Podcasts about bdc

In this electrifying episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean V. Bradley and Tianna Mick, aka "T Got Your Keys," dive deep into the powerful strategies that can elevate your career in automotive sales. They reveal the game-changing steps sales professionals need to take to treat car sales not just as a job, but as a personal business venture. "Car sales is like owning your own business, but almost nobody does because it's not easy." - Sean V. Bradley Discover how to develop a strong personal brand, leverage cutting-edge digital tools like ChatGPT and Canva to create impactful logos and identities, and implement a holistic online and offline marketing strategy that drives success. This episode challenges you to move beyond the dealership's foot traffic and start building a loyal clientele through proactive effort and innovation. "If you're not consistently building your brand, you're gonna lose those customers and you're never gonna have the chance again." - Tianna Mick Sean and Tianna take a closer look at why personal brand identity is crucial in today's highly competitive landscape, and they share success stories from top industry figures like Cody Carter and Chrissy Burton. Plus, get the inside scoop on tools like Podium's conversational AI and how they can help you create a seamless, relational customer experience that leads to both increased sales and brand loyalty. "This is a 24/7 thing. I'm really committed to it, and you need to start today." - Tianna Mick Ready to level up your career? Tune in to learn the strategies that will empower you to take control of your success, engage with customers in a more meaningful way, and ultimately stand out in the automotive sales world.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Personal Branding: Develop a unique brand identity within the dealership's brand to stand out and personalize the customer experience. ✅ Strategic Marketing: Utilize tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and social media platforms for strategic and cohesive brand development and customer engagement. ✅ Innovative Customer Experience: Build customer loyalty through personalized post-sale experiences and community engagement initiatives. ✅ Investment: Consider investing personally in marketing strategies if dealership funding is unavailable; transformation starts with self-belief and strategic planning. ✅ Use of AI Tools: Harness AI-driven platforms such as Podium to enhance efficiency in lead conversion and customer engagement.   About Tianna Mick aka T Got Your Keys Tianna Mick (T Got Your Keys): Tianna Mick, famously known as "T Got Your Keys," is a prominent figure in the automotive sales space. With a deep-rooted passion for engaging with customers through social media and digital platforms, she leverages cutting-edge tools and strategies to maximize customer engagement. Tianna is an enthusiastic champion of dealership success, providing valuable insights on sales through various media, including the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast.   Building a Personal Brand in Automotive Sales: Unlocking Success Through Innovation In the high-stakes world of automotive sales, standing out is paramount. As revealed in the dynamic conversation between Sean V. Bradley and Tianna Mick, the path to extraordinary success involves treating car sales like your own business. This article explores how building a personal brand can transform your career, leveraging technology, creativity, and strategic investment. Key Takeaways Developing a personal brand within the dealership's brand is crucial for differentiation and success in automotive sales. Proactively investing in your own marketing efforts can yield significant returns in terms of sales performance. Utilizing artificial intelligence and technology streamlines marketing processes and enhances customer engagement. The Power of Personal Branding in Automotive Sales Creating a personal brand within the automotive industry isn't just a fancy trend—it's a necessity for standing out in a crowded marketplace. Both Sean V. Bradley and Tianna Mick emphasize that most salespeople miss the mark by not establishing their own brand identity. The traditional method of relying solely on dealership leads and foot traffic is becoming obsolete. With technology at our fingertips and the automotive landscape rapidly evolving, sales professionals must differentiate themselves. As Sean notes, "Car sales is like owning your own business." Tianna Mick illustrates this by sharing her journey with the brand "T got your keys," which reflects her personality and values. She highlights the importance of colors, logos, and slogans, as these elements create a lasting impression. "You want to be on the top of mind of all of your customers and all of your prospects' minds," Tianna asserts, underscoring the enduring influence a well-crafted brand can have. Besides personalization, the strategic use of social media amplifies reach and builds credibility. "You pick a brand name that's memorable," Tianna advises, while emphasizing the seamless integration of brand elements across various platforms to maintain consistency and professional growth. Leveraging Technology and AI in Personal Branding Incorporating technology, especially artificial intelligence, is a game-changer for any salesperson looking to elevate their brand. From utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for creating brand names and logos to integrating them with design platforms like Canva, the possibilities are endless. Sean indicates, "ChatGPT can do this, you know, for free or for practically free," promoting efficiency in establishing your brand. Moreover, AI offers innovative ways to manage customer interactions—Podium's conversational AI being a prime example. For salespeople, AI provides the opportunity to remain engaged with potential customers even during off-hours, ensuring no sales opportunity is missed. As the conversation reveals, AI doesn't just automate processes; it complements your efforts, acting as an omnipresent team member that keeps your operations running smoothly, freeing you to focus on delivering exceptional service and building relationships. The strategy extends to harnessing analytics for targeted marketing. As Tianna experienced, integrating a platform like "Build a Brand" with CRM systems ensures every customer interaction is optimized for success. The data-driven approach not only refines marketing strategies but also enhances service delivery, creating a competitive edge in the bustling automotive market. Investment Strategies for Personal Branding Success Realizing your brand's full potential often requires a financial commitment. Investing in marketing materials and tools is integral to expanding visibility and reinforcing your brand in customers' minds. While discussing budget allocations, Sean shares a proactive approach, encouraging salespeople to approach dealership management for marketing support, emphasizing a shared investment in achieving common goals. "Why don't people lift weights? Because they're heavy," Sean humorously notes, driving the point that investing might seem daunting but is ultimately rewarding. But it's not just about asking for funds; it's about presenting a strategic plan that illustrates potential returns. Tianna supports, "The more car sales I sell you, you get. But I get it," illuminating the mutual benefits of such collaboration. However, even if funding isn't an immediate option, looking at cost-effective methods like custom business cards and creative partnerships with local businesses can still drive significant impact. For sales professionals willing to invest in themselves, leveraging resources smartly can stimulate growth. This could mean setting aside a part of the commission for marketing initiatives or using affordable online platforms for brand promotion. Sean emphasizes that "scared money don't make any money," urging salespeople to be bold and strategic in their financial decisions to ensure exponential growth. By crafting a personal brand, utilizing cutting-edge technology, and committing to strategic investments, automotive salespeople can distinguish themselves from the competition. Tianna and Sean's conversation highlights a pathway to success that combines innovation with personalized service—keys to thriving in today's automotive landscape.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   ProMax: Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 29,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   ProMax: Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!  

In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, LA Williams and Tianna Mick (aka T Got Your Keys) pull back the curtain on some of the most overlooked—and underutilized—strategies that today's top automotive professionals are using to drive real results. "Social media absolutely has to be social. I got some tips that I could give to you if you want me." — LA Williams From communication techniques that reignite cold leads to modern tools that streamline the sales process, this high-energy conversation touches on the evolving toolkit of the 2025 car salesperson. Without giving too much away, let's just say if you've ever underestimated the power of a voicemail or dismissed AI as a “future thing,” this episode is about to change your mind. "AI is to just make workarounds so that way you actually have more time to focus on the things that are going to yield you the biggest result." — Tianna Mick Tianna and LA break down how today's buyers want to be engaged—and more importantly, how you can become the kind of salesperson who shows up where they are, with the right message, at the right time. If you're ready to stop selling like it's 2012 and start connecting like it's 2025, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Voicemail Strategy: Creating engaging, curiosity-driven voicemails can significantly increase customer callbacks and drive sales success. ✅ AI in Dealerships: AI tools like ChatGPT and Podium enhance customer service by providing quick and relevant responses, ultimately improving lead conversion. ✅ Social Media Engagement: Leveraging platforms like Facebook and Instagram with a mix of personal, professional, and purposeful content helps build a loyal customer base. ✅ Personalization and Authenticity: Personalizing interactions and maintaining authenticity in customer communications is crucial for building trust and driving sales. ✅ AI Training for Sales: Encouraging salespeople to familiarize themselves with AI tools can streamline operations and save time, allowing focus on high-impact activities.   About LA Williams aka The Blind Master LA Williams, also known as the "Blind Phone Master," co-creates the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. With extensive experience in automotive sales, LA specializes in effective communication strategies, particularly over the phone. Known for his ability to transform ordinary sales approaches into high-impact experiences, he uses his expertise to teach others how to achieve success in the car sales industry. LA is also recognized for his innovative use of technology, especially AI, to improve sales processes.   About Tianna Mick aka T Got Your Keys Tianna Mick, famously known as "T Got Your Keys," is a prominent figure in the automotive sales space. With a deep-rooted passion for engaging with customers through social media and digital platforms, she leverages cutting-edge tools and strategies to maximize customer engagement. Tianna is an enthusiastic champion of dealership success, providing valuable insights on sales through various media, including the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast.   Maximize Your Sales: The Art of Voicemails, AI, and Social Media in Car Sales Unlock the hidden potential of your dealership through the strategic use of voicemails, AI, and social media. A transformative approach to customer engagement is vital for boosting your bottom line this year. With effective communication strategies and technology-driven insights, you can revolutionize your dealership's operations and set the stage for unprecedented growth. Key Takeaways Voicemails Are Alive and Thriving: Contrary to popular belief, voicemails are a potent tool for engaging customers, as long as they are used correctly. AI as Your Secret Weapon: Leverage AI in every aspect of your dealership—from managing leads to sending perfect follow-ups. Social Media: Friend or Foe?: Embrace social platforms for what they were meant to be—social and engaging.   Voicemails: Not Just Old School, But Smart Voicemails are far from dead, especially if you know how to use them wisely. The power of a well-crafted voicemail lies in its ability to make the recipient curious enough to give you a callback. As LA Williams emphasizes, "If we could get conversations going…that's half the battle." Voicemail mastery involves not just what you say but how you say it—infusing the message with energy and a tone of trustworthiness while keeping them short and under 30 seconds. Williams further cautions against leaving dead voicemail messages. You know the ones—monotonously reminding prospects of what they already know. Instead, he advises creating valid curiosity using pointed questions. He asserts, "Tell the person that you have some key questions that you need to run by them." This technique effectively pulls the customer in and increases engagement rates. Despite the technological advancements in telecommunications, voicemail continues to be a fundamental tool in the salesperson's toolkit. With phones now transcribing voicemails into text, this feature offers a dual-engagement mode—listening and reading. The versatility of voicemails makes them an asset for reaching today's busy consumers. Harnessing the Power of AI for Lead Conversion Artificial Intelligence is not only the future; it's the present. It is a versatile tool that uniquely complements human efforts by managing leads and prompting timely follow-ups. As LA Williams introduces it, "Podium has Jerry, an AI whiz that sets up test drives, answers questions… and facilitates seamless sales." AI platforms like ChatGPT offer tailored sales messages, be they emails or text messages, carefully crafted to suit the customer's journey. The magic happens when AI is set to act like an intern—making suggestions, learning from each interaction, and evolving based on feedback. Williams shares a vivid story about how an AI app once malfunctioned, showing how deeply sales professionals rely on these tools. AI revolutionizes communication by enhancing the speed with which leads are managed. Instant responses are crucial in keeping customers warm, especially when a human may not be available to answer a call immediately. "Speed to lead is paramount," Williams reminds us, driving home the importance of fast, accurate customer service now achievable through AI integrations. Social Media Engagement: Beyond the Basics Social media isn't just another marketing tool; it's a robust platform for dynamic engagement. By presenting oneself authentically, you transform followers into raving fans. Williams explains, "From posting motivational quotes to sharing personal moments, social media should be an amalgamation of personal and professional." The strength of platforms like Facebook and Instagram lies in their capacity to humanize businesses and salespeople. Incorporating a balanced content strategy—personal, professional, purposeful, and polls—turns casual scrolls into potential sales leads. This dynamic space also represents the perfect proving ground for integrating AI-created messages. Social media's double-edged sword lies in how its ease of access can lead to lost opportunities if you aren't fully leveraging it. For car sales professionals, it serves as an extension of the dealership—bridging the gap between traditional sales techniques and the modern consumer journey. With these insights into voicemails, AI, and social media, the path to improving customer engagement and ultimately boosting sales is a journey revolving around choice and adaptation. Whether it's crafting that perfect voicemail, harnessing AI to nurture leads, or mastering the nuance of social media, each of these elements holds the potential to transform your dealership into a powerhouse. The time to act is now, and the tools you need are right at your fingertips. The future of auto sales won't wait—will you?     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   ProMax: Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 29,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   ProMax: Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. Kyle Schmidt and John Hester explore how the scope and access of private investing have changed. Listeners will hear how recent developments have expanded these opportunities, but with that comes discerning fit. They highlight how BIP has been ahead of the curve in this topic and why. Stay ahead in the count when it comes to the rapidly expanding private market investing with this episode!  Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

Today I'm joined by Derek Hansen, VP of Operations at Cox Automotive. We get into how AI is reshaping inventory pricing, pro tips for navigating vehicle tariffs, where vAuto is innovating next—and more. If your dealership is interested in learning more, reach out to Derek by email: derek.hansen@coxautoinc.com This episode is brought to you by: 1, 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 @ toma.com/cdg 2. Experian Automotive - Like most Car Dealership Guy Listeners, you're constantly looking for the inside edge on the auto industry. So if you're ready to step up your game to the next level – outpacing the competition and building customer loyalty – there's only one place to go from here: Experian Automotive. They're the only ones with exclusive data across vehicles, consumers, and credit—plus expert data scientists who connect the dots to uncover the insights you need. Get the industry-leading insights from Experian Automotive today! Learn more by visiting @ https://carguymedia.com/4cfcLjZ Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:15 Biggest inventory challenges today? 00:34 What shaped your career path? 01:08 How is AI changing auto? 03:38 Current market trends to watch? 07:11 Best dealer strategies now? 09:37 How to improve appraisals? 15:45 Global car sourcing tips? 21:39 How predictive analytics helps sales? 33:09 Future car inventory predictions? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Our analysts Vishy Tirupattur and Joyce Jiang discuss the health of private credit as default pressures are building for borrowers amid weaker growth, fewer rate cuts and policy uncertainty.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Vishy Tirupattur: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I am Vishy Tirupattur, Morgan Stanley's Chief Fixed Income Strategist.Joyce Jiang: And I'm Joyce Jiang, U.S. Leverage Finance Strategist.Vishy Tirupattur: Today we'll take a look at private credit markets. Will it stay resilient in the current macro conditions? Or a reckoning is ahead of us.It's Tuesday, May 13th at 10am in New York.Tariffs and policy uncertainty are on the top of mind for people with an eye on the economy and markets. Certainly, a frequent topic of discussion for us on this podcast. In this environment, there has been growing concern about the health of corporate credit – and within corporate credit direct lending or middle market segments, where companies tend to be smaller in size and have weaker fundamentals are of particular concern. The business models of these companies are sensitive to slower growth.Joyce, can you map out the risks associated with private credit companies?Joyce Jiang: To your point, risks are rising in private credit, but I think these risks would be measured given the still resilient fundamental backdrop. Looking at fundamental trends, there is no clear sign of leverage building up in the system yet, and multiple data sources actually show that the leverage ratios among direct lending companies have either improved or remained flat. And that's very different from the previous cycles where excessive corporate leverage set the stage for the eventual downturn.So, this time around credit, including both public credit and private credit, is not the source of the problem. But, of course, these direct lending companies would be impacted by higher tariffs. So, Vishy what's your view on the tariff impact?Vishy Tirupattur: So, the direct impact of tariffs, Joyce, we think is likely to be muted. It's quite hard to quantify this exposure, but if you look at a number of different data sources, we find that the direct lending loans are more skewed towards defensive and service-oriented sectors.For example, sectors such as a technology, business services and healthcare account for over half of the loans in typical BDC portfolios or Business Development Company portfolios of direct lending loans. But that said, even though the direct impact could be somewhat limited, there could be second order effects because there is higher uncertainty and weaker confidence, and that could weigh on demand. There could be a tail cohort that could be developing.So, some data from Lincoln International, for example, shows that about 15 per cent of direct lending companies have EBITDA interest coverage ratio below 1x. Another way of looking at tail cohort is by looking at companies generating negative free operating cash flow. According to S&P data, that's about 40 per cent. These tail cohorts are stretched and are weakly positioned to weather macro challenges ahead.So, Joyce, another thing that comes up frequently when we talk about private credit is Payment In Kind interest or the so-called PIK interest. Can you walk us through what is a PIK and why is it a concern?Joyce Jiang: So, Payment In Kind interest – it occurs when the company stops paying interest in cash, but instead the interest is accrued and added to the principal balance. It is quite common for companies under liquidity stress to switch to PIKs for cash preservation, But in many cases, PIKs don't really clean up the company's balance sheet, and the companies may still end up in a conventional default. So, PIK is generally considered as a leading indicator of default by market participants.And to be clear, not all PIK loans are bad. PIK toggles are actually a key feature that distinguishes direct lending loans from syndicated loans because it provides non-distressed companies the flexibility to reallocate cash for other business needs. So, PIKs do not necessarily signal higher defaults. And in fact, data showed that BDCs or Business Development Companies with a higher PIK income don't always see a greater increase in nonaccruals. So, in other words, the relationship between PIK income and defaults is not persistently strong.Vishy Tirupattur: So, to summarize, overall fundamentals are on a relatively strong footing, but risks in private credit are rising, especially if we have a potential economic slowdown ahead. On the other hand, there are a few structural features with the private credit loans that could potentially help mitigate some of the vulnerabilities we've just talked about.First thing, direct lending loans are not marked to market by design, so they have lower volatility and are relatively immune from daily price moves. And really related to that, redemption risk of private credit funds has been fairly contained so far. These funds usually have tools like lockup periods and redemption caps to guard against unexpected large outflows.But of course, the effectiveness of these mechanisms has not yet been tested in severe downturns. Moreover, the capital that is going into private credit is relatively sticky capital. Key investors, such as insurance companies and pension funds are hold-to-maturity type buyers, and they're entering in the space for the attractiveness of the higher yields and to harvest illiquidity premia embedded in these loans. So, with that long-term investment horizon, they would be more willing to support companies through temporary liquidity challenges. Also, small lender groups in direct lending market makes it easier to negotiate restructurings.Joyce Jiang: Lastly, there is also ample dry powder. According to PitchBook, there is $570 billion of dry powder in private debt fund, and another $2 trillion in private equity funds. And this capital can be deployed to backstop distressed companies and help keeping defaults in check. And in terms of defaults, we are expecting syndicated loan defaults to end the year at 4 per cent. And that's our base case.And based on the historical relationship, that implies a like for like default rate for perfect credit at 5 per cent, which means a mild uptake from the current level, but is still below the COVID peak.Vishy Tirupattur: Joyce, thanks for taking the time to talk about this.Joyce Jiang: Thanks for having me, Vishy.Vishy Tirupattur: And to our listeners, thank you for your attention. Let us know what you think of this podcast and the topics we cover. And if you think a friend or a colleague might find this information useful, please share Thoughts on the Market with them today.

