Claim OwnershipThe Walk Around
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A car dealership podcast that brings all things automotive to your listening ears! Learn how to grow your dealership, or grow your automotive career with sales, Finance, Fixed Operations, and Leadership insights.
110 Episodes
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Tyson Jominy, SVP OEM Solutions at JD Power, discusses affordability pressures, interest rates, lease returns, and why stable demand and mid-cycle conditions will shape dealer planning for the 2026 auto market.Episode Breakdown 00:00 - Meet Tyson Jominy from J.D. Power01:05 - Affordability and the role of monthly payment03:29 - What longer loan terms mean for dealers04:36 - Limited used supply and strong trade-in values05:38 - Service lanes as a used inventory opportunity06:49 - Does the 2026 demand outlook remain optimistic? 08:47 - SAAR forecast and vehicle price expectations10:40 - Interest rate outlook and OEM-supported financing11:46 - Leasing as an affordability strategy for dealers12:33 - Fixed ops profitability and warranty impactFor more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Christian Crain, VP of Crain Automotive Holdings, discusses leading a 23-store dealer group, their focus on seamless operations and how they are addressing the affordability challenges their guests are facing now.Episode Breakdown 00:00 - Meet Christian Crain02:15 - How Crain Automotive is addressing customer affordability05:24 - Creating a frictionless process07:45 - Best Bets with Christian Crain 08:31 - Will AI handle more than 30% of your store’s customer communications?10:32 - Will 100% online purchase happen without in-person viewing of the car?11:28 - Razorbacks & college football: will the playoffs happen? For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
John Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Force Marketing, joins the podcast to share insights on marketing trends in 2026, the future of AI and technology, customer engagement opportunities and strategies for dealership growth.Episode Breakdown 00:00 - Meet John Fitzpatrick! 01:58 - Trends in Dealership Marketing and Customer Engagement02:28 - The “4A” Strategy (Audience, Attention, Automation, Attribution)04:54 - The Importance of Consistent Messaging and Response Time 08:52 - AI in Dealerships: Progress Over Perfection12:15 - Treating Marketing Expenses Like Investments 14:51 - Marketing Opportunities in Fixed Ops and Service Retention 18:25 - “Bet It or Forget It” Segment18:54 - AI Chat & Automation Replacing BDC Roles19:40 - What is a Dealership’s Most Valuable Asset?20:15 - Local Brand Awareness vs. Vehicle Inventory22:12 - The Power of TikTokFor more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Ted Ings of Fixed Ops Roundtable shares fixed ops technology innovations, including technician video MPIs and AI, and explains how they improve transparency, approvals and strengthen overall service department performance.Episode Breakdown 00:00 - Meet Ted from Fixed Ops Roundtable! 03:07 - What's the biggest Fixed Ops innovation? 05:29 - Measuring video engagement and ROI 06:04 - Implementing the technology 07:30 - How service drive acquisition is connecting departments 09:07 - Sales-to-Service handoff 10:20 - Service Advisors vs Sales: Impact on customer loyalty 11:03 - Will AI tools diagnose vehicles before techs? 12:13 - The technician shortage debateFor more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Brian Kramer from Cars.com makes his third podcast appearance with us to share industry insights on the future of AI and digital retailing, how process drives profitability, and the wave of demand for used EVs in 2026.For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Brian returns for a third time! 2:00 - Digital retailing & AI in 20265:53 - Optimizing your dealership’s digital presence8:30 - Brian’s first impressions on JM&A Group’s Gyde platform10:33 - Getting smart with appraisals and inventory management16:32 - How service and sales can collaborate on service lane acquisition19:37 - The coming wave of used EVsLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
NADA President & CEO Mike Stanton discusses dealer sentiment around affordability concerns, NADA's work to strengthen the dealer environment, key public policy initiatives and strengthening the franchise system. In this episode you’ll hear:The pulse on dealer economic concerns How NADA is addressing technician shortages and training Protecting dealers and remaining compliant with Artificial Intelligence For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - How are dealers feeling this year? 3:42 - Franchise laws are evolving 10:17 - Effects of dealer consolidation 13:17 - How do you pronounce NADA? 13:52 - Addressing technician shortages and training 16:04 - What Mike is excited for this year 16:42 - Protecting Dealers and remaining compliant with AILiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
From the finance office to General Manager, Jesse Hill of Safford Mazda Sterling shares how he balances family life with a busy career, how he led a virtual change in the finance office and advice for future dealership leaders.For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Jesse’s journey to the auto industry 7:29 - Balancing family with the demands of retail automotive careers13:39 - Initial thoughts on virtual finance at the dealership19:42 - How virtual F&I caused other processes to evolve22:43 - The transition from the finance office to General Manager28:29 - Key skills to develop for leadership roles33:23 - The Process of converting a store from one OEM at another36:50 - Dealership focus for 202643:41 - Bet it or Forget it: AI, front end gross profit, dealership cultureLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Steve Greenfield, GP at Automotive Ventures, shares his perspective on affordability challenges, dealership profitability, emerging retail tech, and how AI may shape the future of customer experience and operational efficiency.For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Meet Steve of Automotive Ventures! 0:53 - The state of vehicle affordability and consumer credit4:00 - Supply chain fragility and new chip constraints6:19 - What dealers can control to protect profitability8:05 - DMS disruption and evaluating tech investments11:10 - The surge of AI and where it will actually help13:20 - How AI can unlock sales productivity & loyalty18:33 - Autonomous ride-hailing and its real implications22:20 - The durability of the franchise dealer model24:08 - Best Bets: Profit margins, valuations, direct sales & BYDLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Jay Vijayan, Founder & CEO at Tekion, discusses the dealership pain points he saw which led to the creation of his business. He also shares insights on AI and digital retail and lessons he learned from his leadership role at Tesla. For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Jay’s introduction to the automotive industry 7:42 - Why Jay’s company decided to acquire dealerships 10:23 - The major pain points he saw dealerships facing 15:38 - What Jay learned from owning dealerships 21:14 - How a focus on people drove their platform creation 26:11 - Addressing dealers’ concerns with changing technologies 33:03 - What can dealers expect from AI in the next few years? 37:56 - The F&I process and what dealers are saying 39:53 - Best Bets: Cloud platforms, the next industry disruptor and APIs 42:32 - Lessons learned from working at Tesla Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Marc Bland, Head of New Business and Growth Audiences for S&P Global, breaks down the trends he’s seeing across customer bases, the segment OEMs are overlooking, how to engage more buyers and his opinion on TikTok car sales.For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Marc's insight on OEM sales and consumers3:33 - What’s important for dealers to pay attention to7:14 - Who is driving buyer growth?9:09 - How dealers can engage fast growing buyer populations12:51 - Ways dealers can hit gross margins17:10 - Generational buying trends21:23 - Is there a segment OEMs are overlooking?26:20 - Best Bets: TikTok car sales, small EV buyers adoptionLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Jenell Ross, President at Bob Ross Buick GMC, discusses taking over the helm of her father’s dealership, how she is working to improve operational performance and supporting the presence of women across the industry.For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Meet Jenell2:13 - The state of the business3:46 - Key leadership lessons learned5:55 - The industry at its core is...8:49 - Innovations that had the biggest impact12:41 - Navigating talent retention15:51 - Supporting women in the auto industry18:17 - Lessons learned from leading a dealership group23:47 - Advice for new dealers24:30 - Best Bets: GenZ purchase habits, Amazon-like car delivery and more!Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Karen Ford, President at Sutton Ford and incoming NextGen Committee President at NAMAD, talks cultivating culture and continuing legacies at dealerships. Plus, what she had to do before she could join her family’s dealership. For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Karen’s journey to becoming a dealer 5:50 - What OEM work-experience gave Karen as a dealership leader6:47 - How Karen’s continuing a dealership legacy 8:10 - Top rewarding moments from becoming a dealer9:25 - Cultivating a culture at her dealerships10:49 - The goal of NextGen and building up future dealers12:00 - Dealership operations: What Karen’s focusing on 14:04 - Establishing connections with local communities17:50 - Opportunities for increasing sales19:12 - Karen’s Best Bets on community-first dealerships, digital retail and moreLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Perry Watson IV, President of NAMAD, explains the necessity of improving the human element at dealerships. He details different ways dealers can accomplish this and shares how NAMAD is helping dealers and their communities evolve. For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Meet Perry1:56 - Are dealers optimistic regardless of market uncertainties?3:39 - Being a servant leader5:59 - What does winning look like in automotive?7:00 - How dealers can connect with their community11:03 - 2026 priorities for NAMAD organization15:05 - Talent retention and operational practices working well for dealers17:55 - How dealers can create more relational customer experiences19:25 - Where are dealers using AI most?21:09 - Best bets on online and DTC buyingLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Joey Huang, Dealer Owner at Great Lakes Auto Group, discusses the transition