Episodes

  • In this episode, my guest is Chance Mayfield, founder of Carfluent - we sit down to talk about how dealerships can better connect with Spanish-speaking buyers, create a seamless customer experience, and ultimately drive more sales.

    Here’s the deal
 The Spanish-speaking car market in the U.S. is MASSIVE yet it remains one of the most underserved consumer groups in the auto industry. Dealers are either ignoring it or flat-out getting it wrong. And that? That’s leaving a TON of money on the table.

    Here’s what we cover:

    The biggest mistakes dealers make when marketing to Spanish-speaking customers Why just “translating” your website isn’t enough (and what ACTUALLY works) How to eliminate the “fire drill” that happens when Spanish-speaking customers call in Why staffing up the right way can transform your sales numbers The hidden opportunity that most dealers don’t realize exists—and how to capitalize on it

    The kicker? The U.S. is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world after Mexico—yet most dealerships aren’t making the right moves to serve this massive customer base. The dealers who lean in and get it right are seeing insane close rates and next-level referrals.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a competitive market and tap into a high-intent, high-ROI customer base, this episode is for you.

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    FlexDealer Need Better Quality Leads? FLX helps car dealers generate better quality leads through localized organic search and highly-targeted digital ads that convert. Not only that, they work tirelessly to ensure car dealers integrate marketing and operations for a robust and functional growth strategy.

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  • In this episode, my guest is Brian Kramer, EVP of Dealer Growth & Success at Cars Commerce. Brian has a unique perspective—he’s got eyes on thousands of dealerships, millions of VDPs, and the real numbers behind what’s working (and what’s not). We dive into some game-changing insights about how dealers can stop guessing and start measuring their online road to the sale, fix inventory inefficiencies, and finally connect the dots between marketing, CRM data, and actual sales.

    Now, here’s the thing—we all think we have a process. But if we’re being honest, a lot of our workflows are not really that intact, somehow, leads are still slipping through the cracks. Half the time, customers are bouncing off broken experiences on our websites, and we’re left wondering why closing rates aren’t what they should be.

    Meanwhile, the top-performing dealers? They’re not doing more—they’re doing less, but better. They’ve mastered the pain of discipline—refining their processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and ensuring that every lead, every trade-in, and every digital interaction actually leads somewhere. That’s the difference between guessing and making data-driven decisions that actually move the needle.

    If you’re ready to tighten up your process, stop overspending, and get a clear roadmap for making your online showroom work as efficiently as your physical one, this episode is a must-listen. Brian shares some simple but powerful shifts that can save time, money, and frustration.

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  • Tariffs. Chaos. Panic. The sky is falling! Or
 is it?

    If you’ve been anywhere near the news lately, you’ve seen the headlines. “Tariffs are coming! Businesses are doomed!” And yeah, for a hot minute, it looked like we were in for a wild ride. But then—mid-recording, literally while the cameras were rolling—everything changed. The news flipped. No tariffs (for now). Just like that.

    And that right there is the problem.

    We live in an industry that thrives on fear and uncertainty. But here’s the reality: the businesses that thrive—no matter the market, politics or economy—don’t react to uncertainty. They prepare for it. They invest in their people, they stay laser-focused on what they can control, and they don’t waste time chasing what everyone else is doing.

    So, the question is: Are you playing defense, waiting for the next crisis to knock you down? Or are you building a business that wins no matter what?

    Hit play. Let’s talk strategy.

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  • In this episode, my guest is Justin Friend, Senior VP at Dealers United; today, we’re going to talk about why social media is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for dealerships looking to sell more cars.

    Think about it. If a customer walks into your showroom and feels like they know your team before they even shake your hand, the sale is already halfway done. And that’s exactly what today’s best dealers are figuring out—your ad strategy isn’t just about selling cars; it’s about making customers feel like they’re part of something real.

    That’s why this episode with Justin Friend is a must-listen. We’re diving deep into how top dealers are winning with personality-driven marketing, and why your dealership’s biggest advantage is NOT your inventory—it’s your people.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to make your dealership’s ads actually connect with real people—and not just disappear into the noise—this episode is for you.



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    FlexDealer Need Better Quality Leads? FLX helps car dealers generate better quality leads through localized organic search and highly-targeted digital ads that convert. Not only that, they work tirelessly to ensure car dealers integrate marketing and operations for a robust and functional growth strategy.

