Buy-Sell Boom Or Bust? The Truth About Dealership Mergers In 2025 | Alan Haig, President Of Haig Partners Car Dealership Guy podcast

32:14

Today I’m joined by Chad Rycenga, Chief Product Officer at Authenticom. We’re breaking down the data battle playing out on dealership lots — how dealers are protecting customer info, where the threats are coming from, and how smart businesses are using data to unlock serious profits. This episode is brought to you by: 1. CRC Transport LLC - If you’re tired of unreliable vehicle transport services or frustrated with delayed deliveries, you need to hear this. CRC Transport LLC operates as a premier carrier with a fleet of 320 trucks, ensuring punctual and secure deliveries tailored to your needs. Our substantial volume discounts empower your business to save on logistics costs. Take advantage of volume discounts today and drive success with CRC Transport! Explore options @ bit.ly/CRCtransport 2. CDG Recruiting - The Go-To Talent Partner for Dealers. Hire pre-vetted GMs, sales, F&I, fixed ops, C-suite, and back-office talent—ready to perform. Faster hires, better results. Book a call → http://www.CDGRecruiting.com 3. Authenticom - We streamline data syndication with DealerVault, the only NADA-endorsed data management platform, helping dealerships and vendors clean, consolidate, and seamlessly distribute their data to the partners that power their business. As the business behind the automotive business, we make your data work smarter—helping you cut costs, boost efficiency, and drive growth. Authenticom is hosting a data ‘cleanse’ giveaway of up to 10,000 records: https://carguymedia.com/3Xyf5N4 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:12 What is the focus on data and dealerships? 01:42 What is Chad's background and industry insights? 03:56 What is Chad's current focus with dealers? 08:38 What challenges exist with dealer data? 15:28 How is monetization and vendor relationships handled? 17:43 What practical steps can dealers take? 23:37 What future developments are planned? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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Humbled, Sober, and Scaling to $1B a Year: The Faith-Driven Rise of a 5th-Gen Auto Dealer | Andrew Dahl, President at Dahl Automotive 48:09

6 days ago48:09

48:09

Today, I’m sitting down with Andrew Dahl, President at Dahl Automotive, a 12 franchise dealer group based in Wisconsin and Minnesota to discuss: How He's Scaling to $1B a Year, Why 'entitlement' almost ruined a 5th-generation family legacy, How he found found a higher power to change his life and much more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. StoneEagle - Technicians hate writing repair stories, but incomplete documentation risks unpaid warranty claims. That’s why smart dealers are using Pencilwrench to save time, eliminate frustration, and ensure they get fully compensated for every repair. See how it works @ https://bit.ly/3DscNIw and get free setup and training when you sign up for one year. Mention code CDGWRENCH during your demo — and tell them Car Dealership Guy sent you! 2. Cox Automotive - Dealers keep hearing that improving customer experience is the best way to boost profits — but what do consumers actually want? Retail360 — Cox Automotive’s comprehensive suite of solutions — powers true omnichannel experiences for consumers and dealers. With Retail360, powerful consumer insights enable predictive artificial intelligence and automation, all tailored for your dealership by industry-veteran performance managers. To learn how consumers prefer to shop, buy, and own vehicles, visit @ https://www.coxautoinc.com/ and download “The Evolving Consumer and How to Meet Their Needs,” the new eBook from Cox Automotive. 3. CDG Recruiting - The Go-To Talent Partner for Dealers. Hire pre-vetted GMs, sales, F&I, fixed ops, C-suite, and back-office talent—ready to perform. Faster hires, better results. Book a call → http://www.CDGRecruiting.com 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 01:18 What were Andrew's early career struggles? 04:05 How did Andrew find purpose and faith? 05:22 What impact has Andrew had on business? 06:50 What challenges exist in the car business? 11:26 How is Andrew building his legacy? 16:16 What are Andrew's growth strategies? 25:24 How does Andrew balance profit and growth? 30:26 How does Andrew engage the community? 40:42 What are Andrew's industry concerns? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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How Tesla, Tariffs & Market Shifts Are Reshaping Car Sales | David Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global 36:01

11 days ago36:01

36:01

Today, I’m sitting down with David Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global to discuss: Tesla polarizing customers and the brands they are flocking to, The potential impact of auto tariffs and how manufacturers are pivoting, the coming drought of used rental inventory—plus much more. This episode is brought to you by: DriveHRIS - DriveHRIS streamlines hiring, onboarding, timesheets, PTO tracking, and payroll—all in one seamless platform. Let DriveHRIS handle HR and Safety so you can focus on what really matters—boosting your CSI scores, improving customer experience, and selling more vehicles. Visit @ https://drive2025.com/ to grab your FREE workbook on 'Retention Strategies for Dealerships in 2025. PayJunction - Are you leaving money on the table with your current payment processor? This is why PayJunction provides a modern, integrated payment solution that lowers costs, improves financial visibility, and streamlines transactions for auto dealers without requiring a software change. Ready to cut costs and save time? Download this free guide to learn how PayJunction can help your dealership optimize payments and cut costs here @ https://carguymedia.com/payjunction 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:00: Intro 00:08 What is the current state of the auto industry? 01:10 What is David Thomas’ background and experience? 02:46 How does economic uncertainty affect consumer behavior? 06:26 How do inventory levels impact customer experience? 13:45 What are the latest trends in the EV market? 16:48 How does Tesla influence market dynamics and politics? 23:28 How can salesperson performance in dealerships improve? 30:34 What are the predictions for the auto industry’s future? 33:30 What are the final thoughts and conclusions? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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Inside Nissan’s Comeback Gameplan: Profitability, Product Mix, And The Long Road Ahead | Vinay Shahani, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer Nissan/Infiniti USA 52:10

13 days ago52:10

52:10

Today, I’m sitting down with Vinay Shahani, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at Nissan/Infiniti USA. We break down Nissan’s comeback strategy, how its product mix is evolving, whether or not the brand is "over-dealered," and what it all means for the future of the franchise—plus much more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. 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. Trusted by dealerships coast to coast, Corpay is here to rev up your efficiency and profitability. Don’t settle for “good enough” in your AP. Visit @ https://www.corpay.com and see what Corpay can do for your bottom line. 2. CDK Global - CDK Global is the go-to tech partner for car dealers and automakers. Beyond top-tier software, their Research and Insights team delivers powerful reports year-round—like the Friction Points study, revealing what slows down the buying process and why F&I still matters. Want the full report? Learn more @ CDK.com/insights 3. Qmerit - Selling EVs can have a lot of friction points. But home charging installation shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why dealers and automakers trust Qmerit — the go-to expert for home charging installations. Join Qmerit’s Dealership Partner Program and start earning referral incentives on every installation. Visit qmerit.com/carguy to learn more. 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:07 How do you manage news cycles and company culture? 02:20 How did Vinay transition from engineer to CMO? 05:31 Why did Vinay return to Nissan, and what challenges did he face? 09:56 How do dealer relationships impact Nissan’s brand strategy? 21:14 What’s next for Nissan’s product mix and market share? 26:54 How does Nissan maintain vehicle dependability and quality? 28:38 What challenges does Nissan face with its dealer network? 33:29 How does Nissan leverage its investments in Infiniti? 41:08 What are Nissan’s biggest challenges and future plans? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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Buy-Sell Boom or Bust? The Truth About Dealership Mergers in 2025 | Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners 57:45

18 days ago57:45

57:45

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I welcome back Alan Haig, CEO of Haig Partners to discuss: Why dealers are lining up to buy Stellantis stores, Why "Japan Inc." won't let Nissan fail, the vibe shift on dealership profitability in 2025, and how 10 million cars disappeared from American roads. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Uber for Business - With Central, you can request a ride on behalf of your customers even if they don’t have the Uber app. If you’re ready to reduce the costs associated with maintaining shuttles and limit the liability of loaner vehicles, it's time to partner with Uber. Visit @ t.uber.com/CDGauto today 2. Podium - @Podiumsoftware 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 3. CDG Recruiting – The Go-To Talent Partner for Dealers. Hire pre-vetted GMs, sales, F&I, fixed ops, C-suite, and back-office talent—ready to perform. Faster hires, better results. Book a call → CDGRecruiting.com 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:00: Intro 01:56 What is the role of Haig Partners in the automotive M&A landscape? 03:07 What insights and market trends are highlighted in the quarterly report? 06:17 How do brand performance and acquisition strategies intersect? 11:07 How does legislation impact dealership values? 14:12 What are the market cycles and opportunities for Stellantis and Nissan? 29:27 How do tariffs impact the auto industry? 30:14 What are the market predictions and economic outlook? 37:10 What role does pent-up demand play in market dynamics? 39:44 What were the details of Herb Chambers' sale to Asbury? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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State of the Car Market: Luxury Squeeze, Leasing Lifeline & OEM Tech Failures | Andrew Wright, Managing Partner @ VINArt Dealerships 1:03:21

20 days ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Wright, Managing Partner at Vinart Dealerships. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Phone Ninjas - Is your store missing opportunities before they even hit the lot? Phone Ninjas helps dealers maximize every opportunity with custom scripts and critical coaching on actual customer calls. Get your team certified today and watch your appointment set and show rates double! Visit @ https://www.phoneninjas.com/ to start winning today! 2. Impel - Impel AI helps you drive loyalty with proactive, personalized service outreach that scales seamlessly. From service milestones to recall alerts and tailored incentives, Impel makes service outreach feel more like a concierge experience than traditional marketing. With AI-powered service scheduling via text and email, your team can stop managing calendars and start focusing on delivering exceptional customer experiences. Future-proof your service drive today. Learn more @ https://carguymedia.com/41G1unN 3. CDG Recruiting – The Go-To Talent Partner for Dealers. Hire pre-vetted GMs, sales, F&I, fixed ops, C-suite, and back-office talent—ready to perform. Faster hires, better results. Book a call → CDGRecruiting.com 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:41 What are the current industry challenges and how are OEM incentives addressing them? 04:51 How can dealerships balance long-term vision with day-to-day operations? 09:48 What are the key differences between luxury and mainstream markets? 16:54 How does affordability impact market dynamics in the automotive industry? 21:34 What role do leasing programs and consumer education play in the market? 31:13 How can deceptive pricing in third-party listings be addressed effectively? 36:40 What is the impact of performance-based pricing on dealerships and consumers? 46:04 What does the future of digital retailing look like for the automotive industry? 50:17 How can collaboration between OEMs and dealers be improved for mutual success? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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Benzs and Bowties: Dealership Secrets of The General Sales Manager Redefining Automotive Content | Doug Horner, GSM of North Olmstead Mercedes-Benz 42:48

25 days ago42:48

42:48

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Doug Horner, General Sales Manager of North Olmsted Mercedes-Benz and the creator behind the wildly popular Benzs and Bowties social media accounts. We discuss why he’s intentionally leaving $50K on table with every G-Wagon he sells, how he’s generating half of his leads through social media, and what finally pushed him to start creating content. This episode is brought to you by: 1. OPENLANE - The world’s leading online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ https://www.openlane.com 2. 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 5,000+ vetted carriers ●Get cars delivered in just 5 days on average ●Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and real-time tracking. Move cars smarter. Move cars faster. Learn more @ https://www.autohaulerexchange.com 3. CDG Recruiting - Building on the success of my industry job board, I’m launching CDG Recruiting — a more hands-on, personalized automotive recruiting service. Our team has decades of experience and has successfully placed over 1,000 roles in the automotive industry. So if you’re ready to find your next rockstar employee, try CDG Recruiting today by visiting @ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:49 What were the early career experiences and sales strategies that shaped success? 02:35 What was the journey like transitioning to Mercedes, and what made it significant? 04:57 How does Mercedes compete in the luxury car market? 05:44 What is Mercedes' EV strategy, and who are its target customer demographics? 12:28 How does the dealership maintain customer retention and capitalize on trends like G Wagon mania? 20:00 How are out-of-state deals managed to ensure customer delight? 23:41 How is the online car buying experience transforming the automotive industry? 26:51 What is the impact of social media on car sales and customer engagement? 35:17 What is the future outlook for the dealership and the automotive industry? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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Industry Spotlight: Tasca Auto Group's Secret to Bringing Long-Lost Customers Back To The Dealership 35:41

27 days ago35:41

35:41

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 Bob Tasca III, VP of Tasca Automotive Group, and Ryan Maher. CEO of BizzyCar. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by BizzCar. 1. BizzyCar — built by dealers, is an AI-powered Recall Management and Mobile Service Platform that increases appointments, boosts revenue, and helps bring back lost customers. CDG listeners get a special offer at https://info.bizzycar.com/cdg 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:31 Who is Bob Tasca, and why is he known as the Fastest Man on Four Wheels? 03:16 How does racing create synergy with dealership operations? 06:12 How does racing impact the success of a dealership? 09:36 What is Busy Car, and how is it revolutionizing recall management? 12:03 What is the scale and impact of automotive recalls on the industry? 15:11 What does the future hold for recall solutions in the automotive industry? 20:04 Why is ROI (Return on Investment) crucial for dealerships? 22:19 What strategies give dealerships a competitive edge in the industry? 29:00 What is the legacy of the Tasca family business, and what innovations have they introduced? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

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Lessons From Lithia And Beyond: The Habits Driving A Successful Dealer Group With Happy Employees | Michael Speigl, Dealer Principal of WE Auto 1:01:06

5 weeks ago1:01:06

1:01:06

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Speigl, Dealer Principal of We Auto, a Michigan-based dealer group. We discuss the lessons he learned from working for Lithia and how they shaped his own dealerships, why he’s investing over $250K in company culture, and the phone call that changed his family’s life forever, along with much more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Phone Ninjas - Is your store missing opportunities before they even hit the lot? Phone Ninjas helps dealers maximize every opportunity with custom scripts and critical coaching on actual customer calls. Get your team certified today and watch your appointment set and show rates double! Visit @ https://www.phoneninjas.com/ to start winning today! 2. CDK Global - our trusted technology partner for car dealers and automakers. CDK doesn’t just deliver top-tier tech solutions; they provide game-changing industry insights. Beyond top-tier tech, their Friction Points Study uncovers what’s slowing car purchases—highlighting how dealers are closing time gaps and why F&I remains crucial. Get the full report at https://www.cdkglobal.com/insights 3. CDG Recruiting - Building on the success of my industry job board, I’m launching CDG Recruiting — a more hands-on, personalized automotive recruiting service. Our team has decades of experience and has successfully placed over 1,000 roles in the automotive industry. So if you’re ready to find your next rockstar employee, try CDG Recruiting today by visiting @ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:32 What was Michael's journey into auto retail like? 04:41 How did Michael transition to becoming a dealer principal? 12:51 What is Michael's mission-driven business approach? 21:30 What are Michael's thoughts on digital retailing and industry trends? 28:49 What is the regional impact of electric vehicles? 29:08 What challenges are associated with selling electric vehicles? 31:43 How does political influence affect the EV market? 34:46 How does Michael ensure service retention and a positive customer experience? 47:25 How does Michael use data analytics in his business strategy? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

1
How Van Horn Auto Group Is Capitalizing on the Final Customer Touchpoint—The Card Swipe | Industry Spotlight 32:58

5 weeks ago32:58

32:58

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 Jennica Krebsbach, Controller at Van Horn Auto Group, and Julie Douglas, CEO of Dealer Pay. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Dealer Pay: 1. Dealer Pay – Designed to increase productivity and customer retention, Dealer Pay is a dealer-specific payment acceptance solution with over 25 years of experience as a trusted payments partner for dealerships across the U.S. Contact Julie today - julie@dealer-pay.com or 636-442-4901 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 01:22 What is the role of a controller in an auto group? 03:59 How has technology impacted the auto industry? 05:09 How does cash management work in daily operations? 05:45 What is the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at Van Horn? 08:21 What are the challenges and solutions in credit card processing? 10:20 How does DealerPay streamline payments? 17:36 What are the strategies for fraud prevention and compliance? 21:28 How does credit card surcharging work in the auto industry? 27:35 What are the future trends and advice for aspiring controllers? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

1
No B.S. Dealer Strategy: How Brett Sutherlin Built a Toyota Powerhouse (& What Brands He’s Avoiding) | Brett Sutherlin, Dealer Principal of Sutherlin Automotive Group 46:50

6 weeks ago46:50

46:50

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Brett Sutherlin, Dealer Principal of Sutherlin Automotive Group, to discuss: His no B.S. dealer strategy and what brands he's avoiding, How he's doubling margin vs his competition with Google Business Profiles, Buying dealerships off of Linkedin and much more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. DriveHRIS - DriveHRIS streamlines hiring, onboarding, timesheets, PTO tracking, and payroll— all in one seamless platform. Let DriveHRIS handle HR and Safety so you can focus on what really matters— boosting your CSI scores, improving customer experience, and selling more vehicles. Visit https://drive2025.com/ to grab your FREE workbook on 'Retention Strategies for Dealerships in 2025. 2. CDK Global – Your trusted technology partner for car dealers and automakers. CDK doesn’t just deliver top-tier tech solutions; they provide game-changing industry insights. Beyond top-tier tech, their Friction Points Study uncovers what’s slowing car purchases—highlighting how dealers are closing time gaps and why F&I remains crucial. Get the full report at CDK.com/insights . 3. CDG Recruiting - Building on the success of my industry job board, I’m launching CDG Recruiting — a more hands-on, personalized automotive recruiting service. Our team has decades of experience and has successfully placed over 1,000 roles in the automotive industry. So if you’re ready to find your next rockstar employee, try CDG Recruiting today by visiting @ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 01:34 How do dealership operations vary across different locations? 03:46 What tech innovations are transforming dealerships today? 10:08 What strategies are most effective for service departments? 18:23 What are your future plans for growth? 21:49 How can businesses leverage AI for success? 22:43 How can dealerships optimize their digital presence? 26:24 What strategies work best for recruiting and retention? 28:41 How can dealerships maximize customer lifetime value through advertising? 32:34 What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the car business today? 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 ➤ 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…

