In this episode, my guest is Sam Maimone from Activix, and we’re diving into a part of the car business that most people think they’ve figured out—but really haven’t: CRM. We talk about why most CRM setups are missing the mark and why buying more leads won’t solve the real problem. Sam shares what he’s seeing inside hundreds of dealerships and the small shifts that can completely change how your CRM performs. We also explore why skipping proper discovery can cost you, and what a good CRM process...
Jun 26, 2025•26 min
In this episode, my guest is Nicole Dolphin, Retail Development Manager at Groupe Touchette, and we’re digging into the part of the dealership that doesn’t always get its fair share of attention—Fixed Ops. Nicole shares how the service department isn’t just about oil changes and tires. It’s a relationship hub. It’s where trust is built (or lost). It’s often the reason someone decides to buy their next vehicle from you—or not. We talk about how dealerships can better introduce customers to the se...
Jun 19, 2025•22 min
In this episode, my guest is Jill Schulman, USMC veteran, leadership coach, and author of The Bravery Effect . We dig into the surprising role that bravery plays in building high-performing cultures—not just in the military, but in dealerships, teams, and even our personal lives. Jill shares the science behind why playing it safe actually leads to burnout, anxiety, and unhappiness, and how the most fulfilled, successful people have something in common: they’ve learned how to build bravery like a...
Jun 12, 2025•35 min
In this episode, my guest is Alan Dickie, President - www.AlanDickie.com and a returning DPB alum. Alan’s one of those guys who doesn’t just talk about success—he breaks it down to the bone. In this conversation, we explore what he calls the “laws” that make success predictable in life and business. We talk about why most salespeople stay stuck selling 8–12 cars a month while a few are pulling in 30+. It’s not about personality. It’s not about luck. It’s about understanding how human behavior wo...
Jun 05, 2025•24 min
In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, to unpack some of the most pressing—and overlooked—topics in automotive marketing right now. From mobile-first lead strategies to AI-powered insights, Matt brings a rare, high-altitude perspective that cuts through the fluff and actually makes sense of what’s happening in the trenches. We talk about: Why phone calls and text messaging are quietly dominating lead conversions How to rethink click-to-c...
May 29, 2025•24 min
In this episode, my guest is Barry Hillier, co-founder of Auto Agentic A.I. and someone I’ve known and respected for years. Barry’s got a deep background in SaaS and marketing, and he’s one of those rare people who can make complex tech make sense —and more importantly, make it useful. We talk about what AI actually means for dealerships, business owners, and people in general—not in the theoretical sense, but in the “what should I be doing about this right now?” kind of way. Here’s a glimpse of...
May 22, 2025•31 min
In this episode, my guest is Jacqui Barker , Global OEM Strategy Director at Keyloop , joining me from the floor of the Toronto International Auto Show. We get into the real stuff—the behind-the-scenes friction points in today’s car buying journey and what needs to change now if dealerships want to stay relevant in a world of evolving tech and rising customer expectations, and let me tell you—this conversation will challenge how you see digital retailing, data integration, and the customer exper...
May 15, 2025•25 min
In this episode, my guest is Shahin Alizadeh, President and CEO of Downtown Auto Group – a powerhouse in the automotive and real estate industries. Shahin has redefined what a dealership can be, transforming a small, struggling lot to then developing a leading edge Auto Complex But this isn’t just another dealership success story. Shahin dives deep into how he leveraged prime real estate to create a hybrid model that generates revenue from car sales, fixed operations, and real estate development...
May 08, 2025•30 min
My guest in this episode is Agnes Di Leonardi — an automotive executive, a lawyer, and one of the few recipients of the prestigious Order of Canada for her contributions to the industry. With over 30 years of experience across companies like Ford, Mazda, and Sym Tech Dealer Services, Agnes brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership, inclusion, and the evolution of the auto business. In this episode, we talk about why representation matters, how resilience and curiosity fuel career growth, and...
May 01, 2025•22 min
In this episode I’m hanging out in person with my good friend Kyle Mountsier—COO at ASOTU (Automotive State of the Union), we talk about everything from AI implementation in dealerships to the real reason human connection is the most valuable currency in retail auto . We’re recording this one in person from New York City, floor-sitting style (yep, you read that right)—and it’s one of the most candid, dynamic convos I’ve had. We dive into: How to responsibly integrate AI into your dealership with...
