In this episode, I sit down with Dan Garces, President and COO of Automotive Capital, to break down the financial strategies that allow dealership operators to grow, scale, and even own their own store—without putting up massive amounts of personal cash. Dan has spent his career helping dealers navigate the complexities of capital, and today, he’s sharing real-world insights on how funding works, how to leverage it properly, and what separates those who stay operators from those who become owners.

We dive into:

• The biggest mistakes dealers make when it comes to financing growth.
• Alternative funding options that don’t drain your cash flow.
• How to position yourself for ownership even if you don’t have millions in the bank.
• The mindset shift required to go from running a store to owning one.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own dealership, expanding your operations, or simply improving your financial strategies as an operator, this episode is for you. Knowledge is the key to growth—and today, we’re unlocking it.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

How to Build Championship Teams with Contests & Competitions

The hardest part of training isn’t teaching the process—it’s making sure it sticks. In this episode, I break down how to sustain momentum, accountability, and energy in your dealership using fun competitions, MVP recognition, and daily challenges.

I share real-world dealership strategies that keep teams engaged, motivated, and focused on growth, even when sales get tough. From raffle ticket rewards to upsell challenges and technician video contests, I’ll walk you through simple but effective ways to reinforce training while making work fun.

If you’re a dealership manager looking to create a high-performance culture, this episode will give you practical ways to celebrate wins, build camaraderie, and keep your team focused on execution.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace

In this episode, we’re diving deep into how dealership owners and managers can build a more structured, efficient, and profitable business with two powerhouse guests—Daniel Govaer, Fractional COO, and Matt Haiken, Principal and President of Prestige Collection Auto Group.

Matt, who now runs six dealership locations, shares how his approach to leadership has shifted. He’s moving away from making gut-based decisions to structured planning, daily forecasting, and full financial transparency. Daniel, a fractional COO, reveals key strategies he’s uncovered while working inside dealerships—identifying profitability leaks, optimizing daily schedules, and improving internal efficiency.

We cover: ✅ Where dealerships are losing profitability—and how to fix it ✅ The power of total financial transparency in hitting targets ✅ Why structured daily schedules for salespeople and managers drive better results ✅ How communication impacts sales—and how AI is reshaping messaging ✅ Can a dealership succeed using a Tesla-style transactional sales model? ✅ How top-performing dealers are leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for next-level customer interactions

Matt and Daniel share real, actionable ways to rethink dealership operations so leaders can scale with less chaos, better accountability, and stronger results.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. 

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

What does the Amazon-Hyundai partnership really mean for the future of auto retail? Is AI evolving too fast for dealerships to keep up? And why might some obstacles in car buying actually be good for dealers?

In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend and trusted industry voice, Cliff Banks—founder of The Banks Report and AUTOVATE Conference. We break down the latest trends in automotive, from AI adoption in dealerships to digital retailing’s real impact on sales. Cliff shares insights from top automotive CEOs on the biggest challenges they face with AI, why SaaS development is a pain point for vendors, and what role data centers and computing power will play in the future of auto retail.

Plus, we talk shop about:

• The Amazon-Hyundai collaboration—is this really about selling cars, or is it a data play to fuel digital advertising?
• AI in dealerships—why being open to new tools matters & the risks of pretending AI agents are human.
• Digital retailing & the sales process—is it actually making car buying easier, or is it just another manufacturer-driven initiative?
• The dealership evolution—how AI, data reporting, and the FTC’s compliance requirements could determine Tekion’s fate.
• China’s growing automotive influence—what happens if Nissan weakens?
• EV market reality—why Cliff predicts a much smaller EV share than expected.

If you’re grinding it out in the dealership world and struggle to stay up to speed with industry shifts, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a casual, insightful conversation with one of the most experienced voices in auto reporting.

🤝Cliff Banks - https://autovate.org/cliff-banks-bio/

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

Most service advisors stop at the first “no.” But the best? They know that’s just the beginning. In this episode, we’re talking about taking second and third swings—the art of fighting for the business that’s sitting right in front of you.

Your customers don’t always need a discount; sometimes, they just need a little more information. I’ll walk you through real-world analogies and proven tactics to help you:

✅ Circle back on declined work without sounding pushy ✅ Use supportive, value-driven conversations to win approvals ✅ Create urgency without pressure ✅ Overcome objections with confidence and professionalism

When you get in the right mentality before you clock in, you’ll start winning more approvals, making more money, and building stronger customer relationships. I’m fired up for this one—let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

The automotive industry is changing fast—EV mandates, direct-to-consumer threats, shifting manufacturer relationships, and evolving government policies. Are dealers being heard?

