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What if the thing you think makes you better at selling is actually costing you deals? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, sales coach and trainer Jen Suzuki breaks down one of the most common habits she sees in dealership training, call recordings, and role plays: salespeople talking too much. A customer walks in and the salesperson immediately starts explaining inventory, incentives, MPG, warranties, pricing, features, colors and specials. It feels productive. It feels like selling. But there's one big problem: you haven't learned anything about the customer yet. The more you talk, the more you guess. I explain why high-performing salespeople don't try to control conversations by filling every second. They lead with curiosity. They ask better questions. They listen for clues. And they're comfortable enough to let silence do some of the work. You'll learn why customers often tell you exactly how to help them, if you give them enough room to talk and why silence after presenting numbers may be one of the most powerful moments in the entire sales process. You'll also hear a simple challenge you can immediately take back to the showroom: after asking a question, wait two seconds longer than feels natural. Because you don't get paid to talk. You get paid to understand. The more you talk, the more you guess. The more you listen, the more you win. When you master that, you stop pushing deals and start guiding decisions. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki brings practical sales, service, leadership and automotive training straight from the dealership floor designed to help automotive professionals grow their skills, confidence and results. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
The first car a customer asks about is rarely the one they actually buy. So why do so many salespeople build the entire opportunity around ONE vehicle? A customer calls about a black Tahoe they found online and immediately the salesperson locks in: availability, price, features, photos, incentives and appointment. Meanwhile, that customer may be looking at multiple vehicles and talking to multiple dealerships. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, automotive sales coach and trainer Jen Suzuki breaks down a strategy she calls EXPAND THE BUY. The goal isn't to talk customers out of what they want. It's to learn enough about them that you can help them discover what else might work. Are they committed to that exact trim? That color? That equipment? What actually attracted them to the vehicle? What matters most? What else could potentially fit better? Those questions create something every salesperson needs: ROOM. Room when the vehicle sells. Room when the payment doesn't work. Room when they arrive and don't love the color. Room when another vehicle catches their attention. Room to become their automotive expert instead of the person assigned to one VIN. Jen explains how expanding the buy can create more flexibility, stronger appointments, better vehicle presentations and more opportunities to keep a deal moving. The mindset shift is simple: Stop thinking: "I need to sell them this car." Start thinking: "I need to help them find the RIGHT car." You're not there to match people to inventory. You're there to guide decisions through curiosity, questions and expertise. The first car gets their attention. The right car rolls out the door. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships. ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
What really creates a great leader? It's probably not what you think. In this episode of Dealer Talk, I sit down with Dave Wilson, founder of Preston Automotive Group, to talk about something much bigger than dealerships, profits, or expansion. We talk about the moments nobody sees. The mentors who shaped him. The difficult conversations every leader eventually has to face. Why culture always starts with character. How "show the love" became a core business philosophy. Why humility is a competitive advantage. And why the best leaders never believe they've arrived. Dave shares lessons from buying his first dealership at just 22 years old, making painful hiring decisions, learning from expensive mistakes and building an organization where people genuinely want to stay and grow. Whether you lead a dealership, a department, or a small team, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with courage, consistency, and compassion. If you're looking for leadership advice that goes beyond business tactics and into the mindset that builds lasting organizations, this episode is one you won't forget. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
Have you ever made it all the way to the desk only to hear... "I just need to think about it." Most salespeople blame the numbers. The trade. The payment. The manager. But what if the deal was actually lost before you ever sat down? In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked skills in automotive sales—the vehicle walk-around—and why it's far more than pointing out features. Customers already know the specs. They've researched the technology. They've watched the YouTube videos. What they haven't done is imagine how that vehicle fits into their life! You'll learn how to stop giving feature tours and start creating emotional ownership by connecting every benefit to your customer's lifestyle, family, commute, hobbies, and daily routine. Because when customers can picture themselves driving the vehicle...Price becomes a smaller conversation. Objections shrink. Confidence grows. And the desk simply confirms a decision they've already made emotionally. If you've ever wondered why some deals feel effortless while others become a battle, this episode explains exactly why. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
Most advisors think they need more traffic. They don't. They need stronger conversations. In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the biggest reasons advisors hit an income ceiling and it has nothing to do with your dealership, your manager, or the economy. We'll talk about why some advisors consistently outperform everyone around them, how confidence changes customer decisions, why discounting quietly destroys your paycheck, and the mindset shift that separates order takers from trusted consultants. If you've ever caught yourself rushing through presentations, apologizing for price, avoiding objections, or wondering why someone else is making more money in the same shop... This episode is for you! 20-minutes that could completely change the way you present repairs and the way customers respond. Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. And it pays. ACTUALLY. PERIOD.
