Car Dealership Guy Podcast

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, vi...

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:

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 mo...

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 - Yo...

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...

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...

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...

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 inst...

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 smar...

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...

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 Va...

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 you...

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 av...

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...

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:

chase.abbott@coxautoinc.com

913 624 4963

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 co...

Today I’m joined by Scott Simons, Dealer Principal of Simons Chevrolet GMC.

Scott breaks down the leap from corporate leadership to dealership ownership — the money discipline, personal brand, and network it actually takes.

He lays out the unexpected challenges of buying his first store, how he navigated a sub-$10M investment, and why adaptability became his biggest edge. Dealers will walk away with clear, tactical insights on evaluating opportunities, managing risk, and jump-starting early growth.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. vAuto - Join us at the...

Today's show features:

- Andy Wright, Managing Partner at VINART Automotive Group



- Rob Dell, Vice President of Bob Ruth Ford



- Patrick Robertson, GM of Hyundai of Cool Springs

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 sal...

Today's show features:

Gerry Raymond, President of Gerry Raymond Automotive

Kevin Strosnider, Dealer Operator of Strosnider Chevrolet



This episode is brought to you by:

Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help shoppers make confident buying decisions. Cars.com is the flag...

Today I’m joined by Marcello Sciarrino, Co-Owner Island Auto Group.

We unpack how family-owned dealerships can stand out against national groups, why transparency matters now more than ever, and the biggest fixed ops opportunities in today’s market.

We also get into service retention, culture, and why Toyota’s hybrid strategy is paying off while others chase EVs.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Overfuel - Overfuel is the new technical standard in automotive websites, proven to grow sales by 30%+. Whether you need more revenue or better...

Today's show features:

JR Toothman, Owner of Toothman Ford



Amol Waishampayan, Co-Founder of Fullthrottle.ai

Glenn Lundy, President of 800% Elite Auto

This episode is brought to you by:

Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help sho...

Today I’m joined by Mark Altieri, EVP of Business Development at Zonic Design.

We break down why fixed ops is still the most under-leveraged profit center in dealerships—and how communication gaps are quietly eroding customer loyalty.

Mark explains how AI is reshaping customer engagement, why half of a dealership’s DMS often sits untouched, and what operators can do to immediately improve retention.

Clear takeaways, practical frameworks, and fast-changing tech insights make this a must-listen for every dealer.

Have questions about how Zonic Design can help your s...

Today's show features:

- Tim Pohanka, Vice President of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai

- Jeremy Scates, Owner of 111 Motorcars



This episode is brought to you by:

Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help shoppers make confident buying decisions. Cars.com is the fl...

Welcome to Industry Spotlight—a focused series hosted by Sam D’Arc, highlighting standout dealerships and innovative companies, and exploring the trends driving success in today’s automotive market.

Today, Sam sits down with Jeremy Nowling, Sales and Digital Retailing Director at Rohrman Auto Group, and Matt Muilenburg, Chief Product Officer of Impel.

This episode is brought to you by Impel:

Impel - Meet the AI Operating System built for a new era of automotive retailing. From CRM to service bay, from website to DMS, it unifies and or...

Today's show features:

Manny Gonzalez — Fixed Operations Manager, Ramsey Mazda

Jamie Kent — Chief Strategy Officer, Overfuel

Alex Griffis — President, Overfuel

Richard Lupo — Fixed Operations Director, Apple Tree Honda & Acura

This episode is brought to you by:

Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help shoppers make confiden...

Today's show features:

Brad Miller, CEO of ComplyAuto



Will O'Hara, General Manager at Zeigler Auto Group

Roy Davila, Variable Operations Director at Steele Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and...

Today I’m joined by Todd Blue, Dealer Principal of Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona and CEO of LAPIS.

We break down how luxury dealerships can truly differentiate in a crowded market and why direct customer engagement still drives outsized loyalty.

Todd opens up about leverage, market cycles, and why he exited his business at its peak. We also explore what it really takes to elevate underperforming stores and thrive even when the economy turns.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. fullthrottle.ai® - fullthrottle.ai® is a next...

