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Jonathan Kienle's team once sent a salesperson to chase down a customer's canceled check, and he crashed the loaner car doing it, and Kienle says that single moment is exactly why he stopped trusting cash, checks, and credit cards to handle his dealership's biggest transactions. He walks through how switching the default down payment method saved his group $168,000 in fees so far this year, with $300,000 in sight by year's end, and argues that most dealers are needlessly eating card fees and fraud risk on payments that don't have to carry either. Jonathan Kienle is the Director of Operations at Walters Automotive Group and Kienle Motorsports in Riverside, California, where he oversees five stores spanning Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi. A third-generation dealer, he started at the family store at 14 cleaning the parts department, worked nearly every job in the building, and spent two years cold-calling at a Ford store before his father would let him back in. Joining him is Truett Dwyer, Co-Founder and CEO of Clerq, the payments company he credits with turning down payment collection from a source of risk into a documented driver of profit. Kienle speaks candidly about the moment that convinced him legacy payment methods weren't worth the risk anymore, how he trained his finance team to make the new method the default instead of the fallback, and what surprised him most once the savings started compounding. This episode of Industry Spotlight is brought to you by Clerq. Topics: 02:40 Dad Made Him Start At Ford First. 06:50 Canceled Checks Left Dealers Chasing Customers. 07:10 Credit Card Fees Destroy Margins. 08:00 Salesman Crashed Car Chasing A Check. 09:55 Clerq Is Venmo For Dealerships. 11:00 Debit Cards Have Daily Spend Limits. 12:40 Dealer Didn't Believe Solution Existed. 14:30 Clerq Guarantees Every Transaction. 16:30 Checks Expose Customer Bank Info. 18:35 $168K Saved In Credit Card Fees. 23:45 Dealers Need Fast Payouts. 28:20 Focus Drove Way More Savings. Clerq - Clerq's instant bank payment solution modernizes down payments, deposits and other large transactions - helping leading dealerships drive more sales, cut costs and reduce risk. Visit here 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 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 Rogers, Fixed Operations Director at Piazza Management Company - Pam LeJeune, VP at The Moran Group - William Demaree, Group Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Group This episode is brought to you by: Carmax – CarMax Auctions. Access thousands of cars weekly at 50+ locations nationwide through our 100% online auctions. From high-end to high mileage, CarMax Auctions has the inventory you need to source smarter and accelerate sales. Register now for free at carmaxauctions.com/CDG. 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
Zach Billings is the CEO of Wikimotive, a search marketing agency he has led for over two decades, building it into a bootstrapped, U.S.-based team of 50 professional writers serving dealers across the country. Free of outside investors, Wikimotive recently ran an all-staff exercise to rewrite its mission statement around a single measure, dealer outcomes rather than its own bottom line, and it has pruned services, including a legacy organic Facebook management product, once they stopped producing results. Topics: 01:15 ChatGPT Visibility Is The New Goal. 04:35 Content Beats Technical SEO. 07:55 AI Slop Makes Dealers Identical. 14:10 50 Writers Beat AI Repetition. 21:50 AI Search Is Only 1% Of Pie. 27:10 PMax Campaigns Waste Dealer Money. 38:30 Vendor Consistency Beats Chasing Shiny. This episode is brought to you by: 1. 800% Elite Auto Club - 800% Elite Auto is a whole-dealership solution. Get started today @ here. 2. CDG Circles - Connect with verified dealers all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 3. Wikimotive - Wikimotive delivers organic and paid search solutions to hundreds of dealerships from rural rooftops to multiple top-5 national dealers. Visit @ here for more info. 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 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: - Rob Ruth, President / Owner at Bob Ruth Ford - Shane Helms, Founder / CEO at TrueView Media Group - Matthew Zabawa, Chief Product Officer at WebBuy Digital Retailing - Steve Moroz, Managing Partner/GSM at EZ Nissan This episode is brought to you by: Carmax – CarMax Auctions. Access thousands of cars weekly at 50+ locations nationwide through our 100% online auctions. From high-end to high mileage, CarMax Auctions has the inventory you need to source smarter and accelerate sales. Register now for free at carmaxauctions.com/CDG. TrueView Media Group – TrueView Media Group — TrueView Media Group is a CTV technology company built for automotive retail. We plan, buy, and measure streaming for individual rooftops on our own platform, continually engineering more effective ways to buy impressions and showing every store exactly where its money went: every app, every impression, every dollar — measured to the outcomes a store actually feels, like site visits, VDP views, and sales. Visit trueviewmediagroup.com/cdg First up, Rob Ruth, President and Owner of Bob Ruth Ford in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Rob made a bet on building his own buying center — and it's reshaping how his store grows. Why is that the move he'd double down on? He'll tell us. Then, Shane Helms, Founder and CEO of TrueView Media Group. Shane says the entire marketing ecosystem dealers depend on is broken — and get this, he claims Tier 2 has flat-out vanished at brands like Mazda, Subaru, VW, and Mercedes. What changed, and what does it mean for your store? You'll want to hear this one. Next, Matthew Zabawa, Chief Product Officer at WebBuy Digital Retailing, on where digital retailing is really headed — and what's still missing. And rounding things out, Steve Moroz, Managing Partner and GSM at EZ Nissan, bringing the dealer's-eye view on digitizing the showroom. Can you actually bring the online experience onto the sales floor without breaking it? Steve's got the battle scars and the answers. 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
Anthony Clavenna used to fly across the country with $30,000 in cash stuffed in a backpack just to buy trucks off strangers, and he says that scrappy, no-safety-net approach is exactly what let him outpace giants like Carvana and CarMax at buying cars off the street. He walks through the moment the business finally graduated from cash runs to wires and a private app, how a single fraud incident gets baked into the process as a new checkpoint instead of a reason to slow down, and argues that speed, not technology or capital, is the real edge in wholesale. Topics: 04:00 iPhone Was Their Fraud Prevention. 09:35 Wiring Strangers Money And Hoping. 13:45 Auctions Suck Because You Bid Against Others. 18:00 Speed Is The Only Edge That Matters. 24:00 Texting Dealers Until The App Scaled. 37:45 Going Hard Leaves No Room For Fear. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Digital Dealer - Join expert-led sessions, hands-on Learning Labs, and live demos to discover ideas that can help improve sales, service, and marketing. Register today @ here and use code CDG25OFF at checkout. 3. CDG Circles - Connect with verified dealers all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 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 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: - Jason Hartman, Founder at JXCE - Scott Pharr, CEO at Pharr Motor Group - Charlie Spradlin, General Manager at Art Moehn Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Carmax – CarMax Auctions Access thousands of cars weekly at 50+ locations nationwide through our 100% online auctions. From high-end to high mileage, CarMax Auctions has the inventory you need to source smarter and accelerate sales. Register now for free at carmaxauctions.com/CDG. First up, Jason Hartman, Founder of JXCE. Jason's built a reputation for turning conventional dealer wisdom on its head — and he's bringing a take today that'll have some of you nodding and others reaching for the mute button. You'll want to hear which side you land on. Then we've got Scott Pharr, Dealer Principal at Pharr Nissan of Chesterton. Here's the kicker — Scott literally just acquired this store days ago. So what's the very first move you make when you walk into a brand-new dealership? Scott's going to tell us what happens in those crucial opening weeks. And finally, Charlie Spradlin, General Manager at Art Moehn Auto Group — Digital Dealer speaker and a member of the 800% club. Yeah, you read that right. Eight hundred percent. Charlie's going to unpack how you get numbers like that, and whether it's something any store can pull off — or lightning in a bottle. 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Travis Siebert, SVP at DealerPay, and Kris Towle, Chief Accounting Officer at Niello Company to discuss why one of the auto industry's oldest processes, collecting cash and checks from parts and service customers, still costs dealerships money, time, and trust. They speak candidly about the safety risk of sending drivers out with cash, why most dealerships never question an outdated process until something goes wrong, and why live phone support, not just software, is what keeps a group this size from ever looking at another vendor. They explain: ◼ Why parts delivery drivers ended up doing accounting work they were never trained for ◼ How a single bounced check could cost a full week of chasing down payment ◼ Why missing cash on a delivery route became an uncomfortable question nobody wanted to ask ◼ Why the switch to mobile payments meant money was in the bank the very next morning ◼ Why Niello Company has never looked at another payments partner since making the switch This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by DealerPay. Topics: 02:50 Fixed Ops Causes More Accounting Headaches. 04:30 Drivers Make Terrible Accountants. 05:50 Cash In Trucks Is A Theft Problem. 06:45 Selling Nationwide Hurts Local Retention. 09:50 Dealerships Are Slow To Adopt Digital Payments. 12:15 Onsite Training Eliminates Employee Pushback. 13:10 One-Person Payment Eliminates Customer Confusion. 14:20 Digital Reporting Shows Exactly Who Took Money. 17:05 Answering The Phone Beats AI Every Time. 18:50 Showing Up Matters More Than Technology. 22:50 Accounting Touches Every Part Of The Business. 23:50 Dennis Pushes Harder Than Tully Does. DealerPay - Dealer Pay is the payment platform built exclusively for car dealerships, connecting fixed ops, variable ops, and back office with sub-10-second, card-present transactions and automated reconciliation, whether it's at the counter, the service drive, or a mobile delivery. Visit @ here to see how it works for your dealership. 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 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: - Wes Lloyd, Service Director at Stuckey Auto - Spencer Nicholson, Fixed Operations Director at Stuckey Automotive - Ryan Maher, CEO at BizzyCar - Galal Hamdy, Strategic Relationship Leader at Zurich U.S. – Direct Markets This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance. Check it out at https://carguymedia.com/46ibHtn BizzyCar – BizzyCar uses AI to automate recall outreach for dealerships, transforming missed opportunities into booked appointments, higher revenue, and safer vehicles. Book a demo today at: https://info.bizzycar.com/cdg 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
Laddie Stern is the Founder of Stern Auto Group, a 20-store empire he has built over 65 years in the car business. He started as a wholesaler for his uncle before buying and scaling the Skyline and Hatfield auctions into the country's largest privately held auction company, then returned to grow a new car group alongside his son Jonathan. He speaks candidly about the 2008 downturn that changed how he manages cash for good, the mistakes he made prioritizing the business over his family, and what he looks for before letting the next generation, including his own grandchildren, into the business. Topics: 02:55 Air Conditioning Was Once Unsellable. 06:25 The Trick That Fixed A Broken Auction. 07:45 Auctions Beat Casinos Every Time. 08:15 Biggest Mistake: Selling The Auctions. 12:05 Stop Working And You Start Dying. 13:25 The '08 Crash Made Cash King. 14:20 Cash Flow Is Thicker Than Blood. 18:45 Two Departments Where Theft Hides. 19:15 The One Regret Money Can't Fix. 27:30 Never Buy A Deal Without Real Estate. 33:55 The Rule For Bringing Kids Into Business. 36:30 Don't Sell Cars And You Go Broke. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Kenect - Kenect helps dealership GMs automate customer outreach by turning days of manual calling into seconds. Go to @ here to see how top rooftops are scaling retention today. 2. CDG Circles - Connect with verified dealers all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 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 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: - Tustin Ulrich, General Manager at Roper Kia - Mike Yates, General Manager at BMW of Bridgewater - Mike McVeigh, Sales Manager at Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance. Check it out at https://carguymedia.com/46ibHtn 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
Kielan Whitner made more in his first 90 days selling cars than he made in an entire year working as a certified public accountant at a Big Four firm, and he says that gap is exactly why automotive struggles to attract the talent it needs. A fourth-generation dealer, he built his foundation on the fixed side of the business, service advisor to service manager, before stepping into the general manager role, and now leans on a network of industry mentors and organizations like NAMAD to keep leveling up. Topics: 04:20 90 Days Beat CPA Salary. 16:00 Viral Video Beats Paid Ads. 17:00 Organic Beats Car Pitches. 20:05 Used Car Inventory Is Art. 22:15 Negativity Gets Sent Home. 24:10 Eighth To First In 20 Months. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Experian Automotive - Experian's Fraud Protect solution helps dealers identify potential fraud risks earlier in the sales process by leveraging advanced data, analytics, and identity verification tools. Visit @ here for more info. 2. CarMax - Access thousands of cars weekly at 50+ locations nationwide through our 100% online auctions. Register now for free @ here. 3. CDG Circles - Connect with verified dealers all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 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 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: - Nathan Shaver, Managing Partner at Shaver Auto Group - Christopher Schrementi, Managing Director at Gallagher - Chris Singleton, Managing Partner at Mike Terry Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance. Check it out at https://carguymedia.com/46ibHtn Gallagher – Dealerships face a dynamic risk landscape—rising litigation, weather-related losses, workforce pressures and technology-driven exposures—and Gallagher delivers tailored insurance and risk management solutions built for today's dealership operations. Connect with Chris and the Gallagher team for a one-on-one conversation—visit https://www.ajg.com/industries/dealership-insurance/ and click "Get Started." 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are John Keohane, VP of Operations and Partner at Temecula Valley Buick GMC, and Liam Golightly, SVP of Customer Success at Podium to discuss how AI operator agents are giving dealership leaders a way to run their entire operation without being in every conversation themselves. John built his own AI agent, which he nicknamed Emily, to scrape telematics data, run weekly revival campaigns on stale leads, and even coach his sales team by timing how fast they respond before Emily steps in. The results are hard to ignore: Emily replaced his old bulk texting tool, helped uncover a customer-pay revenue drop in six seconds instead of weeks, and pushed his service department's customer-pay repair orders up 12 to 13 percent this year. For a single-point dealer competing against much larger groups, John says the technology has become a genuine equalizer. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Podium. Topics: 04:15 CPA Brain Overwhelmed By Reports. 06:10 Low-Hanging Tech Is Ripe. 07:25 Telematics Data Was Untouched. 09:25 Cold BDC Texts Feel Impersonal. 10:45 Operator Is AI For GMs. 13:00 Emily Texts Revival Campaigns Daily. 14:25 AI Revives Dead Leads Warmly. 16:15 Emily Surfaces Near-Miss Sales. 18:45 Salespeople Race To Beat Emily. 19:55 Employees Use AI To Beat AI. 23:30 Podium Sieves All Outreach. 33:50 AI Levels The Playing Field. Podium - the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 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 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: - Diana Lee, CEO and Founder at Constellation - Felicia Barr, Service Director at Bertera Auto Group - Bobby Perkins, Fixed Operations Director at Lexus Montgomery & Toyota of Montgomery This episode is brought to you by: Digital Dealer – Lost opportunities and slow processes are quietly draining your dealership's bottom line — Digital Dealer fixes that with real sessions, hands-on labs, and live demos covering sales, service, marketing, and AI, so you walk away with strategies you can use the second you're back on the lot. Join us September 22–23 in Detroit and bring your whole team. Register at digitaldealer.com — use code CDG25OFF for a team discount. Check it out at https://digitaldealer.com/ 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
Alan Haig is the President and founder of Haig Partners, the leading merger and acquisition advisory firm for auto dealerships, where he has guided some of the industry's largest deals. He tracks buy-sell trends and franchise values across every major brand, and he's watched Infiniti collapse further than any other name in the business while Toyota and Lexus keep climbing. He speaks candidly about which franchises are worth buying today, which ones aren't, and what a wave of new competition from China could do to dealership values. Topics: 03:30 Scarcity Creates A Virtuous Cycle. 09:05 Toyota Store Is A Bond. 11:15 Ford And Chevy Are Half Price. 15:05 Honda Beats Toyota As A Buy. 23:50 Chinese EVs Threaten Values. 42:00 Clean Up Before Exit. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Kenect - Kenect helps dealership GMs automate customer outreach by turning days of manual calling into seconds. Go to @ here today. 2. CDG Circles - Connect with verified dealers all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 3. Haig Partners - The Haig Report® sets the standard for dealership M&A data and trends in auto retail. Read it @ here. 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 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: - Glenn Lundy, President at 800% Elite Automotive Club - Jaymie Nielsen, Show Director at Digital Dealer - Al Salas, Founder/Chairman at Eco Auto This episode is brought to you by: Digital Dealer – Lost opportunities and slow processes are quietly draining your dealership's bottom line — Digital Dealer fixes that with real sessions, hands-on labs, and live demos covering sales, service, marketing, and AI, so you walk away with strategies you can use the second you're back on the lot. Join us September 22–23 in Detroit and bring your whole team. Register at digitaldealer.com — use code CDG25OFF for a team discount. Check it out at https://digitaldealer.com/ 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
Leo Portaluppi says the accountability gap holding back growing dealer groups is one owners create themselves. He argues that titles without real equity produce managers who still think like employees, and that fixing it means giving partners a real path to owning 10, then 20 percent of the store they run. Topics: 02:10 Fixed Needs Variable, Vice Versa. 04:10 "If You Want Reliable, Don't Buy This." 08:25 Oil-Change Dad Built An Empire. 15:00 Don't Hire Bad Habits, Train Them. 17:00 App Steers Customers To Right Store. 21:00 GMs Write Rules, No Complaints. 31:45 Owner Operators Beat Managers. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer - Join us September 22–23 in Detroit and register today at DigitalDealer.com. Use code CDG25OFF at checkout and bring your team for a generous discount. Visit @ here for more info. 2. Widewail - Widewail uses AI to turn raw customer feedback into clear operational insights so you know exactly what to fix and where to focus. Go to @ here to book a demo. 3. CDG Circles - Connect with verified dealers all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 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 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: - Ashley Cavazos, President at WOCAN & Moderator/Trainer at NCM Associates - Steve Gates, President at Gates Auto Family - Cody Lusk, President/CEO at American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) - David Spisak, President/CEO at Disruptive Growth Solutions, LLC This episode is brought to you by: Digital Dealer – Lost opportunities and slow processes are quietly draining your dealership's bottom line — Digital Dealer fixes that with real sessions, hands-on labs, and live demos covering sales, service, marketing, and AI, so you walk away with strategies you can use the second you're back on the lot. Join us September 22–23 in Detroit and bring your whole team. Register at digitaldealer.com — use code CDG25OFF for a team discount. Check it out at https://digitaldealer.com/ 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
Today's show features: - David Hennessey, VP of Fixed Operations at Harris Auto Group - Tully Williams, Fixed Operations Director at The Niello Company - Owen Montgomery, Service Advisor at Chariot Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: 800% Elite Automotive Club – 800% Elite Auto is a whole-dealership solution. Live weekly training and 1-on-1 executive coaching align Owners, Sales, F&I, BDC, Marketing, and Culture into one well oiled machine. The result? A guaranteed 25% sales increase in 90 days. Get started today https://www.800percent.life/cdg 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Eric Cohen, CEO of Merchant Advocate, and Cole Frankman, Owner/Operator of Frankman Motors, to discuss why credit card processing fees keep climbing year after year and how dealers can uncover the hidden increases buried in their merchant statements. Eric reveals that 80 percent of dealerships he reviews are being overcharged by 20 to 25 percent, and explains why the fee never really stops rising: the sales rep who set up the account earns a cut of every transaction for as long as the dealer stays a client. Cole shares how a routine expense review turned into a two-month rabbit hole before an independent audit uncovered over six figures in annual savings, all without switching processors or changing equipment. The conversation exposes why dealers rarely read past page one of their statements, and what that costs them. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Merchant Advocate. Topics: 06:35 Fees Were Never On His Radar. 08:30 He Tried AI To Fix It. 09:15 Audits Aren't Just For Mega Dealers. 11:15 80% Of Dealers Overpay. 12:45 Processors Raise Rates Anytime. 16:35 Hidden Fees Saved Six Figures. 18:45 Dealers Pay High Fees Despite Low Risk. 21:30 Processors Keep Coming Back. 23:40 Visa Doesn't Set Rates. 26:45 Statements Are Deliberately Confusing. 28:40 Non-PCI Fees Cost $500 Monthly. 30:15 Contingency Aligns Incentives. Merchant Advocate - Merchant Advocate helps dealerships uncover and eliminate unnecessary credit card processing costs through independent, contingency-based audits. Our experts identify hidden fees, pricing errors, and optimization opportunities—all without requiring dealers to switch processors, replace equipment, or disrupt operations. Learn more at https://merchantadvocate.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 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: - Glenn Lundy, President at 800% Elite Automotive Club - Jay Law, Head of Sales at Car Dealership Guy - Jad Naamani, Director of Marketing at Seez - Chad Cunningham, CEO at DuPONT Registry Exchange and Live This episode is brought to you by: 800% Elite Automotive Club – 800% Elite Auto is a whole-dealership solution. Live weekly training and 1-on-1 executive coaching align Owners, Sales, F&I, BDC, Marketing, and Culture into one well oiled machine. The result? A guaranteed 25% sales increase in 90 days. Get started today https://www.800percent.life/cdg Seez – Seez is a leading automotive technology company redefining the modern dealership through AI, data, and transformative digital tools. Its offerings include AI-powered chat solutions, AI-driven performance marketing, as well as omnichannel retail platforms and predictive pricing models. Visit Seez.co to book a demo. 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