Most service advisors assume price is the problem long before the customer ever says it. That's where profit disappears. In this episode, Jen Suzuki challenges one of the biggest habits hurting dealership service departments: discounting before exploring better solutions. Learn why financing should be one of your first "bats" instead of your last resort or never, how immediate discounts quietly destroy your ELR, gross profit and customer confidence and why the best advisors never assume someone can't afford needed repairs. You'll hear practical examples of how to present financing naturally, protect the value of your technicians' work, increase MPI approvals and create conversations that build trust instead of negotiation. If you're serious about becoming a stronger advisor while helping more customers repair their vehicles before small problems become expensive ones, this episode is for you. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
When people think about a Service BDC, they usually picture someone answering phones and setting appointments. Emma Cole saw something completely different. When she stepped into one of the largest service departments in the country, there wasn't a blueprint waiting for her. She had to build the department, earn trust with advisors, hire the right people, create new processes, and figure out how to keep a team motivated while making hundreds of calls every day. And she did. In this episode, Emma shares exactly how she built one of the most impressive Service BDC operations I've seen. We talk about finding opportunities that most dealerships overlook, building a team that actually wants to win, handling declined services, keeping advisors and BDC on the same page, and why leadership has to be hands-on when the pressure is on. If you've ever wondered whether a Service BDC can make a real impact on retention, customer experience, and service revenue...this episode will probably change your mind. We cover: How Emma built a Service BDC from the ground up. The lead sources most dealerships never work consistently. Why declined services deserve their own strategy. How to hire people with hustle—not just experience. The biggest mistakes BDC teams make and how to avoid them. Why communication between advisors and BDC can make or break the customer experience. One thing I loved about Emma... She never waited for someone to hand her a process. She built one. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
Everybody wants to know what the best dealerships are doing differently. So I went straight to someone who sees them every day. In this episode, I sat down with Joel Dalbo, one of NADA's longtime Dealer 20 Group moderators. He spends his days in rooms with some of the highest-performing dealer principals and leadership teams in the country, so I wanted to know... What are they talking about right now? What challenges keep coming up? And what separates the stores that consistently outperform everyone else? What surprised me most was how often the conversation came back to the basics. Hiring the right people. Developing leaders. Executing the plan. Not trying to fix five things at once. We also talked about AI, and Joel shared something I thought was really interesting. The dealers who are winning aren't waiting around to see what happens. They're experimenting, learning from each other, and figuring out how AI fits into their business before someone else figures it out for them. If you're leading a dealership, managing a team, or just trying to build a stronger operation, this conversation is full of practical ideas you can actually use. We cover: The biggest leadership mistakes Joel sees over and over. Why execution beats great ideas every time. How top-performing dealers hire, coach, and keep great people. What Dealer 20 Groups are saying about AI today. The dealership metrics Joel thinks deserve a lot more attention. One thing Joel said really stuck with me... There aren't any magic shortcuts. The dealerships that keep winning are usually the ones that never stop getting better. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
AI is everywhere right now. But here's the question that really matters... Why are some dealerships getting great results while others are frustrated and wondering if AI is even worth it? In this episode, I sat down with Kevin, Chief Product Officer at Matador AI, to talk about what actually happens behind the scenes. How do they decide what features to build? What are they seeing across hundreds of dealerships? And what separates the stores that are making AI work from the ones that aren't? One thing really stood out to me... The technology usually isn't the problem. Adoption is. We talked about why AI isn't something you just turn on and hope for the best. It takes partnership, feedback, training, and leaders who are willing to keep improving right along with the technology. I also loved hearing how the Matador team studies real dealership conversations every single day to find friction, improve the product, and help dealers spot opportunities they didn't even know they were missing. If you're thinking about AI, already using it, or trying to figure out why your results aren't where you hoped they'd be, I think you'll get a lot from this conversation. We cover: Why dealerships struggle with AI adoption. How Matador learns from real customer conversations. What successful dealers are doing differently. Where AI is heading next in sales and service. Simple lessons any dealership can use, no matter what AI platform you're running. This is a conversation about building a dealership that's ready for what's next! Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
People hear me teaching every week. They see the energy, the passion, the coaching, and now AI innovation. But they don't always know where it came from. In this special interview, ASOTU Founder & CEO Paul Daly turns the microphone around and asks me the questions I rarely get asked. We talk about how I got started in automotive, why I built eDealer Solutions over two decades ago, what I've learned from training thousands of dealership professionals, and why helping people believe in themselves still matters more to me than any sales process. We also dive into the future of dealership leadership, AI adoption, why old-school sales tactics are losing their effectiveness, and how leaders can stay relevant without losing the human connection that makes this industry so rewarding. I also share the story behind creating ZukiTalk, why consistency matters more than talent, and what continues to motivate me after more than 20 years of coaching dealerships across North America. If you've ever wondered what drives me, why I care so deeply about this industry, or where I believe automotive retail is headed next, this conversation gives you a look behind the scenes. Because at the end of the day... I'm not just passionate about selling more cars. I'm passionate about helping people discover what they're capable of becoming. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