Today's show features:

Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive

Derek Scroggins, Parts and Service Director at Pilson Automotive and Power Sports

This episode is brought to you by:

Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help shoppers make confident buyi...

Today I’m joined by Kim Saylor, Senior Director of Product Marketing at CDK Global.

We break down why younger customers choose service providers based on online reviews, how AI is reducing wait times in service, and why mobile service is becoming a premium convenience buyers will pay for.

Kim also explains how recalls create real service opportunities and how dealers can better educate customers. This conversation is full of actionable strategies for adapting to Gen Z expectations.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. OPENLANE - The wo...

Today's show features:

Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive

Derek Scroggins, Parts and Service Director at Pilson Automotive and Power Sports

This episode is brought to you by:

Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help shoppers make confi dent...

Today's show features:

Nolan Brink, Multi-Store General Manager at Jim Shorkey Auto Group

Matt Bennett, VP of Graduate and Professional Studies at Northwood University

This episode is brought to you by:

Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience th...

Today I’m joined by President & Dealer Principal at Alpha One Automotive.

We break down his jump from a corporate career into dealership ownership, and why social media became one of his strongest tools for credibility and recruiting.

Michael also shares why acquiring rooftops is tougher than ever, how rural stores operate differently from metro dealerships, and what it takes to build a culture that actually performs. His perspective on customer segmentation, profitability expectations, and growth models gives dealers a clear look at the realities of operating in today’s market.

Th...

Today's show features:

Dave Marks, CEO/Founder DSM Auto Family

Aladdin Khazravan, Founder of Dealer Cards

Catherine York Mace, Manager at Vann York Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included wh...

Welcome to Industry Spotlight—a focused series hosted by Sam D’Arc, highlighting standout dealerships and innovative companies, and exploring the trends driving success in today’s automotive market.

Today, Sam sits down with Kevin Frye, Marketing Director Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, and Paul Nadjarian, Chief Product Officer at CARFAX.

This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by CARFAX.

CARFAX - Here's a reality check: CARFAX data shows that 55% of car buyers won't return to the same dealership for service in year one. T...

Today's show features:

Eric Barbosa, VP of Variable Operations at Cavender Auto Group

David Steinberg, CEO/Founder of Foureyes



Robert Woolsey, Director of Corporate Security at Swickard Group

This episode is brought to you by:

Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with a...

Today's show features:

David Rogers, Fixed Operations Director at Piazza Auto Group

Kevin Stuckey, Platform Director - Fixed Operations at Parkway Family Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

KPA – Escalating fines and enforcement actions are hitting dealers hard across safety, privacy, and F&I compliance. KPA's Complete Compliance Suite is the only all-in-one solution that protects your dealership from every compliance risk. Our integrated software, expert consulting, and award-winning training help you reduce insurance premiums, mitigate li...

Today I’m joined by Jim Keffer, CEO of Keffer Auto Group.

We break down his radical 10-year buyout model, why he hunts “unicorn” operators instead of centralizing, and how underperforming rooftops become high-ROI assets.

Jim also explains the math behind buying broken stores, the traits that separate true owner-operators, and the coming shakeups he sees from Carvana, CarMax, and digital retailing. It’s a candid, transparent look at a model most dealers never get to see up close.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Lotlinx - What if...

Today's show features:

Zach Terrell, General Manager at Zeigler Auto Group

Devin Daly, Co-founder & CEO of Impel

Ben Chodor, CEO of CallRevu

Gray Scott, Former VP of Marketing of Ultimate Toys, Inc

This episode is brought to you by:

KPA – Escalating fines and enforcement actions are hitting dealers hard across safety, privacy, and F&I compliance. KPA's Complete Compliance Suite is the only all-in-one solution that protects your dealership fr...

Today I’m joined by Kirk Rogers, Wholesale Manager at McCarthy Auto Group.

