Katie Mares is an author, speaker, and consultant who empowers businesses to design experiences that resonate with female consumers. She is a bestselling author and her book, "CustomHer Experience" is a guide for businesses to close the gender gap in sales. What We Discuss In This Episode Katie shares her personal journey from a disastrous car-buyi…

Gabrielle (Gabi) Abinion is the General Manager at Fox Valley Volkswagen of St. Charles. With a rich family history in the automotive business, Gabi brings a unique perspective to her role, blending tradition with innovation to drive success. Her dedication to empowering her team and fostering a culture of growth has been instrumental in the dealer…

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Whitlock, the president of Innovation Financial Services, to explore the fascinating journey of automotive entrepreneurship. We dive into Steve's unique background, starting from his days as a firefighter to his eventual transition into the car business. Steve shares insights into how his diverse experiences s…

Glenn Pasch, an industry veteran with a penchant for data-driven insights and a logical approach to marketing, brings decades of expertise in digital marketing and dealership strategies. As the brains behind PCG Digital, Glenn has empowered countless dealerships to optimize their marketing efforts and unlock hidden sales potential. What We Discuss …

Alex Lawrence is the CEO and co-founder of Ev Auto, a pioneering dealership specializing in electric vehicles. With a background in franchising and tech, Alex brings a wealth of experience to the table, along with a passion for creating exceptional customer experiences. His dedication to honesty, integrity, and innovation has propelled Ev Auto to s…

Are you leaving a massive chunk of the market untapped? Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Dealer Playbook podcast. Today, we're delving deep into the world of marketing segmentation, focusing specifically on the Hispanic marketplace. Joining me today is Ally Pinon, the Digital Marketing Director for Chastang Ford, as we uncover the …

When Adrian Gibbs, Marketing Director of Nimnicht Family of Dealerships, stepped into the world of automotive marketing, she brought with her the competitive edge of the plastic surgery industry and a knack for nurturing customer relationships. Our exchange is as insightful as it is humorous, revealing the unexpected connections between such divers…

Paul De Vries is the Founder of #DCDW, Spokesperson for Marktplaats Automotive, and Co-Owner of Carmen BDC. With an impressive track record in dealership ownership, BDC management, and online car sales, Paul is recognized as a trailblazer in the automotive space, revolutionizing marketing tactics and driving unprecedented success. What We Discuss I…

Rand Fishkin is cofounder and CEO of SparkToro, makers of fine audience research software, and indie game developer Snackbar Studio. He’s dedicated his professional life to helping people do better marketing through his writing, videos, speaking, and his book, Lost and Founder. What We Discuss In This Episode: Get ready to challenge everything you …

Have you ever wondered how a personal crisis might just be the catalyst for a profound transformation in how you lead your team? That's the story Scott Greenberg, author of "Stop the Shift Show," brings to our table as we unravel the potential of culture within organizations. What We Discuss In This Episode: Scott's journey from budding film studen…

Matas Buzelis is the Head of Communications at carVertical.com Matas Buzelis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, shedding light on the intricacies of the global car market. What We Discuss In This Episode: Ever wondered about the global impact of automotive fraud? Matas sheds light on the mission of the Association of Automotiv…

Dave Spannhake is the Founder and CEO of Reunion Marketing, one of the fastest growing marketing companies in the country that specializes in using data and consumer behavior to create highly effective marketing strategies. What We Discuss In This Episode: Dave sheds light on the challenges businesses face when Google, once a reliable partner, unde…

Subi Ghosh is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing at Stream Companies. What We Discuss In This Episode: We delve into the importance of first-party data and how it can be leveraged to create personalized marketing experiences. Subi emphasizes the need for dealerships to have a plan for post-cookie tracking and retarge…

Subi Ghosh is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing at Stream Companies. What We Discuss In This Episode: We delve into the importance of first-party data and how it can be leveraged to create personalized marketing experiences. Subi emphasizes the need for dealerships to have a plan for post-cookie tracking and retarge…

In this power-packed episode, I sit down with the brilliant mind behind Automotive Wealth, Rob Bacharach. Rob is the president and founder of Automotive Wealth, a seasoned financial planner specializing in empowering automotive professionals to secure their financial future. With a wealth of experience in the industry, Rob brings a unique perspecti…

Ever wondered how the digital revolution has transformed the car buying process? Join us as we sit down with Kirk Preiser, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at LeadVantage. Formerly the Director of Retail Buying Experience at Audi of America, Kirk shares an insider's look at how the industry is syncing the online and in-store experience.…

Gary Graves co-founded InteractiveTel, now TotalCX, in 2008 and presently serves as CEO. Previously, he served as the company's first Chief Technology Officer. He developed the communications platform on which the company's proprietary products are based and has been instrumental in the company's dynamic growth trajectory. What We Discuss In This E…

