The Independent Dealer Podcast

Info@theindependentdealer.com

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Used car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

#IndependentDealerPodcast #UsedCarDealer #DealershipSuccess #AIInDealerships #ExpenseControl #TrackYourSales #DealerTips

#386 - How I Built This With Shay Phillips Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the boys sit down with Shay Phillips for another installment of the How I Built This series.

Shay pulls back the curtain on:

✅ Building and running his dealership

✅ Navigating dealer finance programs

✅ Smart and creative marketing strategies

✅ Creating a winning office culture

✅ And how he’s already using AI to level up operations

Whether you’re looking for finance tips, marketing ideas, or inspiration on growing your team culture, this episode delivers.

Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.

-Leave us a review

Info@theindependentdealer.com

Support the businesses that support the podcast.

Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!

Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!

Ignite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup

Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.

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Used car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real-dealer conversations!

#DealerFinance #HowIBuiltThis #IndependentDealerPodcast #CarDealerMarketing #AutoIndustry #UsedCarDealer #Leadership #AIInBusiness #DealerCulture #AutomotiveEntrepreneur

#385 - Motivating Your Dealership Team: With Luke at NIADA Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, Luke takes the stage at NIADA to share actionable insights on building better dealership teams, creating a winning culture, and keeping your staff motivated.

Luke breaks down:
✅ The concept of team ladders✅ Understanding tactical vs. adaptive leadership✅ How to build and maintain a strong dealership culture✅ Real-world tips for motivating your team and driving performance

If you're looking to inspire your team and take your dealership leadership to the next level, this one's for you!

Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.

-Leave us a review

Info@theindependentdealer.com

Support the businesses that support the podcast.

Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!

Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!

Ignite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup

Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.

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Listen to all our episodes on Anchor:

Used car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more dealer-focused content every week.

#DealerLeadership #TeamMotivation #NIADA #IndependentDealerPodcast #CarDealerTips #DealershipCulture #TacticalLeadership #AdaptiveLeadership #TeamBuilding

#384 - How I Built This: Eric Ryan (Part 2) Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

🎙️ In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, the boys are back with Eric Ryan for Part 2 of a brutally honest and insightful conversation.From navigating the chaos of the COVID years to the highs and lows of rapid growth, Eric shares what it’s really like to crash, rebuild, and learn along the way.

We dive deep into:

✅ Growing on debt vs. equity

✅ Family dynamics in the dealership world

✅ What happens when you shrink as fast as you grow

✅ The realities of building (and rebuilding) a business under pressure

💥 Whether you're new to the game or deep in the trenches, this episode is packed with real talk and lessons learned the hard way.

👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-dealer conversations every week!

Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.

-Leave us a review

www.theindependentdealer.com

Info@theindependentdealer.com

Support the businesses that support the podcast.

Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!

https://www.blytzpay.com

Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs

https://www.buckeyereinsurance.com

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!

https://www.taxmax.com

Ignite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!

www.ignitecp.com

Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.

Connect with us online:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup

https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin

https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw

Listen to all our episodes on Anchor:

https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer

Used car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

#IndependentDealerPodcast #UsedCarDealer #BHPH #DealerTalk #EricRyan #CarBusiness #UsedCarLot #entrepreneurship

#383 - How I Built This: Eric Ryan (Part 1) Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the boys sit down with Eric Ryan to talk about scaling an independent dealership. And how he went from one location to A LOT more.

This conversation is full of insights for dealers looking to tighten up their processes and learn from a different perspective.

Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.

-Leave us a review

Info@theindependentdealer.com

Support the businesses that support the podcast.

Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!

Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!

Ignite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup

Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.

Connect with us online:

Listen to all our episodes on Anchor:

Used car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

#cardealership #independentdealer #entrepreneur #dealershiplife #bhph #autobusiness #businessstrategy #carbusiness

#382 - Level Up Your Sales Game Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Ready to break through that sales plateau? In this episode, the boys get real about what it actually takes to reach the next level—from finding the right salespeople to dialing in your brand and nailing your customer avatar.

We’re talking inventory that sells, ACV that makes sense, websites that convert, and why “brand, brand, brand” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your foundation.

Whether you're struggling to get more traffic or wondering why your top salesperson left, this episode will hit home.

Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.

-Leave us a review

Info@theindependentdealer.com

Support the businesses that support the podcast.

Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!

Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!

Ignite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup

Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.

Connect with us online:

Listen to all our episodes on Anchor:

Used car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

#381 - Would YOU Buy This Dealership? May 29, 2025

Show notes

The Boys are back, and this one’s for the folks stuck in dealership limbo.This episode is all about movement — or the lack of it.They cover:🚗 Why some dealership sellers are completely out of touch🏘️ What to actually consider when real estate is part of the deal⏳ And why sitting on your hands isn’t a growth strategyWhether you're buying, selling, or just trying to level up your operation, this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s working — and what’s holding people back.Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.-Leave us a reviewwww.theindependentdealer.comInfo@theindependentdealer.comSupport the businesses that support the podcast.Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!https://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needshttps://www.buckeyereinsurance.comTaxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!https://www.taxmax.comIgnite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!www.ignitecp.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.Connect with us online:https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogrouphttps://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwinhttps://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffwListen to all our episodes on Anchor:https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealerUsed car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

#380 - Industry Temperature Check with Jeff Martin May 22, 2025

Show notes

The Boys are sounding the alarm. Margins are getting squeezed, the BHPH model isn’t hitting like it used to, and independent dealers are being forced to adapt—or get left behind.
In this episode, Jeff W. and Jeff M. dive into:
✅ Why collections are steady (but profits aren’t)
✅ How hybrid retail models are becoming the new normal
✅ Real about the convention floor

Whether you’re holding the line or reinventing your lot, this episode is packed with the kind of street-smart advice you don’t hear on stage.

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — Are you adapting your model or riding it out?

Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new.

Let us know what you think.

-Leave us a review

Info@theindependentdealer.com

Support the businesses that support the podcast.

Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months!

Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!

Ignite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup

Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.

Connect with us online:

Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: