

Car Dealership Guy Podcast
Car Dealership Guy
The Car Dealership Guy Podcast Network is your front-row seat to the people, companies, and trends shaping the future of automotive retail—delivered across three focused formats:The Car Dealership Guy Podcast (Tuesdays & Thursdays)Hosted by Yossi Levi, these deep-dive interviews feature top dealers, operators, and innovators driving the industry forward.Daily Dealer Live (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays)Our live-streamed show, also released here in audio format, brings real-time news, sharp takes, and high-impact guests—think CNBC for car dealers.Industry SpotlightHosted by Sam D’Arc, this segment highlights standout dealerships and vendors with tactical insights and stories from the front lines.Follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for highlights and behind-the-scenes content from every episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2025 • 33min
The Future of Service – How Reviews & Mobile Options Are Reshaping Dealer Success | Kim Saylor, Senior Director of Product Marketing at CDK Global
Today I’m joined by Kim Saylor, Senior Director of Product Marketing at CDK Global.
We break down why younger customers choose service providers based on online reviews, how AI is reducing wait times in service, and why mobile service is becoming a premium convenience buyers will pay for.
Kim also explains how recalls create real service opportunities and how dealers can better educate customers. This conversation is full of actionable strategies for adapting to Gen Z expectations.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. OPENLANE - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ http://openlane.com/cdg
2. vAuto - As the industry’s premier provider of end-to-end inventory management solutions, vAuto gives every dealer—from a single point store to the largest groups—the data, insights and tools they need to maximize returns from the new and used vehicle inventory investments. Known for its game-changing inventory management innovations, vAuto provides AI-powered predictive data science to help dealers see their future and consistently make the right, ROI-minded decisions with every vehicle they appraise, acquire, price and retail. Visit @ https://www.vauto.com for more details.
3. CDK Global - Dealers—big news. CDK just leveled up their CRM in a massive way. We’re talking next-gen AI baked right into your daily workflow: Automatically following up with internet leads, surfacing buyer insights, and giving you instant AI-generated summaries of every customer interaction—no more digging through notes. And CRM Video is here. Record, send, and track personalized videos to customers—all inside the CRM. Check out the AI enhanced CDK CRM: Visit @ https://www2.cdkglobal.com/l/146251/2025-11-24/3fy2v4
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
00:49 The Importance of Fixed Operations
02:37 Service Shopper Study Insights
03:53 Gen Z Loyalty and Communication Preferences
06:48 Mobile Service Trends and Dealer Recommendations
15:28 The Role of AI in Service Departments
25:14 The Impact of Recalls on Dealerships
29:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

Nov 28, 2025 • 52min
Brink on Growing A Multi-State Group, Bennett on Leadership Development | Daily Dealer Live
In this engaging discussion, Nolan Brink, a seasoned multi-store general manager at Jim Shorkey Auto Group, shares invaluable insights on leadership and the importance of training culture in dealerships. He dives into innovative strategies for inventory management and emphasizes the role of data in enhancing performance. Meanwhile, Matt Bennett, VP at Northwood University, highlights the necessity of formal automotive education, showcasing the relaunch of their MBA program. He underscores the vital skills graduates bring to the industry and the significance of hands-on experience.

Nov 27, 2025 • 49min
From Corporate to Rural Dealer: What It Takes to Win Today in Every Market | Michael Handwerger, President & Dealer Principal at Alpha One Automotive
Today I’m joined by President & Dealer Principal at Alpha One Automotive.
We break down his jump from a corporate career into dealership ownership, and why social media became one of his strongest tools for credibility and recruiting.
Michael also shares why acquiring rooftops is tougher than ever, how rural stores operate differently from metro dealerships, and what it takes to build a culture that actually performs. His perspective on customer segmentation, profitability expectations, and growth models gives dealers a clear look at the realities of operating in today’s market.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. Foureyes - Foureyes fixes what’s underneath —by connecting CRM, inventory, website, and DMS data so it’s clean, connected, and flowing. Then all the stuff you've been stacking on top? It finally works. Collect, connect, and put your data to work – visit @ http://www.foureyes.io to learn more
2. AFSA - Get Revv’d Up for the Ultimate Vehicle Finance Event of 2026 February 3rd to 5th, 2026 | Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. The vehicle finance industry is evolving at breakneck speed. Are you ready to accelerate ahead of the competition? Join hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers at the 2026 American Financial Services Association Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo—the must-attend event where cutting-edge insights, powerful connections, and game-changing strategies converge under one roof. World-Class Keynote speakers who inspire action, and sessions that put vehicle finance insights into overdrive. Secure your spot today @ http://vf-conference.afsaonline.org - The 2026 AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo – Where the Leaders in Vehicle Finance Accelerate to Success.
3. CDG Circles - A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit @ https://cdgcircles.com to learn more.
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
00:21 How did Michael enter the auto industry?
01:28 Transitioning to dealership ownership how?
05:03 How social media drives professional growth?
08:49 Biggest challenge in rural dealerships?
17:27 Leadership's role in community impact?
24:21 Are rural dealerships still viable?
25:12 Best growth model for rural stores?
27:55 Transitioning to exotic cars: why?
37:48 Future plans for the business?
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
Thanksgiving Special – Marks, Khazravan, Mace on Dealership Gratitude | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Dave Marks, CEO/Founder DSM Auto Family
Aladdin Khazravan, Founder of Dealer Cards
Catherine York Mace, Manager at Vann York Auto Group
This episode is brought to you by:
Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don’t wait! Head to https://matador.ai/ and book your demo today.
Dealer Cards – the direct-mail platform built specifically for dealerships. With Dealer Cards, you can send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, and service reminders — even include brownies — all hands-free and branded for your store. Right now, CDG listeners can get a free sample box with cards and brownies at https://dealercards.com/cdg
CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more.
Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It’s the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas!
—
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 ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/
Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