We dig into why wholesale should be a strategic lever—not a last-resort escape hatch, how efficient transport unlocks massive savings, and the process McCarthy uses to eliminate the automotive retails biggest logistics bottleneck.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. ⁠Auto Hauler Exchange - Ship Smarter. Pay Less. No Middlemen. Tired of brokers driving up costs and slowing you down? Auto Hauler Exchange puts YOU in control. Ship cars faster and cheaper with 5,500+ vetted carriers. Get cars d...

Today's show features:

Don Hall, President of Virginia Automobile Dealers Association

Patrick Janes, AVP, vAuto Inventory Solutions at Cox Automotive

Will Bright, CEO and Founder of Saferide.ai

This episode is brought to you by:

KPA – Escalating fines and enforcement actions are hitting dealers hard across safety, privacy, and F&I compliance. KPA's Complete Compliance Suite is the only all-in-one solution that protects your dealership from every compliance risk. Our integrated software, expert consulting, an...

Today's show features:

Brian Benstock, Vice President & General Manager of Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura

David Boice, Founder & CEO of Team Velocity

Sanjay Varnwal, Co-Founder & CEO of Spyne.ai

Danny Zaslavsky, Co-Founder and President of VINCUE

This episode is brought to you by:

Stream Companies – 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 pl...

Today I’m joined by Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners.

We dig into why Q4 buy-sell activity is suddenly exploding, which franchises are becoming “must-own” (and which aren’t), how rate cuts are reshaping buyer math, and get a sneak peek at the latest Haig Report before its released.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Equifax - Fund More Auto Loans, Faster. Auto loan applicants are 40% more likely to be funded when instantly verified by The Work Number. You can get the data you need to know your borrower...

Today's show features:

Alex Perdikis, CEO, Koons Motors, Inc.

Michael Wood, GM of Jaguar Land Rover Chantilly

Nick Huff, Used Car Director at Fred Martin Superstore

This episode is brought to you by:

Stream Companies – 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 an...

Today I’m joined by Fred Emich IV, Partner at Emich Automotive.

We cover how Emich Automotive became the #1 EV retailer for Kia, the challenges Fred’s faced as Chairman of VW’s National Dealer Council, and the evolving threat Scout poses to VW dealers — plus much more.

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 merchandis...

Today's show features:

Jeff Ramsey, CMO of Ourisman Auto Group

Brian Kramer, EVP, Dealer Growth & Success at Cars Commerce

Dustin Clark, CMO of Andy Mohr Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

Stream Companies – 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 pe...

Today special guest host Sam D'Arc is joined by Shane Wilson, President at Connected Dealer Services.

We dive into the tug-of-war between dealers and automakers for customer ownership after the sale, how real-time vehicle data is fueling explosive fixed-ops growth, the playbook dealers are using to win loyalty long after delivery – and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Connected Dealer Services - Staying connected after the sale isn’t optional anymore, it’s your competitive edge. Connected Dealer Services, creators of CarRx, help you transf...

Today's show features:

Tully Williams, Parts & Service Director at The Niello Company

Colin Speer, Director of Sales at Sonic Tools USA

Frank Knox, Chief Operating Officer of AutoAcquire AI

This episode is brought to you by:

CR Stream – Put the power of multiple auctions in your hand! CR Stream multi-lists your inventory to OVE, SmartAuction, and Copart simultaneously. Capture vehicle photos, damage, details and pricing start to finish in under 10 minutes with the CR St...

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 David Long, Executive General Manager at Hansel Auto Group, and Curtis Lewsey, Founder of DealerCards.

This episode is brought to you by:

DealerCards - The direct-mail platform built specifically for dealerships. With DealerCards, you can send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, and service reminders — even include brownies — all handsfree and branded for your store. It’s a small touch that d...

Today's show features:

Kable Derrow, Owner of Findlay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Will Holleman, Automotive Sales at Equifax

Devin Kaulback, GM of Subaru of Niagara

This episode is brought to you by:

CR Stream – Put the power of multiple auctions in your hand! CR Stream multi-lists your inventory to OVE, SmartAuction, and Copart simultaneously. Capture vehicle photos, damage, details and pricing start to finish in under 10 minutes with the CR Stream iPhone and Android mo...