Join Sean V. Bradley and L.A. Williams as they feature the incredible Toni Cornell, a true trailblazer in automotive sales who's making waves with her innovative use of social media. From being a young mom to becoming a six-figure earner, Toni's journey is nothing short of inspiring! "I went from a 15-year-old mom to making over six figures. You know, I haven't needed state assistance." – Toni Cornell In this episode, she opens up about how she's leveraged her personal and business Facebook pages to generate leads, sell cars, and grow her network organically, creating lasting relationships along the way! "I've been using social media for, I would say 10 years... and it's my main source of business." – Toni Cornell Toni shares the secrets behind her content strategy, designed to foster personal connections and community trust. With the support of her manager, she dives into her transition from BDC to full-time sales, emphasizing the power of adaptability and a human-first approach, especially in an era dominated by AI. Plus, discover how AI technologies like Podium's conversational AI are helping salespeople engage with customers continuously, enhancing their sales efforts. This episode is packed with game-changing insights you don't want to miss!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Toni Cornell achieved an impressive feat in automotive sales, selling up to 51 cars in one month, primarily through social media strategies. ✅ By using her Facebook pages, Toni reaches nearly 300,000 people, with over 90,000 direct engagements, which translates to daily leads and consistent sales. ✅ Social media is not only about direct sales; Toni emphasizes the importance of community engagement, authentic content sharing, and building trust with followers. ✅ Integrating AI into sales processes can facilitate continuous customer interaction, allowing professionals like Toni to manage increased leads without compromising personal touch. ✅ Managers like Harry play a pivotal role in recognizing and nurturing talent, encouraging the use of innovative platforms like the Millionaire Car Salesman Network to drive success.   About Toni Cornell Toni Cornell is a distinguished automotive sales professional who has mastered the art of selling vehicles through social media! Starting as a BDC representative, Toni has built an impressive career, selling up to 51 cars in a month and leveraging platforms like Facebook to expand her clientele. With over 17,500 organic followers and an engagement reach of 90,000 on her personal Facebook page, Toni has become a social media influencer in the automotive industry. Aside from her sales achievements, she is also recognized for her commitment to community service and advocacy!   Unlocking Success in Car Sales: Leveraging Social Media, Mentorship, and Innovation Key Takeaways: Social Media Mastery: Harnessing Facebook to generate leads and influencer-level engagement can significantly boost car sales. Mentorship and Empowerment: A supportive management team can elevate salespeople, transforming potential into performance. Innovation in a Changing Landscape: Staying ahead in the auto industry requires thinking outside the traditional dealership model.   Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Car Sales In today's digital age, social media has emerged as an invaluable tool for car sales professionals looking to maximize their reach and influence. Leveraging platforms like Facebook not only enhances personal branding but also serves as a powerful lead generation tool. Toni Cornell, a standout figure in automotive sales, exemplifies this transformation with her impressive use of social media to drive business outcomes. Toni's journey from a beginner to a leading salesperson showcases the monumental power of social media in sales. By cultivating a staggering 17,500 followers on her organic page, she managed to achieve an engagement level that reaches up to 300,000 people, with 90,000 directly engaging with her content. As she shares, "I have videos with up to 1.4 million views, and it's my main source of business." What sets Toni apart is not just her ability to attract followers but also her strategic use of Facebook as a revenue-generating tool, earning $1,000 to $2,000 a month from ad revenue. This showcases the potential of social media to supplement income while bolstering sales efforts. Her story is a testament to the impact of integrating social media into a sales strategy, emphasizing how platforms like Facebook can become indispensable allies in a competitive market.   The Role of Mentorship and Empowerment in Sales Success Behind every high-achieving professional is often a supportive mentor who recognized and nurtured their potential. For Toni Cornell, that mentor was her general sales manager, Harry, who not only identified her potential but also directed her towards invaluable resources to foster her growth. "I've been following it for a while. Someone just suggested it for me, and I really like the content, what you guys were about," Harry explains. Harry's approach highlights a critical element of success: empowerment. By encouraging Toni to join the "Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group," he provided her with tools that propelled her knowledge and operations beyond traditional dealership expectations. Harry describes Toni as someone who "took off with it" and transformed her online presence into a consistent source of leads, thereby enhancing dealership sales without any direct dealership expenditure. The essence of Harry's mentorship style lies in allowing salespeople to explore creative methods of growing their business while offering unwavering support. This strategy has propelled Toni to achieve remarkable feats, such as selling 51 cars in a single month. Her experience shows how encouragement and autonomy can unlock previously untapped potential within sales professionals.   Innovation: Leading the Auto Sales Industry into a New Era In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, innovative thinking has become non-negotiable. The traditional dealership model's limitations are becoming increasingly apparent, especially when contrasted with the fresh approaches of individuals like Toni Cornell. Her story is a blueprint for those looking to thrive amidst industry changes. The proactive pursuit of alternative avenues, such as strategic social media utilization, not only fills the gaps left by traditional methods but also opens new doors for customer engagement. Harry, the GSM at her dealership, recognized this dynamic early on: "I didn't do anything with it. I didn't prospect it, I didn't work or lead. I wasn't in the CRM, didn't pay for it. It's all extra." Such forward-thinking approaches are critical, especially in an industry where to remain stagnant is to fall behind. As dealerships face tighter competition and evolving consumer expectations, integrating innovative tools like AI chatbots and personalized social media campaigns can enhance customer experience and loyalty.   Gaining Traction: Elevating Car Sales through Creativity and Community The journey depicted in this conversation serves as a powerful example of how combining social media prowess with effective mentorship can lead to unprecedented success in car sales. Toni Cornell's achievements underscore the profound impact that social media and community engagement can have on business outcomes. Her story is a reminder that in an ever-changing industry, innovation and adaptability remain the cornerstones of sustained success. Supporting team members and equipping them with the tools to thrive is not just beneficial for individual professionals; it contributes to a dealership's overall growth and resilience. As Toni continues to forge ahead, her journey inspires others to explore how they can reinvent their practices and embrace the digital age's opportunities. The account from the millionaire car sales podcast offers crucial insights into the changing automotive sales landscape. It shows that by embracing technology, mentoring talented professionals, and fostering a culture of innovation, dealerships can not only survive but thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.   Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   ProMax: Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 29,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   ProMax: Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

This isn't another how-to-fix-a-car video.This is how to fix yourself in the trade before the trade breaks you.In this Wrench Turner's Podcast compilation, five technicians and leaders drop hard-earned wisdom, not about tools, not about pay plans, but about mindset, ownership, growth, and survival in the bay.

In this episode of #DefenceDeconstructed David Perry sits down with Melanie Nadeau, the CEO of COVE. The two discuss the organization's mandate, and where it fits within the wider defence marine ecosystem, it's areas of focus, and how it works with businesses with an emphasis on some of their focus on dual-use technologies and their involvement with NATO DIANA. // Guest bios: - Melanie Nadeau is the CEO of COVE and is a Member of the Board of Directors for the QE II Foundation and BDC. // Host bio: David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Recommended Readings: - "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 9 May 2025

What happens when unstoppable determination meets next-level creativity on the sales floor? In this powerhouse episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman podcast, Sean V. Bradley sits down with automotive sales phenom Tiffany Jean Haggerty-Kruzer—a woman who's rewriting the rules and setting new records at her Honda dealership. "Too many people are busy selling the car when they should be busy selling the appointment." — Tiffany Jean Haggerty-Kruzer From bold marketing moves to unexpected customer connection strategies, Tiffany brings an energy and perspective that will challenge everything you think you know about car sales. Her journey is real, raw, and packed with insights dealership professionals can't afford to miss. "When people tell me I can't do something... it makes me want to show everyone that I can do better than everyone else." — Tiffany Jean Haggerty-Kruzer If you're ready to think bigger, sell smarter, and stand out in your market, this episode is your blueprint. Just be warned: it might change the way you sell forever!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Innovative Marketing: Tiffany differentiates herself by using personalized postcards, lottery tickets, and relationship-building tactics to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. ✅ Networking Strategy: Effective use of social media groups and reciprocal relationships with other local businesses boost her sales and referral network. ✅ Overcoming Challenges: Despite early gender bias, Tiffany's resilience and commitment to excellence propelled her to the top of her field. ✅ Family in Automotive Sales: Tiffany's success has inspired her daughter to follow in her footsteps, building a successful career in car sales. ✅ Focus on Customer Relations: By treating customers as friends and continually fostering these relationships, Tiffany ensures a steady stream of referrals and repeat business.   About Tiffany Jean Haggerty-Kruzer Tiffany Jean Haggerty-Kruzer is a seasoned automotive sales professional with over 23 years of experience in the industry. Starting her career in 2001, Tiffany has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, transitioning from selling cars at a Honda dealership, where she is currently the top saleswoman, to becoming a notable figure in the automotive sales community. Known for her ability to sell over 60 cars in a month, Tiffany not only excels in vehicle sales but also in building meaningful customer relationships and inspiring fellow sales professionals. Her daughter, Liana Nikel, is also a talented salesperson in the automotive industry, working with GMC and achieving success early in her career!     The Path to Success: Insightful Lessons from a Female Automotive Trailblazer Key Takeaways: Embrace resilience in a challenging automotive environment, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Harness innovative strategies and technology to maximize efficiency and sales outcomes. Foster invaluable networks and relationships within the industry and community for sustained success. The automotive industry, like many others, is often seen as a male-dominated space. Yet, trailblazers like Tiffany Jean Haggerty-Kruzer have shattered these perceptions, proving that women can excel and redefine success in car sales. This engaging conversation between Sean V. Bradley, LA Williams, and Tiffany reveals insightful themes centered around resilience, innovation, and networking. Each of these themes is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in the automotive sales world.   Resilience Against Industry Challenges Resilience is a recurring theme throughout the transcript. Tiffany's journey in the automotive industry wasn't smooth from the outset. Her initial challenge was during a job interview with a BMW dealership, where her potential was prematurely judged based on her gender. "The manager walked in, saw I was a female, and walked right back out," she reflects, with a sense of triumph over what would have discouraged many. Such prejudices, unfortunately, aren't rare. Many women in various industries face similar biases. Tiffany's story serves as an inspiring testimony that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to success. Her approach is clear: "Pretty funny because that honestly gives me more drive. When people tell me I can't do something…it makes me want to show everyone that I can do better than everyone else." The broader implication is a call for resilience in the face of unfair treatment and stereotypes, advocating for perseverance and persistence. Tiffany's success speaks to those who doubt their capabilities in overcoming industry-specific hurdles and provides a beacon of hope for aspiring female professionals.   Leveraging Innovative Strategies and Technology Innovation, especially in terms of leveraging tools and personal strategies, is crucial for sustained success in the automotive industry. Tiffany illustrates a clear understanding of how standing out requires more than just conventional techniques. She asserts, "I always wanted to be different than everyone else because that's what makes you successful." Her use of handwritten postcards, light-hearted lottery tickets, and the creation of evidence manuals highlights a sophisticated approach to building relationships and enhancing customer engagement. She explains, "People don't like to open up envelopes, you know, too much. So, I really feel that if you have it on a postcard and they get it in the mail, they're going to read it right away." Additionally, there's an emphasis on the integration of technology and automation in streamlining operations. Bradley's advice regarding AI underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements. "I would love to be able to promote your business," Tiffany concurs, signaling an openness to adopting innovative tools that can further accentuate her already effective strategies. Such tools can increase productivity and allow industry professionals to scale their efforts, revealing the potential impact of technology on sales efficiency.   Building Networks for Long-term Success Networking within the industry and broader community is an essential element of Tiffany's success story. Her strategy in creating valuable, sustained relationships lays the foundation for reliable referrals and repeat business. Her community engagement, characterized by distributing business cards with donuts to banks and clothing stores, exemplifies her proactive approach to fostering relationships. "Basically, I have just…one big friendship because they'll know who to call when they need a car," she shares, underscoring the importance of turning customers into long-term allies and advocates. This relational approach allows her to close a significant number of referral-based deals each month and steadily build her reputation. Professionals in the automotive industry can learn from Tiffany's approach to networking. By developing reciprocal relationships, such as with mortgage brokers and real estate agents, sales associates can create a widened network of potential customers and referrers. The broader implication here is the undeniable value of community integration and professional alliances in achieving robust, long-term success. Without limiting herself to traditional norms, Tiffany has utilized a combination of personal initiative, relationship-building, and innovative thinking to redefine success in the automotive world. For emerging and seasoned professionals alike, her approach presents actionable insights: aim for excellence irrespective of prejudice, employ technology to enhance efforts, and cultivate indispensable networks. Through these insights, Tiffany Jean Haggerty-Kruzer not only stands as a model for female empowerment but also as a luminary for all who strive to excel in the automotive sales industry.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 29,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!  

Hey Goonies!In this episode of The Bate Escape podcast I sit and chat with Big D Clark, the creator and host of Gooniversity, a goony NYC bate party!In this episode we chat about the following:​The goon scene in NYC​What to expect at a Gooniversity party​The Gooniversity podcast ​Why looking really stupid is really hotYou can learn more about Gooiversiry and BDC at this link:https://linktr.ee/Big_DickClar kYou can follow me @: https://linktr.ee/BeastlyB8RPlease like, share, subscribe and comment on this episode!Have a burning question you need answered? Or a comment or opinion you want shared, contact me at thebateescapepod@gmail.com and I'll read it on the pod!Thanks for listening!XXX, Beastly

The WCW Nitro Podcast episode features Notorious DOM! with Papi Platano and BDC discussing a wide range of wrestling subjects. Their conversation includes a tribute to Steve Mongo McMichael, nostalgic reflections on WCW, the importance of Eddie Guerrero's matches, Lex Luger's Hall of Fame induction, and the contentious legacy of Chris Benoit. They also analyze specific December 1995 matches like Disco Inferno vs. Paul Orndorff and Lex Luger vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Furthermore, they explore character evolution (highlighting Lex Luger), the dynamics of championship victories, impactful industry moments, the influence of leaks, the current wrestling landscape's unpredictability, the nuances of wrestling promos (especially Hogan's WCW role and wrestler trust), dark matches, the significance of undefended titles, comparing WCW Nitro and Monday Night Raw's quality, and previews of upcoming matches, including wrestling moves and innovations.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Steve Mongo McMichael03:01 WCW Nostalgia: December 11, 199506:47 Eddie Guerrero vs. Mr. JL: A Showcase of Talent09:02 Lex Luger's Hall of Fame Journey12:22 The Controversial Hall of Fame: Chris Benoit Discussion16:54 Disco Inferno vs. Paul Orndorff: A Match of Confusion19:17 Lex Luger vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan: The Torture Rack Finish23:29 The Evolution of Wrestling Characters28:04 The Dynamics of Championship Wins32:00 The Impact of Iconic Wrestling Moments36:28 The Role of Leaks in Wrestling Storylines38:18 The Current State of Wrestling and Fan Expectations42:31 Trust Issues in Wrestling Promos43:52 The Role of Hogan in WCW44:54 Dark Matches and Championship Dynamics46:18 Moments of the Night: Highlights and Lowlights49:22 Comparing Nitro and Raw: A Battle of Shows52:01 Upcoming Matches and Anticipation55:20 Wrestling Moves and Innovations

In this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Shawn Armorer, a BDC consultant with over 24 years of automotive experience—from his early days as a car washer to his leadership in business development.The conversation covers key strategies for boosting fixed ops performance, adopting new technologies like video in service departments, and improving BDC practices to drive traffic and enhance the customer experience. Sean shares valuable insights on the power of emotional engagement, aligning BDC efforts with service goals, and the importance of continuous evolution in customer communication.If you're looking for practical ways to personalize customer interactions, strengthen your BDC, and build a supportive team culture—this episode is for you.Listen now for actionable takeaways and fresh ideas to elevate your dealership's service experience.

Ever had a customer walk in, get chased for months, and your team still greets them like it's Day One? Yikes. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we're calling out the CRM habits that are quietly killing your deals—and showing you how to fix them. Jen breaks down how internal notes create smooth BDC-to-sales handoffs, how to log objections and buying triggers that actually close, and why skipping CRM updates might be why your customer disappeared. If you want loyal buyers and not just new leads, it starts with smarter follow-ups, stronger recaps, and tighter processes. Let's make your CRM your best closer. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

This episode is all about solving real dealership problems—right from the service lane. I sit down with my longtime friend and mentor, Ken Hicks, Dealer Principal at Rivera Toyota and Mariano Rivera Honda, who shares how he tackled major fixed ops pain points by building his own software—Retention 360—a tool designed to drive loyalty, increase service-to-sales conversions, and help advisors win. > https://retention360.info/ Ken started as a salesperson and rose to become a partner alongside Yankees legend Mariano Rivera. Over the years, he saw too many missed opportunities in the service department: No process to follow up on declined service work No TO when customers said “no” to repairs Weak communication between BDC, service, and sales teams Lack of personalization and preparation before client visits No recognition of customer loyalty level at check-in Undertrained advisors struggling to convert service traffic into car deals So, what did Ken do? He built his own tool. He developed software that identifies loyalty levels, tracks declined services, pinpoints advisor weaknesses, and gives teams everything they need to turn service clients into lifelong dealership customers. He even tied incentives and a triple-pay structure to service-initiated car deals. Now, he's giving YOU access—free for 90 days. We talk about his team's exact process: Reviewing customer records before the appointment Matching loaner vehicles based on sales potential Creating warm handoffs between service and sales Proactively calling service clients with equity or loyalty triggers Training advisors to read the CRM like a playbook If you're ready to stop leaking opportunity in service and start creating real retention, check this one out! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

