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Today I'm joined by Nathan Shaver, Managing Partner, Shaver Auto Group. We dig into why fixed operations have become the most reliable growth engine for dealerships, what it actually took to triple service gross in 18 months, and where dealers are still leaving money on the table. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Lotlinx - What if ChatGPT actually spoke dealer? Meet LotGPT — the first AI chatbot built just for car dealers. Fluent in your market, your dealership, and your inventory, LotGPT delivers instant insights to help you merchandise smarter, move inventory faster, and maximize profit. It pulls from your live inventory, CRM, and Google Analytics to give VIN-specific recommendations, helping dealers price vehicles accurately, spot wasted spend, and uncover the hottest opportunities — all in seconds. LotGPT is free for dealers, but invite-only. Join the waitlist now @ http://Lotlinx.com/LotGPT 2. Ikon Technologies - Ikon Technologies delivers a connected vehicle program for dealers that maximizes Customer Lifetime Value by driving sales efficiency and securing non-cancellable PVR on your front end while delivering an average of 50 additional customer-pay ROs every single month for your service bays. At NADA 2026 in Las Vegas, visit Stand 1763 West to see the benefits for yourself and take your chance to roll the dice to win a Rolls-Royce (terms and conditions apply; no purchase necessary). Plus, as an exclusive offer for listeners, mention “Car Dealership Guy” when you sign up at NADA to have your entire initial installation fee waived—book your demo today @ http://ikontechnologies.com/CDG 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. Meanwhile, the store down the street is racking up millions of views and selling / buying cars using video. That's where Nomad Content Studio comes in. We train your own videographer, direct what to shoot, and handle strategy, to posting, to feedback. Want in with the team behind George Saliba, EV Auto, and top auto groups? Book a call @ http://www.trynomad.co Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 02:39 How did family business shape Nathan? 07:18 Biggest challenge and success in fixed ops? 11:26 Best strategy for customer retention? 25:56 Biggest challenge in used car market? 36:42 Final piece of advice? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Don Hall, President and CEO of Virginia Automobile Dealers Association Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners This episode is brought to you by: Impel – Impel's Service AI with Voice AI changes that with proactive, VIN-specific outreach based on individual driving behavior, missed call capture, and instant appointment scheduling by text and email. Advisors stay focused on the drive. Customers get fast, personalized service. One complete platform. No missed moments. No missed revenue. Visit https://carguymedia.com/4pXVx0x to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Russell B. Hill has an incredible, inspirational story and we've spent the last few years putting it into a memoir. We plan to publish it in 2026! Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Big year. Big problems. But automotive? Unshakable. No matter what happens: tariffs, outages, politics, people still buy cars and dealerships still services them.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Today I'm joined by Jared Priestner, CEO of Go Auto. Jared breaks down why Go Auto is expanding aggressively into the U.S., how concentration risk in Western Canada shaped that move, and what it takes to scale culture across borders. We talk financial discipline, acquisition integration, and why used cars remain one of the biggest profit unlocks for dealers willing to operate differently. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Ikon Technologies - Ikon Technologies delivers a connected vehicle program for dealers that maximizes Customer Lifetime Value by driving sales efficiency and securing non-cancellable PVR on your front end while delivering an average of 50 additional customer-pay ROs every single month for your service bays. At NADA 2026 in Las Vegas, visit Stand 1763 West to see the benefits for yourself and take your chance to roll the dice to win a Rolls Royce (terms and conditions apply; no purchase necessary). Plus, as an exclusive offer for listeners, mention “Car Dealership Guy” when you sign up at NADA to have your entire initial installation fee waived—book your demo today @ http://www.ikontechnologies.com/CDG 2. PayJunction - For a limited time, PayJunction is giving dealers one free month (with up to $10,000 in non-credit processing fees back) when you activate and use SmartSurcharge. Claim your free month @ https://carguymedia.com/4p2LzcS 3. CDG Recruiting – Hire top dealership talent, fast. From sales managers to GMs and C-suite execs, we've placed over 1,000 roles across auto retail. Ready to scale without the hassle? Visit @ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com to get started. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:07 Strategy for US market expansion? 01:51 How did Jared's early career shape him? 06:33 Key to strategic evolution and growth? 13:18 What defines the company's culture? 26:51 How do team dynamics impact customers? 27:54 How to balance profit and experience? 29:21 Best integration strategy for new acquisitions? 32:29 Why sell your store to this company? 37:07 Future vision and growth strategy? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
AI made up a fact that Russell was a murderer. Seriously. He corrected it, but let this be your reminder: AI can hallucinate big time.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Is your business built to survive the holidays, or are you just hoping for the best?In this episode of Off The Clock, Shawn and Marshall strip away the holiday veneer to have a raw conversation about the state of the industry. From the nostalgia of Christmas past to the cold reality of dealership contracts, we explore why "relationships" are the only currency that matters in 2026.We also dive deep into the psychology of competition—why trash talk is necessary, how to weaponize criticism to fuel your growth, and why your "haters" are actually your biggest marketing asset. Finally, we look at the future: how AI is changing the game for content creation and why refusing to adapt is a death sentence for your brand.In this episode, we cover:The Dealership Dynamic: Why they undervalue detailers and how to fix it.Weaponizing Criticism: Why you should love your haters (and how to use them).The AI Pivot: How to use Artificial Intelligence to clone yourself and scale.The Holiday Hustle: Balancing family traditions with end-of-year business survival.Listen now to future-proof your mindset for the New Year.