It all began with automotive inventory management software. I never imagined I'd end up in the automotive industry. Back in the day, my childhood buddy Dan Collingridge and I had this grand plan of starting a record label and radio station dedicated to alternative rock music, the dream we called 1500 am THE PITT. I went to school to chase my sound …

Ever get caught in the hustle, only to realize Christmas is knocking on the door? Yeah, I've been there, too, and what a year. I recently took to LinkedIn and Facebook to satisfy my curiosity about people's thoughts and predictions about what's coming in 2024 for us in the retail automotive realm. I will be straight up with you.—it's a fascinating …

Kelly Stumpe, also known as The Car Mom, is a social media influencer, car enthusiast, and advocate for local independent dealerships. She has over 473,000 followers on Instagram and is known for her engaging and informative content about cars from a mom's perspective. What We Discuss In This Episode: The Birth of The Car Mom Brand: Uncover the ori…

Erin Richmond is the Chief Revenue Officer of sMedia, a digital advertising and marketing agency in the automotive industry. With years of experience in the industry, Erin has worked her way up from a customer success manager to overseeing the agency's customer-facing teams. With a knack for connecting the dots and driving results, Erin joins us to…

Ashley Cavasos is the Marketing Director at Demontrond Auto Group in Houston. What We Discuss In This Episode: As the marketing director for Demontrond Auto Group in Houston, her journey from a temporary receptionist to a marketing powerhouse is a testament to the upward mobility available in the auto industry. With an innate understanding of the d…

Mike Draper, the former SWAT police officer and Air Force vet is making waves as a viral content creator and social strategy expert. His MBA mind, coupled with experience in real estate and mortgages, has enabled him to decode the secrets of social media success. Building a social channel with over 1.3 million organic followers, Mike’s unique appro…

Rahim 'Cherry' Bhimani is the General Manager at Motorvation Trucks in Georgia. He started his career in the car business as a detailer and worked his way up to his current position. Rahim is known for his passion for solving problems and providing exceptional customer service. What We Discuss In This Episode: Rahim Bhimani, General Manager at Moto…

Glenn Lundy is the only person in the world that grew a dealership 800% in 5 years, from 120 cars a month to 1000, in a small town of only 9600 people. He is also the founder of the 800 Percent Club. Known for his innovative and resilient mindset, Glenn shares insights on weathering storms in the auto industry, drawing inspiration from his vast exp…

Todd Hauser is the Executive Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at fullthrottle.ai. Todd has been actively involved in the automotive industry for over three decades. He has witnessed how the industry has evolved from the age of traditional advertising to digital marketing and, now, the era of generative AI. What We Discuss in This Episode: Bac…

International Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author, Award -Winning Sales Strategist, and Former Automotive Dealer Principle. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, Lisa Copeland, after a decade-long hiatus from our last conversation. We delve into Lisa's journey from the automotive industry to the world of real estate and beyond. Discover…

We all want more customers right? In this highly competitive world of auto - industry, turning prospects into loyal customers is a crucial skill for success. But It's always crucial to nurture prospects from the start so they become clients. Well in this episode, I want to share an exciting and innovative strategy with you that will revolutionize t…

Today's episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Crissy Burton. Crissy also known as the “The Car Fairy” Burton is based out of Indianapolis, Indiana working at one of the top 10 dealer groups in the United States and has surpassed many of her colleagues in just a span of five short years. In one month alone in 2021, Crissy was proud to have…

This year has brought some health concerns to yours truly, and as a result I decided it was high time to pay closer attention to my health and wellness. Yes, I've lost weight and gained muscle, but most importantly I've gained a level of mental clarity I am not sure would have happened otherwise. It got me thinking about the widespread outcomes of …

In this episode I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Michael Heidner, who holds the position of Vice President of Analytics and Business Intelligence at Foundation Direct as well as Ben Yehle, who is the Measurement Lead at the Foundation. During our discussion we delved into the intricacies of analytics and explored how data driven deci…

Kiera Fogg is the Vice President of Customer Experience and co-founder at Ribit, and Alva Senow is the Vice President of Sales and Finance at Ribit. Together, they've brought a revolutionary solution to the automotive industry with Ribit AI - Reinvention Initiative Between Industry and Technology. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of art…

Andrew Myers is the owner of Parachute Video Ads. Andrew began in sales and marketing from as young as the age of 16 years old, selling toys door to door which eventually led him to stumble into the world of selling cars at staffed event sales all over the country. This led to the founding of a renowned video studio in Seattle, What's Next Media, w…

