The Independent Dealer Podcast - podcast cover

The Independent Dealer Podcast

Jeff Watson & Luke Godwinwww.theindependentdealer.com
A podcast for Independent Used Car Dealers to get help on how to improve their dealerships and their life. As current used car dealers, Luke and Jeff find the best advice from industry experts and other successful dealers. If you want to learn and grow your business with like minded used car dealers tune in each week. "Dealers Helping Dealers"
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Episodes

#386 - How I Built This With Shay Phillips

In this episode, the boys sit down with Shay Phillips for another installment of the How I Built This series. Shay pulls back the curtain on: ✅ Building and running his dealership ✅ Navigating dealer finance programs ✅ Smart and creative marketing strategies ✅ Creating a winning office culture ✅ And how he’s already using AI to level up operations Whether you’re looking for finance tips, marketing ideas, or inspiration on growing your team culture, this episode delivers. Thank you for listening....

Jul 03, 202527 min

#385 - Motivating Your Dealership Team: With Luke at NIADA

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, Luke takes the stage at NIADA to share actionable insights on building better dealership teams, creating a winning culture, and keeping your staff motivated. Luke breaks down: ✅ The concept of team ladders✅ Understanding tactical vs. adaptive leadership✅ How to build and maintain a strong dealership culture✅ Real-world tips for motivating your team and driving performance If you're looking to inspire your team and take your dealership leadership...

Jun 26, 202549 min

#384 - How I Built This: Eric Ryan (Part 2)

🎙️ In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, the boys are back with Eric Ryan for Part 2 of a brutally honest and insightful conversation.From navigating the chaos of the COVID years to the highs and lows of rapid growth, Eric shares what it’s really like to crash, rebuild, and learn along the way. We dive deep into: ✅ Growing on debt vs. equity ✅ Family dynamics in the dealership world ✅ What happens when you shrink as fast as you grow ✅ The realities of building (and rebuilding) a bu...

Jun 19, 202535 min

#383 - How I Built This: Eric Ryan (Part 1)

In this episode, the boys sit down with Eric Ryan to talk about scaling an independent dealership. And how he went from one location to A LOT more. This conversation is full of insights for dealers looking to tighten up their processes and learn from a different perspective. Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay ...

Jun 12, 202529 min

#382 - Level Up Your Sales Game

Ready to break through that sales plateau? In this episode, the boys get real about what it actually takes to reach the next level—from finding the right salespeople to dialing in your brand and nailing your customer avatar. We’re talking inventory that sells, ACV that makes sense, websites that convert, and why “brand, brand, brand” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your foundation. Whether you're struggling to get more traffic or wondering why your top salesperson left, this episode will hit home. Th...

Jun 05, 202533 min

#381 - Would YOU Buy This Dealership?

The Boys are back, and this one’s for the folks stuck in dealership limbo.This episode is all about movement — or the lack of it.They cover:🚗 Why some dealership sellers are completely out of touch🏘️ What to actually consider when real estate is part of the deal⏳ And why sitting on your hands isn’t a growth strategyWhether you're buying, selling, or just trying to level up your operation, this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s working — and what’s holding people back.Thank you for liste...

May 29, 202531 min

#380 - Industry Temperature Check with Jeff Martin

The Boys are sounding the alarm. Margins are getting squeezed, the BHPH model isn’t hitting like it used to, and independent dealers are being forced to adapt—or get left behind. In this episode, Jeff W. and Jeff M. dive into: ✅ Why collections are steady (but profits aren’t) ✅ How hybrid retail models are becoming the new normal ✅ Real about the convention floor Whether you’re holding the line or reinventing your lot, this episode is packed with the kind of street-smart advice you don’t hear on...

May 22, 202526 min

#379 - One Woman, One Vision, One Lot

In this episode, the boys are joined by Fernanda. Tune in as she tells her story of starting as an insurance agent and ending as an independent dealer. Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a reviewwww.theindependentdealer.comInfo@theindependentdealer.comSupport the businesses that support the podcast.Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!https://www.blytzpay.comBuc...

May 14, 202514 min

#378 - Passing The Torch

The boys are joined by a special guest at BHPH United 2025. They discuss navigating 2nd-generation dealership dynamics, how her dealership is run, and more. Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytz...

May 08, 202516 min

#377 - Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

Tune into this week's episode where the boys discuss cost awareness, finding solutions, and much more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your edu...

May 01, 202528 min

#376 - BHPH United 2025

In this episode, the boys chat with people they ran into at BHPH United 2025. They talk about buying habits, dealership trials, processes, etc. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Bucke...

Apr 24, 202519 min

#375 - Turn-N-Burnout

The boys discuss ways to stay motivated, the wear and tear of the job, being efficient, and finding purpose. Tune in to dive into the details. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckey...