For nearly 30 years, John Inman, CEO McCurley Dealerships has helped lead one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected dealership groups. But this conversation isn't about awards or success stories, it's about what leadership looks like when the industry refuses to stand still. We talk openly about the pressure leaders face as AI reshapes retail, why execution is still harder than strategy, and what separates organizations that adapt from those that get left behind. John shares how his team is evaluating new technology, involving frontline employees in major decisions, improving fixed operations and staying focused on the one thing that never goes out of style: earning customer trust. If you're a dealer principal, executive, manager, or simply someone responsible for leading people through change, this episode offers practical insight. Just honest conversation about what it takes to build stronger teams, make smarter decisions, and keep moving forward in an industry that's evolving faster than ever. Sometimes the biggest competitive advantage isn't finding the next tool. It's building a team that's willing to grow with it. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
The best salespeople don't win because they know the most features. They win because they understand people. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we dive into one of the biggest mindset shifts in modern selling: customers don't buy logically... they justify their decisions logically after they've already made an emotional one. We'll explore why facts alone create price shoppers, how emotional connection reduces resistance, why customers never argue with how they feel, and how asking better questions uncovers the real reason they're buying. Whether you're in sales, BDC, service, or leadership, this conversation will challenge how you communicate with customers and help you create more trust, stronger relationships, and more confident decisions. If you've ever heard, "I need to think about it," this episode will help you understand what your customer is really trying to tell you and what to do next. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
Most AI conversations focus on the technology. This one focuses on the people building it. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Tasso Roumeliotis, Founder & CEO of NUMA AI, for a candid conversation about leadership, change, AI adoption, customer experience and what dealership operators need to understand as artificial intelligence becomes part of daily operations. What fascinated me most wasn't the product. It was learning how an outsider to automotive earned trust inside one of the most operationally complex industries in the world and what dealership leaders can learn from that journey. We discuss: • Why most AI failures are actually adoption failures • The resistance employees feel when AI enters the workplace • How leaders should communicate AI change to their teams • Why understanding the people behind AI matters as much as understanding the technology • The future role of dealership leadership in an AI-driven world • How AI can improve visibility into customer experience and operational performance • Why empathy may become the most valuable human skill in automotive retail • What operators should be thinking about now to prepare for the next few years Whether you're a dealer principal, general manager, fixed ops leader, sales leader, service manager, BDC director, or simply curious about where automotive retail is headed, this episode offers practical insight into the leadership side of AI transformation. Because the future won't be determined by who buys the most AI. It will be determined by who leads people through change the best. Subscribe for weekly conversations focused on leadership, customer experience, AI, sales, service, and dealership growth. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
The companies that win at scale don't become more corporate. They become more human. Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating an environment where people can succeed. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Dan Clara, newly appointed CEO of Asbury Automotive Group and one of the most respected operators in our industry. After nearly 24 years with the same organization, Dan shares what it really takes to scale a company without losing culture, accountability, employee loyalty or customer trust. We talk about career paths, employee ownership, retention, onboarding, training, leadership accessibility and why communication may be the most underrated skill in automotive retail today. Dan also shares lessons learned from leading through acquisitions, implementing technology at scale and navigating AI without losing sight of the human experience. One of my favorite takeaways was simple but powerful: People create the experience. Technology can make us more efficient, but leadership is still about building trust, developing talent and staying connected to the people doing the work every day. If you're a dealer principal, GM, fixed ops leader, sales manager, service director, advisor, or anyone looking to grow your leadership impact, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from someone who has spent decades rising through the ranks and helping build one of the largest automotive groups in the country! And his final advice might be the most important leadership lesson of all: Stay uncomfortable. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
This is a very simple strategy that is overlooked all the time! You will mprove your ELR at same time. If you're discounting before offering financing, you're doing it backwards. In this episode, Jen Suzuki tackles one of the biggest profit leaks happening in service departments every day. Advisors hear a repair total, feel a little customer hesitation, and immediately start shaving dollars off the repair order. The problem? Most customers aren't saying no because of the total cost. They're reacting to the immediate out-of-pocket impact. Jen breaks down why discounting weakens value, lowers ELR, reduces gross profit, and trains customers to negotiate every future visit. More importantly, she shares a simple mindset shift that helps advisors protect the repair, protect the technician and create more opportunities for customers to say yes. You'll learn how to present financing naturally, why payment options change the conversation, and how top advisors use flexibility instead of discounts to increase approvals, improve hours per RO, and build more trust. If you want stronger MPI approval rates, higher gross profit, and more confidence presenting recommendations, this episode is for you. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships. ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this high-energy episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen Suzuki gets brutally honest about one of the biggest mistakes happening inside dealerships right now… slow lead response. This isn't about cheesy auto-responses, outdated templates, or "just checking in" emails that customers ignore. Jen breaks down why speed alone is not enough anymore. Dealers must combine fast response times with engaging, value-based conversations that actually pull customers in emotionally and stop them from shopping everyone else. From real dealership observations to simple but powerful examples, Jen explains why the first five minutes can determine whether your store wins or loses the deal. She challenges salespeople, BDC teams, and leaders to rethink how they approach internet leads, customer engagement, and communication strategy in today's hyper-competitive market. If your team is still responding an hour later with "Is this vehicle still something you're interested in?" this episode might sting a little. But it's the reality of modern automotive retail. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways on lead speed, customer psychology, conversation hooks, trust-building, engagement strategy, and why "professional speed" has become one of the biggest competitive advantages in the car business today.
