the fast-paced world of automotive dealerships, focusing on expansion without reinforcing the existing customer base can be a recipe for inefficiency. Sean V. Bradley, president of Dealer Synergy, suggests a foundational strategy: focus on protecting your primary market area first. Bradley asserts that many dealers overlook the rich opportunities available locally. "It's interesting," Bradley remarks, "we'll sit with a dealer, and they'll say, 'I got to go after XYZ down the street,' when they should be protecting their backyard first." This discussion highlights that the inclination to conquest rather than consolidate can lead to a dilute marketing focus. The result? Dealers potentially miss out on higher return-on-investment (ROI) opportunities domestically. Bradley's recommendation to analyze the pump-in, pump-out report is a strategic reminder to first solidify one's standing locally. This approach not only optimizes ROI but also reduces advertising costs associated with pursuing less familiar, distant markets. Taking Bradley's advice to heart, a dealership can enjoy the double benefit of deepening customer loyalty while also enhancing word-of-mouth marketing locally. Through focusing efforts on holding on to current clientele before aggressively targeting competitors', dealerships can achieve a more sustainable, profitable growth model. Crafting a Custom Marketing Strategy: Beyond OEM and Vendor Scripts Both Bradley and Troy Spring, founder of Dealer World, make compelling cases against the dependency on prescribed OEM and vendor-driven tactics. Amid the rising challenges facing automotive dealerships, they argue for a bespoke marketing strategy that's adaptable to each dealership's unique environment. Spring states, "You have to be with someone who can think holistically because if you're on with linear OEM vendors, you're just gonna get told why you should continue to do more and more of what it is that they sell." Such insights underscore the limitations of formulaic marketing solutions. While OEMs often push for uniformity—to simplify their nationwide branding and operations—dealerships must vigilantly evaluate these suggestions. Bradley underscores a critical point, proposing that dealers risk spending thousands unnecessarily on ineffective lead generation strategies because they blindly follow OEM guidance. The conversation dives into the economics of advertising. Bradley shared, "I've got a dealer group spending $70,000 on a splash page generating just a few hundred leads each month." This statistic serves as a caution against the pitfalls of not closely scrutinizing advertising expenditures versus results. It's essential for dealerships to cultivate an advertising strategy where each segment, from pay-per-click (PPC) to SEO and database marketing, functions as an integrated system rather than disparate efforts. This avoids the trap of bloated expenses disguised within bundled packages, which can negate perceived savings with reduced effectiveness. Bridging Traditional and Digital Advertising for Maximum Impact The discussion also delves into appreciating the coexistence of traditional and digital advertising within dealership marketing, which offers a nuanced approach to driving traffic. One standout revelation from Troy Spring? The effectiveness of direct mail. Although often regarded as an antiquated medium, Spring asserts, "Nothing has ever worked better than direct mail." It's a thought-provoking declaration in an era rich with digital solutions. Contrary to perceived obsolescence, traditional methods such as direct mail remain relevant, especially when optimized with the latest data analytics techniques. Properly targeted, a traditional medium can reach high potential customers directly and personally. Given the inundation of digital ads, a physical piece of mail stands out, often carrying more weight. Spring further suggests that while digital tools, like social media and search engine marketing (SEM), play critical roles in modern strategies, their effectiveness hinges heavily on their synergy with traditional advertising channels. These multifaceted campaigns leverage the strengths of both domains—ability to track and personalize digital ads with the tangible and trust-building potential of offline methods. Emphasizing on integrative approaches that couple interactive digital platforms with traditional media allows dealerships to engage in comprehensive advertising strategies personalized to consumer behavior trends. Through harmonizing these forces, a dealership's presence is effectively cemented in the market, leveraging the best aspects of each medium. A Synthesis of Strategy and Practice The insights shared by Sean V. Bradley and Troy Spring showcase a wealth of expertise in crafting dealership marketing strategies that balance innovative thinking with foundational business tenets. As dealerships navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving industry landscape, these professionals emphasize the necessity for both strategic foresight and a command over advertising mechanics. Essentially, the most adept dealerships will be those that recognize the imperative to protect their primary markets while scaling responsibly. They explore bespoke advertising solutions beyond OEM packages, integrating digital dexterity with traditional marketing. Each dollar spent should be scrutinized for its ROI, as the measure of an effective advertisement goes beyond impressions or clicks to the tangible growth it champions for the dealership. In an industry as competitive as automotive sales, this layered, integrated approach becomes the solutions beacon through transformative, modern advertising challenges. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
AI isn't just influencing the car business, it's actively deciding which dealerships today's shoppers trust, consider, and buy from. In this episode of Follow The Money, Frank J. Lopes sits down with Matt McDonald of Cars.com for a deep dive into how AI search, natural language queries, buyer intent modeling, and modern automotive shopping behavior are transforming the entire retail landscape.Today's consumer doesn't begin with a specific make or model. They begin with real problems and natural language questions like: “I have three kids, two dogs, a long commute, I want something safe and efficient, what vehicle is best for me, and where should I buy it?” AI translates these concerns into recommendations that match lifestyle, budget, safety priorities, emotional triggers, and trust signals. This shift is reshaping the buyer journey from the very first search all the way to the dealership they ultimately choose.If you work in automotive retail, digital marketing, BDC operations, sales leadership, or dealership strategy, this episode is essential listening. You'll learn how AI interprets customer intent, compares dealership data, evaluates inventory quality, analyzes reviews, and surfaces the stores that deliver accuracy, transparency, and strong buyer confidence. You'll understand why outdated merchandising practices, weak descriptions, missing features, or inconsistent customer experiences now directly affect how often your dealership appears in AI powered recommendations.This conversation breaks down:• How AI interprets natural language and customer intent• Why buyers now begin undecided on make and model• What signals AI uses to determine dealership trust and relevance• How lifestyle, budget, safety, and emotional needs shape recommendations• Why accurate merchandising and strong data quality matter more than ever• How reputation signals and review sentiment influence visibility• Why traditional search funnels are collapsing into faster, more direct journeys• What dealerships must fix to stay competitive in the new search environment• How AI models evaluate inventory descriptions, photos, features, and transparency• Why customer confidence is becoming the key differentiator in 2025 automotive retailYou'll also hear real insights from current consumer behavior: the rise of conversational search, the shift away from dropdown menus, the rapid acceleration of AI guided research, and the growing expectation that a shopper's first question—spoken or typed—will produce a personalized, confident, context-aware answer. If your dealership is not optimized for this type of search behavior, you are already losing visibility, leads, and market share to stores that are.If you've ever wondered why a competitor appears more often in search, how AI determines relevancy, how shoppers evaluate dealership trust, or how to show up in natural language vehicle queries, this episode gives you the clearest roadmap available. You'll learn what AI sees, how it interprets your digital footprint, and what steps you must take to be included in the conversations happening inside the AI powered platforms your customers already use every day.The stores that embrace AI aligned merchandising, accurate inventory data, strong reputation management, and customer focused communication will take the biggest leap forward in 2025. The stores that ignore these shifts will slowly disappear from search visibility, lose buyer consideration, and wonder where their leads went.Follow The Money brings you the truth behind the trends shaping automotive retail.New episodes every Tuesday. Stay sharp, stay ahead, and follow the money.
Part 1 of Jen Suzuki's 4-part mini-series for dealership leaders: a fast, repeatable coaching framework to level up your team one short session at a time. In this episode Jen breaks down a 10–15 minute training format she uses in-store and at NADA Academy — how to open sharp, teach one skill in 60–90 seconds, demonstrate it under 3 minutes, then put reps into quick application with immediate feedback. No boring slides, no long lectures — just focused micro-coaching that builds skill, accountability, and energy. Perfect for GMs, service managers, BDC leads and anyone who wants a simple daily rhythm to raise performance and keep teams engaged. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Transit complaints keep piling up (1:30); A new BDC survey on holiday spending (13:45); Advances in fighting lung cancer (18:35).
This episode of "Views from the Market" features Sévrine Labelle, Managing Director of BDC's Thrive Lab and Thrive Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Fund, which focus on women entrepreneurs. As Sévrine notes, only 4% of investment in Canada supports women-founded businesses. The conversation centres on the newly launched $50 million Thrive ETA Fund, which helps women become entrepreneurs through acquisition – whether via search funds, self-funded deals, or management buyouts. The fund provides equity for women to acquire mid-sized businesses. Sévrine emphasizes the sector-agnostic fund's flexibility in investment models and cheque sizes (typically $1 - 2 million) and its reliance on co-investment rather than majority ownership.
