EPISODES
Practical strategies for modern retail auto dealers
Ep. 668 - Should You Buy a Dealership in 2025? with Arthur J Madjarian
In this episode I’m joined by Arthur J. Madjarian, a guy who’s been neck-deep in retail automotive, pivoted into mergers & acquisitions, and now helps dealer groups grow, exit, and scale smart. If you’ve ever wondered how M&A works in the auto industry, or whether dealership ownership is still worth chasing in 2025, this is your episode.
Ep. 667 - The New Rules of SEO for Car Dealers in 2025, with Colin Carrasquillo
In this episode, my guest is Colin Carrasquillo, Digital Marketing Manager at Nielsen Auto Group. We’re diving into some of the real challenges and solutions that most dealers are thinking about but rarely talk about out loud.
Ep. 666 - What Most Dealerships Gets Wrong About CRM, with Sam Maimone
In this episode, my guest is Sam Maimone from Activix, and we’re diving into a part of the car business that most people think they’ve figured out—but really haven’t: CRM.
Ep. 665 - Why Fixed Ops Isn’t Back-End—It’s the Backbone, with Nicole Dolphin
In this episode, my guest is Nicole Dolphin, Retail Development Manager at Groupe Touchette, and we’re digging into the part of the dealership that doesn’t always get its fair share of attention—Fixed Ops.
Ep. 664 - How to Create a High-Performance Dealership Culture, with Jill Schulman
In this episode, my guest is Jill Schulman, USMC veteran, leadership coach, and author of The Bravery Effect. We dig into the surprising role that bravery plays in building high-performing cultures—not just in the military, but in dealerships, teams, and even our personal lives.
Ep. 663 - The Laws That Top Performers in Retail Auto Obey, with Alan Dickie
In this episode, my guest is Alan Dickie, President - www.AlanDickie.com- and a returning DPB alum. One of those individuals who doesn’t just talk about success—he breaks it down to the bone. In this conversation, we explore what he calls the “laws” that make success predictable in life and business.
Ep. 662 - AI, Accountability, and the $30 Leak in Your Marketing, with Matt VanDyke
In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, to unpack some of the most pressing—and overlooked—topics in automotive marketing right now. From mobile-first lead strategies to AI-powered insights, Matt brings a rare, high-altitude perspective that cuts through the fluff and actually makes sense of what’s happening in the trenches.
Ep. 661 - What Agentic AI Means for the Future of Automotive Retail, with Barry Hillier
In this episode, my guest is Barry Hillier, co-founder of Auto Agentic A.I. and someone I’ve known and respected for years. Barry’s got a deep background in SaaS and marketing, and he’s one of those rare people who can make complex tech make sense—and more importantly, make it useful.
Ep. 660 - How To Turn Friction Points Into Profit Centers, with Jacqui Barker
In this episode, my guest is Jacqui Barker, Global OEM Strategy Director at Keyloop, joining me from the floor of the Toronto International Auto Show.
Ep. 659 - Expanding Your Dealership’s Revenue Stream, with Shahin Alizadeh
In this episode, my guest is Shahin Alizadeh, President and CEO of Downtown Auto Group – a powerhouse in the automotive and real estate industries. Shahin has redefined what a dealership can be, transforming a small, struggling lot to then developing a leading edge Auto Complex
Ep. 658 - Lessons in Influence from One of Canada's Most Respected Leaders, with Agnes Di Leonardi
In this episode, we talk about why representation matters, how resilience and curiosity fuel career growth, and what practical steps dealers can take to create more inclusive and successful organizations.
Ep. 657 - Human First, AI Fast: The New Sales Formula, with Kyle Mountsier
In this episode I’m hanging out in person with my good friend Kyle Mountsier—COO at ASOTU, we talk about everything from AI implementation in dealerships to the real reason human connection is the most valuable currency in retail auto.
Ep. 656 - Avoid This Mistake, Unlock Customer Loyalty, with Christine Mitchell
In this episode we talk about what it really takes to build dealership loyalty, elevate women in automotive, and create a culture that actually sticks.
Ep. 655 - How to create a Culture that delivers the Brand Promise, with Edwin Frizzell
In this episode, my guest is Edwin Frizzell, Regional Vice President and General Manager at the legendary Fairmont Royal York, and we’re talking about what it really takes to create unforgettable guest experiences, build strong internal culture, and lead with purpose in fast-paced, high-expectation environments.
Ep. 654 - What the Top 1% of Dealers Are Doing Differently on Social Media, With Miranda Pyette
In this episode, my guest is Miranda Pyette, founder of Purpose Automotive and one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to dealership social strategy.
Ep. 653 - The Hidden Influence of Retail Spaces on Customer Behavior, with Omar Gandhi
In this episode, we talk about the power of intentional design and how Omar, the brilliant architect behind Audi Haus shares insights on how design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about business, customer psychology, and ultimately, ROI.
Ep. 652 - The #1 Mindset Shift That Will Transform Your Dealership’s Success, with Nick Askew
In this episode, my guest is Nick Askew, CEO of Space Auto— a guy who went from composing music to selling cars to building game-changing tech for dealerships.
Ep. 651 - From Bank Robber to Car Sales Master, with Luke Lunkenheimer
In this episode, my guest is Luke Lunkenheimer, the President of Paid to Persuade, and let’s just say… his road to success wasn’t exactly a straight line.
Ep. 650 - Remembering Jim “Alpha Dawg” Ziegler
In this special episode, I pay tribute to my friend and industry icon, Jim "The Alpha Dawg" Ziegler. If you’ve been in the car business for more than five minutes, you probably know his name—or at the very least, you’ve heard his unmistakable voice calling it like it is. Jim was one of a kind, and his impact on the industry, and on me personally, is something I won’t soon forget.
Ep. 649 - The Ultimate Customer Magnet for Dealerships, with John Dwyer
In this episode, my guest is John Dwyer—a marketing enigma known for crafting “way-outside-the-box” customer attraction strategies.