Welcome to this special solo episode, as I celebrate ten years of unforgettable moments; I can't thank you enough for always being here with me every Thursday. Ten years ago, I took a leap of faith and launched the Dealer Playbook Podcast. From the nerve-wracking moment of hitting "publish" to the surreal experience of seeing our show hit "New and Noteworthy" on iTunes within 48 hours, it's been an incredible journey. We've hosted industry giants like Dr. Willie Jolly, Gary Vaynerchuk, a...

Hank Ebeling is the Owner and Lead Coach at H4 Training. With a background in the fitness industry and a deep understanding of hospitality, Hank has honed his skills in delivering exceptional customer experiences. His expertise has helped numerous small businesses differentiate themselves through superior service, making him a sought-after consultant and author of "Crushing the Competition with Service."What We Discuss in This Episode:In this episode I sit down with Hank Ebeling to uncover th...

Tustin Ulrich is the General Sales Manager at Roper Kia. In this episode, we discuss his inspiring journey of self-improvement, leadership, and maintaining balance in a demanding industry.Tustin’s personal journey is equally compelling—he has successfully managed a significant weight loss, focused on personal growth, and developed a mindset that prioritizes grace and intention.What We Discuss in This EpisodeBefore we begin, I want you to self-reflect on these 3 questions...How often do you ta...

We're in a fascinating time for the automotive industry. Electric vehicles are on the rise, consumer expectations are evolving, and dealerships need to adapt to stay ahead of the curve.Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by James Ricci, President of Roy Foss Automotive Group, a leading dealership group consistently recognized for its innovation and customer focus. As President of Roy Foss Automotive Group, he oversees a network of dealerships known for their commitment to providing exceptional c...

Joe St. John, a dynamic innovator in the automotive space, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a keen eye for identifying industry challenges and a passion for crafting innovative solutions, Joe's journey from disenchantment to reimagining the digital retail landscape is nothing short of inspiring.What We Discuss In This Episode:Joe provides invaluable insights into the challenges faced by dealerships in adapting to digital retailing. Drawing from his extensive experience, Joe ar...

After losing his leg in 2018, firefighter Gary Weiland did the impossible and went back to work. He didn’t stop there, and used this opportunity to be an inspiration. Since his surgery Gary has become a motivational speaker, author, American Ninja Warrior, entrepreneur, and a member of multiple USA Para teams, including the 2023 U.S. Para Bobsled Push Division National Champion.With a message applicable to anyone from school-age children to world leaders, Gary inspires with his story of perse...

In this episode I sit down with Steven Posner, the CEO of Putnam Leasing Company, to dive into the intricacies of the exotic car market. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, starting with the resilience of the exotic car market amidst volatile economic conditions. Steven shares his insights into how the demand for luxury vehicles surged unexpectedly during the recent pandemic, leading to a significant uptick in business for Putnam Leasing.What We Discuss In This Episode:As we explo...

Katie Mares is an author, speaker, and consultant who empowers businesses to design experiences that resonate with female consumers. She is a bestselling author and her book, "CustomHer Experience" is a guide for businesses to close the gender gap in sales.What We Discuss In This EpisodeKatie shares her personal journey from a disastrous car-buying experience to becoming a leading voice in customer experience. Her encounter with six dismal dealerships sparked a quest to understand and transfo...

Gabrielle (Gabi) Abinion is the General Manager at Fox Valley Volkswagen of St. Charles. With a rich family history in the automotive business, Gabi brings a unique perspective to her role, blending tradition with innovation to drive success. Her dedication to empowering her team and fostering a culture of growth has been instrumental in the dealership's continued prosperity. Buckle up for a conversation about hard work, navigating family businesses, and forging your own path in a rapidly...

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Whitlock, the president of Innovation Financial Services, to explore the fascinating journey of automotive entrepreneurship. We dive into Steve's unique background, starting from his days as a firefighter to his eventual transition into the car business. Steve shares insights into how his diverse experiences shaped his path, showcasing the unexpected twists and turns that led him to where he is today. What We Discuss In This Episode: As we dive deeper...

Glenn Pasch, an industry veteran with a penchant for data-driven insights and a logical approach to marketing, brings decades of expertise in digital marketing and dealership strategies. As the brains behind PCG Digital, Glenn has empowered countless dealerships to optimize their marketing efforts and unlock hidden sales potential. What We Discuss In This Episode: We kick off our conversation by dissecting the enigma of marketing attribution, unraveling why despite a substantial influx of...

Alex Lawrence is the CEO and co-founder of Ev Auto, a pioneering dealership specializing in electric vehicles. With a background in franchising and tech, Alex brings a wealth of experience to the table, along with a passion for creating exceptional customer experiences. His dedication to honesty, integrity, and innovation has propelled Ev Auto to success in the competitive EV market. What We Discuss In This Episode: We start by tracing Alex's remarkable journey from his background in...