In this powerful episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosted by Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams, we bring in a special guest: Penny Vettel-Diersing! Penny shares her extensive experience in auto dealership marketing, starting with a breakdown of intelligent lead routing within the BDC and why customized communication strategies are critical for maximizing every lead opportunity.  "What value before you click send, on a text, on a chat, on an email, what value are you giving to the customer." The conversation then leads to Penny's innovative take on digital marketing, Google tagging, and advanced analytics — showing how dealerships can move beyond simple reply metrics to truly measure the value of every communication effort. And her #1 success in her dealership - Text messaging! "A successful text campaign isn't about the reply count. It's about the action a customer takes after getting your text." If you're ready to sharpen your marketing, drive more meaningful engagement, and rethink how you track success, this episode is a must-listen!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Intelligent Lead Routing: Penny emphasizes the importance of routing leads based on dealer expertise to boost sales efficacy rather than the traditional round-robin method. ✅ Text Communication vs. Marketing: The distinction between communication and marketing was highlighted by Penny, as she proposed data-driven, actionable strategies for improving dealership engagement. ✅ AI-Powered Marketing Tools: The use of technology, particularly AI like Google Gemini, provides cutting-edge solutions for marketing strategies under fluctuating market conditions, improving customer interaction. ✅ Value over Engagement: Penny argues that effective communication should aim to drive customer action rather than merely waiting for a reply, revolutionizing standard dealership practices. ✅ Google Tagging Efficiency: Implementing URL tagging in communications not only tracks engagement but provides essential insight into the effectiveness of each marketing campaign.   About Penny Vettel-Diersing Penny Vettel-Diersing, is a 27-year automotive industry veteran who has mastered digital marketing, business development, and sales strategies! Penny began her automotive career in 1998 at Reynolds & Reynolds, where she specialized in web-based internet lead software, programs, and processes. In 2002, she moved into retail and began building and running business development centers. Since then, her career has expanded to include digital marketing strategies. She manages the sales process from advertising to business development (and everything in between)! Penny is a published author writing: Texts That Sell: How Modern Text Strategies Can Revolutionize Sales Engagement in Automotive Retail!   Inside the Dealer's Mind: Innovative Strategies for Success in the Automotive Industry   Key Takeaways: Strategic Communication: Crafting text marketing campaigns with value-driven calls to action is crucial for engagement and conversion. Intelligent Lead Routing: Tailoring lead allocation based on individual agent expertise can significantly enhance dealership performance and customer satisfaction. Leveraging Technology: Utilizing AI and analytics tools can provide deeper insights and improve marketing outcomes.   Transforming Communication Strategies in the Auto Industry In the fast-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, staying ahead hinges on the ability to embrace innovative communication strategies. Penny Vettel-Diersing, a veteran with 27 years of industry experience, shares a profound insight into how text communication and marketing techniques can redefine dealership success. "You never send a text message to a customer that doesn't give them something exciting to do," Penny emphasizes. This approach not only encourages engagement, but also empowers potential buyers with actionable information. Through the strategic use of Google Tagging and analytics, dealerships can track customer actions, gaining insights into what works and what doesn't. Penny states, "I want to know if they actually did it right… I take that tiny URL and when you click it, I see what you're doing on my website." By focusing on the actions that customers take rather than merely their replies, dealerships can refine their strategies to maximize conversions. This shift in perspective allows dealers to offer solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer, driving both engagement and sales. Overall, the emphasis on creating value before clicking send and adopting a detailed approach to text communication highlights a pivotal change. Texts should be more than mere messages—they should be dynamic touchpoints that bring meaningful value to the customer. With this strategy, dealerships can foster stronger relationships and enhance customer loyalty. Intelligent Lead Routing: The Path to Empowerment The whirlwind of leads that dealerships manage can often become chaotic without a structured strategy. Penny's approach to intelligent lead routing serves as a beacon of efficiency. By recognizing and capitalizing on the unique strengths of each team member, dealerships can align customer needs with the right expertise. "A lot of dealers want to try to have the government cheese mentality… here's a lead for you, here's a lead for you," remarks Sean V. Bradley. By implementing a system of intelligent lead routing, dealers can customize the lead allocation process. This ensures that opportunities are distributed based on proven strengths, allowing the most capable agents to handle specific customer inquiries. This targeted approach eliminates the pressure of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole and instead nurtures precision and efficacy. The use of intelligent lead routing establishes a comprehensive understanding that each lead requires a distinct approach, aligning resources to meet customer expectations effectively. Beyond improving operational efficiency, this strategy nurtures personal growth within the sales team, transforming the mindset from mere opportunity handling to strategic problem-solving. With detailed insights into their performance, agents can continuously refine their skills, enhancing overall dealership performance. Capitalizing on Technology for Success The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics is an evolving force with the potential to redefine success in automotive marketing. As Penny illustrates, leveraging AI tools like Google Gemini can uncover valuable insights, generating innovative approaches to customer communication. Through AI-generated strategies and templates, dealerships can streamline the creation and deployment of marketing campaigns, amplifying their effectiveness. The power of AI lies in its ability to deliver personalized and insightful information rapidly. "You know, you have to take the high road," Penny notes, stressing the importance of communicating with confidence and competence. By automating repetitive tasks and uncovering hidden patterns, AI enables dealerships to focus their energy on nurturing meaningful connections with potential buyers. The use of analytics tools, such as Google Tag Manager, complements AI, allowing dealerships to measure the success of their campaigns with precision. By integrating tagging and analytics, dealerships can gain visibility into the customer journey, monitor their interactions, and make data-driven decisions that optimize future efforts. This fusion of technology empowers dealers with the knowledge to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, ensuring continued success. Reflecting on Innovative Dealership Practices The insights shared by Penny Vettel-Diersing and Sean V. Bradley emphasize the transformative power of innovative strategies in the automotive industry. By redefining communication strategies, dealerships can engage potential buyers with purpose, creating value-driven interactions that foster engagement and loyalty. Emphasizing intelligent lead routing ensures that each prospect is matched with the right expertise, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales team efficiency. Leveraging AI and analytics technology transforms marketing efforts, delivering targeted insights and enabling data-driven decision-making. These strategies illustrate a holistic approach to dealership success. By integrating these techniques, dealerships can adapt to changing customer preferences, capitalize on technological advancements, and forge deeper connections with their customers. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, dealerships equipped with these innovative practices will be poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.   Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!  

In the April 2025 episode of SAP BTP Talk, we explore how existing and potential SAP partners can build, run, and integrate scalable full-stack cloud applications using the SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP) and adhering to the development recommendations set out in the SAP BTP Developer's Guide. We would touch upon including an ERP-agnostic design while you are developing the solution that lets you deliver your application as a side-by-side extension to consumers using any SAP solution, such as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP Business One, and SAP Business ByDesign.

In the latest episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosts Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams explore the transformative role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in the automotive industry alongside Greg Becker, Chief Product Officer at NCC / ProMax.  "CRM fatigue is running rampant in the industry, but there's a smarter way to sell cars." With an authentic background in both dealership management and technology, Greg offers practical insights into leveraging CRM tools to enhance customer engagement and maximize dealership profitability. This episode is particularly pertinent given the current concerns within the industry regarding tariffs and their potential impact on pricing, inventory, and dealership operations. “You can't put a price tag on experience... CRM is the centralized hub of the repository where the data is." The conversation delves deep into how dealerships can utilize CRM systems like NCC Promax Complete CRM to streamline operations and cut through the clutter of outdated practices. Highlighting the impact of tariffs, Greg discusses proactive strategies dealerships can adopt, such as focusing on inventory acquisition and leveraging service department interactions.  "The beautiful part about this is most of the customers have done 50% of the work; they're already scheduled." With an eye on future-proofing dealership operations through AI advancements and tailored CRM solutions, this episode equips listeners with actionable strategies to navigate and thrive amidst industry challenges.   Key Takeaways ✅ CRM as Central Hub: Greg emphasizes CRM's role as a central hub for managing ongoing customer relationships from sales to service. ✅ Service Department Focus: Encourage dealerships to utilize their service departments as a key asset in generating leads and acquiring inventory. ✅ AI Integration: The potential of AI, including video messaging and advanced data analytics, is highlighted as a tool to enhance dealership efficiency. ✅ Actionable Insights: Greg provides detailed strategies for tapping into existing dealership data to create tailored, impactful customer campaigns. ✅ Resilience in the Face of Tariffs: Despite economic uncertainties, adopting a proactive, data-driven approach can help dealerships maintain profitability.   About Greg Becker Greg Becker is the Chief Product Officer at NCC / ProMax, where he leads the design and innovation of dealership software solutions. With a background in managing BDCs and working in automotive retail since 2000, Greg's expertise lies in dealership operations and CRM technology. His journey from retail experience to becoming a tech leader in the automotive space makes him a valuable voice in discussions about dealership software and strategy!   The Future of Automotive CRM: Navigating Tariffs and Maximizing Customer Relationships Key Takeaways CRM Customization is Crucial: Automotive dealerships must invest in their CRM systems, utilizing insights from seasoned professionals like Greg Becker to truly capitalize on their customer database and streamline operations. Adapting to Tariff Induced Changes: With impending tariffs, dealerships need proactive strategies to adapt and thrive, including leveraging CRM tools for better financial foresight and customer relations. Utilizing AI and Technological Innovations: The automotive industry can benefit significantly from integrating advanced AI solutions within their CRMs, improving lead management and customer engagement.   Navigating Tariffs and Their Impact on the Automotive Industry Businesses across the globe are buzzing with concerns over tariffs and their potential repercussions. As Sean V. Bradley insightfully points out, "Fear and uncertainty breeds chaos… People are consuming fear." The automotive industry is no exception, facing the dual challenges of increasing vehicle prices and an anxious consumer base. The key to overcoming these hurdles lies in adapting existing practices and embracing change. The first step is acknowledging that tariffs may indeed lead to skyrocketed costs of vehicles and parts, affecting both import and floor plan expenses. Sean accurately assesses that fear-induced actions, akin to Florida's hurricane preparations or the pandemic's toilet paper rush, could lead to unnecessary chaos. Instead, dealerships should direct their focus towards controllable elements such as refining sales strategies and maximizing their existing assets. Greg Becker, an industry veteran, highlights the industry's resilience and adaptability. "The automotive industry is one of the most resilient… it's here," he states, underlining the importance of proactive strategies. By revisiting existing client interactions and utilizing CRM systems effectively, dealerships can tap into previously missed opportunities. Revisiting leads from the previous week could uncover potential sales amidst the tariff turmoil, ensuring a steady customer flow. Focus should also be redirected to used cars with vehicle acquisition strategies and engaging with past clients through innovative campaigns.   CRM Customization: A Game-Changer for Dealerships In an ever-evolving market landscape, customizing CRM systems akin to NCC's Complete CRM can be a pivotal differentiator. With years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry, Greg Becker underscores the importance of a customized CRM solution that resonates with the dealership's culture. "We create solutions from a different perspective… a big difference between providing technology solutions and people solutions," Greg articulates. By tailoring CRM settings to replicate a dealership's internal culture and operations, automotive enterprises can enhance user adoption and efficiency. This encompasses everything from allowing personalization in system navigation to meaningful data segmentation strategies. Promax, spearheaded by Greg, shines as an exemplar by offering dashboards tailor-made for diverse roles, streamlining task management and bolstering productivity. This bespoke approach in CRM enables users to land on fully customized environments conducive to their daily operations, eliminating friction and optimizing work processes. Greg aptly notes, "If they can't get to it quick, they're going to bow out," emphasizing the crucial role of ease and efficiency. Such an integrated, user-friendly approach not only boosts individual productivity but ultimately amplifies the dealership's overall operational efficacy.   Embracing Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Lead Management Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and within the automotive sector, its integration within CRM systems holds immense promise. AI-driven data mining and predictive analytics offer dealerships the power to refine their lead management actions, drawing insights from CRM data seamlessly. As Greg shares, "We leverage AI… from a recommendation perspective," signifying the role of intelligence in refining dealership offerings. Further blending AI with CRM, as suggested by Sean, opens the possibilities for revolutionizing customer communication through automated video messages. These AI-generated communications can play a pivotal role in promotional strategies and maintaining customer retention amid the tariff blues. By adopting advanced AI solutions that align cohesively with CRM frameworks, dealerships can bolster customer interaction and streamline conversions. Moreover, such AI tools provide laser-sharp focus in understanding customer temperament and preferences, paving the way to more personalized, successful negotiations that benefit both dealerships and customers. As dealerships explore and invest in these intelligent solutions, they step towards a future that is not only efficient but also customer-centric.   Maximizing Customer Relationships in Uncertain Times A dealership's current customer database holds incredible potential. In a world filled with uncertainty, whether due to tariffs or economic shifts, nurturing these relationships can provide a valuable buffer. As Greg Becker elucidates, "An average CRM database has 10,000 customers… that's a $10 million investment." Dealers should capitalize on this investment, targeting tailored, data-driven campaigns for existing clientele that could lead to profitable returns. To mine this gold, dealerships must look beyond the notion of direct sales investment, placing substantial effort into forging and sustaining long-term customer relationships. By aligning marketing campaigns through CRM insights directly with customer proclivities, dealerships will not only reinforce current relationships but also foster opportunities for referrals and repeat business. Investing in CRM customization and AI solutions ensures a flexible framework that adapts to changing market dynamics and transcends anticipated challenges. The implementation of efficient data segmentation, through integrated AI analysis, allows dealerships to revitalize engagement strategies and maintain consumer trust and loyalty during pressing times. In these challenging times for the automotive sector, industry professionals like Greg Becker and Sean V. Bradley provide valuable insights into utilizing customer relationship management systems to navigate the upheavals convincingly. By integrating technological innovation, fostering existing relationships, and understanding market dynamics, dealerships can endure and thrive amidst any industry hurdles, truly cementing their position in the future battleground of automotive sales.       Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

You did the hard part. Now finish strong. You led the call with value. You gave them confidence in you. But if you're not setting the appointment—you're leaving money behind. This episode is a deep dive into how to confidently sell the appointment, lock in commitment, and increase your show rate with real-world strategies I teach live every week in my dealership classes. Here's what you'll learn: How to roll into the appointment ask without sounding pushy Why “What time is good for you?” is secretly ruining your schedule Phrases like “You're in good hands” that increase trust How to text, confirm, and stand out with credibility A next-level email confirmation that helps you sell the car before they arrive Why creating obligation on the call gets you less negotiation and more deals This is how top performers get paid in 2025. You'll walk away with fresh tactics, real talk, and a powerful reminder: Car sales is not for the weak—it's for the ones who do more. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Writing accurate, detailed repair orders isn't just paperwork—it's how shops get paid, protect themselves from chargebacks, and deliver exceptional customer service.In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, host Joshua Taylor is joined by Alec Ruffini, a Navy vet turned Fixed Ops leader, and Clemente Dominguez, a fast-rising shop foreman. Together, they break down why most service departments struggle with RO documentation and how to fix it, starting today.Whether you're a technician frustrated by bad write-ups or a service advisor getting frustrated with poor "stories" from the shop floor, this episode shows you how to bridge the gap.In this episode, we cover:

In this week's episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosts Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams, get the secrets to success from special guest Hayden Hicks, President of Jerry Hunt Supercenter.  "I remember walking outside and clenching my knuckles... my kids will never know this life." - Hayden Hicks Hayden shares insights into the remarkable success of his dealership group and the specific strategies for achieving high sales volumes! Hayden discusses his team's approach to vehicle acquisition, customer service, and fostering a strong dealership culture; and emphasizes the importance of a value-driven, community-focused mindset in transforming Jerry Hunt Supercenter into a top destination for car buyers in North Carolina. "I want to out serve, out care, my competition. If you are ignoring AI, you will be left behind" - Hayden Hicks The conversation covers a wide range of topics essential for dealership leadership, including effective desking techniques, the role of lifelong learning, and the use of technology. Hayden articulates the necessity of viewing the dealership's BDC as the new digital showroom, advocating for innovative customer engagement approaches. Emphasizing the power of digital marketing and social media presence, Hayden illustrates how developing robust content strategies can drive customer interest and loyalty, positioning Jerry Hunt Supercenter as a market leader in used car sales!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Vehicle Acquisition Expertise: Hayden Hicks reveals strategies for obtaining inventory, including utilizing a specialized Vehicle Buying Center and leveraging team efforts to secure the best deals. ✅ Servant Leadership: Hayden underscores serving customers and the community, ensuring that all dealership interactions reflect the values of respect and appreciation. ✅ Digital Showroom Approach: The importance of leveraging technology and maintaining a strong BDC presence to meet the evolving needs of modern car buyers. ✅ Content and Social Media Strategy: Developing engaging and informative content to build an audience and drive dealership recognition at local and broader levels. ✅ Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Hayden Hicks prides himself on being a lifelong learner, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance dealership operations and team performance.     About Hayden Hicks Hayden Hicks is the President of Jerry Hunt Supercenter, a top-performing independent dealership group in North Carolina. With a background deeply rooted in the automotive industry, Hayden Hicks advanced through various roles, from sales manager to desk manager, finance director, and general manager, before stepping into his current leadership position. Known for his expertise in desking and strategy in vehicle acquisition, Hayden drives the organization's success with a focus on service excellence and community engagement.       Accelerating Success in Automotive Sales: Insights from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast Key Takeaways Servant leadership and a focus on community impact can transform the traditional car sales experience, particularly in independent dealerships. Robust CRM and data management are vital to leveraging existing customer relationships and optimizing dealership operations. Harnessing AI and innovative technologies can significantly enhance customer engagement and streamline dealership processes.     A New Approach to Car Sales: The Value of Servant Leadership In the latest episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Hayden Hicks, President of Jerry Hunt Supercenter, discusses shifting paradigms in independent car dealerships by embracing servant leadership. This approach, which prioritizes the well-being of employees and customers, aims to dismantle the stigma often associated with independent dealerships. Reflecting on his upbringing in the automotive industry, Hayden emphasizes the importance of gratitude and service. "I understand as an independent car dealership that we are already starting from behind in a customer's perspective," he notes. This perspective has led him to inculcate a culture that goes beyond mere transactions. Jerry Hunt Supercenter strives to offer a remarkable customer experience, asserting that purchasing a car is one of the most significant financial undertakings for many. The broader implications of this servant leadership approach are profound. By fostering an environment where employees are motivated to serve and innovate, independent dealerships can dramatically improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. This model not only challenges traditional views but sets a new standard for client-focused service in the automotive industry. CRM and Data Management: Mining Gold in Customer Relations A critical game changer for Jerry Hunt Supercenter has been their strategic use of CRM tools, notably Promax, to enhance customer relations and dealership operations. As Hayden mentions, "We have around 150,000 people in our database… it's like a gold mine." This vast reservoir of data enables the dealership to tap into existing customer relationships effectively and drive repeat business. Hayden acknowledges the importance of a CRM specialist: "We have a person on site that used to work for Promax, now works for us to ensure that we are following in that footsteps of using the CRM 100% correctly." This dedicated focus ensures that the CRM is leveraged to its full potential, optimizing both sales strategies and customer engagement. For dealerships looking to innovate, the lesson here is clear: efficient data management can be the key to unlocking substantial business growth. By understanding and anticipating customer needs through detailed data analysis, dealerships can craft personalized experiences that create lasting loyalty and drive sales. Embracing AI and Technology: Revolutionizing Engagement and Operations The podcast underscores a forward-looking approach to integrating AI and technology into dealership operations. Hayden articulates how Jerry Hunt Supercenter plans to incorporate AI solutions like Podium, emphasizing the critical role of engagement: "We are going to initiate it in the beginning to help our agents interact… until engagement happens." In today's competitive market, AI tools can significantly improve engagement rates, which have traditionally hovered at a mere 6-8% for phone calls. AI's ability to provide instant responses and streamline after-hours interactions can bridge the gap between dealerships and potential buyers, making customer engagement more efficient and impactful. The transformative potential of AI in automotive sales is immense. By embracing these technologies, dealerships can not only improve their responsiveness and customer satisfaction but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital landscape. Jerry Hunt Supercenter: A Vision for the Future Hayden Hicks' leadership philosophy at Jerry Hunt Supercenter offers a detailed blueprint for any dealership aiming for substantial growth and innovation. By nurturing a culture of service, strategically utilizing CRM data, and integrating cutting-edge AI technology, the dealership has carved out a leadership position within the industry. The dealership's commitment to a holistic and forward-thinking business model reflects a dedication to progress and customer-centricity. As Hayden ambitiously states, "Our goal is to have a thousand cars every single month… to continue to serve our customers at a high level." Jerry Hunt Supercenter is not just competing in a challenging market; it's paving the way with innovative practices that emphasize empathy, efficiency, and excellence. For industry leaders and dealerships everywhere, Hayden Hicks' insights offer not just practical strategies but a compelling vision of what the future of car sales can and should look like.       Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login. Visit www.nccdirect.com/dealer-synergy to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