Today I’m joined by Doug Gilmour, Dealer Principal of Malone Ford.

We get into Doug’s 13-year run at Ford, the 7% profit swing that put him on the map, and the all-in gamble that made his dream a reality.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. OPENLANE - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ http://www.openlane.com/cdg

2. Repair360 - If you’re in the used car business, you know...

Today's show features:

Liza Borches, President & CEO of Carter Myers Automotive

Jake Hales, Digital Operations Manager at Gee Automotive Companies

This episode is brought to you by:

CR Stream – Put the power of multiple auctions in your hand! CR Stream multi-lists your inventory to OVE, SmartAuction, and Copart simultaneously. Capture vehicle photos, damage, details and pricing start to finish in under 10 minutes with the CR Stream iPhone and Android mobile apps. Pay only $150 sell fee when you vehicles sells at...

Today's show features:

Yossi Levi, Founder of Car Dealership Guy

Brian Benstock, Dealer Principal of Paragon Honda & Acura

Todd Szott, Dealer Partner of Szott Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

KPA – Non-compliance isn't an option. OSHA, FTC, and state regulators are actively targeting dealers with escalating fines and enforcement actions across safety, privacy, and F&I compliance. KPA’s Complete Compliance Suite is the only all-in-one solution that protects dealers from ever...

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 Parker Boice, General Sales Manager at BMW Utah and Than Hancock, Chief Sales Officer at Podium.

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 ma...

Today's show features:

Jami Langham, COO of Coleman Automotive Group

Brian Ortega, Creative Director at Valley Hi Toyota

Brittney Dean, Sales Business Development Manager at Van Horn Automotive Group

This episode is brought to you by:

KPA – Non-compliance isn't an option. OSHA, FTC, and state regulators are actively targeting dealers with escalating fines and enforcement actions across safety, privacy, and F&I compliance. KPA’s Complete Compliance Suite is the only all-in-one solution that prot...

Today I’m joined by Ivette Dominguez Drawe, Dealer/Owner of Alpine Automotive Group.

We unpack her incredible journey from the sales floor to building a thriving dealership empire — leading one of Colorado’s top-performing teams and driving a group that now sells one in every three GM vehicles in the state.

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...

Today's show features:

Nate Myers, Used Car Director at Mercedes-Benz of West Chester

Burt Davidson, Used Car Platform Director at Diehl Automotive Group

Eric Miller, Used Car Director at Morrie's Auto Group

Charlie Spradlin, Sales Director at Art Moehn Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

KPA – Non-compliance isn't an option. OSHA, FTC, and state regulators are actively targeting dealers with escalating fines and enforcement actions across sa...

Today's show features:

Alex Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of EV Auto

Ben Markowitz & Truett Dwyer, Co-CEOs of Clerq

Scott Kunes, COO of Kunes Auto & RV Group

This episode is brought to you by:

automotiveMastermind – Mornings are for momentum—and Mastermind helps you build it. automotiveMastermind is the automotive industry’s trusted data and technology provider, empowering sales teams to start their day with data they can trust and end it with deals that drive result...

Today I’m joined by Ryan Downing, Dealer and CEO of Ross Downing Auto Group.

We break down his plan to scale to 20 dealerships by 2040, how he’s achieved 100% absorption at every store, and what it took to grow group revenue from $270M to $490M in just five years — plus much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Auto Hauler Exchange - Ship Smarter. Pay Less. No Middlemen. Tired of brokers driving up costs and slowing you down? Auto Hauler Exchange puts YOU in control. Ship cars faster and cheape...