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  • Today’s recap is comin’ at you straight from the iconic Sazerac House in New Orleans—a legendary spot where the ASOTU More Than Cars party went down last night. (If you missed it, let’s just say the energy was off the charts)

    But let’s talk about what went down on the trade show floor today because that’s where the magic happened.

    The theme of the day? Efficiency.

    Dealers are looking at 2024 as a reset—a chance to shake off what hasn’t worked and use this year as a launching pad for 2025. The buzz isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter. From streamlining service departments to rethinking HR and finance processes, efficiency is the name of the game.

    And here’s the game-changer: involve your team early.

    If you want new processes to stick, don’t roll them out like a surprise party. Bring your team into the conversation right from the start.

    The earlier they’re part of the plan, the more they’ll own the outcome.

    And as always, we’ll keep you posted with the Day 3 recap tomorrow. Stay tuned!

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  • Day 1 of NADA unfolded in “interesting” circumstances. Delayed shipments, stranded attendees, and a city adjusting to unexpected weather could have derailed everything. But this industry proved once again that resilience is in its DNA.

    If Day 1 taught us anything, it’s this:

    We’re tougher than we give ourselves credit for, and when faced with challenges, we find solutions.

    The show must go on—and it did.

    On to Day 2. Stay Tuned!

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  • In this episode, my guest is Elena Ciccotelli, founder of the EVs for Everyone Podcast, and we’re diving into one of the hottest topics in automotive right now "EVs"

    We dive into the heart of the EV debate, covering everything from the real challenges facing dealerships to the massive opportunities sitting right under their noses. We talk about the questions you’re probably already thinking about:

    Why are EVs so polarizing? Is it the infrastructure? The regulations? Or are we all just scared of change?What are forward-thinking dealerships doing right now to win in the EV space?And here’s the big one: Is the U.S. falling behind in the global EV race, and what does that mean for you?

    Elena shares the stats that matter, the strategies that work, and why she believes EVs are about so much more than just cars—they’re about people, habits, and the way we live.

    Whether you’re an EV skeptic, enthusiast, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective, some practical tips, and maybe even a laugh or two.

    So, are EVs for everyone? Tune in to find out.

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    This Episode's Sponsor

    FlexDealer Need Better Quality Leads? FLX helps car dealers generate better quality leads through localized organic search and highly-targeted digital ads that convert. Not only that, they work tirelessly to ensure car dealers integrate marketing and operations for a robust and functional growth strategy.

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  • In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Disher, CEO of RevDojo, to peel back the layers on one of the most overlooked, yet game-changing aspects of the automotive industry: hiring, training, and accountability.

    Kyle's seen it all—over a decade of dealership mystery shops, thousands of hires, and countless training sessions. Together, we uncover what separates dealerships that thrive from those stuck in survival mode. And let me tell you, the difference often comes down to one thing: commitment to process and culture.

    Here’s What We Dive Into:

    The shocking data from 5,000+ mystery shops: Why some dealerships never even make a single follow-up call.The true cost of poor onboarding and training—and how a few small changes can drive big results.How to tell if your dealership's culture is a winning one (hint: you can feel it the second you walk in).Why dealerships that rely solely on AI are setting themselves up for failure—and how to strike the perfect balance between tech and human connection.Live call roleplays that demonstrate the power of scripts, processes, and positivity in converting leads to appointments.

    Kyle doesn't hold back. From uncovering the real reasons behind high attrition rates to sharing the exact playbook for building a high-performing team, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will make you rethink how you approach dealership operations.
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    AutoFi is Heading to NADA 2025!

    That’s right—AutoFi will be at NADA 2025 in New Orleans, and you don’t want to miss it! Swing by booth #4219 to see how their all-in-one showroom solution can help you sell smarter, not harder. From payment calculations to F&I, they’ve got everything you need to close deals faster and protect your profits.

    Want to skip the wait? Pre-schedule a meeting at autofi.com/nada2025 and get ready to level up your dealership game!

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  • In this episode my guest is Robin Wilson, founder of Social Grenade, we’re diving deep into the messy, weird, and wonderful world of social media for car dealerships—what works, what flops, and how to stop posting inventory photos like you’re running a 2003 Craigslist ad.

    If you’ve ever wondered:

    “Are we posting too much
 or not enough?”

    “Why aren’t we getting engagement on our posts?”

    “Is TikTok even worth it, or should we just stick to dancing in the showroom after hours?”