In this engaging episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, co-hosted by LA Williams and Tianna Mick, the focus is on the transformative power of video in car sales. Despite LA being unable to see, he passionately advocates for the use of video as a cornerstone strategy in driving sales, highlighting its power to enhance engagement and build trust with customers. Tianna, known for her expertise in personal branding, joins LA in sharing practical insights on incorporating video into daily sales processes to maximize leads, appointments, and sales conversions! "You want people to almost have a deja vu experience when they visit your dealership." - LA Williams The episode dives deep into the fundamental aspects of creating effective sales videos, including the importance of proper setup, consistent backgrounds, and expertly crafted scripts. LA and Tianna stress that video content should be concise, personalized, and built around a clear value proposition to engage prospects effectively. "Making sure you say the customer's name is super important... everybody's favorite word is their name." - Tianna Mick As the conversation unfolds, they provide a robust framework involving key elements like effective lighting, the relevance of a clean camera lens, and the power of personal connection through direct calls to action, all while implementing new technology such as AI in content creation. For the seasoned sales professional and the novice alike, the insights shared in this episode are invaluable for mastering the art of video marketing in the automotive industry! Key Takeaways: ✅ Using video in car sales increases engagement and builds trust faster than text or audio alone. ✅ Maintain consistency and brand recognition in video backgrounds to enhance authenticity and viewer comfort. ✅ Essential elements of a perfect lead video: customer's name, vehicle of interest, value proposition, and call to action. ✅ Embrace AI technology to enhance video content creation efficiently and effectively. ✅ Practice and iteration lead to improvement; start shooting videos to develop skills and reduce hesitation over time. About Tianna 'T Got Your Keys' Mick Tianna Mick, famously known as "T Got Your Keys," is a prominent figure in the automotive sales space! Celebrated as the "Queen of Branding", with an impressive record of selling +20 cars per month while consistently being the #1 Grossing Salesperson at her store and generating her own leads/business through her TGotYourKeys.com Website. Tianna has established herself as a top performer and innovator in car sales strategies, with a special focus on personal branding and digital marketing. Revolutionize Your Dealership with Video Marketing: Insights from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast Key Takeaways Harness the Power of Video: Video marketing is not just a trend but a necessity in modern car sales, enabling dealerships to create personal connections and reduce the fear of the unknown for customers. Optimize the Basics: Setting up a compelling video involves proper lighting, clear audio, and a consistent, clean background to enhance trust and engagement. Script and Deliver Effectively: Essential elements of a successful video include addressing customers by name, highlighting the vehicle of interest, and concluding with a strong call-to-action. Leverage Video to Establish Trust and Familiarity In the dynamic world of car sales, the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast delves into the transformative potential of video marketing. LA Williams, alongside Tianna Mick, emphasizes the powerful emotional connection videos can establish, setting a dealership apart in a sea of sameness. "You want people to almost have a deja vu experience when they visit your dealership," LA Williams suggests, underscoring how videos can eliminate the fear of the unknown—a significant barrier for potential buyers. The discussion sheds light on how video marketing can simulate a personal interaction, thus building trust faster than written text or static images. With the capability to convey sight, sound, motion, and emotion, videos can significantly enhance customer engagement, making them feel more comfortable and familiar even before stepping into the dealership. Incorporating video tours of your dealership, for example, ensures customers find the environment welcoming and recognizable. Tianna Mick points out, "walk into, like, a courthouse… you're going to be like, where do I go? I'm nervous." This analogy emphasizes how video tours can transform the customer's first visit into a seamless, almost familiar journey. The Essential Setup for Effective Video Marketing Crafting a compelling video requires a foundational setup that pairs well with the content. As expressed in the podcast, without the right tools, even the most well-intentioned videos may fall flat. LA Williams, despite being visually impaired, stresses the importance of proper lighting and camera clarity, demonstrating that the basics of video production are vital regardless of one's abilities. "Top two things for any video… audio, you gotta have good audio, and… good lighting." The podcast highlights that a clean camera lens and a consistent background are understated elements that significantly impact the quality of video marketing. Tiana Mick advises, "making sure you wipe the front and every single one of the lenses in the back," a small yet critical step that improves visual clarity and viewer engagement. Coupled with a customized, dealership-branded backdrop, these elements ensure that each video serves as a professional representation of the brand, significantly enhancing credibility. Moreover, the consistency in video backgrounds, as noted by Tianna, can reinforce brand recognition, much like how viewers associate a television character with their set environment. This aspect ensures that your audience's focus remains on the message rather than potential distractions, amplifying the overall impact. Crafting and Delivering Your Message Creating a successful video is more than just presentation—it's about crafting a powerful message that resonates. Essential to the video strategy discussed in the podcast is the script, especially emphasizing personalization and value-addition. Incorporating the customer's name into the conversation is not merely courteous but strategic. "Everybody's favorite word… is our names," Tianna Mick asserts, highlighting its efficacy in personalizing communication and fostering genuine connections. The video should also clarify the customer's vehicle of interest while subtly integrating the dealership's value proposition. "Providing value and showing why they need to be purchasing with you," says Mick, ensures the video is informative and persuasive. These aspects are crucial in aligning the dealership's offerings with customer needs, driving engagement and conversion. A compelling call-to-action (CTA) concludes each video, guiding prospects toward the next step, whether scheduling a call or visiting the dealership. As LA Williams articulates, a CTA effectively escalates the interaction, encouraging a seamless transition from virtual engagement to in-person attendance. In essence, adopting video marketing as outlined by the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast participants revolutionizes customer interactions, establishing a bridge between the virtual and physical realms of car sales. Employing these strategies fosters enhanced connections, drives customer comfort, and ultimately, amplifies sales success. These insights are indispensable for dealers striving to stand out and thrive in today's competitive environment. By prioritizing video content, dealerships can not only augment their marketing strategies but also cultivate a genuinely engaging customer experience. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
On this episode of The It Doesn't Matter Podcast, Dom is joined by BDC, Strap Facts, and Ringside Steve as the crew breaks down NXT Deadline 2023 from top to bottom.We kick things off with our weekly rundown—talking major wrestling headlines, WWE storylines, AEW moments, and everything shaking up the industry right now.Then we dive straight into the Deadline card:
Today's show features: Nolan Brink, Multi-Store General Manager at Jim Shorkey Auto Group Matt Bennett, VP of Graduate and Professional Studies at Northwood University This episode is brought to you by: Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don't wait! Head to https://matador.ai/ and book your demo today. Dealer Cards – the direct-mail platform built specifically for dealerships. With Dealer Cards, you can send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, and service reminders — even include brownies — all hands-free and branded for your store. Right now, CDG listeners can get a free sample box with cards and brownies at https://dealercards.com/cdg CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Ares is recognised as one of the leading global alternative investment managers, investing across credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure. Listed on the NYSE, it has over 4,000 employees, $595billion in assets* and a substantial geographical footprint. Blair explains the high yielding Ares-managed listed vehicle, ARCC, which as a business development company (BDC) structure must distribute 90% of taxable income and averages 9% of yields*. He discusses how being a public entity gives them a “currency” which is highly valued by employees, and also how it has helped with brand recognition as its growth accelerated. We discuss European capital markets and the structural reliance on bank debt versus private credit (the inverse of arrangements in the US). He explains how it is changing, as well as the current headwinds and opportunities ahead. He discusses why over 1,400 conversations take place in Europe each year, but Ares makes less than 50 loan investments in direct lending, how they are deploying over $100 billion of dry powder firmwide, and the criteria that matter for them. He explains their focus on the middle market, their ownership of sports assets – including a $500 million preferred equity stake in Chelsea FC – and their other media and entertainment investments. Finally, Blair responds to the question around the growth of credit secondaries and continuation vehicles, assessing the motivation behind the growth, and risks associated with the wealth management sector's increasing allocation to this space. The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, IFM Investors, World Gold Council and LSEG. Sign up to our Newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Watch on YouTube (*AUM as of 30/09/25, BDC distribution stats as at 04/11/25)
Today's show features: Dave Marks, CEO/Founder DSM Auto Family Aladdin Khazravan, Founder of Dealer Cards Catherine York Mace, Manager at Vann York Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don't wait! Head to https://matador.ai/ and book your demo today. Dealer Cards – the direct-mail platform built specifically for dealerships. With Dealer Cards, you can send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, and service reminders — even include brownies — all hands-free and branded for your store. Right now, CDG listeners can get a free sample box with cards and brownies at https://dealercards.com/cdg CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
In this powerful conversation on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley sit down with F&I leader, author, and performance coach Adam Marburger to explore what's really happening inside today's finance departments… and where the industry is headed next! "The days where the F&I department is kind of on their own island are slowly fading." - Adam Marburger Adam brings a fresh, servant-leadership perspective to automotive F&I, sharing key lessons from decades in the business along with insights shaped by years of training, coaching, and martial arts discipline. Together, the trio breaks down the real challenges facing dealerships, the evolving role of F&I managers, and the cultural shifts required to build stronger, more profitable teams. "So the question is, why aren't more F and I managers doing the things that we're talking about now? Why are they not taking more tos? Why are they not getting involved? Why are they not being more present?" - Adam Marburger From leadership to communication, from customer experience to the rise of new technologies, this episode offers a forward-looking discussion that every dealer, manager, and aspiring leader will want to hear…without giving away the strategies you'll discover inside. "Jiu-Jitsu helps with every aspect of life—physically, mentally, spiritually." - Adam Marburger Tune in for a conversation that's equal parts mindset, mastery, and modern automotive leadership! Key Takeaways: ✅ Evolving Role of F&I Managers: Adam Marburger emphasizes the shift in the F&I role from being strictly transactional to focusing on building customer relationships and trust. ✅ Importance of Servant Leadership: A core theme is the necessity for F&I managers and leaders to adopt a servant leadership mindset, focusing on the needs and growth of their team members. ✅ Continuous Training and Development: Effective onboarding and ongoing training are critical to minimizing mistakes and empowering staff to excel in customer interactions and sales success. ✅ Integration of Technology: Embracing digital tools and AI is vital for future-proofing operations and enhancing customer experience in automotive sales. ✅ Value of Jiu-Jitsu in Leadership: Adam draws parallels between his discipline in martial arts and his professional life, highlighting how the principles of perseverance and strategic thinking apply to business success. About Adam Marburger Adam Marburger is an award-winning automotive leader, author of The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Refined, and performance coach dedicated to redefining leadership in the car business. With over two decades of experience, Adam teaches teams how to lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and purpose. His mission is to help professionals create cultures of excellence through mindset, mentorship, and servant leadership. Redefining F&I Management: Transformative Leadership in Automotive for 2026 Key Takeaways The evolution of F&I has seen a shift from traditional transactional roles to a more integrated, holistic customer-centric approach driven by effective leadership. Understanding the relationship between