In this episode of the WCW Nitro Podcast, hosts Notorious DOM and BDC discuss the highlights of Episode 14, including the tag team title rematch between the American Males and Harlem Heat, the dynamics of Sting and Lex Luger's friendship, and Sting's strong performance against Kurosawa. They also preview Starrcade 1995, analyze the power struggle between Scott Norton and the Giant, and recap the main event featuring Lex Luger and Macho Man Randy Savage. The episode concludes with reflections on the show and a look ahead to future matches.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Show Overview03:10 Tag Team Title Match: American Males vs. Harlem Heat06:10 Sting and Lex Luger's Friendship Dynamics09:12 Sting vs. Kurosawa: Match Breakdown12:19 Starcade 1995 Preview and Discussion15:23 Scott Norton vs. The Giant: A Power Struggle18:15 Main Event: Lex Luger vs. Macho Man Randy Savage21:12 Post-Match Fallout and Future Matches24:10 Final Thoughts on Nitro Episode 14

In this enlightening episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, host Sean V. Bradley, joined by Dealer Synergy's Director of CRM and Technologies, Jonathan Schrieber, delves deep into the intricacies of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in the automotive industry. The discussion highlights the evolving roles within the dealership environment and the crucial importance of CRM systems as a cornerstone for modern automotive businesses. The episode begins with an exploration of Jonathan's extensive background, emphasizing the value of his varied experience from education to high-ranking dealership roles and through to his tenure at LotPop. "I fell in love with the CRM because you can't hide from it. You either do or you don't." – Jonathan Schrieber Throughout the episode, Sean and Jonathan stress the significance of effectively leveraging CRM systems to ensure dealership success and growth. They explore common shortcomings and strategies for enhancing CRM processes, from setup and employee training to AI integration with tools like Podium AI.  "Information without application is just information. Information with application equals transformation." – Sean V. Bradley Key insights include the necessity of customizing CRM processes to align with dealership specifics, promoting accountabilities such as making CRM usage a condition of employment, and the underutilized potential of CRM in reducing dealership dependency on expensive third-party lead providers. During the conversation, the seamless integration of AI with CRM systems is identified as a vital step towards optimizing customer engagement and dealership efficiency. "The hardest part about this job is just getting customer engagement." – Jonathan Schrieber   Key Takeaways: ✅ The seamless integration of CRM systems with AI holds significant potential to enhance dealership efficiency, especially beyond regular business hours. ✅ Customized CRM processes are vitally important for the unique needs of each dealership, particularly in managing the lifecycle of leads from various sources. ✅ Proficient use of CRM can dramatically reduce unnecessary expenditure on third-party lead services by maximizing existing databases. ✅ Consistent training and management accountability are essential to encourage proper CRM use by employees, enhancing dealership profitability. ✅ Innovative applications of AI within CRM not only streamline dealership operations but also improve customer engagement and management decision-making processes. About Jonathan Schrieber Jonathan Schrieber is a seasoned automotive professional with over 20 years of diverse experience in the industry. Jonathan is a graduate of the NADA University and has held various pivotal roles, including Internet Director and GSM. His career spans several key areas, including sales, service, parts, and management in dealerships, which provided him a holistic understanding of automotive operations! Jonathan currently serves as the Director of CRM and Technologies at Dealer Synergy, where he leads initiatives to maximize dealership efficiency and customer relationship management globally. His expertise has been honed further through a significant tenure at LotPop, where he analyzed and enhanced dealership processes across the country.   Mastering the Art of CRM Integration: Strategies for Automotive Dealership Success   Key Takeaways: Outsourcing and AI integration are pivotal for thriving CRM strategies. Comprehensive CRM training is essential for maximizing dealership potential. CRM is not just a tool but a culture that needs top-down commitment and execution.   Innovative CRM Strategies for Automotive Dealerships The landscape of the automotive industry is rapidly evolving, with customer relationship management (CRM) as a linchpin for success. As dealerships strive to sell more cars, customer engagement remains the hardest part of the job. The introduction of AI and dedicated call centers has revolutionized how dealerships manage leads and customer interactions. Sean V. Bradley, president of Dealer Synergy, underscores the importance of CRM by stating, "One of the biggest challenges that I keep hearing from dealers across the United States is, man, I don't have enough people." Outsourcing is a game-changer in this context. By expanding their operations across three countries, including Belize and the Philippines, Dealer Synergy leverages skilled agents ensuring no customer is left unattended. This operational efficiency not only addresses the perennial complaint of insufficient staffing but also enhances customer engagement through continuous, round-the-clock service. Such strategies allow dealers to focus more on profitable engagements, rather than scrambling to maintain their current workloads. The advent of AI, especially solutions like Podium's AI BDC, amplifies this strategy. Podium's Jerry provides 24/7 lead conversion powerhouses, engaging customers even after hours. "Meet Jerry Podium's new AI BDC. Jerry is a lead conversion powerhouse designed to respond instantly to every incoming lead," offers a practical glimpse into leveraging technology for superior customer management without direct human intervention. Such integrations streamline processes, ensuring a smooth handover to human staff without disrupting customer interaction.   The Importance of Robust CRM Training and Processes While sophisticated tools and AI are invaluable, the human factor remains central to CRM success. Dealerships often overlook thorough training for their teams, leading to suboptimal use of available technology. Jonathan Schrieber, an automotive veteran and Director of CRM and Technologies at Dealer Synergy Global, emphasizes the need for a sound training structure. "I think the hardest part about this job is just getting customer engagement," he echoes, highlighting how a well-trained staff is instrumental in overcoming this challenge. Schrieber's personal journey from the floor of a dealership to overseeing CRM at an executive level underscores the value of comprehensive training and experienced leadership. His background in every facet of the dealership—from driving a parts truck to handling finance—shows how familiarity with all processes enriches CRM strategy and execution. His insight into the importance of analytics ensures that dealership's sales, service, and parts departments align seamlessly, fostering an environment where CRM is not just a database, but a dynamic tool driving meaningful customer interactions. Training should not simply involve checking off a list. Instead, it requires ongoing commitment from all levels of management. "It's not what you preach, it's what you tolerate," a quote from Extreme Ownership as referenced by Schrieber, encapsulates the idea that CRM proficiency must be embedded in the dealership's culture. Overcoming CRM hesitance requires robust leadership that practices what it preaches, making CRM compliance and training a non-negotiable part of dealership operations.   Elevating CRM from Tool to Cultural Cornerstone The successful execution of CRM strategies stretches beyond technology and tools; it requires a paradigm shift in how dealerships perceive CRM. Sean V. Bradley advocates for viewing CRM as fundamental to dealership operations, not just an optional tool. "Information without application is just information. Information with application equals transformation," he states, urging dealerships to transform data into actionable insights. Transitioning CRM from a supportive tool to an operational cornerstone involves aligning AI, human resources, and backend processes. The trifecta approach—human resources, CRM automation, and AI—ensures all dealership functions operate synergistically. When set up correctly, these elements prevent duplicate efforts and ensure smooth customer interactions. Achieving this integration requires a commitment to cleanliness and optimization of existing CRM processes. As Schrieber advises, "The first step…is just clean up and optimize what you do have first." By eliminating redundancies and enhancing process flows, dealerships can fully leverage AI capabilities, ensuring customer interaction fidelity and real-time engagement. Crafting a future-proof CRM strategy in the automotive industry necessitates a blend of advanced technology, diligent training, and a cultural shift in CRM perception. As experts like Schrieber and Bradley illustrate, converting CRM from a task-driven utility to an integral cultural component is crucial. This ensures not only enhanced customer experiences but also maximizes profitability in an increasingly competitive market. Through embracing technology, fostering comprehensive training, and committing to a culture of accountability, dealerships can thrive in the complex ecosystem of modern automotive sales.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!  

In this episode, I'm getting real about the grind of internet leads—the ones with no phone numbers, the ones who ghost you, and the ones who drain your time asking for information only to disappear into the void. I've been there. I've sold cars. And now I work these leads live during my dealership sales training sessions. I'm in the trenches with you—setting same-day appointments with tough leads while coaching teams to win. That's why I care so deeply about helping sales pros and BDC reps level up. You'll hear: Why urgency is non-negotiable when working internet leads How to stand out in a crowded inbox The power of a well-timed phone call vs. a lifeless text chain Voicemail strategies that actually spark engagement How ChatGPT can help you write customized, value-packed follow-up messages What mindset it takes to thrive in today's high-competition digital battlefield Whether you're struggling to convert leads or just want to refresh your game with 2025 tactics, this episode is packed with real talk, real examples, and strategies that actually work. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

In this episode of The It Doesn't Matter Podcast, StrapFacts, Notorious Dom, and BDC dive into WrestleMania 2000, reflecting on their personal experiences and nostalgia surrounding the event. They analyze the matches, including the opening match, the hardcore battle royal, and the iconic ladder match, discussing the performances and the crowd's reactions. The conversation also touches on comedic segments, the intergender tag match featuring the Radicals, and the overall impact of the event on wrestling history. In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricacies of WrestleMania 2000, reflecting on key matches, memorable moments, and the evolution of wrestling characters. They discuss Dean Malenko's career, the significance of the Light Heavyweight Championship, and the impact of iconic wrestlers like Chyna and The Rock. The conversation flows through various matches, including the Intercontinental and European Championship bouts, culminating in a detailed analysis of the main event featuring The Rock and Triple H. The hosts conclude with their overall impressions of WrestleMania 2000, debating its legacy in the context of modern wrestling.Chapters00:00 Introduction to WrestleMania 200002:32 Nostalgia and Personal Connections to WrestleMania 200005:32 Opening Match Analysis: Godfather and D-Lo Brown vs. Big BossMan and Bull Buchanan08:25 Hardcore Battle Royal Breakdown11:29 The Head Cheese Segment and Its Impact14:25 Tazz's Entrance and the Hardcore Championship Match17:28 The Match Between TNA and Head Cheese20:28 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts on WrestleMania 200024:11 The Evolution of Wrestling Moves25:09 Reflections on Aging and Personal Growth25:38 Nostalgia and Iconic Moments in Wrestling26:31 The Ladder Match Legacy30:08 The Role of Special Guest Referees30:44 Women in Wrestling: A Look Back36:00 The Intergender Tag Match Dynamics39:34 The Triple Threat Match: A Showcase of Talent42:48 Tag Team Dynamics and Storylines46:58 Celebration and Chaos in the Ring48:25 Rico's Unlikely Victory and Match Reflections49:27 Main Event Madness: The Elimination Match55:31 WrestleMania 2000: A Mixed Bag of Matches59:29 Looking Ahead: Randy Orton's WrestleMania Journey

Notorious DOM and BDC take a deep dive into the November 27, 1995, WCW Nitro episode on their podcast. They recap the card, featuring Johnny B. Badd vs. DDP, a women's tag team match, and Hulk Hogan's return. They also discuss the segments involving the Taskmaster and Jimmy Hart, as well as Macho Man's title celebration. The main event, Sting and Lex Luger vs. the Four Horsemen, is given particular attention, with the hosts ultimately delivering a negative review of the entire show.

The Hard Truth Every Mechanic Needs to Hear in 2025Feeling stuck in the shop? This video will change how you think about your career.Auto technician pay is flat. Tariffs are rising. Leadership feels clueless. And you are still expected to fix cars, deal with customers, hit your hours, and somehow stay sane.In this unfiltered message from the cold seat of his motorcycle, Joshua Taylor breaks down exactly what every automotive technician, service advisor, and tradesperson needs to hear right now.You will learn: ✅ Why your mindset is the most valuable tool in your toolbox✅ How to start earning what you are actually worth✅ What to do when management ignores your value✅ Why training apprentices is still your responsibilityWhether you are a new tech, a shop foreman, or a veteran mechanic, this video is your call to stop blaming the economy, stop waiting on permission, and start leveling up.WATCH THIS IF YOU:Are not making enough money as a mechanicFeel stuck in your technician careerWant to learn how to communicate better in the shopNeed real talk about pay, training, and leadershipBelieve in personal responsibility and growthMechanics are the backbone of society. You fix what breaks. But you cannot fix your paycheck, your stress, or your future by complaining. You fix it by getting better. Starting today.

This week on The Golden Wrench Podcast I sit down with John Traver. John and I discuss how to master your BDC process, improve loyalty, how to know your customer better and more! For more info on Repair360, visit: https://www.repair360.com/ Digital Dealership Solutions: ddsolutions.ca Strategy With Jason: strategywithjason.com Bell2Bell: bell2bell.ca Listen To The Strategy With Jason Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3IwlT3v Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3fT8V3H Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/347rnDb #automotive #automotiveindustry #automotivesoftware #dealership #dealerships #dealersolutions #leadership #leader #bell2bell #strategy️ #data #fixedops #servicedrive #service #customercentric #customerrelationships #bdc #loyalty

In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman podcast, host Sean V. Bradley dives deep into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the automotive sales industry with guest Billy Hymas, the Auto Director at Podium. The discussion centers around how AI technologies, like Podium's AI named Jerry, are revolutionizing dealership operations by improving leads' response times and conversion rates.  “AI-driven tools can drastically enhance lead response times and improve conversion rates by providing timely and relevant customer communication.” With insights into the consumer's changing expectations in the post-pandemic world, the duo explores the unparalleled advantages of integrating AI into customer communications, emphasizing the necessity for dealerships to evolve with the digital age. The conversation unfolds compelling statistics and strategies, noting how AI significantly boosts engagement through immediate and relevant communication, even during after-hours.  “Integration of AI in the dealership's workflow complements the CRM systems and aids human resources in maximizing operational efficiency and sales effectiveness.” Billy highlights the importance of AI in enhancing customer satisfaction (CSI) by ensuring timely and personalized responses, thus bolstering online reputation management. With the shared success stories from major dealership groups, the episode underscores AI's pivotal role in navigating common challenges like high attrition rates and maximizing dealership profitability. Throughout this episode, listeners gain understanding into the balanced integration of AI, CRM tools, and human resources in dealership operations, equipping them with practical insights on optimizing lead management and boosting sales efficacy.   Key Takeaways: ✅ AI-driven tools can drastically enhance lead response times and improve conversion rates by providing timely and relevant customer communication. ✅ Jerry, Podium's AI tool, acts as a diligent, omnipresent team member, handling customer inquiries after hours and aiding in the lead conversion process. ✅ Integration of AI in the dealership's workflow complements the CRM systems and aids human resources in maximizing operational efficiency and sales effectiveness. ✅ Properly executed AI systems can improve Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) by ensuring a seamless and personable customer experience throughout their buying journey. ✅ With AI's aid, dealerships can easily manage a large influx of leads without overstretching their human resources, addressing staffing challenges and increasing sales figures.   About Billy Hymas Billy Hymas is the Auto Director at Podium, a leading technology company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions for the automotive industry. With a rich background in sales, including roles in door-to-door sales and enterprise sales, Billy brings a wealth of experience in customer interactions and technology solutions. His focus at Podium is on helping automotive dealers enhance lead conversion and customer engagement through cutting-edge AI technology. Billy's extensive experience in sales management and his work across various industries contribute to his expertise in implementing AI for business growth and efficiency.     Revolutionizing Car Sales with AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Dealership Operations Technology has always been at the forefront of revolutionizing industries, and the automotive sector is no exception. In a recent deep dive into AI's role in car dealerships, experts Sean V. Bradley from Dealer Synergy and Billy Hymas from Podium reveal how embracing this technology is not only changing the landscape but also boosting sales, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The discussion encompasses the nuances of AI in dealership settings, tackling common challenges, and optimizing operations to meet evolving consumer expectations. Key Takeaways Speed and Precision in Lead Response: The faster a dealership responds to a lead, the higher the likelihood of conversion. Role of AI in Reducing Human Error: AI helps maintain accurate customer interactions, minimizing the pitfalls of miscommunication. AI as a Team Member: AI tools can complement human resources by handling routine tasks, thereby freeing staff to focus on higher-value activities. Speed and Precision in Lead Response: A Game Changer In the dynamic landscape of automotive sales, speed is critical. As highlighted by Sean V. Bradley, the correlation between response time and closing ratio is direct and significant. Traditional methods of handling leads are becoming obsolete with the rise of AI technologies like Podium's "Jerry," which offers immediate engagement with potential customers. "The faster you respond to somebody, the higher the closing ratio," Bradley notes, emphasizing that AI can interact with leads—whether through text or online chat—immediately, even beyond business hours. Billy Hymas adds weight to this by noting how AI can be a first line of defense in the often missed after-hours leads. "The ability to…answer quickly, help people feel warm and fuzzy because they're getting that instant dopamine hit. That's what sells cars," he explains. This real-time interaction reduces the delays that can lead to lost sales opportunities, offering a seamless transition from AI interaction to human follow-up when necessary.   The Role of AI in Reducing Human Error The concerns regarding the implementation of AI often revolve around its interaction with existing tools like CRMs. Many dealerships fear overloading customers with multiple communications from different systems. Hymas addresses this concern by explaining the integration capabilities of AI, particularly with established systems to ensure that customer messages are not duplicated or conflicting. AI's capability to maintain coherence and professionalism in customer interactions is paramount. As noted in the conversation, AI avoids common pitfalls such as email merge errors that tarnish customer experience. Hymas remarks on the intelligence of AI like Jerry, which can learn customer preferences and history, thus tailoring interactions that are informative and free of human errors, thereby building trust and improving customer satisfaction scores.   AI as a Team Member: Optimizing Human Resources Beyond just replacing basic tasks, AI can enhance a dealership's human resources by optimizing how their time is spent. As Bradley and Hymas discuss, AI facilitates taking on repetitive tasks that consume significant amounts of human effort. Bradley notes, "What happens to dealers is don't get all excited about whatever technology, whatever vendor and not let them speak to each other," emphasizing the importance of an integrated strategy where AI complements staff efforts. Hymas further adds that, "AI serves as an incredible trainer," allowing sales teams, especially newer members, to learn from AI's customer interactions. This not only aids in onboarding but also offers a continual learning opportunity, allowing seasoned salespeople to hone their techniques based on AI interaction data.   Embracing the Future of Automotive Sales with AI The conversation between Bradley and Hymas illuminates the transformative potential of AI in the car sales industry, highlighting its immediate benefits in engagement speed, accuracy, and resource optimization. AI, epitomized by tools like Podium's Jerry, is proving to be an invaluable asset, capable of increasing conversion rates and enhancing customer experience. By seamlessly integrating with existing CRM systems, AI complements rather than complicates, allowing dealership teams to focus on relationship-building and high-quality sales interactions. For dealerships ready to embrace these technologies, the future looks bright—and more profitable—than ever. Adopting these strategies can revolutionize the way dealerships operate, ensuring they not only meet but exceed modern consumer expectations in the digital era.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach talks with John Traver, the founder of Traver Technologies and TraverConnect, to explore the evolution of the BDC concept. John shares insights on launching TraverConnect, transforming service-lane interactions into revenue opportunities, and balancing people with technology to deliver an exceptional customer experience. This conversation dives into leadership lessons, changing customer expectations, and the future impact of AI and automation on automotive BDC.Automotive BDC & Fixed OperationsQ) Take us back to how you got in the auto industry and your origin story?Q) So talk about the early days of BDC adoption and how that went—were dealers skeptical?Q) So what were some of the biggest operational challenges as you scaled out your business?Q) And how did the different services evolve that you offer at your company as technology and dealership operations got more complex?Q) So what separates a top-performing dealership using your BDC service versus one that's not as organized?Q) How do you strike that balance between people, process, and technology?Q) How have customer expectations in the service department changed over the last 10 years, and how should dealers adapt?Q) What do you see as the biggest technology gaps today in fixed ops or BDCs?Q) Any thoughts on AI and some of the automation coming to market right now?Q) As we look to 2025 and dealers becoming more cost-conscious, where should they focus to drive the highest ROI?Q) What are you most excited about in the next year for Traver Connect and the automotive space generally?Listen to more episodes here: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcastRead the full transcription: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/john-traver-2025