Apr 24, 2025•21 min
In this episode, my guest is Christine Mitchell—aka The Car Lady — founder of The Car Lady Canada, and we talk about what it really takes to build dealership loyalty, elevate women in automotive, and create a culture that actually sticks. Christine’s been in the car business since she was 16—and what started as a gig in the lube lane turned into a national movement that’s helping dealers across the country retain customers and talent. We talk about: Why most “women in automotive” conversations a...
Apr 17, 2025•22 min
In this episode, my guest is Edwin Frizzell , Regional Vice President and General Manager at the legendary Fairmont Royal York , and we’re talking about what it really takes to create unforgettable guest experiences, build strong internal culture, and lead with purpose in fast-paced, high-expectation environments. Edwin shared a real-world example of how a single gesture at a car dealership completely changed his perception—and potentially his buying decision. “I’m actually considering buying a ...
Apr 10, 2025•20 min
In this episode, my guest is Miranda Pyette, founder of Purpose Automotive and one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to dealership social strategy. She’s been in the trenches. From hustling newspaper ads to helping dealers make the massive leap from print to digital. Now, she’s leading a powerhouse team of women helping dealerships across Canada crush it on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and more. In this episode, we unpack: How dealers can stop getting crushed by “van...
Apr 03, 2025•28 min
In this episode, my guest is Omar Gandhi , founder of Omar Gandhi Architects (OG) and the architectural genius behind Audi Haus. Omar’s firm, Omar Gandhi Architects , has built a reputation for creating spaces that do more than just exist—they make people feel something. And as it turns out, when people feel something, they’re more likely to engage, connect, and even buy . In this episode, we talk about the power of intentional design and how Omar, the brilliant architect behind Audi Haus shares...
Mar 27, 2025•20 min
In this episode, my guest is Nick Askew, CEO of Space Auto — a guy who went from composing music to selling cars to building game-changing tech for dealerships. Yeah, you read that right. His journey proves that creativity, sales, and innovation are more connected than we think—and that fresh thinking might be exactly what the auto biz needs right now. Nick and I dive into the good stuff— big ideas, bold perspectives, and the kind of convo that makes you stop and go, “Huh… never looked at it tha...
Mar 20, 2025•30 min
In this episode, my guest is Luke Lunkenheimer , the President of Paid to Persuade , and let’s just say… his road to success wasn’t exactly a straight line. Before becoming a persuasion expert and sitting at the table with guys like Tai Lopez and Brad Lea , Luke took a few, uh… detours but we’ll get to that. But here’s the crazy part—his past is exactly what shaped him into the sales and leadership expert he is today. We’re talking about a guy who went from getting locked up to unlocking next-le...
Mar 13, 2025•34 min
In this special episode, I pay tribute to my friend and industry icon, Jim "The Alpha Dawg" Ziegler. If you’ve been in the car business for more than five minutes, you probably know his name—or at the very least, you’ve heard his unmistakable voice calling it like it is. Jim was one of a kind, and his impact on the industry, and on me personally, is something I won’t soon forget. And because his words still carry weight today, I’m including a full replay of our last conversation on the podcast—a...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min
In this episode, my guest is John Dwyer—a marketing enigma known for crafting “way-outside-the-box” customer attraction strategies. John is the brains behind campaigns that have turned entire industries on their heads. He’s the guy who got Jerry Seinfeld out of retirement for an ad campaign (seriously, who does that?!), and he’s been helping businesses attract customers like a magnet without ever relying on discounting. And in this episode? We’re pulling back the curtain on how he does it. Why p...
Feb 27, 2025•25 min
In this episode, my guest is Bradley Gelber—the digital media and content marketing mastermind at West Herr Auto Group, the largest privately-owned dealer group in New York. Now, let me ask you something… Does your dealership’s online presence actually stand out? Or are you just another brand blending into the endless scroll of sameness? Here’s the brutal truth: Most dealerships treat social media like a digital billboard, and it’s killing their engagement. But Brad? He gets it. He’s built a bra...
Feb 20, 2025•27 min
In this episode, my guest is Chance Mayfield, founder of Carfluent - we sit down to talk about how dealerships can better connect with Spanish-speaking buyers, create a seamless customer experience, and ultimately drive more sales. Here’s the deal… The Spanish-speaking car market in the U.S. is MASSIVE yet it remains one of the most underserved consumer groups in the auto industry. Dealers are either ignoring it or flat-out getting it wrong. And that? That’s leaving a TON of money on the table. ...