Imagine an automotive conference that is as much educational as it is fun. Imagine not only getting to learn from the speakers but also networking with them! I'm talking about speakers like Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, and Dr. Nicole Lipkin; a renowned Psychologist and leadership consultant. I'm also talking about in…

Janae Andrews is the Sales Leader at Andy Mohr Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. In this episode, we dive into Janae's journey, uncovering the secrets behind her remarkable success and her unique approach to car sales. In less than 3 years, Janae Andrews went from selling appliances at a local electronics shop to becoming one of the country’s top automotive…

Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment, which owns and operates the Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals. The Bananas have sold out every game since their first season and have a waitlist for tickets in the thousands. They have entertained millions of fans in Savannah and at ballparks all over the country on their Banana Ball Tour.…

In this episode we dive into the world of ASOTUCON joined by two industry heavyweights, Paul Daly and Kyle Mountsier. In this episode we kick things off with a question that's been buzzing in the minds of industry professionals: Why should ASOTUCON be on your radar? What sets it apart from the multitude of automotive conferences out there? ASOTUCON…

Charles Cannon is the General Manager at Lexus of Serramonte. Charles Cannon developed a passion for the car business during his career of over 20 years. Along with Rules to the Game, he has also written a book called The 10 Things to Look for in a Professional Salesperson. Charles has been a high-producing salesperson, sales manager, and General S…

Mathew Growden is the Head of Auto Retail Team and Answerer of Automotive Retail related questions at Google Canada. In this episode we dive deep into the world of Google Vehicle Ads. We explore the intricacies of this powerful marketing tool and uncover hidden insights that can reshape your dealership's strategies. Episode Highlights: In an era of…

Kyler Kropf is the founder of SaddleBrooke Life , a business specializing in building beautiful and spacious tiny homes. In this episode we delve into Kyler's incredible journey from growing up Amish to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the real estate industry and the essential elements required to build a thriving business What We Discuss In …

Dylan Vanas is the CEO and founder of AgencyBox and Mindful Agency, a whitelabel platform that has helped more than 3,500 agencies run profitable businesses, and co-founder of Monopolize, an agency that works with some of the top personalities and brands in the world, helping them dominate their online presence. In this episode we dive into the fas…

Ed Roberts is the Chief Operating Officer at Bozard Ford Lincoln and is breaking the conventional way of running a car dealership by constantly seeking to push beyond the status quo. In this episode, Ed shares his journey in the auto industry, starting from being homeless to becoming a successful leader. Ed shares how his experiences shaped his lea…

In this episode Michael Cirillo sits down with Allie Peters, the newly appointed Vice President of Service Operations at Cavender Auto Group. Join Michael and Allie as they delve into the surprising twists and turns of her career in the automotive industry. Discover how Allie's ambition led her from a service advisor to her current role, defying tr…

In this episode of the Dealer Playbook podcast, host Michael Cirillo engages in a dynamic conversation with Dan Collingridge, the CTO & Co-Founder of FlexDealer. Together, they delve into the realm of automotive inventory and unveil the pivotal role it plays in shaping the success of dealerships. The episode kicks off with a humorous trip down memo…

Danny Zaslavsky is a successful business and community leader within the Greater Kansas City area. As General Manager/Dealer Partner at Country Hill Motors, he has helped grow and evolve his family's business into one of the region's most successful independent auto dealerships – while also investing heavily in the community as the President of the…

Shawn Armorer is the founder and owner of BDC Alchemy consulting. He is 20 year seasoned automotive BDC growth expert with career revenues exceeding 40 million dollars. In this episode he joins Michael to discuss the transformative power of the human element in the face of increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive indust…

Jeremy Beck is the Vice President of Dealer Development and Industry Insights at the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (N.I.A.D.A) and an automotive executive with 25 years of industry experience In this episode, we explore the profound impact of the automotive industry and the resilience it fosters in its participants. We discove…

In a rapidly changing automotive industry, dealerships are facing a critical crossroad: rising costs that threaten their profitability. As capital demands increase and employee expenses surge, how can dealerships find the perfect balance between expenses and revenue? Is there a way to unlock hidden efficiency and growth opportunities amidst these c…

In this episode, host Lou Ramirez and co-host Fred Lennartz, of the popular Car Guy Coffee Podcast, interview special guest Michael Cirillo. It's a big ol' switcheroo! Michael, who is the CEO of FlexDealer, an automotive marketing and technology company, will be a featured Keynote Speaker at the 2023 NIADA Accelerate Convention & Expo at the Wynn R…

In this episode Michael Cirillo sits down with WB Cavender, the fourth-generation owner of Cavender Auto Group, at their headquarters. WB shares the story of how he entered the automotive industry and the core values that have driven their family-owned business for over 80 years. They delve into the core principles that drive success in the automot…