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Explore every episode of the podcast The Dealer Playbook

Dive into the complete episode list for The Dealer Playbook. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Ep. 628 - How Car Dealers Create Unreasonable Hospitality, With Michael L. Wood12 Sep 202400:28:43

In this episode my guest is, Michael L. Wood, General Manager at Checkered Flag Jaguar Land Rover VW, to unpack something that I think everybody in business should be paying attention to: unreasonable hospitality.

What does that even mean, right? Well, think about it this way: How often do you leave a place (whether it’s a restaurant, a store, or even a dealership) feeling like they actually cared about you, like they went beyond the sale to make your experience truly unforgettable? Probably not often enough. But Michael’s figured it out, and let me tell you, it’s changing the game in the auto industry.

In this episode, Michael shares how he’s using small, thoughtful actions to create a lasting impression on his customers—and how it’s leading to loyalty and referrals like you wouldn’t believe. We talk about everything from using social media to better understand clients before they even walk through the door, to the importance of leadership that empowers your team to think for themselves.

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This Episode's Sponsor

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Ep. 627 - Promote Your Dealership Employees From Within, With Sam D’Arc.05 Sep 202400:34:32

In this episode, my guest is the COO of Ziegler Auto Group, Sam D’Arc, and trust me when I say this is not your typical conversation about selling cars. In fact, we’re not talking about selling cars at all. Sam and I dive deep into what really makes a dealership thrive—and spoiler alert—it’s not just about inventory or car payments.

 But here’s the deal: Sam and I go beyond the sales floor and get into what really makes an auto group thrive. We’re talking culture, passion, and what it means to create a lifelong love affair with your people. Imagine walking into a dealership where the focus is on celebrating employees living their best lives, not just pushing numbers. We dig into how Ziegler is making that happen across 41 rooftops and what it means to foster an environment where people can grow, evolve, and find their calling—whether it’s turning a wrench or syncing someone’s Bluetooth. 

But more than that, this episode is about breaking the mold—how treating your employees right leads to treating your customers right, and why chasing a journey with no end might just be the key to lasting success. You’ll walk away from this one inspired, with a fresh perspective on leadership, culture, and the power of doing business differently. Plus, I threw in a couple of listener questions, including one about Sam’s favorite failure that will hit home for anyone who's ever faced a setback.

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This Episode's Sponsor

Sell Smarter, Not Harder

AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too.

AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS.

Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

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Anthony Alagona: Proven Strategies That Can Help You Increase Appointment Show Rates04 Jul 202400:38:28

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to Business Development Centers (BDC) and transform your dealership's operations? 

In this episode I sit down with Anthony Alagona, the founder of Appointments That Show and a true BDC master. Anthony's innovative strategies and relentless discipline have made him a leading expert in the industry, and he's here to share his secrets with you.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

We dive deep into the core principles that drive BDC success. You'll discover the importance of persistence and consistency, both in personal fitness and professional endeavors. Anthony's daily fitness routines serve as a powerful metaphor for the kind of discipline required to excel in BDC operations. Learn how to create a culture of accountability, set and achieve daily, weekly, and monthly benchmarks, and enhance your customer experience through effective communication and CRM optimization.

A few takeaways

  • Effective Communication: Learn how to improve communication between your BDC, sales floor, and management team to enhance customer experience.
  • CRM Optimization: Get practical tips on leveraging CRM tools to personalize and elevate customer interactions.
  • Hospitality and Accountability: Understand the importance of creating memorable customer experiences and setting benchmarks to ensure consistent performance.

Anthony’s insights are not just theoretical—they’re proven strategies that can help you increase appointment show rates and boost overall customer satisfaction.

Thanks, Anthony Alagona!

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Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Anthony Alagona

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Michael Cirillo: How Sales Pros Can Thrive In A Slow Economy20 Oct 202200:22:26

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In this episode of The Dealer Playbook Podcast, Michael shares his thoughts and ideas on how sales pros can not only survive, but thrive in a slow economy. The world hasn't exactly stopped before; there may have been a few pauses along the way, but they only lasted as long as it took for someone to think outside the box and find a solution—to go on by taking the next logical steps forward.

What Michael discusses in this episode:

In business, especially in the automotive industry, the economic climate is always changing. For much of the time, the changes that take place are caused by outside factors we are powerless to control. In that case, do we need to fear or panic?

No! We need to be prepared to take action and do whatever is ethically necessary in order to. Take the opportunity and seize the opportunity that is in front of us now.

The key to Ali Reda's success as a top car sales professional is what we'll refer to as "relationship selling." Relationship selling is a method in which the salesperson puts their relationship with the customer ahead of everything else about the sale. They develop trust, usually by adding value and spending a lot of time with prospects before attempting to close.

Compare and contrast Ali Rita’s interview with mine and think about what he's saying and how you can apply it to the context of your circumstances. You're not in the same city, you're not selling the same product, you're not in the same market or community or whatever it may be. There's going to be some nuance and subtle differences. So listen and say, "Okay, so what am I doing currently? What do I think I could be doing differently to strengthen these relationships? What's that one crazy idea that I've always had that I want to try to build a relationship with somebody that I haven't done it yet?

It doesn't matter if you're selling super luxe cars or used Saturn ions. What matters is what kind of relationship you build with people, especially during this period of time that we're about to embark on - and that, frankly, we're already in, but nobody is willing to admit it yet. It's on us to stand out.

We’ve been here before. Times have been tough. We’ve survived and learned valuable lessons along the way to make us better people, smarter salespeople and stronger business leaders. If you believe the depressing and negative news, you'll struggle through difficult times. But if you take a break from the news and concentrate on what's positive in the world and the principles we talked about in the episode, you'll soon come up with innovative solutions on how to thrive in such a slow economy.

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Shari Levitin:The Power of Leveraging Video in Your Sales Process13 Oct 202200:26:28

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Shari Levitin is one of the top Keynote Speakers in #Sales and the best-selling author of Heart and Sell: 10 Universal Truths Every Salesperson Needs to Know. As the creator of the Shari Levitin Group, she has assisted businesses in more than 40 countries in generating an extra $1 billion in income.

In this episode, Shari shares insights on how to use video to increase sales and exceed quotas.

What we discuss in this episode:

Find out why using videos to sell is one of the most effective marketing strategies in 2022, what kinds of sales videos to produce, how to use them, how to engage your team, and so much more.

Making simple sales video messages will assist your sales team in connecting with existing clients and contacting new prospects, all while developing a virtual connection and brand trust. Using video for sales can reap the same benefit you have been getting from in-person communication — the authentic human connection — and help you crush your sales targets.

Asynchronous video is nothing short of a sales secret weapon since it restores the mutual accountability and high-fidelity face-to-face connection that occurs with in-person interactions. Asynchronous video messages help vendors stand out from the competition by allowing customers a behind-the-scenes look at their personalities. Salespeople put their humanity on full display while explaining their offerings, advantages, business methods, etc.

The sales process doesn't matter. What matters is the buying process.

Daily sales emails are sent to potential consumers. With a sales video, you can stand out from the crowd of prospecting emails. Whereas it's simpler to make your views understood in a video than in a lengthy email or PDF.

The better you convey the benefits of listening and watching your video, the more engagement you will get. The goal is to make them interested enough to reply. That's it. No more. No less.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Shari Levitin!

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Thanks, Shari Levitin!If you enjoyed this episode featuring Shari Levitin, support us by clicking the links!

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More Dealers Are Choosing To Partner with FlexDealerLooking for a reliable, high-performance dealership marketing partner? Visit https://www.flexdealer.com to discover why more and more dealers are choosing them over big-box providers.

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RC Hazzard: Can Car Dealers Create Their Own Warranty Company?05 Oct 202200:22:41

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RC Hazzard, Servant Leader, Army Veteran, and Country Singer, is now among the top car dealers in the auto industry.

Working with Protective as the Regional Sales Director, RC shares his background story of how he came about joining the auto industry after serving in the army for six good years while singing country music, his evolution, what changed, and how he found himself in the auto industry.

What we discuss in this episode:

In this episode, RC Hazzard expands on his role in helping automotive dealers around the United States review their current reinsurance positions and create the most effective reinsurance or DOWC (Dealer Owned Warranty Company) to assist their future growth.

RC makes keen observations about the auto industry: "I had these single moms coming in or people that were from depressed areas and people would judge 'em when they saw 'em. They wouldn't ask 'em what they needed. They were just trying to sell them something. And very quickly, my managers realized I wasn't there to sell people anything. I was there to help people accommodate whatever they needed in their life."

RC believes that helping others can dramatically benefit your business. Helping is the new economic currency that can revolutionize businesses in the auto industry.

Dealers should not compare themselves against other dealers or get discouraged over where they're positioned versus where their competitors are. All that matters is what they can do within their context of circumstances and forget about what others are doing. "If you're a, you know, a 20-store dealer and your goal is to get to 40, you can't compare yourself against a, you know, a Dan Cummins that's trying to go from a thousand to 1,500."

The car dealer, male, female, whoever they are, can always make as much as possible without negatively affecting anyone around them.

RC aims to help every dealer understand what they have in their reinsurance position and then show them what they can do with what they currently have or what they can do if they take a different opportunity.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from RC Hazzard!