AI can sound very confident and still be wrong. Use it as an assistant that you're onboarding, not a final solution. Always double check the facts before you act on them.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Welcome to Industry Spotlight—a focused series hosted by Sam D'Arc, highlighting standout dealerships and innovative companies, and exploring the trends driving success in today's automotive market. Today, Sam sits down with Dorian Jimenez, Owner-Dealer Operator of Classic Chevrolet OKC, and Chuck Stilwill, EVP of Ikon Technologies. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Ikon Technologies: 1. Ikon Technologies - Ikon Technologies delivers a connected vehicle program for dealers that maximizes Customer Lifetime Value by driving sales efficiency and securing non-cancellable PVR on your front end while delivering an average of 50 additional customer-pay ROs every single month for your service bays. At NADA 2026 in Las Vegas, visit Stand 1763 West to see the benefits for yourself and take your chance to roll the dice to win a Rolls-Royce (terms and conditions apply; no purchase necessary). Plus, as an exclusive offer for listeners, mention “Car Dealership Guy” when you sign up at NADA to have your entire initial installation fee waived—book your demo today at http://www.ikontechnologies.com/CDG Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:47 Dorian's journey from GSM to owner? 02:34 Biggest theft challenge at Chevy store? 03:39 Sting operation against drug cartel? 08:57 Best practices for protecting inventory? 19:36 How battery monitoring helps dealers? 20:14 Speed alerts improve customer compliance? 22:01 Insurance benefits of speed policies? 22:57 Using customer data for upsells? 25:21 Key dealer benefit of connected data? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Creative Video for Your Dealership Pt 2 | The Podcast for Used Car Dealers S4 E90Even more creative ways to use video for your dealership! The age of video is upon us. It has been for a while, and thus, your videos need to stand out in a crowd! What are some ways to do this you ask? Watch this episode for our thoughts on the subject, and then tell us about your ideas in the comments! Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Down Payment now! Visit all our sites at:YouTube - @DownPaymentPodcastYouTube - @cardealeru5061X - @DownPaymentPodInstagram - @DownPaymentPodcastDon't forget to like and subscribe! #carsales #usedcar #usedcarsforsale ##autosales #automobile #auto #cardealer #cardealership #preownedcar #secondhandcar #buyherepayhere #managmenttraining #manager #managertraining #denver
AI is powerful, but it's not perfect. Don't treat every output as absolute truth. Do your research, stay curious, and remember: there are no real AI experts yet, especially AI itself! Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Today's show features: - Karianne Thomas, Director of Security at Zeigler Auto Group - Brad Wise, Executive Manager at Ferman Chevrolet Mazda This episode is brought to you by: KPA – The 700Credit data breach has triggered FTC Safeguards Rule obligations and state notification requirements that dealers must act on immediately. Non-compliance means regulatory penalties, legal liability, and reputational damage. KPA's VP of Compliance Adam Crowell and 700Credit's Ken Hill reveal what regulators expect, your notification deadlines, and how to avoid enforcement action. Don't wait until auditors come knocking—get the compliance guidance you need to protect your dealership from this breach fallout. Watch the webinar here: https://webinars.on24.com/kpa/CDG2025 Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
2025 is nearly over, and that means the WTF?! Christmas Special is here! We want to say thank you to our community, our loyal audience, and everyone who has shared this journey with us throughout the year.In this episode, we look back at the major events that shaped the automotive industry in 2025. We talk about what we learned, the obstacles the industry faced, and some of the most impactful conversations we had on the show. We also dive into the rapid rise of AI, its flaws, and a few unforgettable moments, including the time AI described Russell as a murderer! We revisit our favorite guest conversations and the lessons they brought with them. We talk honestly about the challenges the industry dealt with this year, and we reflect on some of the most inspiring personal stories we heard, stories of people in automotive who have overcome poverty, addiction, and adversity to build successful and meaningful careers.And we have a special announcement. We're finally nearing completion on a project we've been working on for a long time, and we're excited to share that it's expected to be finished in 2026!As we close out the year, join us for a thoughtful, honest, and entertaining wrap-up of 2025 and come along as we look ahead to what's coming in 2026.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Today I'm joined by Chase Abbott, VP of Sales at Cox Automotive. We break down how AI, data, and connected technology are reshaping dealership operations, customer experience, and competitive strategy. Chase explains where dealers are falling behind, why ecosystem-level integration matters, and how to overcome resistance to new tools. Reach out to Chase directly here: chase.abbott@coxautoinc.com 913 624 4963 This episode is brought to you by: 1. AFSA - Get Revv'd Up for the Ultimate Vehicle Finance Event of 2026. February 3rd to 5th, 2026 | Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. The vehicle finance industry is evolving at breakneck speed. Are you ready to accelerate ahead of the competition? Join hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers at the 2026 American Financial Services Association Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo—the must-attend event where cutting-edge insights, powerful connections, and game-changing strategies converge under one roof. World-Class Keynote speakers who inspire action, and sessions that put vehicle finance insights into overdrive. Secure your spot today at http://vf-conference.afsaonline.org The 2026 AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo – Where the Leaders in Vehicle Finance Accelerate to Success 2. PayJunction - Outdated payment systems, rising fees, and complex reporting shouldn't stand in the way of your dealership's success. That's why dealers are switching to PayJunction, the industry leading tech to help auto retailers optimize rate structures and even enable surcharging. Ready to see how much you could be saving? The first 10 people who book a demo will receive a $100 Visa gift card from us just for showing up. Book a call with a PayJunction expert today: Visit @ https://www2.payjunction.com/car-dealership-guy 3. Cox Automotive - Discover what's driving improved customer experiences—and dealership results. Download the Drivers of Shopper Satisfaction ebook from Cox Automotive today @ https://carguymedia.com/464vOfw Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 03:31 Biggest dealer challenge: affordability or staffing? 06:28 Why use integrated dealership tools? 12:38 How does AI provide predictive insights? 21:06 How to overcome AI adoption resistance? 23:13 Best strategy for implementing AI? 32:34 Future of AI in auto Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Too much to list in here, but THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT is in this episode! Daddy's tacos, Spectrum sucks, GMC service writers, the crew that helped move storage containers..... and more...
