Car Dealership Guy Podcast

CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

How Family Turmoil—And A Patriarch’s Dying Wish—Sparked A Bold New Chapter For Crain Automotive | Christian Crain, VP of Operations at Crain Automotive Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

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-2025-04-03

This 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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Topics:

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 Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership

Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683

Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

How a Superbowl Champion Helped Cable Dahmer Crack The Code On Interstate Vehicle Shipping | Industry Spotlight Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Today, Sam sits down with Tom Bear, Platform Used Car Director at Cable Dahmer Automotive Group, Stephan Morris, Used Vehicle Acquisition Manager at Cable Dahmer Automotive Group, and Frank Zombo, Vice President of Sales at Auto Hauler Exchange.

This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Auto Hauler Exchange:

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 @ autohaulerexchange.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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Topics:

01:44 – What defines today's used car market?

02:42 – What strategies maximize used car profitability?

04:36 – How is Carvana reshaping dealer competition?

07:44 – What are the critical logistics challenges?

12:48 – How does Auto Hauler Exchange create value?

17:31 – What incentives effectively motivate carriers?

19:42 – How should dealers navigate market volatility?

20:37 – Why is shipping speed a competitive advantage?

25:47 – How will AI transform automotive logistics?

Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:

CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership

Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683

Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Average Is the Enemy: How Hospitality Became This Dealer's Strategy for Standing Out | Michael Wood, GM at Jaguar and Land Rover of Virginia Beach Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Today I’m joined by Michael Wood, GM at Jaguar Land Rover Virginia Beach. We discuss Jaguar returning to its roots as a niche sports car brand, the existential crisis facing car dealerships, whether “negotiation-free” really matters—and more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. SalesApe (AI Agent Group LTD) - SalesAPE is the AI sales rep built for dealerships - it understands your inventory and business, instantly engaging inbound leads as they come in, qualifying buyers, and booking appointments 24/7 without adding headcount. Whether you’re a franchised dealer, independent operator, or vendor selling into automotive, SalesAPE helps you convert more leads faster. Trusted by top-performing dealerships and backed by $20M from top VCs and the ex-Google CFO, it’s the smarter way to scale sales without the overhead. Try it for free @ salesape.ai/cardealershipguy

2. Cox Automotive - Dealers keep hearing that improving customer experience is the best way to boost profits— but what do consumers actually want? Retail360 — Cox Automotive’s comprehensive suite of solutions — powers true omnichannel experiences for consumers and dealers. With Retail360, powerful consumer insights enable predictive artificial intelligence and automation, all tailored for your dealership by industry-veteran performance managers. To learn how consumers prefer to shop, buy, and own vehicles, visit https://cox.auto/uh9Uy and download “The Evolving Consumer and How to Meet Their Needs,” the new eBook from Cox Automotive.

🚨 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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Topics:

02:24 How did Michael transition to car sales?

03:14 Why adopt a negotiation-free sales model?

04:36 What defines luxury car customer expectations?

06:36 How to create a unique customer experience?

22:20 How must dealerships adapt for the future?

23:17 How to exceed customer expectations?

25:47 What are current market trends?

28:20 How is tech innovating dealerships?

30:05 What are Michael’s personal aspirations?

34:37 What is Jaguar’s new direction?

Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:

CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership

Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683

Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

The Hidden EV Hurdle: Why Charging Still Stumps Buyers & How Dealers Can Fix It | Oliver Phillips, Chief Operating Officer of Qmerit Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Today I’m joined by Oliver Phillips, COO of Qmerit. We break down the #1 EV problem dealers aren’t talking about—and how to solve it, why Florida is quietly becoming an EV powerhouse, how EVs are cutting through the political noise, and a whole lot more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. OPENLANE - ‪The world’s leading online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ https://www.openlane.com/

2. Experian Automotive - Like most Car Dealership Guy listeners, you’re constantly looking for the inside edge on the auto industry. So if you’re ready to step up your game to the next level—outpacing the competition and building customer loyalty—there’s only one place to go from here: Experian Automotive. They’re the only ones with exclusive data across vehicles, consumers, and credit—plus expert data scientists who connect the dots to uncover the insights you need. Get the industry-leading insights from Experian Automotive today! Learn more by visiting @ https://carguymedia.com/4cfcLjZ

3. 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://qmerit.com/carguy to learn more.

🚨 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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Topics:

00:16 – What’s the EV market’s state?

02:58 – How does Humira support EV charging?

05:00 – What challenges hinder EV adoption?

11:30 – What objections do EV buyers have?

15:22 – What’s the future of EVs?

23:17 – How to contact Oliver Phillips?

Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:

CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership

Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683

Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Auto Tariffs Are Coming– Now What? | Emergency Podcast With 8 Top Dealers And Insiders Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Today on the show: A powerhouse panel breaks down one of the most urgent issues facing auto retail — tariffs.

With major policy shifts on the horizon, I brought together some of the industry's top operators, economists, and insiders to cut through the noise and unpack what tariffs could mean for dealers, OEMs, and the entire retail ecosystem. This isn’t theory — it’s what’s coming, and how the smartest folks in the room are preparing.