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Glenn Lundy: Save Your Dealership29 Sep 202200:38:23

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Glen Lundy is the CEO of the 800% Elite Automotive Club and founder of Breakfast with Champions on Clubhouse. Lundy is an extremely successful automotive industry expert who has made it his mission to help other dealers across North America.

Glenn grew a small dealership in a 9,600-person town by 800% in just 5 years, making it the second-largest used vehicle franchise dealership in the nation. Additionally, he has worked with hundreds of dealerships around the country, is a renowned author, a keynote speaker, and a two-time winner of the Chevy Dealer of the Year Award. He has also been featured in well-known automotive journals and prominent television outlets.

How To Save Your Dealership

By growing a small used car shop in Lexington, Kentucky into the second-largest company of its kind in the US, Glenn began his ascent to success in the auto sales market. Under Lundy's direction, the dealership saw an 800% increase in sales, ranging from selling roughly 120 automobiles a month to over 800. In this episode, Lundy shares how he got started in the auto industry, his experiences along the way, and the creation of the 800% Club.

What is the 800% Elite Automotive Club?

Glenn shares his story of how he grew as an individual. He went from salesperson to general manager of an initially small dealership in a small town and grew that dealership by 800% in just under six years.

We have many different vendors that serve various purposes for marketing, websites, and so many other things. We also have much different management, finance, and sales training programs. But the auto business is lacking one thing: nobody is training the owners and holding them accountable.

Dealers require responsibility, plans, and a network - a group of people with whom they can grow with, address difficulties as they arise, and discuss topics that are not merely business-related, such as how to improve as a leader in one's job or how to improve their marriage when they're scaling and growing.

There is always more to learn as a dealer, whether you have owned a dealership for a short time or many years. Both success and failure foster individual and professional development. But it's always a good idea to take a few cues from some of the best and most experienced auto car dealers.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Glenn Lundy!

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Dan Collingridge: Inventory Is The Nucleus22 Sep 202200:25:14

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Dan Collingridge is the chief technology officer at FlexDealer, and has been keen on technology from day one. But he had no clue that passion would lead him into a tech-driven career in the auto industry. In this episode, Dan talks about how he met Michael and the story of how they teamed up to work together after years of their childhood friendship taking many different paths.

What we discuss in this episode:

Managing inventory involves much more than simply tracking things. This crucial area of business cannot be ignored or compromised, and, for good reason, auto dealer inventory management demands the newest, most cutting-edge technology and creative solutions.

In this episode, we go into detail about the value of inventory for auto dealers, how to make it even better, how Michael and Dan developed their inventory tools at FlexDealer, and where their latest inventory project is headed.

Dan Collingridge shares his insights about the importance of a healthy workplace based on his experiences helping manage various teams at FlexDealer for over two decades.

Dan and Micheal talk about how and why culture is hugely important to the success and overall health of your company, your people, and your customers, and why it's helpful to spend time considering why your company's culture is the way it is and why it must stay that way (or change).

While culture is so influential, it's challenging to maintain the more extensive a business gets. Side-conversations form, resentment can grow, and you can lose control of the culture you've worked hard to build.

Owning a business with a friend can be very challenging because doing so involves setting expectations and creating accountability that does not typically exist in a friendship alone. Michael and Dan reflect on how they made it possible to collaborate successfully despite (or because of!) being friends with a range of common and differing interests, goals, and priorities.

Learn how FlexDealer transitioned from the dying magazine print model to a digital model that involved creating a website portal and inventory capabilities from the ground up, plus hosting all of their inventory and digital services in the newly created model.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Dan Collingridge!

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Fanie Scholtz & Peter Viljoen : Do Dealers Love The Agency Model?15 Sep 202200:37:56

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In this week's episode, we're joined by two talented leaders in the automotive industry - Fanie Scholtz, a Managing Director at FS Media, and Peter Viljoen, Managing Director at SydSen Uthintane (PTY) LTD.

They share how they paired to work on a big project popularly known as Let's talk Automotive, a weekly automotive talk show, as we also discuss the big question as to if Dealers Love The Agency Model.

What we discuss in this episode:

How Fanie and Peter met and the story behind them joining hands and collaborating in making Let's Talk Automotive and what the project is about.

Fanie and Peter share how important creating content is for growing a business, especially for the automotive industry, in a way that original, high-quality content demonstrates to your customers that you are reliable and knowledgeable. It's more important than ever to get content onto our social media platforms that add value, is interesting, and is funny and entertaining. In that way, we will build relationships of trust that will lead to that potential buyer on the other side of that device becoming a customer.

Peter shares an observation he made about dealers who make content; he notes, "A mistake that the dealers start making when creating their content is they make that content around the vehicle itself. And they try and put specials out there. And it's not enjoyable for the consumer to watch that kind of content. So it's essential to make the exciting content stuff, even if it's not about the vehicles".

We discuss the commonalities that exist within the automotive industry in different countries. Comparing South Africa to the rest of the world, where the commonalities reside in defining a business from a financial point of view in that South Africa has a competitively intense market, and they also have dealer operations that are very small compared to most parts of the world.

Fanie and Peter dig deep into the positive and negative Impact of the pandemic on the dealership landscape and how the automotive industry pumped the brakes hard in the early months of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Sales had dropped, but the industry's engines never shut down. From the third quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2021, automakers worldwide saw rapid (and, in some cases, record) low production levels. As with multiple industries and geographic regions, the pandemic has accelerated the trends already forming along the mobility value chain.

With plenty of dealers expressing different feelings about The Agency Model, debates are still ongoing about the move's potential benefits and impact on the automotive sector. With the Covid-19 pandemic still looming over the economy, it faces an uphill battle. The current economic situation has made it clear that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and dealerships must transition to a sustainable sales model. Although such a transition promises cost savings and price and customer data control, it also carries significant risks if not carried out with caution.

Tune into this episode as we try to answer the most tricky question: Do Dealers Love The Agency Model?

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Scott Simons : Creating A Dealership Growth Environment09 Sep 202200:40:16

Scott Simons is a successful car dealer that is involved in multiple businesses across many industries. Scott’s main focus is in the auto industry. He is the Managing Partner and General Manager of five Carter Myers Automotive dealerships in West Virginia. He is a speaker, business consultant, astute investor, and purveyor of filling the cups of anyone who is willing to put in the effort.

Scott shares specific tactical advice you can apply and how he continues to push himself by surrounding himself with those he can learn from .

What we discuss in this episode:

If you own or manage a dealership, you must be willing to explore new growth opportunities and embrace new ideas. Dealerships that embrace the future will maintain their profitability and relevance in the coming years. Those who do not will be squeezed out of a tightening landscape. In this week's episode of the Dealer Playbook, Scott Simons goes into great detail about Creating A Dealership Growth Environment. As a true leader and an excellent communicator, he ensures that each member of his team understands their role and works together to further the company's growth.

While Building a Great Team. Investing in employee training, retention, and happiness is critical to growth and success for your dealership. A motivated, positive team is your greatest asset in building competitive advantage for your business over the long term.

Customer service is easily the auto industry’s best salesperson. With customer emotions running so hot,it's crucial for your auto dealership to give every facet of customer service the finest polish imaginable. Due to the "virtuous circle" nature of the automotive industry, where strong customer service performance brings customers back later to the showroom floor—and the other way around—there is no doubt that this will pay off in amazing ways.

How doing business with your own people make your climb to success is better

Scott stocks his view on training employees “training is not it's not a knowing issue here, people know what to do. It's a motivation issue. And I need to help motivate them and get the best out of them. That's my job is to give them all the tools in order to be successful and give them an environment to thrive.”

Chain of Command in Organizational Structure establishes accountability, it lays out a company’s lines of authority and decision-making power. A proper chain of command ensures that every task, job position and department has one person assuming responsibility for performance.

To unify competing desires and perspectives, emphasize that choices be made in the best interest of the customer.

How Scott pours back into his team weekly including monitoring their personal credit, managing expenses, and much more that’s lead to saving their lives

Growth and rewards have always been critical components of human resources and employee motivation. Furthermore, most people want to advance in their careers. To keep employees longer in your organization, you should provide them with a Personal Development Plan. You can use this plan to map out employee development. How does a Junior Developer advance to the level of Senior Developer? Or, how can a Manager improve in his or her position? Another advantage of employee development is that by promoting employees internally, you can easily fill senior positions within your organization. Furthermore, because you already know e

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Darren Doane: Opportunity Knocks01 Sep 202200:32:50

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Darren Doane is an American filmmaker, actor, and music video director who has worked with artists like Christian Bale, Ken Daurio, and Blink 182. He also has a keen eye on the automotive industry and sees an endless supply of opportunities.

What we discuss in this episode:

Darren shares his perspective on the current customer experience at a dealership. His thoughts about the emergence of EVs are particularly interesting. In speaking about his daughter's perception, "Going to a gas station just seems stupid. She charges her phone and her laptop; it just makes sense that she should plug in her car."

There is a segment of automotive customers that we haven't yet figured out how to appeal to. Where dealers historically keep trying to follow the model they are familiar with, that provides an opening for someone to consider how to flip things on their head.

Darren riffs on some opportunities he sees for car dealers about how they could lift the customer experience and drive people into the store.