Make your dealership stand out with creative video!| The Podcast for Used Car Dealers S4 E89The age of video is upon us. It has been for a while, and thus, your videos need to stand out in a crowd! What are some ways to do this you ask? Watch this episode for our thoughts on the subject, and then tell us about your ideas in the comments! Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Down Payment now! Visit all our sites at:YouTube - @DownPaymentPodcastYouTube - @cardealeru5061X - @DownPaymentPodInstagram - @DownPaymentPodcastDon't forget to like and subscribe! #carsales #usedcar #usedcarsforsale ##autosales #automobile #auto #cardealer #cardealership #preownedcar #secondhandcar #buyherepayhere #managmenttraining #manager #managertraining #denver
Scott Armstrong doesn't earn a dollar unless he saves you money or brings new revenue into your dealership. His approach is simple: real partnership over transactional vendor relationships. When you win, he wins and that's the foundation of every engagement he takes on.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Ujj Nath, Co-Founder & CEO of MyKaarma walks us through the messy, glorious work of building dealer software. The late nights, the dealer-floor immersion, the hard lessons learned from Toyota's Genchi Genbutsu, and the relentless grind that turns a consulting gig into a product powering billions in payments. We dig into real dealer stories (Norm Reeves, Volkswagen, Mercedes), early product wins (text + call on one local number, mobile checkout), brutal setbacks, and how staying "in the trenches" shaped a product that dealers actually use. If you build training from being on the store floor, this episode will hit home: product decisions come from watching customers, asking better questions, and surviving the chaos! Truly inspirational and exciting to hear how some of the dealerships greatest tools were born! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon Jr., legendary drag racers, join us to share their paths in racing and how they're helping inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and technicians. During the episode, Steve and Larry share their racing journeys, why everyone in life needs mentors, and how the BAT-man Scholarship supports future technicians.Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!About the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuests: Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon Jr.Links & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listBAT-Man Scholarship ProgramAbout WrenchWay:For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Loyalty reward programs in automotive are overdue for modernization. Drawing from his experience in the fuel industry, a space that perfected customer loyalty, Scott Armstrong explains how dealerships can build reward programs that truly drive retention and repeat business.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Today I'm joined by Scott Simons, Dealer Principle of Simons Chevrolet GMC. Scott breaks down the leap from corporate leadership to dealership ownership — the money discipline, personal brand, and network it actually takes. He lays out the unexpected challenges of buying his first store, how he navigated a sub-$10M investment, and why adaptability became his biggest edge. Dealers will walk away with clear, tactical insights on evaluating opportunities, managing risk, and jump-starting early growth. This episode is brought to you by: 1. vAuto - Join us at the Cox Automotive Village during NADA. See the latest vAuto innovations and talk to our experts. Reserve your spot now at https://www.coxautoinc.com/nada/vauto. Don't miss it—your next big advantage starts here. Visit @ https://www.coxautoinc.com/nada/vauto 2. Lotlinx - What if ChatGPT actually spoke dealer? Meet LotGPT — the first AI chatbot built just for car dealers. Fluent in your market, your dealership, and your inventory, LotGPT delivers instant insights to help you merchandise smarter, move inventory faster, and maximize profit. It pulls from your live inventory, CRM, and Google Analytics to give VIN-specific recommendations, helping dealers price vehicles accurately, spot wasted spend, and uncover the hottest opportunities — all in seconds. LotGPT is free for dealers, but invite-only. Join the waitlist now @ http://www.Lotlinx.com/LotGPT 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. Meanwhile, the store down the street is racking up millions of views and selling / buying cars using video. That's where Nomad Content Studio comes in. We train your own videographer, direct what to shoot, and handle strategy, to posting, to feedback. Want in with the team behind George Saliba, EV Auto, and top auto groups? Book a call @ http://www.trynomad.co Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 03:10 Key to acquiring the dealership? 06:24 How does family drive your motivation? 11:42 Biggest operational challenge and strategy? 14:13 Most crucial vendor relationship lesson? 24:59 Securing OEM approval: hardest part? 28:42 How to build a strong team? 29:52 How does networking drive career growth? 49:27 What is your ultimate legacy goal? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
AI isn't coming to the car business.It's already here, and it's influencing who customers buy from before your team ever speaks to them.In this episode of The Get More Frank Podcast, I bring you Episode 20 of Follow The Money, featuring Amie Lindaas, Director of Research & Insights at Cars.com. We break down brand-new consumer research that reveals how car shoppers are actually using AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and marketplace AI during the vehicle buying process.This is not a theory episode. This is data, behavior, and reality.Here's what the research confirms.Nearly every car shopper is aware of AI. The majority have already used it. Almost half are actively using AI while shopping for a car. And 97 percent of AI users say it influenced the vehicle they ultimately purchased. That means opinions are being formed earlier, preferences are being shaped faster, and tolerance for friction is lower than ever.We unpack how shoppers are using AI to compare vehicles, research pricing, locate inventory, and narrow down choices long before they ever submit a lead or walk into a dealership. We also dig into where AI stops being trusted and where human interaction still matters most, especially around trade-ins, financing, negotiation, and final purchase decisions.This episode matters if you care about car sales, dealership marketing, lead quality, reputation, customer trust, and staying relevant in modern automotive retail.We also tackle the biggest misconception dealers have about AI. AI is not replacing salespeople. It's replacing outdated thinking, inconsistent data, and weak messaging. Dealers who align their inventory, pricing, and online presence with what AI-powered shoppers are seeing will win. Dealers who ignore it will lose customers before those customers ever show up in their CRM.I'm Frank J. Lopes, President of Strong30 Automotive, where we help dealerships grow through smarter marketing, advertising, sales strategy, and training. This podcast exists for one reason: to give dealers, managers, and sales professionals the truth about what's really driving results in the car business.If you want to understand how buying decisions are being made today, not how they were made five years ago, this episode is required listening.Because in today's car business, perception is shaped before the first conversation.And if you want to win, you have to understand where that perception comes from.It's time to Follow The Money.
Kevin Timson talks with Mercer Capital's David Harkins, who shares insights into automotive dealership valuation. The discussion highlights (1) the importance of understanding value drivers like brand, real estate and fixed operations (2) the wealth of insights found in factory financial statements and (3) the impact of local market dynamics on dealership valuations. David also emphasizes focusing on controllable factors, the significance of good valuations on succession planning and the challenges posed by current economic conditions in understanding how valuations will increase over the next several years.
