Car Dealership Guy Podcast

Welcome to Industry Spotlight—a focused series hosted by Sam D’Arc, highlighting standout dealerships and innovative companies, and exploring the trends driving success in today’s automotive market.Today, Sam sits down with Cody Hansen, Fixed Operations Director Ferman Automotive, and Matt Gonzalez, Sr. Account Executive, Automotive at Uber.This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Uber For Business:Uber For Business - With Uber for Business, dealerships create a seamless experience for their customers, while helping them get employees and parts where they need to go. Thousands of dealerships have implemented Uber for Business to bolster current offerings, with the goal to increase efficiency, optimize costs and create a superior customer experience. Learn more about how Uber can support your dealership's goals @ t.uber.com/CDGauto 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes:Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bitesSubscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bitesSubscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bitesNeed help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.comInterested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3SuismuTopics:00:24 – What are today’s biggest fixed ops challenges?01:28 – How does service-sales collaboration drive retention?03:05 – What makes your technician training unique?05:27 – Why choose ride-sharing for dealership logistics?10:16 – How does Uber optimize parts delivery?12:38 – What liabilities do dealer trades introduce?14:58 – Can Uber Eats enhance dealership operations?16:36 – What measurable savings has Uber delivered?19:48 – How will AI shape automotive logistics?Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/My Socials:X ➤ x.com/GuyDealershipInstagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealershipLinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguyThreads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguyFacebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.comThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Today I’m joined by Christian Crain, VP of Operations at Crain Automotive — a 16-store dealer group based in Arkansas. We dig into a story that’s both unique and all too common in the car business: generational turmoil, how control can fracture a family, what it takes for the next generation to rebuild and much more.CDG's Automotive Tariff Tracker mentioned in this episode: https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/breaking-cdg-s-automaker-tariff-tracker-is-here-2025-04-03This episode is brought to you by:1. Qmerit - Selling EVs can have a lot of friction points. But home charging installation shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why dealers and automakers trust Qmerit—the go-to expert for home charging installations. Join Qmerit’s dealership partner program and start earning referral incentives on every installation. Visit @ https://www.qmerit.com/carguy to learn more.2. CDK Global - CDK Global is the go-to tech partner for car dealers and automakers. Beyond top-tier software, their Research and Insights team delivers powerful reports year-round—like the Friction Points study, revealing what slows down the buying process and why F&I still matters. Want the full report? Learn more @ https://www.CDK.com/insights 3. CDG Recruiting - The Go-To Talent Partner for Dealers. Hire pre-vetted GMs, sales, F&I, fixed ops, C-suite, and back-office talent—ready to perform. Faster hires, better results. Book a call → http://www.CDGRecruiting.com 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes:Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bitesSubscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bitesSubscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bitesNeed help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.comInterested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3SuismuTopics:00:20 – How have tariffs impacted dealership operations?02:35 – What shaped this family automotive legacy?05:05 – How do family dynamics affect business decisions?10:16 – What leadership changes drove transformation?18:28 – Which technologies revolutionized your operations?23:18 – What were your first critical challenges?24:57 – How do you elevate customer experience?29:26 – Why are OEM relationships crucial?38:09 – What's your vision for strategic growth?Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/My Socials:X ➤ x.com/GuyDealershipInstagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealershipLinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguyThreads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguyFacebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.comThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Tom Bear, the Platform Used Car Director at Cable Dahmer Automotive Group, and Frank Zombo, Vice President of Sales at Auto Hauler Exchange, share insights from the evolving used car market. They dive into strategies for navigating market volatility and the impact of rising prices on profitability. Their discussion highlights how Auto Hauler Exchange revolutionizes vehicle shipping, enhancing efficiency with reduced costs and faster deliveries. Listeners will learn about adapting to trends and optimizing logistics in a competitive landscape.

Michael Wood, GM at Jaguar Land Rover Virginia Beach, shares his unique take on transforming luxury car sales through outstanding customer experience. He discusses Jaguar's return as a niche sports car brand and the necessity for dealerships to shift from transactional to holistic customer engagement. Wood emphasizes innovative strategies, including personalized services and even pasta-making classes, to foster loyalty. Additionally, he touches on adapting to electric vehicle trends and employing technology to enhance the buying journey.