Matt Haiken is the President of Prestige Auto Group, a second-generation dealer who has run stores under the Lincoln, Volvo, and Polestar brands for more than 20 years. He built LotVision, an AI platform that gives dealers live analytics on competitors' inventory, and he watched Polestar pull its franchise from under him with almost no warning. Topics: 13:40 Carvana Runs Without Sales Managers. 21:00 Tesla's Calculator Is The Gold Standard. 24:10 Brokers Fill Dealer Blind Spots. 27:45 Broker Deals Lost $2,000 Each. 29:55 OEM Awards Are Addictive. 31:50 LotVision Spies On Competitors. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer - Join us September 22–23 in Detroit and register today at DigitalDealer.com. Use code CDG25OFF at checkout and bring your team for a generous discount. Visit @ here for more info. 2. CDK Global - CDK’s Built-In Customer Data Platform, CDP, unifies customer data across your dealership and brings AI-driven insights directly into your everyday workflows. Learn more @ here. 3. CDG Circles - Connect with verified dealers all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 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 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: - Phil Pecoraro, Operating Partner at Murdock CDJR - Jason Swiech, Sr. Product Marketer, F&I at CDK Global - Jimmy Anderson, GM at Checkered Flag Porsche This episode is brought to you by: 800% Elite Automotive Club – 800% Elite Auto is a whole-dealership solution. Live weekly training and 1-on-1 executive coaching align Owners, Sales, F&I, BDC, Marketing, and Culture into one well oiled machine. The result? A guaranteed 25% sales increase in 90 days. Get started today https://www.800percent.life/cdg CDK Global – CDK Global empowers dealers with the tools and technology they need to build deeper relationships with customers and sell and service more cars. Visit https://www.cdkglobal.com/ 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Alex Lawrence, CEO and co-founder of EVauto, and Chris Roig, Director of Sales Engineering at Netchex, to discuss how the country's largest EV-only dealer group is scaling into new states without letting payroll and HR become the bottleneck. Alex reveals a payroll tax scare that nearly caught EVauto off guard and how a surprise refund from the IRS became a turning point. Now growing toward 4,000 cars a year across three states, he explains why he trusts AI to approve timecards and overtime, and how automation flags problems like a 40 percent overtime spike before they hit the books. Chris breaks down why switching payroll providers never means touching the dealer management system, and how EVauto is scaling into new markets without stacking headcount in the back office. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Netchex. Topics: 02:50 Painful Tesla Hunt Spawned An Empire. 04:45 Zero Floorplan Debt, Nine-Figure Revenue. 06:50 Cringey TikToks Sold Thousands Of Cars. 09:00 Payroll Tax Blindside Fast-Growing Dealers. 11:20 DMS Integration Separates Real Solutions. 16:40 Paperwork Scales Worse Than Rooftops. 18:00 Employee Experience Starts Before Day One. 20:35 Netchex Assumes IRS Compliance Liability. 24:00 New State Means Instant Payroll Learning Curve. 26:50 AI Agents Automate Routine Approvals. 29:50 AI Handles 80%, Humans Manage Exceptions. 31:30 Every Role Justifies Why AI Can't Do It. Netchex - Drive your dealership forward with Netchex. The only HCM platform built for how dealerships actually operate — deep DMS integrations, technology that understands your business, and a team that understands you. Visit @ here 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 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: - Bob Kuehl, Vice President of Fixed Operations at Zeigler Automotive Group - David Meltzer, Owner at David Meltzer Enterprises This episode is brought to you by: Podium – Most AI is a black box. Podium's is yours to control — and it increases conversion by upwards of 26%. Check it out at podium.com Check it out at https://www.podium.com/ 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
Matt Muilenburg is the Chief Product Officer at Impel, a company building the AI platform used by thousands of dealerships to run sales, service, and fixed operations. He has spent thirty years working in dealer technology, starting at the Cobalt Group in the early internet era. He has focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on dealership operations over the last several years. Topics: 09:55 The Trade-In Lead Killing Profits. 18:40 Smallest Dealers Face Biggest Existential Risk. 21:40 First $100K Goes To Fixed Ops. 25:00 50% Of Dealers Use AI Unknowingly. 27:00 Employee ChatGPT Use Is A Legal Timebomb. 37:10 BDC Role Obsolete Within 12 Months. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer - Join us September 22–23 in Detroit and register today at DigitalDealer.com. Use code CDG25OFF at checkout and bring your team for a generous discount. Visit @ here for more info. 2. Uber for Business - The true cost of moving your service customers is bigger than it looks. Visit @ here to get started. 3. Impel - Meet the AI Operating System built for a new era of automotive retailing. Visit @ here for more info. 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 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: - Jeff Laethem, President at Ray Laethem Buick GMC - Malcolm Gage, General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Arlington - Peter McKay, Owner at Car Dealership Kid This episode is brought to you by: Podium – Most AI is a black box. Podium's is yours to control — and it increases conversion by upwards of 26%. Check it out at podium.com Check it out at https://www.podium.com/ 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
Today I'm joined by Eddie Stivers, President of Stivers Auto Group. He breaks down why his own cost of people sits at 56% of gross against Carvana's 20%, and the plan to fix it within 36 months. Eddie also unpacks how he is using Claude to catch missed fleet sales and rethink decades of gut-feel vehicle ordering. Topics: 03:30Ford Hit Dead Last In Satisfaction. 08:05Stivers Buys Broken Toys. 10:30Repeatable Turnaround Playbook Works. 14:16Car Business Is Now Tech-Driven. 37:35AI Disrupts Dealerships In 18 Months. 37:55Carvana's Cost Crushes Dealers At 56%. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer - Discover what's working in sales, service, marketing, AI, and operations Join us September 22–23 in Detroit. CDG readers: save 25% — just use code CDG25OFF at checkout. Register today @ here. 2. CDG Circles – Connect with verified dealers, join topic and OEM-specific groups, and get real-world strategies —all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 3. Plug – If your dealership is taking EV trade-ins or looking for used EV inventory, you need to check out @ here. 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 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: - Robert O'Koniewski, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) - Dan Mowid, Senior Division Reinsurance Executive, Direct Markets at Zurich North America - Josh Wear, Vice President of Underwriting, Direct Markets at Zurich North America - Chris Hudson, General Manager at Mark Miller Subaru This episode is brought to you by: Podium – Most AI is a black box. Podium's is yours to control — and it increases conversion by upwards of 26%. Check it out at podium.com Check it out at https://www.podium.com/ Zurich North America – Your loss ratio may be telling you more than you realize. Zurich brings the reinsurance expertise, underwriting insight and dealer-focused guidance to help you better understand what may be driving performance and where action may be needed. Visit www.zurichna.com/checkup to request a no-obligation review. 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
Today's show features: - Jeff Pister, Executive Manager at Honda Marysville - Chris Collins, Owner at Chris Collins Inc - Nicolas Salvo Labelle, Fixed Ops Manager at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Quebec This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance here: https://carguymedia.com/4pEqEPz 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
Today I'm joined by Jimmy Douglas, Founder & CEO at Plug. He breaks down why the top used EV dealers turn inventory in 30 days instead of 59 while selling for 3% more, and shares the arbitrage move of stocking a competitor's EV so you capture a sale that was happening anyway. Topics: 00:47 Tax Credits Killed EV Residuals. 08:20 Selling A Computer On Wheels. 18:29 Live With An EV For One Month. 21:35 Stack Teslas For Massive Arbitrage. 27:25 Detroit's Global EV Future Is Bleak. 39:52 Build More Bays Than You Need. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer - Discover what's working in sales, service, marketing, AI, and operations Join us September 22–23 in Detroit. CDG readers: save 25% — just use code CDG25OFF at checkout. Register today @ here. 2. CDG Circles – Connect with verified dealers, join topic and OEM-specific groups, and get real-world strategies —all inside the CDG Platform. Learn more @ here. 3. Plug – If your dealership is taking EV trade-ins or looking for used EV inventory, you need to check out @ here. 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 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: - Rob Dell, Vice President at Bob Ruth Ford - Jeremy Miller, Director of National Partnerships at In the Car - Kelly Midgett, Owner at Kelly’s Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance here: https://carguymedia.com/4pEqEPz In the Car – In the Car provides bindable quotes in 37 seconds during the car buying journey. Revenue stream for the salespersons and dealers. Seamless DMS integrations. Visit https://www.inthecar.com/ 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
Today I'm joined by Frank Esparza, General Manager at Tracy Honda. Frank walks through how his Honda store in Tracy, California, turned a stagnant pay plan into more than a million dollars in net profit growth in twelve months. He breaks down enforcing minimum sales standards, why he moved his advertising budget from broad reach to buyers already in the market, and how a lending partner is approving finance deals that traditional banks reject outright. Topics: 03:00 Raising Standards Drove $1M Growth. 09:20 The Marketing Company That Worked. 13:00 Lower Funnel Marketing Was A Disaster. 28:00 Fix Your Funnel, Fix Your Gross. 32:00 The Passport Home Run. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Digital Dealer - Get real strategies to drive sales and tighten operations, September 22–23 in Detroit. CDG readers save 25%. Use code CDG25OFF at checkout. Register today @ here. 3. Upstart - Upstart’s connected platform enables consumers to shop from anywhere, which benefits both dealers and buyers. For a brighter car-buying future, visit @ here. 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 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: - Paul Sansone III, General Manager at Sansone Jr’s Keyport Kia - Billy Sherman, Sales Manager at Sansone Jr’s Keyport Kia - Travis Baldwin, Vice President at Best Deal Auto Sales This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance here: https://carguymedia.com/4pEqEPz 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
Today's show features: - Mike Stanton, President & CEO at National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) - Danny Negalha, Corporate Fixed Ops Director at McGovern Automotive Group - Chris Skinner, Fixed Operations Director at Granbury Nissan This episode is brought to you by: Experian – Experian Automotive helps marketers identify and engage high-value auto shoppers, strengthen customer loyalty, grow service revenue, and activate 1,100+ automotive audiences across 30+ advertising platforms. Learn more here: https://carguymedia.com/3RTNi9H 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
Today I'm joined by George Karolis, President at The Presidio Group. George breaks down why the average dealer is over 70 years old with no succession plan, why nearly 18% of dealers now say they want to sell in the next year, and why the biggest groups are trading luxury stores rather than walking away from them entirely. He also unpacks why Toyota stores now trade like BMW and Mercedes dealerships, and why Carvana's rapid new-car growth might not be the experiment dealers think it is. Topics: 02:30 Ernie Garcia's Tight-Lipped Strategy. 03:00 Carvana's 998-Unit Month. 09:00 18% Of Dealers Want Out. 13:00 Lexus Stores Trade Like Gold. 19:55 The Two Porsche Stories. 23:25 Toyota Trades Like Luxury. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Plug - If your dealership is taking EV trade-ins or looking for used EV inventory, you need to check out @ here. 2. Podium - the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Take a closer look @ here. 3. The Presidio Group - The Presidio Group is one of the longest-standing investment banks focused exclusively on automotive. Explore these and other industry insights @ here. Presidio reports mentioned in today's episode: Q2 2026 M&A Market Update / Presidio Valuation Index Midyear 2026 Dealer Direction Survey Q2 2026 Presidio-NCM Average Dealership Performance Benchmark Q2 2026 Drive-In LIVE 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 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: - Yossi Levi, Founder at Car Dealership Guy - Matt Sokolowski, COO at Willis Automotive - Jaiden Bobo, Sales and Leadership Intern at Willis Automotive - Glen Trafford, General Manager at Salmon Arm Toyota This episode is brought to you by: Experian – Experian Automotive helps marketers identify and engage high-value auto shoppers, strengthen customer loyalty, grow service revenue, and activate 1,100+ automotive audiences across 30+ advertising platforms. Learn more here: https://carguymedia.com/3RTNi9H 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
Today I'm joined by Husband and Wife, Kelly and Rob Ruth of Bob Ruth Ford. Married 24 years, Rob and Kelly built the dealership together while he worked bell-to-bell, 78-hour weeks, and she ran the household solo, raising their kids largely on her own. Kelly reveals the role she played long before it had a title, shaping personnel decisions from behind the scenes and backing Rob's zero-revenue media bet on nothing but belief before any money came in. Topics: 05:45 Why Growth Meant Letting Go. 07:20 The Two-Year Transition. 08:40 The Unseen Spouse Impact. 17:30 The Mortgage Rate That Changed Everything. 19:00 The Dopamine Hit Every GM Chases. 28:50 Giving Without Spoiling. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer - Get real strategies to drive sales and tighten operations, September 22–23 in Detroit. Register today @ here. 2. Experian Automotive - Experian's Fraud Protect solution helps dealers identify potential fraud risks earlier in the sales process by leveraging advanced data, analytics, and identity verification tools. Visit @ here. 3. CDG Platform - Dealer intelligence, all in one place. Give your dealership a competitive edge @ here. 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 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: - Shane Helms, Founder / CEO at TrueView Media Group - Shelley Pratt, Director, Media, Activations, and Business Intelligence at Nissan USA - Kristin Coleman, Vice President Marketing at AutoNation - Mario Diez, CEO at Peer39 This episode is brought to you by: Experian – Experian Automotive helps marketers identify and engage high-value auto shoppers, strengthen customer loyalty, grow service revenue, and activate 1,100+ automotive audiences across 30+ advertising platforms. Learn more here: https://carguymedia.com/3RTNi9H 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Bill O'flanagan, Dealer Principal at Reedman Toll Auto Group, and Todd Kaminski, Head of Direct Markets at Zurich North America to discuss the one interview question that predicts almost everything about whether a new hire will thrive or wash out, and why building a culture of transparency and daily accountability is the real fix for automotive's turnover problem. O'Flanagan shares his go-to interview question, "Who was your best boss and why, and who was your worst boss and why," and explains how the answer tells him everything he needs to know about how someone wants to be managed. He also breaks down why he shares full financial statements with every manager, a move his peers once called "insane," and how a daily 10-minute results call with every manager helped seven of his ten service centers set growth records this year. Kaminski adds a rare outside view from three decades working inside dealerships on why transparency, meritocracy, and recognition are what separate cultures that retain talent from those that don't. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Zurich North America. Topics: 00:10 The First Three Hires. 01:20 Why Service Manager Is Toughest. 02:25 The Trial Skill That Wins. 04:20 Why Dealer Is Least Important. 06:30 Why Bill Never Wins Arguments. 08:00 The Finance Director's Warning. 11:30 Dating Vs. Marrying Employees. 13:10 The Risky Financial Move. 16:00 Three Pillars Of Culture. 19:40 The 2008 Pivot. 23:15 The Parent-Employee Link. 28:30 The 10-Minute Daily Call. Zurich - Zurich delivers The Zurich Advantage to dealerships nationwide by combining comprehensive F&I products, consultative training, revenue‑generating programs, and wealth‑building profit participation strategies. Grounded in our mission to provide clarity, confidence, and certainty, we help dealers protect what matters, strengthen performance, and build a legacy for the road ahead. Learn more @ here. 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 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: - Glenn Lundy, President at 800% Elite Automotive Club - Brian Benstock, Vice President & General Manager at Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura - Kyle Coleman, President & CEO, Coleman Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: The Presidio Group – Today’s episode is brought to you by The Presidio Group, one of the automotive industry’s leading buy-sell advisors. Visit Presidio’s new Research & Reports portal for M&A insights, blue sky multiples, exclusive benchmark data with NCM Associates, dealer sentiment, and analysis of the trends shaping automotive retail at https://thepresidiogroup.com/ 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
Today I'm joined by Matt Leone, CEO at DriveCentric. Matt breaks down why one dealer group ditched a $100,000 Salesforce contract they were barely using, why building your own software rarely pays off the way it promises, and why the next fight in the industry is over who actually owns the customer relationship. Topics: 06:00 The Referee Analogy For Software. 11:50 Consolidation Isn't Happening. 18:30 You're Replacing 7 Vendors. 24:50 Why They Sell You A Car Post-Purchase. 35:10 Auto Is Still A Handshake Industry. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer - At Digital Dealer 2026, every session is built around the problems your dealership is actually facing. No theory, just real strategies that move your numbers. September 22-23 in Detroit. Register @ here. 2. Openlane - During DealerFest 2026, you’ll earn points for every vehicle you buy, sell and transport through OPENLANE in July. The more points you earn, the bigger prizes you can win. Learn more @ here. 3. DriveCentric - DriveCentric puts dealerships in the Fast Lane to the Customer with a modern engagement platform built to move faster. Visit @ here for more info. 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 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: - Jay Law, Head of Partnerships at Car Dealership Guy - JB Burnett, Executive General Manager at Preston Automotive Group - Robert Ebin, Director of Legal Affairs at KPA - Jeff Pister, Executive Manager at Honda Marysville This episode is brought to you by: Presidio – Today’s episode is brought to you by The Presidio Group, one of the automotive industry’s leading buy-sell advisors. Visit Presidio’s new Research & Reports portal for M&A insights, blue sky multiples, exclusive benchmark data with NCM Associates, dealer sentiment, and analysis of the trends shaping automotive retail at thepresidiogroup.com. Check it out at https://thepresidiogroup.com KPA – Escalating fines and enforcement actions are hitting dealers hard on advertising, sales, and F&I compliance. KPA's Advertising, Sales & F&I solution combines integrated software, expert consulting, and award-winning training to help you reduce liability exposure and protect your reputation. Learn more here: https://carguymedia.com/4fASW9X 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
Today I'm joined by Kelley Stumpe, Founder & CEO at The Car Mom. She has built the largest online following of car-buying moms in the country, and she has never taken a dollar from a manufacturer to do it. That refusal has gotten her blacklisted from press events and cut off from loaner cars, but it has also made her the most trusted voice family car shoppers turn to. Topics: 04:00 The Most Car Seat-Friendly SUV. 06:30 Selling To Women Isn't Different. 09:30 The Seven-Door Car Parents Want. 11:30 Salespeople Know Nothing About Cars. 20:30 The Free Event That Drives Business. 27:10 Why Kelley Stays Undisputed. 41:15 The 100,000-Mile Secret. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer – Join dealership leaders from across the country for two days of expert-led education, practical AI strategies, networking with industry peers, and hands-on access to the latest products and solutions. September 22–23 in Detroit. Register today here. 2. Podium - If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 3. CDG Marketplace — Get peer-validated reviews and real-world intel on every major dealership technology provider, all from verified dealers inside the CDG Platform. Visit @ here. 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 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: - Charlie Spradlin, General Manager at Art Moehn Auto Group - John Murphy, Used Vehicle Director at Holler-Classic Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Presidio – Today’s episode is brought to you by The Presidio Group, one of the automotive industry’s leading buy-sell advisors. Visit Presidio’s new Research & Reports portal for M&A insights, blue sky multiples, exclusive benchmark data with NCM Associates, dealer sentiment, and analysis of the trends shaping automotive retail at thepresidiogroup.com. Check it out at https://thepresidiogroup.com 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
Today's show features: - Ryan Downing, Dealer Principal / Owner at Ross Downing Auto Group - Jay Trivedi, Dealer Principal/Owner at Jay's Chevrolet GMC This episode is brought to you by: Haig – Haig Partners – When it comes to selling your life’s work, trust the only advisors who have built a reputation for maximizing value for family-owned dealerships. The team at Haig Partners has achieved record-setting values across multiple franchises and has represented more owners in the sale of their Toyota dealerships than any other firm. If you are considering a sale, divestiture or looking to grow, begin a confidential conversation at http://haigpartners.com/ 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
Today I'm joined by Nick LaSorsa, Director at LaSorsa Auto Group. Nick runs two very different stores in the New York metro, and he lays out the exact playbook he uses to keep both profitable heading into 2026. He explains how a single hiring platform audit uncovered more than $15,000 in wasted spend, why he cancels every vendor contract the day he signs it, and how a mobile fleet service built around school bus recalls became one of the highest-margin corners of his business. Topics: 03:00 Two Stores, Two Personalities. 09:00 The Cancellation Trick That Works. 11:40 Nick Interviews Every Single Hire. 16:20 The Fleet Business Most Ignore. 22:00 New York Auto Is Different. 25:20 Nick's Copy-Paste Growth Plan. 31:20 The Pressure Of Being Second-Gen. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer – Join dealership leaders from across the country for two days of expert-led education, practical AI strategies, networking with industry peers, and hands-on access to the latest products and solutions. September 22–23 in Detroit. Register today here. 2. CDG Marketplace — Get peer-validated reviews and real-world intel on every major dealership technology provider, all from verified dealers inside the CDG Platform. Visit @ here. 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 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: - Dennis Gingrich, Sales & Finance Director at The Niello Company - Dave Thomas, Director, Content Marketing at CDK Global - Pat Malloy, General Manager at Patriot Chevrolet Of Limerick This episode is brought to you by: Haig Partners – When it comes to selling your life’s work, trust the only advisors who have built a reputation for maximizing value for family-owned dealerships. The team at Haig Partners has achieved record-setting values across multiple franchises and has represented more owners in the sale of their Toyota dealerships than any other firm. If you are considering a sale, divestiture or looking to grow, begin a confidential conversation at http://haigpartners.com/ CDK Global – CDK Global empowers dealers with the tools and technology they need to build deeper relationships with customers and sell and service more cars. Visit https://www.cdkglobal.com/ 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
Today I'm joined by Perry Watson IV, President of NAMAD. Dealership consolidation is accelerating, and the price of entry to ownership has never been higher. Perry breaks down the numbers behind it, including how over 40 percent of new vehicle sales at some brands now come from minority consumers, and why one manufacturer doubled a dealer's sales volume within two years just by getting ownership representation right. Topics: 01:25 Consolidation's Hidden Downside. 02:00 The Academy Training Next-Gen Dealers. 04:10 No Straight Path To Ownership. 04:50 The Business Case For Minority Dealers. 10:00 The Conference Where Deals Get Done. 14:45 The Mentor Who Sold To His Employee. 16:25 How Erica Tiffany Became A Dealer. 25:50 The Secret Fund NAMAD Is Building. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Openlane - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ here. 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 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: - Brian Baker, President Automotive at Stream Companies - Zach Slabinski, Director of Retail Ready at Stream Companies - Brian Hoang, CEO & Co-founder at Mia Labs - George Ripley, VP at International Association of Auto Theft Investigators This episode is brought to you by: Haig Partners – When it comes to selling your life’s work, trust the only advisors who have built a reputation for maximizing value for family-owned dealerships. The team at Haig Partners has achieved record-setting values across multiple franchises and has represented more owners in the sale of their Toyota dealerships than any other firm. If you are considering a sale, divestiture or looking to grow, begin a confidential conversation at http://haigpartners.com/ 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
