True Confessions of a Car Guy

<p>True Confessions of a Car Guy <br /><br />Step into the fast-paced world of the car business, where decades of experience collide with today's industry trends. Hosted by John Gavin, a seasoned car guy with over 40 years in the business, this show takes you through the highs, lows, and everything in between that has defined the world of cars—both back in the day and today.<br /><br />Produced by Bagi, a passionate car enthusiast with over 14 years of experience in the industry and an aspiring content creator, this show is a perfect blend of old-school stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and current automotive happenings.<br /><br />Each week, join John and Bagi as they share their wild, funny, and crazy tales from the car business, along with special guests who’ve walked similar paths. Whether you’re a veteran in the game or just a fan of all things cars, you'll find something to connect with here.<br /><br />For Business Inquiries or Media Requests please reach out to producer BAGI (confessionsofacarguy@gmail.com) </p>

EP012: - Month-End Madness -- John Gavin & Bagi

Send us a text In this episode its John and Bagi Month-end at the dealership: where pencils fly, egos clash, and every ‘almost sold’ car suddenly becomes a miracle. Watch managers sweat, salespeople hustle, and coffee disappear faster than a Suburban in January. In this episode, we laugh through the chaos, the wild deals, and the sheer madness that only happens when the month is about to close. If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact the show today confessionsofac...

10-02
35:20

Live Q&A 001 -- John Gavin, Pat Gavin & Bagi

Send us a text Step onto the showroom floor with us for a live Q&A about the car business where the deals are wild, the stories are crazier, and the challenges are all too real. We’re talking to people in the car business past and present: sales pros, managers, finance folks, and anyone who’s lived the grind. From outrageous customer stories to the hurdles dealerships face today, nothing’s off the table. Whether you’re an old-school car dog or just curious about the business, this is your...

09-07
39:23

EP011: - The Long Haul to Close the Deal -- Tom McGovern

Send us a text In this episode we are joined by Tom McGovern Some deals come together quick… and then there’s this one. In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we tell the tale of a customer who “just had a few questions” and somehow stayed until closing time—three days in a row. It’s the kind of deal that drains your coffee pot, burns your lunch break, and makes you question your career choices—until they finally say “Let’s do it.” If you’ve ever needed a nap after a close, you’re...

07-21
48:23

EP010: - Wild West on the Dealership Floor -- Glen Connor

Send us a text In this episode we are joined by Glen Connor Step back in time to the untamed golden era of car dealerships—when the engines were loud, the deals were fast, and the showroom smelled like gasoline, cigars, and aftershave. Wild West on the Dealership Floor, we share the raw, unfiltered stories from a time when classic cars ruled the lot, the coffee was spiked, and salesmen lit up in the office while closing six deals before lunch. If you miss the rumble of a big block and remem...

07-11
39:30

EP009: - Binder Bandits: Insurance Hustles from the '80s Lot -- Larry Malitz

Send us a text In this episode we are joined by Larry Malitz an insurance professional. Before fax machines and compliance departments ruined the fun, insurance binders in the ’80s were a dealership's side hustle goldmine. In this episode, we’re talking backroom deals, mysterious premiums, and how some sales guys couldn’t spell "deductible" but sure knew how to mark one up. Buckle up for binder tricks, policy pranks, and stories that’ll make your modern-day F&I manager cry. If you...

06-27
42:08

EP008: - Finance Office Fiasco -- Pat Gavin & Vic Chavarria

Send us a text A no-BS ride back to the finance desks of the 1980s car business. This show dives into the high-octane world of dealership F&I when interest rates were wild, deals were done on cocktail napkins, and every customer was “a laydown if you worked it right.” Join us for stories of rate bumps, payment packing, repo roulette, and the kind of finance managers who lit cigars with credit apps. If you were there, you’ll laugh. If you weren’t, buckle up.