technology, proper training, and servant leadership can significantly influence dealership success. The application of martial arts philosophies in business, such as Jiu Jitsu, provides unique insights into persistence and strategic growth in the automotive industry. The Evolving Role of F&I Managers: From Transactional to Transformative The landscape of Finance and Insurance (F&I) in the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Historically viewed as a transactional role focused on maximizing profits through product sales, the F&I manager's position is increasingly seen as an integral part of a cohesive dealership strategy. According to the conversation between Sean V. Bradley and Adam Marburger, modern F&I managers need to embody "servant leadership," where they prioritize the long-term satisfaction and well-being of customers and employees over immediate financial gain. The adoption of a servant leadership model within F&I suggests a profound cultural shift within the automotive industry. As defined in the transcript, "Servant leadership, it is kind of like everybody talks about it. It's action. It's not words." Marburger emphasizes that successful F&I managers actively assist sales teams, engage with service departments, and contribute to the overall dealership ecosystem. Implementing a servant leadership approach involves concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric. F&I managers need to actively engage with clients and colleagues, fostering an environment where all team members feel valued and supported. It's about "truly connecting with people on a daily basis with one common goal: to make them feel special, to make them feel heard, to make them feel valued, to make them feel safe." The Power of Training and Collaboration in Automotive Retail Training and collaboration emerge as pivotal themes for achieving success in automotive sales. As Marburger suggests, training should go beyond basic knowledge transfer, aiming to create a more integrated network of roles within the dealership. A robust training process allows staff to understand various dealership functions, ultimately improving communication and operational efficiency. "A lot of these conversations are flying, conversations where you might be walking back to the conference room together," Marburger notes, highlighting the importance of informal learning exchanges. For F&I managers, this means not only understanding their product offerings but also becoming well-versed in sales strategies and client management techniques. The ultimate goal is to craft a seamless customer experience where value is consistently delivered. Creating synergy between departments, especially between F&I and sales, is critical. The training should focus on equipping salespeople with the ability to introduce products effectively to clients before entering the F&I office. "Our customers actually enjoy buying if you try not to sell them; they actually buy them," Marburger explains, suggesting a subtle yet powerful shift in the sales approach. Martial Arts Philosophy: Persistence and Strategic Thinking in Business The discussion also explores how martial arts philosophies, particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, can influence business strategies within the automotive industry. Practicing Jiu Jitsu requires perseverance, resilience, and strategic thinking—qualities that translate seamlessly into the demands of automotive sales. Both Bradley and Marburger, as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts, draw parallels between their martial arts training and business experiences. Marburger states, "The black belt was one of the few things outside of my daughters being born that did give me a sense of accomplishment because I know what it's like. Like, it was hard." This sentiment reveals the patience and determination required in both fields. Incorporating these philosophies into a dealership's operational ethos can foster a culture of continuous improvement and strategic foresight. Employees can learn to maneuver challenges with the patience and precision demanded on the Jiu Jitsu mat. "It added something. It's like, as most people won't ever get that," says Marburger, acknowledging the rare and valuable perspective that martial arts training offers. Throughout this enlightening dialogue, the future of automotive leadership is painted as a dynamic interplay of servant leadership, comprehensive training, and strategic resilience. No longer confined to traditional roles, F&I managers are encouraged to embrace a broader vision—one that harmonizes various aspects of the dealership to create a superior customer experience. The lessons of martial arts underline the perseverance and strategic acumen necessary to thrive in this evolving landscape, reflecting an industry poised for transformation. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
What makes people stay… and what makes them walk out the door? In this episode, Jen sits down with Clint Pulver — Emmy Award–winning speaker, author, and creator of the "Undercover Millennial" movement — for a raw, energy-packed conversation about leadership that actually inspires people to perform at their highest level. Clint has interviewed over 10,000 employees across the country, gathering real, unfiltered feedback about what teams love, what they fear, and why they stay committed. And the patterns he reveals apply directly to every dealership, every department, every leader. Together, Jen and Clint unpack: The fastest way leaders unintentionally push good people out How the best managers create "mentorship moments" that change everything Why today's workforce craves connection, not supervision How small leadership habits lead to massive culture shifts The secret to motivating teams without pressure or burnout Why recognition is the #1 performance accelerant What dealerships can do this week to boost energy, trust, and accountability This is a high-impact, unforgettable episode for anyone responsible for growing people — GMs, dealer principals, sales leaders, service directors, BDC managers, and anyone who wants a stronger, more motivated team. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Today's show features: Eric Barbosa, VP of Variable Operations at Cavender Auto Group David Steinberg, CEO/Founder of Foureyes Robert Woolsey, Director of Corporate Security at Swickard Group This episode is brought to you by: Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don't wait! Head to https://matador.ai/ and book your demo today. Foureyes – Foureyes fixes what's underneath by connecting CRM, inventory, website, and DMS data so it's clean, connected, and flowing. Then all the stuff you've been stacking on top? It finally works. Collect, connect, and put your data to work – visit https://foureyes.io/ to learn more CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
What's really happening inside dealership service departments? In this episode, Jen sits down with Kim Saylor, Senior Director of Fixed Ops Product Marketing at CDK Global, to break down the real shifts, disruptions, and opportunities shaping fixed ops today. Kim brings big data, real research, and boots-on-the-ground insights from dealerships across the country — and she's not sugarcoating anything. Together, Jen and Kim dive into: Why customer trust is still the #1 weak link—and how the best service departments are fixing it How AI scheduling and communication tools are actually performing in the real world Where dealers are unintentionally losing service revenue What high-performing service departments do differently every single day The three action steps every leader can implement in the next 90 days Why videos, mobile approvals, and dynamic pricing are changing the game How advisors and technicians can evolve without losing the human touch that customers crave This is a candid, high-value conversation for dealers, GMs, fixed ops directors, BDC leaders, and anyone serious about elevating service performance with better processes, better tech, and better human connection. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this insightful episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosts Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams delve into the art and science of crafting effective one-on-one sessions between managers and employees in the automotive industry. They discuss the critical role these meetings play in nurturing dealership success and building robust professional relationships. "People will forget what you did, they'll forget what you said, but they'll never forget how you made them feel." - LA Williams Tackling misconceptions and common mistakes, Bradley and Williams underline the transformative potential of well-strategized one-on-ones, emphasizing the responsibility of managers to provide the necessary resources and support to their teams! "In management, one of the number one things you can do is prepare." - LA Williams This episode serves as a guide for managers, offering a structured process to facilitate personal, professional, and team development! Using a variety of training models, Sean and LA advocate for a comprehensive approach to team building that transcends traditional methodologies. This episode is a rich resource packed with tips on achieving stellar performance through targeted motivation and strategic guidance! Key Takeaways: ✅ Understanding and implementing various types of training, skill path, professional, personal, and team building, are essential for a manager's toolkit. ✅ Effective one-on-one sessions require preparation, consistency, and an understanding of each team member's learning style and personal motivations. ✅ Managers must construct a "SWOT" analysis for each team member, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to maximize potential. ✅ Setting clear objectives through coordinated projections and forecasting can significantly improve individual and team performance in dealerships. ✅ Building strong, trust-based relationships within teams fosters a culture of interdependence, crucial for long-term success in the automotive industry. About Sean V. Bradley Sean V. Bradley is a renowned expert in the automotive sales industry, currently serving as the President of Dealer Synergy. With over 27 years of experience, Sean is also a certified CSP and a best-selling author of "Win the Game of Googleopoly." Known for his innovative strategies in lead management and CRM, Sean has been a key influence in transforming car dealerships across the nation, making him a sought-after consultant and trainer in automotive sales. About LA Williams LA Williams is the Vice President at Dealer Synergy and the co-creator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Known as the "Blind Master" for his unique perspective and insights, LA has a history of excellence in leveraging technology and training methodologies to increase sales and efficiencies in car dealerships. Mastering One-on-Ones: The Ultimate Guide for Automotive Leaders Understanding the dynamics of effective leadership in the automotive industry can transform the way managers interact with their teams, improving productivity and nurturing employee satisfaction. This article delves into strategies managers can utilize to enhance one-on-one sessions with their subordinates. Here's how to develop managerial skills that inspire and empower. Key Takeaways Leadership is Service: Your role as a manager is not just to manage tasks but to support, inspire, and develop the team around you. Personalization and Preparation in One-on-Ones: Tailor your approach to each individual based on their unique strengths, learning styles, and motivational triggers. Continuous Feedback and Growth: Consistently evaluate and reconcile projections and actual performance to encourage ongoing development. Leadership as a Service to Your Team In today's fast-paced automotive landscape, the role of a leader transcends traditional boundaries of direction and oversight. It's about providing every conceivable resource for team success, from emotional to technical support. Sean V. Bradley insightfully points out that "a manager's job is literally defined in my opinion as…to provide all of the resources that my team is going to need." Transforming Managerial Role Managers often adopt an authoritarian style, dictating without understanding team dynamics. The transcript challenges this narrative, emphasizing the value of empathy and understanding in leadership. By adopting a servant-leadership mindset, managers can "coach, mentor, teach, inspire, lead, and train," fostering an environment where employees thrive. "You get to do this. You are a manager. You get the opportunity to coach, mentor, teach, inspire, lead, and train a human being," Bradley asserts. Impact on Team Culture Adopting such strategies transforms team cultures, enhancing how team members interact internally and with customers. A working environment characterized by high morale and effective communication will naturally yield better results. Moreover, it ensures higher retention rates, with employees feeling valued and understood—a crucial asset amidst the high turnover rates plaguing the industry. The Art of Personalization and Preparation in One-on-Ones Preparation marks the fine line between a productive one-on-one and a mundane meeting. It's not just about showing up with a checklist but about tailored engagement. Managers like Sean emphasize the importance of knowing your team members on a deeper level—what motivates and challenges them. Creating a Comprehensive Employee Profile A pivotal aspect of efficient one-on-ones is crafting personalized employee profiles. Sean advises, "Create a personalized profile. I want to know about my subordinates; I want to know your home situation, your hobbies, and what's important to you." Understanding personal motivations and struggles allows managers to customize their support and development strategies, enhancing engagement and improving performance. Tailoring Communication and Feedback Success lies in adaptation and personalization. For instance, adapting communication strategies based on individual team members' learning styles—whether they are kinesthetic or auditory learners—ensures that feedback and instruction resonate effectively. "Seek first to understand and then to be understood," Bradley suggests, highlighting the importance of communication tailored to personal needs. Continuous Feedback and Growth Through Iterative Projections Effective managers excel at steering their team towards continuous growth by understanding and evaluating performance iteratively. Sean notes that "there needs to be a tracking system. Your salespeople should be tracking…what type? Am I taking a walk-in up?" Such methodologies help in identifying trends and areas needing improvement. The Power of Projections and Reconciliation Forward-planning complemented by effective back-tracking is key to sustained progress. Managers need to emphasize clarity in projections and consistency in follow-through. "Help him establish his vision board…if your why is so important, what you have to do is not going to matter," Bradley explains, articulating the need for motivational alignment with practical goals. Bridging Gaps through Insightful Reconciliation Reconciliation between projected and actual outcomes ensures actionable feedback loops. This involves dissecting deviations, recognizing patterns, and recalibrating goals. A manager's ability to "reconcile with him…what their projected and forecast was basically with their actual results" empowers employees, encouraging accountability and learning. Realizing the Potential of Effective Management Equipped with insight and strategies, managers now have the tools to transform how they conduct one-on-ones. By adopting a leadership model focused on service, personalization, and continuous feedback, these interactions can meaningfully enhance team dynamics and productivity. Embrace these principles to inspire, nurture, and lead your automotive teams into a future defined by progress and innovation. This strategic alignment between leadership vision and practical execution fosters an environment where continual improvement is not simply encouraged, but truly becomes second nature, paving the way for sustained success and satisfaction across the board. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