The volatility of cryptocurrency can make dealers hesitant to accept it as payment. Scott Armstrong breaks down how to remove the fear, reduce the risk, and safely integrate crypto into your dealership's payment options.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
How AI and Digital Transformation Are Reshaping Heavy Equipment Dealerships with Vikram SavkarIn this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Vikram Savkar, CEO of VitalEdge Technologies, about how AI, ERP systems, and digital transformation are redefining heavy equipment dealerships across agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, and material handling. Vikram shares how industry-specific ERP platforms create operational leverage in a margin-sensitive environment and explains why incremental efficiency gains often produce the greatest competitive advantage. This blog captures the most important insights from their conversation, offering a clear roadmap for dealership leaders navigating modernization and AI adoption.Why Industry-Specific ERP and AI Matter in Heavy Equipment DealershipsVikram explains that heavy equipment dealerships operate in a uniquely complex environment, where individual assets can cost hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars and where service, inventory, finance, and field operations must function in perfect coordination. Generic ERP platforms often fall short because they are not built to handle equipment lifecycles, parts logistics, mobile technicians, or industry-specific workflows. Purpose-built ERP systems allow dealerships to gain visibility across operations, reduce inefficiencies, and make better decisions faster.Digital transformation, Vikram notes, is not about sweeping disruption but about stacking small operational improvements that compound over time. Faster service response, tighter inventory management, and improved procurement workflows can significantly impact cash flow and customer satisfaction. In industries where margins are tight, these “game-of-inches” improvements often determine long-term success.AI further accelerates this transformation by enabling predictive maintenance, smarter inventory forecasting, and deeper customer insights. Through VitalEdge AI Labs, Vikram and his team collaborate directly with dealers to prototype AI solutions that integrate seamlessly into real-world workflows. Rather than deploying AI for novelty, the focus remains on measurable outcomes—reduced downtime, improved uptime, and data-driven decision-making that scales with the business.About Vikram SavkarVikram Savkar is the CEO of VitalEdge Technologies, where he leads innovation in ERP and AI solutions purpose-built for heavy equipment dealerships. With deep expertise in enterprise software and industry-specific transformation, Vikram focuses on helping dealers improve operational efficiency, embrace digital modernization, and gain sustainable competitive advantage. Connect with Vikram on LinkedIn.About VitalEdge TechnologiesVitalEdge Technologies provides industry-specific ERP solutions designed exclusively for heavy equipment dealerships across agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, and material handling. The platform integrates finance, inventory, service, CRM, mobile field operations, business intelligence, and AI-driven insights into a unified system. Learn more at vitaledge.com.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeVitalEdge Technologies WebsiteVikram Savkar on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsWhy heavy equipment dealerships require industry-specific ERP systemsHow...
Surcharges, upsells, debit card fees - processors love them, but they rarely benefit the dealership or the customer. Scott Armstrong breaks down why these fees are pushed so hard and what you can do to protect your profitability and your customers.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Nickel-and-dime upsells are costing you trust and revenue. Scott Armstrong breaks down how to NOT rub your customers the wrong way!Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Today I'm joined by Marcello Sciarrino, Co-Owner Island Auto Group. We unpack how family-owned dealerships can stand out against national groups, why transparency matters now more than ever, and the biggest fixed ops opportunities in today's market. We also get into service retention, culture, and why Toyota's hybrid strategy is paying off while others chase EVs. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Overfuel - Overfuel is the new technical standard in automotive websites, proven to grow sales by 30%+. Whether you need more revenue or better support, they've got you covered. Visit @ http://overfuel.com and enter code CDG500 to get $500 OFF a new website. 2. CDK Global - Dealers—big news. CDK just leveled up their CRM in a massive way. We're talking next-gen AI baked right into your daily workflow: Automatically following up with internet leads, surfacing buyer insights, and giving you instant AI-generated summaries of every customer interaction—no more digging through notes. And CRM Video is here. Record, send, and track personalized videos to customers—all inside the CRM. Check out the AI enhanced CDK CRM @ https://carguymedia.com/4px5cLv 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. Meanwhile, the store down the street is racking up millions of views and selling / buying cars using video. That's where Nomad Content Studio comes in. We train your own videographer, direct what to shoot, and handle strategy, to posting, to feedback. Want in with the team behind George Saliba, EV Auto, and top auto groups? Book a call at http://www.trynomad.co Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:31 What is the community connection? 02:30 How did Marcello enter auto industry? 03:41 Building a successful auto career how? 06:22 Biggest industry challenge and change? 12:17 Modern work-life balance expectations? 20:40 Key insight on OEM relationships? 26:03 How do brokers impact business? 29:50 Most innovative service department change? 35:38 How to create sales transparency? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Carvana and Amazon mastered one-click buying and the auto industry is next. Scott Armstrong explains what this shift means for dealers.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Crain's commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to discuss recent retail news, including Rivian's planned dealership in Northbrook, Culver's coming to the South Loop and Stratford Square Mall's revamp.Plus: Judge rules Cook County's tax sale system unconstitutional, holiday spending slowdown squeezes smaller Chicago shops, American Airlines is picking up more O'Hare gates from Spirit and details emerge about the Gibson's spot opening in Fulton Market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Lew Olivier, Director of Outreach at the MN State Transportation Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss growing the next generation of technicians. Lew explains how events like Nitro-X spark student interest in technical careers, what shops can do as a first step to get involved with schools, and how small actions today can have a lasting impact on the technician workforce.Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!About the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Lew Olivier, MN State Transportation Center of Excellence, llewellyn.olivier@dctc.eduLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listNitro-X Summer CampsInvesting in the Future: Measuring Employer ROI in Early Talent DevelopmentAbout WrenchWay:For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