from medical school to automotive. He shares how a tenacious, yet respectful attitude has driven his career, along with people believing in his potential. For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Meet Joey 4:04 - Why NAMAD is important for the industry 5:10 - How relationship building advanced his career 8:01 - Getting selected for his first open point 10:50 - How Joey stays persistent in his career 11:44 - Finding optimism in market uncertainties and preparing for 2026 14:17 - OEM and dealers benefit from this 15:11 - Joey’s Best Bets on consolidation, leadership and data trends Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Jonathan Jordan and Jamie Horowitz of JM&A Group dive into the latest uncertainties facing the automotive industry, including the impact of tariffs. Don’t miss strategic insights to help you navigate the changes at your dealership.For more about our guests, visit their LinkedIn: Jonathan Jordan & Jamie HorowitzEpisode Breakdown0:00 - Meet our guests!1:50 - Financial impacts of tariffs in the automotive industry6:55 - How dealers can reposition F&I products for customers9:54 - Claims patterns and service contracts patterns10:48 - Controlling costs at your dealership12:41 - One of the best tools for customer retention is...13:54 - Utilizing the service department to sell F&I16:35 - Streamlining online claims with AI21:57 - Staying informed and what dealers can do nowLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Chris Sutton, Senior Vice President of Auto Benchmarking and Customer Success at J.D. Power, talks data around customer sentiment in the dealership, digital retail and technology advancements and his view of the 2025 industry.For more info about Chris, visit his LinkedIn.Episode Breakdown0:00 - Meet Chris 2:59 - What should dealers be mindful of in 2025? 4:06 - Why some dealers are less focused on digital 7:15 - The top issue seen in customer experience data 8:08 - How to boost customer satisfaction 12:08 - Video Multi-Point Inspection in the dealership 14:27 - Is customer sentiment improving?Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Training your dealership’s team is a continuous, yet important process. Discover ways to explore innovative training opportunities at your dealership and empower your team with Matthias Stoever, Co-Founder and CEO at RockEd.For more about Matthias, visit his LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - Meet Matthias & RockED10:11 - The origin story behind his startup14:37 - What training behaviors are being seen from micro training?16:46 – Why is training in this area the least invested in?18:36 - How training plays a role in employee retention21:37 - What's next for RockED in 2025?22:09 - Reducing fear around artificial intelligence in the dealershipLiked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Laurie Halter has worked in automotive marketing and PR for 20+ years with her company, Charisma! Communications. She shares valuable advice for developing a content strategy that empowers your team and engages your customers.For more about Laurie, visit her LinkedIn.Episode Breakdown0:00 - Meet Laurie! 0:57 - What are you excited about in the industry this year? 1:27 - AI technology in the service lane 3:05 - Are more dealers expanding mobile service options 4:48 - Balancing technology and human engagement 5:42 - Are customers and dealers thinking of 2025 optimistically? 7:46 - Giving customers payment options with technology 9:04 – How can dealers stand out with their marketing? 12:54 - How to start creating marketable content 14:27 – Laurie’s journey into the auto industry Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
Steve Roessler, Chief Evangelist Officer at automotive CRM company, DriveCentric, discusses how your dealership’s CRM should be functioning, the usage of artificial intelligence in maintaining customer relationships and more.For more about Steve, visit his LinkedIn.Episode Breakdown0:00 - Steve, Buc-ee's and NADA 2025 5:08 - DriveCentric’s mission for dealers 9:06 - Will Artificial Intelligence replace humans in the dealership? 12:51 - How to improve the online to in-store experience 15:22 - What Virtual F&I has taught us 16:54 - Are dealers letting customers complete F&I paperwork at home? 18:33 - What should be top of mind for dealers right now?Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
David Spisak is back on The Walk Around podcast! He's the President and CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions, a consulting and advisory firm centered on retail automotive, while also being the podcast host of The David Spisak Show. In this episode, David speaks on his experience running a dealership and his advice for dealers’ process improvement this year. Plus, he discusses what an effective process looks like at your dealership and the ripple effect it brings. Don’t miss the wit and wisdom from a seasoned industry professional.For more about David, visit his LinkedIn. Episode Breakdown0:00 - The automotive industry’s resiliency is evident again 5:57 - David’s view on 2025? Not like most dealers 13:04 - Digital retailing & investing in your people 18:58 - What is the biggest obstacle to growth for consolidators? 24:24 - What should dealers pay attention to this year? Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.
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