Today's show features: - Don Hall, President and CEO of Virginia Automobile Dealers Association - Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners - Aaron Zeigler, President of Zeigler Auto Group - Grant Cardone, CEO of Cardone Capital This episode is brought to you by: Podium – Most AI is a black box. Podium's is yours to control — and it increases conversion by upwards of 26%. Check it out at http://podium.com 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
Today I'm joined by Scott Traylor, Vice President at Mia Labs. Scott breaks down how voice AI is pulling $8,000 to $30,000 a month in after-hours revenue at stores where customers used to just hit a voicemail, why service advisors are letting calls go unanswered on purpose, and how Mia became the first voice AI company approved by General Motors for their co-op program. If you think AI is still a future conversation, Scott makes the case that you're already in the same moment as when someone first told you that you needed a website. Topics: 02:30 The No-Saturday-Meeting Rule. 03:50 Why Salespeople Sold 25 Cars. 12:40 AI Is The New Internet. 14:20 The $30K Revenue Stream Ignored. 17:30 The 1.9-Second Secret. 23:50 The OEM Light-Years Ahead. 28:10 Parts Is AI's Next Frontier. 39:55 The Side Mirror Lesson. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Uber for Business - Uber for Business pulls courtesy rides and reporting into one dashboard, so you can see what you're spending and set limits that hold. Visit @ here to get started. 2. CDG Dealer Platform – Dealer intelligence, all in one place. Give your dealership a competitive edge @ here. 3. Mia - Your 24/7 AI receptionist who speaks like a human, not a robot. Never miss another lead. Visit @ here for more info. 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 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 Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Mike Martucci, General Manager at Jim Ellis Kia, and Kevin Esmezyan, Chief Product Officer at Matador AI to discuss how conversational AI is turning a three-person sales team handling 700 leads a month into a machine that doubles close rates and books service appointments at nearly 90% — while most dealers are still missing after-hours calls and watching customers drive to the competition. Mike walked into a store with a light lead count and a low close rate and used Matador AI to nearly double both. Today, three team members handle 696 leads a month, two-thirds of all appointments are booked by AI, and his service retention rate has climbed from the 30s to 50%. Kevin explains how a crawl-walk-run onboarding process builds an AI that learns a dealer's specific playbook, and why the compounding effect of small adjustments over time is what actually moves the numbers. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Matador AI. Topics: 05:00 Service Retention From 30% To 50%. 06:20 How One Dealer Doubled Close Rate. 07:50 Auto's 2% Profit Margin Problem. 11:35 Why Mike Trusts AI With Customers. 12:50 The AI That Learns To Think Like Mike. 13:45 The GM's New Job In 2026. 15:50 Why Auto Dealers Hide Pricing. 17:10 AI Books Two-Thirds Of Appointments. 18:20 Three BDC Staff Handle 700 Leads. 19:10 The Phone Book Lesson Every Dealer Needs. 21:20 The AI That Covers Customer Lifecycle. 23:20 Why Most AI Tools Fail Dealers. Matador AI - Most dealerships are losing leads in the follow-up. Matador AI fixes that. It's not generic automation. It's dealership-trained AI, built on millions of real conversations and optimized around what converts. In a thin-margin business, every conversation matters. Book your demo today and get your first month free @ here. 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 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: Yossi Levi, CEO of Car Dealership Guy Alex Lawrence, CEO & Co-Founder of EV Auto Sam Hatch, General Manager at JRR Motor Sales This episode is brought to you by: Podium – Most AI is a black box. Podium's is yours to control — and it increases conversion by upwards of 26%. Check it out at http://podium.com 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
Today's show features: - Matt Haiken, Dealer Principal and President at Prestige Collection Auto Group - Damon Egan, Service Director at Sherwood Ford - Luis Malespin, Parts Director at Premier Hyundai This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance here: https://carguymedia.com/4xF6DM6 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
Today I'm joined by AJ McGowan, VP of Research and Development at Reynolds & Reynolds. He breaks down why fragmented software platforms are quietly limiting what AI can see and do, uses a service drive scenario to show how a fully connected system could surface a high-value trade opportunity in real time, and explains why Reynolds is investing in its own hardware infrastructure to make that scale. Topics: 03:25 Why Auto AI Is Different. 06:45 Real AI Vs. Gimmicks. 08:45 Why Reynolds Is Buying Hardware. 13:15 The Bloomberg Terminal For Used Cars. 17:30 What Rey Actually Does. 22:50 Where Dealers Still Find An Edge. 28:35 Why Consolidation Is Now Critical. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Matador AI - Most dealerships are losing leads in the follow-up. Matador AI fixes that. It's not generic automation. It's dealership-trained AI, built on millions of real conversations and optimized around what converts. In a thin-margin business, every conversation matters. Book your demo today and get your first month free @ here. 2. Zurich - Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance. Discover more @ here. 3. Reynolds and Reynolds - Turn cars faster and increase profit with AutoVision, an end-to-end inventory management suite that optimizes every step of the used vehicle lifecycle. From acquisition to sale, AutoVision gives you a clear way to manage inventory. Visit AutoVision.com for more information. 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 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: - Jameson Riley, General Manager at Riley Volvo Cars Stamford - Eric Barbosa, VP of Variable Operations at Plaza Motors This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance here: https://carguymedia.com/4xF6DM6 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
Today I'm joined by Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier, Co-founders at More Than Cars. Paul and Kyle break down exactly how a single exposed API key can hand a hacker access to an entire dealer management system, why dealerships are uniquely at risk given the volume of sensitive customer data they store, and what the best operators are doing to build securely before the first major breach hits the industry. Topics: 00:25 Dealerships' Most Under-Resourced Dept. 02:40 Why Auto Ads Are The Worst. 04:50 The $734 Symptom Dealers Ignore. 09:50 How One Dealer Cut Ad Cost By $200. 18:10 The Widget Killing Your Conversion. 24:25 Lost 50% Of Staff, Sales Soared. 27:45 The Knowledge Graph Every Dealer Needs. 46:10 Rebrand As A Hospitality Business. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Uber for Business - Dealers, give your customers what they want: courtesy Uber rides. To learn how Uber for Business can help you drive customer loyalty, one ride at a time, visit @ here today to learn more. 2. Reynolds and Reynolds - Turn cars faster and increase profit with AutoVision, an end-to-end inventory management suite that optimizes every step of the used vehicle lifecycle. Visit @ here for more info. 3. CDG Dealer Platform – Dealer intelligence, all in one place. Give your dealership a competitive edge @ here. 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 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: - Vic Keller, Founder and CEO at Experience Ventures - Namu Keys, Senior Product Marketer, Digital Retail at CDK Global - Sam Vesely, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Ford of Cookeville This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich Advisor IQ is Zurich’s AI-driven training and coaching platform built to help F&I teams perform more consistently and sell more effectively — using real transaction data, not theory. By analyzing actual F&I transactions, Zurich Advisor IQ helps identify behaviors and trends influencing results, delivers actionable insights and roleplay scenarios, and gives dealership leaders visibility into performance across managers, stores and rooftops. Connect with your Zurich representative to request a demo and see how Zurich Advisor IQ can help turn F&I insight into stronger dealership performance here: https://carguymedia.com/4xF6DM6 CDK Global – CDK Global empowers dealers with the tools and technology they need to build deeper relationships with customers and sell and service more cars. Visit https://www.cdkglobal.com/ 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
Today's show features: - Matt Bowers, Owner of Matt Bowers Automotive Group - Vince McIsaac, Director of Parts Operations at Hawk Auto Group - Jim Sabino, Fixed Operations Director at All American Ford This episode is brought to you by: OPENLANE – OPENLANE is getting ready for DealerFest 2026, its biggest customer event of the year. For the entire month of July, earn points for every transaction you make on OPENLANE, and redeem them for incredible prizes! Make sure you’re ready for the rockin’ sales event of the summer. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more at https://www.openlane.com/cdg. 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
Today I'm joined once again by Alan Haig, President at Haig Partners. Dealer profits fell 16% in the first quarter of 2026, yet the number of dealerships changing hands surged 39% over the same period last year. Alan breaks down the capital stockpile dealers built during the COVID era, why franchise values have held steady despite softer earnings, and which brands represent the best buying opportunities right now. Topics: 00:20 Buy-Sells Boom As Values Drop. 01:45 The Profit Number Dealers Can't Hide. 05:35 39% More Stores Sold. 09:20 Two Beaten Brands Smart Money Buys. 11:35 VW's Disastrous Dealer Meeting. 14:10 Why AI Hasn't Made A Dime. 25:05 The Senator Blocking A 23% Crash. 42:10 The 20% Return Hooked Investors. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Experian Automotive - Experian's Fraud Protect solution helps dealers identify potential fraud risks earlier in the sales process by leveraging advanced data, analytics, and identity verification tools. Visit @ here for more info. 2. Matador AI - Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Head to @ here and book your demo today. 3. Haig Partners - The Haig Report® sets the standard for dealership M&A data and trends in auto retail. Read it @ here. 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 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: - Patrick Haggerty, President/General Manager at Faulkner Infiniti of Willow Grove - Peter Massimilla Jr, Internet Sales Manager at McGovern CJDR This episode is brought to you by: OPENLANE – OPENLANE is getting ready for DealerFest 2026, its biggest customer event of the year. For the entire month of July, earn points for every transaction you make on OPENLANE, and redeem them for incredible prizes! Make sure you’re ready for the rockin’ sales event of the summer. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more at https://www.openlane.com/cdg. 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 Show less
Welcome to Dealer War Room from Car Dealership Guy, where we sit down with top operators to break down how they're navigating the biggest challenges in auto retail. These three rural store owners share the specific moves working right now: Scott Simons bought a Chevy store for $6.9M and tripled sales & fixed ops in under a year. Rob Ruth built a street-sourcing machine buying 300 cars/month from consumers at a 7% cost advantage over auction. Kyle Coleman launched a $59.99 oil change, driving a 20% jump in customer-paid service visits in 30 days while the industry shrank. Three models, three playbooks, built for today’s market. Topics: 14:20 Nissan Is The Fastest Growing Brand. 25:10 Simple Stair Steps Win Every Time. 31:45 A '50s Building Selling 400 Cars. 42:30 Pickup & Delivery Solves Service. 55:20 The FTC Crackdown Is A Gift. This episode is brought to you by: 1. CDG Dealer Platform – Benchmark your performance against thousands of rooftops. Give your dealership a competitive edge at https://cdgapp.ai/. 2. Guidepoint Systems – Guidepoint Systems is becoming a dealer's most important retention tool. Visit @ here for more info. 3. TARGIT – TARGIT is an end-to-end business intelligence platform that gives car dealers worldwide complete visibility and control over all their operational data. Learn more about TARGIT @ here. 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 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: - Ryan Knight, Director of Operations at Knight Automotive Group - Britt DeJohn, Sr. VP of Business Operations at Impel - Nicholas Velez, Internet Director at Valley Kia of Fontana This episode is brought to you by: OPENLANE – OPENLANE is getting ready for DealerFest 2026, its biggest customer event of the year. For the entire month of July, earn points for every transaction you make on OPENLANE, and redeem them for incredible prizes! Make sure you’re ready for the rockin’ sales event of the summer. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more at https://www.openlane.com/cdg. Impel – Impel is the automotive industry's only end-to-end agentic AI Operating System, unifying sales, service, marketing, and merchandising into one intelligent platform purpose-built for dealers. From Sales AI that works every lead to Service AI that keeps customers coming back, Impel helps 8,000+ retailers and OEMs turn every customer touchpoint into measurable growth. Visit https://impel.ai/ to see what an AI Operating System can do for your dealership. 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Frederick Grimm, Co-Founder and COO of AppraisalPro, and Danny Galat, General Sales Manager at Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bend, to discuss how dealers are using real-time diagnostic scanning to stop taking hidden mechanical losses on trade-ins and turn a wholesale department that was bleeding money into one that's actually profitable. Danny walks through the $8,000 Ford Raptor miss that kept him up at night and drove him to find a better way to appraise used vehicles. The numbers that follow are hard to ignore: 20% of trade-in appraisals show a check engine light cleared within the last 50 miles, the average dealer is sitting on $15,000 to $20,000 in hidden reconditioning costs every month, and Danny's wholesale department swung from a loss to a profit by more than 300% in a single year. Frederick also breaks down how the tool detects odometer rollback and VIN fraud before a bad deal makes it onto your lot. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by AppraisalPro. Topics: 03:25 The $8,000 Raptor Miss That Changed Everything. 04:50 Why Warm Engines Hide Costly Problems. 06:10 The 30-Second Appraisal That Saves Thousands. 07:30 The Customer Who Got Caught Red-Handed. 09:00 Why Every Salesperson Needs A Lanyard Now. 10:10 The 10 Million Scans Powering Your Appraisals. 12:40 20% Of Trade-Ins Had Their Codes Cleared. 13:50 $15-20K In Hidden Recon Costs Found Monthly. 16:30 From Wholesale Loss To Profit In One Year. 17:50 The 300% Profit Swing You Can't Ignore. 18:30 Why 94% Of Dealers Convert After The Trial. 20:00 The $5,000 Guarantee You Need To Take. AppraisalPro - AppraisalPRO helps dealers instantly uncover the true mechanical reconditioning costs of trade-ins before they buy them, helping reduce surprises and protect profitability. The platform can also detect recently cleared check engine lights and hidden issues that may otherwise go unnoticed during the appraisal process. Start your free trial @ here! 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 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: - Joel Love, Service Director at Toyota of Montgomery - Liam Golightley, SVP Dealer Success at Podium - Ryan Carlstedt, EVP Fixed Ops at Willis Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Experian – Experian Automotive helps marketers identify and engage high-value auto shoppers, strengthen customer loyalty, grow service revenue, and activate 1,100+ automotive audiences across 30+ advertising platforms. Learn more here: https://carguymedia.com/3RTNi9H Podium – Podium is the AI operating system built for dealerships — combining broken legacy systems into a single AI-first platform that helps GMs scale revenue, retain customers, and run fixed ops without adding headcount. Podium Connect was an invitation-only summit in Park City, Utah bringing together GMs, dealer principals, and C-suite leaders from some of the largest dealer groups in the country to share how they're actually implementing AI — what's working, what isn't, and where the industry is headed. Learn more at https://automotive.podium.com/ 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Aaron Zeigler, President of Zeigler Auto Group, and Johnny McKellar, who leads NationsGuard for Hendrick Automotive Group, to discuss why Zeigler is leaving its third-party warranty provider to stand up its own dealer-owned program, Zeigler Guard, and what Rick Hendrick himself says has been the single best decision in his 50 years in the car business. Rick Hendrick joins the conversation to explain how his dealer-owned warranty company became the financial reserve that let him avoid layoffs through COVID, recessions, and 20% interest rate cycles. Aaron and Johnny break down what it actually takes to transition a 41-location group onto a new program, why two groups that compete on paper chose to partner instead, and why Hendrick is selective about who gets access to this platform at all. Topics: 02:45 The Defining Moment For Zeigler. 04:10 Why Hendrick Started AutoGuard. 05:35 The Secret Sauce To Growth. 07:40 Controlling Your Own Destiny. 09:50 Three Times More Likely To Buy. 12:20 It's Your Program, Not Ours. 14:20 Why Hendrick Opened The Door. 16:00 We Won't Do This With Just Anyone. 17:30 The Best Thing We Ever Did. 18:30 When Business Partners Are Friends. 20:15 The 3-To-1 ROI On NASCAR. 23:30 The War Chest That Saves Dealers. 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 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: - Michael Cottone, Head of Subaru Motors Finance at Chase Auto - Steve Rowley, President of Cox Automotive - Aharon Horwitz, Co-Founder and CEO of Fullpath - Katie Gattuso Duncan, General Manager at Mohawk Chevrolet This episode is brought to you by: Experian – Experian Automotive helps marketers identify and engage high-value auto shoppers, strengthen customer loyalty, grow service revenue, and activate 1,100+ automotive audiences across 30+ advertising platforms. Learn more here: https://carguymedia.com/3RTNi9H Chase Auto – Chase Auto is a leading provider of auto financing with a portfolio of more than $89 billion in assets and relationships with two-thirds of U.S. franchised automotive dealers. One of the largest bank dealer commercial services providers nationally, Chase Auto provides lending and/or depository solutions to more than 2,000 dealerships. Our experienced bankers offer financial expertise and a complete range of banking products. Learn more at https://autofinance.chase.com/. 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
Today I'm joined by Vic Keller, Founder and CEO at Experience Ventures. In this conversation, he makes the case that most dealers are sitting on hidden enterprise value they haven't tapped, that the vendor landscape is moving too slowly for dealers who want to win now, and that the single biggest lever in any dealership is still the people, not the platform. Topics: 01:30 Fixed Ops Is Unbeatable. 02:45 The $2,600 F&I Number. 04:10 The Cold Call That Changed Everything. 07:40 Job Descriptions Don't Work. 11:00 Unicorns Destroy Dealerships. 12:20 Hidden Enterprise Value. 15:00 AI Won't Replace People. 17:30 Osmosis Is Killing You. 21:30 Don't Wait On Vendors. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Guidepoint Systems - Guidepoint Systems has spent decades purpose-building telematics for franchise dealerships — and in a flat-sales environment, their platform is becoming a dealer's most important retention tool. Visit @ here for more info. 2. TARGIT - TARGIT is an end-to-end business intelligence platform that gives car dealers worldwide complete visibility and control over all their operational data. Learn more about TARGIT @ here. 3. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 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 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: - Adam Stein, Executive Director at Plaza Auto Group - Brian Benstock, Vice President & General Manager at Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura This episode is brought to you by: Experian – Experian Automotive helps marketers identify and engage high-value auto shoppers, strengthen customer loyalty, grow service revenue, and activate 1,100+ automotive audiences across 30+ advertising platforms. Learn more here: https://carguymedia.com/3RTNi9H 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
Today's show features: - Dave Rogers, Fixed Operations Director at Piazza Auto Group - Todd Kaminski, President, Direct Markets at Zurich - Doug Coyle, Vice President, Direct Markets at Zurich - Chris Skinner, Fixed Operations Director at Granbury Nissan This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ Zurich – Zurich helps dealers operate with clarity, confidence and certainty — driving stronger performance today while protecting long‑term value. From proven F&I processes and insights‑driven training to income‑generating programs, profit participation, and risk management solutions, Zurich is built to help dealers win now — and build for what’s next. Discover more at: https://carguymedia.com/4wxv8dz 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Karen Chagnon, VP Sales at Guidepoint Systems, and Ferris Hamdan, General Manager at Wesley Chapel Honda, to discuss why most dealers are operating blind — unaware of which vehicles on their lot have a dead battery, a check engine light, or low fuel, and equally unaware of what's happening inside the vehicles they already sold, data their manufacturer sees but doesn't share with them. Ferris walks through how Wesley Chapel Honda nearly doubled sales volume to 400 units a month, and credits real-time vehicle health visibility with saving an estimated 15 to 20 deals per month. Karen reveals that the average dealer loses three to 10 sales a month to vehicles that simply weren't ready when the customer arrived, explains how the same data drives a 70% attachment rate in the finance office, and lays out why dealers who rely on manufacturer outreach are handing customer relationships to an entity whose loyalty is to the brand, not the store. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Guidepoint Systems. Topics: 03:30 One Dead Battery = One Lost Deal. 04:00 The Hour-Long Drive To A Dead Car. 06:50 The Three To Ten Deals You're Losing. 07:20 Why GPS Mileage Is 20% Off. 09:45 The 10-20 Batteries You Replace Monthly. 12:20 15 To 20 Saved Deals Per Month. 14:45 The 70% F&I Pen Rate. 16:45 Why Time-Based Service Reminders Fail. 22:30 Who Really Owns The Customer? 23:30 We Track Health, Not Location. 28:00 Can Your Product See A Check Engine Light? 32:55 The 10% Service Lift You're Missing. Guidepoint Systems - 25+ years. 1M+ vehicles. OEM-approved by Stellantis. Guidepoint Systems has spent decades purpose-building telematics for franchise dealerships — and in a flat-sales environment, their platform is becoming a dealer's most important retention tool. Real-time vehicle health signals, true odometer data, proactive service alerts. The right information at the right moment. That's how Guidepoint turns fixed ops into growth. Visit @ here. 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 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: - Joshua Johnson, CEO of Don Johnson Auto Group - Eric DeMont, Executive Director, Dealer Solutions and Growth at Urban Science - Shane Wood, General Manager of Port Orchard Ford This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ Urban Science – Urban Science® is a leading automotive consultancy and technology firm serving automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and dealers, and the agencies that support them. The company provides the only source of U.S. industry-wide automotive sales data, updated daily. For more information, visit https://www.urbanscience.com/ 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
