This week on On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence , we sit down with Christy Cartaya, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management at The Collection in Miami. Christy shares her unexpected journey from the fast-paced world of marketing into the elite tier of automotive retail—where brands like Ferrari, Audi, Porsche, and McLaren are part of her daily landscape. What started as a twist of fate turned into a remarkable career, and today, Christy leads a powerhouse team at one of the most prestigio...
Jul 01, 2025•41 min
From fried wires (thanks, neighborhood squirrels 🐿️) to those “oops” repairs that don’t quite fit the warranty box, Cindy and Dave break down when dealerships step up—even if the coverage technically doesn’t. Whether it’s a split bill, a friendly favor, or a behind-the-scenes push from your advisor, this episode reminds us that a loyal customer, a good attitude, and a weird accident can still earn you some love . 🔧 Under the Hood This Week: What qualifies as goodwill (hint: it’s not magic—it’s...
Jun 24, 2025•36 min
In this unforgettable true story, Cindy takes us back to her early 20s, working in a high-end automotive accessory shop where cash was common, characters were colorful, and one day… danger walked through the door. When three suspicious men entered the store and tension filled the air, Cindy’s instincts kicked in. No transaction. No words. Just the weight of a moment — and a single code word: “Pineapple.” It wasn’t just a safe word. It was a lifeline. Featuring the mysterious Mr. G (yes, he carri...
Jun 17, 2025•18 min
In this fun, fast-paced episode of On The Drive , I sit down with my good friend, fellow Delray Beach neighbor, and fellow podcaster Carolina Rush —a woman who’s bought over 20 cars and has the stories to prove it. We chat about the real-deal relationship between customers and service advisors, the value of kindness, and how just saying thank you can be the best tip of all. Carolina shares a hilarious and eye-opening moment at a Jeep dealership involving a broken radio, a backup camera, and a su...
Jun 10, 2025•47 min
In this episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence , I sit down with automotive expert Dave Rogers to bust some of the most common maintenance myths. We dive into why earlier is better when it comes to service intervals—and how pushing it too far can cost you more in the long run. We break down the conventional vs synthetic oil debate , including how some synthetic oils are thinner than cooking oil (yep, you read that right). What about those “ lifetime fluids ”? Dave asks the million-dollar qu...
Jun 03, 2025•36 min
In this week's episode, we sit down with Cate Ojala from Tekion , a relatively new DMS solution making waves in the automotive space. Cate isn’t just another software rep—she’s a seasoned pro with deep roots in fixed operations , and it shows in how she connects with dealers on a real level. We dive into her bold approach to dealership sales, from AI-powered research on ownership and systems to her favorite strategy— the classic stop-and-knock. One such visit didn’t go as planned when the dealer...
May 27, 2025•36 min
In another powerful episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence , we’re hitting the gas on one of the most vital—and often overlooked—factors in dealership success: culture . Joining Cindy is the inspiring Amy Davis, founder of Rise Above Life Coach , as they dig deep into what it really means to build and sustain a high-performance team environment. From the front lines of the service drive to the corner office, they explore the importance of putting the right people in the right seats, leading...
May 20, 2025•42 min
In this high-octane episode, Cindy Lawrence reunites with her longtime mentor, industry icon, Steve Shaw. What starts as a nostalgic ride down memory lane turns into a masterclass on the "Pass or Fail" philosophy—Steve’s game-changing approach to customer communication, sales integrity, and turning gray areas into green lights. From overcoming objections to ditching those fuzzy "recommendations" in favor of clear, confident guidance, Steve breaks it all down with humor, humility, and hard-earned...
May 13, 2025•31 min
This week, inspired by a powerful group discussion assembled by Dave Foy, I took to the microphone to reflect on my journey in the automotive industry. While I’ve been fortunate to work alongside supportive leaders who mentored and shaped my career, not every experience has been smooth. In this episode, I share a few memorable stories of moments when customers pushed back—those challenging encounters that taught me just as much as the positive ones. These are the real stories from the service dr...
May 06, 2025•21 min
In this high-energy episode, Cindy reconnects with longtime friend and industry force Katy Wolda—a woman who went from selling sunglasses at a car wash to dominating the sales floor in a male-driven industry. Katy breaks down what it really takes to succeed in automotive and beyond. Whether you're performing your craft, prospecting for the next opportunity, or perfecting your craft through training, she reminds us there are no shortcuts. Just daily action, confidence, and consistency. You’ll hea...
