Excelling Through the 'Yeah Buts' with Evangeline Sutton & Hayden Hicks

The latest TimTalks explores the foundations of exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and servant-minded growth in the automotive world. 

Tim joined Hayden Hicks, who is leading the charge at Jerry Hunt Supercenter with 900 used cars sold monthly, and Evangeline Schultz-Sutton, the dynamic CMO helping scale Clement Auto Group from two to seven rooftops. 

This episode spans personal origins, leadership philosophies, mindset routines, and tactical growth strategies that fuel next-level performance.

Connect with Evangeline and Hayden on LinkedIn.

[00:00 – 02:17] Meet the Guests
Tim introduces the episode and how Evangeline brought Hayden to his attention as a top-performing leader selling 900 used cars per month.

[02:18 – 04:43] Why Hayden Stands Out
Evangeline shares what makes Hayden and the Todd Hunt Auto Group special: leadership through service and consistent results.

[04:44 – 09:47] Hayden’s Journey
Hayden recounts growing up in a family dealership, facing tough times, and developing his drive to lead and serve through those experiences.

[09:48 – 14:14] Daily Culture & Setting the Tone
Tim emphasizes leadership through daily tone-setting, highlighting Hayden’s passion for transformative sales meetings and service-driven culture.

[14:15 – 16:40] Crushing the "Yeah, Buts"
Hayden unpacks how his team is thriving in a tough market by eliminating excuses, sourcing cars nationally, and building customer-first processes.

[16:41 – 20:58] Scaling with Smiles
Evangeline discusses how leadership, vision, and gratitude help her navigate rapid team and dealership expansion.

[20:59 – 24:28] Gratitude as a Leadership Superpower
Tim shares personal reflections and emphasizes the value of starting each day with gratitude as a leadership and culture tool.

[24:29 – 26:48] Advice to a Younger Hayden
Hayden reflects on what he would tell his younger self: embrace gratitude early, aim high, and don’t waste the gift of time.

[26:49 – 28:27] Advice to a Younger Evangeline
Evangeline encourages her past self and fellow millennials to embrace long-term thinking and show up fully every day.

[28:28 – 31:12] Dream Big
Tim reinforces the episode’s core message: don’t stop short—go for “immeasurably more” in your career and personal life.

[31:13 – 31:57] Final Advice for New Leaders
Hayden gives a final charge to new managers: serve others, level up, and lead with professionalism and purpose.

[31:58 – 33:00] Closing Remarks
Tim thanks his guests and teases a possible follow-up episode to uncover Hayden’s secret to sourcing 900+ cars/month.