    Robin’s got answers—and they’re good.

    Plus, she drops some absolute gems about building a tribe online, why responding to every review (yes, even the nasty ones) is mission-critical, and how a tattoo post led to selling a Camaro (no joke).

    This isn’t your typical social media chat. It’s fun, it’s raw, and it’s ridiculously practical.

    So, if you’re tired of yelling into the social media void and hoping someone hears you, hit play.
    - - -
    This Episode's Sponsor

    AutoFi is Heading to NADA 2025!

    That’s right—AutoFi will be at NADA 2025 in New Orleans, and you don’t want to miss it! Swing by booth #4219 to see how their all-in-one showroom solution can help you sell smarter, not harder. From payment calculations to F&I, they’ve got everything you need to close deals faster and protect your profits.

    Want to skip the wait? Pre-schedule a meeting at autofi.com/nada2025 and get ready to level up your dealership game!

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  • If you hear the word “AI” and immediately picture a clunky chatbot throwing out robotic answers like “I’m sorry, Dave, I can’t do that”—you’re in for a wake-up call.

    In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Maarten Bekkers, the founder of AutoChat, to break down how AI is so much more than a fancy Q&A bot on your website.

    Oh, and if you’re still chasing endless leads like a golden retriever chasing a tennis ball
 buckle up. Maarten and I dive into why quality leads > lead volume and how AI can filter out the noise and hand you the real opportunities.

    At one point, Maarten hit me with this:

    "Selling something to someone who doesn’t need it is bad. But NOT selling something to someone who DOES need it? That’s even worse."

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    AutoChat.ai Stop losing leads and wasting time on outdated processes. AutoChat is the AI-powered communication platform that turns your website into a customer magnet and your team into efficiency powerhouses.

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  • Welcome back to The Dealer Playbook Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a conversation that’s been setting the internet on fire: Is AI spelling the end of Google as we know it?

    I’ve brought in my friend and digital marketing expert, Dave Spannhake from Reunion Marketing, to help us cut through the noise, separate fact from fiction, and give you a clear picture of what’s really happening in the world of search, AI, and dealership marketing strategies.

    We’ve all seen the headlines, heard the hype, and maybe even felt a little panic creeping in. But here’s the thing: amidst all the noise, there are real, practical insights that can help your dealership not just survive—but thrive—in this evolving landscape.

    Dave brings his signature mix of data-driven insights, relatable stories, and no-nonsense advice to break down how dealerships might unknowingly be overspending on ads, where the real opportunities in SEO lie, and why the human touch still matters in an AI-powered world.

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    This Episode's Sponsor

    FlexDealer Need Better Quality Leads? FLX helps car dealers generate better quality leads through localized organic search and highly-targeted digital ads that convert. Not only that, they work tirelessly to ensure car dealers integrate marketing and operations for a robust and functional growth strategy.

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  • In this episode, I’m sitting down with Bob Welby, Senior Director of Operations at INFINITI USA, to break down how small, thoughtful touches can make a massive impact. (Spoiler: It’s not about throwing money at the problem—it’s about paying attention.)

    Let’s be real: Customer experience gets tossed around at every conference like it’s some big, shiny secret. But what does it actually mean to deliver an experience that turns a one-time buyer into a lifelong fan?

    Here’s what we dive into:

    Why dealerships spend way too much trying to overcompensate for operational inefficiencies—and how to fix it.INFINITI’s new My INFINITI Expert initiative—sending someone to your house after purchase to walk you through the car again.The magic of thoughtful hospitality: Why anticipating your customer’s unspoken needs can set you apart—and no, it doesn’t require a “big” budget.

    - - -
    This Episode's Sponsor

    AutoFi is Heading to NADA 2025!

    That’s right—AutoFi will be at NADA 2025 in New Orleans, and you don’t want to miss it! Swing by booth #4219 to see how their all-in-one showroom solution can help you sell smarter, not harder. From payment calculations to F&I, they’ve got everything you need to close deals faster and protect your profits.

    Want to skip the wait? Pre-schedule a meeting at autofi.com/nada2025 and get ready to level up your dealership game!

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  • In this episode my guest is Paul de Vries—who’s basically the Netherlands’ MVP of automotive processes—joins me to talk about how he’s using AI, automation, and a whole lot of common sense to transform the customer journey.