Apr 17, 202524 min

#374 - Buckeye Bret

The boys are joined by Buckeye Bret. They talk about successful features of dealerships, the dealership business, and trends. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.-Leave us a reviewwww.theindependentdealer.comInfo@theindependentdealer.comSupport the businesses that support the podcast.Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!https://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Dealership Consulting ...

Apr 10, 202539 min

#373 - Tariff-ied

In this episode, the boys talk about Luke's first quarter, tariffs on cars, charge-offs, and a lot more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a reviewwww.theindependentdealer.comInfo@theindependentdealer.comSupport the businesses that support the podcast.Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!https://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Dealership Consulting for all your educati...

Apr 03, 202529 min

#372 - Can AI Save Your Collections Department?

The boys are joined by Robyn Burkinshaw. They discuss AI and its effects on collections, how Blytzpay utilizes it, and more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckeye Dealership Consu...

Mar 27, 202533 min

#371 - Helping Luke Transition

Tune into this week's episode. The boys discuss Luke's transition, and talk about the ins and outs of Retail vs. BHPH. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckeye Dealership Consulting ...

Mar 20, 202533 min

#370 - 3 Signs of Carpocalypse

In this episode the boys dive into the three signs of "Carpocalypse."Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.-Leave us a reviewwww.theindependentdealer.comInfo@theindependentdealer.comSupport the businesses that support the podcast.Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!https://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needshttps://www.b...

Mar 13, 202520 min

#369 - Catching Up With Kaleb Bryan

In this week's episode, the boys are joined by Kaleb Bryan. They chat about increasing leverage, the BHPH business, and success. Listen to episode 190 to hear more about Kaleb's background. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get...

Mar 06, 202542 min

#368 - Dale Matthews

In this week's episode, the boys are joined by the determined Dale Matthews. They talk about Dale's journey to the place she is now, and how she handles her dealership. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review w ww.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! http...

Feb 27, 202539 min

#367 - The Refunds Are Upon Us!

It's tax time! This week's episode dives into tips to handle this crazy season. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance ...

Feb 20, 202523 min

#365 - The 20 Group Takeaways

Tune into this episode where the boys discuss their key takeaways from Luke's LAST 20 group. They talk about delegation, utilizing AI, hiring, and much more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blyt...

Feb 13, 202526 min

#364 - What If They File Bankruptcy?

The boys are joined by Louis Barna. They take a deep dive into bankruptcy. Get in touch with Louis: Louis@tributecap.com Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckeye Dealership Consultin...

Feb 06, 202544 min

#363 - Our Top Priority For 2025

Tune into this week's episode where Steve Levine joins the boys. They discuss Ignite Consulting Partners, how they have aided their dealerships, and more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpa...

Jan 30, 202539 min

#362 - Doing Your Dealership Your Way

Tune into this week's episode, where the boys are joined by Garrett Jones. They talk about modernizing payments, slow-growth dealerships, being profitable, and more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://...

Jan 23, 202526 min

#361 - Looking Forward to 2025

Tune in to this episode, where the boys discuss debt, dealership "forecast," net equity, and more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your educati...

Jan 16, 202544 min

#360 - Luke's Last Episode ???

Tune in to this week's episode, where Luke shares some crazy news... Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.blytzpay.com Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs https...

Jan 09, 202539 min

#359 - How I Built This: Harry Buchelly Follow-up

Tune in to this weeks episode, where the boys continue their "Follow-up" series with a conversation with Harry Buchelly. They chat about Harry's ability to go completely BHPH, his advertising strategies, and much more. If you are interested in Harry's past episode on the podcast it is episode #150. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com I nfo@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that suppo...

Jan 02, 202546 min

#358 - How I Built This: Nick Markosian Follow-up

Tune into this weeks episode, where the boys continue the "How I Built This Follow-ups" by chatting with Nick Markosian. They talk about dealing with turnover, perfecting processes, and so much more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent ...

Dec 26, 202441 min

#357 - How I Built This: Flying Wheels Follow-up

In this episode, the boys meet with the brains behind Flying Wheels for a third time. They chat about Craig's dealership approach, remote ownership, and more. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! https://www.bly...

Dec 19, 202445 min

#356 - How I Built This: David Zapata Follow-up

This week's episode welcomes David Zapata back to the show to follow up on his last appearance. The boys dive into the ups and downs of dealerships, collection problems, and more. If you are interested in David’s last episode, it is episode 200. Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. -Leave us a revie wwww.theindependentdealer.com Info@theindependentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast. Blytzpay for your credit card processin...

Dec 12, 202438 min
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