EPISODES

Over a decade of conversations designed to help you thrive in your retail automotive career.

Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Louie Herron: Dealership Growth Hacks: Beyond ‘Sell More Cars’

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.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Turn Setbacks into Success w/ Adam Marburger

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.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

when ai GETS SCARY GOOD

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.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Todd Caputo: Complacency is Killing Dealerships

Todd Caputo, president of Todd Caputo Consulting, joins us to dissect the shifting dynamics in the automotive industry. Todd also provides his perspective on how international tensions and recent natural disasters are affecting everything from oil prices to the used car market, offering valuable strategies for navigating these turbulent times.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

The Truth About Vehicle Logistics with Royce Neubauer

In this episode, I’m discussing a topic that’s rarely on the surface of our minds but impacts every single part of the car business—vehicle logistics. I had the chance to sit down with Royce Neubauer, the brilliant founder of Auto Hauler Exchange, to uncover some real truths about how the logistics world operates (or, in many cases, doesn’t).

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

How to Sell More Cars Without the Pressure

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a casual conversation into a thriving career in car sales? That’s exactly what my guest, Vinnie Moya—aka Vinnie the Car Guru—did, and this week’s episode of The Dealer Playbook is packed with his no-BS approach to building a brand, selling cars, and creating a lasting impact.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

The Secret Sales Strategy No One Is Using

Welcome to another episode of MC on the MIC—and trust me, this one’s gonna blow the lid off your sales and service game. We’re diving into a strategy that’s so simple, you’re going to wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along. No fluff, just straight talk.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Sam D’Arc: Promote Your People From Within

In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I’m sitting down with my good friend and COO of Ziegler Auto Group, Sam D’Arc, and trust me when I say this is not your typical conversation about selling cars. In fact, we’re not talking about selling cars at all. Sam and I dive deep into what really makes a dealership thrive—and spoiler alert—it’s not just about inventory or car payments.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Moose Pohyar: HOW TO SELL MORE EV'S IN 2024!

In this episode I’m sitting down with Moose Pohyar, the General Manager at Lithia Hyundai of Fresno, who’s been making serious waves in the EV space. Now, if you’ve been with me on this journey for a while, you know I love diving into the stories of folks who’ve turned what some might call just a job into a fulfilling career. Moose is one of those people.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Charles Cannon: The One Marketing Strategy Every Car Dealer Needs to Master

In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I’m sitting down with automotive industry veteran Charles Cannon to unpack the strategies that have kept him at the top of his game for over a decade. Charles is the kind of guy who’s not just in the car business; he’s mastered the art of it. We’re talking about how to truly dominate your local market, not with the latest fads, but with tried-and-true strategies that have stood the test of time.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Top Tip For Getting More Attention Than Your Competitors

In this special episode,Join me as I break down why this isn't just another tech tip but a major game changer for boosting your local visibility. I’ll be sharing some personal stories about how simple strategies turned into big wins and why I think you’re going to love experimenting with these tactics just as much as I have.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Greg Gifford: Why Your SEO Strategy is Failing

Greg Gifford is not just a name in the SEO world; he’s a force to be reckoned with. As the COO of Search Lab Digital, Greg has shared his expertise globally, helping businesses enhance their online presence. Known for his engaging and practical approach to local SEO, Greg is the go-to guy for anyone serious about mastering the art of search engine optimization.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Ryan Stewman: How to Negotiate and Close a Car Deal

In this special rewind episode, we revisit a timeless conversation with Ryan Stewman. Ryan walks through the best way to navigate negotiating and closing a car deal. Using real examples from his life as a car sales professional, he shares a unique way of viewing everyday challenges that every car pro faces.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

Glenn Lundy’s Blueprint for Dealership Success

In this episode, we discuss Glenn Lundy’s transformative vision for 800% Elite Auto. Glenn shares that his dealership would be a leadership development academy first, a media company second, and a car seller last. This revolutionary approach shifts the focus from just moving vehicles off the lot to nurturing and empowering leaders, ensuring that the dealership’s success is built on a foundation of strong, capable individuals.

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Michael Cirillo Michael Cirillo

We're Building a New Dealership from the Ground Up!

So a month and a half ago, Glenn Lundy, President of 800% Elite Automotive Club, called me. He said "Michael, I have the opportunity to build a dealership from the ground up, but I want it to be different. I want it to be a leadership training company that just so happens to sell cars." A few days later, he calls me back. He says. "It's happening, Do you want to be involved?" My immediate response? Heck yes! 

There I said it, we're building a dealership from scratch!

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