What if the hundreds of leads in your CRM aren't the opportunity you think they are? In this revealing episode of The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams take a hard look at the reality of lead management in today's automotive industry. They unpack the costly truth behind what they call "dumb dealer math", where dealerships chase inflated numbers, waste money on poorly optimized lead sources, and mistake activity for true sales opportunities. "Your CRM is your central nervous system. It is not just a lead tool; it's your customer relationship management tool." - Sean V. Bradley Sean and LA dig deep into the difference between data that looks good and data that actually sells cars. They expose why metrics like SRPs and VDPs can be misleading, how poor CRM habits drain profits, and what really separates top-performing dealerships from the rest. "But as long as they (dealers) are making more money than they're spending, they think to themselves, I got other problems I got to deal with." - Sean V. Bradley But they don't stop there. The duo explores how smart dealers are diversifying their lead sources, leveraging proven partners like AutoWeb and CarsDirect, and building systems that turn leads into lifelong customers. If you've ever wondered why your lead volume isn't matching your results, or how to fix it, this episode will change the way you think about sales opportunities, metrics, and money in your dealership. It's not about getting more leads. It's about doing more with the ones you already have. Key Takeaways: ✅ Dealers often struggle with too many leads without an effective team or strategy to manage them, resulting in missed opportunities. ✅ Focusing solely on website metrics like SRPs and VDPs without actual lead conversion can lead to wasted resources and efforts. ✅ Proper planning, preparation, and training are crucial to overcoming common pitfalls in lead management and maximizing sales success. ✅ Diversifying lead sources through third-party providers can help dealerships attain a balanced, risk-minimized approach to lead acquisition and management. ✅ A well-integrated CRM system is essential for understanding prospects, meeting their expectations, and creating valuable customer relationships. About Sean V. Bradley Sean V. Bradley is a renowned expert in the automotive sales industry, currently serving as the President of Dealer Synergy. With over 27 years of experience, Sean is also a certified CSP and a best-selling author of "Win the Game of Googleopoly." Known for his innovative strategies in lead management and CRM, Sean has been a key influence in transforming car dealerships across the nation, making him a sought-after consultant and trainer in automotive sales. About LA Williams LA Williams is the Vice President at Dealer Synergy and the co-creator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Known as the "Blind Master" for his unique perspective and insights, LA has a history of excellence in leveraging technology and training methodologies to increase sales and efficiencies in car dealerships. Maximizing Dealership Success: Unleashing the Power of Leads, Marketing, and CRM Strategies In the fast-paced world of automotive sales, success hinges on mastering the art of lead management, astute marketing strategies, and the effective use of CRM technology. Sean V. Bradley, CSP, and his insightful conversations with LA Williams underscore the urgent need for dealerships to refine these aspects for consistent growth. This article distills the core themes from their engaging discussion, highlighting how dealerships can transform potential challenges into opportunities. Strategic Lead Management: Pinpointing and capitalizing on quality leads rather than succumbing to distraction. Diverse Marketing Approaches: Balancing investment between the dealership's website and external lead sources to mitigate risk. Advanced CRM Integration: Leveraging CRM systems to optimize prospect engagement and relationship development. Strategic Lead Management In today's automotive industry, the ability to effectively manage leads is crucial. Sean V. Bradley's discussion about dealerships being overwhelmed with leads hits home for many. He describes a common scenario: "You guys have so many leads, so many buyers, and not enough people." Overwhelming lead volume without sufficient staff can result in missed opportunities and wasted resources. Bradley's advice on categorizing leads into existing prospects and carryover prospects is significant. He provides a vivid illustration of a common oversight: "If you have 1,000 fresh leads a month, you're not going to start the first day of the month with zero." Instead, dealerships should consider the cumulative effect of carryover leads. Creating a structured approach to handling these varying lead types ensures that sales teams don't become inundated and fail to capitalize on genuine sales potentials. The importance of preparation and understanding the buying cycle underscores the critical need for dealerships to adopt refined lead management strategies. As Bradley emphasizes, "The average buying cycle for a new car is 90 days." Knowing this, dealerships must adjust their follow-up processes to align with the customer's timeline, thereby maximizing conversion chances. Diverse Marketing Approaches A key theme reinforced by Bradley and Williams is the fallacy of putting all marketing funds into a dealership's website. Bradley cautions against such myopic strategies: "It makes no sense to spend a little bit of money on the website but spend a fortune on ads or crap that drives traffic." Instead, he advocates for a diversified marketing approach akin to a mutual fund strategy, where investments are spread across multiple lead sources to minimize risk and maximize exposure. This diversified strategy includes the use of third-party lead providers like AutoWeb and Cars Direct, which offer an attractive cost-benefit ratio. Bradley highlights this by noting, "You should be able, if you're brand new or you're underperforming, to handle about 80 to 100 fresh Internet leads max." This targeted approach ensures that dealerships can maintain lead quality while benefiting from a sustainable and predictable lead flow. Integrating different marketing facets, such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and social media campaigns, allows dealerships to reach a broader audience while retaining flexibility. This blend of strategies not only improves lead quality but also aligns marketing spending with tangible results. Advanced CRM Integration for Optimal Customer Engagement The integration of CRM technology in lead management cannot be overstated. A recurring theme in Bradley's discussion is the imperative for dealerships to leverage CRM systems as a central nervous system. With compelling clarity, he describes the potential of CRMs to enhance customer relationships from "inception of the prospect." A robust CRM system is more than just a tool for managing leads. It offers invaluable insights into customer behavior and preferences, enabling personalized communication strategies. Bradley advises on the strategic setup of CRMs: "It needs to be optimized the right way." This involves structuring automated emails, video messages, and task reminders to ensure that no lead is left unengaged. The synergy between CRM systems, human resources, and AI is especially transformative. Bradley explains, "Your CRM, your human resources, and your AI should all be designed and architected interdependently." This triad approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also cultivates deep customer relationships, ultimately driving sales and fostering long-term loyalty. Dealerships that embrace this comprehensive CRM strategy are better positioned to navigate the complexities of customer interactions, ensuring that every engagement is as personalized and impactful as possible. To truly thrive in the modern automotive landscape, dealerships must embrace a multi-faceted approach that integrates strategic lead management, diversified marketing practices, and advanced CRM solutions. By doing so, they can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring sustained growth and customer satisfaction. As Bradley insightfully advocates, a dealership's success is significantly enhanced when it masters these key areas, preparing itself to meet and exceed customer expectations consistently. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
Join Dan Carrigan and Dr. Ben Flusberg, Chief Data Officer at Cox Automotive for a deep dive into the evolution and practical application of AI in auto retail. Dr. Flusberg defines the AI landscape, explaining the shift from predictive to generative and now to agentic AI—where systems execute multi-step automated workflows. Dr. Flusberg shares his strategic framework: the "AI Pyramid." This model outlines the path to maximizing AI value, moving from basic Insights to Predictions, then Recommendations, and finally to full Automation. He explains that while AI is a "force multiplier" for repetitive tasks, the true challenge is not the technology, but people and process change. Learn why Cox Automotive is focused on innovations like hyper-personalization and BDC tools that combine predictive data with generative AI to boost lead conversion. Discover why dealers must aim for vendors who offer integrated systems to avoid "AI sprawl" and empower their teams through upskilling. This is an essential guide for dealership leaders ready to move past AI 101 and redesign their operations for the future.
AI is changing the way dealerships connect, communicate, and compete! In Part 4 of our Matador AI mini-series, Jen sits down with Carla Ksonzek, Head of Sales at Matador AI, to talk about how top dealers are winning the long game through automation, culture, and leadership. Carla breaks down what she calls the SMS-first world—where 90% of customers respond within minutes—and how dealers can use AI as an extension of their people, not a replacement. You'll hear how Matador scales without losing personal touch, the power of leadership buy-in, and why adoption beats innovation every time. If you lead a sales or BDC team, this episode will help you build consistency, protect your people from burnout, and create an edge your competition can't match. https://matador.ai/ | Carla Ksonzek 514-452-1347 | Carla@matador.ai Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode, Matt Raymond, COO of Bowtie Solutions, joins Erick Jauregui to share how dealerships can modernize their service BDCs without sacrificing quality or breaking the budget. Matt explains why his team defines AI as “Actual Individuals,” and how the right balance of people and automation can transform a call center from a cost center into a profit driver.They discuss how customer expectations have evolved, why dealers need to track the right performance metrics, and how outsourcing can fill process gaps while keeping operations scalable. Matt also shares real results, including how one dealership captured 67 missed calls and turned 47 of them into appointments within two days.The conversation wraps with three simple takeaways: if you can't manage it, outsource it; know your numbers and compare results; and stay focused on what your team does best.
The future of the car business isn't coming… it's already here. And it's driven by artificial intelligence! Join Sean V. Bradley, President of Dealer Synergy, as he explores how AI is transforming every corner of the automotive industry. In this powerful episode, Sean is joined by two industry leaders: Yuriy Demidko from Fox Motors and Tasso Roumeliotis, Founder and CEO of Numa. Together, they pull back the curtain on the real impact of AI inside today's dealerships, from sales and service to communication and customer experience! "If you don't embrace some level of AI in certain pieces of your process, you will just fall behind really, really quickly." - Yuriy Demidko You'll hear how Fox Motors is strategically implementing AI to streamline service operations, enhance communication, and create more meaningful connections with customers, while Numa's cutting-edge technology is helping service advisors do more with less, resolving communication gaps that once slowed dealerships down! "Imagine what it will save you in the long term. Having cleaned up data, not just hoping and praying that your marketing is working properly." - Yuriy Demidko This isn't just theory, it's what's actually happening inside some of the nation's most forward-thinking stores. Whether you're a dealer principal, manager, or salesperson ready to embrace the next era of retail automotive, this episode will open your eyes to how AI is not replacing people, it's empowering them!
Jacob Berry joins the One Gang Worldwide podcast to break down what is working now for powersports dealers. We cover dealer-to-dealer buying, service-lane acquisition, fast recon, and digital merchandising that moves units. Jacob also shares his journey from WyoTech grad and Mercedes tech to sales, BDC leadership, building internet departments across RideNow, navigating the RumbleOn era, and launching AMP Digital and MotoHunt to help dealers buy right and turn faster.Listen for practical steps to source better, price smarter, and turn aged units faster.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32L4getcOmBCYL3fRxDlyHApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealership-fixit-podcast/id1449367603YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8RWgq6pFKN8dHurvKa858ASponsor: dealers.motohunt.com
Emails alone won't cut it anymore. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we dive into how to leverage video to boost responses, engage leads, and convert more sales. Jen walks you through: Using AI to craft tailored video scripts for introductions, follow-ups, and appointment confirmations. The 4 "moments that matter" in every customer journey — from first contact to sold. Be-back videos and loyalty follow-ups to reconnect with previous buyers. Tips for thumbnails, intros, and video length that actually get watched. Learn why video isn't just a trend — it's now a must-have in the dealership sales toolkit. Perfect for salespeople, BDC agents, and managers looking to boost engagement and close more deals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode of the Loveall Sales Podcast, we sit down with Katie, a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of car sales. From starting in the BDC to mastering the sales floor, winning regional competitions, and navigating finance, Katie shares how she turned challenges into record-breaking success.Discover how she:Overcame self-doubt and built unstoppable confidenceThrived as one of the few women in the industryLearned to generate her own leads and grow a loyal book of businessTurned setbacks into sales wins—and reclaimed her passion for sellingWhether you're starting out in sales or aiming to level up, Katie's story is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to help you dominate your market—one deal at a time.
In this eye-opening episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosts Sean V. Bradley and L.A. Williams tackle one of the most costly mistakes in automotive: sales professionals practicing on REAL customers! "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes something perfect." - Sean V. Bradley They break down why the industry can no longer afford to "wing it" and how the world's top performers master their craft before they ever meet a client. Listeners will hear powerful insights on how the next generation of dealerships are training smarter, not harder, by using technology and artificial intelligence to simulate real-world selling situations without the real-world risk. "If you want the things the average person doesn't have, you've got to be willing to do the things that the average person isn't willing to do." - Sean V. Bradley Whether you're a dealer principal, manager, or salesperson, this episode will challenge how you think about preparation, training, and accountability. Discover how a commitment to practice, performance, and innovation can unlock better customer experiences, higher profits, and a stronger dealership culture. "AI is not there to take your jobs, folks. AI is there to enhance what you do, how you do it, and help you increase your engagements and your results." - Sean V. Bradley
So many people avoid calling internet leads — and it's not fear, it's lack of process. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I break down my 3-step call framework that builds trust, uncovers what customers really want, and locks in appointments fast. You'll learn: How to lead with helper vibes instead of "sales vibes." How to get into flex mode to understand their needs and preferences. How to confidently set appointments and ask for commitment. No scripts. No robotic pitches. Just human-to-human connection that converts. Perfect for BDC agents, sales consultants, and dealership leaders who want to level up their call game. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Send us a textRecession fears. Economic uncertainty. Tariffs. Interest rates. It's been a stressful year for small business owners, and you might be worried about what 2026 will bring.But here's what I learned this week at a Small Business Week event with the Chief Economist from BDC: 2026 won't be as bad as you think.Yes, we'll see slower growth. But growth nonetheless - not recession. And as a small business owner, you have way more control over your success than you realize.In this episode, I'm breaking down the economic outlook for 2026 (both Canada and the US), what it actually means for small businesses, and most importantly - what you can do right now to ensure your business thrives regardless of what the economy does.What we cover:The real economic outlook for 2026 (hint: it's not doom and gloom)Why consumer spending will continue and what that means for service-based businessesThe areas you can actually control in your business: productivity, costs, customer experience, and salesWhy AI might be your secret weapon for 2026The hard truth about sales: why YOU need to be doing it (and when you can finally delegate)The Million Dollar Baby lesson every business owner needs to hearThe Bottom Line:You can't blame the economy for slow sales when you're doing nothing to bring clients in. People are still spending, but they're being more cautious. Your job is to show them why you're worth it.Stop waiting. Start planning. Make 2026 your best year yet.Ready to Plan Your Best 2026?I'm hosting two complimentary Strategic Planning Events in November and December to help you create a clear, actionable plan for 2026. Spaces are limited.Email me at maggie@stairwaytoleadership.com to secure your spot.Want personalized help growing your business? Book a complimentary consultation at https://www.stairwaytoleadership.com/
Unlock the secrets to mastering internet lead follow-up with Jen Suzuki! In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen dives deep into her aggressive, results-driven 72-hour follow-up cadence for internet leads. She shares proven strategies for phone calls, texts, voicemails, personalized videos, and AI-assisted messaging—designed to help dealerships convert more buyers, build trust, and stand out in a competitive market. Whether you're a BDC rep, salesperson, or manager, Jen's insights will show you how to find the low-hanging fruit, engage customers with personalized content, and maximize your internet sales conversions. Tune in for actionable tips, real-world examples, and a few laughs along the way! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode we are discussing the groundbreaking partnership between SAP Business Data Cloud and SAP Databricks. We discuss how SAP BTP is driving AI-first enterprise transformation through seamless SAP Datasphere integration, zero-copy data sharing, and advanced AI/ML workflows. Also, hear how Business Data Fabric and SAP Business AI are enabling future-ready enterprise IT, making it easier than ever to turn enterprise data into real business value. From hands-on use cases like cash flow forecasting, margin analysis, and attrition analysis to practical tips for engineers and data scientists, you'll get a front-row seat to digital transformation outcomes that matter.
In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, host LA Williams sits down with Brandon Anderson, Vice President at Dealer Synergy and Founder of Anderson Athletic Academy, to discuss the parallels between high-level sports and success in automotive sales! “To me, the mindset has to be, how can I be better immediately, not six months from now.” – Brandon Anderson They delve into how principles such as discipline, consistency, and effective coaching transcend industries, offering insights into achieving greatness regardless of one's field. Brandon shares his experiences and the mindset required to excel, drawing comparisons between preparing athletes for the NFL and coaching salespeople to reach their full potential. “Preparation always meets opportunity, right? So when you're prepared, you're ready to cash in on the opportunity.” – Brandon Anderson The discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing sales as a professional sport, requiring the same dedication, preparation, and competitive spirit. Keywords like "high-level performance," "sales coaching," and "competitive mindset" underscore the techniques and strategies necessary to elevate sales effectiveness! Brandon illustrates how having discipline and an unwavering drive can turn ordinary efforts into extraordinary achievements, whether on the playing field or the sales floor. The episode concludes with advice for sales managers on transforming their teams through accountability and effective coaching, urging them to embrace a culture of continuous improvement. Key Takeaways: ✅Discipline and Consistency: Brandon emphasizes the role of preparation and consistent effort in achieving success, whether in sports or sales. ✅Competitive Mindset: Embracing competition and striving for better results is crucial in any field. ✅Importance of Fundamentals: Mastering basics are essential before advancing to more sophisticated techniques in sales or sports. ✅Coaching and Accountability: The significance of having a strong coach to guide, motivate, and hold teams accountable is highlighted. ✅Continual Improvement: The episode promotes a culture of learning and adapting through regular review and analysis of performance. About Brandon Anderson Brandon Anderson is an exceptional individual known for his multifaceted background in athletics and business coaching. As an All-American defensive back, Brandon has thrived in competitive sports, later transitioning into coaching, where he focused initially on training athletes for the NFL through his establishment, Anderson Athletic Academy. Today, he serves as a performance coach at Dealer Synergy, translating his deep insights from the athletic world into actionable coaching strategies for sales teams. Brandon is recognized for his unique ability to cultivate both individual and team potential, leveraging his expertise to spearhead transformation within the automotive sales industry! Bridging the Gap Between Athletic Mindsets and Car Sales Success Key Takeaways Repetition and Consistency for Mastery: Just like athletes practice relentless repetition, sales professionals must adopt the same discipline for success. Mindset Overcomes Barriers: A competitive and resilient mindset can transcend different fields, motivating continuous improvement regardless of past performance. The Importance of the Hidden Grind: Private preparation—away from direct supervision—fuels public performance, driving success both in sports and sales. Repetition: The Athlete's Secret to Sales Mastery Repetition and consistency underpin the journey to excellence in any field, be it athletics or car sales. Athletes dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft through unwavering repetition, an approach directly applicable in other sectors. As Brandon Anderson emphasized, "Greatness is consistency… It's boring because you got to do the same thing over and over." The same principle applies to sales professionals, where mastery is achieved through consistent practice and process adherence. Understanding the necessity of repetition allows salespeople to bridge the gap between ordinary performance and extraordinary success. Anderson notes, "Practice doesn't make perfect because we always can be better, but it makes permanent." While this might seem mundane, enduring repetition integrates skills and processes into a salesperson's daily routine, driving efficiency and expertise. This disciplined approach fosters a deep understanding of sales tactics, ultimately leading to improved conversion rates and career advancement. Cultivating a Competitive Mindset Across Industries A central theme of the discussion was the transformative power of a competitive mindset in achieving success, regardless of the field. LA Williams highlighted, "If salespeople… looked at themselves as an athlete, what are some of the changes you think folks… would change for people?" The answer lies in adopting the athlete's tenacity and drive to excel beyond the status quo, as Anderson underscores with, "Do you want to be the best or you just want to be here?" This mindset shift involves a relentless pursuit of excellence and the willingness to push past current limits. Whether managing a challenging sales month or underperforming in a game, the key is bouncing back stronger and more determined. As Anderson states, "In winners, that doesn't exist because if you had a bad half, you're ready for the second half." A competitive outlook encourages continuous self-improvement and the resilience needed to tackle setbacks head-on, converting challenges into opportunities for growth. The Hidden Grind: Private Preparation Drives Public Performance Behind every public performance is a wealth of private dedication and unseen effort. Williams and Anderson highlight the importance of this "hidden grind"—the silent, tireless work away from the spotlight that truly fuels success. Anderson articulates, "The private grind is more important… that private grind, you're watching film, you're trying to see tendencies, you're trying to see what's going on." This preparation is essential for both athletes and salespeople, where those extra hours of work cultivate confidence and capability. Sales professionals who engage in this hidden grind—a combination of practice, strategy review, and personal growth—equip themselves to overcome challenges and excel under pressure. In the dealership context, this might involve reviewing sales calls to identify improvements, studying trends to refine pitches, or dedicating time to personal development. As Williams notes, "Rehearse in private so that you can perform in public," reinforcing how this critical preparation distinguishes high achievers from their peers. Viewing these insights together, it's evident that the synergy between an athlete's mindset and a sales professional's success creates a powerful blueprint for personal and professional growth. Emphasizing repetition, fostering a competitive mindset, and committing to private preparation offers sales professionals a holistic framework for achieving excellence. By harnessing these principles, individuals can transcend perceived limitations, achieving results that redefine their career trajectories and set new benchmarks for success. The journey to greatness—whether on the field or the sales floor—demands dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department—Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