Are you leaving a massive chunk of the market untapped? Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Dealer Playbook podcast. Today, we're delving deep into the world of marketing segmentation, focusing specifically on the Hispanic marketplace. Joining me today is Ally Pinon, the Digital Marketing Director for Chastang Ford, as we uncover the secrets to successfully reaching and engaging with this vibrant demographic. What We Discuss In This Episode: In this episode, Ally Pinon and I...

When Adrian Gibbs, Marketing Director of Nimnicht Family of Dealerships, stepped into the world of automotive marketing, she brought with her the competitive edge of the plastic surgery industry and a knack for nurturing customer relationships. Our exchange is as insightful as it is humorous, revealing the unexpected connections between such diverse fields and underscoring the transformative power of innovative thinking. Adrian's journey from nannying to navigating the nonprofit sector and...

Paul De Vries is the Founder of #DCDW, Spokesperson for Marktplaats Automotive, and Co-Owner of Carmen BDC. With an impressive track record in dealership ownership, BDC management, and online car sales, Paul is recognized as a trailblazer in the automotive space, revolutionizing marketing tactics and driving unprecedented success. What We Discuss In This Episode: 1. Unveiling New Market Opportunities: Discover Paul's unparalleled ability to spot untapped market potential and seize...

Rand Fishkin is cofounder and CEO of  SparkToro, makers of fine audience research software, and indie game developer Snackbar Studio. He’s dedicated his professional life to helping people do better marketing through his writing, videos, speaking, and his book, Lost and Founder. What We Discuss In This Episode: Get ready to challenge everything you know about marketing attribution with Rand Fishkin, who brings his formidable expertise back to The Dealer Playbook Podcast. We're tearing apart...

Have you ever wondered how a personal crisis might just be the catalyst for a profound transformation in how you lead your team? That's the story Scott Greenberg, author of "Stop the Shift Show," brings to our table as we unravel the potential of culture within organizations. What We Discuss In This Episode: Scott's journey from budding film student to a cancer warrior and eventually a motivational powerhouse offers a masterclass in adaptability, humor, and relationship building. Our...

Matas Buzelis is the Head of Communications at carVertical.com Matas Buzelis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, shedding light on the intricacies of the global car market. What We Discuss In This Episode: Ever wondered about the global impact of automotive fraud? Matas sheds light on the mission of the Association of Automotive Intelligence, an initiative aimed at combating fraud and protecting consumer interests on a global scale. He explains the mission behind...

Dave Spannhake is the Founder and CEO of Reunion Marketing, one of the fastest growing marketing companies in the country that specializes in using data and consumer behavior to create highly effective marketing strategies. What We Discuss In This Episode: Dave sheds light on the challenges businesses face when Google, once a reliable partner, undergoes drastic changes in its support system and ad platform. The discussion revolves around the impact of Google's recent decisions, including...

Subi Ghosh is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing at Stream Companies. What We Discuss In This Episode: We delve into the importance of first-party data and how it can be leveraged to create personalized marketing experiences. Subi emphasizes the need for dealerships to have a plan for post-cookie tracking and retargeting, as cookie deprecation is already happening. She also highlights the value of clean and accurate customer data and the role of AI in...

Subi Ghosh is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing at Stream Companies. What We Discuss In This Episode: We delve into the importance of first-party data and how it can be leveraged to create personalized marketing experiences. Subi emphasizes the need for dealerships to have a plan for post-cookie tracking and retargeting, as cookie deprecation is already happening. She also highlights the value of clean and accurate customer data and the role of AI in...

In this power-packed episode, I sit down with the brilliant mind behind Automotive Wealth, Rob Bacharach. Rob is the president and founder of Automotive Wealth, a seasoned financial planner specializing in empowering automotive professionals to secure their financial future. With a wealth of experience in the industry, Rob brings a unique perspective and a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning. What We Discuss In This Episode: Join me as we dive deep...

Ever wondered how the digital revolution has transformed the car buying process? Join us as we sit down with Kirk Preiser, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at LeadVantage. Formerly the Director of Retail Buying Experience at Audi of America, Kirk shares an insider's look at how the industry is syncing the online and in-store experience. Together, we dissect the omni-channel approach, and debate the ways in which the pandemic and the chip shortage have reshaped the landscape....

Gary Graves co-founded InteractiveTel, now TotalCX, in 2008 and presently serves as CEO. Previously, he served as the company's first Chief Technology Officer. He developed the communications platform on which the company's proprietary products are based and has been instrumental in the company's dynamic growth trajectory.  What We Discuss In This Episode: Data-Driven Insights: The common issues observed through data analysis including abandoned calls and excessively long call times and...

It all began with automotive inventory management software. I never imagined I'd end up in the automotive industry. Back in the day, my childhood buddy Dan Collingridge and I had this grand plan of starting a record label and radio station dedicated to alternative rock music, the dream we called 1500 am THE PITT. I went to school to chase my sound engineering certificate, and Dan pursued his master’s degree in computer science. We were on the brink of making THE PITT a reality! Life had...