High surcharges can push customers away fast. Scott Armstrong explains why today's choices might come back to haunt dealerships in five years.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Today I'm joined by Mark Altieri, EVP of Business Development at Zonic Design. We break down why fixed ops is still the most under-leveraged profit center in dealerships—and how communication gaps are quietly eroding customer loyalty. Mark explains how AI is reshaping customer engagement, why half of a dealership's DMS often sits untouched, and what operators can do to immediately improve retention. Clear takeaways, practical frameworks, and fast-changing tech insights make this a must-listen for every dealer. Have questions about how Zonic Design can help your service operations, reach out to Mark directly at mark@zonicdesign.com or find him on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/maltieri/ This episode is brought to you by: 1. Repair360 - If you're in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check out Repair360—the first and only reconditioning software that connects every function in the dealership to tighten recon and help you sell more cars — No more hounding vendors. Goodbye endless texts and hallway chases. Repair 360 connects all the dots. See where every car is and what its recon is costing minute-to-minute in real time. Go to www.repair360.com 2. fullthrottle.ai® - fullthrottle.ai® is a next-generation AdTech powerhouse. The Automotive DSP™ is built specifically for the auto industry, combining advanced programmatic targeting, real-time bidding, and analytics tailored to drive dealership and OEM performance. With fullthrottle.ai®, marketers can reach the right car shoppers at the right moment and optimize toward real business outcomes like test drives, leads, or sales. fullthrottle.ai® bridges the gap between auto media buying and results-driven marketing. Check out http://fullthrottle.ai 3. Zonic Design - 28 years providing direct to dealer fixed operations solutions. Data • Print • Digital • Voice • AI, Removing the noise in pursuit of frictionless customer engagement. Learn more about BDC-Angel at https://zonicdesign.com Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:06 Why are fixed ops so important? 00:28 What's the first impression in service? 02:38 Biggest challenge and opportunity in fixed ops? 06:10 How to improve dealership communication? 08:24 How can AI help service departments? 21:50 Tailoring communication strategies for different customers? 28:37 Final piece of advice for fixed ops? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
In this episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean V. Bradley sits down with longtime industry strategist Troy Spring to discuss the evolving state of automotive advertising. With nearly four decades in the business, Troy brings a perspective shaped by experience, data, and a deep understanding of what truly moves the needle for dealerships! "I've never seen anything work better than direct mail ever." - Troy Spring From traditional marketing channels to modern digital ecosystems, the conversation explores how dealers think about their market, their budget, and the strategies that shape their advertising decisions. Sean and Troy examine the realities dealerships face today, from vendor relationships to the role of in-house marketing leadership, and why understanding your market is more important now than ever! "It's a chess match. It's not just advertising. It's about looking at everything holistically." - Troy Spring This episode challenges assumptions, reframes how dealers view their advertising spend, and offers a candid look at the mindset needed to succeed in a competitive landscape. If you're a Dealer, General Manager, marketing manager, or anyone responsible for driving traffic and generating opportunities… this is a conversation you'll want to hear firsthand! Tune in to learn how top operators are rethinking their advertising journey, and why the next evolution of automotive marketing starts with clarity, strategy, and control! Key Takeaways: ✅ Direct mail remains one of the most effective traditional advertising methods for car dealerships, often outperforming digital strategies. ✅ To optimize marketing spend, dealers need to focus on their immediate market area before expanding efforts to broader markets. ✅ Understanding and calculating the true cost-per-sale involves more than just the simple division of ad spend by cars sold. ✅ Dealerships should ensure their marketing managers have both automotive sales experience and technical knowledge in digital marketing certifications. ✅ Successful dealer strategies often include a mix of both traditional and digital marketing methods, customized to their specific market needs. About Troy Spring Troy Spring, Co-founder of Dealer World, is an automotive industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience! He sold his first car at the age of 18 and rose quickly within the ranks to manage dealerships, including leading a four-store group as a platform manager. In 2009, Troy founded Dealer World, a boutique advertising agency specializing in driving traffic and sales strategy for car dealerships. He later co-founded Dealer Funnel, focusing on nurturing leads for better conversion rates. Known for his innovative approach and in-depth understanding of both traditional and digital automotive marketing, Troy is highly respected in the industry! Disrupting Auto Dealership Strategies: Insights from Industry Experts Key Takeaways Dealers must focus on securing their local market before venturing into new territories to maximize profitability. A holistically-managed marketing plan, customizable per dealership's needs, outperforms cookie-cutter OEM vendor solutions. Successful dealership marketing relies on understanding both traditional and digital advertising fundamentals. The Importance of Protecting Your Primary Market Area (PMA) In the fast-paced world of automotive dealerships, focusing on expansion without reinforcing the existing customer base can be a recipe for inefficiency. Sean V. Bradley, president of Dealer Synergy, suggests a foundational strategy: focus on protecting your primary market area first. Bradley asserts that many dealers overlook the rich opportunities available locally. "It's interesting," Bradley remarks, "we'll sit with a dealer, and they'll say, 'I got to go after XYZ down the street,' when they should be protecting their backyard first." This discussion highlights that the inclination to conquest rather than consolidate can lead to a dilute marketing focus. The result? Dealers potentially miss out on higher return-on-investment (ROI) opportunities domestically. Bradley's recommendation to analyze the pump-in, pump-out report is a strategic reminder to first solidify one's standing locally. This approach not only optimizes ROI but also reduces advertising costs associated with pursuing less familiar, distant markets. Taking Bradley's advice to heart, a dealership can enjoy the double benefit of deepening customer loyalty while also enhancing word-of-mouth marketing locally. Through focusing efforts on holding on to current clientele before aggressively targeting competitors', dealerships can achieve a more sustainable, profitable growth model. Crafting a Custom Marketing Strategy: Beyond OEM and Vendor Scripts Both Bradley and Troy Spring, founder of Dealer World, make compelling cases against the dependency on prescribed OEM and vendor-driven tactics. Amid the rising challenges facing automotive dealerships, they argue for a bespoke marketing strategy that's adaptable to each dealership's unique environment. Spring states, "You have to be with someone who can think holistically because if you're on with linear OEM vendors, you're just gonna get told why you should continue to do more and more of what it is that they sell." Such insights underscore the limitations of formulaic marketing solutions. While OEMs often push for uniformity—to simplify their nationwide branding and operations—dealerships must vigilantly evaluate these suggestions. Bradley underscores a critical point, proposing that dealers risk spending thousands unnecessarily on ineffective lead generation strategies because they blindly follow OEM guidance. The conversation dives into the economics of advertising. Bradley shared, "I've got a dealer group spending $70,000 on a splash page generating just a few hundred leads each month." This statistic serves as a caution against the pitfalls of not closely scrutinizing advertising expenditures versus results. It's essential for dealerships to cultivate an advertising strategy where each segment, from pay-per-click (PPC) to SEO and database marketing, functions as