In this solo episode, Jen Suzuki kicks off her new Sales Series with the energy, insight, and strategy that'll transform your phone calls into conversions. Jen breaks down her favorite real-world techniques that work for inbound, outbound, internet, and service calls — the same tactics she teaches top-performing dealership teams across the country. You'll learn: How to make an intro that hooks customers instantly How to use loyalty recognition to build instant trust How to sell the appointment before asking for it Why energy, benefits, and connection beat old-school sales scripts every time The “What are you doing right now?” technique that boosts same-day appointments This episode is pure gold for salespeople, BDC agents, and managers who want to stand out on the phone and close more deals — without sounding robotic or desperate. Tune in and get ready to level up your sales conversations! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
We're live at BDC! Host Amy Board take you straight to the exhibit hall floor, chatting with doctors like Drs. Quon, Sidonio, and Radak, plus patient advocates Collin Johnson and Matt Capsel. From man-on-the-street interviews to a touching story from Greg, this episode reminds us all to run—not walk—towards science. Join us for real conversations, patient perspectives, and insights on gene therapy, joint health, and life in the bleeding disorders community. Next up: An inspiring interview with Patty Weltin and the “Beyond the Diagnosis” art exhibit. Don't miss this insightful, energizing episode that dives into the future of bleeding disorders care. Presenting Sponsor: Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. It's a Whole New World Gene Therapy Segment brought to you by CSL Behring, which now has a first-of-its-kind hemophilia B treatment. Visit BeyondHemB.com or download B SUPPORT wherever you get your apps for more information. Show Notes: Subscribe: The BloodStream Podcast Connect with BloodStream Media: BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on X/Twitter BloodStream on Instagram BloodStream on LinkedIn BloodStream on TikTok
Today I'm joined by Amol Waishampayan, Co-Founder of fullthrottle.ai, and David Regn, CEO of fullthrottle.ai. We break down what's really working in dealership advertising right now, what's getting left behind, and the new approach smart dealers are using to reach more buyers — plus plenty more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Repair360 - If you're in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check out Repair360—the first and only reconditioning software that connects every function in the dealership to tighten recon and help you sell more cars — No more hounding vendors. Goodbye endless texts and hallway chases. Repair 360 connects all the dots. See where every car is and what its recon is costing minute-to-minute in real time. Go to @ http://www.repair360.com or click the link in the show notes below. 2. Matador AI - Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don't wait! Head to http://www.matador.ai and book your demo today. 3. fullthrottle.ai - fullthrottle.ai® is a next-generation AdTech powerhouse. The Automotive DSP™ is built specifically for the auto industry, combining advanced programmatic targeting, real-time bidding, and analytics tailored to drive dealership and OEM performance. With fullthrottle.ai®, marketers can reach the right car shoppers at the right moment and optimize toward real business outcomes like test drives, leads, or sales. fullthrottle.ai bridges the gap between auto media buying and results-driven marketing. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics:00:16 Current automotive advertising trends? 01:26 David's key industry insights? 02:30 How have ad strategies evolved? 04:25 Digital advertising challenges and opportunities? 12:49 What is an Automotive DSP? 21:07 Best DSP success story? 38:10 Future of automotive advertising? 39:55 Final advice for dealers? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
SAP and Enterprise Trends Podcasts from Jon Reed (@jonerp) of diginomica.com
In the first of two SAP Connect 2025 podcast wraps, I sat down with Brian Dennett of Lemongrass, and SAP Mentor. We discussed the pros and cons of this ambitious show, and what Brian learned on the ground in pursuit of BTP and BDC clarity. We also get into the state of SAP public cloud ERP, a topic that was not front and center at the show but remains important. The state of smaller SAP partners is another notable theme in this recap, a topic we both have strong opinions about. Stay tuned for my line of business show wrap with Josh Greenbaum as well.
Today I'm joined by Jim Roche, CEO of WarrCloud. We dig into the $100K+ most dealers miss in warranty work, why surging warranty volume has made WarrCloud one of the fastest-growing companies in America (#1 in Missouri), and how you can retain techs and boost profits at the same time—plus much more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Matador AI - Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don't wait! Head to @ http://www.matador.ai and book your demo today. 2. Digital Dealer - Digital Dealer Conference & Expo – Get real strategies that work in marketing, advertising, AI, fixed ops and more when you register to attend. Plus, the expo hall is packed with top exhibitors, quick-hit expert talks, and hands-on workshops that'll help you turn ideas into action. Mark your calendars for October 14-15, 2025 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and register today @ http://www.digitaldealer.com/registration 3. WarrCloud - Your warranty claims process shouldn't drain your profits—or your people. Our award-winning AI technology transforms OEM warranty processing, helping you capture every dollar you've earned. Dealers reduce costs, speed up reimbursements, and uncover new revenue opportunities—while consistently improving OEM claim scores. The future of fixed ops belongs to those who adapt. Let's talk about automating your warranty processing today. Visit @ https://warrcloud.com/get-an-analysis Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:47 Current auto sales and service trends? 01:38 Why the shift towards vehicle service? 02:18 How to interpret market forecasts? 04:44 Warranty vs customer pay dynamics? 09:58 AI and RPA's role in dealerships? 18:06 How to optimize warranty claims? 28:05 Key insights for business growth? 31:38 Future trends for dealerships? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
In this inspiring episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, host Sean V. Bradley welcomes a guest whose career journey is anything but ordinary. From the spotlight of national television to the fast-paced world of automotive sales, Jamie Jacobs shares how reinvention, communication, and passion can open unexpected doors! "Everything you ever wanted is right outside your comfort zone. So be comfortable being uncomfortable." - Jamie Jacobs This episode explores what it truly means to adapt, evolve, and succeed; both personally and professionally. Listeners will walk away motivated to think bigger, push past limitations, and approach every opportunity with confidence and creativity. "If you don't teach somebody how to be an entrepreneur, they're not an entrepreneur, they're an employee." - Sean V. Bradley Tune in for a story that proves success isn't about where you start, it's about how you grow. "At the end of the day, I've always outworked the next person." - Jamie Jacobs Ready to unlock your next level in automotive sales and leadership? Register now for the upcoming Digital Dealer Conference and use our exclusive code for 25% off your pass with Code: DealSyn. Don't miss your chance to be in the room where the future of automotive is being written: https://tinyurl.com/DSDD2025 Key Takeaways: ✅ Transitioning careers can leverage existing skill sets into new areas with unexpected success. ✅ The service department offers untapped potential for generating new sales leads by building relationships with current service customers. ✅ Mastering the art of communication and listening is crucial for success in any sales-driven environment. ✅ Consistency, creativity, and confidence are key in standing out and making memorable connections with customers. ✅ Treating individual roles in automotive sales like one's own business can lead to greater financial success and personal fulfillment. About Jamie Jacobs Jamie Jacobs is a seasoned professional who transitioned from a successful career in the entertainment industry to automotive sales. With over 30 years of experience in TV, Jamie worked as a television host for major shows on networks such as HGTV and TLC, including "American Home" and "Designing Spaces." He also launched his own classic car TV show, "Tail Fins and Chrome," and has depth in performing arts with stand-up comedy experience in LA. Currently, Jamie is a car salesman at Reed's Nissan near Orlando, Florida. His versatile background in communication and entertainment enriches his interactions and strategies in the automotive industry. Mastering Auto Sales: Communication, Strategy, and Service Drive Success Key Takeaways: Effective communication is fundamental to success in automotive sales, requiring a blend of personality, listening, and adaptability. Viewing car sales as an entrepreneurial venture can significantly boost success rates among car salespeople. The often-overlooked service drive represents a goldmine of potential car sales, particularly through strategic customer interactions. In the realm of automotive sales, the journey from modest beginnings to achieving the title of a "Millionaire Car Salesman" requires more than just selling cars—it demands mastering the art of communication, cultivating entrepreneurial spirit, and harnessing untapped dealer resources. With insights shared in the Millionaire Car Salesman podcast, hosted by Sean V. Bradley, we can dissect the strategic mindset and actions that can transform traditional sales approaches into monumental career success. Below, we'll explore the critical facets that underpin this transformation, drawing from the experiences of seasoned professionals in the industry. The Power of Communication in Automotive Sales In any industry, the ability to communicate effectively is an invaluable tool. In automotive sales, it's not just about talking—it's about creating an engaging dialogue that fosters trust and understanding between salesperson and customer. As articulated by Jamie Jacobs, a seasoned automotive professional, communication is key to connecting with potential clients: “Listen, you can't sell somebody something unless you know what they want.” The value of communication extends beyond sheer verbal interaction; it involves reading the customer's needs, aspirations, and reservations. Jacobs emphasizes the importance of being a "listener," pointing out that selling is not about bombarding prospects with information but rather uncovering their needs through thoughtful questions and active engagement. This approach aligns with Dr. Covey's principle from the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"—seeking first to understand, then to be understood. To thrive in this sector, one must hone their communication skills as if practicing a craft, ensuring every interaction leaves a lasting impression on clients. Moreover, mastering communication in sales settings isn't just about words. It's also about utilizing tools that enhance messages, such as analogies, stories, and humor. Jacobs's diverse background in television and stand-up comedy has equipped him with a unique storytelling ability, enabling him to weave narratives that resonate with customers on a