Today's show features:

Jacob Shepherd, Dealer Principal of Chevrolet of Troy

Bill Egan, Vice President of Product at automotiveMastermind

Ryan Carlstedt, EVP Fixed Operations at Willis Automotive Group

This episode is brought to you by:

automotiveMastermind – Mornings are for momentum—and Mastermind helps you build it. automotiveMastermind is the automotive industry’s trusted data and technology provider, empowering sales teams to start their day with data they can trust and end it with deals that d...

Today, special guest host Sam D’Arc is joined by Phil Pecoraro, Operating Partner at Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

We dig into Phil’s first month running his new store — why he’s returning to the same dealership where he earned his first GM role 16 years ago, how he’s carrying forward the legacy of Larry H. Miller’s final store, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. CDK Global - Tune in October 21 at 11 a.m. CT for CDK’s 5th annual CDK CONNECT, a virtual event...

Today's show features:

Joshua Clinton, Managing Partner of Cape Coral CDJR

Charlie Spradlin, Sales Director at Art Moehn Chevrolet Honda

This episode is brought to you by:

automotiveMastermind – Mornings are for momentum—and Mastermind helps you build it. automotiveMastermind is the automotive industry’s trusted data and technology provider, empowering sales teams to start their day with data they can trust and end it with deals that drive results. Car Dealership Guy listeners can take Mastermind’s 30-second Sales Efficien...

Today I’m joined by Len Short, CEO of Lotlinx. LotGPT is here — and it might change how dealers manage inventory forever.

In this episode, Len Short and I break down the world-first dealer-focused LLM, how it diagnoses inventory issues in real time, the 7 most-searched dealer prompts, and why he’s giving it away completely free.

To try LotGPT for yourself, 100% free, join the waitlist at lotlinx.com/lotgpt

This episode is brought to you by:

1. OPENLANE - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used...

Today's show features:

Scott Painter, Founder of TrueCar

Ryan Maher, CEO of BizzyCar

Ryan Toohey, Service Manager at Auburn Toyota

Felicia Palombi, Fund Development Manager at CNCDA

This episode is brought to you by:

Repair360 – If you’re in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check out Repair360—the first and only reconditioning software that connects every function in the dealership to tighten recon and he...

Today I’m joined by Amol Waishampayan, Co-Founder of fullthrottle.ai, and David Regn, CEO of fullthrottle.ai.

We break down what’s really working in dealership advertising right now, what’s getting left behind, and the new approach smart dealers are using to reach more buyers — plus plenty more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Repair360 - If you’re in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check out Repair360—the first and only reconditioning software that connects every function in the deale...

Today's show features:

Jeff Miller, CEO of Mark Miller Subaru

Tustin Ulrich, GM of Roper Kia

Matt Birckhead, Dealer Principal / Owner of Sir Walter Chevrolet

Bart Schlosser, GM of Tom Wood Lexus

This episode is brought to you by:

Repair360 – If you’re in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check out Repair360—the first and only reconditioning software that connects every function in the de...

Today I’m joined by Katelyn Gilmore, General Manager of Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac.

We dive into why she’s doubling down on the world’s first fleet-only service center, her playbook for attracting and keeping Gen Z talent, and the surprising reason she’s handing out Rolexes to her top performers — plus much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Auto Hauler Exchange - Ship Smarter. Pay Less. No Middlemen. Tired of brokers driving up costs and slowing you down? Auto Hauler Exchange puts YOU in control. Ship cars faster and...

Today's show features:

Tony Starkey, Customer Experience Manager at Bob Poynter Family of Dealerships

Alexi Venneri, CEO of DAS Technology

Chris Ruder, General Manager at Northcutt Chevrolet

This episode is brought to you by:

Repair360 – If you’re in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check out Repair360—the first and only reconditioning software that connects every function in the dealership to tighten recon and help you sell more cars —...

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 Terry Chechakli, Director of Operations at Smith Auto Group, and Frederick Grimm, Co-founder of FIXD.

This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by AppraisalPRO:

AppraisalPRO - Stop getting hammered on hidden trade-in costs. AppraisalPRO instantly reveals repair costs, alerts you to recently cleared codes, and integrates directly with vAuto— meaning diagnostic data populates automati...

