“Innovate Or Evaporate”– How Small Dealer Groups Can Win In Ultra-Competitive Markets | Richard Lupo, Fixed Operations Director at Apple Tree Automotive
Today I’m joined by Richard Lupo, Fixed Operations Director at Apple Tree Automotive. We dig into why he’s training master techs from the ground up, how streamlining the online service flow drove a 10x jump in appointments, and how Apple Tree goes toe-to-toe with powerhouse neighbors — and more.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. CDK Global - CDK SimplePay is the only payment solution that's built into CDK solutions for unrivaled reliability and financial efficiency. To learn more or schedule a demo visit @ http://www.CDK.com/simplepay
2. OPENLANE - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more @ https://www.openlane.com
3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealerships still get social media wrong—ignoring it, posting boring inventory photos, or handing it off to someone without a plan. Meanwhile, the dealer down the street is pulling millions of views and closing real car deals. That’s where Nomad Content Studio comes in. They’re the team behind dealers like Paragon Honda, Benzs & Bowties, and EV Auto. Nomad trains your videographer, guides what to film, then edits and posts across every platform for you. Want your dealership to be next? Head to http://www.trynomad.co
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Topics:
00:07 Competing in bigger markets
01:43 How do disasters impact dealerships?
04:09 What inspired Apple Tree?
06:11 Richard Lupo's role at the dealership
07:21 Best growth strategies for dealers today
10:10 How to train technicians effectively
21:55 Biggest auto industry challenges?
34:54 Used car reconditioning standards?
37:58 AI's future in dealerships?
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Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
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New Roads Mazda on Profitability Hacks, Koons CEO on Massive Ford Incentives | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Curtis Biggs, General Manager of New Roads Mazda
Alex Perdikis, CEO of Koons Motors, Inc.
This episode is brought to you by:
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Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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Victory Honda on Auto Loan Challenges, Checkered Flag JLR on Killing Haggling | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Chase Channell, General Manager of Victory Honda Jackson
Michael L. Wood, General Manager of Checkered Flag/Jaguar Land Rover
This episode is brought to you by:
Impel – Dealers everywhere are delivering concierge-level customer experiences with Impel's AI Operating System.
Learn how to ditch disjointed customer engagement at https://impel.ai/CDG
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My Socials:
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Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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1:00:24
The Auto Retail Crystal Ball: What Shipping Trends Reveal (And How Dealers Can Win) | Royce Neubauer, CEO of Auto Hauler Exchange
Today I’m joined by Royce Neubauer, CEO of Auto Hauler Exchange. We dive into how dealers are footing the bill for shipping delays in unexpected ways, how smart operators are turning logistics into a profit center, why fraud is on the rise in the vehicle transport game and much more.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. DLRdmv – Dealers, are you still stuck using outdated interstate titling methods? DLR50 from DLRdmv modernizes out‑of‑state titling by providing 24/7 sales tax, title, and registration fees, pre‑populated state-specific forms, through an online platform that directly integrates with your DMS. CDG listeners get 30 days of free full-service access to DLR50 on unlimited out-of-state deals. Head over to @ http://www.DLRdmv.com/CDG, use code POD30 to claim your free month today.
2. ActivEngage - Not every lead is a Glengarry lead. If you know, you know... Those are the ones that matter. ActiveEngage brews them 24/7. Not bots. Not forms. Real human experts having real conversations. Uncovering intent. Surfacing urgency. Creating motivation. Now your team gets buyers, not just browsers. Want to start closing your online faster? Visit @ http://www.activengage.com/glengarry
3. 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: https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/
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Topics:
00:16 How did Royce transform his health?
01:02 Why health matters for business?
02:02 Secrets to losing 75 pounds?
03:00 Best employee wellness innovations?
04:32 Current transportation industry outlook?
05:59 Latest dealer acquisition trends?
10:09 Solving vehicle logistics challenges?
19:50 Direct shipping trends growing?
22:41 What's next for business?
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Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
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O'Neil Nissan on Service Retention Strategy, VADA CEO on Recent Policy Battles | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Drew Pearlman, General Manager at O'Neil Nissan
Don Hall, CEO of Virginia Automobile Dealers Association
This episode is brought to you by:
Impel – Dealers everywhere are delivering concierge-level customer experiences with Impel's AI Operating System.
Learn how to ditch disjointed customer engagement at https://impel.ai/CDG
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X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership
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Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
The Car Dealership Guy Podcast Network is your front-row seat to the people, companies, and trends shaping the future of automotive retail—delivered across three focused formats:
The Car Dealership Guy Podcast (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Hosted by Yossi Levi, these deep-dive interviews feature top dealers, operators, and innovators driving the industry forward.
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Our live-streamed show, also released here in audio format, brings real-time news, sharp takes, and high-impact guests—think CNBC for car dealers.
Industry Spotlight
Hosted by Sam D’Arc, this segment highlights standout dealerships and vendors with tactical insights and stories from the front lines.
Follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for highlights and behind-the-scenes content from every episode.
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