Apr 08, 2025•26 min
This one’s a shoutout, a call to action, a desperate plea—whatever you want to call it—I need a guest! Someone who’s lived the wild, weird, and wonderful life on the service drive. If you’ve ever been a service advisor, manager, parts guru, collision tech, or anyone who’s survived a dealership with your sanity mostly intact… I’m talkin’ to you. Podcast salespeople are out here clawing their way onto every mic they can find, but in the service department? We’re over here like, “Podcast? Sounds gr...
Apr 01, 2025•7 min
Reposting one of our favorite episodes of On The Drive ! Cindy Lawrence and Producer Janine take a deep dive into the world of tire tread—why it matters for safety, your wallet, and lease agreements. Whether you're prepping for a lease turn-in or just want to stay safe on the road, this episode has all the expert insights you need. Tune in as we break down tread patterns, traction, and the true value of good tires. Join our Journey: Share this episode with a friend Click the plus to follow us on...
Mar 19, 2025•27 min
Welcome back to On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence — coming to you live from an airport tarmac in Denver, Colorado! In this candid, late-night episode, Cindy reflects on a week spent with Mercedes-Benz of Littleton and dives deep into something every driver will face but never expects: windshield replacements. From surprising high-demand windshield repairs in Colorado to the hidden secrets of factory vs. aftermarket glass , Cindy shares insider dealership knowledge , personal mishaps (like smashin...
Mar 11, 2025•20 min
What happens when you blend leadership, resilience, and a touch of gratitude? You get a roadmap for success that drives both business and personal growth. In this dynamic conversation, Cindy Lawrence sits down with the remarkable Jeannie Rytelbach to discuss the power of trust, branding, and human connection in the high-stakes world of automotive. From the unexpected lessons of a frustrating customer encounter to the strategic brilliance that won a Honda dealership point, Jeannie shares how the ...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of On The Drive , host Cindy Lawrence welcomes Erica Bruno from Recall Masters for an in-depth discussion on vehicle recalls and the vital role they play in consumer safety. With a family legacy rooted in the automotive industry, Erica shares her fascinating journey—from growing up surrounded by dealerships to becoming a leader in recall management and customer service. Join us as we explore how recalls impact dealerships, why accurate data is crucial for both safety and customer...
Feb 25, 2025•37 min
Ever wonder what it takes to turn a service department into a well-oiled machine ? Meet Jordan Hughes, the powerhouse service manager at Dwayne Lane CDJR, who climbed the ranks from advisor to boss —and she’s here to share how she did it! In this episode of On The Drive , host Cindy Lawrence dives into Jordan’s leadership playbook, her dynamic partnership with shop foreman Bill (aka the “Dad” of the shop), and how they’re transforming the customer experience with video inspections and a rock-sol...
Feb 18, 2025•26 min
Ever wonder how a $3 bumper sticker could spark an unforgettable friendship? In this episode of On The Drive , Cindy Lawrence shares the heartwarming (and slightly nerve-wracking) story of Mrs. M, a devoted client who trusted Cindy with her beloved Mercedes—only to find herself caught in the middle of the ultimate Valentine’s Day surprise. From a sneaky service delay to a dream G-Wagon reveal, Cindy takes us on a ride filled with loyalty, laughter, and a little creative storytelling. Buckle up f...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min
Too often, training in the automotive industry feels like a one-and-done event—information is shared, but nothing really changes. In this episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence , we break down why "telling ain’t training" and what it really takes to make learning stick. Cindy sits down with Kyle Newsom, co-founder of Visperio, to explore the biggest challenges dealerships face in training service advisors and how to overcome them. They discuss: Why traditional training methods fail and how ...
Feb 04, 2025•49 min
On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence presents an inspiring episode featuring Mindy Williams, Service Manager at CMA Colonial Subaru. From juggling the roles of wife and mother while pursuing her college degree to mastering the complexities of the automotive industry, Mindy exemplifies resilience and innovation. With a team that’s nearly overstaffed—a rarity in service departments—Mindy has cultivated an environment where apprentices grow into master technicians. Her focus on building her team from w...
Jan 28, 2025•42 min
Join Cindy Lawrence and Cindy Sarver as they dive into the challenges of dealing with abandoned special-order parts, backorders, and discontinued items in the automotive world. It’s a chaotic landscape where the reasons you pay deposits on special orders become all too clear. In this episode, we explore how service and parts departments navigate the fallout from post-COVID supply chain issues, along with the funny (and sometimes frustrating) reality of mis ordered parts. From the saga of Jaguar ...