In this episode of the WCW Nitro podcast, hosts Notorious DOM and BDC discuss the latest happenings in WCW, including match analyses, character developments, and ongoing feuds. They provide insights into the performances of wrestlers like Scott Norton, Shark, Eddie Guerrero, and Hulk Hogan, while also critiquing promos and interviews. The episode culminates in a detailed breakdown of the main event featuring Sting and Hulk Hogan, highlighting the dramatic twists and turns of the storyline. In this episode, the hosts reflect on the recent wrestling shows, discussing their favorite moments, character saturation, and the disappointing build-up to the upcoming pay-per-view, World War III. They compare the quality of WCW Nitro with WWE Raw, highlighting the lack of excitement in Nitro's recent episodes. The conversation also touches on title changes and match outcomes, as well as what to expect in the next week's Nitro.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview02:54 Match Analysis: Scott Norton vs. Shark05:56 Interview Segment: Taskmaster and Jimmy Hart09:06 Match Review: Eddie Guerrero vs. Brian Pillman12:02 Ongoing Feuds: Macho Man and Lex Luger15:04 Match Breakdown: Big Bubba Rogers vs. Road Warrior Hawk17:53 Main Event: Sting vs. Hulk Hogan22:23 Moments of the Night24:22 Character Saturation and Storyline Development25:59 Disappointment in Build-Up to Pay-Per-View27:26 Comparing Monday Night Shows29:30 Previewing World War III31:54 Title Changes and Match Outcomes34:40 Looking Ahead to Next Week's Nitro

Von vielen wird es heiß erwartet, nun ist es endlich so weit. Mit einer leichten Verzögerung gibt es nunmehr die traditionelle Halbjahresauswertung des ETF-Blitz-Depots, nach wie vor mein ältestes, öffentlich geführtes Echtgeldportfolio mit Fokus auf ausschüttungsstarken und marktbreiten Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Für alle, die zum ersten Mal auf die Beitragsserie stoßen: Der Name geht darauf zurück, dass sich das Portfolio inklusive Kontoeröffnung in zweimal zehn Minuten einrichten lässt. Das ETF-Blitz-Depot führe ich bei Trade Republic. Bei Deutschlands führendem Neobroker können tausende Aktien und ETFs sowie dutzende Kryptowährungen ab einem Euro je Ausführung kostenfrei bespart werden. Weitere Gebühren für Standardleistungen fallen auch nicht an, Guthaben werden in unbegrenzter Höhe mit aktuell 2,5 Prozent pro Jahr bei monatlicher Auszahlung verzinst. Und auf Wunsch gibt es eine kostenlose Visa-Debitkarte dazu (Werbelink):

In this heartfelt episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams celebrate the life and legacy of Jim “The Alpha Dawg” Ziegler, forever an icon in the automotive industry. Joined by renowned guest Cory Mosley, the podcast pays tribute to Ziegler's profound impact and lasting influence on automotive sales culture and training. Through anecdotes, shared experiences, and enlightening discussions, listeners are provided a deep dive into the principles that Ziegler embodied, particularly his advocacy for dealers and his dynamic approach to sales training. "I wouldn't be in the car business if it weren't for what Jim taught me in his training." The episode eloquently captures Ziegler's ethos of doing things his way and the indelible mark he left on the automotive industry. From discussions about the early days of Ziegler's career to his massive influence on automotive sales techniques, the conversation touches on the many elements that made Ziegler a cherished mentor and industry leader.  "He loved his wife, he loved his family, and he loved the industry." The podcast also highlights Ziegler's personal insights on the importance of work-life balance and the human side of being a business legend, offering listeners a balanced perspective of both his professional contributions and his personal journey. Feel and listen with your heart as we honor the loss of an automotive legend.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Ziegler was a staunch advocate for automotive dealers, committed to enhancing dealership profitability and industry standards. ✅ The significance of mastering one's craft in automotive sales was a central theme of Ziegler's career, emphasizing his desire to elevate others in the industry. ✅ The importance of personal legacy and balancing professional success with meaningful personal relationships, a lesson from Ziegler's experiences. ✅ The role of the National Speakers Association (NSA) in elevating Ziegler's and others' careers, serving as a pivotal institution for professional growth and networking in public speaking. ✅ The evolving impact of technology and virtual platforms in car sales and dealership operations, as reflected in Ziegler's career transition over time.     About Jim “The Alpha Dawg” Ziegler, CSP, HSG Jim Ziegler, CSP, HSG - Known as "The Alpha Dawg," Ziegler was a legendary figure in the automotive industry with a career spanning nearly five decades. He was a consultant, speaker, and trainer, recognized for his contributions to F&I and automotive sales training. Holding the titles of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and HSG, Jim was known for his bold personality and his impactful presence in the industry.   About Cory Mosley, CSP Meet Cory Mosley, CSP, Award-Winning Business Growth & Media Expert. Cory Mosley, CSP, is an entrepreneur, sought-after strategic consultant, media personality, results-driven coach, and certified speaking professional. Cory's experience in the business and media arena spans over twenty years and includes global strategy, business development, and marketing work. His client list includes Fortune 100 companies, global tier 1 and 2 suppliers, countless small business and franchise operations, professional associations, and non-profits. Cory specializes in Business Growth Strategy, Rebranding, Thought Leadership Content Creation, Event Speaking, and Custom Training and Development Programs.   About Sean V. Bradley, CSP Sean V. Bradley, CSP is the President of Dealer Synergy and co-creator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. With decades of experience, Sean is a celebrated figure in automotive sales training, recognized for his innovative strategies and motivational speaking.   About LA Williams III - Known as “The Blind Master” LA Williams III - Known as “The Blind Master” is the co-host of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Williams is known for his remarkable talent in inspiring and training automotive professionals. He contributes his extensive knowledge and engaging style to help drive sales success and motivate others.     Honoring the Alpha Dawg: The Lasting Legacy of Jim Ziegler in the Automotive Industry Key Takeaways Jim Ziegler's unwavering dedication to the automotive industry showcased his deep love and commitment to his craft, his family, and his peers. Emphasizing the importance of vigilance in business, Ziegler often cautioned against distractions disguised as opportunities, a principle that applies universally beyond automotive sales. Ziegler's larger-than-life persona and unparalleled influence have left an indelible mark on countless individuals within the automotive and speaking communities.   The Indomitable Jim Ziegler: A True Icon in the Automotive World Jim Ziegler's name resonates deeply within the automotive industry. Known as the "Alpha Dawg," Jim dedicated nearly five decades of his life to revolutionizing automotive sales and training. His powerful impact was not just limited to dealerships and sales teams but extended to empowering individuals through professional speaking. This article delves into Jim Ziegler's unmatched legacy, the principles he championed, and what it truly meant to have crossed paths with such a titan. One of Ziegler's peers, Sean V. Bradley, remarked, "Jim loved it. Day after day, he loved the industry." This passion for automotive sales and training was evident in all that Jim did—from his staunch advocacy for dealerships to his direct confrontations with entities that threatened the industry's sanctity. Jim Ziegler embodied what it means to be a true leader and innovator, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.   Pioneering a Dealer-Centric Approach Jim Ziegler was renowned for his unwavering commitment to the automotive profession and the people within it. His advocacy was unparalleled as he battled against anything that could detrimentally impact dealers, managers, and sales personnel. Emphasizing the need for integrity while making a profit, Ziegler once proclaimed, "Success leaves clues." This insight reflected his belief in the industry's potential—championing a dealer-centric model where professionalism and profitability went hand-in-hand. Ziegler's influence was palpable, from battling legislative efforts that threatened dealerships to crafting meticulously designed strategies to increase profitability. His colleagues noted how his strategies empowered automotive professionals at all levels, yielding measurable economic benefits. Jim's passion extended beyond the tangible, often challenging the status quo with his bombastic approach and willingness to confront adversity head-on. As Cory Mosley, another leading industry figure, stated, "This was a guy who came into our industry and fundamentally affected tens of thousands of people."   The Power of Persona: A Charismatic Figure Ziegler was known for his charisma, the allure of which was not only leveraged to drive sales but also to inspire legions within his community. His larger-than-life personality drew people in and his no-nonsense approach kept them engaged. Yet beyond the swagger and humor, Jim was a passionate advocate for continuous improvement. He emphasized the importance of mastering one's craft, often challenging peers to embrace the industry as if earning a master's degree. His sayings and stories are legendary. From stating, "Alpha Dawg don't fly in the back of no planes," to his memorable meme wars with peers, Jim was unapologetically himself and lived by his truth. This authenticity struck a chord with many, creating a ripple effect of admiration and respect across the industry. Jim's willingness to put himself out there and embrace failure was another facet of his enduring appeal. Whether mentoring up-and-coming trainers or forging lifelong friendships, Jim's influence was marked by his transparent honesty and keen desire to share his vast expertise. As L.A. Williams described, "He was a good guy to be around; he always loosened you up."   Navigating Opportunities: A Lesson in Focus Perhaps one of Ziegler's most impactful teachings was, "Beware of distractions disguised as opportunities." This timeless advice is not only applicable to the automotive industry but also serves as a broader lesson in life and business strategy. It encourages individuals to remain focused and discerning amid myriad distractions vying for attention in the digital age. By embodying this tenet, Ziegler was not only teaching the essentials of sales but also imparting wisdom that transcended the boundaries of industry-specific knowledge. His guidance urged professionals to identify the substantive opportunities from the noise—a skill crucial for success in both personal and professional domains. Jim's philosophy serves as a poignant reminder of the need for clarity and focus in our pursuits. Applying this approach can result in improved decision-making and reinforces the importance of maintaining a strategic vision. Reflecting on Jim Ziegler's Legacy Jim Ziegler's legacy is one of passionate advocacy, relentless pursuit of excellence, and the profound ability to influence those around him. Through his direct approach to both the joys and challenges of automotive sales and professional speaking, Jim equipped countless individuals with the knowledge and motivation to succeed. His unique blend of humor, wisdom, and integrity cemented his status as a towering figure within and beyond the automotive field. Reflecting on Ziegler's contributions invites us to ponder our own legacies—what we Stand for and what we leave behind. To honor Jim Zieg     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!  

In this episode of the WCW Nitro Podcast, hosts Notorious DOM and BDC discuss the latest happenings in WCW, including a tribute to George Foreman, match analyses of key bouts featuring Macho Man, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Sting, and the build-up to Hogan's challenge against Sting. The hosts share their thoughts on the quality of the matches, the effectiveness of promos, and the overall entertainment value of the show, culminating in a discussion about the moment of the night and what to expect in the next episode.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Tribute to George Foreman01:59 Hogan's Dark Side and Opening Segment Analysis05:25 Macho Man vs. Meng: Match Breakdown12:36 Chris Benoit Joins the Four Horsemen17:12 Eddie Guerrero vs. Johnny B. Badd: A Title Match Review24:01 Hogan vs. Sting: The Anticipation Builds31:54 The Main Event: Sting vs. Malenko38:22 Moments of the Night: Highlights and Reflections44:40 Looking Ahead: Next Week's Nitro Preview

In this episode of Inside SAP S/4HANA Cloud, host Katharina Klug discusses the innovative SAP Business Data Cloud with SAP experts Rolf Sieberg and Georg Meier. Delve into how SAP Business Data Cloud supports data insights through seamless integration of data platforms and business applications, supporting agility, value chain efficiency, and sustainability. Learn about the collaboration between SAP S/4HANA Cloud and BDC, providing an end-to-end, AI-enabled data solution. Discover how SAP's data products empower decision-makers, and gain insights into the vision for transforming organizations. What topic would you like us to discuss next? Send an email to insides4@sap.com.

In this riveting episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman podcast, host Sean V. Bradley dives into the harsh realities of the automotive industry in 2025. With the backdrop of economic uncertainties, changing tariffs, and the fluctuating electric vehicle market, Sean discusses the challenges dealerships face today. Joining him is Cody Carter, the #1 Car Salesman in the World, who shares his secrets to thriving in such volatile conditions! Cody provides invaluable insights into maintaining profit margins despite rising costs, the declining value of electric vehicles, and leveraging digital retailing for success. “I'm the #1 Car Salesman, but I'm still chasing that 200 car month” - Cody Carter This episode is packed with Cody's expert strategies to navigate a competitive market and offers a unique perspective on adapting sales tactics in response to external pressures such as tariffs and political changes. Sean and Cody discuss the significance of creative leasing options, the importance of working the service drive, and embracing modern CRM technologies like AI to optimize sales processes. With robust discussions on customer engagement and the necessity of understanding market trends, listeners will uncover new pathways to boost dealership performance and sales efficiency!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Digital Retailing Mastery: Cody's success is partly attributed to his use of digital retailing, allowing customers to complete much of the purchasing process online, which leads to increased sales efficiency. ✅ Leveraging Alternate Lenders: By using multiple lenders and providing flexible leasing options, Cody maintains competitive pricing and attractive deals for customers. ✅ Service Drive Strategy: Unutilized service drive opportunities can yield high-value deals, a tactic that Cody suggests for increasing sales figures. ✅ Adapting to Market Trends: With changes in tariffs and the EV market, maintaining versatility in sales tactics and quickly adapting strategies is essential for ongoing success. ✅ AI and Technology: Implementing AI-driven conversational tools, like those offered by Podium, could significantly enhance lead management and sales processes.   About Cody Carter Cody Carter is renowned for his remarkable achievements as the world's top car salesman. In 2024, Cody set a new benchmark by selling an impressive 1,432 units, surpassing his previous record of 1,408 units sold in 2023. Cody is celebrated for his innovative automotive sales strategies and his efficient use of digital retailing technologies. Based at Tustin Toyota in California, Cody oversees an extensive clientele, leveraging his expertise to continue outperforming industry standards.   Mastering the Automotive Sales Landscape: Insights from Industry Titans Key Takeaways Market Adaptation: The automotive landscape in 2025 is evolving, demanding dealers and sales professionals to pivot with creative strategies and leverage incentives effectively. Digital Retailing: Harnessing digital retailing platforms and personalized websites can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Success Stories: Industry leaders like Cody Carter demonstrate that innovative approaches to sales and marketing can significantly boost performance and dealership output. The automotive industry in 2025 is encountering a turbulent landscape characterized by rapid changes in sales dynamics, electrification, and market incentives. In a compelling conversation with automotive experts Sean V. Bradley and Cody Carter, the secrets to navigating these challenges while capitalizing on opportunities become evident. Bradley, a pioneer in auto sales training, and Carter, the renowned "Millionaire Car Salesman," reveal how key sales strategies and digital tools can transform dealership performance.   Adapting to the 2025 Automotive Market The year 2025 has brought with it substantial shifts in automotive sales strategies. "Man, it's rough out there in them streets," Sean V. Bradley articulates, summarizing the struggles faced by many in the industry. A predominant theme is the requirement for dealerships to adapt after several years of unprecedented sales volumes post-pandemic. With manufacturers reintroducing incentives and OEM spins, many dealers are driven to adjust their strategies quickly. "The pulse that I'm getting is that there's a lot of stress in 2025," highlights Bradley as he describes the current sales calendar. Dealerships are contending with factors like rising costs, which impact profit margins, and competing incentives that pressure sellers to discount inventory heavily. The transcript illustrates the importance of leveraging incentives creatively. As Carter explains, some domestics offer $7,000 to $8,000 in incentives, which could drive sales volume if strategically applied. "We try to get them into like right now we're doing 39-month leases… which allows me to potentially make the payment attractive and make more gross profit," Carter outlines. Implications for Sales Strategies This evolving landscape forces a rethink in sales approaches. Effective handling of tariffs and managing changing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles are crucial. Carter reveals how Toyota's diverse lineup allows for flexibility, indicating that understanding inventory dynamics can mitigate potential tariff impacts. There's a wider implication for sales teams to maintain competitive responses to shifting market conditions by fully understanding their product and financial levers.   Leveraging Digital Retailing for Business Growth The automotive sector's digital transition has become a lifeline for sales professionals. Cody Carter's success epitomizes the power of digital retailing platforms. Despite market volatility, Carter confirms, "A lot of it contributed to some of these lenders. Ally, for example, they're giving me a thousand dollar rebate on every single car that you send to them." This system maximizes efficiency by allowing buyers to explore financing options directly from dealership websites. Digital platforms enable customers to visualize varied financing structures, effectively engage with leasing options, and make informed purchasing decisions. As displayed in the conversation, Carter's website personalizes customer interactions, saying, "The biggest thing with my site that's unique is I have multiple lenders for leasing loaded on there." Broader Impacts of Digital Tools Digital retailing is transforming the automotive landscape by increasing transparency and convenience for customers. As automotive commerce gravitates online, maintaining competitive pressures by ensuring platforms are user-friendly and integrative becomes essential. Success stories like Carter's highlight that embracing innovation not only improves customer satisfaction but significantly elevates business results, capturing market share despite an overcrowded digital space.   Success in Automotive Sales: Unpacking Cody Carter's Strategies Cody Carter's remarkable achievements have set benchmarks across the industry. With 1,432 units sold last year, Cody's marketing mastery breaks conventional dealership molds. His pragmatic approach is encapsulated when he notes, "There's so much money to be made, and it's just left laying there." By focusing on untapped potential, specifically within service departments, Cody continually drives profitability. A pivotal element of Cody's approach is his use of lease options. Acknowledging current resale value downturns, particularly with EVs, Carter advocates leasing as an effective strategy—a sentiment reinforced with his statement: "Lease it today, capture the rebate on the first payment, buy it out and then you save money." Lessons for Aspiring Sales Professionals Carter's success reveals vital lessons for budding sales professionals. His proactive client relations and meticulous understanding of market dynamics reflect the need for personalized customer experiences. By integrating digital tools and leveraging creative financing solutions, dealerships can offer exceptional customer journeys, leading to higher sales volumes and customer loyalty. The revelations shared in this insightful discussion between Bradley and Carter underscore a broader message: mastering the complexities of the automotive industry in 2025 is achievable. By embracing digital platforms, understanding evolving market incentives, and personalizing customer engagements, sales professionals can navigate current challenges and significantly enhance dealership performance. Invoking creativity and consumer-centric strategies will continue to provide a roadmap for success, even amidst market uncertainties.   Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!      