What do AI data centers have to do with leadership in car dealerships? A lot more than most people realize. In this thought-provoking episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down one of the biggest conversations shaping the future of business, AI infrastructure, and leadership… in plain English. No tech jargon. No fear tactics. Just real-world perspective from someone actively training inside dealerships every single week while building AI tools for the automotive industry herself. Jen explains what AI data centers actually are, why the world is suddenly talking about them, and why dealership leaders should care about infrastructure, energy usage, AI adoption, and the future workforce. She tackles the fear, misinformation, and online hysteria surrounding AI while helping leaders think more critically and responsibly about where technology is heading. As founder of eDealer Solutions and co-founder of ZukiTalk, Jen connects the dots between AI infrastructure, dealership operations, customer communication, employee adaptability, productivity, and leadership responsibility. This episode is ultimately about perspective. Every major technological shift in history required infrastructure expansion, and AI is no different. The leaders who stay curious, adaptable, and informed will be far better positioned than the ones operating from fear or misinformation. If you're in automotive retail, leadership, fixed ops, sales, service, or simply trying to understand what AI actually means for society and business, this episode delivers a practical and balanced conversation about the future already unfolding around us. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
What happens when AI enters a dealership… and your employees emotionally resist it? In this powerful episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen dives deep into one of the biggest leadership challenges happening inside dealerships right now: anti-AI culture, fear-based resistance, and the emotional side of organizational change. After training inside dealerships every single week and working with hundreds of managers and employees every month, Jen shares what she's personally witnessing in real time. Employees aren't just resisting technology. Many are scared of becoming irrelevant, overwhelmed by rapid change, or embarrassed they don't fully understand AI while younger employees adopt it faster. As the founder of eDealer Solutions and co-founder of ZukiTalk, Jen brings a rare inside perspective on how leadership messaging, dealership culture, emotional intelligence, and AI adoption are now colliding. This episode is not about AI hype. It's about leadership maturity. Jen breaks down why dealerships cannot shame employees into using AI, but also cannot allow emotional resistance to stop organizational evolution. She explains how dealerships should responsibly discuss AI ethics, customer trust, employee concerns, privacy, communication boundaries, and the future workforce expectations already forming inside the industry. If you're a dealer principal, GM, fixed ops leader, sales manager, service director, or anyone leading people through change, this episode will challenge how you think about culture, adaptability, leadership communication, and the future of automotive retail. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Jen Suzuki breaks down AI in the most real-world, non-Silicon-Valley way possible. No tech jargon. No robot talk. Just honest insight from someone who trains inside dealerships every single week and is watching the automotive industry evolve in real time. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen explains what AI actually is, why so many people are either scared of it or pretending to understand it, and how dealerships are already changing faster than most leaders realize. From service advisors and BDC teams to technicians and managers, she shares what she's personally seeing inside stores across the country as AI begins improving communication, reducing friction, speeding up learning, and exposing weak processes. As the founder of eDealer Solutions and co-founder of ZukiTalk, Jen gives a rare inside perspective on the collision between human connection and technology. This episode is not about replacing people. It's about helping dealership teams become faster learners, better communicators, and more valuable in a rapidly changing world. If you work in automotive retail, leadership, sales, service, or fixed ops, this conversation will challenge the way you think about AI, the future workforce, and what customers actually want from the dealership experience. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
If you're leading a service department or responsible for fixed ops performance, this is one of those conversations you don't skip. In this episode, I sit down with someone I've known and respected for years, Mitch Kudler, COO of Simms Auto Group… a guy who didn't just study the business, he lived every role in it. From technician to advisor to GM to executive leadership, Mitch brings a perspective that most leaders simply don't have. We dig into what most GMs misunderstand about service, why retention is the real game (not transactions), and the small decisions that quietly cost dealerships millions, like losing tire business or failing to create a real first service experience. Mitch breaks down the importance of transparency, why MPIs and video are still wildly underutilized, and how culture inside your store directly impacts customer trust. This conversation also hits leadership hard, how to unify sales and service, why most managers don't actually understand their numbers, and the simple but powerful act of walking your store and listening. If you want stronger retention, better CSI, and a team that actually works together… this one will stay with you. And personally? This one meant a lot. Mitch is one of those people I've always admired from afar—and every time we talk, I walk away better. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
If your write-up is weak… your paycheck is leaking. Period. In this episode, I'm going straight at one of the most overlooked, but most expensive breakdowns in your service department: the quality of your RO write-up. We're talking about the real impact of vague notes, rushed conversations, and missed questions and how they quietly destroy technician productivity, create comebacks, slow down approvals, and chip away at your income. I break down exactly how to level up your write-up process, what questions actually matter, and how to position yourself as the translator between your customer and your technician. This is one of those "simple but not easy" skills that separates average advisors from top earners. Better notes = faster diagnosis, smoother workflow, stronger trust, and more money in your pocket. If you're ready to clean up the chaos and take control of your lane… this is your play. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
If you've been in automotive for any amount of time, you already know the name David Kain and in this episode, we're going way beyond the highlight reel. This is a real conversation between two people who've been in the trenches, on stages, inside dealerships, and yes… technically "competitors" for years but never felt like it. We talk about what actually drives performance today (hint: it's not just AI), why most dealerships are still missing the basics, and how the best operators separate themselves through urgency, storytelling, and human connection. David breaks down his concept of "visual voicemail," why speed to lead is still wildly misunderstood, and what's really happening inside top-performing stores versus the ones just getting by. We also get into the truth about AI, where it helps, where it hurts, and why human intelligence still wins deals. If you're leading a team, working internet leads, or trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing market, this episode will challenge how you think about process, follow-up, and leadership. And honestly? It's just fun! Two longtime friends swapping stories, strategies, and a few laughs along the way. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode, I sit down with Paul Daly, co-founder of ASOTU (alongside Kyle Mountsier), and let me just say… this conversation is fun, real and relevant. We're talking about what the best operators are actually doing right now… And spoiler alert… it's not chasing shiny AI tools or buying the next "magic solution." It's people. It's culture. It's leadership that actually develops other leaders. Because here's the reality… our industry is losing billions to turnover every year, and the stores that are winning? They are obsessing over their people, giving them ownership, building real career paths, and creating environments where teams actually want to stay and grow. And that's exactly what makes ASOTU CON 2026 (May 12–14 in Maryland) different. https://www.asotucon.com This isn't a sit-and-listen conference. This is where ideas get challenged. Where failures get shared (yes… out loud). Where operators, innovators, and leaders actually collaborate. The theme? Year of the Human. Because while everyone's shouting "AI, AI, AI…" The real question is… who's leading the people behind it? If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready for something that actually pushes your thinking, your leadership, and your business forward… You might want to be in that room. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
Dealers still ask me all the time, "Jen… what leads are the best?" And I always give the same answer… the ones already sitting in your database. In this quick class, I break down the biggest miss I see in dealerships everywhere. Salespeople are told to follow up… call for referrals… make birthday calls… but nobody really teaches them how to do it without feeling like a nuisance. So what happens? They stop. Here's the truth. The money isn't in the first call. It's in the one nobody makes. Follow-up isn't about checking a box. It's about building a career. Staying relevant. Staying human. And yes… staying in the game long enough to actually win. And here's the part that hit me personally. Just yesterday, while bringing my yard back to life after winter, my neighbor stopped by. We got to talking… and I found out he had once been homeless for two years, living out of his Suburban. What changed his life? Selling cars. That's this industry. It changes lives. It gave me everything. And when people ask me why I have so much energy… it's because I'm grateful. Grateful for the people, the opportunities, and the chance to help others find their path in this business. So if you're ready to stop chasing leads and start building a real pipeline… this one's for you. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships. ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx
Sales teams… this is the moment where deals are won or lost and most don't even realize it. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down one of the biggest mistakes happening in dealerships every single day: quoting price too fast. Customers ask for price. You give it. Conversation over. But what if that one moment is exactly where you lost control of the deal? This episode is all about the mindset shift that separates average reps from top 10% performers. You'll learn how to guide the conversation instead of reacting to it, how to redirect price questions without sounding evasive, and how to build value before ever talking numbers. Because here's the truth… fast answers don't win deals. Better conversations do. If your team is constantly battling price shoppers, losing gross, or struggling to get customers to engage… this is the fix. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | https://apple.co/38lmHM1 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships. ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals.
