Ah, December, my friends, is here. The lights are up, Andy Williams is on repeat, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already had your fair share of holiday treats. But there’s something about this time of year that just feels different, doesn’t it? In this episode, I’m diving into what makes December the most wonderful time of the year—not just for the holiday vibes but for the life lessons it quietly brings along.You know what I love most about this season? People are just kinder. Sure, ...
Welcome back, my friends—today’s episode is packed with pure gold. I promised you this one would over-deliver, and I don’t make promises lightly. Joining me for a powerful segment of Disruptive Forces is the legendary Michael Porro from Honda World in Louisville, Kentucky.Michael isn’t just a dealer—he’s an innovator, a leader, and someone who lives the mantra: “Better Every Day.” From the moment we first met, I’ve admired his no-nonsense approach to reinventing processes, leading his team, a...
Alright, here’s the deal. You know how some conversations stick with you long after they’re over? Well, that’s exactly what happened the first time I chatted with Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Auto Group. And when I say "stick with you," I mean I was still thinking about it during Thanksgiving dinner. So, naturally, I had to bring him back for round two.If you’re wondering why you should care about someone called the "VP of Digital Operations," let me put it this way: Jarrod...
Picture this: You’ve got the cars, the team, and the ambition, but something’s clogging up the works—your recon process. Sound familiar? Well, today’s episode of Disruptive Forces in Retail Automotive is here to blow the doors off your inefficiencies and show you how to get those cars from just bought to just sold in record time.I’ve gathered an all-star crew to spill their secrets and strategies that are transforming recon from a pain point into a profit generator.Here’s what we dig into:The...
Today's episode is a must-listen! I sit down with none other than Chris Martinez, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio—a leader who has not only mastered the auto world but also written the book on it. Literally.Let me set the scene for you. Chris didn’t grow up dreaming about selling cars. In fact, his twin brother accidentally nudged him into the business (you’ll want to stick around for that hilarious story). Fast forward over two decades, and Chris is now at the helm of one of ...
In this powerhouse panel discussion, I sit down with some of the sharpest minds in automotive retail to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today: achieving the ideal inventory mix. Joining me are Joe Blanco GM Sheehy Auto Group, Boris Lopez VP of Operations Toy Tech Motors, Adam Arens of Patriot Subaru, and Danny Zaslavsky, President and co-founder of VinCue. Together, we unpack the strategies, processes, and game-changing innovations that are helping these dealers stay a...
This one’s special. You know I’m all about digging into the real stories—the wins, the lessons, and the grit behind the people shaping our industry. Today, I’m sitting down with Yossi Levi, or as most of you know him, Car Dealership Guy. If you’ve been following his journey, you already know he’s the guy who took what many see as a “traditional” business and flipped the script, building a brand, a movement, and a thriving media presence—all while staying true to his used car roots.But what ma...
Ever wondered why some dealerships are thriving online while others seem to struggle with customer retention? What if your website’s design and speed could make the difference between a customer purchase and a lost opportunity? In today’s digital world, first impressions are often made on a screen, not in person. In this episode, Kyle Mountsier, COO of Auto Genius, dives deep into why many dealership websites are unknowingly driving potential buyers away—and how to fix it. What We Discus...
What if every appraisal was the key to industry-leading profitability? In today's market, the power of acquisition strategies has never been more critical. With the rise of disruptors like Carvana and CarMax, the question on every dealership's mind is: How do we stay competitive and maximize profitability?In this episode of Disruptive Forces in Retail Automotive, I sit down with three industry heavyweights—Joe Blanco, Rob Ruth, and Brian Kramer—to discuss how they’re navigating the complex te...
What if building a company isn’t just about selling a product, but about transforming an industry? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Tim Cox, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of CarNow, a guy whose journey from the dealership floor to creating one of the industry’s most impactful tech solutions is nothing short of legendary.We dig into how CarNow came to be—not from some grand blueprint, but from a real need Tim saw while grinding it out in dealerships day after day. Tim’s st...