    Now let me ask you: What’s the point of having the flashiest marketing if your in-store processes are crumbling like a stale cookie?

    That’s exactly what we’re tackling in this episode with my buddy Paul de Vries. Now, Paul isn’t just some random dude; he’s basically the king of lead handling in the Netherlands (think fewer wooden shoes, more cutting-edge processes). And trust me, you’re gonna want to hear what he has to say.

    We cover how dealerships can tighten up their processes, reduce wasted time, and actually connect with customers in meaningful ways. And when I say meaningful, I’m talking response times of under three minutes. Yep, you read that right—three minutes. Let that sink in.

    Oh, and it’s not just tech talk. We also get into the softer stuff, like building a personal brand on LinkedIn, why staying authentic is non-negotiable, and how a 99-year-old buying a microcar for “the future” left us both questioning our life goals.

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    This Episode's Sponsor

    Sell Smarter, Not Harder

    AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too.

    AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS.

    Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

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  • Let me ask you this: have you ever seen The Office and thought, “Man, I wish someone made this...but for car dealerships”? Well, buckle up because that’s exactly what my buddy Nathanael Greklek and his team at Mohawk Auto Group did. They’ve created a mockumentary series that’s hilarious, relatable, and—get this—even features General Motors’ CEO, Mary Barra. Yup, that Mary Barra.

    In this episode, we go deep into the behind-the-scenes madness of bringing their dealership sitcom to life. Spoiler alert: it involves ducks, lots of laughs, and some of the most creative storytelling you’ll ever see in the auto industry. But this isn’t just about having fun (though there’s plenty of that). Nathanael drops absolute gold on how dealerships can use content to build trust, showcase culture, and make people actually want to do business with them.

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    Get Your Vehicles Moving Faster with Auto Hauler Exchange

    Alright, let me ask you this—how much time and money are you losing on vehicle shipping? If that stings a bit, it’s time for Auto Hauler Exchange. They’re cutting out the middleman, connecting you straight with carriers. Faster shipments, no hidden fees, and over 5,000 vetted carriers ready to roll. It’s a no-brainer.

    Plus it’s simple, transparent, and totally free to list. Want faster, smarter shipping? Head over to Autohaulerexchange.com to learn more and get your vehicles moving.

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  • Hey hey, what’s up, DPB Gang? It’s Thanksgiving Day, and I’ve got a little something special for you. First of all, happy Thanksgiving! Can you believe we’ve been on this Dealer Playbook ride together for almost 11 years now? Eleven years! That’s wild. And I just wanna say—I’m so grateful for you. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re jumping in today, you mean the world to me.

    Now, let me tell you why you this episode is special to me. This isn’t your typical “here’s what I’m thankful for” chat. Nope. Today, I’m unpacking something that’s become a game-changer for me: gratitude. But wait—don’t roll your eyes yet, okay? I’m not talking about fluffy, feel-good platitudes. I’m talking about how practicing gratitude every day has made me more efficient, more focused, and way more clear on what actually matters.

    So grab a coffee, a turkey leg, or whatever you’re doing today, and let’s hang out for a bit.

    Thanks, For tuning in!

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  • What does it really take to turn a struggling dealership into a thriving success? Is it strategy? Leadership? Or something deeper, like belief systems?

    In this episode, Louie Herron, a seasoned dealership operator and trainer, breaks down the Success Wheel—a leadership framework that shifts mindsets, inspires teams, and creates measurable growth. Louie shares transformative insights into building sustainable success while addressing the industry's toughest challenges.

    Louie isn’t just a dealership veteran; he’s a transformational leader who has turned struggling stores into thriving operations. He’s walked the walk—from owning and operating dealerships to consulting leaders on how to drive real, sustainable results.

    “If your team doesn’t believe in the vision, no amount of process or strategy is going to save you.” – Louie Herron


    This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a playbook for anyone who’s ready to break out of “business as usual” and start seeing results.

    - - -

    This Episode's Sponsor

    Get Your Vehicles Moving Faster

    Alright, let me ask you this—how much time and money are you losing on vehicle shipping? If that stings a bit, it’s time for Auto Hauler Exchange. They’re cutting out the middleman, connecting you straight with carriers. Faster shipments, no hidden fees, and over 5,000 vetted carriers ready to roll. It’s a no-brainer.

    Plus it’s simple, transparent, and totally free to list. Want faster, smarter shipping? Head over to Autohaulerexchange.com to learn more and get your vehicles moving.