Today, Sam D'Arc is joined by Jon Alcorn, Operating Partner at Dogwood Automotive Group. Winchester, Virginia's three-brand Dogwood Auto Group hasn't printed a paper pencil in over a year, yet grosses are up, and finance penetration sits at 89%. Jon breaks down the two systems behind that shift: a salesperson efficiency scorecard that grades reps from 113% down to 58% on metrics they can actually control, and a digital retailing stack that will deliver a 30-second actual cash value and a 60-second real quote to every online shopper starting June 1. Topics: 09:30 Why "Your Presence Is Your Leverage" Is A Lie. 10:00 The Day The Paper Pencil Died. 11:30 Why Customers Submit Their Own Credit. 18:00 Why Transparency Doesn't Kill Gross. 21:00 The Salesperson Scorecard Nobody Built. 30:00 Why Variable Ops Has No Efficiency Metric. 41:00 The Sales Manager As Restaurant Manager. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Mia - Your 24/7 AI receptionist who speaks like a human, not a robot. Never miss another lead. Visit @ here. 2. Reynolds & Reynold - ReconVision doesn’t just help you track recon; it helps you fix it. Visit here for more information. 3. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 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 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: - Tim Pohanka, Vice President & Executive Manager at Pohanka Automotive Group - Jacob Glassman, Dealer Principal at Brookville Chevrolet - Frankie Florey, General Sales Manager at Acura Of Denville This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D’Arc are Damian Arras, General Sales Manager at Credit Union Auto Sales, and Barton Harris, Chief Revenue Officer of Titan Secure, to discuss a South African-inspired prevention model that stops vehicle theft before a car ever crosses the curb. Damien shares how his New Mexico dealership eliminated losses by shifting from reactive GPS tracking to proactive ignition and fuel-cut technology. Barton explains how this "prevention-first" approach secures inventory in high-crime areas while creating a significant F&I revenue stream with a 90% plus customer penetration rate. The conversation also highlights how "bait car" technology is helping local law enforcement catch repeat offenders without the danger of high-speed chases. Have questions about Titan Secure? Reach out to Barton Harris directly: Cell: 480.392.6620 Email: [email protected] This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Titan Secure. Titan Secure - Titan Secure is a multi-layered vehicle theft prevention system built specifically for automotive retailers. Dealers protect their inventory, gain real-time inventory intelligence, and implement a reinsurance-friendly profit center that goes far beyond traditional GPS recovery solutions. Learn more @ https://carguymedia.com/3PsN5Ju. 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: 03:25 Why A 2:00 AM GPS Alert Is Completely Useless. 05:00 The Judge Who Praised A Thief For Logging Into Zoom. 07:35 When Your Inventory Becomes Uninsurable. 09:45 Why One Dealer Refuses To Play Vigilante. 13:45 The $0 Fix That Ends Dead Inventory Loss. 16:20 The Insurance Lie Every Dealer Believes. 18:55 Why Car Companies Might Want Theft To Happen. 35:00 The Two-Minute Blackout That Terrified A Dealer. 39:25 The Ride-Along That Exposed Auto Theft's Dark Secret. 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: - Nick Ruffolo, Fixed Operations Director at Rohrman - Matt Norris, Fixed Operations Director at Bozard Ford Lincoln - Jeremy Stephens, Remote Operations Director at Bozard Ford Lincoln This episode is brought to you by: OPENLANE – OPENLANE brings easy, intelligent digital wholesale to dealers across the country, and was once again voted the most preferred digital wholesale marketplace by dealers. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more at https://openlane.com/cdg. 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Ben Atkinson, VP of Auto Lending at Upstart, and Evan Driscoll, General Sales Manager at Audi Jacksonville to discuss why the credit score has become the most overrated number in auto lending and how a full-spectrum dealership running everything from $2,000 used cars to $400,000 Rolls-Royces gets first-time buyers approved at competitive rates with no money down. Evan breaks down how a slow approval costs his store at least $1,000 per car per day in aging inventory, and how a 10-second automated decision changed the math. They also get into why 24/7 automated approvals matter most during the weeks traditional lenders go dark. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Upstart. Topics: 04:30 Why Slow Approvals Kill Deals. 05:50 The $1,000 Cost Of One Extra Day. 08:00 How Soft Pulls Close More Deals. 09:50 Why Customers Love Soft Pulls. 11:20 The 10-Second Approval. 15:00 Why First-Time Buyers Get 7% Rates. 16:30 The 280 Data Points Beyond Credit Scores. 20:00 24/7 Automation Beats Banking Hours. 21:00 The Beach Chair Email That Enraged A Store. 24:30 Why Manual Credit Apps Are Dead. 26:00 One Portal Beats Five Logins. 29:00 People First, Tech Second. Upstart - Unlike traditional auto financing, Upstart uses thousands of data points – not just credit scores – to approve more buyers, structure more profitable deals, and speed up funding. Learn more at here. 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 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: - Kenneth Criscione, Finance Manager at Harte Auto Group - Rich Stazzone, Director of Business Development at Highstreet Automotive - Mike Keese, Agency President at Highstreet Automotive - Dana Wines, Director of Training at WE Auto - Valerie Niedermeier, Director of Community Relations at WE Auto This episode is brought to you by: OPENLANE – OPENLANE brings easy, intelligent digital wholesale to dealers across the country, and was once again voted the most preferred digital wholesale marketplace by dealers. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more at https://openlane.com/cdg. Highstreet Automotive – Highstreet Automotive specializes in insurance solutions for automotive dealerships, working with operators across the country to help manage risk, control costs and protect long-term profitability. Explore solutions at https://carguymedia.com/432QKkG 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
Today I'm joined by Marcello Sciarrino, Co-Owner at Island Auto Group. Marcello runs 20 stores across New York and New Jersey — the 37th largest business in New York State, ahead of the Yankees and the Giants — and he watched peers go from 3 stores to 12 overnight while he and his partners sat on their hands. He breaks down the math trap killing over-leveraged dealers, why brokers in the New York market are secretly extracting thousands per deal at the consumer's expense, and why his next big bet isn't more acquisitions — it's 70 to 100 new service bays in the next 12 months. Topics: 01:20 Why Overexpansion Crushes Bad Dealers. 02:20 The 60,000-Square-Foot Toyota Bet. 03:50 The 12x Multiple You Cannot Afford. 06:30 The Three-Person Boardroom. 07:20 Why You Buy the Person, Not the Store. 14:00 The $7,500 Broker Fee That Kills Consumers. 19:40 Why Toyota Might Finally Enforce the Rules. 26:30 The $3,000 Down Payment Lie. 27:50 The Carvana Lesson Dealers Ignore. 32:20 Why New York Is Losing the Rich. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Wikimotive - Wikimotive delivers organic and paid search solutions to hundreds of dealerships from rural rooftops to multiple top-5 national dealers. Visit @ here for more info. 3. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 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 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: - Manny Sedano, Dealer Principal at Sedano Chevy and Sedano Ford - Andrew Sweet, CEO of SelectFI - Chris Taylor, Owner of Certified Auto Brokers - Katie Lamphere, Founder of Veterans in Automotive This episode is brought to you by: OPENLANE – OPENLANE brings easy, intelligent digital wholesale to dealers across the country, and was once again voted the most preferred digital wholesale marketplace by dealers. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more at https://openlane.com/cdg. SelectFI – SelectFI helps you quote accurately, submit once, reduce compliance risk, and move deals through F&I dramatically faster — without increasing friction for your customers. Book a demo or meet us at NIADA 2026 at https://go.selectfi.com/niada-2026 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
Today's show features: - Spencer Nicholson, Fixed Operations Director at Stuckey Automotive - Xavier Rivera, Service Director at Greenacres Nissan & I-95 Nissan This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich helps dealers operate with clarity, confidence and certainty — driving stronger performance today while protecting long‑term value. From proven F&I processes and insights‑driven training to income‑generating programs, profit participation, and risk management solutions, Zurich is built to help dealers win now — and build for what’s next. Discover more at: https://carguymedia.com/4wxv8dz 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Art Dessein, Vice President of Sales at Impel, and Rebekah Scheussler, Business Development Director at Walters Auto Group to discuss why luxury dealers are quietly losing service customers to independent shops and how AI is rebuilding the personalized experience at scale across both sales and service. This conversation surfaces the silent retention leak inside fixed operations: a nine-minute average service hold time, an 80% abandonment rate on the online service scheduler, and 190,000 independent shops siphoning loyal owners away. Walters has run 107,000 leads and over 600,000 messages through Impel, lifted per-rep capacity from 200 leads to 300-400, watched show rates climb, and seen days to sale drop. Customers are even thanking the AI agent for the best service experience they have ever had, without knowing it isn't human. The takeaway for any dealer on the fence: it isn't if, it's how fast. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Impel. Topics: 03:15 200 Leads Per Agent. 05:40 The Overnight Lead Problem. 08:00 The 9-Minute Hold Time. 09:20 Will AI Replace Me? 13:20 The Better The Tech, The Worse The Support. 17:55 Why Zach Travels (My Son's Secret). 19:10 Why Set It And Forget It Fails. 20:05 107,000 Leads Handled. 21:00 The 10-Person Savings. 23:00 27% Repeat Purchase Rate. 25:10 When Customers Thank The AI. 32:55 Something Doesn't Have To Be Broken. GetImpel - Dealers are caught between rising customer expectations and the math of meeting them without staffing every problem. Impel's AI Operating System unifies the entire customer lifecycle — sales, service, voice, chat, marketing, merchandising — engaging, qualifying, and scheduling every shopper and customer in seconds, in the dealer's brand voice, at unlimited scale. The human team focuses on what builds loyalty: the relationships. Visit https://impel.ai/ to learn more and experience the power of Impel. 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 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: - Christian Crain, VP of Operations at Crain Automotive - Doug Fusco, Managing Partner, Dealer Compliance at Informativ - Leo Portaluppi, Owner/CEO at P4 Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich helps dealers operate with clarity, confidence and certainty — driving stronger performance today while protecting long‑term value. From proven F&I processes and insights‑driven training to income‑generating programs, profit participation, and risk management solutions, Zurich is built to help dealers win now — and build for what’s next. Discover more at: https://carguymedia.com/4wxv8dz Informativ – Informativ's SmartPencil gives dealers a credit-qualified, lender-specific first pencil the moment a soft pull returns -- VIN-level accurate, optimized for both consumer payment and dealer profit. It eliminates the guesswork that costs deals and speeds up the sales process. See how it works at https://informativ.com/ 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
Today I'm joined by Corina Straub Diehl, CEO and President at Diehl Automotive Group. After the sudden loss of her husband in 2007, Corina ignored advice to sell the business and instead scaled it into a 24-store powerhouse generating over a billion dollars in revenue. This conversation breaks down her "rebel" leadership style, her aggressive 5-year ROI acquisition strategy, and why she views collision centers as the ultimate customer retention tool. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Openlane - If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more @ here. 2. Autovision - If you’re looking for ways to improve turn rates, reduce bottlenecks, and gain a clearer picture of your inventory strategy, check out AutoVision's suite of solutions. Visit @ here. 3. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 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: 01:35 The Hermetically Sealed US Auto Market. 02:00 The Franchise Corinna Calls Her Ugly Stepchild. 06:15 The 5-Year ROI Rule That Built An Empire. 13:45 The Husband's Final Warning She Ignored. 21:00 Why She Still Shops At Target. 23:40 The 300-Email Hack Every Executive Needs. 28:30 The Customer Email That Terrifies Her Team. 31:45 The GM Who Stole From A Widow. 39:45 The 20x Multiple She Refuses To Pay. 55:15 The Old-School Fraud She Still Catches. 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: - Chris Hudson, GM at Mark Miller Subaru - Lee Perine, VP of Partnerships at YASSI - Scott Simons, Dealer Principal at Simons Chevrolet GMC This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich helps dealers operate with clarity, confidence and certainty — driving stronger performance today while protecting long‑term value. From proven F&I processes and insights‑driven training to income‑generating programs, profit participation, and risk management solutions, Zurich is built to help dealers win now — and build for what’s next. Discover more at: https://carguymedia.com/4wxv8dz YASSI – Yassi is a national vehicle verification platform that gives dealers a single source of truth for real-time lien, title, and registration data. When a dealer runs a VIN, they see active liens, title brands, DMV holds, and registration stops as they exist right now, pulled directly from state and federal databases, not aggregated data from the last refresh. No contracts, no monthly fees, no minimums. Visit Yassi.com to learn more or email [email protected] to get started. 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
Today's show features: - Scott Morrison, Fixed Operations Director at Mercedes Benz of Hampton - Dave Thomas, Director, Content Marketing at CDK Global - Richard Lupo, Fixed Operations Director at Apple Tree Honda and Acura This episode is brought to you by: Uber For Business – Not every service customer needs a loaner. Uber for Business gives your dealership a lower-cost courtesy ride option for customers whose vehicles are in the shop. Same convenience, less overhead. Book a demo and they’ll buy you lunch with an Uber Eats gift card. Visit https://businesses.uber.com/CDG to get started. CDK Global – CDK Global empowers dealers with the tools and technology they need to build deeper relationships with customers and sell and service more cars. Visit https://www.cdkglobal.com/ 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D’Arc are Nathan Johns, CFO of Smith Auto Group, and Justin Feist, President of Auto Dealer Payments, to discuss how credit card processing is the "last frontier" of dealership expense management, yet most CFOs struggle to decipher their 20-page monthly statements. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how processors use "price creep" to erode margins and why dealerships are structurally disadvantaged in the world of chargebacks. We break down how to audit your effective rate and implement a defense strategy to reclaim lost profit without selling a single extra car. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Auto Dealer Payments. Auto Dealer Payments - Auto Dealer Payments exclusively works with automotive dealerships, providing simple, transparent, and best-in-class support for payment processing. Visit @ here for more information and to schedule a meeting. 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: 04:20 Why Credit Card Processing Never Gets Audited. 05:40 The 20-Page Statement Nobody Reads. 06:05 Why Your Processor Only Lowers Rates When You Leave. 07:10 The Line Item That Made Justin Investigate. 08:00 Why Dealerships End Up In 1-800 Support Hell. 09:30 The “Local Relationship” Costing You Thousands. 11:45 Why Chargebacks Hit Service Departments Hardest. 12:45 Guilty Until Proven Innocent. 14:40 The 20% Win Rate That Can Jump To 80%. 16:00 The $5,000 Monthly Chargeback Exposure. 18:40 Why Your Processor Raises Rates Twice A Year. 24:30 The $21,000 Per Million Hidden Cost. 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 Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D’Arc are Dennis Gingrich, Sales and Finance Director at the Niello Company, and George Chamoun, CEO of ACV Auctions to discuss the shift from gut-based appraisals to VIN-specific data science and how Niello Company exploded their lead volume by democratizing trade-in values. George breaks down why traditional inventory management is dying and how automated service drive inspections are uncovering hidden $8,000 mistakes before they hit the books. This conversation highlights the tension between "the artist" manager and the machine, proving that transparency is the ultimate tool for dealer retention. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by ACV Auctions. ACVAuctions - ACV is on a mission to transform the automotive industry by building the most trusted and efficient digital marketplaces and data solutions for sourcing, selling, and managing used vehicles with transparency and comprehensive insights that were once unimaginable. ACV offerings include ACV Auctions, ACV Transportation, ACV Capital, MAX Digital, True360, and ClearCar. For more information about ACV, visit @ here. 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: 03:25 The Tire That Broke the Old Way. 05:30 How Buying Leads Made Niello Compete Against Itself. 07:50 Why Your BMW Quote Should Match Buffalo's. 08:10 The Closing Rate That Made Dennis Switch. 12:05 Predicting Trade Value Within $100. 14:30 Why Your Gut Is Costing You Thousands. 19:55 The $8,000 Mistake Viper Caught. 21:00 600 Leads in Two Months vs. 1,299 in Twelve. 22:00 Why Inventory Management Software Is Dying. 29:00 The Guarantee That Proves ACV's Data. 38:30 Why Your Best Salespeople Should Stop Pricing Cars. 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: - Harold Hurst, COO of Purdy Group USA - Adam Crowell, Chief Legal & Strategy Officer at KPA - Seth Dobbs, Co-Chair of National Automotive Practice at FOX ROTHSCHILD LLP This episode is brought to you by: Uber For Business – Not every service customer needs a loaner. Uber for Business gives your dealership a lower-cost courtesy ride option for customers whose vehicles are in the shop. Same convenience, less overhead. Book a demo and they’ll buy you lunch with an Uber Eats gift card. Visit https://businesses.uber.com/CDG to get started. KPA – KPA is the leading provider of compliance solutions in the auto industry, with a unique mix of innovative software, a national network of expert consultants, and award winning training and content. Visit https://kpa.io/ to schedule your demo. 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
Today, I'm joined by Sen. Bernie Moreno to discuss his legislative plan to "hermetically seal" the US market from Chinese vehicles to protect national security and dealer valuations. We dive into the $400 billion cost of the EV transition, the "Common Sense" way to handle FTC pricing compliance, and why the US needs to return to building sub-$25,000 affordable cars. This episode is brought to you by: Interested in supporting Sen. Moreno? Visit https://secure.winred.com/team-moreno/hddonate to learn more 1. Podium - Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. CDK Global - The CDK Dealership Xperience Platform unifies your operations with AI-driven tools built to grow with you. Visit @ here. 3. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 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: 01:35 The Hermetically Sealed US Auto Market. 02:00 Predator, Not Competitor. 03:45 Your BYD Is Filming Air Force Bases. 07:00 Canada's Regret Incoming. 08:05 Washington Finally Stops Playing Whac-A-Mole. 14:50 The 92-Brand Graveyard. 18:30 The $400 Billion EV Bust. 19:40 Ford's Model T Relaunch Is Real. 23:50 The FTC Crackdown Dealers Love. 32:45 The Mom Test Every Ad Fails. 37:00 Your Tariff Refund? Not For You. 48:00 The One Question That Closes Trust. 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: - Lee Walton, Dealer Principal & Vice President at Bob Allen Ford-Ottawa - Frank Zombo, VP of Sales at Auto Hauler Exchange - Marion Cain, Founder of ACE™ This episode is brought to you by: Uber For Business – Not every service customer needs a loaner. Uber for Business gives your dealership a lower-cost courtesy ride option for customers whose vehicles are in the shop. Same convenience, less overhead. Book a demo and they’ll buy you lunch with an Uber Eats gift card. Visit https://businesses.uber.com/CDG to get started. Auto Hauler Exchange – Auto Hauler Exchange is the vehicle transportation marketplace connecting shippers and carriers directly to remove inefficiencies, cut delivery timelines in half, and save 15-20% on transport. Visit https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/ to set up your free account today. 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
Today's show features: - Tiago Castro, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales at Nissan Group of North America. - Chuck Turck, Fixed Operations Director at Classic Cadillac and Subaru - William Demaree, Group Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Group This episode is brought to you by: Podium – the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look at https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy 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
Today, I'm joined by Brian Abrams, VP of Data and AI at CDK Global, to discuss the critical shift from viewing AI as a "tool" to an operational strategy that prevents massive profit leakage. Brian explains why nearly 60% of dealer data is currently "dirty," how consumer AI agents are already calling stores to negotiate deals, and why a unified customer profile is now the only way to protect your margins. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - The AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Veramatic - Meet Veramatic: the accuracy layer your DMS never built. Get clean, consistent, trusted accounting data, normalized before it hits the GL, automatically. Learn more @ here. 3. CDK Global - Dealership challenges are constantly evolving—your technology should too. The CDK Dealership Xperience Platform unifies your operations with AI-driven tools built to grow with you. Visit @ here. 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: 03:52 Why Dealerships Already Talk To AI Every Day 05:50 The Fix For Endless Screen Hopping 12:45 Why 60% Of Dealership Tasks Still Slow Teams Down 13:35 The Profit Leak Bigger Than Vendor Fees 14:05 Why Sales Reps Chase Phantom Leads 16:30 The $2 Million Warning Dealers Miss 18:10 The CDK Upgrade Dealers Already Have 20:40 The Marketing Burn Rate Dealers Ignore 28:40 The Sentence That Makes AI Tools Work 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: - Cole Short, Head of Content & Creative Strategy at Car Dealership Guy - Jay Law, Head of Partnerships at Car Dealership Guy - Yossi Levi, Chief Car Guy at Car Dealership Guy This episode is brought to you by: Podium – the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look at https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy 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
Today, Sam D'Arc is joined by Sam Hatch, General Manager at JRR Motor Sales, to discuss how he moved his top salesperson into a dedicated buying center to source 70+ units off the street in a single month. We discuss the "Matrix" view of inventory data, the spicy reality of off-site super sales, and why transparency is a dealer's greatest competitive edge. Sam also reveals the specific AI tools he uses to automate the hunt for used cars. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - The AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Zurich - Zurich helps dealers operate with clarity, confidence, and certainty — driving stronger performance today while protecting long‑term value. From proven F&I processes and insights‑driven training to income‑generating programs, profit participation, and risk management solutions, Zurich is built to help dealers win now — and build for what’s next. Discover more @ here. 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: 02:20 Why Salespeople “Come to Die”. 04:35 From $0 to $6.5K Week. 06:10 The Integrity Rule. 08:55 Why Locals Hated Travelers. 13:40 The GM Who Took a 66. 16:40 800 Cars on Index Cards. 18:55 Why They List at 95. 19:40 The AI vAuto Won’t Build. 24:15 Cracking Facebook Search. 27:55 70 Cars in 45 Days. 29:05 Pulling Top Sales Off the Floor. 33:25 The $50 Profit Play. 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: - Kyle Coleman, President & CEO of Coleman Automotive Group - Scott Pharr, COO & Partner of P4 Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Podium – the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look at https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D’Arc are Todd Hatch, Service Director at Palm Springs Nissan, and Malcolm Richardson, Senior Automotive Account Manager at Uber for Business to discuss how dealerships can eliminate the massive P&L leak caused by traditional shuttle and loaner fleets. Todd shares how he slashed his monthly transportation spend by $6,000 and reduced his loaner fleet from 50 cars to 12 by pivoting to an on-demand model. They unpack how direct DMS integrations allow service advisors to book rides in seconds, improving CSI by removing the friction of idle shuttles and late pickups. Ultimately, the conversation provides a blueprint for dealers to reclaim wasted overhead and send thousands of dollars directly back to the bottom line. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Uber for Business. Uber - Learn how Uber for Business is transforming the service lane by replacing outdated shuttle programs with on-demand mobility that elevates the customer experience. Discover how top dealerships are using centralized transportation dashboards and partner integrations to lower operational costs, improve CSI scores, and keep service bays moving. Learn more at https://businesses.uber.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: 01:20 The $12,000 Monthly Black Hole. 02:10 Why Saturday Shuttles Were A Disaster. 03:15 The 50 Loaner Cars Hemorrhaging Cash. 04:15 Why Small Repairs Tanked CSI More. 05:20 One Question That Diffused Every Complaint. 07:25 The Relief From Firing The Shuttle. 08:45 The Biggest Myth About "Free" Shuttles. 09:30 One Click From The DMS Killed The Job. 12:25 The Controller's Shock At The First Bill. 13:30 How Uber Replaced Parts Drivers Too. 18:40 The 38 Parking Spots Hidden In Waste. 23:10 The One Mistake Todd Would Fix. 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: - Jason Graciano, Partner & General Manager at White Plains Honda - Michael Ross, Fixed Operations Director at Larry Green Chevrolet This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich delivers The Zurich Advantage to dealerships nationwide by combining comprehensive F&I products, consultative training, revenue‑generating programs, and wealth‑building profit participation strategies. Grounded in our mission to provide clarity, confidence, and certainty, we help dealers protect what matters, strengthen performance, and build a legacy for the road ahead. Learn more at https://carguymedia.com/4cNTwyu 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