Today's show features:

Jonathan Blain, F&I Manager at Goldy Auto

Trevor Caulfield, F&I Manager at Pine Belt Chevrolet

Dennis Gingrich, Sales & Finance Director at The Niello Company

Wade Higgins, Regional Sales Director at GSFS Group

This episode is brought to you by:

AppraisalPRO – Stop getting hammered on hidden trade-in costs. AppraisalPRO instantly reveals repair costs, alerts you to recently cleared codes, and integrates directly with vAuto— meaning diag...

Today I’m joined by Jim Roche, CEO of WarrCloud. We dig into the $100K+ most dealers miss in warranty work, why surging warranty volume has made WarrCloud one of the fastest-growing companies in America (#1 in Missouri), and how you can retain techs and boost profits at the same time—plus much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Matador AI - Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever...

Today's show features:

Kelsey Riley, Operations Director at Lasco Auto Group

Wolfgang Berger, Founder of Aviloo

Fabiola Mathis, Director of Learning and Development at Principle Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

AppraisalPRO – Stop getting hammered on hidden trade-in costs. AppraisalPRO instantly reveals repair costs, alerts you to recently cleared codes, and integrates directly with vAuto— meaning diagnostic data populates automatically in your appraisals. Special deal for CDG listeners: FREE 1-week trial, then...

Today I’m joined by Sanjiv Yajnik, President of Financial Services at Capital One. We cover why tech integrations are still the biggest challenge for F&I, how lenders are anticipating an EV market slowdown, why "6%" is the most important number in dealership leads and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. vAuto - As the industry’s premier provider of end-to-end inventory management solutions, vAuto gives every dealer—from a single point store to the largest groups—the data, insights and tools they need to maximize returns...

Today's show features:

Malik Hussain, General Manager at Bill Jacobs

Jacob Zachs, CEO & Founder of Fasten Rewards

James V Seale, Managing Partner at Grandbury Kia

This episode is brought to you by:

AppraisalPRO – Stop getting hammered on hidden trade-in costs. AppraisalPRO instantly reveals repair costs, alerts you to recently cleared codes, and integrates directly with vAuto— meaning diagnostic data populates automatically in your appraisals. Special deal for CDG listeners: FREE 1-week trial, then just $195/mont...

Today's show features:

Jeremy Nowling, Sales and Digital Retailing Director Rohrman Auto Group

Nick Perdikis, CEO of inride

William Camastro, Dealer Principal, Partner at Gold Coast Cadillac

This episode is brought to you by:

Lotlinx – With Lotlinx, dealers win with every VIN. The AI-powered platform uses the most robust VIN and shopper data to help optimize every vehicle and protect profit. Take control of your inventory today at ⁠Lotlinx.com⁠.

inrid...

Today I’m joined by Brent Faron, manager at Bo Beuckman Ford. We cover Brent’s journey from cleaning cars to leading one of the Midwest’s largest single-point buy centers, the AI tools he’s using to acquire 100 cars a month, how a St. Louis Blues game changed his career trajectory, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. OPENLANE - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ https://www.openlane.com

...

Today's show features:

Todd Blue, CEO of LAPIS

Chris Singleton, Managing Partner at Mike Terry Auto Group

This episode is brought to you by:

Lotlinx – With Lotlinx, dealers win with every VIN. The AI-powered platform uses the most robust VIN and shopper data to help optimize every vehicle and protect profit. Take control of your inventory today at Lotlinx.com.

Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas...

Today I’m joined by Joseph Agresta, Jr., Chair of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Board. We get into why his top salespeople are fluent in Korean, the future of Mercedes EVs in a post–tax credit market, and how outdated incentive structures are frustrating customers — plus plenty more along the way.

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...