Feb 13, 2025•26 min
In this episode, my guest is Brian Kramer, EVP of Dealer Growth & Success at Cars Commerce. Brian has a unique perspective—he’s got eyes on thousands of dealerships, millions of VDPs, and the real numbers behind what’s working (and what’s not). We dive into some game-changing insights about how dealers can stop guessing and start measuring their online road to the sale, fix inventory inefficiencies, and finally connect the dots between marketing, CRM data, and actual sales. Now, here’s the t...
Feb 06, 2025•28 min
Tariffs. Chaos. Panic. The sky is falling! Or… is it? If you’ve been anywhere near the news lately, you’ve seen the headlines. “Tariffs are coming! Businesses are doomed!” And yeah, for a hot minute, it looked like we were in for a wild ride. But then—mid-recording, literally while the cameras were rolling—everything changed. The news flipped. No tariffs (for now). Just like that. And that right there is the problem. We live in an industry that thrives on fear and uncertainty. But here’s the rea...
Feb 04, 2025•16 min
In this episode, my guest is Justin Friend, Senior VP at Dealers United; today, we’re going to talk about why social media is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for dealerships looking to sell more cars. Think about it. If a customer walks into your showroom and feels like they know your team before they even shake your hand, the sale is already halfway done. And that’s exactly what today’s best dealers are figuring out— your ad strategy isn’t just about selling cars; it’s about ma...
Jan 30, 2025•28 min
Today’s recap is comin’ at you straight from the iconic Sazerac House in New Orleans—a legendary spot where the ASOTU More Than Cars party went down last night. (If you missed it, let’s just say the energy was off the charts) But let’s talk about what went down on the trade show floor today because that’s where the magic happened. The theme of the day? Efficiency . Dealers are looking at 2024 as a reset—a chance to shake off what hasn’t worked and use this year as a launching pad for 2025. The b...
Jan 25, 2025•4 min
Day 1 of NADA unfolded in “interesting” circumstances. Delayed shipments, stranded attendees, and a city adjusting to unexpected weather could have derailed everything. But this industry proved once again that resilience is in its DNA. If Day 1 taught us anything, it’s this: We’re tougher than we give ourselves credit for, and when faced with challenges, we find solutions. The show must go on—and it did. On to Day 2. Stay Tuned! - - - Leave a Review: If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love an ...
Jan 24, 2025•6 min
In this episode, my guest is Elena Ciccotelli, founder of the EVs for Everyone Podcast , and we’re diving into one of the hottest topics in automotive right now " EVs" We dive into the heart of the EV debate, covering everything from the real challenges facing dealerships to the massive opportunities sitting right under their noses. We talk about the questions you’re probably already thinking about: Why are EVs so polarizing? Is it the infrastructure? The regulations? Or are we all just scared o...
Jan 23, 2025•39 min
In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Disher, CEO of RevDojo, to peel back the layers on one of the most overlooked, yet game-changing aspects of the automotive industry: hiring, training, and accountability. Kyle's seen it all—over a decade of dealership mystery shops, thousands of hires, and countless training sessions. Together, we uncover what separates dealerships that thrive from those stuck in survival mode. And let me tell you, the difference often comes down to one thing: commitment to ...
Jan 16, 2025•44 min
In this episode my guest is Robin Wilson, founder of Social Grenade, we’re diving deep into the messy, weird, and wonderful world of social media for car dealerships —what works, what flops, and how to stop posting inventory photos like you’re running a 2003 Craigslist ad. If you’ve ever wondered: “Are we posting too much… or not enough?” “Why aren’t we getting engagement on our posts?” “Is TikTok even worth it, or should we just stick to dancing in the showroom after hours?” Robin’s got answers...
Jan 09, 2025•41 min
If you hear the word “AI” and immediately picture a clunky chatbot throwing out robotic answers like “I’m sorry, Dave, I can’t do that”—you’re in for a wake-up call. In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Maarten Bekkers, the founder of AutoChat, to break down how AI is so much more than a fancy Q&A bot on your website. Oh, and if you’re still chasing endless leads like a golden retriever chasing a tennis ball… buckle up. Maarten and I dive into why quality leads > lead v...
Jan 02, 2025•45 min
Welcome back to The Dealer Playbook Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a conversation that’s been setting the internet on fire: Is AI spelling the end of Google as we know it? I’ve brought in my friend and digital marketing expert, Dave Spannhake from Reunion Marketing , to help us cut through the noise, separate fact from fiction, and give you a clear picture of what’s really happening in the world of search, AI, and dealership marketing strategies. We’ve all seen the headlines, heard the hype, ...
Dec 26, 2024•21 min