In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we shift the focus to where real dealership growth actually happens, the service lane. This is a straight, no-fluff conversation about customer retention and why it directly impacts your paycheck, your stress level, and your long-term success. We break down the simple but often overlooked behaviors that keep customers coming back, from how you handle the exit to the follow-up that most advisors skip. If you've been treating each visit like a one-time transaction, this episode will challenge you to think bigger and start building relationships that last years, not just repair orders. This episode doesn't just talk about retention, it shows you exactly how to execute it. You'll walk away with simple, high-impact tactics like how to properly set the next appointment before the customer leaves, what to say during the vehicle pickup to create future value, and how a quick next-day follow-up text can dramatically increase return visits. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations, giving consistent updates, and using small personalization touches that make customers remember you. These are the moments that turn one-time visits into long-term relationships and predictable income. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Randy Kobat from LotLinx to break down one of the biggest shifts happening in dealership technology right now. We move past the hype of generic AI tools like ChatGPT and into what actually drives results on the ground. LotGPT is built specifically for dealerships, using real inventory, real market data, and real shopper behavior to deliver precise, actionable insights. We talk about why generic AI often falls short, how data security plays a bigger role than most realize, and what it looks like to treat AI as a true team member with a defined role inside your store. If you want to stop guessing, protect gross, and move inventory smarter, this conversation will change the way you think about AI in your dealership. What's really turning heads is how quickly dealers are adopting this. Over 6,000 dealerships are already using LotGPT, and it's not because it sounds good, it's because it works immediately. Dealers are seeing fast wins like identifying which vehicles are at risk before they age out, reallocating wasted ad spend within minutes, improving VDP performance, and uncovering exactly where the breakdown is between shopper activity and actual sales. Instead of guessing or defaulting to price drops, they're making smarter, more precise decisions that protect gross and move inventory faster. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we're getting real about one of the most important numbers in your service department, the MPI approval rate. This isn't just a metric. It's a mirror. If your approvals are low, it's rarely about price, the customer, or the car. It's almost always about communication. Jen breaks down exactly why customers decline recommended work and what service advisors are missing in their conversations. From rushed calls and weak explanations to overusing technical language that customers don't understand, this episode exposes the everyday habits that quietly kill approvals. But more importantly, it gives you a simple, repeatable way to fix it. You'll learn how to clearly explain the job, the risk, and the reward so customers actually understand what's happening with their vehicle and why it matters now. Because when clarity goes up, approvals go up. Bottom line: You don't need better customers. You need better conversations. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
If your store is using AI, or thinking about it, this episode will challenge how you think about process, accountability, and what it really takes to win with modern tools. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we sit down with Seth Poplawski of Auto Lenders, he leads CRM, process, and AI strategy across a rapidly growing dealer group with 11 stores now. Seth has worked every role from sales to BDC to leadership, and now he's overseeing AI execution across 11 rooftops. He breaks down what actually happens when dealerships implement AI and why most fail to get real results. From customizing messaging by lead source to building data-driven cadences and creating a hybrid AI + human workflow, Seth shares exactly how his team is increasing engagement, speeding up response times, and capturing opportunities others miss, especially after hours. This is not theory. This is execution. Bottom line: AI doesn't fix broken processes. It exposes them. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
What if you could make more money every day without writing one extra car? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I break down a metric many service advisors overlook: hours per RO. Hours per RO is the average number of labor hours sold on each repair order. A small increase can dramatically impact technician productivity, shop efficiency, and your paycheck. In this episode we cover: • What hours per RO means • Why rushing write-ups lowers production • How better presentations increase approvals • Why small services stacked together drive profit You don't need more traffic or more appointments. You just need to slow down, be thorough, and capture the opportunity already in front of you. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
If you're exhausted at the end of the day but your paycheck doesn't reflect the effort, this episode explains exactly why. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I'm kicking off a brand new service department performance series focused on helping service advisors and fixed ops leaders understand the metrics that actually drive income. Today we're digging into one of the most important numbers in the service lane: Gross Profit Per Repair Order Many advisors judge their day by how busy they were, how many cars they wrote, how fast the line moved, or how chaotic the desk became. But busy does not always mean profitable. Two advisors can see the exact same vehicles in the same day and produce dramatically different results simply because of how they approach the opportunity in front of them. In this episode, I break down: • What gross per RO actually means and why it matters • Why being "busy" can sometimes hide lost income opportunities • The mindset shift from order taker to consultant • How small maintenance services can stack into serious profitability • Why assuming customers won't buy is one of the biggest mistakes advisors make • How rushing through MPIs and conversations creates hidden profit leaks Most importantly, we talk about the shift service advisors must make: Stop asking "How fast can I move this car?" Start asking "How complete can I be?" Because the opportunity isn't something you have to chase. The customer already drove it into your service lane. If you're a service advisor, service manager, or fixed ops leader who wants your team to increase profitability while improving the customer experience, this episode is a powerful place to start. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Managers… this one is for you. I sat down with Jimmy Vargas, GSM at Paradise Chevrolet and this isn't just a conversation… this is someone I'm actively in the trenches with right now. I'm working directly with Jimmy and his sales team on their phone process, listening to calls together, coaching in real time, and using the tools inside CallRevu to actually develop his people. And that's the difference. He's not just pulling reports. He's not just tracking calls. He's investing in his team. Jimmy is setting the bar, giving his team a modern, relevant process to win on the phones, and then backing it up with real accountability using the data. One of the most powerful things he's doing right now? He's using CallRevu's keyword alert feature to instantly flag calls when something doesn't go the way the customer expected. So instead of finding out a day later… or never… He and his managers are notified immediately. That means they can jump in, coach the situation, follow up fast and in many cases, save the deal. We're reviewing recorded calls. We're tightening conversations. We're making sure nothing slips through the cracks. Because when you actually listen… you find everything. This episode breaks down his blueprint. It's simple, doable, and built for real dealership life. If you want more appointments, stronger performance, and a real return on the calls you're already paying for… This is where it starts. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Dealership advertising is entering a completely new era and AI is at the center of it. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen sits down with Jarett Bellucci, a two-time Emmy Award-winning director and filmmaker and the founder of Bellucci Productions. Jarett has created commercial work for major brands like Cadillac, BMW, and Forbes, and now he's helping businesses, including car dealerships, leverage AI to produce cinematic-quality commercials without the massive production budgets. Together they break down how AI is changing the way commercials are created, why storytelling matters more than ever in automotive advertising, and how dealerships can stand out in a sea of look-alike ads. Jarett explains how AI tools are unlocking creativity, allowing brands to build characters, craft stories, and produce visually stunning content faster and more affordably than ever before. But the real advantage isn't just the technology. It's the message behind it. If you want your dealership marketing to stop blending in and start connecting emotionally with buyers, this conversation will open your eyes to what's possible. This episode covers: • Why most dealership commercials fail to connect • How AI is lowering production costs while raising creative potential • The power of storytelling in automotive advertising • How dealers can build monthly "drip branding" campaigns • Why the future of AI advertising still depends on human creativity AI may be the toolbut the idea and the story are still what wins! Bellucciproductions.com Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Flat rate has been debated for decades in service departments, but what if the real issue isn't the pay structure at all? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Joe Minns, Corporate Fixed Ops Director at Dennis & Co Auto Group, who brings 34 years of real dealership experience to the conversation. Joe has seen just about everything in service operations, from dirt-floor shops to high-tech 80-bay service departments. Today he oversees fixed operations for Dennis & Co's growing network of dealerships, and he shares one powerful perspective that many leaders overlook: Flat rate doesn't fail… culture does. We dive deep into the real reasons technicians struggle to flag hours and why so many service departments unintentionally waste the most valuable resource they have, technician time. Joe breaks down the operational leaks that quietly drain productivity, the cultural shifts required to protect technician efficiency, and why leaders must rethink how dispatch, advisors, and managers support the shop. We also talk about: • Why technicians are the true revenue engine of fixed operations • How small moments of lost technician time cost dealerships thousands • Why many service departments unknowingly rig the system against their own techs • The leadership shift required to fix flat rate culture • How service advisors, dispatchers, and managers must align to protect technician productivity • Why career pathing is critical to solving the technician shortage If you're a service director, fixed ops leader, or dealership executive trying to improve technician retention, shop productivity, and labor performance, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Because at the end of the day, great service leaders don't just manage the shop, they protect the people who power it. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
There's a lot of communication flying out of dealerships every single day and text messaging is often the fastest way to reach a customer. But if your messages look like everyone else's, they're going to be treated like everyone else's. "Just checking in" and "any questions?" isn't follow-up… it's noise. In this episode, Jen shares a creative tactic she's been using in her own follow-ups that's getting responses and turning heads! AI-generated images built directly from CRM notes and customer conversations. Instead of sending another plain text, Jen shows how you can create a visual message that proves you were paying attention. The customer's name, the vehicle they liked, details about their family, their interests, even a little humor, all layered into a custom image that feels personal and memorable. It's not about fancy graphics. It's about showing customers that you remember them and care about their situation. Jen explains how she started using these AI images in her own outreach, how the responses led her to start teaching the technique in her sales classes, and how teams are now using it as a fun internal contest to drive replies from customers. If your follow-up messages are getting ignored, the problem might not be the message, it might be the format. This episode will show you how to change that! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
AI isn't something managers can delegate. It's something they have to demonstrate. In this episode, Jen talks about one of the biggest leadership shifts happening inside dealerships right now: leaders becoming the model of how to use AI, not just the ones telling everyone else to use it. Your team isn't going to adopt tools because of a memo or a mandate. They adopt them because they see their leader using them in real life, in meetings, during problem-solving, when building customer messaging, or when creating new sales ideas. Jen shares how managers can introduce tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok and others inside regular team meetings so people learn naturally instead of feeling forced. When leaders use AI openly, asking questions, testing ideas, building scripts... it shows the team how to think differently and stay relevant in a fast-changing industry. The message is simple: People don't follow mandates. They follow models. If you want your team to evolve, they have to watch you do it first! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