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Stanton, President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), to talk about how NADA is fighting for dealers, ensuring their voices are represented in Washington, and pushing back against policies that could hurt their businesses.

We cover: ✅ The FTC victory and why NADA is back on offense ✅ The real story behind EV sales—$7 billion in unsold inventory sitting on dealer lots ✅ Why direct-to-consumer models are still a concern & how NADA is fighting back ✅ How dealers can build relationships with local lawmakers to shape policy ✅ What NADA is doing to strengthen manufacturer-dealer relationships ✅ How NADA’s dealer education programs are evolving to meet today’s challenges

Mike also shares insights from NADA’s exclusive dealer-manufacturer meetings, how policies are changing from dealer input.

Dealers—this is your industry, your fight, and your future. Listen in and learn how you can get involved and make an impact!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

Think about it—when a customer walks into your showroom or calls your dealership, your team jumps into action. So why is chat any different? It shouldn’t be.

In this episode, I sit down with Ted Rubin, CEO of ActivEngage, to talk about the power of real, human conversation in the digital sales process. We break down why dealership live messaging is more than just answering questions—it’s a low-funnel opportunity to build trust, create a great experience, and ultimately, get more customers in the door.

We talk about: ✅ What actually works in live messaging (hint: ditch the templates) ✅ Why customers feel safer engaging in live convo before committing to a dealership ✅ How the right messaging strategy increases appointment set rates & sales ✅ Where digital retailing fits into these conversations

Live messaging isn’t just a feature—it’s an essential part of a modern sales process. When done right, it creates real engagement, builds relationships, and turns website visitors into buyers.

Listen in to learn how top-performing dealers are using live messaging to drive business, build their brand, and make it easier for customers to say yes!

Ted Rubin, ActivEngage  - [email protected] | ActivEngage.com 

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. 

This quick hit episode is incredibly important for every Service Team! Ready to boost your service department's success?! Let's gooooo! 

In this quick class, I lock in on the often-overlooked 'Risk & Reward' equation in the service sales process. Many Service Advisors hesitate to fully explain the risks of delaying necessary work, leading to missed opportunities and customer misunderstandings. We'll explore how presenting both the risks and rewards transparently can transform hesitant customers into loyal advocates who toss you their keys with confidence.

Join me as I share real-world examples and strategies to help General Managers and leaders coach their teams effectively, boosting revenue and fostering trust. Discover how a simple shift in communication can lead to higher approval rates and a thriving dealership culture.

This episode offers insights to elevate your sales presentations and ensure customers understand the true value of timely service. Tune in and learn how to make 'Risk & Reward' work for you and your team!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. 

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

Too often, service advisors treat the write-up process as just another transaction. Big mistake. If you want to boost revenue, retain customers, and build long-term trust, relationships must come first.

In this episode, I break down how to turn every customer interaction into a lasting relationship—starting from the moment they pull into the service drive.

I go over:

✅ Why eye contact, body language, and tone set the stage for success ✅ How to ask the right questions to uncover more opportunities ✅ The power of analogies—helping customers truly understand their vehicle’s needs ✅ Small but impactful ways to make customers feel like VIPs ✅ The difference between basic connection and going the extra mile ✅ How to serve up solutions like you're helping a friend—not just selling work

I also share insights from recent conversations with top service advisors, revealing what really works in building customer trust and increasing approvals.

If you're in hunter mode like me, you know nothing should be left on the table. Get ready to level up your write-up game and make every service drive interaction count!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | [email protected] | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

In this episode, we’re tackling a major gap in dealership service departments—technician videos. These videos are a game-changer for gaining more work approvals, yet most technicians receive zero training on how to shoot them effectively.

Data shows that shops using video can double RO sales, with TruVideo reporting a 20-30% increase in revenue per RO. But here’s the problem—background noise, unclear explanations, and long-winded clips are costing you approvals and money.

I’ve been training service advisors across the country on gaining approvals, mastering sales conversations, and improving call handling—and now, I’m bringing that same energy to technicians. In this episode, I break down: ✅ How to shoot clear, effective videos that set up approvals ✅ The power of credibility and a strong greeting ✅ Why short, engaging videos drive more customer trust ✅ The meaning of “extra extra” and how it leads to extra sales ✅ How to increase work, grow sales, and keep your shop busy

This is a must-listen for service directors, fixed ops leaders, and dealership owners looking to boost customer trust, grow revenue, and help their teams hit their full income potential.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |[email protected] | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me!  bit.ly/3J7011t  Check out my other show, Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsor!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.