1
Hard Lessons Learned: Brute-Forcing His Way to 12 Dealerships & $1B+ Revenue | Matt Bowers, Dealer Principal at Matt Bowers Auto Group 56:50

6 weeks ago56:50

56:50

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Bowers, Dealer Principal of Matt Bowers Automotive Group, to discuss how he brute-forced his way to 12 dealerships and $1 billion in revenue, his unlikely start in the car business and tumultuous path to becoming a powerhouse auto group owner, the most important factor when buying a dealership, and 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/ 2. CDG Recruiting - Building on the success of my industry job board, I’m launching CDG Recruiting — a more hands-on, personalized automotive recruiting service. Our team has decades of experience and has successfully placed over 1,000 roles in the automotive industry. So if you’re ready to find your next rockstar employee, try CDG Recruiting today by visiting @ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:56: What are Matt's insights from the NADA Convention? 02:00: How does the Super Bowl relate to Matt's personal life? 02:36: What are the crowdsourced opinions on Matt Bowers? 03:33: What was Matt Bowers' early career like? 04:34: What family background and early influences shaped Matt Bowers? 05:48: What challenges did Matt Bowers face in his career progression? 10:25: What led to Matt Bowers' transition to ownership? 25:41: What market trends and acquisition strategies are relevant in the industry? 27:59: What are the challenges and risks in the business? 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 ➤ 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 #CarBusinessJourney #OvercomingAdversity #MentorshipImpact…

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How Sonic Automotive Joined Forces With The Biggest E-Retailer In The World To Sell Cars | Industry Spotlight 38:45

7 weeks ago38:45

38:45

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 Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive, and Matt Nuffort. Director at Amazon Autos. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Amazon Autos. 1. Amazon Autos - Learn more about the Amazon Autos Beta here 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:00: Intro 01:02 What are the challenges in digital car retailing? 03:02 How do dealer partnerships influence profitability? 05:58 How does the omni-channel approach improve customer experience? 10:12 What are the future solutions for F&I products? 24:48 How has Amazon impacted CSI scores? 25:09 How does the Amazon sales process work in dealerships? 26:15 How do Amazon standards affect customer satisfaction? 28:54 What are Amazon's dealer standards and policies? 36:37 How can dealers participate and collaborate more effectively? 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 ➤ 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 This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.…

1
Dealership University: Elgie Bright’s Game Plan for Auto’s Future—In a Time of Disruption | Elgie Bright, Department Chair, Automotive Marketing/Management at Northwood University 34:39

7 weeks ago34:39

34:39

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Elgie Bright, Chair at Northwood University, to discuss his game plan for the future of auto in a time of disruption, the importance of developing lifelong learners, building automotive retail curriculum to tackle tomorrow’s technologies, and much more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Ikon Technologies - Ikon Technologies was founded by dealers, for dealers, to solve the daily challenges your dealership faces. Our no-cost Lot Management Platform, with Find the Car, Find the Keys™ technology, makes finding inventory easy, while our patented Smart Marketing platform and Dealer-branded Connect app drives customer loyalty and drive revenue growth back to your dealership. Schedule a demo today to see how Ikon Technologies can help drive your dealership’s success by visiting @ https://hubs.la/Q02WVYbV0 2. CDG Recruiting - Building on the success of my industry job board, I’m launching CDG Recruiting — a more hands-on, personalized automotive recruiting service. Our team has decades of experience and has successfully placed over 1,000 roles in the automotive industry. So if you’re ready to find your next rockstar employee, try CDG Recruiting today by visiting @ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes: Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bites Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:00: Intro 00:37: What creates excitement in auto retail? 01:57: What is an overview of Northwood University? 03:58: What is the value proposition of Northwood? 05:18: How can the car business attract talent? 07:18: Who are some notable alumni, and what is their impact on the industry? 08:10: What are the challenges and opportunities in auto retail? 08:50: How is training being prepared for the future of auto retail? 17:42: What is the future of automotive education? 23:02: How is the industry addressing criticism? 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 ➤ 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 #AutomotiveIndustry #NorthwoodUniversity #FutureOfAutoSales…

1
Luxury Dealership Whisperer: Building a Multi-Million Dollar Powerhouse with Culture | Lonny Soza, Vice President of Fertitta Auto Group 37:55

8 weeks ago37:55