You know, one of the things I love most about this industry is that every leader has a story—and today’s guest, Damon Lester, has one of the most unique I’ve ever heard. Imagine stepping into the world of auto dealerships before you’ve even set foot inside a dealership. Yeah, you heard that right. Damon went from the world of accounting to becoming the owner of Nissan Bowie and long-time chairman of NAMAD, and his journey is nothing short of incredible.In this episode, Damon and I dig deep in...
What does it really take to go beyond your limits and lead under the most intense pressure? In this episode, I sit down with Errol Doebler, a man who has redefined what it means to lead. From serving as a Navy SEAL to tracking terrorists as an FBI agent, and now as the founder of Ice Cold Leader, Errol’s journey is one of grit, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.We dive into the defining moments that shaped his path—from flipping through a Naval Academy book in sixth grade to su...
You know those conversations that hit you like a lightning bolt? The ones that leave you thinking, "Wow, I’ve never looked at it that way before"? Well, buckle up because this episode is one of those.I’m sitting down with none other than Cliff Banks—a true legend in automotive journalism. Cliff has been ahead of the curve for over 30 years, and today, he’s sharing insights that will reshape the way you think about the future of our industry. We’re talking about Autovate, the event that brings...
We’ve all heard it—tech this, AI that—but let me ask you this: If technology has advanced so much in our industry, why are we still stuck selling the same number of cars we did 20 years ago? What’s really holding us back? In this episode, I sit down with Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Automotive Group, to uncover the real reasons dealerships haven’t fully tapped into the potential of today’s tech—and how we can turn it around.Jarrod is one of those rare leaders who sees beyon...
"Ever felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of ‘best practices’ that never seem to move the needle? In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who’s been breaking the mold in the automotive world – Darrell Steed, founder and president of Smart Wolf Consulting.Darrell isn’t just another industry voice; he’s the guy who’s out there solving real problems for dealers just like you and me. We dive deep into what it really takes to win in the used car game, from dismantling ...
In this episode I'm diving into a topic that has been a thorn in the side of dealerships for as long as I can remember – the used car department.You’re probably wondering, “What do happiness and the used car department have in common?” Well, in more ways than one, both seem to slip out of reach just when you think you’ve got them figured out. But here’s the kicker: just like happiness, a successful used car department is achievable—if you know the six critical areas to master. From inventory ...
Alright, friends, buckle up because this episode is going to completely reshape how you think about the used car game. If you've been in the industry as long as I have (and that's 45 years, but who's counting?), you know the used car department can either make or break a dealership. But why is it still such a puzzle for so many? What is it about used cars that makes even the most seasoned dealers scratch their heads?Today, I’m sitting down with none other than Jasen Rice, the guy who’s been q...
In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, one thing is clear—used car acquisition is no longer just a piece of the puzzle; it is the puzzle. In this episode, I sit down with Frank Knox, Vice President of Unique Auto Sourcing, to explore the vital role of acquisition in the future of dealerships. Frank draws from his 23 years of experience, including 18 years with CarMax, to share invaluable insights on how dealerships can pivot their strategies to compete with industry giants like CarM...
Hey, it’s David here. I’m going solo on this one, and I’ve got something on my mind that I just couldn’t wait to share with you. Let’s talk about something that might make a few people uncomfortable, but it’s too important to ignore—your used car department.For years, we’ve all been conditioned to believe that the new car department is the beating heart of our dealerships. But here’s the thing: times have changed. The real secret to future-proofing your dealership’s profitability lies in your...
In this week's episode I’ve got something truly special for you in this episode. I sit down with Napo Rumteen, a veteran in the automotive industry and the innovative mind behind Interactive EQ. Together, we explore the often-overlooked yet crucial element of emotional intelligence (EQ) in hiring and team building. Napo shares his journey from working with industry giants to founding a company that’s set to revolutionize how we assess and develop talent.But what’s really going to blow your mi...