Today I'm joined by Jim Roche, CEO of Warrcloud. This conversation breaks down the massive $32 billion surge in warranty work, why customer pay is decelerating, and how dealers can use technology to fix "leaky" receivables and technician dissatisfaction. Jim reveals the tactical steps needed to modernize the service lane before the "death spiral" of rising prices drives your customers away. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here 2. 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 @ here to get started. 3. WarrCloud - Your warranty claims process shouldn’t drain your profits—or your people. Dealers reduce costs, speed up reimbursements, and uncover new revenue opportunities—while consistently improving OEM claim scores. The future of fixed ops belongs to those who adapt. Let’s talk about automating your warranty processing today. Visit @ here 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: 04:20 The Death Spiral Pricing Out Customers 06:50 Why Techs Feel Underpaid for Warranty 08:50 Why Your $25 Clerk Can’t Handle Warranty 12:25 Fixed Ops Now Drives 54% 14:40 The $6 Million in Warranty Receivables 18:45 The Bob and Gladys Factor Killing Profits 22:10 Why 54% of Gross Gets 0% Time 24:15 The Two-Step AI Primer for Dealers 26:25 The Two-Day AI Summit That Changed Walzer 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: - Jonathan Gray, COO of Cavender Auto Group - Rob Cavender, President and CEO of Cavender Auto Group - Vin Stazzone, Chairman at HIGHSTREET | Automotive - Mike Keese, Agency President at HIGHSTREET | Automotive - Phil Pecoraro, Operating Partner at Murdock CDJR This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich delivers The Zurich Advantage to dealerships nationwide by combining comprehensive F&I products, consultative training, revenue‑generating programs, and wealth‑building profit participation strategies. Grounded in our mission to provide clarity, confidence, and certainty, we help dealers protect what matters, strengthen performance, and build a legacy for the road ahead. Learn more at https://carguymedia.com/4cNTwyu Highstreet Automotive - Highstreet Automotive specializes in insurance solutions for automotive dealerships, working with operators across the country to help manage risk, control costs and protect long-term profitability. Explore solutions at https://bit.ly/4eQhn3i 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
Today I'm joined by Erikka Tiffani, General Manager at Walser Hyundai Brooklyn Park. In an industry defined by grind and tradition, Erikka breaks down how Walzer has successfully implemented a 4-day work week and a non-commissioned sales model. We discuss the transition from traditional F&I "boxes" to a one-point-of-contact system that actually maintains high PVR. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Nomad Content Studio - The team behind the dealers you actually see on social media. Nomad works in your dealership to build a brand new pipeline of sales driven by social media content. They’re the same team behind names like George Saliba, Benzs & Bowties, and EV Auto—dealers who’ve built national brands and sold more cars in the process. If you want your dealership to be next, head to @ here and book a call. 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: 02:35 Daycare Worker Who Walked Into A Dealership. 04:50 Why Salesmen Said She Was The Receptionist. 08:20 The GM With A Play Closet In Her Office. 10:55 Why Resumes Lie, Hunger Doesn't. 12:30 The Car Washer Selling 25 Cars A Month. 16:10 The Four-Day Work Week That Works. 18:45 Why Walzer Killed The F&I Box. 23:45 The F&I Gap Nobody Expected. 27:10 Why He Hired Someone "Not Ready." 32:15 The Skill Most GMs Lack. 36:50 When A Customer Refused To Shake Hands. 48:30 Why $5,000 In Printers Had To Go. 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: - Stephen M. Rowley, President of Cox Automotive - Aharon Horwitz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fullpath - David Boice, Co-Founder and CEO of Team Velocity - Ron Almeida, General Manager of Colonial Ford of Plymouth This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich delivers The Zurich Advantage to dealerships nationwide by combining comprehensive F&I products, consultative training, revenue‑generating programs, and wealth‑building profit participation strategies. Grounded in our mission to provide clarity, confidence, and certainty, we help dealers protect what matters, strengthen performance, and build a legacy for the road ahead. Learn more at https://carguymedia.com/4cNTwyu Team Velocity – Team Velocity helps dealerships deliver faster, smarter, and more connected customer experiences through fully integrated platform technology. From websites and advertising to retention solutions and a native CDP, Team Velocity provides the tools dealerships need to succeed in every stage of the customer journey. Visit https://teamvelocitymarketing.com/ for more information or to request a demo. 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D’Arc are Michael Naim, VP at Zurich North America, and Jeff Glanzmann, Dealer Principal at Glanzmann Subaru, to discuss why many dealers are "flying blind" by relying on quarterly PDFs for their most valuable profit centers. This conversation breaks down how to move from a reactive "set it and forget it" mentality to a data-driven operation that yields massive returns on premium. Michael and Jeff reveal why transparency in reinsurance is no longer optional and how real-time visibility can actually fix your used car reconditioning and CSI. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Zurich North America. Zurich.Insurance - Zurich delivers The Zurich Advantage to dealerships nationwide by combining comprehensive F&I products, consultative training, revenue‑generating programs, and wealth‑building profit participation strategies. Grounded in our mission to provide clarity, confidence, and certainty, we help dealers protect what matters, strengthen performance, and build a legacy for the road ahead. Learn more @ here. 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: 03:00 Why Dealers Fly Blind On Reinsurance. 04:35 The Quarterly PDF Trap. 06:45 The 120-Day Claim Surprise. 08:30 Why Sloppy Recon Destroys Profits. 10:00 The CSI Boost Nobody Saw Coming. 12:00 The Spinal Surgery Test. 16:30 The 70% Return Dealers Miss. 20:30 Why Your CRM Won't Save You. 22:15 The Dashboard That Forces Honesty. 24:20 Why Keeping Managers Dark Was A Mistake. 33:55 The One Call Every Dealer Must Make. 35:15 The One Number That Matters. 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 & CEO, Virginia Automobile Dealers Association - Morgan Abeyie, Podium Service AI Product Manager at Podium - Daniel Negalha, Corporate Fixed Ops Director at McGovern Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Haig Partners – When it comes to selling your life’s work, trust the advisors who have built a reputation for maximizing value for family-owned dealerships. If you are considering a sale, divestiture or looking to grow, begin a confidential conversation at https://haigpartners.com/. Podium – Most service departments know exactly what they should be doing — the follow-ups, the declined services, the outbound outreach. They just don't have the bandwidth to do it. Podium's Service AI handles it all, end-to-end, so nothing falls through the cracks. Visit http://podium.com/cdg to see it in action. 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
Today I'm joined by Matt Leone, CEO of DriveCentric. Matt breaks down why "tech bloat" is killing dealership margins and how shifting from task management to real-time engagement hubs can stop lead leakage across Sales, F&I, and Service. We also dive into the future of AI agents and why your next "employee" might actually be a machine-learning model. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Lotlinx – Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting prices. Put LotGPT to work for your dealership today, totally free, @ here. 2. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 3. DriveCentric – DriveCentric puts dealerships in the Fast Lane to the Customer with a modern engagement platform built to move faster, connect teams, and keep every customer moving forward. Visit @ here 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: 02:40 The Bill That Could Ban Chinese Cars. 05:10 Why Australian Dealers Make Zero On New Cars. 07:10 The Threat Destroying Blue Sky Values. 09:25 Why Toyota Stores Trade For 15X Earnings. 12:50 Why US Trucks Are Safer Than China. 18:10 Dealer Profits Still Double Pre-COVID. 21:50 The One Brand Where Bargains Are Appearing. 24:45 The Smart Lever When New Car Gross Drops. 26:40 Why Salespeople Can't Afford The Cars They Sell. 30:50 The Mercedes Turnaround That Made It Hot Again. 45:55 Infiniti Stores Selling For Zero Blue Sky. 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: - Jacob Shepherd, Dealer Principal at Chevrolet of Troy - Amber Good, Senior Product Marketing Manager at CDK Global - Robert F. O’Koniewski, EVP and General Counsel at Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association, Inc. This episode is brought to you by: Haig Partners – When it comes to selling your life’s work, trust the advisors who have built a reputation for maximizing value for family-owned dealerships. If you are considering a sale, divestiture or looking to grow, begin a confidential conversation at https://haigpartners.com/. CDK Global – CDK Global empowers dealers with the tools and technology they need to build deeper relationships with customers and sell and service more cars. Visit https://www.cdkglobal.com/ 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D’Arc are Luke Parker, Finance Manager at BMW Greensboro and Erik Wielgos, Director of Dealer Success at Service Payment Plan to discuss how after a new GM changed the goalposts with a "50% penetration or pay cut" ultimatum, Luke Parker had to find a way to sell VSCs to customers the banks wouldn't touch. This conversation breaks down the tactical shift from traditional financing to 0% payment plans that drove a 20% surge in F&I performance. We explore how to handle luxury repair objections, the reality of chargebacks, and the massive untapped opportunity in cash-buyer protection. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Service Payment Plan. Service Payment Plan - Service Payment Plan, Inc. (SPP) is the industry leader in providing interest-free payment plans for F&I products sold throughout the United States and Canada. SPP enables the auto industry’s leading dealers, administrators, and OEMs to provide their customers with an affordable and customizable method to protect their vehicles. With its 40+-year history of unparalleled service, long-standing partnerships, and integrations with the leading software platforms in the industry, SPP stands at the forefront of the future of automotive retail. Contact us @ [email protected] 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: 01:35 The Sly GM Move That Forced A Scramble. 03:00 Why Luxury Customers "Don't Buy" VSCs. 07:45 The 0% Fix When Banks Say No. 12:00 How SPP Added 15 Points Overnight. 18:15 The $500 PVR Jump That Changed Everything. 21:15 Why Targeting Subprime Destroys Chargebacks. 24:20 Selling More Than VSCs With SPP. 26:45 Why No Credit Check Is A Compliance Shield. 33:45 The Service Drive Trick That Closes In 3 Minutes. 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: - Lonny Soza, Lonny Soza, Vice President of Fertitta Automotive - Michael Byrd, Chief Revenue Officer of Informativ - Alex Lawrence, CEO & Co-Founder of EV Auto This episode is brought to you by: Haig Partners – When it comes to selling your life’s work, trust the advisors who have built a reputation for maximizing value for family-owned dealerships. If you are considering a sale, divestiture or looking to grow, begin a confidential conversation at https://haigpartners.com/. Informativ – Informativ's SmartPencil gives dealers a credit-qualified, lender-specific first pencil the moment a soft pull returns -- VIN-level accurate, optimized for both consumer payment and dealer profit. It eliminates the guesswork that costs deals and speeds up the sales process. See how it works at https://informativ.com/ 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
Today's show features: - Jim Sabino, Fixed Operations Director at All American Ford Paramus - Chris McPhillips, Fixed Operations Director at Nissan, Hyundai, & Genesis of Cool Springs This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 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
Today I'm joined by Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners. We dive into the shifting landscape of the auto buy-sell market, specifically focusing on how potential Chinese OEM entry could devastate U.S. franchise values. Alan breaks down the massive valuation gap between "Blue Chip" brands like Toyota and the struggling "Zero Blue Sky" franchises, while revealing why 15x multiples are still happening in today's market. 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 @ here and enter code CDG500 to get $500 OFF a new website. 2. Siro - Siro’s AI gives dealerships full visibility into every conversation. It records, transcribes, and analyzes in-person conversations. Proactively flagging compliance issues, missed revenue opportunities, and training gaps. Go to @ here to learn more 3. Haig Partners - Public retailers cite it. National media trusts it. Dealers rely on it. The Haig Report® sets the standard for dealership M&A data and trends in auto retail. Read it @ here. 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: 02:40 The Bill That Could Ban Chinese Cars. 05:10 Why Australian Dealers Make Zero On New Cars. 07:10 The Threat Destroying Blue Sky Values. 09:25 Why Toyota Stores Trade For 15X Earnings. 12:50 Why US Trucks Are Safer Than China. 18:10 Dealer Profits Still Double Pre-COVID. 21:50 The One Brand Where Bargains Are Appearing. 24:45 The Smart Lever When New Car Gross Drops. 26:40 Why Salespeople Can't Afford The Cars They Sell. 30:50 The Mercedes Turnaround That Made It Hot Again. 45:55 Infiniti Stores Selling For Zero Blue Sky. 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: - Sen. Bernie Moreno, (R - OH) - Mike Stanton, President & CEO of National Automobile Dealers Association - Samira Jusupovic, Founder of 4Evermomentum This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 4Evermomentum – We help dealerships move inventory faster by bringing visibility, control, and efficiency into the logistics process, from acquisition to frontline. By focusing on speed to sale, reducing delays, and improving how information is managed throughout the shipment lifecycle, we help dealers protect margins and operate with more confidence. Learn more at https://www.4evermomentum.com and start gaining more control, move inventory faster, and partner with a team that brings accountability and control. 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
Welcome to Dealer War Room from Car Dealership Guy — a new series where host Yossi Levi sits down with top operators to break down the biggest challenges in auto retail. Today I’m joined by Matt Bowers, Owner of Matt Bowers Automotive Group, Todd Blue, CEO of LAPIS, and Andy Wright, Managing Partner of VINart Dealerships. In this episode, we get into the growing tension between dealers and OEMs — from affordability and negative equity to mandated tech. We also break down the split in the buy-sell market, rising FTC pressure, and why the franchise system is going through a major reset. This episode is brought to you by: 1. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 2. Nomad Content Studio – The team behind the dealers you actually see online. Nomad works in your dealership to build a brand new pipeline of sales driven by social media content. If you want your dealership to be next, head to @ here and book a call. 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: 03:25 Why Toyota Stores Trade For 10X Earnings. 07:25 The California Buy Most Dealers Ignore. 09:15 Why Mercedes Dialed Back EVs Early. 12:35 Why Auto Retail Gets So Much Hate. 16:45 Why Small Country Stores Won't Sell. 21:10 How 84-Month Loans Trap Buyers. 26:40 The Dealer Decision That Forces OEMs To Change. 32:15 Why American Carmakers Killed Cheap Cars. 36:10 The Regulation Destroying Engines. 42:25 Why Follow-Up Became Adversarial. 46:20 The CSI Fix Nobody Will Try. 52:45 Just Leave The Brand If You Hate Stair Steps. 58:45 The Question Every CEO Must Answer. 01:02:50 Why Franchisees Have Zero Protection. 01:08:10 The Margin Obsession Killing Partnerships. 01:12:50 The $75 Million FTC Warning. 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: - Jeffrey Ramsey, CMO of Ourisman Cars - Jason Daury, Vice President of Sales at CarCutter - Jacob Rose, Photo Department Manager at Titus Will Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ CarCutter – CarCutter is an AI-powered vehicle media processing platform that helps dealerships modernize their vehicle photography workflow and drive sales. We go beyond simple image editing to provide a comprehensive solution for building a scalable and repeatable merchandising process. Visit https://carguymedia.com/4c9sgM8 to learn how to improve your online showroom and maximize the return on your digital investments. 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
Today's show features: - Tully Williams, Fixed Operations Director at The Niello Company - Darren Spenst, Founder and CEO of The Laundry Guy - Renee Crisler, Owner/Founder of Reilly Crisler Jumpstart Memorial Fund This episode is brought to you by: CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops at https://cdgcircles.com The Laundry Guy – A cost-reduction partner for automotive groups, specializing in uniform, linen, and facility service contracts. Our team audits invoices and renegotiates agreements to drive 30–50% savings while improving contract terms. Send us your most recent invoice and we will do a free audit based on our industry data. https://thelaundryguy.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
Today I'm joined by Rob Cochran, 2026 Chairman of NADA and CEO of #1 Cochran. We dive into the high-stakes world of dealer advocacy, exploring how NADA defeated the onerous CARS rule and why the FTC still has the industry in its crosshairs. Rob breaks down the "alignment gap" between OEMs and dealers, the looming threat of Chinese EVs, and why the franchise system must overhaul the customer experience to survive. This episode is brought to you by: 1. EasyCare - Pulseprotectsusa.com is providing our audience with a special offer of four free Pulse modules* installed and a free safety analysis. Visit @ https://www.easycaremidwest.com/pulse-protection/ today to claim yours! *4 modules per dealership group, installed by a Pulse technician only. 2. Veramatic - Every dealer wants clean closes, controlled cash flow, and confidence in true profitability. Most still operate without them. Until now. Meet Veramatic: the accuracy layer your DMS never built. Get clean, consistent, trusted accounting data, normalized before it hits the GL, automatically. Learn more @ www.veramatic.io/CDG or watch last Thursday's episode with Jen Speerbrecher here: https://youtu.be/MGS0W7f3miU 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 @ https://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: 06:25 The FTC Rule That Almost Broke Dealers. 09:45 Why The FTC Is Watching Your Website Price. 13:35 NADA's Smart Fight Against OEM Overreach. 16:40 Why 97% Of Dealers Hate Stair Steps. 23:10 The 90-Day Problem Ruining Generational Plans. 26:00 The China Threat Dealers Ignore. 29:55 Would Rob Ever Sell A Chinese Franchise? 31:25 Billions At Risk From New OEMs. 41:25 The Trait That Prevents Business Death. 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: - Tustin Ulrich, General Manager of Roper Kia - William (Bill) H. Camastro JR., DP/Managing Partner of Gold Coast Cadillac - Matthew Bird, General Manager of Arrow Motors This episode is brought to you by: CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops at https://cdgcircles.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
Today I'm joined by Fred Timbrook, CEO at Timbrook Automotive. We dive into Fred's unique diversification into Power Sports, the intense efficiency required to run a high-volume collision center, and the personal philosophy of a dealer who also serves as a senior pastor. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Experian - By combining precise audience targeting with deep automotive insights, you can identify high-intent buyers, re-engage existing customers, drive service retention, and grow both sales and revenue with less wasted spend. Visit @ here for more info. 2. Lotlinx - Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting prices. Put LotGPT to work @ here. 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. That’s where Nomad Content Studio comes in. We train your own videographer, direct what to shoot, and handle strategy, from posting to feedback. Want in with the team behind George Saliba, EV Auto, and top auto groups? Book a call @ here. 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: 12:00 Why Working Harder For The Same Beliefs Backfired. 14:20 The 54-Year-Old Dad Who Made His Son Buy The Company. 18:25 Why Rural Stores Outperform When Metro Markets Struggle. 19:45 The Surprising Side Business With Better ROI Than Cars. 20:50 Why Customers Reject $400 Car Payments But Buy $500 Toys. 27:35 The Collision Metric That Determines Feast Or Famine. 33:55 Why Small Stores Pay The Same As Large Ones For Software. 39:20 The 72-Year-Old Goal That Drives A 50-Store Empire. 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: - Bradley Wise, Executive Manager at Ferman Chevrolet Mazda - Tomislav Mikula, Founder of Delivrd - Bryan Gelfand, General Sales Manager at Community Cars This episode is brought to you by: CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops at https://cdgcircles.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
Today's show features: - CA State Senator Roger Niello, representing the 6th district - Eric Niello, National Business Development Manager at The Niello Company and AutoFiPro - Scott Painter, Founder and CEO of TrueCar This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. 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
Today's show features: - Jonathan Beard, Used Car Director at John Elway Cadillac - Greg Johnson, General Manager at Mohawk Honda This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. 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
Today, I'm joined by Jen Speerbrecher, Vice President at Veramatic. We dive into the "unsexy" but critical world of the dealership back office, where tribal knowledge is disappearing, and manual errors are eating into razor-thin margins. Jen explains why your DMS often fails as a source of truth and how top-performing controllers are using automation to cut month-end closing times in half while guaranteeing 100% accuracy. Want learn more? Send Jen your biggest accounting challenges at [email protected] This episode is brought to you by: 1. Lotlinx - Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting prices. Put LotGPT to work for your dealership today, totally free, @ here. 2. Veramatic - Every dealer wants clean closes, controlled cash flow, and confidence in true profitability. Most still operate without them. Until now. Meet Veramatic: the accuracy layer your DMS never built. Get clean, consistent, trusted accounting data, normalized before it hits the GL, automatically. Learn more @ www.veramatic.io/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: 01:45 The Financial Lie Controllers Live With. 02:25 Why CPAs Fail At Auto Dealerships. 03:55 How Typos Steal Thousands From Dealers. 04:25 The Penny That Reveals Hidden Losses. 05:45 Your DMS Is Lying To You. 06:00 The Recipe For Back Office Disaster. 12:20 When Experience Becomes A Liability. 13:20 What Automation Exposed After 90 Days. 15:55 The Controller Who Tried To Break Her Own Software. 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 Brian Dorsett, President of Dorsett Automotive. Brian breaks down why he is moving away from OEM-mandated digital spend, his "Big Stick" radio branding tactics, and the strict inventory rules required to survive in today's margin-compressed market. We also discuss the "catcher's view" of leadership and the reality of managing sub-prime and prime brands under one campus. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Lotlinx - Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting prices. Put LotGPT to work for your dealership today, totally free, @ here. 2. Experian - By combining precise audience targeting with deep automotive insights, you can identify high-intent buyers, re-engage existing customers, drive service retention, and grow both sales and revenue with less wasted spend. Visit @ here for more info. 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 @ here 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: 02:10 Why A Catcher Sees The Game Better Than Everyone Else. 08:00 The Sophomore Year Goal Sheet That Predicted His Future. 14:25 Why A $595 Pack Saves Dealers From Bad Inventory Bets. 18:35 Why 75% Of Customers Buy Something Else. 32:15 The Unusual Radio Tactic That Cuts Through Digital Noise. 33:55 Why This Dealer Cut Digital Spend Without Regretting It. 39:45 The Brutal Reality Of Competing Against Tier Two Markets. 41:10 The Crazy Move To Buy An Aldi For A Used Car Building. 52:55 The Honest Truth About Aging That Bothered This Dealer Most. 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: - Mike Yates, General Manager of BMW of Bridgewater - Tim Turner, Regional Manager / Partner of Byrider This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. 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