Nov 25, 2025 • 36min
The Hidden Leak in Service: How Data is Exposing The Customer Retention Crisis and How to Fix it
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 Kevin Frye, Marketing Director Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, and Paul Nadjarian, Chief Product Officer at CARFAX.
This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by CARFAX.
CARFAX - Here's a reality check: CARFAX data shows that 55% of car
buyers won't return to the same dealership for service in year one. That’s lost
revenue walking out your door. But Carfax Lifetime Dealers don’t stop
after the sale. They partner with CARFAX to deliver co-branded, VIN-specific
service reminders that drive customers back to their service lane. The
CARFAX Lifetime program: Give customers the insight they want, earn the loyalty you need. Contact your CARFAX representative today. Learn more at carfax.com/CDG.
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
01:27 Why is service retention so critical?
02:34 Biggest customer communication challenge today?
03:10 OEM vs. dealer loyalty: who wins?
05:41 How is Carfax for Life game-changing?
07:52 Using data to boost retention how?
10:42 Future of customer engagement in service?
18:28 Most actionable insight for dealers now?
27:20 AI and data hygiene's role?
35:09 Final advice for improving retention?
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Barbosa on End of Sale, Steinberg on Data Silos, Woolsey on Dealership Security | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Eric Barbosa, VP of Variable Operations at Cavender Auto Group
David Steinberg, CEO/Founder of Foureyes
Robert Woolsey, Director of Corporate Security at Swickard Group
This episode is brought to you by:
Matador AI – Discover why the biggest dealership groups in America are using Matador AI to enhance their Sales and BDC teams to sell and service more cars than ever before. Right now, podcast listeners get the first 30 days risk-free with an included white-glove onboarding, so you can experience the difference in your store. This offer is only available until the end of the month, so don’t wait! Head to https://matador.ai/ and book your demo today.
Foureyes – Foureyes fixes what’s underneath by connecting CRM, inventory, website, and DMS data so it’s clean, connected, and flowing. Then all the stuff you've been stacking on top? It finally works. Collect, connect, and put your data to work – visit https://foureyes.io/ to learn more
CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more.
Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It’s the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas!
—
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 ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/
Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