Jan 21, 2025•17 min
Welcome to “Live and On the Drive,” where we explore the dynamic intersections of business, culture, and innovation. Today, we’re thrilled to have Beth from Carter Myers Automotive—an industry leader with 24 locations across three states, supporting 18 OEMs. Beth’s here to share CMA’s unique approach to recruiting the next generation of cultural and customer-focused advocates, all while transforming lives and moving relationships forward. From renting Ryder trucks to empowering future leaders, C...
Jan 08, 2025•32 min
Join Cindy Lawrence and Cindy Sarver with On The Drive as they dive into the fascinating world of dealership amenities. From bottled water branded with luxury logos to unexpected perks like in-house movie theaters and complimentar Buckle up as Cindy Lawrence and Cindy Sarver take you on a hilarious and eye-opening journey through the unexpected luxury wonderland of dealership amenities! From custom-label bottled water with a side of popcorn to in-house movie theaters , complimentary massages , a...
Dec 31, 2024•28 min
Get ready to hit the gas on part two of our conversation with fan-favorite Brian Trigalet from Wynns! Hosts Cindy Lawrence and Ann Griffith dive into the game-changing world of Video Multipoint Inspections (MPI) and their impact on trust, transparency, and efficiency in the automotive industry. Join us as we explore the debate over who should talk maintenance—technicians or advisors—and how Video MPI is bridging the communication gap. Discover why preventative maintenance is the ultimate money-s...
Dec 24, 2024•59 min
Join Cindy Lawrence, Ann Griffith, and special guest Brian Trigalet as they hit the road to Lakeland, Florida, for a riveting conversation on the evolution of vehicle inspections. From the days of scribbled notes on greasy paper to cutting-edge video updates sent straight to your phone, this episode dives deep into how transparency, trust, and technology are transforming the auto repair experience. Laugh along as they recount quirky stories from the shop, explore the pros and cons of digital adv...
Dec 17, 2024•30 min
Ever wondered how a simple tire replacement turns into a masterclass on performance vehicles? In this lively episode, Cindy Lawrence shares a relatable story about a friend’s mom who unknowingly entered the world of high-maintenance luxury cars. From pricey specialty tires to the quirks of lease agreements, Cindy dives into what it really means to own—or accidentally buy—a performance car. With entertaining anecdotes and practical advice, Cindy breaks down why some cars cost more to maintain and...
Dec 10, 2024•25 min
In this exciting episode of On The Drive , hosts Cindy Lawrence and Ann Griffith dive into their passion project, OnTheDriveSolutions.com —a groundbreaking platform designed to streamline the chaos of the automotive service industry. From humorous anecdotes about childhood dreams of being radio DJs to the lightbulb moments that sparked this innovative idea, Cindy and Ann share how they’re turning decades of industry experience into an accessible, game-changing solution for service advisors and m...
Nov 26, 2024•24 min
Join Cindy Lawrence and her team on a fun and enlightening journey through the twists and turns of warranties! In this episode, we uncover the secrets behind factory warranties, extended coverage, and the often-misunderstood world of aftermarket plans. From unexpected challenges to laugh-out-loud anecdotes—like the time a squirrel turned an engine into its personal pantry—this episode is as entertaining as it is educational. Discover how to spot the best warranty options, avoid common pitfalls, ...
Nov 19, 2024•24 min
Join Cindy Lawrence and her trusty sidekick Ann Griffith for a ride along the service drive like never before! In this playful yet informative episode of On The Drive , Cindy recruits Ann as a “new hire” and dives into the intricate world of service advising. From factory warranties to warranty goodwill, extended coverage, and even those secret 12-month adjustments, this episode unpacks the unexpected twists and turns of keeping customers happy and cars running smoothly. Whether you’re curious a...
Nov 12, 2024•30 min
Step into On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence and her shotgun sidekick, Ann Griffith, as they unravel the secrets of the service lane, turning everyday car care into something relatable, informative, and downright fun! Ever wonder why a sidewall tire can’t just be patched or why some filters cost more? Cindy and Ann use clever analogies—from Band-Aids on knuckles to over-the-counter meds—to demystify car maintenance and help customers understand the value of quality repairs. Through hilarious and i...
Nov 05, 2024•23 min
In this episode of "On The Drive," host Cindy Lawrence and her best friend and sidekick, Ann Griffith, share some of the funniest and most unbelievable stories from the service drive—you seriously can't make this stuff up! From customers accidentally crashing into the dealership to wild mix-ups and hilarious misunderstandings, they dive into the crazy world of automotive service. These real-life tales will have you laughing out loud. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a fun, casual listen about the u...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min