Today's show features: - Damon Egan, Service Director at Sherwood Ford - Steve Shaw, Trainer/President at Steve Shaw Training - Richard Lupo, Fixed Operations Director Apple Tree Honda and Acura This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. 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
Today I'm joined by Chris Walsh, President and Acting CEO at The Reynolds and Reynolds Company. Chris breaks down how to transition from a fragmented "bolt-on" tech stack to a unified AI ecosystem that automates routine administrative tasks. This conversation provides the blueprint for "agentic" AI and the radical restructuring of the accounting and service departments over the next five years. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - The AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Openlane - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more @ here. 3. Reynolds and Reynolds - Reduce your cycle time with ReconVision, an automated reconditioning workflow that tracks vehicles from start to finish and helps maximize used vehicle profits. Visit @ here for more information. 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: 13:30 Why Dealerships Now Have More Employees Than 10 Years Ago. 17:10 The Real Reason Dealers Aren’t Eliminating People—Yet. 19:55 The Three-Phase AI Playbook Every Dealer Needs To Know. 22:40 Why Agentic AI Is About Augmentation, Not Replacement. 24:10 The Used Car Data Advantage That Changes Pricing Forever. 25:20 The Accounting Department Overhaul No One Is Talking About. 31:20 Why Salespeople Will Stop Answering Internet Leads Entirely. 34:45 How EV Policy Whiplash Created A Multi-Billion Dollar Inventory Problem. 35:55 The “Status Quo” Objection That Keeps Chris Walsh Up At Night. 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: - Kelly Van Blommestein, Dealer Principal / Managing Director at Werribee and Western Auto Group - Adam Crowell, Chief Legal & Strategy Officer at KPA - Barrett (Charapp) Beaty, Partner at Charapp & Weiss, LLP This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. KPA — the compliance platform built specifically for auto dealers, covering everything from EHS and HR to F&I and cybersecurity. Over 15,000 dealerships trust KPA to handle the regulatory complexity so they can focus on running their business — visit https://kpa.io/ to request a demo. 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
Today, Sam D'Arc is joined by Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver and Co-Owner of Huntersville Ford. Joey breaks down his transition from the NASCAR track to the dealership floor, revealing how he applies a "Sunday report card" mentality to retail operations. We explore the complexity of managing inventory, the "brutal" nature of automotive competition, and why Joey is focused on building a generational legacy beyond racing. 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. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more @ here. 2. Lotlinx - Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting prices. Put LotGPT to work for your dealership today, totally free, @ here. 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. That’s where Nomad Content Studio comes in. We train your own videographer, direct what to shoot, and handle strategy, from posting to feedback. Book a call @ here. 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: 05:20 Why Joey Logano Is Pouring Gasoline On A Flame. 08:55 The Billionaire Mentor Joey Logano Calls For Advice. 09:45 What Joey Logano Learned Drinking From A Fire Hose. 16:15 The NASCAR Rule Joey Logano Applies To Dealership Drama. 18:30 Why Winning A Race Isn't Winning Championships. 22:20 The One Feeling Business Can't Give Joey Logano. 23:45 How Joey Logano Compares Pit Crews To Dealership Teams. 29:00 The Brutal Truth About Saying No To Opportunity. 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: - Jeremy Nowling, Sales and Implementation Director at Rohrman Automotive Group - Doug Karr, Principal SEO at Overfuel - Michael Beauregard, Supervisory Special Agent at NICB This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D’Arc are Roman Spriggs, General Manager of All Things Automotive, and Ross Tinkham, VP of Automotive at Podium, to discuss how Roman replaced a potential human hire with an AI agent named Alex. This "AI employee" helped the small-town independent dealer achieve record sales months in early 2026 by managing 24/7 customer inquiries and setting appointments overnight. Tinkham emphasizes that successful integration requires a 30 to 60-day commitment to training the technology to match the dealership's unique culture and voice. Ultimately, the group warns that dealers who fail to adopt AI now risk being "silently fired" by consumers with modern expectations. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Podium. Podium - The AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy. 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: 03:45 Your Sales Team Isn’t the Problem… This Is 06:00 I Replaced a Salesperson With AI… Here’s What Happened 13:10 This AI Turned a Dead Sales Floor Into Chaos 17:10 If You Don’t Have AI Yet… You’re Already Losing 20:30 You Won’t Be Able to Tell AI From Humans Soon 21:50 Most AI Companies Will Burn You 23:20 Buyers Can Now Shop 100 Dealers Instantly 24:10 Customers Now Expect Replies at 2 AM 26:05 CRM Tasks Are Killing Your Dealership 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: - Andy Wright, Managing Partner at Vinart Dealerships - Ryan Carlstedt, EVP Fixed Operations at Willis Automotive Group - Darren Spenst, Founder and CEO of The Laundry Guy - Wes Lloyd, Service Director at Stuckey Auto This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ The Laundry Guy – A cost-reduction partner for automotive groups, specializing in uniform, linen, and facility service contracts. Our team audits invoices and renegotiates agreements to drive 30–50% savings while improving contract terms. Send us your most recent invoice and we will do a free audit based on our industry data. https://thelaundryguy.com 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
Today I'm joined by Michael Joe Cannon, Owner of Cannon Motors of Mississippi. After stepping away from a coaching career at Ole Miss to take over his father’s 12x12 used car lot, Michael has scaled his group to 37 rooftops by treating business like a team sport. He breaks down his "Circle of Life" philosophy, explaining why employee stability is the ultimate defensive play against market volatility and direct sales threats. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - The AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ here. 2. Experian - If you’re ready to step up your game to the next level – outpacing the competition and building customer loyalty – there’s only one place to go from here: Experian Automotive. They’re the only ones with exclusive data across vehicles, consumers, and credit—plus expert data scientists who connect the dots to uncover the insights you need. Get the industry-leading insights from Experian Automotive today @ here. 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 @ here 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: 08:05 Why Athletes Dominate in the Car Business 11:45 Why the “Good Old Days” Were Actually Easier 12:15 The Real Reason Dealers Need Fixed Ops to Survive 15:10 Your Employees Are Worth More Than Your Inventory 18:50 “They Didn’t Get Fired… They Fired Themselves” 21:05 Your Reputation Matters More Than Millions 27:10 The Strategy to Keep Customers Forever 35:45 Scaling Culture Is the Hardest Problem in Growth 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: - James V Seale, Managing Partner / General Manager at Granbury Kia - Maggie Pugesek, Partner at C&M Coaching - Ryan Knight, Director of Operations of Knight Automotive GroupThis episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 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
Today Sam D'Arc is joined by Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. Randy breaks down how Hyundai is navigating a market that's down 5% in early 2026, absorbing the cost of 15–25% tariffs, managing dealer profitability and inventory pressure, and making tens of billions in U.S. infrastructure bets designed to secure the brand's next 50 years. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Reynolds & Reynolds - Reduce your cycle time with ReconVision, an automated reconditioning workflow that tracks vehicles from start to finish and helps maximize used vehicle profits. ReconVision doesn’t just help you track your reconditioning, it helps you fix it. Visit @ here for more information. 2. Lotlinx - Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting price. Put LotGPT to work for your dealership today, totally free, @ here. 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. 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 @ here. 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: 05:35 The Hidden Cost of 25% Tariffs on Automakers 08:45 The 2 Things That Decide Whether an OEM Wins or Loses 10:15 Why Hyundai Is Doubling Down on EVs While Others Pull Back 11:10 The Strategy Behind Hyundai’s “Seat for Every Purse” Lineup 15:30 The #1 Problem Keeping Hyundai’s CEO Up at Night 17:30 The Real Way Dealers Make Money 27:25 What’s Actually Happening With Amazon Car Buying 29:30 The Old-School Dealer Strategy That Still Wins in 2026 36:25 “Nothing Happens Until We Sell a Car” 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: - Hicks Layton, Finance/Sales Manager at Hicks Automotive Group - Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights LLC - RussFlipsWhips, RFW Training This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 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
Today's show features: - Zac Kinch, General Manager of Rohrman Toyota - Dave Spannhake, Founder & CEO of Reunion Marketing - Jason Mahoney, Sr. Director of Marketing at Carter Myers Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Experian Automotive – Nearly 90% of dealers are concerned about rising fraud, with 75% reporting a measurable impact on their operations. In the past year, 85% have suspected or confirmed fraud cases. The fix? Experian Automotive's Fraud Protect. Trust Experian to help protect your dealership. Learn more at https://www.experian.com/automotive/fraud-protect Reunion Marketing – Reunion Marketing was founded by a team that built their digital strategy inside a large dealership group, giving them firsthand insight into what dealers actually need from their marketing partners. Ten years later, Reunion has helped thousands of dealerships grow through industry leading SEO, Generative Engine Optimization, and paid search strategies built specifically for automotive. Learn more at http://reunionmarketing.com/ 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
Today I'm joined by Mo Zahabi, AVP of Product Consulting at Cox Automotive. Most dealers think the race begins when the lead arrives. But by that point, the customer has often been in-market for five or six weeks already. Mo breaks down how first-party data inside the Cox Automotive ecosystem can reveal buying signals before a lead ever exists, why fragmented dealership tech stacks create wasted effort and employee turnover, and how dealers can modernize customer engagement by focusing on real behavior instead of outdated tactics. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - The AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy. 2. BizzyCar - BizzyCar helps dealerships identify vehicles with open recalls and automatically schedule service appointments using AI and the industry’s most accurate recall data. The result: more customers returning to your service lane and more recall revenue captured. See how it works at https://info.bizzycar.com/cdg 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: 08:05 The Real Problem at Dealerships Isn’t Margin Compression 09:55 “5 Minute Lead Response?” — You’re Already 5 Weeks Late 10:20 Why Dealers Should Stop Waiting for Leads 11:00 The Customer Data Mistake Costing Dealers Millions 13:40 The CRM Change That Instantly Deleted 850,000 Tasks 19:00 The Difference Between a Smart CRM and a Dumb CRM 21:15 “Playing Poker With the Customer’s Cards Face Up” 26:40 Why F&I Bottlenecks Are Killing Dealership Efficiency 34:20 Dirty Data Is Like Putting Diesel in a Gas Engine 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: - Mike Minerva, General Manager/Partner of Capital Motor Cars - Kim Saylor, Sr. Director of Product Marketing, Fixed Operations at CDK Global - Ben Saxon, General Manager of Inver Grove Ford This episode is brought to you by: Experian Automotive – Nearly 90% of dealers are concerned about rising fraud, with 75% reporting a measurable impact on their operations. In the past year, 85% have suspected or confirmed fraud cases. The fix? Experian Automotive's Fraud Protect. Trust Experian to help protect your dealership. Learn more at https://www.experian.com/automotive/fraud-protect CDK Global – CDK Global empowers dealers with the tools and technology they need to build deeper relationships with customers and sell and service more cars. Visit https://www.cdkglobal.com 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
Today I'm joined by John Hiester, Dealer Principal at John Hiester Automotive Group. In this conversation, we discuss how video and AI are transforming sales and F&I coaching, why Hiester moved toward salaried “product specialists,” and how diversification—from parts distribution to real estate—creates new stability beyond vehicle sales. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Lotlinx - Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. Fluent in your market, your dealership, and your inventory, LotGPT analyzes live inventory, real-time market supply, and shopper demand to surface risk and opportunity VIN by VIN. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting price. Put LotGPT to work for your dealership today, totally free, @ here. 2. Openlane - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more @ here. 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 @ https://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: 04:20 Videoing F&I added $600 per deal instantly. 08:20 Videotaping transactions unlocked $600 more per deal. 11:50 "You get what you settle for". 16:45 Carvana buying dealerships is just competition. 19:15 Beating big metro stores from a tiny town. 24:10 Daily red-yellow-green sheets drive accountability. 27:30 Taking cars to customers instead of waiting. 29:20 Stealing college grads from Apple with a program. 44:50 The employee who almost quit and stayed. 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: - Charlie Spradlin, Sales Director, Art Moehn Auto Group - Yogesh Darji, Founder & CEO of AgentDynamics - Michael Speigl, Dealer Principal of We Auto This episode is brought to you by: Experian Automotive – Nearly 90% of dealers are concerned about rising fraud, with 75% reporting a measurable impact on their operations. In the past year, 85% have suspected or confirmed fraud cases. The fix? Experian Automotive's Fraud Protect. Trust Experian to help protect your dealership. Learn more at https://www.experian.com/automotive/fraud-protect AgentDynamics – The AI-powered BDC platform helping dealerships win on speed-to-lead and long-term customer engagement. With full CRM and DMS integrations, it handles voice, SMS, and email communication in under 60 seconds. Visit http://agentdynamics.ai/cdg and use code CDGPOD to start your 30-day pilot. 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
Today's show features: - Garry Keyser, President of L. B. Smith Lincoln - Matt Norris, Fixed Ops Director at Bozard Ford - Kevin Proctor, Service and Parts Director at Classic Chevrolet This episode is brought to you by: Great America – Planning a new service lane, collision center, or showroom refresh? GreatAmerica finances dealership build‑outs and remodels—including service equipment, collision & repair, body & paint, EVSE, car wash, signage, and software. Our fast credit decisions keep projects on schedule, while flexible financing structures are designed to support growth, efficiency, and long‑term ROI—without tying up cash needed for inventory, staffing, or daily operations. Visit https://carguymedia.com/4l4uK13 to learn more! 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
Today I'm joined by Paul Nadjarian, Chief Product Officer at Carfax. We break down why the smartest dealers are shifting from one-time gross to lifetime value, how vehicle history data closes the trust gap with consumers, and why “homegrown” inventory is becoming the most profitable used-car strategy. Paul also explains how automation and consumer signals are quietly driving higher service retention and better acquisition decisions without adding dealer workload. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Lotlinx - Meet LotGPT, your AI Inventory Strategist built exclusively for car dealers. Fluent in your market, your dealership, and your inventory, LotGPT analyzes live inventory, real-time market supply, and shopper demand to surface risk and opportunity VIN by VIN. It reveals competitive insights, shopper behavior, and pricing dynamics, and even identifies underperforming VDPs with merchandising recommendations to boost conversion without cutting price. Put LotGPT to work for your dealership today, totally free, @ https://lotlinx.com/LotGPT/. 2. Podium - Podium, the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn’t driving real outcomes, it’s time to take a closer look @ https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy. 3. Carfax - Drive long-term customer loyalty with CARFAX. Visit @ https://carfax.com/CDG 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: 07:30 Why Gross Per Deal Is the Wrong Metric 10:25 The Inventory That Sells Faster and Makes More 12:40 The 19-Point Service Retention Gap 13:00 Miss Year One… Lose the Customer 28:00 The 20% Lift from Trust-Based Messaging 28:15 The 30% Lift from Coordinated Messaging 31:30 The Goldmine Most Service Lanes Ignore 33:20 The Used Car Section That Outsold the Rest 38:36 Without Loyalty, Dealer Economics Collapse 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: - Leonard Bellavia, Founding Partner of Bellavia Cohen P.C. - Mike Van Ryn, Vice President of Talent Development at Zeigler Auto Group - Terry Lange, Assistant General Manager at Suburban Ford of Ferndale This episode is brought to you by: Great America – Planning a new service lane, collision center, or showroom refresh? GreatAmerica finances dealership build‑outs and remodels—including service equipment, collision & repair, body & paint, EVSE, car wash, signage, and software. Our fast credit decisions keep projects on schedule, while flexible financing structures are designed to support growth, efficiency, and long‑term ROI—without tying up cash needed for inventory, staffing, or daily operations. Visit https://carguymedia.com/4l4uK13 to learn more! AutoHauler Exchange – Auto Hauler Exchange is the vehicle transportation marketplace connecting shippers and carriers directly to remove inefficiencies, cut delivery timelines in half, and save 15-20% on transport. Visit https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/ to set up your free account today. 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
Today I'm joined by David Wyler, CEO of Jeff Wyler Automotive Family. We dig into why Wyler abandoned traditional corporate management in favor of a “coach” model, how a strict 100-mile acquisition rule protects execution, and why culture—not capital—is the only defensible edge left in consolidation. David also unpacks his massive acquisition of the Midwest Auto Group, the lessons of stagnation during COVID, and what it really takes to scale a family business without losing its soul. This episode is brought to you by: 1. YSM Design - YSM Design, your expert in automotive dealer architecture, helps dealer principals and fixed/ variable ops teams improve the bottom line with EV readiness checks, OEM brand image updates/new-store requests, and expansions or renovations—big or small—powered by instant renderings, immersive 360s, and LiDAR scans that reduce surprises and speed decisions; visit @ here or call 404-249-4555 2. Siro - Siro’s AI gives dealerships full visibility into every conversation. It records, transcribes, and analyzes in-person conversations. Proactively flagging compliance issues, missed revenue opportunities, and training gaps. Go to @ https://www.siro.ai/cdg to learn more 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 @ https://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: 08:20 Herb Chambers' advice on buying dealerships everywhere. 18:45 Why every single manager got fired and rehired. 24:20 The game film trick that fixed F&I managers. 25:55 How an internal playbook killed outside training programs. 31:40 The brutal truth about being a second-generation dealer. 39:55 Why practicing golf is actually terrifying. 46:05 What COVID really did to company performance. 46:55 The NFL analogy exposing every dealership's weakness. 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: - Rob Dell, Vice President of Bob Ruth Ford - Frank Zombo, Vice President of Sales at Auto Hauler Exchange - John Murphy, Used Vehicle Director at Holler-Classic Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Great America – Planning a new service lane, collision center, or showroom refresh? GreatAmerica finances dealership build‑outs and remodels—including service equipment, collision & repair, body & paint, EVSE, car wash, signage, and software. Our fast credit decisions keep projects on schedule, while flexible financing structures are designed to support growth, efficiency, and long‑term ROI—without tying up cash needed for inventory, staffing, or daily operations. Visit https://carguymedia.com/4l4uK13 to learn more! AutoHauler Exchange – Auto Hauler Exchange is the vehicle transportation marketplace connecting shippers and carriers directly to remove inefficiencies, cut delivery timelines in half, and save 15-20% on transport. Visit https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/ to set up your free account today. 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
Today's show features: - Bob Kuehl, Vice President of Fixed Operations at Zeigler Auto Group - John Bishop, Service Director at Volkswagen of Clarksville - Vince McIsaac, Director of Parts Operations at Hawk Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Impel – Your sales team should be selling—not answering the same questions after hours or chasing low-intent leads. Impel AI works 24/7, instantly answering complex inventory, trade-in, and financing inquiries while booking appointments automatically. And with Agentic Response capability, Impel AI interprets the context of each lead source in real time and delivers tailored journeys that drive 26% more sales conversions. Your reps can finally focus on engaging with ready-to-buy shoppers at exactly the right moment and closing deals more efficiently. See how we turn your BDC into a sales powerhouse. Learn more at https://carguymedia.com/3MZnxmf. 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
Today I'm joined by Michael Maroone, Chairman and CEO of Maroone USA. Michael breaks down why new cars are becoming commodities, where profit has actually migrated, and why culture, curiosity, and operational freedom matter more than pay plans. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - 78% of customers buy from the first business that responds, yet most businesses reply an hour or more late. Jerry 2.0 is the only fully customizable AI Employee. Jerry learns your playbooks, understands your inventory, schedules appointments, books test drives, handles trade-ins, books consultations, sends promotions, requests reviews, and learns from your feedback—within minutes, day or night. Businesses now let Podium’s AI Employees handle 40% of their inbound leads, giving teams more time for their customers—and more time home for dinner. Learn what Jerry can do for you @ here! 2. Carfax - Drive long-term customer loyalty with CARFAX. Visit @ https://www.carfax.com/ to learn more. 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: 06:10 Instead of GMs, use equity-owning "President Partners." 06:45 Use a "Freedom Frame" for flexible governance. 08:00 High goodwill stores make partner buy-ins impossible. 19:55 Never use compensation to run your business. 21:10 Ask 20 questions in every elevator ride. 24:15 New car product has been totally commoditized. 26:15 We are facing a lost generation of CapEx. 32:15 Measure "Super PVR" to see total deal economics. 39:45 Reject framework agreements; they only hinder growth. 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: - Matt Sokolowski, COO of Willis Auto Campus - Michael Gilson, CEO of Conversica - Ryan Merrick, Finance Manager at Fred Beans Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Impel – Your sales team should be selling—not answering the same questions after hours or chasing low-intent leads. Impel AI works 24/7, instantly answering complex inventory, trade-in, and financing inquiries while booking appointments automatically. And with Agentic Response capability, Impel AI interprets the context of each lead source in real time and delivers tailored journeys that drive 26% more sales conversions. Your reps can finally focus on engaging with ready-to-buy shoppers at exactly the right moment and closing deals more efficiently. See how we turn your BDC into a sales powerhouse. Learn more at https://carguymedia.com/3MZnxmf. Conversica – The Conversica Intelligence platform helps dealerships unlock hidden revenue by analyzing their complete database to identify high-value opportunities and convert them automatically. Purpose-built AI that understands dealership economics—profit margins, service intervals, equity positions—to find the customers worth working right now. Learn more at https://www.conversica.com/industries/automotive 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