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Preparation Eliminates Fear25 Aug 202200:18:20

In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, Michael shares his thoughts about the next season of the retail automotive industry. The last two years have been unique. Dealers have been earning recording profits despite a chip shortage and inventory shortage. That begs to ask: what's next?

What will the next two years bring, especially as the reality of a recession looms? With reports that used car sales are beginning to soften and that consumers are slowing down their purchase decisions, are we headed for the survival of the fittest?

Michael encourages the industry to take inventory and assess what's within its control. The time to prepare for the next round of unforeseen circumstances is right now. Preparation mitigates fear.

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Steve Roessler: Modern Dealership CRM Best Practices18 Aug 202200:24:35

Steve Roessler is the Chief Evangelist at DriveCentric, a modern take on an automotive CRM that features unified customer communications in an easy-to-digest interface. Steve shares his vantage point about why engagement is the key metric that dealerships need to track and how that's helping his client partners realize greater sales success.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Steve came to the automotive industry from the medical industry and shares some of the biggest differences between the two industries. When first getting started in automotive, he thought it was funny that salespeople needed reminders to follow up with prospects. That was unheard of in the medical field.
  • Steve explains that the KPI for dealerships inside of a CRM should be engagement. "That's what most CRMs lack — a focus on engagement rather than keeping a database of information. You're shooting yourself in the foot if you aren't tracking engagement."
  • When engagement is the focus, response times go down because every interaction is treated almost like a text message. It's like an ongoing chat rather than a template-heavy interaction.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Steve Roessler!

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Jonathan Sewell: Top Tips for selling more cars with Youtube27 Jun 202400:32:26

Jonathan Sewell, affectionately known as "Jonathan Sewell Sells," has spent two decades in the car industry, transforming from a sales rookie to a YouTube sensation. His deep understanding of automotive sales and his innovative approach to digital marketing have made him a standout figure at Mitchell Mazda and beyond. With a knack for creating engaging video content, Jonathan has built a loyal following and significantly boosted his dealership's visibility.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

In recent years, car dealership videos have become an essential marketing tool for dealerships. These videos showcase a dealership’s inventory, highlight special offers, and promote its brand. With the rise of digital marketing, car dealerships should invest in video production to keep up with the competition. A well-produced car dealership video can capture the attention of potential customers and help establish the dealership as a trusted source of quality vehicles.

Car dealer video marketing is more effective than images and texts in creating powerful content and promoting your car dealership inventory video. In this episode, Jonathan discusses the impact of video content on his career and sales performance. He highlights the significance of creating informative and engaging videos that address common customer queries. Jonathan's videos have become a valuable resource for car buyers, from explaining car features to demonstrating how to use specific functionalities.

Drawing from his experience, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of SEO in video marketing. He shares how strategically titled videos and relevant content can enhance visibility and attract a larger audience. His advice on optimizing video descriptions, tags, and keywords is a goldmine for anyone looking to improve their online presence.

Thanks, Jonathan Sewell!

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Bart Nollenberger: The Next Generation of Automotive Leaders11 Aug 202200:28:17

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Bart Nollenberger is an Executive Director with the John Maxwell Team, automotive trainer, and author. In this episode, Bart shares his compelling story of recovery and sobriety and the four steps to help shape the next generation of automotive professionals.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Bart shares his recovery story. He went from selling cars and snorting coke in the bathroom to deciding to turn his life around. After 37 years of sobriety, Bart reflects on the lessons learned and breaks down the four steps that can help anyone experience accelerated growth in their life and career.
  • Step 1: Admission. Be willing to admit that you need help — that you don't know everything, that there is more room to grow. The automotive industry can be ego-driven, but Bart suggests that is getting in the way of real potential.
  • Step 2: Come to believe. Believe that there are forces bigger and more powerful than you. Maybe that's God, or Budhha, or the Universe. When we believe in something bigger than us, we can more effectively surrender to it and have it elevate us beyond measure.
  • Step 3: Make a decision. Are you ready to go from selling six cars to 12? Are you ready to own your mistakes and learn from them? Our potential is fully unlocked when we decide to take action.
  • Step 4: Take a personal inventory. Bart encourages a DISC assessment to understand more about who you are and how you operate. You can leverage the information to understand the pitfalls to avoid or where you may be able to align passion with action.
  • Change doesn't just happen. It requires real, authentic, vulnerable work.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Bart Nollenberger!

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Brett Morris: Using Data To Predict High Performers05 Aug 202200:27:42

Today's conversation with Brett Morris, Chairman at PerceptionPredict, stemmed from one of Michael's LinkedIn posts about the important need for amazing car sales professionals. Brett commented on the post with a compelling chart visualizing how high-performing employees can be predicted with data.

Is It Possible To Predict High Performing Employees?

00:58 - Michael sets the conversation stage by explaining a LinkedIn post in which he discussed the importance and need for great car sales professionals in the retail auto industry. Brett Morris left a very thought-provoking comment about how it's possible to predict high-performers, which led to today's conversation.

02:53 - Brett explains that when you look at dealer group operations, they've all got pretty good systems when it comes to managing inventory, they've got data and clarity around that. In the service department, they have systems and a workflow for technicians. There are financial systems in place for the business office. With all that said, how does a dealership fish in a broader pond of people to predict and know if they are the right candidate for the job or if perhaps you have the right individual but in the wrong job role?

10:20 - Brett and his team have created a unique way to predict job suitability by utilizing an intricate system of character trait mapping that can provide dealers much more clarity about what attributes create an employee's performance. The process includes a quick 15-minute assessment contributing to scoring over 70 data points. Each data point is combined into an overarching view of attributes that helps predict who will perform what job better.

19:36 - Gratitude is listed as an attribute on the list that typically doesn't show up on assessments often. It makes sense when contrasted against the highest-performing car sales professionals like Frank Crinite or Ali Reda (Guinness World Record Holder). They operate differently than the average car sales pro. Gratitude for their lives, customers, and opportunities is a common thread in their daily lives.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Brett Morris!

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Josh Little: Putting The Unity Back In Community With Video28 Jul 202200:26:41

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Josh Little is the founder and CEO of a compelling startup called Volley, an app that aims to make communication more efficient across organizations and peers. His unique perspective about communication and the mission of Volley provides an interesting use case for how to improve communication with the retail automotive experience for employees and customers alike.

How Car Dealers Can Improve Community With Communication:

  • Josh introduces the concept of the volley app and how it aims to solve communication breakdowns. There are a lot of tools out there like Slack and Discord, but they each are fragile because they don't allow for face-to-face sharing. 70% of communication gets stripped away when we can't see or hear the other party.
  • There are many ways that dealers could incorporate asynchronous communication into their team and customer experiences. For example, a quick update from the sales manager highlighting initiatives vs. sharing that information in a long drawn-out meeting.
  • Asynchronous communication improves people's ability to listen closely since it can only happen one message at a time.
  • Dealers could embrace a platform like a Volley to engage their customers by a vehicle owned. For example, imagine TRX owners having their community inside Volley to engage with one another and the dealership.

Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Josh Little!

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Paul Daly & Kyle Mountsier: The Rebirth Of The Automotive Conference21 Jul 202200:35:39

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Paul Daly and Kyle Mountsier (ASOTU) join the pod to talk about some really exciting projects they have in the works, one of which is an exciting new podcast called Auto Collabs hosted by Paul, Kyle, and Michael Cirillo. They are on an adventure to bring the rebirth of the automotive conference coming September 2022 in Philadelphia.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Paul and Kyle share how they ended up collaborating and how that venture ended up becoming a beacon in the retail automobile industry. Their goal is to create a community and space where purposeful conversations can happen — conversations that move the industry forward.
  • Michael, Paul, and Kyle met up in Philly to record episodes of the all-new podcast called Auto Collabs. Despite all hosting their shows, it was important for the trio to share fresh perspectives rooted in meaningful conversations with their list of amazing guests.
  • The goal of creating content is to help the industry move into a new era of collaboration. Historically, vendors have stuck together, and dealers have stuck together. We believe the real magic and growth happen when everyone communicates about important issues outside of the silos.
  • Paul and Kyle share some exciting details about the upcoming ASOTU CON or the "rebirth" of the automotive conference. Michael was fortunate to see some behind-the-scenes details of how exciting the event will be.

Listen to the full episode for more insights and context from Kyle Mountsier and Paul Daly.

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Kaylee Felio: Selling Auto Parts Before They're Obsolete15 Jul 202200:25:47

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Kaylee Felio is the Sales and Marketing Manager for PartsEdge, the power tool for helping your parts department generate higher profits. It's no secret that hanging onto aging auto parts inventory can cause many problems for retail auto dealers. The most obvious challenge is that if the parts become obsolete, they are more difficult to sell.

Kaylee's Advice For Avoiding Auto Parts Obsolescence:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode subject matter

01:57 - It's important to remember that fixed operations is the second highest producing revenue channel. Although it rarely gets enough talk time throughout the industry, the parts and service department has the genuine ability to provide more predictable revenue than auto sales.

03:56 - The best thing a dealer should focus on in fixed operations is getting a good grasp on the current parts inventory and forecasting obsolescence. OEMs are getting much more strict about returns, which leads dealers in a position where they need to know what to stock and in what quantity to not only fulfill the market demand but ensure that they keep the books in the black.