Join Oliver Phillips, COO of Qmerit, as he delves into the hidden hurdles of electric vehicle ownership, particularly around home charging installations. He discusses why Florida is emerging as an EV leader and how various consumer preferences influence sales. The conversation highlights the importance of dealer education and transparent processes to combat charging anxiety. Oliver also sheds light on the economic benefits of EV adoption and the evolving support roles dealerships must take to thrive in this shifting market.

In this intriguing discussion, auto retailer Andy Wright and global Honda dealer Brian Benstock join a powerhouse panel to dissect the imminent auto tariffs. They analyze how these tariffs will influence vehicle prices, especially for luxury brands like Mercedes and Porsche. The experts delve into the strategies dealerships are adopting to navigate challenges, from inventory management to economic shifts affecting consumer demand. With insights from various industry leaders, this conversation reveals how the automotive sector is preparing for a turbulent future.

Chad Rycenga, Chief Product Officer at Authenticom, dives into the tumultuous world of dealership data. He discusses how dealers can protect customer information while navigating threats from vendors. Rycenga emphasizes the role of clean data and AI in enhancing profits and customer relations. He also sheds light on the complexities of data monetization, urging dealerships to vet their vendors carefully. With powerful data management tools at hand, he presents a future where smart data strategies drive success in automotive retail.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Dahl, President of Dahl Automotive and a fifth-generation dealer, shares his inspiring journey of transformation from entitlement to humility and sobriety. He reveals strategies behind growing his business to $1 billion in sales, emphasizing community service and core values. Andrew also discusses the challenges of maintaining a family legacy in the auto industry, balancing growth with profitability, and the importance of nurturing talent. With insightful tips on innovative marketing and internal strategies, this chat offers valuable lessons for any entrepreneur.

Today, I’m sitting down with David Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global to discuss: Tesla polarizing customers and the brands they are flocking to, The potential impact of auto tariffs and how manufacturers are pivoting, the coming drought of used rental inventory—plus much more.This episode is brought to you by:DriveHRIS - DriveHRIS streamlines hiring, onboarding, timesheets, PTO tracking, and payroll—all in one seamless platform. Let DriveHRIS handle HR and Safety so you can focus on what really matters—boosting your CSI scores, improving customer experience, and selling more vehicles. Visit @ https://drive2025.com/ to grab your FREE workbook on 'Retention Strategies for Dealerships in 2025.PayJunction - Are you leaving money on the table with your current payment processor? This is why PayJunction provides a modern, integrated payment solution that lowers costs, improves financial visibility, and streamlines transactions for auto dealers without requiring a software change. Ready to cut costs and save time? Download this free guide to learn how PayJunction can help your dealership optimize payments and cut costs here @ https://carguymedia.com/payjunction 🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to Car Dealership Guy Bites, for quick, daily insights into automotive retail — delivered in less than 5 minutes:Subscribe on Apple: https://carguymedia.com/apple_bitesSubscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bitesSubscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bitesNeed help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.comInterested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3SuismuTopics:00:00: Intro00:08 What is the current state of the auto industry?01:10 What is David Thomas’ background and experience?02:46 How does economic uncertainty affect consumer behavior?06:26 How do inventory levels impact customer experience?13:45 What are the latest trends in the EV market?16:48 How does Tesla influence market dynamics and politics?23:28 How can salesperson performance in dealerships improve?30:34 What are the predictions for the auto industry’s future?33:30 What are the final thoughts and conclusions?Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/My Socials:X ➤ x.com/GuyDealershipInstagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealershipLinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguyThreads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguyFacebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.comThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Vinay Shahani, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at Nissan/Infiniti USA, dives into Nissan's comeback strategy and the evolving automotive landscape. He discusses the need for a diverse product mix, balancing dealer counts with brand perception, and the importance of strong dealer relationships. Vinay shares insights on profitability, innovative consumer incentives like extended warranties, and the company's adaptation to consumer preferences. He emphasizes transparency and collaboration as vital for revitalizing Nissan’s dealer network and enhancing market competitiveness.