Nov 21, 2025 • 1h
Fixed Ops Friday with David Rogers, and Kevin Stuckey | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
David Rogers, Fixed Operations Director at Piazza Auto Group
Kevin Stuckey, Platform Director - Fixed Operations at Parkway Family Auto Group
This episode is brought to you by:
KPA – Escalating fines and enforcement actions are hitting dealers hard across safety, privacy, and F&I compliance. KPA's Complete Compliance Suite is the only all-in-one solution that protects your dealership from every compliance risk. Our integrated software, expert consulting, and award-winning training help you reduce insurance premiums, mitigate liability exposure, and protect your reputation. Learn more at https://kpa.io/automotive/
CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more.
Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It’s the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas!
—
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 ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/
Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
The 10-Year Buyout Playbook – Inside the Unicorn-Driven Dealership Model That’s Disrupting Auto Retail | Jim Keffer, CEO of Keffer Auto Group
Today I’m joined by Jim Keffer, CEO of Keffer Auto Group.
We break down his radical 10-year buyout model, why he hunts “unicorn” operators instead of centralizing, and how underperforming rooftops become high-ROI assets.
Jim also explains the math behind buying broken stores, the traits that separate true owner-operators, and the coming shakeups he sees from Carvana, CarMax, and digital retailing. It’s a candid, transparent look at a model most dealers never get to see up close.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. Lotlinx - What if ChatGPT actually spoke dealer? Meet LotGPT — the first AI chatbot built just for car dealers. Fluent in your market, your dealership, and your inventory, LotGPT delivers instant insights to help you merchandise smarter, move inventory faster, and maximize profit. It pulls from your live inventory, CRM, and Google Analytics to give VIN-specific recommendations, helping dealers price vehicles accurately, spot wasted spend, and uncover the hottest opportunities — all in seconds. LotGPT is free for dealers, but invite-only. Join the waitlist now @ Lotlinx.com/LotGPT
2. vAuto - The average car sits 45 days before getting shipped to another store — hoping it’ll sell faster somewhere else. But guess what? Once it lands there, it usually sits another 30 days. On paper, that looks fine. In reality, that car’s been tying up capital for 75 days — bleeding margin the whole time. The fix? Get the car to the right store on day one — or move it before the clock runs out. Because every day you wait, you’re losing gross you’ll never get back. Check out vAuto’s new guide on centralized inventory management @ https://www.vauto.com
3. CDG Circles - A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit @ https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more.
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
00:08 Biggest challenge in the car business?
00:52 How does the decentralized model work?
03:41 What is the buyout model?
07:08 How to find the right operators?
32:48 How does goodwill depreciation work?
33:15 How to identify and hire talent?
34:01 Biggest used car sales challenge?
37:45 Balancing sales efficiency with customer experience?
58:18 Future of car dealerships?
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

8 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
Terrell on QB to GM, Daly/Chodor on NADA, Scott on Content Creation | Daily Dealer Live
Zach Terrell, General Manager at Ziegler Auto Group and former D1 quarterback, shares insights on leadership and team building in dealerships. He compares sports tactics to auto retail, emphasizing accountability and camaraderie. Gray Scott, former VP of Marketing at Ultimate Toys, discusses harnessing generative AI for content creation and emotional storytelling in dealer marketing. They explore AI's role in transforming operations and enhancing customer experience, alongside proactive tactics for preventing service defection and improving engagement.

Nov 18, 2025 • 32min
"Stop Breaking Even!" – The Playbook to Make Money on Wholesale And What Dealers Miss | Kirk Rogers, Head of Wholesale at McCarthy Auto Group
Today I’m joined by Kirk Rogers, Wholesale Manager at McCarthy Auto Group.
We dig into why wholesale should be a strategic lever—not a last-resort escape hatch, how efficient transport unlocks massive savings, and the process McCarthy uses to eliminate the automotive retails biggest logistics bottleneck.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. Auto Hauler Exchange - Ship Smarter. Pay Less. No Middlemen. Tired of brokers driving up costs and slowing you down? Auto Hauler Exchange puts YOU in control. Ship cars faster and cheaper with 5,500+ vetted carriers. Get cars delivered in just 4 days on average. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and real-time tracking. Move cars smarter. Move cars faster. Learn more: http://www.autohaulerexchange.com
2. automotiveMastermind - Mornings are for momentum—and Mastermind helps you build it. automotiveMastermind is the automotive industry’s trusted data and technology provider, empowering sales teams to start their day with data they can trust and end it with deals that drive results. Car Dealership Guy listeners can take Mastermind’s 30-second Sales Efficiency Assessment to see how their dealership stacks up. Visit @ https://drive.automotivemastermind.com/cdg to learn more and to activate your offer.
3. vAuto - The average car sits 45 days before getting shipped to another store — hoping it’ll sell faster somewhere else. But guess what? Once it lands there, it usually sits another 30 days. On paper, that looks fine. In reality, that car’s been tying up capital for 75 days — bleeding margin the whole time. The fix? Get the car to the right store on day one — or move it before the clock runs out. Because every day you wait, you’re losing gross you’ll never get back. Check out vAuto’s new guide on centralized inventory management: https://www.vauto.com
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
00:46 Current state of the wholesale market?
01:35 Key responsibilities at McCarthy Auto Group?
02:29 Biggest wholesale strategy challenge?
03:22 How has wholesale landscape changed?
04:39 Best acquisition and disposition tactics?
09:44 Key metrics for wholesale success?
18:51 Managing recon and logistics effectively?
23:36 Strategies to cut recon costs?
27:08 How to compete with industry giants?
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com