personal level. This strategy not only aids in retention but strengthens the relationship between the salesperson and customer. Embracing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Many sales professionals mistakenly view automotive sales as merely a job. As Sean V. Bradley highlights, the path to true success in car sales lies in treating it as an entrepreneurial venture. “The strategy that works is treating car sales like it's your own business. Car sales is like owning your own business,” Bradley reiterates. This mindset empowers salespeople to innovate, strategize, and personalize their approaches to selling. To achieve financial independence, key performers like Cody Carter exemplify the benefits of seeing oneself as the owner of their sales destiny. With a structured business plan, Carter operates not as an employee but akin to a dealer principal, handling marketing, personal branding, financial planning, and even employing staff. This proactive stance allows Carter to transcend traditional sales barriers, leveraging tools like CRM systems and community outreach to expand his network and client base. The entrepreneurial approach prescribed by Bradley entails more than just product knowledge or sales tactics; it's about creating a business blueprint that encompasses everything from customer service strategy to personal marketing campaigns. Sales professionals can accelerate their growth trajectory by adopting this posture, investing in self-development, and broadening their business savvy. Unlocking the Potential of Service Drive Sales An often underestimated avenue for generating sales is the dealership service drive. Jamie Jacobs, self-proclaimed "service lounge lizard," harnesses this rarely tapped resource to cultivate leads and close deals. The service department, bustling with customers who are already brand-aligned, becomes a fertile ground for nurturing potential sales opportunities. Jacobs shares his strategic process: arriving early, engaging customers with genuine curiosity, and turning anticipated repair costs into an opening for new vehicle sales. "Hey, I just talked to service, your service advisor, and you're looking at almost, probably $1,800 maybe to fix everything. I said, are you interested in perhaps trading it in with us?" Jacobs articulates this pivot approach, positioning a new car purchase as a cost-effective alternative to costly repairs. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) corroborates the efficacy of this method, revealing that customers who frequent service departments are significantly more likely to purchase vehicles from that dealership. Jacobs's initiative is illustrative of how proactive interaction within the service drive can transform casual conversations into lucrative sales. For salespeople, recognizing the potential of service-ups is crucial; it signifies a shift from passive order-taking to active relationship-building. The success witnessed in the service department underscores a broader industry trend: the bold thrive, while the complacent stagnate. By recognizing the service drive as a pipeline for potential deals, dealerships can realize enhanced customer loyalty and increased profit margins through targeted engagement and strategic upselling. Overall, the journey to mastering automotive sales demands more than conventional tactics—it's a fusion of the art of communication, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic resourcefulness. This multilayered approach not only deepens customer connections but cements a salesperson's reputation and success within the industry. By channeling the lessons shared by Jamie Jacobs and Sean V. Bradley, sales personnel can navigate the transformative path toward becoming true leaders in the automotive sales sector. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department—Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
On this week's episode of Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Peter Sack. They dig into why Chicago Atlantic targets underserved private credit niches, especially state-by-state cannabis lending where limited competition can mean first-lien structures at lower leverage with mid-teens to ~20% returns, plus classic lender protections. Peter explains how regulatory moats, disciplined underwriting, and downside focus beat “sexy” equity stories, and how potential legalization would likely trigger refinancings, prepayment fees, and warrant upside rather than harm. They also compare private funds to public options through Chicago Atlantic's BDC and mortgage REIT tickers, LIEN and REFI, and outline what LPs should evaluate in credit managers from lien position to non-accruals and third-party administration. Peter SackCurrent role: Managing Partner, Chicago AtlanticBased in: Miami, FloridaSay hi to them at: https://www.chicagoatlantic.com/ | LinkedIn | investors@chicagoatlantic.com This is a limited time offer, so head over to aspenfunds.us/bestever to download the investor deck—or grab their quick-start guide if you're brand new to oil and gas investing. Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com with code BESTEVER Join the Best Ever Community The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria. Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Podcast production done by Outlier Audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this must-listen episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, host Sean V. Bradley and co-host L.A. Williams sit down with automotive veteran Jake Hales - Digital Operations Manager for Gee Automotive Group and advisory board member for Digital Dealer. With over 25 years of experience, Jake pulls back the curtain on how dealerships are transforming in the digital age and why this year's Digital Dealer Conference is a can't-miss event! “As an industry we don't have a technology problem. We have a utilization problem.” - Sean V. Bradley You'll get an inside look at how technology, AI, and digital innovation are reshaping the automotive industry… and why the smartest dealers are the ones investing in their growth, their teams, and their networks. But that's just the start. Jake also shares how Digital Dealer's revamped agenda is delivering more value than ever, with sessions designed to sharpen skills, expand connections, and equip attendees with strategies that can change the trajectory of their business! "The feedback was... we need to have more workshops. Because it's one thing to sit in a classroom and have people preach at you, it's another thing to get with the dealer next to you." - Jake Hales Ready to unlock your next level in automotive sales and leadership? Register now for the upcoming Digital Dealer Conference and use our exclusive code for 25% off your pass with Code: DealSyn. Don't miss your chance to be in the room where the future of automotive is being written: https://tinyurl.com/DSDD2025 Key Takeaways: ✅ The automotive industry must overcome its historical underutilization of technology by correctly setting up and managing CRM tools to enhance dealership operations. ✅ The Digital Dealer conference has undergone significant transformations to offer more hands-on workshops and concise, impactful presentations. ✅ Sales managers in particular need to leverage AI to streamline their responsibilities, which now encompass dealing with digital leads and customer interactions. ✅ Networking with industry peers and attending conferences can provide invaluable insights, practical solutions, and personal growth opportunities within the automotive sector. ✅ Embracing a forward-thinking approach with AI integration can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of dealership operations. About Jake Hales Jake Hales is a seasoned automotive professional with over 25 years of experience. He has built a notable career spanning roles in retail sales, OEM operations with Toyota, consulting, and software delivery. Currently, Jake is the Digital Operations Manager at Gee Automotive Group, where he oversees digital transformations related to CRM and phone systems for a group of 40 dealerships. In addition, Jake serves on the advisory board for Digital Dealer, where he contributes his expertise to shape the future of automotive conferences. Maximizing the Potential of CRMs: Harnessing AI, Innovation, and Conferences to Revolutionize the Automotive Industry Key Takeaways The automotive industry is not limited by a lack of technology but by its proper utilization and management. The upcoming Digital Dealer conference promises to revitalize and refocus learning and networking opportunities, featuring a new format aimed at more practical engagement. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative possibilities, yet many current solutions overlook critical integrations and real-world dealership problems. The Underutilization of Automotive CRM Systems For decades, the automotive industry has struggled not with a lack of technology but with effectively utilizing the technology it already possesses. Sean V. Bradley, a renowned expert in automotive sales, makes no bones about this: "Our industry has never had a deficiency of technology. Our industry has a deficiency to proper utilization." With 90% of all Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems not being set up or managed correctly, it's evident that the problem isn't technological capability but strategic implementation. CRMs should be the backbone of any dealership, providing a 360-degree view of customers, and leveraging data for both sales and service. Yet, the potential of these systems is frequently left untapped. As dealerships continue to struggle with lower sales numbers post-pandemic, the conversation pivots not just toward adopting new technology, but ensuring the mastery of what's already available. Bradley adds, "If we're not understanding it and we're not utilizing it, all we're doing is shuffling the deck." The implications of this are profound: for dealerships to remain competitive, they must move beyond merely possessing tools to mastering them. This means in-depth training, cross-departmental integration, and reevaluating the traditional dealership roles to foster a tech-centric culture that thrives on data-driven decision-making. Revamping the Digital Dealer Conference for Future Success In response to fluctuating attendance and shifting industry needs, the Digital Dealer conference has decided on a seismic reformation. In its previous iterations, feedback highlighted challenges with overcrowded vendor spaces and less focus on value. As Jake Hales, a digital operations expert and advisory board member for Digital Dealer, notes, the shift aims to address these concerns head-on with an upgraded format. "We need to have more workshops," Hales explains. The conference will transition into a dynamic hub of activity, featuring TEDx-style sessions for high-level insights and deeper, hands-on workshops for applied learning. This bifurcated approach allows for more intensive engagement on practical issues, breaking away from the traditional passive learning structure. "The challenge of having hour-long sessions is you do end up getting into minutiae," Hales states. With the introduction of compressed 25-minute TEDx sessions, speakers are encouraged to distill critical insights into compelling, actionable narratives. Complementing these are extended workshops where attendees can "get into the weeds," fostering a collaborative environment designed to dive deep into solutions for current dealership challenges. The Promise and Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence in Automotive Artificial Intelligence is hailed as a transformative force ready to revolutionize automotive sales and operations. However, both Bradley and Hales offer a word of caution: between the promise and delivery of AI lies a gulf that only purpose-driven integration can bridge. "The magic sauce hasn't come out yet," Hales asserts, with many AI applications failing to address real dealership needs. Bradley elaborates, emphasizing the noise in the market: "There's all these fugazi AI companies… either don't have Internet integration, they don't have funding, or they're just batshit crazy." To navigate this landscape, dealerships must sift through these options, hone in on solutions that offer genuine integrative benefits, and take advantage of AI capabilities across CRM systems, predictive modeling, and customer engagement. There is significant potential for AI to handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, thereby freeing up human resources for roles that require nuanced decision-making and relationship-building. As Hales points out, AI can ameliorate the juggling act performed by overstretched managers. Translating customer interactions through multilanguage support, for example, can help unlock underserved markets. Yet the broader adoption of AI will succeed only if anchored in realistic, performance-enhancing applications tailored to dealership exigencies. By engaging more deeply with AI tools and formats that prioritize education and partnership over exploitation, the automotive industry can transcend current inefficiencies, cultivating a more informed, agile, and customer-centric ethos that distinguishes the leaders from the laggards. Nurturing Growth Through Networking and Engagement Undoubtedly, one of the key pillars for advancing within an evolving field such as automotive sales is networking—an undertaking the industry hardly emphasizes beyond simple introductions. Conferences like Digital Dealer are excellent avenues for fostering these connections, providing invaluable face-time with peers and industry leaders. These interactions offer unforeseen insights that even profound technological acumen might overlook. "You're not going to send any of these folks back to school," Hales articulates, noting the practical limitations that educational programs face. His assertion dovetails seamlessly with observations made by others on the importance of dealer collaboration, not only for shared learning but for driving collective progress. Bradley points out, "It's being in the know," emphasizing that much of a conference's value lies in stripping away feelings of isolation by exposing shared challenges and innovative responses. Setting the stage for engagement at the fringes of formal sessions allows meaningful discourse to flourish—nurturing growth and acting as a backbone for individual and team success. Real-world applications and success stories are brought to the forefront, transforming simple education into actionable strategy. Dealer culture, intrinsically rooted in kinesthetic, hands-on modalities, thrives on involvement rather than observation. Specialized sessions, think tanks, and non-static formats invite participants to dive directly into problem-solving, accommodating varying levels of expertise and empowering professionals to be proactive catalysts in their own success stories. With every session, conference, and professional engagement, the automotive industry sharpen its competitive edge by cultivating a culture where mastery of technology and collaborative ingenuity work hand-in-hand to defy traditional constraints and embrace innovative possibilities. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department—Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