06:14 - Parts managers should take the time to identify blind spots when it comes to their parts inventory so that they can improve at spotting obsolescence before it's too late.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context from Kaylee Felio!

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What Dealership Leaders Should Focus On w/ Brooke Furniss11 Jul 202200:07:25

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We've all heard it before. Leaders and Managers are two separate and distinct roles in the retail automobile dealership. In this week's Dealer Playbook powerbomb, Brooke Furniss shares what she believes the focus of car dealer leaders needs to be in 2022 and beyond. 

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context from Brooke Furniss!

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context from Brooke Furniss!

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Brooke Furniss: Modern Dealers Need Modern Leaders07 Jul 202200:32:05

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Brooke Furniss is the President/Founder of BZ Consultants Group and host of the Facts Not Feelings automotive podcast. In this episode of the show, aside from talking about her obsession with Nike sneakers, we explore the attributes of successful leaders within the retail car business.

Key takeaways about leadership in the modern retail car business:

09:20 - Brooke and Michael talk about the differences between North American leadership culture and what she observed while living abroad. Do places like Japan have the same "hustle" mentality that we've adopted in the West?

14:14 - Are the needs of leadership with the car dealership evolving? Brooke shares her thoughts about the current leadership needs and where things are leaning in that regard. Brooke points out that there is still a divide in the industry's understanding of the term leadership. There are still many who blur the lines between management and leadership, but Brooke submits that those are two very different responsibilities.

15:02 - Do top-performing car sales professionals make good managers or leaders? Not necessarily. Why? Often it's because car sales professionals have only had to focus on their performance but carry no responsibility for their peers.

15:34 - Great leaders are constantly learning and seeking growth. They refuse to remain stagnant in their way of thinking and are always looking for opportunities to serve their employees.

18:45 - Leaders are good about finding people who are better than them at specific jobs. To do so effectively means that we must remove ego from the equation. Delegation is not easy for those that have always done everything themselves because it requires inherent trust in the members of the leader's team.

21:22 - Brooke shares her thoughts about where leaders should focus within the next 12 - 24 months.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context from Brooke Furniss!

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Car Dealer Lead Management Process w/ Paul de Vries04 Jul 202200:13:19

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Welcome to the weekly Dealer Playbook Powerbomb featuring Paul de Vries. In this segment, we chat about Paul's car dealer lead management process and why it took him 4 years to develop. 

The needs of car shoppers are changing all the time. Their attention span is decreasing and so it's important for car dealers to make sure that their lead management process matches current demands of the market. 

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Paul de Vries: 6 Steps To Successful Lead Handling01 Jul 202200:39:10

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Paul de Vries is the founder of DCDW (Digital Car Dealer Network), ambassador for Marktplaats (Holland), and a brand new owner of a Ligier franchise dealership in Holland. He is an expert at lead handling and works with several OEMs in Europe to improve their lead handling and appointment show percentages. In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, Paul breaks down his 6 steps to lead handling that can help any dealership increase their car sales opportunities.

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

03:39 - It's very easy to analyze lead responses in a PowerPoint or spreadsheet, but when the reality of the day sets in it can be very difficult to manage. Dealers need to be practical in understanding why leads are important and that no matter how they arrive, they represent another human being who is expressing interest in the dealership's vehicles, parts, or services.

05:05 - The goal is to remove the 100% dependency on BDCs and outsourced agents and train salespeople to be better at working with leads on their own. If we can move the need so that only 10% of car salespeople are better at lead handling, we will make a bigger impact than we make our BDC agents. We can't get away with not knowing the product we sell. It's imperative to know the product so that we can quickly answer all the questions that customers have.

07:15 - The dynamic of the car shopper is changing rapidly which means that we need to continue training to keep up with their ways of doing business. Today if we don't answer the lead within one minute, customers get angry. In Europe, WhatsApp is typically the preferred method of communication because other systems are seen as outdated. In contrast, to the USA or Canada where SMS messaging is the holy grail (outside of the phone).

12:46 - Paul shares his experience being a car dealer again and opening a Ligier franchise experience store in Holland.

26:55 - Paul breaks down the six steps to successful lead handling. When put into motion, car dealers can see an increase in leads to appointments and appointments to demos by training car salespeople to properly handle leads.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context from Paul de Vries!

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Brian Pasch: An Open Letter To Ford's CEO23 Jun 202200:40:03

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Brian Pasch is the founder of PCG Companies, which is comprised of Brian Pasch Enterprises, PCG Digital, Localiente, and PCG Research. He's an author, keynote speaker, marketing contrarian, and a beacon of light within the retail auto industry as someone who has always been an advocate for the dealer body.

Recently Brian penned an open letter to Mr. Farley, the CEO of Ford, in which he asks very thought-provoking questions aimed at clarifying Mr. Farley's curious comments about the future of Ford's dealership network.

In addition, Brian shares about a new GA4 (Google Analytics 4) Standards Council in which he aims to standardize how reporting takes place throughout the industry and across all vendors.

What we discuss in this episode:

03:07 - Brian, as an advocate for the dealer body is not afraid to ask tough questions even if it means putting on the gloves and sparring with the OEMs. Through Brian's inclusive conferences, the dealer body also feels comfortable engaging in those conversations and sharing their point of view — a discourse that he is encouraging should happen more throughout the industry.

04:58 - Brian shares his findings from a recent YouGov study which indicates how consumers are seeking to research and purchase vehicles. "You know, I think CSI scores hide the fact that most consumers are not happy with the overall sales experience."

05:47 - Many dealers adopted digital retailing tools but never created an in-store process to match. In so doing, the consumer experience is negatively impacted and nobody is better off. Brian suggests that instead of providing COOP dollars for marketing purposes, there should also be an allocation that goes toward in-store training so that teams can deliver the experience level that the majority of today's car buyers expect and that is more of a connected retailing experience similar to Best Buy or Apple. You can visit their websites and the product you see is in stock and the price is exactly the same online as it is in-store.

13:00 - OEMs are making moves toward an agency model in which they can sell directly to consumers. In particular, Ford's CEO made some comments that seem to be removing dealers from the EV products they plan to sell in the future.

"I think that GM and Ford dealers have been relatively quiet about some of the bombshells. Both manufacturers have announced that their EV models will sell directly to consumers on a national portal. It appears that Tekion will power both of those solutions. There is no detail on how trades will be handled, and no details about F&I products."

13:40 - Jim Farley (Ford's CEO) was probably the most transparent in sharing that D2C is an efficient model and that they want to be more like Tesla — they want the margins and want customers to be happy. Brian shares that he understands also the business case for such a model. Jim's job is to keep investors happy.

14:15 - Brian sh

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Colby Joyner: 3 Ways to Increase Operational Efficiency Using Your CRM20 Jun 202400:38:26

In today's episode, I sit down with my good friend Colby Joyner, a renowned expert in the automotive industry, to discuss "Three Ways to Increase Operational Efficiency Using Your Existing CRM." With years of experience in dealer groups and a keen understanding of CRM optimization, Colby helps dealerships streamline operations and maximize efficiency.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

  1. The Key to Proper CRM Management: Understand the critical role your CRM plays and why managing it effectively can revolutionize your operations.
  2. Actionable Tips for Immediate Improvement: Colby shares three powerful strategies that you can implement right away to see tangible results.
  3. Real-World Insights and Best Practices: Learn from Colby’s vast experience with dealer groups and get practical advice tailored to your dealership’s unique needs.

But that's not all. Colby and I dive deep into:

  • The difference between merely using your CRM and actively managing it.
  • How to unify your team’s language and approach to maximize CRM efficiency.
  • The secrets to leveraging CRM data to boost engagement and sales.

Colby emphasizes the critical role a CRM plays as the foundational operating system of a dealership. He highlights the gap between merely using a CRM and actively managing it to achieve optimal results. Colby stresses the importance of viewing the CRM not just as a tool for daily operations but as a dynamic system that needs active management. "It's like receiving a vehicle that has zero accessories," he explains. "You need to tune and build it to suit your dealership's unique needs."

We also dive into the reasons why many dealerships fail to utilize their CRMs effectively.

Thanks, Colby Joyner!

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Mike Welch: Growing A Successful Tire E-Commerce Business16 Jun 202200:35:08

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Mike Welch is the president and CEO of tirebuyer.com which merged with tirescanner.com, a US-based tire retail marketplace, in 2019. In this episode, Mike shares how we went from working at dealerships and small independent repair shops in the UK to founding and operating one of the most successful online tire retailers in the world.

Notes about growing a successful tire e-commerce store:

02:40 - Mike got his start at 15 years old fitting tires at dealerships and small independent repair shops because it was all he knew. He wasn't interested in pursuing post-secondary education. Out of necessity, Mike was led to follow one opportunity after another that led to forming his company blackcircles.com (now owned by Michelin)

03:35 - Mike shares that he's always had the drive to work hard, something that the retail auto industry rewards. It's fascinating that the auto industry is still one of the few that accepts everyone and gives them the chance to make something big for themselves if they put in the work.

05:57 - Speaking about taking opportunities, Mike explains, "The fewer reference points you have for what could go wrong, the more upside potential there is." Mike explains how he got into selling tires after being made redundant by the shop he was working for.

08:33 - Mike explains how he went from having no experience to founding and growing a large e-commerce tire sales/tire fitting website. In the early days, it was all about doing whatever was required to get the job done and see sales come in. Mike recounts teaching himself how to code basic HTML so that he could build a website, i.e., having the willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.

10:25 - Mike shares the story about finding his mentor, Sir Teddy Lee (The CEO of Tesco). Mentors and those with experience can help grow a business exponentially because they have the wisdom of experience.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context from Brian Pasch!

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David Oates: How To Repair Your Dealership's Reputation09 Jun 202200:35:16

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David Oates is a crisis PR expert with 25 years of experience in the field. He helps organizations repair their brand's reputation in the press and online. With the emergence of web3.0 and a rapidly evolving digital landscape, there are sure to be brand pivots and crises and with David's proven approach, he is on a mission to help businesses handle any PR situation.

Key Notes About Repairing Your Dealership's Reputation:

01:32 - David shares his background and how his career in the Navy positioned him to work in public relations. In particular, after nine years in the Navy, he was promoted to a public affairs officer and found himself dealing with many different types of PR cases that required heavy repair.

02:42 - After the military, Dave worked for different tech companies and agencies and found that, given his background, he would deal with mass layoffs, product recalls, shareholder disputes, and CEOs behaving poorly. He says, "Not to boast, but I don't get nervous too much about any crisis matter for any industry of any size."

03:18 - Over the years, David chose to focus primarily on crisis PR — an opportunity accelerated given the fact that we each carry a small supercomputer in our pockets. At any moment in time, we have microphones, cameras, and an unlimited distribution network at our fingertips.

10:11 - David shares a baseball analogy and relates it to personal and corporate growth. There is a high degree of probability that you will fail, and that's okay. "Everybody is so concerned about the box score at the end of the day, but what they don't watch in the box score is the win/loss, who had the most runs, and who didn't. The only thing that matters is 100 percent. What matters is how many at-bats you took and how many times you swung at the pitch."

11:53 - When it comes to crisis management we need people to understand that failure is okay. We need to demystify it so that when it happens we are able to keep moving forward.

18:15 - David shares why he thinks the fight or flight mentality causes our natural inclination to either fight or say nothing. This can be harmful when dealing with negative reviews or naysayers because it leads to being hell-bent on creating drama.

19:00 - How to respond to negative reviews or comments about your dealership online.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context about how to repair your dealership's reputation.

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Thanks, David Oates

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Looking

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Michael Cirillo: 4 Reasons Why You Know Way Less Than You Think About The Car Business03 Jun 202200:12:05

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In this episode of The Dealer Playbook Podcast, Michael reflects on an experience he had while attending the Digital Marketing Strategies Conference in Napa Valley and why that's inspired him to talk about the 4 levels of competency.

There is so much to learn about the retail automotive industry, and that's why it's important as a community to engage in learning; remain curious, and figure out creative ways to solve the complex challenges that the automotive industry faces today.

Main Takeaways From This Episode:

01:50 - Michael sets up the conversation by sharing his experience at DMSC in which he discovered how much he has to learn about the car business. Why that's important and how it leads to understanding the 4 levels of competency or understanding. There is always more to learn, and that's one of the reasons the retail car business is exciting to be part of.

05:59 - There are 4 levels of competency. Michael explains what they are and how they can have an impact on our daily lives.

09:16 - Each of us experiences the 4 levels of competency at various points in life. We are each in one of the 4 phases continuously for a variety of reasons.

10:34 - We can elevate one another with our experiences and wisdom. Together we can dominate. The retail auto industry is rapidly changing and together we can meet the demand.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context about the 4 reasons why you know less than you think about the car business.

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Looking for a reliable, high-performance dealership marketing partner? Visit https://www.flexdealer.com to discover why more and more dealers are choosing them over big-box providers.

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Brian Kramer: The First Car Sale In The Metaverse26 May 202200:44:57

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Brian Kramer is the General Manager of Germain Toyota of Naples and joins the podcast to share how his store successfully completed the first metaverse car sale. Long-time listeners of the show know that Brian is a pioneer when it comes to technology adoption within the retail auto industry. He's not afraid to try new things and certainly sees the evolution that is happening and is leaning in to be ahead of the curve.

How Brian Kramer Sold The First Vehicle In The Metaverse:

01:54 - The world is more connected today than it ever has been, and it's easier than ever to build a relationship with anybody, anywhere in the world.

02:47 - Michael and Brian discuss that the metaverse is not a new concept. Years ago the popular online world "Second Life" had over 900 million members who would all live vicariously through their avatar in second life.

05:02 - The metaverse is more explosive than most people think, or perhaps are willing to admit. According to Lloyd Ernst and Young, all at McKinsey, they all say that last year (2021) it was a $22 Billion Dollar business. By the year 2026, it is estimated to be a $765 Billion dollar a year business. Citi Group has created a whitepaper forecasting that the metaverse is a potential $13 Trillion dollar market.

09:52 - Brian shares, "I think it's that the retail part of the car business is going to get away from the transaction, price payment. It's going to become more experiential and the brand connection and what you can do with even the legacy pieces of the brand."

10:30 - There are many applications to the metaverse that go far beyond transacting a vehicle. Training, test drives, servicing, and diagnostics — nothing is off the table. It can be a way to make day-to-day life more efficient.

17:37 - Many are worried about the impact of the metaverse of everyday jobs. Brian shares that while jobs that we are accustomed to may go away, the metaverse will also create thousands of new job categories.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Brian Kramer and the first car sales transaction in the metaverse.

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Amberly Allen: Save 75% On Dealership Credit Card Processing Fees19 May 202200:24:42

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Amberly Allen is the CEO of Dealer Merchant Services, a firm that is helping car dealers save up to 75% on their credit card processing fees. In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, Michael and Amberly explore how dealers can save thousands of dollars per month by reframing the way they handle credit card processing.

How Car Dealers Can Save 75% on Credit Card Processing Fees:

00:53 - Jokingly Michael and Amberly laugh about how this is probably the least sexy topic to ever be discussed on the show, but at the end of the day, what's sexier in business than keeping more money in your pockets?

01:57 - Amberly got her start selling direct mail to dealers and eventually started her own digital agency. During her time building the agency she started hearing about how much car dealers were spending on credit card processing and she determined to find a solution.

03:06 - When making any changes to how credit cards are processed, it's important to find a solution that is both legal and won't destroy CSI.

05:49 - For every $100 dollar that gets spent, $2 dollars of that goes to credit card processing fees. Credit card processors don't want you to know that there are limits to how much they can charge so they're not in the current hardware that many dealers typically have in the showroom.

07:49 - Amberly encourages car dealers to look at how much they are spending on fees and question whether or not it's necessary.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and context about providing a killer customer car shopping/buying experience.

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Thanks, Amberly Allen

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Glenn Pasch: Carvana - Love Them Or Hate Them? You Should Thank Them!13 May 202200:35:19

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Glenn Pasch is the CEO of PCG Digital, author, speaker, and one of the most reputable voices in the retail automotive industry when it comes to marketing management, leadership, and growth. In light of the recent Carvana announcements, there have been two narratives throughout the industry. Either you love them or you hate them.

In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, Michael and Glenn focus more on the expectations of customers that Carvana aimed to fix. Regardless of your feelings toward them as a company, there is much to observe and learn that can be directly applied to your dealership operations.

Noteworthy topics from this episode:

01:59 - Over the last 2 years (through the pandemic), we've had to make a lot of changes in the automotive industry in how we interacted with car shoppers/buyers. A lot of it did depend on where you were located in the United States. I'm in New Jersey and we were totally on lockdown. So you could not go into a dealership. Parts of California, Florida, and parts of Georgia. It didn't matter. You could still go into the dealership and somewhat transact in the same manner that you had previously.

02:52 - The transaction sped up, and dealers were willing to do more over the phone, by email, and via digital retailing tools. While it's easy to throw stones at companies like Carvana, the reality is that they helped facilitate the direction that car buyers were moving already. They just paid attention and tried to provide an experience to match. Regardless of feelings toward them, their actions created urgency for many dealerships to look deeply at their existing customer experience process and make tweaks.

06:24 - The question is whether we are willing to constantly move forward by examining what we want our businesses to be? We have a tendency to make changes based on external factors. For example, what is the dealer down the street doing? What is Bob at my 20 groups doing? The magic happens when we decide what we want the customer to feel when working with us and work backward internally from there.

07:42 - You can't knock Carvana for trying to market to customer pain points. Sure they are struggling right now, but their whole premise was going out and marketing that they provide a different, updated experience. The only reason to knock that is if you're so set in your ways that you're unwilling to make changes for yourself.

09:11 - Dealers have everything they need to succeed at the game right now. Michael shares about UBER and how they re-processed existing tools and resources to provide a fresh, updated customer experience. The same option is available to dealers who are willing to think outside the box.

11:45 - It's important to make a process that is scalable and repeatable.

13:54 - Nothing is more scaleable than having no process at all. It just scales to nothing. But doing nothing is very repeatable.

14:09 - the problem is tha

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Kevin Frye: Selling Cars With Crypto Currency06 May 202200:27:10

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Kevin Frye is the Head Marketing Coach at Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, an industry veteran, and subject matter expert when it comes to innovating within the retail automobile industry. In this episode of the show, Kevin walks through the process that led one of their stores to the first cryptocurrency transaction. Today, all stores in the organization accept crypto as a form of payment for a vehicle.

What we discuss in this episode:

1:11 - Can any dealership start accepting crypto as a form of payment or is there a longer-term process that leads up to it?

1:47 - Kevin explains that there are two key elements to innovating within the car industry, and one of the aspects has to do with never being satisfied. Always looking to push the envelope and try something new. The second aspect has to do with taking the word "no" out of innovation — a common approach taken by many dealerships. Most won't be bothered by the aggregation caused by trying to do something new, so they just resort to saying "no" to it. Kevin explains that his team takes the opposite approach. They welcome the friction if they can see it map to innovation.

3:21 - Kevin explains how they received the inspiration to investigate transacting with crypto, as well as address some of the common fears that might be associated with accepting crypto from a dealer's perspective.

7:28 - Kevin shares an analogy about how the crypto exchange works and how they view it as a dealer group.

10:31 - By accepting crypto, the dealership can streamline the time of the transaction by removing barriers to the money transfer. The customer can utilize their assets to pay for the vehicle however they choose.

Listen to the full episode for even more insights about utilizing crypto to transact car purchases.

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What Should Car Dealers Know About Amazon Advertising? w/ Vasilios Lambos03 May 202200:12:21

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In this week's recap, we discuss where Amazon advertising fits into the media mix for car dealers and what they should be thinking about when it comes to advertising online, in general. 

The Dealer Playbook is about modern car dealers who are meeting the demands and evolving with today's marketplace, hosted by Michael Cirillo. 

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Michael's Marketing and Tech Company: flexdealer.com 

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Vasilios Lambos: Amazon Advertising For Auto Dealers28 Apr 202200:39:12

Vasilios Lambos is the Chief Marketing Officer at CognitionDigital.io, an ad-tech company that helps auto dealers utilize Amazon's various advertising channels. In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, you'll learn about how Amazon advertising can help expand your paid media effectiveness and place your inventory in front of highly engaged shoppers.

What we discuss in this episode:
  • Vasilios provides context to where Amazon fits in the overall media plan today.
  • We're super familiar with paid search, paid social, and third-party cookies as the privacy concerns come to life, dealers and marketers are looking back at programmatic advertising as the way to better find a more niche audience that fits their marketing objectives for their business.
  • The Amazon Garage allows users to upload their vehicle information, make, model, and year and that does a couple of things. One, it allows the user to get a personalized shopper experience on Amazon.com, and second, it allows advertisers to better target users based on the make/model and year that they have sitting in their driveway.
  • Amazon garage is the second-largest repository of user-generated vehicle ownership data outside of the DMV in the United States.
  • Your media plan should have a strategy related, most importantly to the business objective that you're looking to solve.
  • Listen to the full episode featuring Vasilios Lambos for even more insights about how to step into who you really are!

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Damian Boudreaux: The Impressive Truth About Your Inner Power14 Apr 202200:37:47

Damian Boudreaux is an internationally-recognized speaker, consultant, and teacher in the automotive industry. His 30+ years of experience selling, training, and connecting with auto professionals across the US and Canada is the perfect recipe for those who are hungry to improve every area of their life. He educates and inspires folks to succeed by believing in themselves, the deal, their product, their company, and their service--one lifelong relationship at a time.

What we discuss in this episode:
  • There is a level of brilliance in each of us, that in many cases, goes unseen by others. We are taught to study what we don't do well and focus on what we suck at. 
  • Most people have everything they already need to succeed in life if they look intrinsically.
  • Your being must come before your doing!
  • At your essence and core is a beautiful soul that is gifted.
  • Damian explains that when you lose "it all, you realize you had nothing, to begin with." 
  • You can't hurt that which has nothing to lose.
  • When you tap into the magic already within you, everything flows effortlessly. When Damian works with high achievers, his first goal is to get them to see that people protect what they create. If you can get them to create an authentic understanding of who they are, you can't take that from them. We see examples of the outcome this level of understanding and clarity creates through individuals such as Ali Reda, who holds the world record for the most number of cars sold in a year. Damian helped Ali step so deeply into who he is, that it separates Ali from the rest of the car sales community.
  • Listen to the full episode featuring Damian Boudreaux for even more insights about how to step into who you really are!

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Evan Walters: How to make $3000 per copy In Automotive Finance13 Jun 202400:22:41

Evan Walters is a powerhouse in the automotive finance industry. With a career that started at the age of 17, detailing cars, Evan quickly rose through the ranks, mastering sales, management, and finance. He has now contracted over 8,000 deals in less than five years, averaging $3,000 per car. As the Finance Director at 800% Elite Automotive Club, Evan brings unparalleled expertise and insight into what it takes to achieve extraordinary success in the automotive finance world.

What We Discuss In This Episode

Evan’s shares his journey in the automotive industry, starting from a humble beginning at 17 years old, detailing cars, and rising to become a top finance director. We delve into his incredible path to success, exploring how he managed to sell 25-30 cars a month early in his career and transitioned into finance, where he truly made his mark.

One of the main themes of our discussion is the power of volume in the automotive finance industry. Evan shares how his dealership’s approach to high volume allowed him to learn and adapt at an accelerated pace. Handling 150-200 deals a month per finance manager, compared to the industry standard of 60-70, provided Evan with a unique perspective and a wealth of experience.

This episode is a goldmine for anyone in the automotive finance industry looking to elevate their game. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, Evan's His insights are not only valuable but also actionable, providing a roadmap for anyone looking to elevate their performance in automotive finance. This conversation is a must-listen for those aiming to break boundaries and achieve remarkable success in their careers.

Thanks, Evan Walters!

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Connect with Michael Cirillo

Sell Smarter, Not Harder

AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too.

AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS.

Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

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Dan Moore: Stop Buying Your Way Out Of Operational Inefficiencies07 Apr 202200:37:53

Dan Moore is the President of Vistadash, an automotive analytics company that helps dealers understand what metrics are contributing to actual growth. Dan is also a best-selling author and Ted-X speaker who has a unique set of skills that can help any organization understand and deploy strategies that will achieve defined outcomes.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Without defined outcomes, it's easy to mistake tactics for strategy. A bunch of tactics, widgets, and gadgets are elements of a strategy but do not make up the strategy itself. The sooner that dealers understand that every supplier has its own outcomes to achieve, the sooner dealers can understand how a supplier's services will help map or detract from their desired targets.
  • History in retail automotive shows that most dealers try and buy their way out of operational inefficiencies. It's easily recognized by the number of suppliers that dealerships usually work with in order to achieve small gains that might be possible without them.
  • There is a lot of noise getting in the way. A lot of hype.
  • It's okay to start small when developing a strategy. Dan Moore explains that it can be as simple as some sticky notes and markers and making a list of all the friction points that currently exist in the business. Some might be operational, departmental, or human resources, for example. Once dealers have a clear picture of their current circumstances, then it's possible to move on to defining the desired outcome — the goal that they hope to achieve and by what deadline.
  • It's easy in this day and age to see the perceived success of others and to subconsciously start living their life. That never leads to fulfillment and happiness because you've unknowingly abandoned your definition of success. Enjoying your career in retail automotive is about more than just defining success, though. It's about accepting what you've defined.
  • Because we see what others are doing, and haven't taken a hard look in the mirror, we're often left with a void in our own happiness. That's often what leads us to think we need to keep up with others' achievements instead of taking the time to define and work toward our own.
  • Listen to the full episode featuring Dan Moore for even more insights!  

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Stacey Hanke: Who Do You Influence?31 Mar 202200:37:38

Stacey Hanke is the author of "Influence Redefined... Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be," and is on a mission to equip leaders within organizations to communicate with confidence, presence, and authenticity. She is a world-renowned keynote speaker and has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and SmartMoney, to name a few.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • The power of influence is that it shapes our daily thoughts and actions. From the media and politicians to leaders of organizations and coworkers. Each of us is a leader and a person of influence. The question is what we will do with our influence.
  • Influence is felt through how we communicate.
  • Often, leaders have less influence than they think, which can be a tough pill to swallow. Here are some indicators that you don't have the influence you think: Longer than normal meetings, less productivity around execution, overthinking, and so on.
  • You have to experience yourself through the eyes and ears of your listeners. When you watch yourself, it's easier to understand what can be missing from your method of communication.
  • Social media engagement should not be the only indicator of how much influence we have. At some point, it will be more important to talk with people face-to-face. It will be about conveying your message clearly so that the receiver buys in.
  • Listening is a major element of communication. If you haven't learned to listen, you are missing out on the critical element of expanding your influence.
  • Like playing an instrument requires the musician to hear the instrument (i.e. feedback), people of influence are required to hear the feedback of those around them in order to understand if they have the influence they think.
  • Listen to the full episode for even more great insights!

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Paul J. Daly: Perfectionism Is The Enemy24 Mar 202200:36:52

Paul J. Daly is the founder of ASOTU.com, the first-ever dealer-owned publication in the automotive industry. Michael and Paul recently joined up to collaborate at NADA with live streams, social media posting, and video production.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Perfection is the enemy of "posted." It is better to have 10 posts at 80% of your ideal quality than it is to have 2 posts that meet your full criteria.
  • If quick innovation is required to evolve then perfection and ego must be let go.
  • You cannot predict what people are actually going to connect with, so it's better to get it posted and let go of your ego.
  • Paul explains that it often happens where the thing he thought would go well, rarely ever went as well as anticipated. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress.
  • It's important to have an abundance mindset because there is enough opportunity to go around. In order to leverage abundance, one's ego must be pulled out of the equation to free yourself up and make room for the next level of growth.
  • Listen to the full episode to learn even more insights from Paul Daly.

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Kyle Mountsier: The Car Business Is a People Business17 Mar 202200:38:26

Kyle Mountsier is a partner at ASOTU, the first dealer-owned media outlet in the history of the car business. He is also the founder of Contagious Auto, a firm that helps dealers create and build innovative marketing teams. 

What we discuss in this episode:

  • When Kyle worked at Nelson Mazda, he learned what it takes to innovate within the dealership and how to leverage existing resources to build deeper customer relationships and experiences. 
  • His mission is to help the dealer community build and create innovative teams that can do the same which is why he ultimately left the dealership to pursue the bigger vision. 
  • The car business is a people business. It's critical for dealership owners and managers to understand that there is so much more to the people on their team than the work they do each day. Perhaps your receptionist is passionate about photography or maybe there is a sales representative who knows how to code. When you get to know your team on a more personal level, you might be surprised to find that they have talents and skills that could contribute to the store and bring them even more satisfaction about the work they do each day. 
  • Individuals such as Liza Borches understand the value of building a happy and fulfilling workplace culture and can track its effects on bottom-line sales.
  • Kyle shares how their media producer came to them from a dead-end job at a local television station. Later they learned that he had an amazing YouTube channel where he was deploying talents and skills that would positively affect their business. They would have had no idea unless they took the time to get to know him on a more personal level. As a result, the workplace satisfaction level and productivity have increased because they were all able to identify the tie-in.
  • Listen to the full episode for even more insights from Kyle Mountsier 

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Thanks, Kyle Mountsier

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Check out ASOTU.com 

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Why Your Dealership Website Needs More Content10 Mar 202200:17:12

There’s a lot of talk about Web 3.0 and the metaverse in the car business, but what does that really mean for your dealership in 2022 and beyond?

Google lists content as one of its top three ranking factors, which means that dealers who create and share more content are going to have a better chance of showing up at key moments of the car shopping journey.

Let’s take a look at three reasons why your dealership needs more website content.

1.) They Ask, You Answer

If you think about it, every google search is an implied question. Google has two key purposes. First, to present people with the most relevant search results and, second, as close to their physical location as possible.

You can use Google’s auto-suggest algorithm as a digital crystal ball to find out what people are searching for, and then use that information to write relevant blogs that answer their questions.

Our friend Marcus Sheridan wrote an amazing book by the same title (They Ask, You Answer) which digs into the concept of transparently answering people’s questions that you should definitely check out (#notsponsored).

In addition, FlexDealer’s very own Whit Norrad predicts that content will re-become King in 2022 and beyond.

Answering consumer questions on your website leads to the second reason you need more content on your dealership website.

2.) Brand authority and humanization

Wait, is “humanization” even a real word?

Standby… checking…

Yup, it’s real and fits the context of what I’m sharing here.

Think about it — when you’re the only one answering people’s questions with as much in-depth information as possible, it strengthens your brand’s authority in the market.

Over time, the equity you’ve built up will pay back dividends because the content you post on your site is evergreen, meaning it can live on your site forever and continue to rank for relevant searches.

It’s no secret that people do business with other people they both like and trust. A key ingredient to building trust is being upfront and transparent. Giving them the information they are looking for when they are looking for it.

Since very few dealers dive into the content arena, this is a clear opening that will help your store stand out into perpetuity.

Content is also a great way to humanize your dealership. Humanization is defined as the process of making something less unpleasant and more suitable for people. Our pal Nathanael Greklek, the Chief Digital Branding Leader at Mohawk Chevrolet is an amazing example of this. Their store sees the value of content creation so much that it is a front-runner of their outreach. Their Facebook page is full of amazing work.

3.) Metaverse will be powered by content

Sure you might have an avatar sitting in a digital showroom somewhere in Decentraland, but I believe most of the research will still happen the way it does today.

For example, it’s unreasonable to believe that we’re all going to be 100% in the metaverse all of the time

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Bill Parlaman: How to Collect And Leverage Your Own Data03 Mar 202200:33:26

Bill Parlaman is the CMO at FullThrottle.ai, a company that generates and transforms 1st party household data for agencies, media, and brands. His experience from both within and out of automotive has granted him unique insights into how dealerships can be self-reliant in the ever-expanding digital landscape. 

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Big tech companies like Apple and Google are limiting the ability to track user behavior across devices/platforms. 
  • That's causing issues for advertisers who are now unable to leverage consumer movement through apps and other platforms.
  • When we are single-source dependent, we are compromised.
  • Look at how many times we've seen Facebook take groups down, or how often people get locked out of their profile and lose access to data.
  • It's important to remember that those 3rd parties own the data, not you.
  • As a business, it's vital to collect your own data so that you have an unlimited number of ways to market your business without being dependent on other platforms.
  • First-party data is what you collect from digital properties you control. 
  • CRMs are used to manage leads when they should be used to manage relationships. Not to mention, most CRM data is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Most marketing today happens at the email level. FullThrottle.ai can make it happen at the household level. 
  • The car business starts and ends with a household address.
  • Listen to the full episode for even more insights from this episode.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Thanks, Bill Parlaman

If you enjoyed this conversation with Bill Parlaman, please let them know by clicking on the links below and sending a message.

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Napoleon Rumteen: How Tekion Is Increasing Efficiency For Dealers And Car Shoppers24 Feb 202200:30:07

Car shoppers are looking for more ways to research and purchase vehicles, but that doesn't mean they want to do the entire process online (yet.) The car business is a people business, which means that in this day in age, it's more important than ever to understand people.

Napoleon Rumteen is the Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Tekion; a modern cloud-based DMS that is on a mission to streamline dealer operations across the entire dealership.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • It's a challenge for dealerships to source various inter-department problems and then figure out how to connect them together with the variety of vendors required.
  • The average dealership utilizes 15 - 20 different platforms in order to operate their business, most of which are siloed and not able to effectively communicate with one another.
  • The car business is a people business. That doesn't necessarily mean that ti will require the same level of human touch as it currently does, but it will require that we understand people.
  • The market is telling us how they want to transact on vehicles and it's our job to meet that demand.
  • In order to do so efficiently, dealers need systems that can speak to one another and maintain a pure flow of data.
  • When connected technologies can speak in real-time, then you can have machine learning. With machine learning, you can have systems that correct themselves instantly to meet the consumer's behaviors, which is required for a fully online transaction.
  • We're at a place in the automotive community where we can facilitate true Artificial Intelligence
  • One of the best places for dealerships to start preparing for a more connected ecosystem is internal with their inter-departmental communication process. By utilizing systems like Slack or Discord, dealers can have a communication network that allows each person in the dealership to have quick access to the information they need when they need it. In so doing, they are able to provide a more efficient customer experience.
  • Listen for even more insights from this episode.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Thanks, Napoleon Rumteen

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This Ad Won The Super Bowl w/ Whit Norrad17 Feb 202200:29:37

There's one time of year that we actually look forward to commercials, and that time of year is Super Bowl Sunday. It's a time when advertisers pull out all the stops and put forward their best effort to create a 30 second spot that captures attention, makes viewers feel something, and hope that whatever it is that they're promoting sticks. 

We got a lot of what we expected from the commercials. The usual celebrity placements, cinematic flair, humor, and of course car commercials. 

But there was a clear winner of the Super Bowl commercial this year, and their pitch was brilliant and simple. 

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Amidst what is now considered the status quo, coinbase dropped a QR code ad that peaked curiosity, engaged viewers in an activity, and allowed them to track immediate attribution while bypassing Apple and other companies who are blocking 3rd party pixels. 
  • Their ad, which featured a bouncing QR code which mimicked the old DVD symbol appeared between the usual ad placements. It peaked curiosity because there were no logos on the screen. Just a bouncing QR code. 
  • From curiousity came activity. We jumped out of our seats, opened our camera apps, and followed the code across the screen to try and scan it. 
  • Once scanned, we learned it was the Crypto.com company Coinbase, promoting their app. But instead of landing you on their app store placements, they brought you to a landing page where you likely picked up a tracking pixel. 
  • This simple ad moved Coinbase from the top 100 apps on the app store to the #2 placement, which eventually caused the app to crash. 
  • Dealers can advertise with this same level of simplicity. Think about it: Dealers spend most of their ad budgets advertising the one thing consumers already know about them. Then, they try and talk about how they are different which rarely sticks because they keep spending money to blend in and be the same as other automotive retailers.
  • With some simple out-of-the-box thinking dealers could have a more memorable impact in the community with more engaging advertising. 
  • Building relationships is the long-game play that will continue to work. 
  • Lange and Fetter Motors in Quinte West, Ontario do an excellent job at getting creative. They have a team member who dresses up as an "Elf on a Shelf" during the Christmas season and it has the community talking.
  • Toyota had some great ads that shared an emotional story that people could relate to. They won by not making it about them but keeping the focus on the people whose story's they told. In this way, Toyota demonstrates that they "get it." They know how to make someone else the hero they can align with versus them being the hero.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

This episode is brought to you by FlexDealer.com

They get dealership marketing so that you can get results. 