an integrated system rather than disparate efforts. This avoids the trap of bloated expenses disguised within bundled packages, which can negate perceived savings with reduced effectiveness. Bridging Traditional and Digital Advertising for Maximum Impact The discussion also delves into appreciating the coexistence of traditional and digital advertising within dealership marketing, which offers a nuanced approach to driving traffic. One standout revelation from Troy Spring? The effectiveness of direct mail. Although often regarded as an antiquated medium, Spring asserts, "Nothing has ever worked better than direct mail." It's a thought-provoking declaration in an era rich with digital solutions. Contrary to perceived obsolescence, traditional methods such as direct mail remain relevant, especially when optimized with the latest data analytics techniques. Properly targeted, a traditional medium can reach high potential customers directly and personally. Given the inundation of digital ads, a physical piece of mail stands out, often carrying more weight. Spring further suggests that while digital tools, like social media and search engine marketing (SEM), play critical roles in modern strategies, their effectiveness hinges heavily on their synergy with traditional advertising channels. These multifaceted campaigns leverage the strengths of both domains—ability to track and personalize digital ads with the tangible and trust-building potential of offline methods. Emphasizing on integrative approaches that couple interactive digital platforms with traditional media allows dealerships to engage in comprehensive advertising strategies personalized to consumer behavior trends. Through harmonizing these forces, a dealership's presence is effectively cemented in the market, leveraging the best aspects of each medium. A Synthesis of Strategy and Practice The insights shared by Sean V. Bradley and Troy Spring showcase a wealth of expertise in crafting dealership marketing strategies that balance innovative thinking with foundational business tenets. As dealerships navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving industry landscape, these professionals emphasize the necessity for both strategic foresight and a command over advertising mechanics. Essentially, the most adept dealerships will be those that recognize the imperative to protect their primary markets while scaling responsibly. They explore bespoke advertising solutions beyond OEM packages, integrating digital dexterity with traditional marketing. Each dollar spent should be scrutinized for its ROI, as the measure of an effective advertisement goes beyond impressions or clicks to the tangible growth it champions for the dealership. In an industry as competitive as automotive sales, this layered, integrated approach becomes the solutions beacon through transformative, modern advertising challenges. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
Scott Armstrong explains the actual mechanisms processors use to "lower your costs" and why it's ultimately terrible for building lasting relationships with clients.Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless. Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
Part 1 of Jen Suzuki's 4-part mini-series for dealership leaders: a fast, repeatable coaching framework to level up your team one short session at a time. In this episode Jen breaks down a 10–15 minute training format she uses in-store and at NADA Academy — how to open sharp, teach one skill in 60–90 seconds, demonstrate it under 3 minutes, then put reps into quick application with immediate feedback. No boring slides, no long lectures — just focused micro-coaching that builds skill, accountability, and energy. Perfect for GMs, service managers, BDC leads and anyone who wants a simple daily rhythm to raise performance and keep teams engaged. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
I talk a about my show notes on Twitter, car dealerships losing money, and shadow boxing in reverse. Cheers!
Welcome to Industry Spotlight—a focused series hosted by Sam D'Arc, highlighting standout dealerships and innovative companies, and exploring the trends driving success in today's automotive market. Today, Sam sits down with Jeremy Nowling, Sales and Digital Retailing Director at Rohrman Auto Group, and Matt Muilenburg, Chief Product Officer of Impel. This episode is brought to you by Impel: Impel - Meet the AI Operating System built for a new era of automotive retailing. From CRM to service bay, from website to DMS, it unifies and orchestrates every part of your dealership operations—and your customer lifecycle. Visit @ http://impel.ai and and discover how Impel AI turns routine interactions into VIP experiences. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:45 What do customers expect from dealerships now? 02:01 How is AI changing modern dealerships? 04:32 How did dealerships operate before AI? 05:53 How to implement AI for leads? 07:30 How to customize AI for engagement? 11:14 Why must dealers engage with AI? 14:24 How to train staff on AI? 20:28 What is AI's future in dealerships? 31:56 Final advice for AI adoption? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today I'm joined by Todd Blue, Dealer Principal of Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona and CEO of LAPIS. We break down how luxury dealerships can truly differentiate in a crowded market and why direct customer engagement still drives outsized loyalty. Todd opens up about leverage, market cycles, and why he exited his business at its peak. We also explore what it really takes to elevate underperforming stores and thrive even when the economy turns. This episode is brought to you by: 1. fullthrottle.ai® - fullthrottle.ai® is a next-generation AdTech powerhouse. The Automotive DSP™ is built specifically for the auto industry, combining advanced programmatic targeting, real-time bidding, and analytics tailored to drive dealership and OEM performance. With fullthrottle.ai®, marketers can reach the right car shoppers at the right moment and optimize toward real business outcomes like test drives, leads, or sales. fullthrottle.ai® bridges the gap between auto media buying and results-driven marketing. Check out http://fullthrottle.ai 2. Uber for Business - With Central, you can request a ride on behalf of your customers even if they don't have the Uber app. If you're ready to reduce the costs associated with maintaining shuttles and limit the liability of loaner vehicles, it's time to partner with Uber. Visit @ http://t.uber.com/CDGauto today 3. CDG Circles - A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit @ https://cdgcircles.com to learn more. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:15 How did Todd Blue's early life shape him? 00:41 Vanity plates: funniest or most memorable? 02:57 Why re-enter the car business? 13:54 Key to building a luxury empire? 20:22 How to handle ultra-wealthy clients? 25:03 Delivering a premium experience: how? 28:52 Secret to building a successful team? 32:29 Why sell a successful business? 46:35 Navigating economic uncertainty: best strategy? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
What does it take to build a thriving buy-here-pay-here dealership from scratch?Join us as we sit down with Darla Booher—2002 startup founder, National Quality Dealer Award winner, and incoming NIADA President. Discover her incredible 20-year journey from franchise sales manager to BHPH powerhouse.
Ryan Kooiman, Director of Training at Standard Motor Products, joins us to talk about banding together to raise the professional standards in the repair industry. He covers the balance between technical curiosity and shop profitability, the importance of credentials like ASEs, and why mentorship is better for the industry than making young techs learn “the hard way."Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!About the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Ryan Kooiman, Standard Motor Products, rkooiman@smpsfa.comLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listAbout WrenchWay:For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
LotParty, helping dealerships move around their virtual lot.
