

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 8, 2025 • 45min
Used Car Special: Winning Strategies w/ Pohanka and Scates | Daily Dealer Live
Tim Pohanka, Vice President of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai, shares insights on the no-appointment service model and how fixed operations can drive growth in dealerships. He highlights the importance of transparency through video multipoint inspections. Jeremy Scates, President of 111 Motor Cars, discusses his luxury-focused independent dealership, emphasizing a hospitality-driven approach and innovative inventory sourcing strategies. Both guests offer valuable advice for navigating today’s used car market while fostering community connections.

Dec 6, 2025 • 37min
The Human Skill the Industry Lost — and How Great Dealers Are Scaling It to 10K+ Leads Daily | Industry Spotlight
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 Jeremy Nowling, Sales and Digital Retailing Director at Rohrman Auto Group, and Matt Muilenburg, Chief Product Officer of Impel.
This episode is brought to you by Impel:
Impel - Meet the AI Operating System built for a new era of automotive retailing. From CRM to service bay, from website to DMS, it unifies and orchestrates every part of your dealership operations—and your customer lifecycle. Visit @ http://impel.ai and and discover how Impel AI turns routine interactions into VIP experiences.
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:
00:45 What do customers expect from dealerships now?
02:01 How is AI changing modern dealerships?
04:32 How did dealerships operate before AI?
05:53 How to implement AI for leads?
07:30 How to customize AI for engagement?
11:14 Why must dealers engage with AI?
14:24 How to train staff on AI?
20:28 What is AI's future in dealerships?
31:56 Final advice for AI adoption?
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

30 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
Fixed Ops Friday – Lupo, Griffis, Kent, Gonzalez | Daily Dealer Live
Richard Lupo, Fixed Operations Director at Apple Tree Honda & Acura, dives into innovations like mobile service integration and effective retention strategies. Jamie Kent, Chief Strategy Officer at Overfuel, shares insider tips on enhancing website performance and maximizing digital presence. Manny Gonzalez, Fixed Operations Manager at Ramsey Mazda, emphasizes intentional coaching and effective loaner processes to boost customer satisfaction. Together, they explore the intersection of technology and customer experience in the automotive industry.

Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Miller on Alleged Breach, O'Hara on Chicago Market, Davila on Buying Used Cars | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Brad Miller, CEO of ComplyAuto
Will O'Hara, General Manager at Zeigler Auto Group
Roy Davila, Variable Operations Director at Steele Auto Group
This episode is brought to you by:
Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help shoppers make confident buying decisions. Cars.com is the flagship offering from Cars Commerce, an audience-driven technology company simplifying everything about buying and selling cars. Learn more at https://www.carscommerce.inc/marketplace.
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

Dec 4, 2025 • 54min
“Retail Is Detail!” — Why Todd Blue Returned to Luxury Retail and the Model He’s Building Now | Todd Blue, Dealer Principal of Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona and CEO of LAPIS
Today I’m joined by Todd Blue, Dealer Principal of Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona and CEO of LAPIS.
We break down how luxury dealerships can truly differentiate in a crowded market and why direct customer engagement still drives outsized loyalty.
Todd opens up about leverage, market cycles, and why he exited his business at its peak. We also explore what it really takes to elevate underperforming stores and thrive even when the economy turns.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. fullthrottle.ai® - fullthrottle.ai® is a next-generation AdTech powerhouse. The Automotive DSP™ is built specifically for the auto industry, combining advanced programmatic targeting, real-time bidding, and analytics tailored to drive dealership and OEM performance. With fullthrottle.ai®, marketers can reach the right car shoppers at the right moment and optimize toward real business outcomes like test drives, leads, or sales. fullthrottle.ai® bridges the gap between auto media buying and results-driven marketing. Check out http://fullthrottle.ai
2. Uber for Business - With Central, you can request a ride on behalf of your customers even if they don’t have the Uber app. If you’re ready to reduce the costs associated with maintaining shuttles and limit the liability of loaner vehicles, it's time to partner with Uber. Visit @ http://t.uber.com/CDGauto today
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:
00:15 How did Todd Blue's early life shape him?
00:41 Vanity plates: funniest or most memorable?
02:57 Why re-enter the car business?
13:54 Key to building a luxury empire?
20:22 How to handle ultra-wealthy clients?
25:03 Delivering a premium experience: how?
28:52 Secret to building a successful team?
32:29 Why sell a successful business?
46:35 Navigating economic uncertainty: best strategy?
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

Dec 3, 2025 • 57min
Robb on December Predictions, Scroggins on Developing Service Talent | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive
Derek Scroggins, Parts and Service Director at Pilson Automotive and Power Sports
This episode is brought to you by:
Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight true value and help shoppers make confident buying decisions. Cars.com is the flagship offering from Cars Commerce, an audience-driven technology company simplifying everything about buying and selling cars. Learn more at https://www.carscommerce.inc/marketplace.
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

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