06-20
53:47

EP007: - We’re All on Trial Now -- The James Douvas Interview (Part 2)

Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into the $216 million lawsuit filed by the FTC against auto industry figure James Douvas. What led to one of the biggest consumer protection cases in recent memory? We break down the allegations, the reactions from the car business community, and what this case could mean for dealers across the country. If you're in the car business—or ever bought a car—this one hits close to home. If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contac...

06-13
26:20

EP006: - Driven to Succeed -- Tim Mathisen

Send us a text In this episode we are joined by Tim Mathisen—whose journey started as a young man in the car business. From the showroom floor to launching his own company, Tim shares how the lessons he learned in sales, service, and hustle helped him build Fruition Supply. If you've ever wondered where a career in the car biz can take you, this episode is for you. If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact the show today confessionsofacarguy@gmail.com

06-12
44:16

EP005: - We’re All on Trial Now -- The James Douvas Interview

Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into the $216 million lawsuit filed by the FTC against auto industry figure James Douvas. What led to one of the biggest consumer protection cases in recent memory? We break down the allegations, the reactions from the car business community, and what this case could mean for dealers across the country. If you're in the car business—or ever bought a car—this one hits close to home.

06-05
38:55

EP004: - Service Writers Run the Drive -- Frank Gavin

Send us a text In this episode, we hang out with Frank Gavin — a service writer who’s been in the dealership game for over 12 years. He’s done a bit of everything, from sales to finance, and brings some great stories and solid insights from life on the drive.

05-22
37:33

EP003: - Inside the FTC-Car Dealership Showdown -- John Gavin

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the CARS Rule, its recent legal challenges, and the significant effects it is having on the automotive industry. We discuss how the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to regulate auto retail practices were halted by the Fifth Circuit Court in early 2025, sparing dealers from costly compliance requirements. We also examine the broader impact of this development on car sales, pricing transparency, and dealer-consumer relationships amid ongoing regulato...

05-16
30:45

EP002: - Chassis Under Fire: Automotive Industry vs. Government - John Gavin

Send us a text In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we continue our coverage of the Jimmy Douvas case, spotlighting the increasing public support surrounding his situation. We also report on a significant vote in Congress that could shape the future of gas-powered vehicle sales across the country. Have a story of your own from the car world? Reach out to us at confessionsofacarguy@gmail.com.

05-07
33:09

EP001: - "Profit"—Now a Dirty Word? Since When?! -- John Gavin

Send us a text Welcome to EP001, our fist show. Today we introduce ourselves to the world and also talk about an important legal case concerning dealers, The Jimmy Douvas story. We also have a few laughs and share some crazy stories https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2huT3VhYmh1TFNwVnZUSVpfTk9mU2xQUGkxZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuTUcxMDlGT29BM0VJa29DR29OSUlRbU5ESF9mTTRuQlBZS3ZDMXdiZEROV19QV0o5cVZZYW01dUxLZG1HUnZ5bE9BZy1YSVNXV2FxRHJwVU1xZVIzZjFGNnYwTEZ5N1...

05-07
31:27

EP001: Sneak Peak -- 5/1/2025

Send us a text The podcast will officially launch May 1, 2025. Here is a sneak peak

04-28
01:50

Intro: Who is John Gavin, and why do this podcast?

Send us a text This show is about a time gone by of how it was really like to work in the car business. This show is not about how to get a great deal on a new car, or tips and tricks for car dealers to use to maximize profits. The Host of the show is John Gavin, a car guy with over 40 years of experience in the car business, its time to step back and reflect on those fun and crazy times. The show is produced by Bagi, a car guy himself with over 10 years in the car busines...

09-11
14:55

Promo: True confessions of a car guy

Send us a text This show is about a time gone by of how it was really like to work in the car business. This show is not about how to get a great deal on a new car, or tips and tricks for car dealers to use to maximize profits. The Host of the show is John Gavin, a car guy with over 40 years of experience in the car business, its time to step back and reflect on those fun and crazy times. The show is produced by Bagi, a car guy himself with over 10 years in the car busines...

09-07
00:53

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