Discover why 22% of car buyers are bouncing from your dealership website in seconds—and what to do about it. The LotTalk hosts break down how millennials really shop for cars, why AI optimization is no longer optional, and the inventory mistakes that will destroy your spring selling season. Learn more at www.lottalkpodcast.com
Today I'm joined by Kim Saylor, Senior Director of Product Marketing at CDK Global. We break down why younger customers choose service providers based on online reviews, how AI is reducing wait times in service, and why mobile service is becoming a premium convenience buyers will pay for. Kim also explains how recalls create real service opportunities and how dealers can better educate customers. This conversation is full of actionable strategies for adapting to Gen Z expectations. This episode is brought to you by: 1. OPENLANE - The world's best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ http://openlane.com/cdg 2. vAuto - As the industry's premier provider of end-to-end inventory management solutions, vAuto gives every dealer—from a single point store to the largest groups—the data, insights and tools they need to maximize returns from the new and used vehicle inventory investments. Known for its game-changing inventory management innovations, vAuto provides AI-powered predictive data science to help dealers see their future and consistently make the right, ROI-minded decisions with every vehicle they appraise, acquire, price and retail. Visit @ https://www.vauto.com for more details. 3. CDK Global - Dealers—big news. CDK just leveled up their CRM in a massive way. We're talking next-gen AI baked right into your daily workflow: Automatically following up with internet leads, surfacing buyer insights, and giving you instant AI-generated summaries of every customer interaction—no more digging through notes. And CRM Video is here. Record, send, and track personalized videos to customers—all inside the CRM. Check out the AI enhanced CDK CRM: Visit @ https://www2.cdkglobal.com/l/146251/2025-11-24/3fy2v4 Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:49 The Importance of Fixed Operations 02:37 Service Shopper Study Insights 03:53 Gen Z Loyalty and Communication Preferences 06:48 Mobile Service Trends and Dealer Recommendations 15:28 The Role of AI in Service Departments 25:14 The Impact of Recalls on Dealerships 29:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
In this engaging episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, co-hosted by LA Williams and Tianna Mick, the focus is on the transformative power of video in car sales. Despite LA being unable to see, he passionately advocates for the use of video as a cornerstone strategy in driving sales, highlighting its power to enhance engagement and build trust with customers. Tianna, known for her expertise in personal branding, joins LA in sharing practical insights on incorporating video into daily sales processes to maximize leads, appointments, and sales conversions! "You want people to almost have a deja vu experience when they visit your dealership." - LA Williams The episode dives deep into the fundamental aspects of creating effective sales videos, including the importance of proper setup, consistent backgrounds, and expertly crafted scripts. LA and Tianna stress that video content should be concise, personalized, and built around a clear value proposition to engage prospects effectively. "Making sure you say the customer's name is super important... everybody's favorite word is their name." - Tianna Mick As the conversation unfolds, they provide a robust framework involving key elements like effective lighting, the relevance of a clean camera lens, and the power of personal connection through direct calls to action, all while implementing new technology such as AI in content creation. For the seasoned sales professional and the novice alike, the insights shared in this episode are invaluable for mastering the art of video marketing in the automotive industry! Key Takeaways: ✅ Using video in car sales increases engagement and builds trust faster than text or audio alone. ✅ Maintain consistency and brand recognition in video backgrounds to enhance authenticity and viewer comfort. ✅ Essential elements of a perfect lead video: customer's name, vehicle of interest, value proposition, and call to action. ✅ Embrace AI technology to enhance video content creation efficiently and effectively. ✅ Practice and iteration lead to improvement; start shooting videos to develop skills and reduce hesitation over time. About Tianna 'T Got Your Keys' Mick Tianna Mick, famously known as "T Got Your Keys," is a prominent figure in the automotive sales space! Celebrated as the "Queen of Branding", with an impressive record of selling +20 cars per month while consistently being the #1 Grossing Salesperson at her store and generating her own leads/business through her TGotYourKeys.com Website. Tianna has established herself as a top performer and innovator in car sales strategies, with a special focus on personal branding and digital marketing. Revolutionize Your Dealership with Video Marketing: Insights from the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast Key Takeaways Harness the Power of Video: Video marketing is not just a trend but a necessity in modern car sales, enabling dealerships to create personal connections and reduce the fear of the unknown for customers. Optimize the Basics: Setting up a compelling video involves proper lighting, clear audio, and a consistent, clean background to enhance trust and engagement. Script and Deliver Effectively: Essential elements of a successful video include addressing customers by name, highlighting the vehicle of interest, and concluding with a strong call-to-action. Leverage Video to Establish Trust and Familiarity In the dynamic world of car sales, the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast delves into the transformative potential of video marketing. LA Williams, alongside Tianna Mick, emphasizes the powerful emotional connection videos can establish, setting a dealership apart in a sea of sameness. "You want people to almost have a deja vu experience when they visit your dealership," LA Williams suggests, underscoring how videos can eliminate the fear of the unknown—a significant barrier for potential buyers. The discussion sheds light on how video marketing can simulate a personal interaction, thus building trust faster than written text or static images. With the capability to convey sight, sound, motion, and emotion, videos can significantly enhance customer engagement, making them feel more comfortable and familiar even before stepping into the dealership. Incorporating video tours of your dealership, for example, ensures customers find the environment welcoming and recognizable. Tianna Mick points out, "walk into, like, a courthouse… you're going to be like, where do I go? I'm nervous." This analogy emphasizes how video tours can transform the customer's first visit into a seamless, almost familiar journey. The Essential Setup for Effective Video Marketing Crafting a compelling video requires a foundational setup that pairs well with the content. As expressed in the podcast, without the right tools, even the most well-intentioned videos may fall flat. LA Williams, despite being visually impaired, stresses the importance of proper lighting and camera clarity, demonstrating that the basics of video production are vital regardless of one's abilities. "Top two things for any video… audio, you gotta have good audio, and… good lighting." The podcast highlights that a clean camera lens and a consistent background are understated elements that significantly impact the quality of video marketing. Tiana Mick advises, "making sure you wipe the front and every single one of the lenses in the back," a small yet critical step that improves visual clarity and viewer engagement. Coupled with a customized, dealership-branded backdrop, these elements ensure that each video serves as a professional representation of the brand, significantly enhancing credibility. Moreover, the consistency in video backgrounds, as noted by Tianna, can reinforce brand recognition, much like how viewers associate a television character with their set environment. This aspect ensures that your audience's focus remains on the message rather than potential distractions, amplifying the overall impact. Crafting and Delivering Your Message Creating a successful video is more than just presentation—it's about crafting a powerful message that resonates. Essential to the video strategy discussed in the podcast is the script, especially emphasizing personalization and value-addition. Incorporating the customer's name into the conversation is not merely