Let's be honest. You've tried the "others," but copy/paste marketing is lame. With Flex as your partner, you'll stand out the way you deserve. FINALLY!

Thanks, Whit Norrad!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Whit Norrad, please

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Chris Potgeiter: Be Proactive10 Feb 202200:27:07

Chris Potgieter is the Product Marketing Manager at automotiveMastermind and joins the show to express the importance of dealers being proactive in creating loyal customers. The pandemic has demonstrated our ability to react to unforeseen circumstances, but similar to automakers, it's time to be more proactive in anticipating customer needs and adapting the the evolving demands of the market.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • We're still stuck with shiny object syndrome in the industry, but that's not going to serve our best interests. The best tools in the world won't work unless we do.
  • It's important to understand the context in which we are forced to operate today.
  • Chris explains that it's important to be proactive in discussing the dealership business portfolio and discussing ways to bring customers back to the store.
  • The Bull to Stock market has evolved very quickly in the United States.
  • What we thought was a sleepy industry snapped into gear quickly.
  • The last two years during the COVID pandemic has pushed the industry forward by at least 5 years.
  • Dealers already have many of the tools needed to provide a frictionless process. It's all about how to utilize them.
  • Car dealers should consider how to continue selling more with less. Chris explains that the pandemic might have been the catalyst for smaller showrooms and less inventory across the board.
  • Does Chris look like Robert Pattinson? Watch the YT video on our channel to see for yourself!
  • Automakers have been pursuing EVs for more than 20 years. They aren't making snap decisions; they are approaching their work methodically.
  • While most of the retail industry reacted to the pandemic, it's traditionally the behavior of auto dealers — to react rather than be proactive. In contrast, the automakers have been proactive in their efforts and thinking into the future.
  • What will the future dealership look like?
  • Listen to the full episode for even more insights from Chris Potgieter!  

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! 

Thanks, Chris!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Chris Potgieter, please let them know by clicking on the links below and sending him a message.

  1. Click here to thank Chris Potgieter on LinkedIn
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Marija Cvetkovska: Creating an Evolved and Integrated BDC and Sales Department03 Feb 202200:32:31

Marija Cvetkovska is a seasoned dealer group BDC Director and paid campaign manager, and joined the show to share valuable wisdom about how retail car dealers can learn how to listen and hear their customer and respond to them with the information they are seeking regardless of their BDC, Internet Team Set Up.

What we discuss in this episode:

  1. The importance of breaking out of your comfort zone and challenging the way things have always been done at the dealership level.
  2. If you don't embrace what's happening in the future or try and go against it, you will lose. Marija encourages dealers to embrace change and constantly seek reinvention.
  3. The dealers who have been around for 50+ years have been able to do so by slowly adapting to the "new normal."
  4. In order to evolve, car dealers must look inward. It's about acknowledging where they are at today and discover small ways to improve each way.
  5. Marija shares the best way to transform a sales and marketing team into a revenue team. That way BDC teams are integrated with car sales people and are able to offer a much better, frictionless experience for customers.
  6. When BDC reps are able to see customer interactions first hand, the increase of empathy will empower them to make changes to their workflow and vice versa. 

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Thanks, Marija Cvetkovska

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  1. Click here to thank Marija Cvetkovska on LinkedIn
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The End of the Dealer Playbook?06 Jun 202400:22:15

Welcome to this special solo episode, as I celebrate ten years of unforgettable moments; I can't thank you enough for always being here with me every Thursday. Ten years ago, I took a leap of faith and launched the Dealer Playbook Podcast. From the nerve-wracking moment of hitting "publish" to the surreal experience of seeing our show hit "New and Noteworthy" on iTunes within 48 hours, it's been an incredible journey. 

We've hosted industry giants like Dr. Willie Jolly, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Grant Cardone, and we've been honored with global recognition, listing among the top 300 podcasts in the world.

But amid the success and milestones, there came a time when I felt the initial spark fading. Producing the show started to feel routine, and I found myself getting bored. The excitement that once fueled my passion for creating meaningful content seemed to dwindle. We've all been there before right?

As I reflect on this journey, I've realized how crucial it is for all of us to take a step back and reevaluate after every significant milestone. Whether you're running a podcast, managing a business, or pursuing personal goals, it's essential to pause and assess where you are and where you're headed. This period of introspection allows us to realign our efforts with our core values and passions, ensuring that we continue to grow and evolve in meaningful ways.

But this brings us to a pivotal question: Is this the end of the Dealer Playbook Podcast? As we celebrate a decade of incredible moments, the uncertainty of the future looms large. The industry is evolving, and so must we. Will the Dealer Playbook continue to be a beacon of practical wisdom, or is this the final chapter?

Join me in this episode as I unveil the next steps and share my vision for the future. The answers lie ahead, and I promise it's a journey worth taking.

Connect with Michael Cirillo

CLICK HERE to learn more about The Dealer Playbook! 


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Liza Borches: How Dealership Culture Drives Bottom-Line Sales27 Jan 202200:39:02

Liza Borches is the CEO of the Carter Myers Auto Group and is a shining light in the retail auto industry when it comes to culture, leadership, and thought-leadership. With several rooftops (and expanding) and hundreds of employees, Liza has proven that a healthy work environment can, in fact, drive more bottom line sales.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • The backstory: How Liza got into the car business and what drove her motivation to build a healthy culture.
  • Carter Myers tagline says it all — while most car dealers say things like "Your #1 Choice for new and use car sales," Theirs reads, "Moving Lives Forward."
  • As a Honda rep years ago, Liza observed that the most successful dealerships almost always did things differently. It wasn't just about driving sales, it was more about employee well-being and creating and environment whereby they could grow.
  • Leaders must show genuine interest in their people if they ever want a hope at the long-game success.
  • Liza meets with her entire leadership team across all of her stores every single week to discuss where they can improve their culture, employee happiness, and customer experience. 
  • It is possible to track bottom line sales to a healthy dealership culture. It's something customers can feel when they encounter the dealership online and in person.
  • Liza explains that the money will follow when you show genuine care and concern for the people responsible for generating the revenue.
  • Listen to the full episode for even more insights! 

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Thanks, Liza Borches!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Liza Borches, please let her know by clicking on the links below and sending him a message.

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Andrew & Doug MacIver: Selling Cars With Humor, Creativity, and Authenticity20 Jan 202200:29:32

Andrew and Doug MacIver are the stars of hit reality show, Bargain Brothers, which provides a irreverent but honest look at a day in the life of used car dealers. Through creativity, humor, and authenticity, The Brothers of Bargain have been able to carve out a niche in the Canadian car buying market.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • How Andrew and Doug got started as independent auto dealers
  • Why it's important to continually assess the risks your dealership is facing so that you can respond appropriately
  • How authenticity has helped them create commercials and other assets to stand out in a unique car buying market
  • How will consolidation affect the small dealers?
  • How independent dealers can get creative acquiring vehicles from consumers
  • Listen to the full episode for more!   

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Thanks, Andrew and Doug!

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  2. Click here to thank Doug MacIver on Facebook
  3. Click here to let Michael know about your number one takeaway from this conversation  

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Join The DPB Discord Server! 

The car business is rapidly changing - keep up with the demand by joining the DPB community on Discord. There you'll connect with other automotive industry professionals from around the world to collaberate, learn and grow together! 

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Dave Farrow: Hack Your Brain For Ultimate Performance13 Jan 202200:24:51

Dave Farrow is a two-time Canadian Guinness World Record holder for most decks of playing cards memorized in a single sighting. His trademarked "Farrow Method" is helping business teams perform at turbo-charged levels and was even the subject of a double-blind study at McGill University.

The retail auto industry tends to get caught up in the hype of breaking news and what's happening today. From big data to Web 3.0, the true winners are those who improve themselves so that they are better equipped to leverage what's happening in the world. From providing better customer experiences to building sales relationships that increase lifetime value, that's the true crux of what we discuss with Dave in this episode.

What we discuss in this episode:

  • Dave did not have a good memory when he first started. He trained himself to have a good memory, it's a skill that can be learned.
  • You can have a superhuman memory, you just have to learn how YOUR brain works.
  • There is a whole realm of mental training that skips academia altogether.
  • Your brain believes what it thinks will actually happen — this is what athletes and performers like to visualize before they perform.
  • Think of the impact on your car sales career by visualizing and training your mind to see the best outcomes day in and day out.
  • You have the most powerful computer sitting between your ears. The brain is the most complex thing we know of. The challenge is that it has an awful battery.
  • How is the hustle affecting performance? Sometimes we fall in love with the idea of "hustle" but quickly forget that resting is as crucial to achieving something as is the hustle.  

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Thanks, Dave Farrow!

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