20 seconds. That's all it takes to separate average dealerships from memorable ones. Customers don't remember your CRM. They don't remember your process map. They remember effort. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down why short, 20-second personalized videos are one of the most powerful follow-up tools in modern dealerships — in both sales and service. Not five minutes. Not perfect lighting. Not corporate scripts. Just 20 seconds of clarity that says: "I was thinking about you." Jen explains how replacing traditional texts and voicemails with quick, candid videos builds obligation, increases engagement, and showcases your humanity. She shares simple scripts, real-world examples, and ways managers can turn this into a fun, competitive in-store activity. You'll learn: • Why video follow-up increases memorability • How to structure a powerful 20-second message • What to say when confirming appointments • How to stand apart from competitors instantly • How to coach your team to execute without overthinking Perfection isn't the goal. Presence is. Because 20 seconds today beats zero seconds tomorrow, every single time. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Great ideas don't fail in dealerships because they're bad. They fail because no one installs the behavior fast enough. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down a simple, high-energy methodology to help leaders stop "motivating" and start installing execution inside their stores. Most dealerships don't have a training problem — they have an execution problem. Processes get rolled out. Energy fades. Thirty days later, nothing sticks. Jen shares her proven meeting framework — used at NADA Academy and in high-performing stores — to compress action, build accountability, and make learning fun and sustainable. You'll learn how to: • Pick one behavior and install it fast • Teach a technique in under 20 seconds • Use real examples to drive discussion • Create immediate execution through activity • Run contests that build visibility and accountability • Shortlist, vote, and let the team own the win This is about turning meetings into movement. Not speeches. Not theater. Behavior change. If you're a GM, GSM, Fixed Ops Director, Sales Manager, or Service Manager who's tired of initiatives fading out — this episode gives you a repeatable structure to make things stick. Momentum doesn't come from motivation. It comes from movement. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
The first five minutes of a service visit can make or break everything that follows. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful moments in fixed ops: the service check-in. This isn't about speed. It's not about numbers. It's not even about selling. It's about trust. Jen calls the check-in one of the two sacred moments in every service visit and if you miss it, nothing else matters. From reviving the dying walkaround to turning rushed transactions into relationship opportunities, she shares real-world principles advisors and managers can immediately apply to boost MPI approvals, retention, and long-term revenue. You'll learn how to: • Turn the walkaround into "walk-in education" • Build trust before the inspection ever begins • Use simple human connection to reduce defensiveness later • Create operational impact by improving the first five minutes • Coach presence, tone, and professionalism — not just process When customers feel educated early, they're less defensive later. And when they trust you? They buy. They return. They ask for you. This episode is a must-listen for Service Advisors, Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and GMs who want to boost service revenue without pushing harder, just caring smarter. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
If your service managers and advisors can't explain Effective Labor Rate in one sentence, money is leaking out of your shop every single day. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down the most misunderstood yet most powerful performance metric in the service department: ELR (Effective Labor Rate). While advisors often track CSI, gross, and hours per RO, ELR quietly tells the real story of how the shop is performing, how advisors get paid, and how profitable the operation truly is. Jen simplifies what ELR actually is (and what it's not), why it matters more than the posted labor rate, and how everyday advisor behaviors like discounting, incomplete presentations, weak explanations, and missed opportunities directly drag it down. This episode connects the dots between ELR and advisor income, shop absorption, and leadership discipline. Jen also outlines practical coaching strategies for service managers, including daily visibility, advisor-level tracking, role-play, discount accountability, and how to celebrate ELR wins so strong behaviors get repeated. ELR isn't a scary accounting term. It's a performance mirror. If you understand it, you can influence it. If you can influence it, you can control profitability. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
This one was different, we recorded an in-person (we are both within minutes of each other in CO!) episode in a studio (yes, the kind rappers use
Today, Sam sits down with Steve Hoggle, General Manager at Honda of Lake City and Sarah Copp, Director of Major Accounts at Lotlinx to pull back the curtain on the "Moneyball" strategy of modern automotive retail. While many dealers are still relying on gut instinct and "emotional buying" at auction, the nation's top-performing groups—including the $11 billion Morgan Auto Group—have shifted to a predictive, VIN-specific model. We explore how Honda of Lake City achieved a staggering 4:1 used-to-new sales ratio and why the traditional "channel-first" marketing approach is often a recipe for wasted spend and aged inventory. Learn how to identify "at-risk" vehicles the moment they hit your lot and discover the AI-driven tools that allow managers to see around corners before a car becomes a liability. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Lotlinx. 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 @ https://lotlinx.com/LotGPT/ 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: 01:41 What are the used car buying challenges? 03:28 How to make data-driven decisions? 07:33 How does LotLinx help dealerships? 24:08 How are inventory strategies changing? 24:37 Why is VIN-level detail important? 26:41 How does a team manage used cars? 30:10 How does AI optimize ad spending? 37:15 What is AI's future in dealerships? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