courteous but strategic. "Everybody's favorite word… is our names," Tianna Mick asserts, highlighting its efficacy in personalizing communication and fostering genuine connections. The video should also clarify the customer's vehicle of interest while subtly integrating the dealership's value proposition. "Providing value and showing why they need to be purchasing with you," says Mick, ensures the video is informative and persuasive. These aspects are crucial in aligning the dealership's offerings with customer needs, driving engagement and conversion. A compelling call-to-action (CTA) concludes each video, guiding prospects toward the next step, whether scheduling a call or visiting the dealership. As LA Williams articulates, a CTA effectively escalates the interaction, encouraging a seamless transition from virtual engagement to in-person attendance. In essence, adopting video marketing as outlined by the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast participants revolutionizes customer interactions, establishing a bridge between the virtual and physical realms of car sales. Employing these strategies fosters enhanced connections, drives customer comfort, and ultimately, amplifies sales success. These insights are indispensable for dealers striving to stand out and thrive in today's competitive environment. By prioritizing video content, dealerships can not only augment their marketing strategies but also cultivate a genuinely engaging customer experience. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
Dealers, Service Managers, and Fixed Ops leaders: Are you frustrated with the direction of our industry? Do you feel like the people responsible for leading automotive into the future are asleep at the wheel? In SDR #335, Chris Collins unleashes one of his most honest, unfiltered rants ever — and it's the conversation the industry needs but refuses to have. If you've ever wondered why training is weak, why profitability is inconsistent, why NADA never changes, why techs aren't improving, why customer retention is declining, and why competitors like Tesla are stealing market share… this episode is a MUST-WATCH. In this episode, Chris and Christian break down the uncomfortable truth: Our industry is crumbling because no one is taking responsibility — not the associations, not the manufacturers, and often not the dealers. This episode exposes what's REALLY broken, and what must happen to save automotive before it's too late. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #DealershipLife #AutomotiveIndustry #ChrisCollins #ServiceDriveRevolution #AutoDealership #ServiceAdvisor #LeadershipDevelopment #NADA #AutomotiveTraining #ShopCulture #DealershipTraining #AutoIndustryProblems
Today I'm joined by President & Dealer Principal at Alpha One Automotive. We break down his jump from a corporate career into dealership ownership, and why social media became one of his strongest tools for credibility and recruiting. Michael also shares why acquiring rooftops is tougher than ever, how rural stores operate differently from metro dealerships, and what it takes to build a culture that actually performs. His perspective on customer segmentation, profitability expectations, and growth models gives dealers a clear look at the realities of operating in today's market. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Foureyes - Foureyes fixes what's underneath —by connecting CRM, inventory, website, and DMS data so it's clean, connected, and flowing. Then all the stuff you've been stacking on top? It finally works. Collect, connect, and put your data to work – visit @ http://www.foureyes.io to learn more 2. AFSA - Get Revv'd Up for the Ultimate Vehicle Finance Event of 2026 February 3rd to 5th, 2026 | Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. The vehicle finance industry is evolving at breakneck speed. Are you ready to accelerate ahead of the competition? Join hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers at the 2026 American Financial Services Association Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo—the must-attend event where cutting-edge insights, powerful connections, and game-changing strategies converge under one roof. World-Class Keynote speakers who inspire action, and sessions that put vehicle finance insights into overdrive. Secure your spot today @ http://vf-conference.afsaonline.org - The 2026 AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo – Where the Leaders in Vehicle Finance Accelerate to Success. 3. CDG Circles - A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit @ https://cdgcircles.com to learn more. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:21 How did Michael enter the auto industry? 01:28 Transitioning to dealership ownership how? 05:03 How social media drives professional growth? 08:49 Biggest challenge in rural dealerships? 17:27 Leadership's role in community impact? 24:21 Are rural dealerships still viable? 25:12 Best growth model for rural stores? 27:55 Transitioning to exotic cars: why? 37:48 Future plans for the business? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Dave Marks, CEO/Founder DSM Auto Family Aladdin Khazravan, Founder of Dealer Cards Catherine York Mace, Manager at Vann York Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don't wait! Head to https://matador.ai/ and book your demo today. Dealer Cards – the direct-mail platform built specifically for dealerships. With Dealer Cards, you can send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, and service reminders — even include brownies — all hands-free and branded for your store. Right now, CDG listeners can get a free sample box with cards and brownies at https://dealercards.com/cdg CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
In this episode of The Almost Amazing Podcast, Jennifer, Justin, and Ashley dive into the latest cultural headlines and their own wild week! Ashley shares the chaotic story of her friend's apartment flooding in the middle of the night, detailing the four-hour ordeal of scooping out dirty water. Then, the hosts tackle a viral topic: Is it embarrassing for an independent woman to have a boyfriend? They debate the changing expectations in modern relationships, the impact of absent fathers, and the low perceived value-add men seem to bring in the secular dating world. The discussion pivots to the spiritual realm, where they talk about the breakdown of the family and how they've had to navigate the struggle between a child's happiness and their spiritual character. Jennifer also recounts a bizarre experience buying a car for her daughter, Olivia, from a mysterious, vacant warehouse-style dealership.
Welcome to Industry Spotlight—a focused series hosted by Sam D'Arc, highlighting standout dealerships and innovative companies, and exploring the trends driving success in today's automotive market. Today, Sam sits down with Kevin Frye, Marketing Director Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, and Paul Nadjarian, Chief Product Officer at CARFAX. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by CARFAX. CARFAX - Here's a reality check: CARFAX data shows that 55% of car buyers won't return to the same dealership for service in year one. That's lost revenue walking out your door. But Carfax Lifetime Dealers don't stop after the sale. They partner with CARFAX to deliver co-branded, VIN-specific service reminders that drive customers back to their service lane. The CARFAX Lifetime program: Give customers the insight they want, earn the loyalty you need. Contact your CARFAX representative today. Learn more at carfax.com/CDG. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 01:27 Why is service retention so critical? 02:34 Biggest customer communication challenge today? 03:10 OEM vs. dealer loyalty: who wins? 05:41 How is Carfax for Life game-changing? 07:52 Using data to boost retention how? 10:42 Future of customer engagement in service? 18:28 Most actionable insight for dealers now? 27:20 AI and data hygiene's role? 35:09 Final advice for improving retention? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Eric Barbosa, VP of Variable Operations at Cavender Auto Group David Steinberg, CEO/Founder of Foureyes Robert Woolsey, Director of Corporate Security at Swickard Group This episode is brought to you by: Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don't wait! Head to https://matador.ai/ and book your demo today. Foureyes – Foureyes fixes what's underneath by connecting CRM, inventory, website, and DMS data so it's clean, connected, and flowing. Then all the stuff you've been stacking on top? It finally works. Collect, connect, and put your data to work – visit https://foureyes.io/ to learn more CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com