In this episode of the WCW Nitro Podcast, hosts Notorious DOM and BDC delve into the events of November 6, 1995, discussing match outcomes, character developments, and the overall atmosphere of WCW Nitro. They analyze various matches, including The Giant vs. Cobra and Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit, while also reflecting on promos and fan interactions. The conversation highlights the dynamics of wrestling storytelling and the significance of character portrayals in the ring. In this episode, the hosts delve into the thrilling main event featuring Sting and Ric Flair, discussing the match's dynamics and storytelling. They also explore the implications of Hogan's contract and the fallout from his disqualification, leading to a vacant title situation. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the night's highlights and a preview of upcoming matches, emphasizing the excitement surrounding WCW's wrestling narrative.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of WCW Nitro02:20 Match Analysis: The Giant vs. Cobra05:16 Locker Room Dynamics and Fan Voting07:40 Promo Breakdown: Hulk Hogan and Macho Man10:10 Introducing the Renegade: A New Character12:25 Ric Flair's Promo and Match Predictions13:29 Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit: A Classic Encounter18:19 Main Event and Fan Interaction18:47 Sting vs. Ric Flair: The Main Event26:30 The Fallout of Hogan's Contract30:56 Moments of the Night and Future Matches

In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, LA Williams takes listeners on a dynamic exploration of Dealer Synergy's innovative outsourced BDC operations situated in Belize!  "Sales is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing... The more creative you can get, the more sales you can do." - LA Williams Recorded LIVE, Williams spells out the operational efficiencies and strategic advantages of leveraging an international call center—pointing out cost savings, quality customer service delivery, and the critical training methodologies that contribute to enhanced dealership success. "Geography does not have to be a challenge anymore. We can employ folks from anywhere in the world!" - LA Williams LA offers a behind-the-scenes insight into how a 2,000-person call center functions, proving that geographic distance does not impede quality customer service or dealership results. Utilizing a Belize-based team trained with Dealer Synergy's advanced methodologies, sales operations are not only streamlined but amplified. By demolishing traditional sales models, Williams articulates how automotive dealerships can thrive by adapting to globalized business strategies, therefore keeping showrooms thriving and customer satisfaction at its peak!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Cost Efficiency and Scalability: Outsourcing BDCs to regions like Belize significantly reduces overhead costs versus U.S.-based operations, making it economically advantageous for dealers to expand their reach. ✅ Training and Quality Assurance: Dealer Synergy's comprehensive training ensures that agents, regardless of location, provide professional, high-quality customer service that matches or surpasses in-house teams. ✅ Technological Integration and Flexibility: Utilizing platforms like Zoom for meetings and sales allows sales teams to operate seamlessly from anywhere, thus expanding the scope and efficiency of dealerships. ✅ Cultural Adaptability: Belize's predominantly English-speaking population allows for seamless communication with the U.S. market, dispelling concerns over language barriers. ✅ Future of Automotive Sales: Innovative practices are setting a new standard for the industry's future, emphasizing the importance of a global operational perspective and advanced technological integration for sustained success.     About LA Williams LA Williams is the Vice President of Dealer Synergy. He has 15+ years of automotive sales experience and has made it his mission to help, educate and level up anyone he comes in contact with. LA once started as a frontline analyst for the organization, but quickly worked his way through the ranks to most recently landing him his current role of Vice President and an official company partner. Although LA holds an executive position with Dealer Synergy, he is completely “hands-on” with the Dealer Synergy family of programs. LA is the preeminent subject master on “Phone Sales” in the Automotive Sales Industry and has earned the nickname and title of “The Blind Phone Master”. LA has been blind for 35+ years and has focused his energy on the art of sound, tone, and inflection. With his inability to see and only hear, he can solely judge a person's phone abilities and verbal tools based on what they say and how they say it. This makes him the perfect coach and phone sales expert on planet Earth. LA has trained thousands of Automotive Sales professionals, Internet / BDC professionals, Sales Managers, General Managers and Dealer Principals on how to dominate the phones with his “The Blind Phone Master's Phone Sales Mastery” strategies. Furthermore, LA is an NADA Convention Speaker and a frequent 20 group speaker, including the official Internet Sales 20 Group . In addition to his training and speaking engagements, LA is the official co-host of the globally known Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast and a moderator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group.  LA is also a very successful music producer. He has produced tracks for Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, Karina Bradley, and scores more. In addition to having worked with some of the best in the music industry, LA has worked in movies. He was even the voice for Jigsaw in 4 of the SAW movies! LA has taken his music producer, audio, and voice talent to bring a strong form of “entertrainment” to the industry and has blessed us with many motivating and fun remix tracks, applicable to the automotive sales industry.     Exploring the Future of Automotive Business Development Centers: Insights from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast Engage Automotive Success with Global Collaboration Understanding the potential of global call centers for automotive dealerships, optimizing skills across borders, and leveraging technology for enhanced business development are key factors in driving dealership profits. Dive into insights shared by LA Williams from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, as he explores these dynamics live from Belize. Key Takeaways: Leveraging global call centers can significantly enhance dealership efficiency while reducing costs. Developing advanced communication skills and empathy is crucial for success in sales. Utilizing technology like Zoom transforms remote selling into a profound customer experience. The Economic Edge of Global Call Centers In the realm of automotive sales, maximizing efficiency while minimizing costs is the golden ticket to success. During the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, LA Williams, known as the Blind Phone Master, emphasized the cost-efficiency of operating global call centers, particularly in regions like Belize. He states, "When you think about it, the cost-effectiveness… to be real with you, like in California alone, I think the minimum wage is like $20 an hour… it's no longer productive to run a call center.” This essential strategy allows dealerships to harness top-tier talent at a fraction of the cost. Williams' discussion reflects a broader trend in leveraging international call centers to accommodate fluctuating economic landscapes, offering dealerships a way to stay competitive without compromising service quality. This strategy ensures that even smaller dealerships can compete on a larger scale, effectively leveling the playing field and turning the focus onto the quality of service provided rather than where it originates. Furthermore, the transcript reveals a nuanced understanding of the benefits of these call centers: “So we actually walking into the call center right now… When we got all these people making phone calls, it's going to allow you to be much more profitable.” This statement encapsulates how simply relocating a function can have profound business advantages, facilitating higher profits through reduced operational costs. Cultivating Communication and Empathy in Sales Beyond economics, success hinges on communication and empathy. Williams highlights the importance of having a team adept in these soft skills. Within the podcast, Williams reflects on his Belize-based team's aptitude: "People are just making phone calls… our team here, man, they stay in focus… they also pay so much attention in training." These insights underscore the need for a workforce that is both dedicated and well-trained in communication strategies. In sales, empathy and understanding are paramount, especially in overcoming objections or handling disgruntled customers. Here's how Williams advises on such encounters: "We teach them to be compassionate. We do role plays with them to walk them through those scenarios.” This training in empathy not only improves customer interaction but also builds a stronger connection with potential buyers who may otherwise feel dismissed or undervalued by traditional, automation-heavy methods. Such strategies illustrate the impact of prioritizing customer relations. By integrating empathy as a core selling principle, global call centers can match, or even exceed, the effectiveness of in-house sales staff. This shift allows any dealership, no matter its location, to provide premium customer service. Transforming the Sales Experience through Technology The advancements in technology have dramatically shifted how business is conducted, especially in the automotive industry. Williams touches on numerous ways technology, particularly platforms like Zoom, can elevate customer interactions. He shines light on this by saying, "A salesperson wanted to sell a car to someone… the customer could be anywhere. It doesn't matter. Geography is no longer a challenge." Breakout rooms in Zoom are one example of how technology can simulate traditional car-buying experiences virtually. This allows for a comprehensive customer journey, from viewing vehicle features to virtual test drives, all from the comfort of one's home. As Williams further elaborates: "We'll show some 3Ds, some good old camera footage… Make a person feel like they're actually in the vehicle." Such approaches not only broaden the potential customer base but also enrich the overall buying experience, diminishing geographical and temporal constraints. Utilizing these tools, dealerships can offer an enriched and personalized customer interaction, effectively adapting to the digital age. Adopting these technological enhancements represents more than just staying current; it indicates a forward-thinking, customer-centric mindset that is necessary for thriving in today's competitive market.   The intricacies of running a global operation from a strategic call center – as expounded upon in the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast – outline a new era for the automotive industry. By merging economic efficiency, interpersonal skills, and cutting-edge technology, dealerships are equipped to transcend traditional boundaries and deliver exceptional service worldwide. Every facet of this approach, from cost-effective practices to empathetic customer service, ultimately benefits dealerships by not only extending their reach but also deepening their impact. As described within this thought leadership, dealerships that embrace these strategies can redefine success and elevate their standing in the automotive market.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

Notorious DOM and BDC dissect the post-Halloween Havoc 1995 landscape on their WCW Nitro Podcast. They examine match quality, character arcs (including Johnny B. Badd, Savage, Guerrero, and Sabu), and the Four Horsemen's resurgence. The episode also covers the Luger/Meng vs. American Males match, Dungeon of Doom developments, and the broader trends of mid-90s wrestling, including the growing influence of hardcore styles.Chapters00:00 Introduction to WCW Nitro Podcast02:00 Halloween Havoc 1995 Fallout06:04 Match Highlights and Analysis11:53 The Return of the Four Horsemen18:10 Sabu's Impact and Future in Wrestling24:59 Luger and Meng vs. American Males27:18 In-Ring Promo and the Dungeon of Doom31:04 The Fallout of Halloween Havoc32:34 Moments of the Night and Show Ratings40:53 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and Events

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, speaks with Michael Occi, President of Morgan Stanley Private Credit's BDC platform, to explore how insurance investors can leverage BDCs to gain deeper insights into the direct lending market. They discuss how BDCs provide transparency into asset quality, credit conditions, and portfolio performance, offering valuable data that insurance investors can use to assess risk and optimize their strategies. Michael explains the evolution of BDC structures, the growing role of non-traded BDCs, and how these vehicles fit into the broader private credit landscape.   The conversation also covers the regulatory and structural differences between BDCs and traditional direct lending funds, highlighting key factors insurance companies should consider when allocating capital. Michael shares his perspective on the importance of transparency in investment decisions and how BDC disclosures can serve as a useful tool for both new and experienced investors.   Beyond the financial insights, Michael and Stewart discuss career development in asset management, what qualities make a strong team member, and even a bit about Michael's passion for golf. Whether you're an institutional investor looking to deepen your understanding of BDCs or simply interested in the intersection of private credit and insurance investing, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman podcast, hosts Sean V. Bradley and LA Williams delve into the intensity and dedication required to succeed in automotive sales! "If you want to sell more than 10 cars a month, you can't do what everybody's doing, or you're going to get what the majority is getting." - Sean V. Bradley As February closes and March begins, they express concern over the struggles dealers face in adapting to a shifting market. Sean highlights the necessity of consistent effort and willingness to push beyond average performance, leveraging the parallel between sales success and weightlifting: both require heavy lifting and dedication for exceptional results! "Success in automotive sales is just like weightlifting; it requires effort, consistency, and the willingness to push beyond the average." - Sean V. Bradley The episode emphasizes the importance of deep, relentless training for salespeople, BDC reps, and managers within the automotive industry. Sean and LA explore why many professionals avoid the hard work necessary to excel, touching upon key concepts such as the Mastery of scripts, effective social media engagement, and the innovative use of AI in daily operations. The hosts also underscore the critical nature of following through on these practices and engaging habitually in self-improvement strategies to achieve and maintain success!  "Challenge yourself to do the thing you've been avoiding and commit to doing it today." - LA Williams This episode unpacks the heavy lifting involved in becoming a top performer, guiding listeners to employ a disciplined approach for sustained growth and profitability!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Heavy Lifting in Sales: Success in automotive sales parallels weightlifting in that both require intense effort and consistent practice. ✅ Training and Mastery: To excel, automotive professionals must commit to rigorous training routines, developing mastery in scripts and customer engagement. ✅ Utilizing Technology and AI: Innovative tools like Podium's AI, Jerry, can significantly enhance lead conversion, enabling dealerships to maximize efficiency. ✅ Cultivating Hard Work Ethos: A strong "why" and intrinsic motivation are crucial drivers for overcoming challenges and pushing sales figures. ✅ Community and Collaboration: Engaging with professional networks such as the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook group can provide valuable support and insights.     About Sean V. Bradley, CSP Sean V. Bradley, CSP is an entrepreneur, published best-selling author, speaker and award-winning international trainer. He is a 17-time NADA/ATD convention speaker, FranklinCovey Certified Facilitator and has earned the coveted “CSP” designation in the National Speakers Association. Sean is also a member of the elite “Million Dollar Speakers Group” in the NSA and a state association speaker and trainer. He has spoken at over 500 NCM and NADA 20 Groups. Sean started Dealer Synergy over 20 years ago, but has been in the automotive industry for over 25 years. Sean and his Dealer Synergy team are a 16-time Dealers' Choice Award Winner for being the “Best of the Best Internet Sales Trainer” and “Mobile Media Provider” in the Automotive Sales Industry.  Sean has personally trained over 100,000 Automotive Sales Professionals in 3,900 unique rooftops. However, he literally influences hundreds of thousands of professionals, in and out of the Automotive Sales industry, all over the world, through: his over 4,000 published articles, his best-selling book “Win the Game of Googleopoly”, over 9,500 videos published online, and through Radio Station soundwaves by Hosting the globally recognized Against All Odds Radio Show currently airing in Washington DC, Atlanta, Cleveland, Rochester, and Los Angeles, and the 'internet buzzing' Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast reaching over 1 million downloads! Additionally, Sean is the creator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group, with a membership count of 28,500+ automotive professionals.   About LA Williams LA Williams is the Vice President of Dealer Synergy. He has 15+ years of automotive sales experience and has made it his mission to help, educate and level up anyone he comes in contact with. LA once started as a frontline analyst for the organization, but quickly worked his way through the ranks to most recently landing him his current role of Vice President and an official company partner. Although LA holds an executive position with Dealer Synergy, he is completely “hands-on” with the Dealer Synergy family of programs. LA is the preeminent subject master on “Phone Sales” in the Automotive Sales Industry and has earned the nickname and title of “The Blind Phone Master”. LA has been blind for 35+ years and has focused his energy on the art of sound, tone, and inflection. With his inability to see and only hear, he can solely judge a person's phone abilities and verbal tools based on what they say and how they say it. This makes him the perfect coach and phone sales expert on planet Earth. LA has trained thousands of Automotive Sales professionals, Internet / BDC professionals, Sales Managers, General Managers and Dealer Principals on how to dominate the phones with his “The Blind Phone Master's Phone Sales Mastery” strategies. Furthermore, LA is an NADA Convention Speaker and a frequent 20 group speaker, including the official Internet Sales 20 Group . In addition to his training and speaking engagements, LA is the official co-host of the globally known Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast and a moderator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group.  LA is also a very successful music producer. He has produced tracks for Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, Karina Bradley, and scores more. In addition to having worked with some of the best in the music industry, LA has worked in movies. He was even the voice for Jigsaw in 4 of the SAW movies! LA has taken his music producer, audio, and voice talent to bring a strong form of “entertrainment” to the industry and has blessed us with many motivating and fun remix tracks, applicable to the automotive sales industry.     Elevate Your Car Sales Game: Proven Strategies for Maximum Profitability Key Takeaways Success in the automotive sales industry requires discipline, consistency, and a willingness to go beyond average efforts. Training and skill mastery are paramount, with a focus on cyclical learning and practical application. Engaging in multifaceted sales strategies and maximizing available resources can significantly enhance sales performance.     In the ever-evolving world of automotive sales, clear vision and persistent effort are non-negotiable for those aiming to surpass the mediocrity that ensnares so many. In a candid exchange of ideas, automotive sales experts LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley unravel the secrets to transcending average sales performance, echoing the fundamental truth: selling cars isn't just about the transaction; it's about agility, discipline, and training.   The Weight of Success in Automotive Sales Success in the automotive realm doesn't arrive unbidden; it needs to be earned through strategic effort and consistency. Bradley's analogy, “Why don't people lift weights? Because they're heavy,” aptly captures the essence of pushing beyond average—where the real challenge and potential for more significant earnings lie. “If you want the things that 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,” Bradley proclaims. This call to action extends across roles in the dealership, from salespeople to dealer principals, emphasizing that mediocrity's shackles can only be broken through a dedication to diligent effort. For salespeople striving to sell more than the industry average, Williams highlights the necessity of buckling down and not waiting until career pressures peak. “Help should have been happening for the last 90 days,” Williams insists, stressing the importance of proactive practice and continuous improvement.   The Imperatives of Mastery: From Training to Application The training process in the automotive industry is pivotal to transforming raw information into actionable results. Williams and Bradley delve into the critical nature of training, positing, as Bradley affirms, “Information without application is just information. But information with application equals transformation.” This underscores the need for time, experience, and relentless repetition to ensure true evolution within sales practices. Real training, according to Williams and Bradley, goes far beyond simply absorbing new information. “Training is not really training, it's just exposure,” notes Williams. The magic occurs when exposure is met with practice and implementation, transforming knowledge into ingrained skills. Bradley emphasizes the systemic advantage when you become a “master of your craft,” analogizing mastery to chess over checkers—more strategic and intentional.   Utilizing Advanced Resources to Multiply Effort In today's technologically advanced sales environment, leveraging innovative tools and platforms can significantly enhance performance. Recognizing AI's potential, LA Williams highlights the efficiency of platforms like Jerry, Podium's AI-powered tool. Describing how Jerry can work tirelessly, Williams stresses its role in facilitating lead conversion by booking test drives and staying attuned to customer interactions without human intervention. Alongside AI, Bradley discusses the importance of ensuring robust utilization of existing CRM systems, often overlooked tools (“a dusty treadmill,” he quips) capable of transforming sales operations when employed comprehensively. He encourages sales professionals to broaden their approach, engaging in social selling, honing in on video follow-up skills, and utilizing resources that set them apart from competitors. Engaging with resources like the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group also allows for networking and learning from over 30,000 automotive professionals. It's an untapped vein of knowledge and community, offering real-time insights and adapting to contemporary challenges in car sales.   Recapping Insights and Challenges Ahead Echoing the significance of industry standards and best practices, Bradley challenges listeners with an essential question: “What's one heavy thing you've been avoiding in sales? Commit to doing it today.” This invitation is not just a call for introspection but a launchpad for actionable change in one's sales approach. Williams adds, "Whatever it is…commit to doing it come hell or high water. Right? You're going to do it. Right. It's just going to happen regardless." As Bradley and Williams elucidate, transcending the status quo in the automotive industry requires both the courage to confront hard truths and the wisdom to apply lessons learned. Success isn't a fluke; it's a well-earned outcome of practice, repetition, and the relentless pursuit of betterment, echoing Bradley's poignant advice to never practice with real customers—only with fellow practitioners until perfection in approach is achieved. In the landscape of automotive sales, those who rise to the challenge and embrace discomfort discover not just the finesse of closing a deal but the unraveling of untapped potential in themselves.       Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!    