Today's show features:

Krystal Roberts, Executive Manager at Advantage Chevrolet of Hodgkins

Troy Blackwell, EVP, Automotive Business Development, Spiffy

Alex Morton, CFO at Gregg Young

This episode is brought to you by:

Lotlinx – With Lotlinx, dealers win with every VIN. The AI-powered platform uses the most robust VIN and shopper data to help optimize every vehicle and protect profit. Take control of your inventory today at Lotlinx.com.

Get Sp...

Today's show features:

Dave Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global

Danny Negalha, Corporate Fixed Ops Director at McGovern Automotive Group

This episode is brought to you by:

Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it’s time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership’s inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are...

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 Autumn Ross, CFO of Ewing Auto Group, and Brittany Newcomer, VP of Sales at Corpay

This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Corpay:

Corpay - Corpay is transforming how dealerships handle payments. We help you save time, score big rebates, and ditch manual headaches — all while syncing directly with your DMS...

Today's show features:

Parker Jones, General Manager at Jones Auto Centers

Drew Diehl, EVP of Client Strategy at Stream Companies

Tyler Burton, General Sales Manager at Serra Auto Group Champaign

This episode is brought to you by:

Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it’s time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership’s inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checki...

Today I’m joined by Whitney Yates Woods, Dealer Principal at Yates Buick GMC & Yates Mitsubishi. We discuss how the loss of her father pulled her from a successful real estate career into leading a single-point dealership, her bold leap into social media to drive sales, the decision to build a new store for a struggling brand, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. CDK Global - - Managing inventory doesn’t have to be a grind. Backed by over 50 years of CDK know-how and powered by n...

Today's show features:

Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Ops at Casa Auto Group

Ben Hadley, Founder of AutoGenius

This episode is brought to you by:

Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it’s time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership’s inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a we...

Today's show features:

Vinay Shahani, Former Nissan Head of US Marketing & Sales

JB Burnett, General Manager of Boulevard Ford of Millsboro

This episode is brought to you by:

Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it’s time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership’s inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are savi...

Today I’m joined by Jason Swiech, Product Marketer at CDK Global. We discuss what top-performing dealers are doing in the F&I office, why double-entry data is crushing customer satisfaction, the add-on products flying off the shelves and much more.

Read CDK Global’s 2025 F&I Shopper Study mentioned in the episode here: https://www.cdkglobal.com/insights/new-report-shows-shifts-fi-trust

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Repair360 - If you’re in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check...

Today's show features:

Jeff Miller, CEO of Mark Miller Subaru

Matt Leone, CEO of DriveCentric

This episode is brought to you by:

Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it’s time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership’s inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and bookin...

Today I’m joined by Ed Roberts, COO at Bozard Ford Lincoln. We discuss how Ed scaled a team of 165 technicians from scratch, the strategies behind his world-class service lane, his unlikely entry into dealerships nearly 30 years ago and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. 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

2. DLRdmv – Dealers, are you still stuck using outdated intersta...

Today's show features:

Marion Cain, Founder of ACE

David Kelly, Training Director of Brown & Brown Dealer Services

This episode is brought to you by:

Toma – If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it’s time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership’s inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and...

Today's show features:

Brian Hoang, CEO of Mia

Eric Rea, CEO of Podium

Tasso Roumeliotis, CEO of Numa

Monik Pamecha, CEO of Toma

This episode is brought to you by:

Dealer Pay – Designed to increase, productivity and customer retention, Dealer Pay is a "dealer-specific' payments acceptance solution with over 25 years of experience as a trusted payments partner for dealerships across the US. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://dealer-pay.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more...

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 Rob Scott, Executive General Manager of Bob Johnson Chevrolet, and Robert Wooden, Owner of Wooden Automotive Consultants LLC. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Wooden Automotive Consultants.

Wooden Automotive Consultants - Using their proprietary analytics program, Fixed Operations Intelligence, Wooden Automotive offers a free rate analysis, a $1500 value, so you know what rates your s...