Today's show features: Dave Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global Danny Negalha, Corporate Fixed Ops Director at McGovern Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it's time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership's inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and booking 100+ extra appointments every month. Exclusive for CDG Listeners: Start your no-risk, 1-month free trial at https://www.toma.com/cdg CDK Global – Managing inventory doesn't have to be a grind. Backed by over 50 years of CDK know-how and powered by next-gen AI tools, you'll price with confidence, merchandise like a pro, and move cars off the lot faster — all while boosting your bottom line. Learn more about the CDK Vehicle Inventory Suite: https://www.cdkglobal.com/cdk-vehicle-inventory-suite Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Parker Jones, General Manager at Jones Auto Centers Drew Diehl, EVP of Client Strategy at Stream Companies Tyler Burton, General Sales Manager at Serra Auto Group Champaign This episode is brought to you by: Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it's time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership's inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and booking 100+ extra appointments every month. Exclusive for CDG Listeners: Start your no-risk, 1-month free trial at https://www.toma.com/cdg Stream Companies – Deals don't wait. Why should your incentives? Stream Companies' Retail Ready updates offers in hours, then launches them across your website, specials pages, search ads, display, and video. In an industry where timing and visibility are everything, faster updates mean more sales and more deals closed. Stay ahead with Retail Ready. Visit https://carguymedia.com/42aLefQ to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
What does it take to truly understand every angle of dealership operations? In this episode, LA Williams sits down with Jonathan Schrieber, a proven leader whose journey began in his family-owned dealerships, sharpened through hands-on roles in sales and management, and elevated when he graduated from the prestigious NADA Dealer Academy! "You can't just move the pieces around and expect things to work in a dealership. You have to have the right mentality and mindset." - Jonathan Schrieber Jonathan shares how his unexpected path, from teaching and coaching to living the day-to-day grind of the showroom, shaped his passion for the Internet department and ignited his drive to innovate CRM processes, lead management, and operational efficiency. His experiences aren't secondhand theories; they're lessons learned from the front lines of dealership life. "I wanted things to happen faster than they were. Just overall being more patient and understanding the situation." - Jonathan Schrieber Now at Dealer Synergy, Jonathan brings that same grit and expertise to multiple rooftops across the country. He opens up about the realities of transitioning from in-store leadership to vendor-side accountability, the challenges and wins of outsourced BDCs, and why running a dealership is strikingly similar to coaching a championship sports team. "You can't control customers. You can shape them and try to lead them, but at the end of the day, it's their decision to make." - Jonathan Schrieber If you're a dealership manager looking for practical, battle-tested strategies to optimize your CRM, hold your team accountable, and lead with confidence, this episode will inspire you to rethink what's possible in your store. Key Takeaways: ✅ Jonathan Schrieber's transition from education to the automotive industry illustrates the diverse career paths that lead to success in the automotive sector. ✅ Effective use of CRM systems is crucial for dealership operations, with emphasis on automation and complete utilization of CRM capabilities before switching systems. ✅ Understanding the balance between technical skills and people skills is essential for automotive sales success, suggesting roles can be complemented through team support. ✅ Patience and accountability are vital traits for dealership management, with a focus on informed and data-driven decision-making. ✅ Jonathan encourages a mindset shift in managing personal finances, advocating for saving practices among salespeople to ensure financial stability. About Jonathan Schrieber Jonathan Schrieber is an experienced automotive professional who has transitioned from teaching to the automotive industry, where he worked his way up within dealerships. He has held various roles, such as an Internet Director and General Manager, learning and optimizing every aspect of the dealership operation. Accredited with NADA University, Jonathan brings a structured, analytical approach to his work, enhancing operations with his deep understanding of CRM systems and automotive sales processes. Currently, he is making strides in consulting and training with Dealer Synergy, where he focuses on improving organizational processes and performance. Navigating the Automotive Industry: Insights from a Dealer Synergy Leader Key Takeaways Role Versatility: Understanding multiple dealership roles fosters a well-rounded perspective, crucial for effective leadership. CRM Mastery: Technical proficiency in CRM systems enhances efficiency and customizes client management. Patience and Timing: Remaining patient and strategic in career growth pays dividends in the long run. The Multidimensional Journey of Automotive Leadership The automotive industry is rich with opportunity but demands an intricate balance of passion, tactical understanding, and versatile skills. Jonathan Schrieber's trajectory from teaching to automotive leadership exemplifies this blend. At the core of his journey is a move from academia into automotive sales—a transition informed by his analytical nature. "I have always been more analytical," highlights how this quality underpinned his career progression and success. Schrieber's experience underscores the value of comprehending diverse dealership roles—whether it's selling, managing an internet department, or orchestrating dealership operations. Such an approach not only builds comprehensive industry comprehension but also cultivates strategic foresight crucial for effective dealership leadership. Exploring new challenges led Schrieber to adopt analytical tools, refining operational efficiencies alongside enhancing customer experience. Through Dealer Synergy, he reflects, "Understanding CRM inside and out," provides the leverage needed to excel in managing extensive client data while ensuring customer satisfaction. For industry professionals, embracing multiple roles and understanding CRM intricacies enhance both leadership capabilities and organizational success. CRM as a Strategic Tool in the Automotive Arena Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is indispensable in the automotive industry. Schrieber's insights into leveraging CRM systems reflect its criticality as a strategic asset. A profound understanding of CRM functionalities allows leaders to tailor client interactions, thus optimizing productivity. "There's no perfect CRM," Schrieber notes, emphasizing the importance of thorough insight into the CRM systems to fully harness their potential. Success in the automotive field relies on utilizing CRM tools for seamless data management and strategic operation. As Schrieber underscores, using CRM effectively ensures informed decision-making, reinforced by data insights. In this data-driven industry, the focus must remain on understanding intricate CRM details and applying them to foster enhanced dealership operations. Patience and Strategic Growth: Lessons for the Automotive Professional In the fast-paced automotive world, patience and strategic planning herald long-term success. Reflecting on his earlier career, Schrieber highlights the importance of pacing one's professional journey: "Just be more patient," he confesses looking back. This mindset is a powerful takeaway for industry professionals eager for swift progression. Navigating through dealership roles and external challenges, Schrieber emphasizes the incremental benefits of patience woven into career strategies, stating, "Set objectives and pay yourself first." Adopting deliberate career strategies and prioritizing objectives ensure sustained progress amid industry volatility. Embracing a patient, calculated approach fosters lasting, impactful success. Integrating Insights for Elevating Automotive Success Jonathan Schrieber's journey highlights pivotal themes for reflection and application within the automotive sector—role versatility, CRM proficiency, and strategic patience. By mastering these domains, professionals can cultivate robust, adaptable career pathways, enhanced customer relations through CRM, and strategic resilience amidst industry dynamics. These insights crystallize the multidimensional fabric of automotive leadership, driving sustained success amidst evolving challenges. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department—Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
Today's show features: Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Ops at Casa Auto Group Ben Hadley, Founder of AutoGenius This episode is brought to you by: Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it's time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership's inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and booking 100+ extra appointments every month. Exclusive for CDG Listeners: Start your no-risk, 1-month free trial at https://www.toma.com/cdg Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Vinay Shahani, Former Nissan Head of US Marketing & Sales JB Burnett, General Manager of Boulevard Ford of Millsboro This episode is brought to you by: Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it's time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership's inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and booking 100+ extra appointments every month. Exclusive for CDG Listeners: Start your no-risk, 1-month free trial at https://www.toma.com/cdg Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Jeff Miller, CEO of Mark Miller Subaru Matt Leone, CEO of DriveCentric This episode is brought to you by: Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it's time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership's inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and booking 100+ extra appointments every month. Exclusive for CDG Listeners: Start your no-risk, 1-month free trial at https://www.toma.com/cdg DriveCentric – Stop losing leads to slow follow-ups and clunky software. DriveCentric's CRM responds to every lead within minutes, keeps your team organized, and turns more sales into life long customers. Learn more at https://drivecentric.com/ Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Marion Cain, Founder of ACE David Kelly, Training Director of Brown & Brown Dealer Services This episode is brought to you by: Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it's time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership's inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and booking 100+ extra appointments every month. Exclusive for CDG Listeners: Start your no-risk, 1-month free trial at https://www.toma.com/cdg Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com