In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley tackle a heavy question within the automotive industry: Dealership Pay Plans! They get into what constitutes a good verses a bad pay plan and how professionals in the industry can effectively navigate them for maximum benefit.  "I rather see someone in an environment where they have the opportunity, the respect, and are working in a setup that aligns with their financial goals." – Sean V. Bradley Both LA and Sean emphasize the importance of understanding dealership environments rather than just focusing on the pay plan itself as the path to financial success! Williams introduces the episode with an appeal to listeners for feedback on audio improvements, setting up an engaging conversation for the audience.  "Money is a seed; you plant it somewhere and it grows. That's the whole purpose of money." – LA Williams The discussion provides a deep dive into various components of dealership pay plans, including commissions, draws, low commission rates, packs, front-end and back-end grosses, spins, spiffs, and bonuses. Sean V. Bradley highlights the significance of comprehending these elements and how they interconnect with overall earnings potential. He stresses the importance of choosing the right dealership environment and the value of embracing a mindset geared towards high performance and success, ultimately guiding listeners towards becoming better car sales professionals.  The episode culminates with thoughts on how to work synergistically with dealerships to optimize pay plans effectively, and LA Williams underscores the role of preparation, training, and responsible financial tracking.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Focus on Training and Guarantees: Understanding draw, training pay, and guaranteed compensation is crucial before assessing commission rates and other pay plan components. ✅ Valuing Transparency: Ensure that your dealership provides clear commission sheets and wash sheets to avoid disputes and misunderstandings. ✅ Spiffs and Spins for Extra Earnings: Familiarize yourself with dealership and manufacturer incentives like spiffs and spins to enhance your income. ✅ Track Your Performance: Maintain detailed records of your sales, commissions, and other earnings to avoid financial discrepancies and strategize effectively. ✅ Work Your Pay Plan: Invest time in understanding and maximizing each aspect of your pay plan to ensure you're leveraging every potential income stream thoroughly.     About Sean V. Bradley, CSP Sean V. Bradley, CSP is an entrepreneur, published best-selling author, speaker and award-winning international trainer. He is a 17-time NADA/ATD convention speaker, FranklinCovey Certified Facilitator and has earned the coveted “CSP” designation in the National Speakers Association. Sean is also a member of the elite “Million Dollar Speakers Group” in the NSA and a state association speaker and trainer. He has spoken at over 500 NCM and NADA 20 Groups. Sean started Dealer Synergy over 20 years ago, but has been in the automotive industry for over 25 years. Sean and his Dealer Synergy team are a 16-time Dealers' Choice Award Winner for being the “Best of the Best Internet Sales Trainer” and “Mobile Media Provider” in the Automotive Sales Industry.  Sean has personally trained over 100,000 Automotive Sales Professionals in 3,900 unique rooftops. However, he literally influences hundreds of thousands of professionals, in and out of the Automotive Sales industry, all over the world, through: his over 4,000 published articles, his best-selling book “Win the Game of Googleopoly”, over 9,500 videos published online, and through Radio Station soundwaves by Hosting the globally recognized Against All Odds Radio Show currently airing in Washington DC, Atlanta, Cleveland, Rochester, and Los Angeles, and the 'internet buzzing' Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast reaching over 1 million downloads! Additionally, Sean is the creator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group, with a membership count of 28,500+ automotive professionals.   About LA Williams LA Williams is the Vice President of Dealer Synergy. He has 15+ years of automotive sales experience and has made it his mission to help, educate and level up anyone he comes in contact with. LA once started as a frontline analyst for the organization, but quickly worked his way through the ranks to most recently landing him his current role of Vice President and an official company partner. Although LA holds an executive position with Dealer Synergy, he is completely “hands-on” with the Dealer Synergy family of programs. LA is the preeminent subject master on “Phone Sales” in the Automotive Sales Industry and has earned the nickname and title of “The Blind Phone Master”. LA has been blind for 35+ years and has focused his energy on the art of sound, tone, and inflection. With his inability to see and only hear, he can solely judge a person's phone abilities and verbal tools based on what they say and how they say it. This makes him the perfect coach and phone sales expert on planet Earth. LA has trained thousands of Automotive Sales professionals, Internet / BDC professionals, Sales Managers, General Managers and Dealer Principals on how to dominate the phones with his “The Blind Phone Master's Phone Sales Mastery” strategies. Furthermore, LA is an NADA Convention Speaker and a frequent 20 group speaker, including the official Internet Sales 20 Group . In addition to his training and speaking engagements, LA is the official co-host of the globally known Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast and a moderator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group.   LA is also a very successful music producer. He has produced tracks for Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, Karina Bradley, and scores more. In addition to having worked with some of the best in the music industry, LA has worked in movies. He was even the voice for Jigsaw in 4 of the SAW movies! LA has taken his music producer, audio, and voice talent to bring a strong form of “entertrainment” to the industry and has blessed us with many motivating and fun remix tracks, applicable to the automotive sales industry.     Navigating Car Sales Pay Plans: Unlocking Hidden Revenues Key Takeaways: Understanding and maximizing your pay plan involves more than just knowing the basic commissions; it requires a strategic approach to dealership incentives and manufacturer programs. The significance of starting with guaranteed pay structures for new salespeople can prevent attrition and financial hardship, ensuring a fairer and more supportive work environment. Spiffs and spins represent lucrative supplemental income opportunities that can boost earnings when appropriately targeted and leveraged. The world of car sales is complex, with compensation plans that require more than just a basic understanding to truly maximize one's earnings potential. In a recent discussion featuring LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley, these intricacies were explored in-depth, unveiling crucial insights into how auto sales professionals can decode their pay plans and work their strategies effectively to bolster their earnings. Key themes emerged from this discussion that shed light on not only understanding but also maneuvering through pay plans to realize better financial outcomes.   Demystifying Automotive Pay Plans For the newcomer or even seasoned veteran in car sales, a pay plan is often shrouded in mystery. Sean V. Bradley argues that, "It's not about the pay plan… but the dealership that you're at." This sets the tone for understanding that environment and opportunity sometimes outweigh a perfect commission structure. When contemplating a position, one should probe beyond superficial numbers and consider the dealership's overall ethos and opportunity for personal growth. Bradley emphasizes not settling for flat fee structures in favor of opportunities to earn on gross, either on the front or back-end. "If you've got the skills to pay the bills," leveraging a dealership that allows for gross-based commissions can be increasingly rewarding. However, accessing back-end gross (percentages of financial products sold) requires understanding and capitalizing on additional compensation streams like aftermarket parts and warranty products. As he explains, "Don't get distracted with the carrot… Find the best deal for you." This journey begins with choosing the right kind of dealership—one where strategies align with incentive structures to work your pay plan comprehensively. The roadmap includes understanding potential spins and spiffs and looking beyond immediate numbers.   The Importance of Guaranteed Income for New Salespeople Transition periods for new salespeople can be turbulent without a guaranteed pay structure. Such structures allow for "proper training, strategy, and opportunity" before plunging into a commission-only environment—a space where new hires often find themselves underwater without training pay. Understanding the nuance between a draw and guaranteed pay can ward off future stress. At some dealerships, "you could owe the dealership money," creating the undesirable cycle of jumping from dealership to dealership. Establishing a knowledge base and advocating for fairer, initial compensation ensures not only individual success but sustainability for dealerships in reducing turnover. Williams expounds on this notion by suggesting questions candidates should explore during interviews. Questions encompassing what the guarantee entails and policies regarding training pay ensure new hires are not disadvantaged in unfamiliar territory. Emphasizing, "I want to educate myself on how to work and understand you; help me understand so I can work my own plan, which in turn serves the dealership," provides a roadmap to this common challenge.   Leveraging Spiffs and Spins for Additional Profit Supplementing income intelligently through spiffs and spins is a game-changing opportunity for profit maximization. Traditionally, spiffs act as quick incentives for additional tasks or goals inside a dealership, often embracing creative configurations beyond merely selling units. Spins, a domain exclusive to franchise dealerships, offer an entirely separate avenue through manufacturer-backed commissions—encouraging variety and volume in sales pushes. Bradley notes, "I used to make thousands and thousands of dollars extra. It's like supplemental income." Savvy salespeople learn to utilize CRM tools to drill down into customer databases and strategically target high-spin vehicles or special categories yielding these fruits. The key is knowledge-sharing and staff empowerment, ensuring a clear understanding of potential earnings. Dealerships, in turn, fortify their workforce by building trust, offering consistent information flows, and aligning staff incentives with dealership goals—ultimately creating a culture that thrives on success. Through an intrinsic understanding of pay plan workings, including guarantees, spiffs, spins, dealer strategies, and personal goals, sales professionals navigate toward success. In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, this knowledge not only benefits individuals but ultimately propels dealerships into prosperous, symbiotic relationships with their staff. In a world where the typical salesperson is making a base average yet someone like Cody Carter—a figure showcased within their industry context—is realizing million-dollar earnings, comprehension of these themes promises a pathway to exceptional industry success. Understanding the vast opportunities within car sales pay plans dictates a salesperson's financial trajectory far more than mere percentages on paper might first suggest.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo talk about the BDC Capital $1B fund, the state of early-stage VC funding in Canada, and the rise of mega-deals dominated by U.S. investors. They also discuss the feasibility of the Quebec City-Toronto high-speed rail project, AI copyright lawsuits, potential Trump-era tariffs, and the future of open banking in Canada.Key TopicsBDC Capital's $1B Growth-Stage Investment Fund (00:42)* BDC Capital announces a $1B investment fund, with:* $500M Growth Venture Fund for direct investments and co-investments.* $450M Growth Equity Partners Program for minority stake investments in mid-market companies.* Concerns were raised by Mark McQueen about lack of early-stage funding* John Ruffolo's take:* Canada's early-stage VC ecosystem is underfunded.* BDC was meant to focus on riskier, early-stage investments, while EDC (Export Development Canada) focused on growth-stage.* Shift towards later-stage funding may leave early-stage startups without necessary capital.Canadian Venture Capital Funding Trends (04:55)* CVCA's 2024 report:* $7.86B invested across 592 deals, up 10% from 2023.* Mega deals ($50M+ rounds) comprised 62% of total VC investments.* Seed-stage funding fell 50% to $510M.* Notable mega-deals:* Clio – $1.24B Series F* Cohere – $616M Series D* Blockstream – $289M convertible note* Waabi – $275M Series B* U.S. investors dominate:* 32% of Canadian VC deals had U.S. investor participation.* Clio's round was entirely U.S.-funded.* John Ruffolo's analysis:* Canada needs stronger domestic venture capital.* U.S. capital will always flow into late-stage companies, but early-stage funding is crucial for long-term ecosystem growth.* Lack of Canadian IPOs in 2024 is a concerning sign.Quebec City-Toronto High-Speed Rail: $90B Boondoggle? (09:17)* Massive infrastructure proposal:* $60B–$90B price tag, with $3.9B allocated to planning alone.* Construction won't begin for at least five years, taking 5–7 years per segment.* Criticisms:* Timing is political (announced right before an election).* Where is the funding coming from? Canada's finances are already stretched.* Route selection is questionable – e.g., Laval getting a stop over Mississauga/Brampton.* John Ruffolo's take:* Financial viability is unclear – pension funds won't invest without guarantees of ridership.* Other priorities (e.g., Arctic infrastructure, national security) are being ignored.* The government should invest in digital infrastructure instead (e.g., full 5G coverage).AI Copyright Lawsuits: Cohere vs. Media Giants (14:35)* Major media coalition (The Atlantic, Forbes, The Guardian, Vox, etc.) sues AI startup Cohere for copyright infringement in New York.* Allegations: Cohere scraped and displayed copyrighted content without permission.* Seeking $150K per work infringed + an injunction against Cohere using their content.* Growing legal pressure on AI companies:* NY Times vs. OpenAI – potentially setting a massive precedent.* Anthropic, Meta, and Thomson Reuters have faced similar lawsuits.* John Ruffolo's view:* Copyright concerns were always an issue for AI models.* AI startups may have to pay into a licensing pool (like the music industry).* Investor risk increasing – legal uncertainties may impact funding for public LLMs.Trump's Potential Tariffs: What Canada Should Do (19:25)* Trump's trade policies likely to return if re-elected, impacting Canadian businesses.* John Ruffolo's recommendations:* Canada must fix internal issues first (e.g., interprovincial trade barriers).* Tariffs won't disappear for at least four years, so businesses must adapt.* Canadian businesses will have to shift profits & operations to the U.S. to remain competitive.The Future of Open Banking in Canada (22:00)* U.S. fintech sector gains a boost as Trump administration removes CFPB regulations.* Chime & Klarna expected to benefit from deregulation.* Canadian Conservatives promise major push for open banking if elected.* Liberals have been slow to act on open banking despite six years of promises.John Ruffolo's perspective:* Open banking will make Canadian banks stronger, not weaker.* Canada must prepare for U.S. competition in financial services.Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

In this episode, I highlight what probably begin as a dealers good intentions to implement artificial intelligence replacing a trained human to handle phone calls. If you're using artificial intelligence in your sales process, I implore you to have a second set of eyes look over what it feels like to interact with your dealership . Call me. Call anybody. But this is simply not acceptable. We are in a people business. Our customers do not want to talk to a robot. Furthermore, I can think of exactly 0 legitimate reasons that our process involves hanging up on a customer yet would you believe that this dealer is paying for exactly that. Most dealerships have some sort of wasted spend when it comes to their Internet sale process/BDC or their phone handling . Simply cutting just one of these wasted spend areas can open up a huge opportunity to focus on getting back to the basics which is still in 2025 where most dealerships fail. If I can help in any way, I'm just a call away 708-733-5463708-RED-LINE

Are you, as a GM, truly present with both your sales and service BDC teams? Too often, GM involvement leans heavily toward the sales BDC while the service side gets overlooked. Why? Because sales is familiar—it's where many GM's built their careers. But here's the reality: your service BDC is just as critical, responsible for over 150 appointments per day, fueling the entire dealership's success. In this episode, we break down why your involvement matters and how a hands-on approach can drive showroom traffic, increase customer loyalty, and unlock untapped revenue. I share a real coaching session with a high-performing GM who needed to shift his mindset and leadership to fully support his service BDC. If you're serious about growth, retention, and maximizing dealership performance, this episode is for you. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com | Jen Suzuki, President and Founder of eDealer Solutions, Inc. | Dealership Education | www.edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  | Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki

In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman podcast, hosts LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley engage in an invigorating discussion with Dr. Alex Lawrence, the Founder and Dealer Principal of EV Auto. From Alex's unique entrance into the automotive industry to the pioneering strategies employed by his dealership, this episode sheds light on the burgeoning world of electric vehicles and their growing market share. Alex shares his insights on establishing a dealership from scratch, particularly one focused on the advanced technology and unique aspects of EVs, while maintaining an exceptional reputation within the industry! "We've got a really strong following that's growing consistently and nicely on TikTok and LinkedIn and a little bit on Instagram and Facebook.” - Dr. Alex Lawrence The conversation dives into the intricate logistics of running an EV-only dealership, including building infrastructure, securing a knowledgeable team, and navigating financial services tailored for EVs. SEO-friendly terms are explored such as "EV market trends," "electric vehicle sales," and "technology integration in automotive retail."  "We are the experts... nobody knows more about these cars than we do." - Dr. Alex Lawrence Alex also highlights how his dealership uses advanced technologies like Podium's AI to enhance customer interaction and streamline processes. Despite challenges, Alex remains optimistic about the future of EVs, offering advice to dealerships looking to embrace this transformative shift in the automotive world.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Building from Experience: Alex utilized his diverse background in franchising and technology to contribute significantly to EV Auto's strategic growth. ✅ EV-Specific Services: The dealership's innovative mobile service using custom cyber trucks exemplifies their commitment to customer convenience and service excellence. ✅ AI Integration: Podium's AI tool significantly aids in lead conversion, showcasing the critical role of technology in modern dealerships. ✅ Cultural and Geographical Factors: The adoption and sales strategies for EVs vary across different markets due to cultural and geographical influences. ✅ Community Engagement: Alex emphasizes the importance of social media presence and organic growth strategies to cultivate an engaged customer base.   About Alex Lawrence Alex Lawrence is the founder and dealer principal of EV Auto, a specialized dealership focused solely on electric vehicles (EVs). Having started his entrepreneurial journey at 16 with a car detailing business, Alex moved through various industries, including franchising and technology, before establishing EV Auto. He originally launched the business as a marketplace for EV cars, but quickly pivoted to dealership operations due to high demand and sales success. Alex's dealership is prominent for selling all EV brands, notably Tesla, and maintains a strong emphasis on customer service, innovation, and advanced technology use.       Engaging with Electric Vehicles: Insights from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast   Key Takeaways: Adapting to EV markets requires innovative approaches like mobile service units and specialized dealerships, as exemplified by Alex Lawrence of EV Auto. The use of AI and digital platforms like Podium can enhance customer engagement and streamline dealership operations. Building a strong company culture centered around core values is pivotal for dealership success and employee retention.   Driving the Future: Mastering the EV Market with Unique Strategies In a fascinating episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, co-hosts LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley dive into a conversation with Alex Lawrence, the dealer principal of EV Auto. Lawrence offers a glimpse into the innovative strategies that have propelled his dealership forward in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. A key takeaway is the revolutionary use of mobile service units. As Lawrence explains, "We do tires, brakes, all the EV stuff, and we come to your house or your office and do it." This mobile service approach not only sets EV Auto apart but also enhances customer convenience—a crucial factor in today's competitive marketplace. By embedding this service directly into the customer experience, EV Auto not only simplifies the ownership experience for its clients but also demonstrates a deep understanding of modern consumer needs. The dealership's pledge of "10% off all mobile services for life" to its customers cements loyalty and underlines their customer-first philosophy. With traditional dealerships facing challenges in integrating EVs into their portfolios, Lawrence's approach provides a template for adaptation. By offering both fixed and mobile service options, dealerships can cater to diverse customer preferences, ultimately expanding their market share in the EV sector.   Leveraging AI and Technology to Enhance Dealership Efficiency Throughout the discussion, the role of technology as a transformative force in dealership operations is highlighted, especially through the use of AI-driven platforms like Podium. Alex Lawrence emphasizes the integration of Podium's AI, which they've nicknamed "Glow," to conduct seamless customer interactions: "We have it set so that if we're not able to respond to incoming texts…it starts to do it and then after hours it does all of the texting." The employment of AI not only facilitates 24/7 customer engagement but also allows dealerships to remain accessible outside traditional business hours. This continuous operation capability is crucial as it offers a competitive edge, ensuring potential leads are nurtured without delay. Moreover, Podium's platform supports various dealership functions from handling payments to collecting Google reviews, further streamlining dealership processes. This integration of technology cultivates an environment of efficiency and reliability, fostering trust and engagement among customers. As the automotive sector increasingly leans towards digital solutions, the insights shared by Lawrence underscore the necessity of embracing technology to stay ahead in the industry.   Creating a Culture of Excellence: Core Values at the Heart of EV Auto One of the most inspirational revelations from the podcast is the emphasis on cultivating a strong internal culture rooted in core values. Lawrence, reflecting on this ethos, states, "Zero turnover in five and a half years…that's the stat I'm most proud of." This achievement is a testament to EV Auto's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are valued and motivated. The dealership's core values, which include honesty, customer-first philosophy, and an emphasis on being the experts, play a vital role in this success. Not only do these values guide operations and customer interactions, but they help in hiring individuals who embody the dealership's mission. In an industry often criticized for high turnover rates, EV Auto's approach demonstrates the significance of a value-driven culture. Such an environment not only attracts talent but also retains it, offering a blueprint for other dealerships seeking to cultivate similar success. The alignment of personal and organizational values fosters engagement and productivity, ultimately reflecting positively on customer experiences.   Revolutionizing Dealership Practices for the EV Era The informative dialogue with Alex Lawrence highlights a transformative period in the automotive industry. As dealerships navigate the shift towards electric vehicles, innovative strategies such as those adopted by EV Auto become indispensable. This includes adopting mobile service solutions to elevate customer convenience, leveraging AI technology for operational efficiency, and fostering a work culture rooted in core values. Dealerships that integrate these elements into their operations are better equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving market. As Lawrence points out, understanding and adapting to customer needs in the EV space can significantly differentiate a dealership from its competitors. The podcast episode serves as a guiding light for those in the automotive sector, demonstrating that with the right blend of innovation, technology, and culture, dealerships can thrive in the electric vehicle space. These insights not only underscore a pathway for future dealership success but also illuminate the broader potential for transformation in the automotive industry.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!  