Today's show features:

Eric Miller, Director at Morrie's Auto Group

Monik Pamecha, CEO of Toma

Mathew Growden, Consultant

This episode is brought to you by:

Dealer Pay – Designed to increase, productivity and customer retention, Dealer Pay is a "dealer-specific' payments acceptance solution with over 25 years of experience as a trusted payments partner for dealerships across the US. Visit ⁠https://dealer-pay.com/⁠ to learn more.

Toma – If your BDC or Service...

Today I’m joined by Art Dessein, VP of Sales at Impel. We dig into how AI is reshaping inventory management, the playbook big dealer groups use to roll it out without losing culture, and why less customer communication is actually leading to more sales—plus plenty more along the way.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Widewail - Want real insights instead of guesswork? With Voice of the Customer Analytics, Widewail uses AI to turn raw customer feedback into clear operational insights so you know exactly what to f...

Today's show features:

Matt Bowers, Owner of Matt Bowers Automotive Group

Andrew Ruck, General Manager of Lafontaine Cadillac Buick GMC of Highland

This episode is brought to you by:

Dealer Pay – Designed to increase, productivity and customer retention, Dealer Pay is a "dealer-specific' payments acceptance solution with over 25 years of experience as a trusted payments partner for dealerships across the US. Visit https://dealer-pay.com/ to learn more.

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Ch...

Today's show features:

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH)

Steve Greenfield, General Partner of Automotive Ventures

John Murphy, Managing Director of Strategic Advisory at Haig Partners

This episode is brought to you by:

Lotlinx - Get the best possible market advantage on every vehicle transaction. Optimize operations and boost profits using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Learn more @ https://lotlinx.com/

-

Check out Car...

Today I’m joined by Mario Murgado, CEO of Murgado Automotive Group. We cover Mario’s dramatic escape from communist Cuba, his journey to building a 29-store dealership empire across five states, the growth model fueling expansion into underserved communities, the day he lost 24 employees in a single immigration raid and so much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Lotlinx - Get the best possible market advantage on every vehicle transaction. Optimize operations and boost profits using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Learn more @ https://lotlinx.com...

Today's show features:

Greg Johnson, General Manager of Mohawk Honda

Julie Douglas, CEO of Dealer Pay

This episode is brought to you by:

Lotlinx - Get the best possible market advantage on every vehicle transaction. Optimize operations and boost profits using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Learn more @ https://lotlinx.com/

Dealer Pay – Designed to increase, productivity and customer retention, Dealer Pay is a "dealer-specific' payments acceptance solution with over 25 years of experience as...

Today I’m joined by Daniel Kim, Director of Operations at Barnes Crossing Auto Group. His journey from tech entrepreneur to dealership operations leader, the promises and pitfalls of AI BDCs, why he insists his team stay on the phones and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. Widewail - Power your reputation engine with Widewail. Go Google-first. Our approach is proactive: mostly automated, sometimes manual. The perfect blend of high tech, high touch. Do more than generate and respond to reviews; use Voice of the Customer AI...

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 Preston Stewart, National Variable Operations Director of Napleton Automotive Group, and Rudy Nieto, CEO of MavSign.

This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by MavSign.

MavSign - the secure offsite closing platform for automotive dealers and lenders. With a nationwide network of certified signing agents, Mavsign helps retailers complete remote deliveries legally and compli...

Today's show features:

Scott Gruwell, CEO of Courtesy Automotive Group

Mark Harris, Owner Operator at Flagstaff Chevrolet and Winslow Ford

This episode is brought to you by:

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 at ⁠⁠https://haigpartners.com/Haig-Report/⁠⁠.

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Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:

CDG News ➤ ⁠⁠...

Today I’m joined by Jake Cronin, CEO and Founder of Siro. The untapped profit potential hiding in F&I, winning strategies to secure consent to record customers, using data to diagnose dealership challenges—and more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. BizzyCar – CDG’s Recall Tracker powered by BizzyCar monitors 70M+ vehicles with open recalls, packed with insights: timelines, fix status, campaign numbers—everything you need to bring lost customers back. Transform your recall management today @ https://cdgrecalls.com/

2. Lotlinx - Get the best p...