AI isn't here to replace service advisors, it's here to protect what they do best. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen speaks directly to service leaders navigating the overwhelming wave of new AI tools flooding the automotive space. While the industry is being told to move faster, adopt more, and automate everything, Jen challenges leaders to slow down and ask a more important question: Is this technology protecting human connection or eroding it? Service advisors sit at the center of the customer experience, yet their role has been stretched beyond sustainable human limits. Between check-ins, walk-arounds, technician communication, approvals, loaners, follow-ups, explanations, CSI pressure, and emotional labor, advisors are maxed out and piling on more systems isn't innovation. It's overload. Jen shares real-world observations from working in service departments over the past year, including her experience building AI to assist with one very specific task: MPI approval calls. What became clear is that when advisors are freed from repetitive, draining work, approvals move faster, technicians wait less, shops flow better, and advisors can be present where they matter most with customers. This episode reframes AI's role in service: not as the hero, but as the quiet support system working in the background so advisors can lead with trust, clarity, and confidence. Because the future of service isn't human or AI, it's human + AI, used wisely. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Jessica Colan, who leads one of the biggest BDC departments in the country and works in the #2 Kia store in the nation. I've known Jessica for more than a decade and trained her team for years and what makes her different is simple: she doesn't chase shiny toolsshe tests them against real processes until they perform. We talk about what's actually working with AI inside a high-performing dealership BDC—specifically how Jessica has used Matador AI hands-on for the last two years to revive stagnant leads, re-engage "ghosted" customers and target low-hanging fruit without wasting human time on dead ends. Jessica breaks down her "sacred" strategies: Building custom workflows and sequences by lead source (Trader, Sam's Club, etc.) Training the AI to sound like your store—not generic dealership spam Setting up human alerts so the team tags in fast when AI hits a boundary Running CSV-based campaigns (loyalty, lease maturity, unsold visits) with the right staffing so replies don't overwhelm the team Using AI-driven engagement to turn "closed" opportunities into open, actionable leads—and pushing hot conversations into the CRM for history Pairing engagement with quick, targeted video from product specialists (30–40 seconds, not a full walkaround) once the customer shows real intent This is a real-world look at the truth most dealers are learning the hard way: AI tools don't work without a human behind them. You have to train it, guide it, and integrate it into your process because the goal isn't to automate relationships…it's to protect them. If you're a GM, BDC director, sales leader, or operator trying to revive leads and stop wasting time, you'll want to hear exactly how a top Kia store is using AI to create speed, engagement, and competitive advantage. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
This episode is all about the kind of AI dealers actually need not another shiny chatbot, but a real assistant built inside the DMS and grounded in real dealership data, real workflows, and real accountability. I'm joined by AJ McGowan, VP of Research & Development at Reynolds and Reynolds and co-founder of AutoVision, to talk about Reynolds' newest reveal: Rey, a tailored AI assistant integrated directly into the Reynolds ecosystem. We get super practical on how leaders, managers, and frontline teams could use Ray day-to-day: Service teams asking real-time status questions without leaving the bay Used car managers making smarter auction decisions by cross-referencing market intelligence with store performance Multi-store operators pulling up-to-the-second answers mid-meeting (instead of printing reports that are outdated the next morning) Teams using Ray to learn Reynolds tools, message each other, and even connect with Reynolds support with context already included Bottom line: the dealer's job isn't to use software, it's to take care of customers. Rey is designed to remove friction, reduce report-chasing, and help dealerships make faster, more confident decisions using the data they already own. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Today I'm joined by Brian Macdonald, CEO & President of CDK Global. We explore the massive scale of the CDK's automotive data ecosystem and what it means to have a touchpoint with nearly 90% of car owners in the country. Brian breaks down how dealers can transform this historical database into a functional asset to improve operations and capture market share. This conversation reveals the strategic power of connectivity in an increasingly data-driven industry. 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. 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 3. Nomad Content Studio - 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 @ AI enhanced CDK CRM 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: 00:55 What is Google Syndication? 01:35 What are Brian's bold predictions? 02:35 What is the current dealer economy? 04:29 What are the affordability trends? 06:29 How is AI innovating the industry? 07:12 What are CDK's data solutions? 18:31 What are the future industry predictions? 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 Sanjay Varnwal, Co-Founder & CEO at Spyne.ai. In part 2 of our Pre NADA AI Spotlight series we break down how AI is actually being deployed inside dealerships today—from faster merchandising to smarter lead handling—and where it's delivering real ROI versus hype. Sanjay explains how workflow optimization and tech partnerships are reshaping the dealer tech stack, why voice AI has accelerated dramatically in the last 6–9 months, and what data security and compliance mean in an AI-first world. 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. Merchant Advocate - Merchant Advocate saves businesses money on credit card fees WITHOUT switching processors. Find out how they can help your dealership with a FREE analysis. Click on @ http://merchantadvocate.com/cdg for more. 3. Spyne - Meet Vini by Spyne — your dealership's AI-powered Conversational Agent. Vini answers every call and chat, engages customers instantly, and uncovers hidden revenue in your CRM and inventory. Every missed opportunity? Found and converted. Learn more at http://spyne.ai/vini-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: 00:42 What is Sanjay's background in hospitality? 01:41 How is AI impacting the automotive industry? 02:48 What are the biggest challenges in AI adoption? 05:50 Explaining Spyne's technology in detail 08:55 How does voice AI improve dealer engagement? 14:13 What is the future of AI in dealerships? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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 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
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