Today Sam D'Arc is joined by Zach Billings, Co-Founder of Wikimotive. We break down why AI search is an evolution of SEO—not a replacement—and why consumer behavior is changing far slower than the hype suggests. Zach explains where GEO actually matters today, why reputation and human content outperform technical gimmicks, and why most dealers should still double down on traditional search. The big takeaway: AI is loud, but the real lead opportunity hasn’t moved yet. 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. If you’ve never used OPENLANE before, or it’s been a while since you have, you’re eligible to earn up to $2,500 in buy or sale fee credits. Learn more @ openlane.com/cdg 2. Siro - Siro’s AI gives dealerships full visibility into every conversation. It records, transcribes, and analyzes in-person conversations. Proactively flagging compliance issues, missed revenue opportunities, and training gaps. Go to @ https://www.siro.ai/cdg to learn more 3. Wikimotive - Wikimotive delivers organic and paid search solutions to hundreds of dealerships from rural rooftops to multiple top-5 national dealers. Their focus is simple: get your store in front of people already searching for a car or service, and measure success by the leads and appointments that follow — not vanity metrics. Visit @ https://wikimotive.com/CDG/ 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: 02:00 Consumer habits haven't shifted to AI search yet. 05:45 Google (with Gemini) will win the AI war. 06:25 The tech isn't ready for inventory searches. 08:05 AI search is just 0.5% of opportunity. 09:45 Reputation (consensus) is the #1 factor. 10:52 Traditional SEO is the #2 lever. 11:52 Structure content with clear subsections and FAQs. 15:30 Perfect schema markup is overhyped busy work. 29:58 Winning requires a 12-month SEO horizon. 41:50 Google now devalues AI-generated content. 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: - Jake Lebowitz, Partner/Dealer Principal of Raceway Auto Group - Paul Sansone, Owner of Sansone Jr Auto Group - Zach Billings, CEO of Wikimotive - Michael Wood, General Manager of Land Rover Chantilly This episode is brought to you by: Impel – Your sales team should be selling—not answering the same questions after hours or chasing low-intent leads. Impel AI works 24/7, instantly answering complex inventory, trade-in, and financing inquiries while booking appointments automatically. And with Agentic Response capability, Impel AI interprets the context of each lead source in real time and delivers tailored journeys that drive 26% more sales conversions. Your reps can finally focus on engaging with ready-to-buy shoppers at exactly the right moment and closing deals more efficiently. See how we turn your BDC into a sales powerhouse. Learn more at https://carguymedia.com/3MZnxmf. 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
Today's show features: - David Rogers, Fixed Operations Director of Piazza Auto Group - Bill Demaree, Corporate Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 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
Today I'm joined by Matt Stuckey, President of Stuckey Automotive. Matt explains how real estate mandates, throughput targets, and workforce pipelines intersect, and why productivity—not volume—is the real competitive edge in today’s market. This episode is brought to you by: 1. iPacket - iPacket also offers iPacket Recon, iPacket OnTargeting and iPacket Value - the newest product to the iPacket line-up. iPacket partners with thousands of dealer partners and is headquartered in Williamstown, WV. For more information, visit @ here or follow the company on Facebook and LinkedIn. 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. LotGPT is free for dealers, but invite-only. Join the waitlist now @ here. 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 @ here to get started. Check out LotGPT here: https://lotlinx.com/lotgpt-waitlist/ 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: 05:08 Why waste prime retail real estate on dirty, used car reconditioning? 05:18 The "Shrink the Footprint" strategy for building high-leverage, low-overhead dealerships. 09:07 The "150-unit rule" that dictates exactly when you must centralize operations. 22:08 Why the secret to a happy family business is never working in the same building. 23:48 How to force your sales team to average 25 units—double the national average. 25:12 Why 45 minutes is the "magic number" that defines a modern car delivery. 25:27 The "Stopwatch Audit" trick to find out exactly where your deals are dying. 26:45 Ending the "Print-Scan-Shred" insanity to reclaim hundreds of lost staff hours. 33:45 The "Clock is Ticking" mindset for stealing B2B market share from competitors. 41:53 Why the "tech shortage" is a myth fueled by lazy dealership training. 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: - Richard Brunell, General Sales Manager at Toyota of Bellingham - Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Ops at Casa Auto Group - Devin Kaulback, General Manager of Subaru of Niagara Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 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
Today Sam D'Arc is joined by Justin Zane, SVP, US Marketplace & Services at OPENLANE. We unpack why digital auctions have overtaken physical lanes in reach and efficiency, and why old habits—not economics—are keeping brick-and-mortar alive. Justin explains how off-lease inventory is reshaping acquisition strategy, where AI improves condition accuracy, and why speed is now the dealer’s most valuable asset. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Wikimotive - Wikimotive delivers organic and paid search solutions to hundreds of dealerships from rural rooftops to multiple top-5 national dealers. Their focus is simple: get your store in front of people already searching for a car or service, and measure success by the leads and appointments that follow — not vanity metrics. Visit @ https://wikimotive.com/CDG/ 2. Openlane - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ openlane.com/cdg Check out LotGPT here: https://lotlinx.com/lotgpt-waitlist/ 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: 04:06 How does Openlane help dealers win? 05:16 What's happening with off-lease EV prices? 07:31 What are the key tips for buying EVs? 09:09 How can dealers move aged inventory? 11:56 Digital auctions versus physical lanes 15:25 How is trust built in online buying? 18:54 What AI features does Openlane use? 22:04 What are the key takeaways for 2026? 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: - Wesley McCullar, Dealership Operator of Lake Norman CDJR - Tina Tasche, Innovation and Technology Specialist at Van Horn Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – How much revenue is slipping through the cracks at your dealership? Stream Companies’ Missed Opportunities Report analyzes your strategy and highlights where you can drive more sales, faster. Request your free report today at https://www.streamcompanies.com/MissedOpportunitiesReport/ 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
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, we dive into why used car success in 2026 is no longer just about the purchase price, but about the high-stakes ability to acquire and articulate a vehicle's complete story. Joining host Sam D’Arc is Doug Horner of General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted and Tyler Astorg, Vice President Sales at iPacket to discuss how precision data—specifically knowing the exact options and trim levels—serves as a dealer's ultimate superpower. They explore the fine line between profit and peril, demonstrating how missing even the smallest detail in a vehicle's history or condition can make or break your market advantage. By leveraging full data sets to acquire cars at the correct competitive price and sharing that transparency with consumers, top-tier dealers are proving that the final 1% of effort in vehicle presentation is what truly secures the deal. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by iPacket Value. @iPacketOfficial - Founded in 2012 in West Virginia, iPacket is the leading provider of digital vehicle presentations in the automotive industry. The company’s cloud-based solutions help automotive dealers provide shoppers with a transparent digital vehicle-purchasing experience. iPacket also offers iPacket Recon, iPacket OnTargeting and iPacket Value - the newest product to the iPacket line-up. For more information, visit @ https://hubs.li/Q040pG-X0 or follow the company on Facebook and LinkedIn. 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: 00:17 What is Doug Horner's market advantage? 00:43 What were the NADA conference highlights? 01:39 How does social media impact sales? 05:22 What are the appraisal process insights? 11:40 What is iPacket and its benefits? 16:47 How is iPacket used in appraisals? 25:44 What are the final conclusions? 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: - Tully Williams, Fixed Operations Director of The Niello Company - Dave Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global - Jim Sabino, Fixed Operations Director of All American Ford Paramus This episode is brought to you by: Foureyes – Foureyes helps dealers turn data into action. Starting with a clean, connected data foundation across dealership systems, Foureyes empowers dealerships to use that data to drive consistent execution throughout their business. The data stays dealer-owned, vendor-neutral, and works with any tools or partners. More than a CDP, Foureyes is a reset for how dealer data gets put to work. Headquartered in Oregon, Foureyes employees live in 20+ states to be closer to the communities where dealers are. Visit https://www.foureyes.io/ to learn more CDK Global – CDK joins the show to break down their new Affordability Tracker which takes a look at the cars average Americans are buying the most. CDK is also tracking incentives and trucks to get a pulse on the market that goes beyond the ATP. Plus, CDK’s 5th annual Friction Points study is here and shows a marked improvement in the time it takes to sell a car. Only 35% of buyers now report a 2+ hour process, the lowest level yet, signaling meaningful progress in dealer speed and execution. https://www.cdkglobal.com/insights 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
Today I’m joined by Donald Kemp, General Sales Manager at Stowasser Buick GMC. We dig into why human-first social content is outperforming inventory posts, how moving F&I earlier drives higher penetration, and where dealers are quietly leaking money through junk fees. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Experian Automotive - Like most Car Dealership Guy Listeners, you’re constantly looking for the inside edge on the auto industry. So if you’re ready to step up your game to the next level – outpacing the competition and building customer loyalty – there’s only one place to go from here: Experian Automotive. They’re the only ones with exclusive data across vehicles, consumers, and credit—plus expert data scientists who connect the dots to uncover the insights you need. Get the industry-leading insights from Experian Automotive today! Learn more by visiting @ https://carguymedia.com/4cfcLjZ. 2. Privacy4Cars - Privacy4Cars' app lets your team delete it all in minutes and prove it with a Certificate of Deletion. Customers pay more. Trade-in capture rates soar. And you stand out as the dealership that actually protects people and what matters most to them. Drive more trade-ins, more loyalty, and more revenue. Offer customer vehicle privacy services today– visit @ https://privacy4cars.com/. 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 LotGPT here: https://lotlinx.com/lotgpt-waitlist/ 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: 00:43 What are the key business insights? 02:42 What is the used car strategy? 05:41 How to improve finance and service? 23:38 How to manage vendor relationships? 26:10 Which lead sources are best? 29:14 How to optimize lending practices? 34:37 How to leverage social media? 24:38 How to reduce credit card fees? 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: - Scott Simons, Dealer Principal of Simons Chevrolet GMC - John Ellis, CEO of Agile Auto - JR Toothman, Owner of Toothman Ford This episode is brought to you by: Foureyes – Foureyes helps dealers turn data into action. Starting with a clean, connected data foundation across dealership systems, Foureyes empowers dealerships to use that data to drive consistent execution throughout their business. The data stays dealer-owned, vendor-neutral, and works with any tools or partners. More than a CDP, Foureyes is a reset for how dealer data gets put to work. Headquartered in Oregon, Foureyes employees live in 20+ states to be closer to the communities where dealers are. Visit https://www.foureyes.io/ to learn more Agile Auto – The first of its kind intelligence platform purpose built for used car operations. Trusted by performance driven dealerships across the US and Canada, Agile Auto layers on top of your existing systems to deliver dealer and market specific acquisition guidance and daily operational direction that turns data into confident decisions, faster turn, and measurable profit. Learn more at https://www.agileauto.io/ and take a two week test drive to see how disciplined intelligence transforms used car results. 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
Today I’m joined by Jake Cronin, CEO of Siro. We break down the massive “dark matter” problem in dealership sales, why most of the sales process has been invisible until now, and how AI is finally capturing what actually happens in the showroom and F&I office. Jake explains how dealers are using real conversation data to coach faster, enforce process, and connect marketing spend directly to in-store outcomes. We also dig into adoption, consent, and why this tech is about collaboration—not surveillance. 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 @ https://lotlinx.com/LotGPT/ 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 @ here! 3. Siro - Siro captures and analyzes every face-to-face conversation in Service, Sales, and F&I, giving auto dealers real-time visibility like never before. Stop guessing what's happening in the service drive, the box, or on the floor. Accelerate auto sales with Siro's AI powered coaching, learn more here. 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: 01:31 How is data collected and used? 04:14 How are worker goals matched? 09:23 What laws must a business follow? 17:16 How can smart glasses help in a dealership? 19:14 How can computer screens be made simpler? 21:12 How will AI change finance management? 25:29 What is the future of the company? 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: - Matt Bowers, Owner of Matt Bowers Automotive Group - Miguel Yelos San Martin, Principal of YSM Design, P.C. - Shane Wood, General Manager of Bruce Titus Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Foureyes – Foureyes helps dealers turn data into action. Starting with a clean, connected data foundation across dealership systems, Foureyes empowers dealerships to use that data to drive consistent execution throughout their business. The data stays dealer-owned, vendor-neutral, and works with any tools or partners. More than a CDP, Foureyes is a reset for how dealer data gets put to work. Headquartered in Oregon, Foureyes employees live in 20+ states to be closer to the communities where dealers are. Visit https://www.foureyes.io/ to learn more YSM Designs – brings decades of experience helping dealers create facilities that are both brand-compliant and operationally efficient. Every design is tailored to the unique needs of the dealership, balancing OEM standards with real-world functionality. With over 30 years designing automotive facilities, YSM knows what works. Learn more at www.ysmdesign.com 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
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
Today's show features: - Dennis Gingrich, Sales and Finance Director of The Niello Company - Marion Cain, Managing Partner of Bell Auto Group - Russell Richardson, Russ Flips Whips This episode is brought to you by: Lotlinx – ChatGPT can write emails, plan trips, even tell jokes… but it can’t tell you which VINs are at risk of sitting too long, how your dealer performs against your competition, or how to improve your VDPs. That’s where LotGPT comes in. It's the only chatbot built exclusively for car dealers. It knows your market, dealership and inventory. LotGPT is free for dealers, but invite-only. Join the waitlist now at https://lotlinx.com/LotGPT/ Reynolds & Reynolds – Have you seen Reynolds’ AI assistant Rey yet? With one prompt Rey can answer questions, analyze sales trends, generate reports, or even tell you which cars to buy next. Learn more at http://reyrey.com/reyai. — 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
Today I’m joined by Eric Rea, CEO of Podium. Eric breaks down how AI agents are replacing labor across sales and service, why speed is now the ultimate competitive advantage, and how fixed ops is finally getting real AI help instead of glorified answering services. This episode is brought to you by: 1. CNA National - CNA National is the premier F&I provider for dealerships nationwide. With more than four decades in the industry, we’ve earned a reputation for service excellence. If you are looking for stability, consistency and experience, look no further than CNA National. Register for your commitment-free F&I profitability analysis by visiting @ https://www.cnanational.com/NADA. 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 @ https://ikontechnologies.com. 3. Podium - 78% of customers buy from the first business that responds, yet most businesses reply an hour or more late. In 2023 Podium deployed AI Employees to close that gap. In 2025 Podium released Jerry 2.0, a massive update that completely reimagines the AI Employee. Businesses now let Podium’s AI Employees handle 40% of their inbound leads, giving teams more time for their customers—and more time home for dinner. Learn what Jerry can do for you here! https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy 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: 01:08 How is Podium AI (Jerry) changing dealerships? 04:03 What are the software challenges in dealerships? 06:42 How is AI added to dealerships? 18:45 How does AI personalize customer service? 19:14 What makes a CRM good? 20:03 What is the future of AI? 25:30 How does voice AI help service? 30:07 What are the upcoming plans for Podium? 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 Brian Hoang, CEO of Mia. We dive into why dealerships are moving beyond fragmented SaaS tools toward AI-native platforms that automate real work, not just conversations. Brian explains why consolidation is inevitable, and how dealers are already driving real revenue by offloading high-volume service tasks. We also get into where most dealers go wrong with AI adoption—and what separates winners from noise heading into 2026. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Uber for Business - If you’re headed to NADA, you already know that dealership operations are complex. Uber for Business helps make them simple by streamlining operations, improving CSI scores and keeping parts moving—all while delivering a better customer experience. Visit Uber for Business at NADA at Booth #7944N and get started @ https://businesses.uber.com/CDG. 2. CNA National - CNA National is the premier F&I provider for dealerships nationwide. With more than four decades in the industry, we’ve earned a reputation for service excellence. Plus, we are backed by one of the largest insurers in the U.S. If you are looking for stability, consistency and experience, look no further than CNA National. Register for your commitment-free F&I profitability analysis by visiting @ https://www.cnanational.com/NADA. 3. Mia - Your 24/7 AI receptionist who speaks like a human, not a robot. No more "press 1" - just natural conversations for sales, service, and support. She handles everything from car shopping to appointment scheduling in multiple languages, while integrating with your systems. Never miss another lead. Learn more @ https://www.mia.inc 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: 03:19 Why was "Mia" created? 05:35 How can dealership tech be simpler? 08:26 How does AI help dealerships? 13:33 What are "Mia's" plans? 27:01 What are some success stories? 33:27 What is the future for "Mia"? 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: - David Steinberg, CEO of Foureyes - Brian Benstock, Vice President & General Manager Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura - Robert Steenbergh, CEO of AutoPayPlus This episode is brought to you by: Siro – Your customer conversations are gold—but most dealerships never extract the insights trapped inside them. Siro helps your team tap that data for smarter coaching, consistent process adherence, and measurable PVR growth. Come visit us at NADA Show - Booth #6368 (North Hall), or book a 10-minute meeting for a chance to win some exciting prizes: https://www.siro.ai/event/nada2026 AutoPayPlus – AutoPayPlus is the premium biweekly payments provider in the country. By accelerating the equity in the vehicle on the consumer's behalf, AutoPayPlus shortens the loan term and reduces negative equity - all while increasing PVR and making consumer payments more affordable. E-mail [email protected] for more information. Foureyes – Foureyes helps dealers turn data into action. Starting with a clean, connected data foundation across dealership systems, Foureyes empowers dealerships to use that data to drive consistent execution throughout their business. The data stays dealer-owned, vendor-neutral, and works with any tools or partners. More than a CDP, Foureyes is a reset for how dealer data gets put to work. Headquartered in Oregon, Foureyes employees live in 20+ states to be closer to the communities where dealers are. Visit https://www.foureyes.io/ to learn more 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
Today I’m joined by Andrew Habberstad, CEO at Habberstad Auto Group. We unpack how a single relationship led to a $7,000 BMW franchise. Andrew breaks down generational continuity, smart expansion, and why listening to peers can quietly reshape a dealer’s entire future. 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://cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://cdgguest.com Topics: 02:09 What defines the dealership business? 05:00 What are key leadership strategies? 15:22 How does a dealership retain employees? 25:22 What defines customer service excellence? 26:07 Which technology investments are innovative? 27:57 How can the in-store experience be elevated? 31:56 How do family dynamics affect the business? 37:05 What are Andrew's future goals? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ https://www.x.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 ➤ https://www.dealershipguy.com
Today's show features: Margaret Henney, Vice President of Marketing at CoVideo Taylor Mazock, Social Media Manager at Cavender Auto Group Jason Espin, Automotive Technician at Benzel-Busch Motor Car Lauren Clarke, RV Sales Assistant at Airstream of South Florida Chris Escalante, Finance Assistant at Suburban Buick GMC of Troy This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands to optimize performance and accelerate growth. To learn more, visit StreamCompanies.com. CoVideo – Covideo is the leader in video lead response, helping dealerships convert more internet leads into appointments and vehicle sales through fast, personalized follow-up. Dealers using Covideo consistently see stronger engagement, higher appointment rates, and more vehicles sold. With AI-powered innovations coming soon, Covideo is continuing to help dealers move faster and win earlier in the sales process. Visit https://www.covideo.com/ to learn more. 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