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: A masterclass in transforming sustainable building practices into regenerative design, featuring insights from HDR's Director of Sustainable Development on pushing beyond net-zero to create net-positive impact buildings. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Colin Rohlfing serves as the Director of Sustainable Development for HDR's Global Architecture practice, where he leads a team of 20+ sustainability experts. With over 20 years of experience, Colin has been recognized on BD+C's "40 Under 40" list and is a frequent speaker at major events including TEDx and SXSW.

In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, LA Williams, Vice President of Dealer Synergy, takes the wheel while Sean V. Bradley attends the Super Bowl LIX! Joined by the vibrant Tianna Mick, known in the industry as "T Got Your Keys," LA delves deep into strategies that transform ordinary sales calls into profit-generating interactions. With emphases on tone, customer rapport, and overcoming common pitfalls in sales conversations, this episode is rich with actionable advice for car sales professionals looking to elevate their game! "Questions control the conversation. Whoever gets the most questions answered is who wins." – LA Williams From addressing the frequent mistakes salespeople make on inbound calls to finely tuning one's auditory skills for detecting buying signals, LA offers a masterclass in sales acumen that stems from years of experience. His anecdotes, interspersed with Tianna's astute questions, unveil techniques on managing customer interactions effectively over the phone. By sharing insights into how to instantaneously build trust and utilize storytelling for impactful sales, the episode equips listeners with robust strategies to handle even the most challenging customer situations. Real-life examples underscore the vital role of strategic communication in fostering successful sales outcomes!   Key Takeaways: ✅ Tone and Energy are Crucial: Establishing the right tone and energy at the start of a call can significantly influence the customer's responsiveness. ✅ Word Choice Matters: Phrases such as "tell me" and "I'm just wondering" can inspire empathy and facilitate open dialogue with customers. ✅ Listening for Genuine Interest: Picking up on subtle cues in a customer's questions can reveal their level of interest and intent to purchase. ✅ Leveraging Storytelling: Effective storytelling can bridge communication gaps, making the sales process more relatable and engaging. ✅ Handling Objections with Empathy: Questions control conversation; using them strategically can navigate and manage challenging interactions.     About LA ‘The Blind Master' WilliamsL.A. Williams, Vice President and Partner of Dealer Synergy, has over 15 years of automotive sales experience and is dedicated to helping others grow and succeed. Starting as a frontline analyst, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Vice President while remaining hands-on with Dealer Synergy's programs. Known as “The Blind Phone Master,” L.A. has been blind for 37+ years and has mastered the art of sound, tone, and inflection, making him the ultimate phone sales coach. He has trained thousands of automotive professionals, including sales teams, managers, and dealer principals, with his “Phone Sales Mastery” strategies. A sought-after speaker, L.A. has presented at the NADA Convention, 20 Groups, and the Internet Sales 20 Group.  L.A. also co-hosts the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, the Against All Odds Radio Show, and moderates the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group. Beyond automotive, he's a successful music producer, having worked with stars like Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, and Katy Perry, and was even the voice of Jigsaw in four SAW movies. L.A. brings his audio expertise and creativity to the industry, using “entertrainment” to motivate and inspire automotive professionals. About Tianna ‘T Got Your Keys' Mick Tianna Mick aka T Got Your Keys is a known industry expert at Showroom Sales, Lead and Referral Generation, and Customer Satisfaction, specializing in Personal and Business Branding. At only 19 years old, Tianna was consistently the top-grossing salesperson in her dealer group, averaging 20+ units and generating $10K each month in personal income. Tianna is globally recognized for her award-winning website TGotYourKeys.com, voted #1 Personal Website in the Automotive Industry! Tianna is a 4x NADA Convention Speaker and the YOUNGEST NADA Speaker in History to date, awarded #1 Influential Female Car Salesperson, TikTok Influencer with over 3.8 Million Views, Guest of Brad Lea's Dropping Bombs Podcast, Graduate of Ally's A-List Summit Academy, Speaker at the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, TrueCar's TrueTalk Panel Discussion Leader concerning Diversity, published in Digital Dealer Magazine, and reoccurring Digital Dealer Speaker, Internet Sales 20 Group Speaker, and now Chief Marketing Officer at Dealer Synergy.     Mastering the Art of Phone Sales: Insights from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast   Key Takeaways: Harnessing the power of tone, inflection, and the right vocabulary can dramatically improve phone sales outcomes. Understanding buyer psychology and leveraging storytelling can overcome common objections and build trust. Consistent learning and adaptation are vital for overcoming skepticism and improving skills over time.   Enhancing Phone Sales Through Tone and Inflection In the fast-paced world of automotive sales, mastering phone communication isn't just a skill—it's an art form. LA Williams, VP of Dealer Synergy, highlights a common pitfall: the lack of energy and enthusiasm when taking inbound calls. He humorously points out, "Our energy is not right. We'd be like Synergy Motors." Injecting energy into your voice is crucial for setting the right tone and capturing the caller's attention from the get-go. Williams emphasizes paying attention to not only what customers say, but also how they say it. The subtleties in tone, choice of words, and even pauses can reveal much about a caller's intent. As Williams advises, “You gotta hear,” meaning that a salesperson must attune their ears to these nuances. By asking thoughtful questions and engaging in a way that reflects the customer's language, you can build immediate rapport. "I'm just curious," or "Tell me more," are phrases that both engage the customer and provide deeper insights into their needs and desires. Such nuances extend beyond intro calls. Consider how energy and tone contribute when transitioning a skeptical caller to a quality lead. LA shares an all-too-common scenario: converting callers who've had negative automotive experiences into enthusiastic potential buyers. This transformation relies on infusing conversations with genuine warmth and curiosity, ensuring prospects feel heard and valued.   Storytelling as a Sales Tool In a world where buyers often distrust salespeople, storytelling stands out as a powerful tactic to establish credibility and build rapport. Williams delves into the art of sharing relevant narratives to sway hesitant buyers, emphasizing, “It's so interesting that you say that.” This technique helps to validate a customer's feelings while seamlessly pivoting the conversation towards a positive outcome. Consider the tale of the couple skeptical about getting a good trade-in value. By recounting a past customer's success story, Williams not only builds trust but illustrates dealership expertise and personal investment in customer satisfaction. These anecdotes aren't fabricated but strategically structured to highlight real customer experiences, as Williams illustrates: "If we could do something like that for him, just imagine what we could do for you." This approach illuminates how integrating relatable stories into phone sales can dismantle buyer apprehensions. By connecting emotionally through shared experiences, salespeople can gently guide conversations, allaying fears and deepening engagement. The authenticity of sharing and genuine curiosity about the customer's own journey can transform skeptics into committed, enthusiastic participants in the buying process.   Cultivating Trust in Short Timeframes One of the most intriguing discussions in the podcast revolves around establishing trust quickly over the phone. In phone sales, time is a luxury often absent, making initial impressions paramount. According to Williams, it's vital to repeat the customer's name, entering into what he calls "rapport mode." "Outside of someone's own voice," he explains, "their sweetest sound is their name." Repetition and the correct use of vocabulary also play significant roles in fostering trust. Simple phrases like "That's a great question" can elevate a standard interaction into a personalized experience. These words, paired with targeted storytelling and empathetic response strategies, can captivate and convert callers into loyal customers within minutes. Such approaches extend into broader strategic considerations, such as handling objections and turning skeptics into believers. LA poignantly shares a revelation: often, a sales representative's aversion to phone sales stems from misaligned expectations or an incomplete understanding of call dynamics. By revealing underlying metrics and demonstrating real success cases, Williams consistently shifts perceptions, opening the minds of even the most skeptical callers to what's genuinely possible. Ultimately, the beauty of phone sales lies in blending personal empathy with sharp, strategic communication. The podcast illustrates that with attention, adaptability, and authentic connection, sales professionals can break through barriers. As LA Williams shows, the journey to mastering phone sales is as much about growth in personal effectiveness as it is about understanding buyer psychology. As he closes the episode, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” inviting us to elevate our game and transform every call into an opportunity for lasting impact.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 29,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

In this electrifying episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosts LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley dive deep into the innovations shaping the automotive CRM landscape with special guests Shane Born and Melissa Sinclair from NCC and ProMax.  "You're investing in one of the most important tools to help run all aspects of your business. You want to make sure that it's set up properly from the very beginning." - Melissa Sinclair As the automotive industry faces unprecedented changes, Shane and Melissa discuss how their companies are spearheading the credit-first approach in CRM solutions, creating streamlined and transparent processes for both dealers and consumers. The episode begins with the hosts addressing missed speaking opportunities at an industry event due to unforeseen circumstances and quickly shifts focus to the groundbreaking strategies being implemented by ProMax, setting a new bar for CRM systems integrated with National Credit Center resources. "Success involves partnering with the right people... ensure your team understands the what, the why, and the how, and then be flexible to pivot if a generational storm hits." - Shane Born The conversation is packed with insights into how dealerships can leverage modern CRM systems to improve customer experience, enhance fraud prevention, and streamline sales processes using accurate real-time credit data. Shane Born highlights the unique position of their CRM solution, emphasizing its ability to provide consistent, transparent, and frictionless service to consumers while maintaining a keen adaptability to market changes. Melissa Sinclair adds to this by discussing the newly launched open API, offering seamless integration capabilities with vendor partners to unify dealership operations. This episode is a must-listen for any automotive professional keen on harnessing cutting-edge CRM technologies to propel their business forward.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Credit-First CRM Approach: NCC and ProMax are revolutionizing the CRM space with a credit-first methodology, enhancing the buying process through accurate financing options and fraud prevention features. ✅ User Interface and Experience: The newly redesigned UI/UX of ProMax's CRM offers a modern, intuitive interface that simplifies processes for salespeople and management, improving efficiency and usability. ✅ Service and Sales Integration: By integrating service customer data with CRM strategies, dealerships can unlock unprecedented sales opportunities, targeting both existing and untapped customer bases. ✅ Open API for Seamless Integration: The introduction of the open API, Dex, allows for effortless connection with various dealership software, ensuring all operations are synchronized and efficient. ✅ Robust OEM Partnerships: ProMax's CRM is approved by most OEMs, including 100% co-op with General Motors, showcasing the platform's comprehensive capabilities and industry trust.     About Shane Born Shane Born is a prominent figure in the automotive industry, holding a significant position at NCC (National Credit Center) and ProMax. With over two decades of experience, Shane has been instrumental in driving technological advancements and fostering customer relations in the automotive sector. His focus lies in integrating credit solutions with CRM systems to enhance dealership efficiencies!   About Melissa Sinclair Melissa Sinclair at NCC and ProMax, bringing extensive experience and deep knowledge about CRM solutions. Melissa has contributed substantially to the development of innovative customer relationship management tools and has played a key role in ensuring that these tools meet the needs of modern dealerships. She is particularly focused on enhancing user experience and fostering partnerships within the automotive industry.     Unleashing the Power of CRM in Automotive Sales Key Takeaways The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast dives into how CRM technology is revolutionizing the automotive industry, focusing on NCC's ProMax and its unique offerings. The discussion emphasizes the shift towards credit-first processes, enhancing both dealer and consumer experiences by leveraging advanced data management. An insider perspective on NADA reveals valuable insights into networking strategies and industry trends despite unexpected challenges. CRM Innovations in the Automotive Industry The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, hosted by LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley, recently featured Shane Born and Melissa Sinclair from NCC and ProMax, who discussed groundbreaking innovations in CRM technology, specifically tailored for the automotive industry. As the podcast episodes unravel, they explore how these technologies redefine dealer-consumer interactions and internal processes within dealerships. According to Shane Born, NCC is leveraging its dual expertise as both a data and software-as-a-service company: "We are both a DAS company and a SaaS company," he notes. Their end-to-end platform ensures a streamlined, credit-first approach that not only enhances dealer efficiency but also significantly improves the customer's buying journey. This dual focus allows NCC to provide a seamless workflow tied to a single database, an advantage that sets it apart from competitors relying on multiple integrations. From quote to contract, the process is designed to eliminate friction and bolster customer satisfaction by providing accurate financing solutions quickly. Melissa Sinclair elaborates on the customized experience ProMax delivers: "Any role in the dealership can benefit as the platform was designed specifically with them in mind." The conversations with dealers led to UI and UX improvements, focusing on easy navigation and relevant data presentation, ensuring that even complex tools are intuitive for users across all roles within the dealership. Strategies from the NADA Conference One of the intriguing segments of the podcast episode involved understanding the dynamics of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) conference. Despite logistical hurdles due to inclement weather, vendors and attendees alike made the most of the opportunity to connect and explore industry advancements. Shane Born emphasized that despite a "50% pre-registration count," those who made it to the event were laser-focused on solving pertinent challenges, leading to higher closing rates on new dealer group deals. NADA's decision to open its welcome party to all attendees, not just paid registrants, was a strategic move to enhance networking despite lower turnout numbers. "It allows us to really have meaningful conversations about what's happening and where the industry is heading," Born shared, highlighting how such interactions lead to long-lasting partnerships and industry insights. This part of the podcast underscores the importance of adaptability and creativity in fostering networking opportunities, even in unforeseen circumstances. NADA highlighted industry trends, such as AI integration and credit-first approaches, showcased by innovative solutions like NCC's ProMax. Maximizing CRM for Dealer Success In detailing the capabilities of NCC's complete CRM, the podcast dives into how dealerships can maximize the tool for their success. At its core, ProMax's CRM offers a robust framework for both reactive and proactive dealership strategies—a point emphasized repeatedly throughout the discussion. "Any user can go in and build a custom list," explained Melissa Sinclair, illustrating the CRM's adaptability in creating targeted customer lists based on various criteria, such as unsold showroom traffic or service appointments. The system's Opportunities Dashboard is a game changer, automatically collating potential purchase opportunities, ensuring that even if a salesperson overlooks a prospect, the CRM does not. Sean V. Bradley highlighted common dealer pitfalls, such as under-utilizing CRM capabilities, which often leads to unnecessary marketing expenditures. "Why are they spending $65,000 in advertising per month when they could invest $5,000 to $10,000 in CRM?" he questioned, advocating for a full-time CRM manager to ensure optimal use of the system. Reflecting on trends discussed at the podcast, it's evident that leveraging comprehensive CRM tools like NCC's ProMax could save money and increase sales, making it essential for dealerships to embrace such technologies fully. Reflections on the Automotive Horizon As the podcast episode closes, the hosts and guests reflect on how the innovations discussed are reshaping the automotive sales landscape. The evolution of CRM technology, spearheaded by companies like NCC and solutions such as ProMax, shows an industry leaning heavily into data-driven, customer-centric approaches. The recurring theme remains clear: the automotive industry is poised for growth through technology adaptation and strategic partnerships. As Shane Born perfectly encapsulates, success in this field "comes down to consistent execution of your strategic vision," underscoring the importance of aligning technology with well-defined dealership goals. With ProMax's open API and partnership with AI leaders like Impel, NCC ensures they are not just evolving alongside industry changes, but leading the charge toward a more integrated and customer-focused sales experience. In the ever-evolving automotive market, insights from such discussions are invaluable, paving the way for dealerships to not only keep pace but thrive in an exciting era of digital transformation.     Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Credit-Driven Retailing - NCC delivers industry-best credit-driven retailing for auto dealerships, combining a powerful credit and compliance engine and fully integrated CRM/Desking platform for maximum profitability.   Complete CRM: Complete CRM is a streamlined, all-in-one system that simplifies your dealership software and processes so you can manage every aspect of your operation with ease; from tracking and following up on leads, desking deals, managing inventory, marketing to your customers, and more.   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   NCC: Powered by proprietary solutions such as Intelligent Credit Engine™ and LenderSelect™, NCC transforms the car-buying experience for dealers and their customers. From compliance and lender selection to CRM and desking, to marketing and data mining—NCC integrates them all in a single, seamless platform to deliver better customer experiences, maximum efficiency and maximum profit.   Complete CRM: As an innovative leader in the industry for the last 30 years, Complete CRM is designed to give your dealership the competitive edge in a demanding marketplace. Powered by Complete Credit™ and award-winning desking, Complete CRM™ is the industry's only credit and compliance-enabled CRM that lets dealers achieve maximum profitability on every deal. Built on modern technology, Complete CRM seamlessly integrates credit, compliance, inventory, data mining, lead generation, enterprise functionality, and customized reporting in one tool with a single login.   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!