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  • Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Am I the problem?” Or perhaps you've felt that inner urge to redefine what success means for you, but didn’t know where to start.

    In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Adam Marburger—CEO at Ascent Dealer Services-Co founder at Dental Protection Group-Best Selling Author-Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. He’s here to talk about something we all face but rarely admit: sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy. Adam’s journey from self-destruction to success is nothing short of a playbook for breaking through your own barriers.

    In this episode, Adam pulls back the curtain on what it took for him to stare in the mirror and say, “You’re the effing problem.” And trust me, it’s not the kind of conversation that ends there. This is about taking radical ownership, redefining success, and letting go of the toxic voices in our lives.

    This one’s raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart. If you’re feeling stuck or just need a reminder that setbacks don’t define you, this is your episode.

    - - -

    This Episode's Sponsor

    Sell Smarter, Not Harder

    AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too.

    AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS.

    Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

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  • This week, I sit down with Ed Pizzigati, Parts and Service Director at Johnson Automotive Group, to unpack why fixed ops often takes a backseat to sales—and why that could be costing dealerships big time.

    Ed reveals the hidden potential of fixed ops, from boosting profits to increasing customer retention. We explore:

    Why fixed ops can be a dealership’s goldmineThe cost of disconnect between sales and serviceStrategies to align service teams with a shared visionBuilding loyalty through real connections in the service lane

    If you’re ready to make fixed ops your dealership’s secret weapon, this episode is a must-listen!

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    FlexDealer Need Better Quality Leads? FLX helps car dealers get better quality leads through localized organic search and highly-targeted digital ads that convert.

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  • Hey, DPB gang – buckle up for a spooky one because this episode is about to blow your mind. Ever felt like tech was moving so fast it was downright freaky? Well, I just stumbled onto something that left me feeling like my grandpa the first time he saw a cell phone. I’m talking about Google’s Notebook LM, an AI tool that’s honestly one step away from holding full-blown conversations like your favorite talk show hosts. Yeah, I threw my Don't Wait, Dominate book into this thing and hit play...and what came out? Pure gold. It was like listening to two people banter back and forth about my own words with humor, depth, and all the personality in the world.

    In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on AI and its jaw-dropping capabilities for dealerships, marketers, and pretty much anyone ready to dominate in a digital world. Imagine a tool that doesn’t just spit back information but can generate full-on conversations based on the sources you give it. It’s spooky cool—especially if you’re an early tech adopter like me.

    But here’s the real kicker: the more we dig into AI, the more we see how critical it is to stay human in our approach. Think of it this way: while AI might be the powerful tool we need to cut through today’s noise, it’s still you that customers want to trust. So, if you’re worried about where this all leaves us as humans in the car biz, don’t be. There’s a way forward that lets us own the tech without losing the soul.

    Hit play for my deep dive into Notebook LM, wild stories about customer connection, and a few secrets on how to start creating lasting value in today’s world—using tech that’s anything but boring. Happy (AI) Halloween, my friends!

    Thanks, For tuning in!

    If you enjoyed this episode, support us by clicking the links!

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    ⭐ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

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  • In this episode my guest is Todd Caputo—President of Todd Caputo Consulting and a guy who’s been in the trenches of this industry for decades.

    We dive deep into the state of the wholesale and retail markets, touching on everything from global politics to the looming used car shortage (spoiler alert: it’s coming, and you’ll want to be ready). Todd shares his no-nonsense take on what’s affecting our industry right now—like skyrocketing gas prices, the impact of natural disasters, and the financial squeeze on consumers.

    But this episode isn’t just about market analysis. We also get real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: complacency. Todd breaks down how post-COVID, many dealerships have fallen back into lazy habits—and how that’s costing them big time. We talk about the importance of emotional intelligence, hustle, and why listening to your customers might just be your secret weapon in an AI-driven world.

    Here’s the thing, folks—if you’re not thinking about where your business is vulnerable, you’re already behind. Todd drops some serious knowledge bombs on how to run a lean, mean operation and why leadership starts with holding yourself accountable before you can lead anyone else.

    You won’t want to miss Todd’s perspective on where the industry is headed and how to stay one step ahead. This is an episode full of wisdom, humor, and some hard-hitting truths that will leave you thinking long after it’s over.

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    They help car dealers get better quality leads through localized organic search and highly-targeted ads that convert.

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