Today I’m joined by Annie Fallows, Head of Navigator Platform at Capital One. We dive into a massive shift in market sentiment, exploring how dealer trust skyrocketed from 44% to 70%. Annie breaks down why Gen Z is your most loyal—yet most anxious—customer and reveals the "spicy" truth that most digital processes only save five minutes of in-store time. You’ll learn how to bridge the friction-filled gap between online research and the showroom floor to double your conversion rates This episode is brought to you by: 1. Amazon Autos - Sell vehicles to online shoppers who can now buy or lease at Amazon Autos. Upload your inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles to our online marketplace, where purchase-ready customers can browse, purchase online, then pick up at a local dealership. Learn more @ https://sell.amazon.com/programs/autos 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 @ https://lotlinx.com/LotGPT 3. CapitalOne - Many dealers believe digital tools can help boost sales. But early findings from a recent Capital One Auto survey revealed operational challenges dealers are still navigating and how trust is shaped. Listen for insights as to what’s been uncovered and where the research is headed. Learn more @ https://www.capitalone.com/cars/auto-financing/dealer 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: 00:27 Why is dealer trust important? 02:55 How do you measure dealer trust? 03:49 Do Gen Z trust dealers? 04:49 How can technology support dealers? 09:00 How can customer experience improve in today's world? 16:37 How to balance automation and personalization? 20:35 How should dealers evaluate AI tools? 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: - David Wyler, President and CEO of Jeff Wyler Automotive Family - Ryan Rohrman, Chief Executive Officer of Rohrman Auto Group - Cuyler Owens, CEO of Widewail - Scott Painter, Founder & CEO of TrueCar This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands to optimize performance and accelerate growth. To learn more, visit StreamCompanies.com. Widewail – Leading dealerships aren’t choosing between profit and customer experience. They’re learning to balance both. Widewail CEO Cuyler Owens unveils how Customer Intelligence provides the real-time insights needed to stay aligned with customer expectations as the digital-native market grows. The discussion, backed by Widewail's 15M-review dataset, will also highlight key findings from the 2026 Voice of the Customer Report. Read the full report here: https://carguymedia.com/3Zxbkrt 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
Today I’m joined by George Karolis, President of The Presidio Group. George breaks down the tension between record-high blue sky multiples and the rising cost of capital, offering a rare look at who is buying, who is selling, and why the "big get bigger" trend is accelerating. Visit @ https://thepresidiogroup.com/v2ud to download the data discussed in today’s episode. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Amazon Autos - Sell vehicles to online shoppers who can now buy or lease at Amazon Autos. Upload your inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles to our online marketplace, where purchase-ready customers can browse, purchase online, then pick up at a local dealership. Learn more @ https://sell.amazon.com/programs/autos 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. https://www.fullthrottle.ai/ bridges the gap between auto media buying and results-driven marketing. 3. The Presidio Group - The Presidio Group is one of the longest standing investment banks entirely focused on the auto retail sector in the United States and was founded in 1998 with the simple mission to relentlessly put the interests of its clients first. During their careers, the professionals at Presidio have collectively closed more than 300 transactions for over $20.0 billion. The Presidio Group, based in Denver and Atlanta, publishes Presidio Perspectives: A Quarterly Outlook on Auto Retail and M&A Trends, a leading source of information about the automotive retail landscape. Click here to subscribe to our market insights: https://go.thepresidiogroup.com/cdg-x-the-presidio-group-strategic-insights-for-the-road-ahead 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: 00:12 What does the current M&A market look like? 09:56 How are valuations and buyer behavior playing out? 18:25 How does technology impact dealerships? 22:50 What are vehicle brand-specific challenges currently? 27:21 What is the future outlook of the M&A market? 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: - Chris Pres, VP, Automotive Distribution of Polly - Laura Perrotta, President of NJ CAR This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands to optimize performance and accelerate growth. To learn more, visit StreamCompanies.com. Polly – Polly helps dealers turn insurance into a better customer experience and stronger deal performance. By bringing insurance directly into the car-buying journey, Polly helps dealers close more deals, move them faster, and keep buyers happier. Learn more at www.polly.co/cardealershipguy 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
In part 5 of our Pre NADA AI Spotlight series, Sam sits down with Luke Sontag, Marketing, & IT Manager at Kissee Ford and Ari Polakof, CEO & Co-founder of Flai. We explore how one family-owned dealership used voice AI to capture after-hours and rollover calls without losing its local, human feel. Ari explains why most “bolt-on” AI fails, how deep DMS integration changes outcomes, and what it really takes to get service advisors to trust automation. The result is real appointments, immediate ROI, and less chaos on the service drive. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Flai: Flai - Your best people know how to turn an opportunity into an appointment, but they can't be everywhere. Flai is an AI communications platform that handles calls, texts, and emails so every call gets answered, every lead gets followed up, and appointments get booked. Some dealers have seen appointments double. Book a free pilot at http://useflai.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: 02:27 What are Kissee Ford's operational challenges? 08:45 How can AI solve service call problems? 14:46 What is "The Flai Solution"? 20:45 What were the early AI successes? 21:53 How were vendor issues solved? 23:57 How did "Amanda" impact operations? 26:00 How was AI integrated and onboarded at the dealership? 32:03 What are future AI plans? 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: - George Nenni, Founder of Generations Digital - Ryan Maher, CEO of BizzyCar - Rob Studebaker, General Manager of Treasure Valley Subaru This episode is brought to you by: Impel – Your sales team should be selling—not answering the same questions after hours or chasing low-intent leads. Impel Sales AI works the inbox 24/7, qualifying every lead, responding with intent-aware, personalized answers, and booking showroom appointments automatically. With Agentic Response, Impel interprets context in real time and hands off only ready-to-buy customers—complete with full conversation history and smart summaries—so your reps can step in at exactly the right moment. See how we turn your BDC into a powerhouse at NADA 2026, Booth #4331W and at https://impel.ai/sales-ai BizzyCar – BizzyCar uses AI to automate recall outreach for dealerships, transforming missed opportunities into booked appointments, higher revenue, and safer vehicles. Book a demo today at: https://info.bizzycar.com/cdg — 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
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. 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 @ 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's show features: - Charlie Dyjak, Senior Manager, Legislative Affairs at NADA - Greg York, President/CEO of Vann York Auto Group - Sherryl Nens, SVP Head of US Dealer Sales at Privacy4cars - Josh Johnson, CEO of Don Johnson Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Impel – Your sales team should be selling—not answering the same questions after hours or chasing low-intent leads. Impel Sales AI works the inbox 24/7, qualifying every lead, responding with intent-aware, personalized answers, and booking showroom appointments automatically. With Agentic Response, Impel interprets context in real time and hands off only ready-to-buy customers—complete with full conversation history and smart summaries—so your reps can step in at exactly the right moment. See how we turn your BDC into a powerhouse at NADA 2026, Booth #4331W and at https://impel.ai/sales-ai The Rawls Group – For over 50 years Rawls Succession Planners have advised high-net-worth dealer groups on leadership, alignment, and growth strategy - long before succession becomes urgent. Our work helps owners build organizations that perform today, develop future leaders, and stay strong whether they're expanding, transitioning leadership, or planning what's next. Visit our website at seekingsucccession.com. To receive a complimentary signed copy of “Help! I’ve Got Family in the Business,” email Hugh Roberts at [email protected] 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
Today I’m joined by Alexi Venneri, Co-founder and CEO of DAS Technology. We dig into why dealers are spending a record $29,000 a month on SaaS yet still feel buried by noise, how AI search is shifting power from SEO to reviews-driven GEO, and why “conversion” now matters more than attraction. Alexi breaks down her vendor agnostic philosophy, the idea of replicating perfect employees with tech, and what actually drives results in today’s market. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - Don’t miss another lead. With Podium’s AI BDC, dealerships are seeing an 80% increase in after-hours appointments by handling leads 24/7. Instantly respond to inquiries, book test drives, and let your team focus on what matters: closing deals. Learn how Podium can help you sell more cars @ https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy 2. Amazon Autos - Sell vehicles to online shoppers who can now buy or lease at Amazon Autos. Upload your inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles to our online marketplace, where purchase-ready customers can browse, purchase online, then pick up at a local dealership. Learn more @ https://sell.amazon.com/programs/autos 3. DAS Technology - If you’re already going to NADA, you might as well get invited to the best night of the week. DAS Technology is hosting a private party at Allegiant Stadium, and the only way to get a pass is by booking a short demo. You’ll see how DAS uses AI and data to improve lead response, service retention, and marketing ROI, then enjoy a night with Daymond John, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and NFL legends Tim Brown and Brandon Marshall as well as once-in-a-lifetime experiences like attempting a field goal and ziplining across a professional football field! See the details at dastechnology.com/nada 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: 01:20 How did Alexi start in the industry? 02:36 Why was DAS founded during recession? 07:55 Why are reviews and social media important? 16:28 What trends worry dealers today? 23:36 How should leaders manage vendors? 27:18 Why is conversion rate more important than attraction? 29:07 How does technology improve experience? 31:51 How does culture affect industry relationships? 37:10 What events is Alexi excited about? 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: - Fred Beans, Owner of Fred Beans Family of Dealerships - Beth Beans Gilbert, Vice President of Fred Beans Family of Dealerships - Hugh Roberts, Partner at The Rawls Group This episode is brought to you by: Impel – Your sales team should be selling—not answering the same questions after hours or chasing low-intent leads. Impel Sales AI works the inbox 24/7, qualifying every lead, responding with intent-aware, personalized answers, and booking showroom appointments automatically. With Agentic Response, Impel interprets context in real time and hands off only ready-to-buy customers—complete with full conversation history and smart summaries—so your reps can step in at exactly the right moment. See how we turn your BDC into a powerhouse at NADA 2026, Booth #4331W and at https://impel.ai/sales-ai The Rawls Group – For over 50 years Rawls Succession Planners have advised high-net-worth dealer groups on leadership, alignment, and growth strategy - long before succession becomes urgent. Our work helps owners build organizations that perform today, develop future leaders, and stay strong whether they're expanding, transitioning leadership, or planning what's next. Visit our website at seekingsucccession.com. To receive a complimentary signed copy of “Help! I’ve Got Family in the Business,” email Hugh Roberts at [email protected] 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
In part 4 of our Pre NADA AI Spotlight series, I’m joined by Shaun Sorensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Kenect. We dig into why the biggest untapped profit pool in dealerships isn’t sales—it’s service—and how AI agents are moving from “assistive tools” to full-on employees. Shaun breaks down inbound vs. outbound AI, the real risks dealers fear, and how data-driven personalization is already driving nine-figure service revenue results. This episode is brought to you by: 1. 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. 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. Kenect - The platform auto dealers are using to gather reviews, generate leads, and improve their online reputation, all powered by AI. – http://www.kenect.ai 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: 01:06 Why did Shaun shift from dealer to innovator? 02:10 What is the biggest AI challenge in dealerships? 03:24 How is service AI revolutionizing dealerships? 04:57 What has been AI's biggest impact so far? 08:00 What was the hardest part of AI adoption? 12:55 What are the broader AI trends to watch? 13:15 What is a key question from the group? 20:00 How can dealers start with AI today? 26:43 What are Shaun’s final thoughts and personal insights? 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: - Margaret Henney, Vice President of Marketing of Covideo - Nino Sita, General Manager at Lindsay CDJR This episode is brought to you by: Experian – In the past year, 85% of dealers have suspected or confirmed fraud cases, primarily due to income fabrication and forged documents. The fix? Experian Automotive's Fraud Protect. Fraud Protect quickly and easily validates customer identities and documents with zero disruption to your sales flow or the consumer journey. Learn more at: https://www.experian.com/automotive/fraud-protect Dealer Video Excellence Challenge, presented by Covideo – enter the contest by submitting your videos for your chance to win $1,000 and 3 months of Covideo access here: https://2tqce38uozv.typeform.com/to/KEOuOixJ — 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
In part 3 of our Pre NADA AI Spotlight series we break down why call handling is still broken, and how a new generation of agentic AI is changing the equation. Today, Sam sits down with Chris Murphy, General Manager of Volkswagen of Oakland and Monik Pamecha, CEO of Toma. We explore how forward-thinking dealers are reallocating human talent away from low-value phone work and back into high-impact, in-store customer interactions. The conversation also tackles a harder truth: as AI becomes a true operational layer, GMs are now managing AI agents the same way they manage people—training them, auditing performance, and holding them accountable. This episode is brought to you by: Toma - Toma builds AI agents that protect dealership revenue, retention, and reputation by automating communications and workflows with safeguards that protect the customer experience. If you’re evaluating AI at NADA, see what thoughtful deployment actually looks like by pre-booking your demo at: http://toma.com/nada-2026 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: 02:41 What is the biggest challenge in call handling? 04:54 Why transition service advisors to AI? 08:17 How to implement Toma AI? 14:03 How does AI enhance the customer experience? 24:34 How does voice AI improve customer interaction? 27:11 What was the biggest AI integration challenge? 36:59 How can dealerships use AI for outbound communication? 41:11 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's show features: - Doug Horner, GSM of Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted - Jameson Riley, General Manager of Riley Volvo This episode is brought to you by: Experian – In the past year, 85% of dealers have suspected or confirmed fraud cases, primarily due to income fabrication and forged documents. The fix? Experian Automotive's Fraud Protect. Fraud Protect quickly and easily validates customer identities and documents with zero disruption to your sales flow or the consumer journey. Learn more at: https://www.experian.com/automotive/fraud-protect Dealer Video Excellence Challenge, presented by Covideo – enter the contest by submitting your videos for your chance to win $1,000 and 3 months of Covideo access here: https://2tqce38uozv.typeform.com/to/KEOuOixJ — 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
Today I’m joined by Andrew Spitzer, COO of Spitzer Autoworld. Spitzer breaks down how his fourth-generation family business doubled its footprint to 26 rooftops while maintaining radical showroom etiquette. He reveals why he bans AirPods on the floor, how a chance encounter with Henry Ford shaped the group’s legacy, and the specific ways they use AI to scale high-touch customer service. We also explore the group’s "Elite 8" meritocracy and why service retention is now the primary driver of their long-term growth strategy. This episode is brought to you by: 1. 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. 2. 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 discover how Impel AI turns routine interactions into VIP experiences. 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: 00:39 What is modern showroom etiquette and technology? 03:12 What is the history of Spitzer Auto World? 06:40 What are Spitzer Auto World's core marketing and branding strategies? 08:21 How does Spitzer Auto World engage via social media? 13:23 What drives Spitzer Auto World's acquisition and growth strategy? 19:46 How do cultural touches enhance customer experience? 27:32 How does a centralized BDC and meritocracy work? 30:07 How is AI used in sales and service? 36:26 What is Spitzer Auto World's service retention and VIP program? 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: - Stephen Hill, Managing Partner at Oakes Auto Inc - Dave Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global - Greg Smith, Vice President of Operations at Leavens Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Experian – In the past year, 85% of dealers have suspected or confirmed fraud cases, primarily due to income fabrication and forged documents. The fix? Experian Automotive's Fraud Protect. Fraud Protect quickly and easily validates customer identities and documents with zero disruption to your sales flow or the consumer journey. Learn more at: https://www.experian.com/automotive/fraud-protect Dealer Video Excellence Challenge, presented by Covideo – enter the contest by submitting your videos for your chance to win $1,000 and 3 months of Covideo access here: https://2tqce38uozv.typeform.com/to/KEOuOixJ — 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
Today's show features: - David Cerqueira, Service Director at Benzel-Busch Motor Car - Danny Negalha, Fixed Ops Director at McGovern Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands to optimize performance and accelerate growth. To learn more, visit StreamCompanies.com. Dealer Video Excellence Challenge, presented by Covideo – enter the contest by submitting your videos for your chance to win $1,000 and 3 months of Covideo access here: https://2tqce38uozv.typeform.com/to/KEOuOixJ — 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
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's show features: - JB Burnett, Executive General Manager of Preston Automotive Group - Justin Lasky, Business Manager at Lexus of North Hills This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands to optimize performance and accelerate growth. To learn more, visit StreamCompanies.com. Dealer Video Excellence Challenge, presented by Covideo – enter the contest by submitting your videos for your chance to win $1,000 and 3 months of Covideo access here: https://2tqce38uozv.typeform.com/to/KEOuOixJ — 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
Today I’m joined by Eric Cohen, CEO at Merchant Advocate. We break down why credit card processing is one of the most overlooked expense lines in dealerships, how 60–70% of stores are overpaying, and which “non-negotiable” fees are actually negotiable. Eric explains where the hidden charges live, how to audit statements properly, and why transparency matters more than ever in a largely unregulated space. The payoff: real strategies dealers can use to reclaim margin without cutting people or growth. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Flai Technologies Inc - Your best people know how to turn an opportunity into an appointment—but they can't be everywhere. Flai is an AI communications platform that handles calls, texts, and emails before your team takes care of customers. Every call gets answered. Every lead gets followed up. Appointments get booked. Flai works with some of the largest dealer groups in the US, and some dealers have seen appointments double. They're offering free pilots to CDG listeners till January 31. Book a meeting @ http://useflai.com 2. 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. 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. 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: 00:14 What are the top dealer concerns today? 04:43 How do credit card processing fees work? 07:44 What are the best optimization strategies? 14:03 What are the most common hidden fees? 16:56 What is the Merchant Advocate's unique approach? 21:40 What is your most impactful client success story? 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: - Scott Pharr, COO/Partner of P4 Automotive - Stephane Ferri, CEO of Car Wars - Micah Westrum, General Manager of Ramsey Mazda This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands to optimize performance and accelerate growth. To learn more, visit StreamCompanies.com. Dealer Video Excellence Challenge, presented by Covideo – enter the contest by submitting your videos for your chance to win $1,000 and 3 months of Covideo access here: https://2tqce38uozv.typeform.com/to/KEOuOixJ — 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
This year, auto retail crossed a real inflection point with AI — not just experimentation, but actual adoption inside dealerships. With that shift came a flood of questions from operators trying to separate signal from noise. AI is everywhere right now. Claims are loud. Results are uneven. And it’s not always clear what’s actually working. So we’re launching an seven-part series, Pre-NADA AI Spotlight — conversations with the most forward-leaning AI companies in auto retail, focused on what they’re building, what’s delivering real results in dealerships today, what isn’t, and what dealers should realistically be paying attention to heading into NADA. Today, Sam sits down with William Camastro, Dealer/Operator, Gold Coast Cadillac, and Derek Simonds, Executive VP Automotive at Numa. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Numa: Numa - Numa is the first AI agent platform for auto dealerships. Address communication breakdowns with customers and get full visibility into all service interactions. Numa answers every call, rescues and books service appointments and lets service teams see all customer communications in one place. Increase Repair Order revenue, expand your customer base and increase CSI. Visit @ https://www.numa.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: 00:36 What is Bill Camastro's customer service philosophy?04:13 Why is satisfaction more important than CSI?05:19 What is the main challenge with CSI metrics?07:58 How can AI track satisfaction in real time?19:15 How is AI revolutionizing customer outreach?19:39 How can AI streamline communication?20:40 Why is speed crucial in customer service?21:55 How can AI improve retention and satisfaction?34:31 What future innovations are you most excited about? 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
Happy New Year everyone! Today I’m recapping 2025, and giving a sneak preview of what's next for 2026. My direct line: (856) 393-5432 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://ikontechnologies.com/CDG 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. 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: 00:13 Yossi's reflection on the CDG Podcast journey00:31 How did the podcast start?01:42 How going viral changed things02:35 Why did Yossi start inviting guests?03:23 What exciting announcements are coming for CDG?06:39 How does Yossi's personal life influence the podcast?10:21 Closing remarks and wishes 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 a best of roundup from our first year of Daily Dealer Live: Brian Benstock, VP/GM @ Paragon Honda & Acura Doug Horner, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted Grant Cardone, CEO of Cardone Capital + more! 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
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
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
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
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
Today's show features: - Lawrence Breaud, Dealer Principal at Autos of Forney/VinFast - Jiovan Melendez, Sr. Director, Product at Podium - Liam Golightley, VP, Customer Success at Podium - Kate Downing, COO of Williams Auto Group This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. Podium – Podium is redefining how dealerships engage and convert customers by acting as a fully trained, fully coachable AI team member available 24/7. Dealers can customize Jerry to follow their exact playbooks, speak in their brand voice, and drive more appointments and revenue. Learn more at https://www.podium.com/car-dealership-guy 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
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. We also dig into the numbers—like Cox’s 82M monthly visitors and the 40% idle-time problem—that reveal where the biggest wins still are. Reach out to Chase directly here: [email protected] 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? 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. 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? 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
Today's show features: Mike Murphy, Founder of EVs for All America Christian Crain, VP of Operations at Crain Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? 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. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. 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