Before we introduce today's panelists, this episode is brought to you by CDG Recruiting:

CDG Recruiting helps top dealers fill critical roles — fast. We combine deep industry expertise with unmatched reach across retail automotive. Whether it’s the C-suite, sales, service, ops or management — we’ll help you hire the right person, not just a person. Ready to hire? Book a call at https://cdgrecruiting.com

Today's panelists include:

Brett Morgan – CEO, Morgan Auto Group, one of the largest private dealer groups in the U.S. with a pulse on operations at scale.

Michael Speigl – Multi-store operator with Toyota, CDJR, Ford, and Subaru franchises under WEAuto. Brings a grounded dealer lens to the macro.

Cliff Banks – Publisher of The Banks Report. Cliff broke the tariff story and authored the industry’s go-to deep dive.

Jeremy Robb – Director of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. Jeremy sets the data-driven context behind what’s happening and what’s coming.

Andy Wright – Auto retailer across German (Porsche, Mercedes), Japanese (Honda), and Korean (Hyundai) brands — bringing a diverse OEM view.

Jake Lebowitz – Partner at Raceway Auto Group, representing brands like Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Chevy, and Nissan. Brings a strong retail operator POV.

Brian Benstock – One of the largest Honda dealers globally. Known for strong views and strategic clarity.

Alan Haig – President of Haig Partners, the leading buy/sell advisory firm in automotive. Alan’s take on M&A and valuation risk is a must-hear.

Mike Stanton – President of NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association), representing the dealer body at the national policy level.

If you’re in automotive — retail, OEM, vendor, or investor — this is the conversation you need to hear.

🚨 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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:

CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership

Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683

Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

The Data Battle in Auto Retail: Who’s Losing, and How Dealers Can Take Control | Chad Rycenga, Chief Product Officer at Authenticom Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Today I’m joined by Chad Rycenga, Chief Product Officer at Authenticom. We’re breaking down the data battle playing out on dealership lots — how dealers are protecting customer info, where the threats are coming from, and how smart businesses are using data to unlock serious profits.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. CRC Transport LLC - If you’re tired of unreliable vehicle transport services or frustrated with delayed deliveries, you need to hear this. CRC Transport LLC operates as a premier carrier with a fleet of 320 trucks, ensuring punctual and secure deliveries tailored to your needs. Our substantial volume discounts empower your business to save on logistics costs. Take advantage of volume discounts today and drive success with CRC Transport! Explore options @ bit.ly/CRCtransport

2. 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

3. Authenticom - We streamline data syndication with DealerVault, the only NADA-endorsed data management platform, helping dealerships and vendors clean, consolidate, and seamlessly distribute their data to the partners that power their business. As the business behind the automotive business, we make your data work smarter—helping you cut costs, boost efficiency, and drive growth. Authenticom is hosting a data ‘cleanse’ giveaway of up to 10,000 records: https://carguymedia.com/3Xyf5N4

🚨 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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Topics:

00:12 What is the focus on data and dealerships?

01:42 What is Chad's background and industry insights?

03:56 What is Chad's current focus with dealers?

08:38 What challenges exist with dealer data?

15:28 How is monetization and vendor relationships handled?

17:43 What practical steps can dealers take?

23:37 What future developments are planned?

Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:

CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership

Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683

Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Humbled, Sober, and Scaling to $1B a Year: The Faith-Driven Rise of a 5th-Gen Auto Dealer | Andrew Dahl, President at Dahl Automotive Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Today, I’m sitting down with Andrew Dahl, President at Dahl Automotive, a 12 franchise dealer group based in Wisconsin and Minnesota to discuss: How He's Scaling to $1B a Year, Why 'entitlement' almost ruined a 5th-generation family legacy, How he found found a higher power to change his life and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

1. StoneEagle - Technicians hate writing repair stories, but incomplete documentation risks unpaid warranty claims. That’s why smart dealers are using Pencilwrench to save time, eliminate frustration, and ensure they get fully compensated for every repair. See how it works @ https://bit.ly/3DscNIw and get free setup and training when you sign up for one year. Mention code CDGWRENCH during your demo — and tell them Car Dealership Guy sent you!

2. Cox Automotive - Dealers keep hearing that improving customer experience is the best way to boost profits — but what do consumers actually want? Retail360 — Cox Automotive’s comprehensive suite of solutions — powers true omnichannel experiences for consumers and dealers. With Retail360, powerful consumer insights enable predictive artificial intelligence and automation, all tailored for your dealership by industry-veteran performance managers. To learn how consumers prefer to shop, buy, and own vehicles, visit @ https://www.coxautoinc.com/ and download “The Evolving Consumer and How to Meet Their Needs,” the new eBook from Cox Automotive.

🚨 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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Topics:

01:18 What were Andrew's early career struggles?

04:05 How did Andrew find purpose and faith?

05:22 What impact has Andrew had on business?

06:50 What challenges exist in the car business?

11:26 How is Andrew building his legacy?

16:16 What are Andrew's growth strategies?

25:24 How does Andrew balance profit and growth?

30:26 How does Andrew engage the community?

40:42 What are Andrew's industry concerns?

Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:

CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership

Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683

Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

How Tesla, Tariffs & Market Shifts Are Reshaping Car Sales | David Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

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_bites

Subscribe on Spotify: https://carguymedia.com/spotify_bites

Subscribe on YouTube: https://carguymedia.com/youtube_bites

Need 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.com

Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu

Topics:

00:00: Intro

00:08 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 Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/

My Socials:

Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/

TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership