Keep The Change

In this episode, my guest is Larry Feldman, a 30-year auto industry powerhouse who's done it all—from award-winning Cadillac sales to dealership ownership and now, transforming lives through recruiting and leadership training.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a manager from a leader… or how to spot the real difference between someone who talks a big game and someone who actually shows up—this one’s for you.

Larry’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just say the right things—he lives them. He shares what he’s learned from helping dealerships all across the country find their people… and more importantly, keep their people. We talk about:

• Why good energy always wins (and how to spot it in a candidate)
• What most hiring managers get wrong (and how to fix it fast)
• Why leading from the front isn’t optional
• And how the best managers are more like coaches—with accountability, heart, and a little grit

We even swap some wild stories from the front lines—including how Larry accidentally built a powerhouse recruiting business that’s quietly filling stores with top talent.

If you're in the auto biz and you care about people—your team, your store, your future—then you’re going to love this.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

In this episode, my guest is Anthony Alagona—founder of By Appointment Only, and a guy who's built a powerhouse BDC business without even having a website.

We talk about what it actually takes to build something from scratch when the odds are stacked against you. From sleeping in a car to being booked out for a full year, Anthony walks us through the hard lessons that helped shape his approach to training, leadership, and growth.

We also touch on:

• How Anthony went from rock bottom and no license… to being booked 52 weeks in advance.
• The power of unreasonable hospitality—and how it's changing the car business.
• Why the best training doesn’t happen in a classroom, but around a table, over a story.
• Why Anthony still doesn’t have a website (yep—you read that right).
• And how “Can I customize your experience?” might just be the best sales line you’ve never used.

You’ll hear how hospitality shaped his approach to automotive, why building relationships always beats algorithms, and how he trains people to not just show up—but to be memorable. Anthony doesn’t hold back about what it takes to survive a career pivot, fight off a bad reputation, and still keep your head up.

If you're building something, leading a team, or trying to figure out how to bounce back when things fall apart—there’s a lot to take away here.

He also shares how he turns dealerships around from the inside, why BDCs are more than phone rooms, and how to coach people so they want to be coached.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Anthony Alagona

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-alagona-6a6b9663/

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

In this episode, my guest is Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President at Maxwell Leadership — and one of the most purpose-driven leaders I know.

We talk about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: what happens when you’re doing “well enough,” but deep down you know you’ve stopped growing.

Chris shares the real story behind his new book From Drift to Drive, and we break down the seven steps he uses (and teaches others) to get clear, take action, and shake off the weight of complacency — especially the kind that sneaks in when life is comfortable.

We get into:

• What clarity really looks like in your life and work
• Why “being busy” isn’t the same as moving forward
• How to gather and filter the right information to avoid drowning in content
• The role of mentors and why your circle can either build you up or hold you back
• How to take consistent action, even when it’s messy or uncertain
• Why evluation is the step most people skip — and what that’s costing them

Chris also opens up about his personal turning point — the moment that changed the trajectory of his life — and how it shaped the way he shows up today as a husband, father of six, and leader of thousands.

Whether you’re leading a business, a family, or just trying to get yourself to the next level… this one will challenge you, encourage you, and give you tools you can actually use.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Chris Robinson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerchrisrobinson

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

In this episode, my guest is Brian Kramer, Executive VP at Cars Commerce and GM of AccuTrade.

Brian’s got one of the sharpest minds in the business, and we cover a lot of ground in this conversation—from used car profitability to leadership habits that actually move the needle in today’s stores.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many tools, too many meetings, or just the general whirlwind of the car biz… this episode will help you refocus on what actually matters.

Here’s a glimpse at what we talk about:

• Why “doing less” might be the secret to selling more
• How Brian used a simple app link to unlock hundreds of trade-ins
• What every manager should text their team every single night
• The 3 types of trust that make or break your store culture
• How to build a daily rhythm that keeps your team aligned (without micromanaging)

We also get into the mindset shift Brian had to make when leaving retail for Cars Commerce—and how he’s now using that experience to shape tools that actually work for dealers.

If you’re in a dealership, leading a team, or just trying to get better at the craft—there’s gold in this one. Brian doesn’t hold back, and he shares hard-earned lessons that can save you months (or years) of learning the hard way.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Brian Kramer

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkramer1/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kramerbrian/?hl=en

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

In this episode, my guest is John Roberts, General Manager of Roberts Motors in Alton, Illinois. John’s family has been in the car business for over 70 years, and he’s got a perspective that’s not just shaped by longevity—but by deep transformation.

We talk about what it really means to lead people, not just manage them. John shares how he went from being a shy porter who avoided conversation to running a dealership that’s grown over 30% this year. He opens up about the turning points in his career, the hard lessons, and why leadership has nothing to do with titles and everything to do with how you show up for your people.

We also talk about:

• Why telling people what to do doesn’t work (and what actually does)
• The practical changes that helped John and his team boost performance
• What a simple daily check-in can do to shift culture and accountability
• Why humility—not ego—is the real power move in leadership
• And how to recognize when you’re the one who needs to grow

We also dive into some real talk about coaching, feedback, and how those uncomfortable moments—the ones where people doubt you—can fuel your biggest breakthroughs.

If you’re a GM, sales leader, or just someone who wants to lead better and connect more with your team, this one’s worth the time. It’s honest, it’s useful, and you might hear a bit of your own story in John’s.

Take a listen.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with John Roberts

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrobertscarguy/

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

Before we dive in, a heartfelt tribute... At the request of my guest Chris Saraceno, I want to take a moment to honor someone who’s had a deep and lasting impact on both of our lives — Frank Marr.

 Frank has been a mentor, a friend, and a guiding voice for decades at the Kelly Automotive Group. His wisdom, loyalty, and unwavering support have helped shape who we are as leaders and as people. While his name wasn’t mentioned in the original conversation, his influence runs through every part of this episode. Frank, this one’s for you. 

In this episode, my guest is Chris Saraceno, Vice President and Partner at Kelly Automotive Group, and the author of The Theory of Five — a framework that’s been quietly transforming how top performers live and lead.

We talk about the five key areas that shape a fulfilling life — faith, relationships, parenting, finance, and health — and the five people you spend the most time with that either pull you forward or hold you back.

But this isn’t just theory.

Chris shares real-life stories and practical questions you can ask yourself right now to take stock of where you’re at and who you’re becoming. We break down:

• How to find mentors in every area of your life (and why you don’t need just one)
• The link between your personal health and your professional success
• Why the people closest to you might be keeping you stuck — and how to shift that dynamic
• And how middle managers in dealerships (or any organization) can grow beyond the grind

You’ll also hear why consistency matters more than intensity, why emotional intelligence is your secret weapon, and how asking the right questions leads to breakthrough.

This episode is full of honest insights and actionable takeaways — especially if you’re ready to stop drifting and start building a life that matters.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Chris Saraceno

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaraceno

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

Ever wonder why some leaders transform entire teams while others just manage to keep the lights on?

In today’s solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a strategy that’s not just another leadership theory – it’s the secret sauce to turning average managers into powerhouse leaders. And it all starts with one question: Are you a Level 4 Leader?

You’ve heard me talk about John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership, but today, we’re going deeper – way deeper.

 We’re diving into:

• How a high-performing sales rep went from top dog to terrible manager in record time – and what every dealership owner needs to learn from it.
•  The critical shift from position-based leadership to people development leadership – and why this is the sweet spot for dealership success. 
•  The 5 essential elements of a high-performance environment, from vision to activating your team to become self-coaching powerhouses. 
•  Why emotional intelligence is the missing link in almost every underperforming leader – and how to level up quickly. 
• Why most managers get stuck at Level 1 – and how to level up to people development leadership (the real moneymaker in the dealership world).

And here’s the kicker – I’m sharing the blueprint for my new Transforming Leadership in the Dealership webinar series, packed with the kind of insights that can shift your entire organization’s trajectory.

 If you’re ready to stop managing and start leading, if you’re serious about transforming your team from average to unstoppable, this episode is your blueprint. 

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

What if I told you that there’s a Toyota dealer in the Midwest pulling $4K in front-end gross per unit… without ever charging over MSRP?

Yeah, read that again.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and industry powerhouse, Mike Luner—a guy I’ve known and respected for over 30 years. Mike isn’t just running a dealership. He’s building a culture where process, profit, and people all win. We talk about real leadership, real margins, and real strategies that actually work in today’s market—even with all the noise about margin compression.

Here’s what we dive into:

•  How Mike turned a small-town Toyota store into a gross-generating machine (think $800K+ in front-end just from Seal Jet and Diamond Fusion)
•  His bulletproof trade-in strategy that starts low and wins big—every time
•  Why his salespeople are averaging $85K/year and not leaving
•  The secret to consistent leadership: Friday sales meetings (for 40 years straight!) and never being too good to sweep the lot
•  Why 50+ cars/month from a full-time buyer is about to change his used car game
•  Plus: We talk about how to train like champions, present like pros, and lead like servant-hearted operators

If you’ve ever wondered how to actually hold gross in a compressed market, build a process that sticks, or lead a team that wants to stay and grow with you—this is the episode.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Mike Luner

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-luner-50817093/

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

What if I told you… sales isn’t just something you do — it’s who you become?

In this solo episode, I’m opening up the playbook.

From watching my mom take over the family dealership with zero experience and turning it into a powerhouse, to my own journey through sales, leadership, AutoNation, Maxwell Leadership, and now running coaching bootcamps — I’m laying it all out.

But this episode isn’t about my story…

It’s about how you can take real action in yours.

Here’s what we get into:

• The spark that reignited my love for sales training (and how God used a coffee shop to do it).
• Why most salespeople don’t lack motivation—they lack meaningful goals.
• A simple goal-setting exercise that will change the way your team thinks (and sells).
• The three types of customers you must understand — and the one that makes the biggest difference.
• Why your people need more than process—they need purpose. And how you help them find it.
• A breakdown of the Auto Mastery Bootcamp framework—from mindset to metrics, and everything in between.

Plus…

I’ll give you the exact exercise we use in our bootcamps that gets sales teams fired up and focused. It’s practical, repeatable, and it works. And if you want to steal it? Be my guest.

This episode is for the leaders who care.

For the ones ready to develop their people—not just manage them.

And for anyone who knows deep down… there’s more potential in the room.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

In this episode, my guests are Kyle Newsom and Tom Fennen, co-founders of Visperio—a company on a mission to transform dealership leadership from the inside out. We talk about everything from emotional intelligence in fixed ops to the leadership philosophies that are actually moving the needle in today’s fast-paced automotive world.

These guys aren’t just dropping strategies...

They’re challenging the entire way we think about leadership in the dealership.

Here’s why you should hit play:

•  You’ll learn how to move from "managing numbers" to leading people
•  Discover why kindness is accountability in disguise
•  Find out the #1 mindset shift new service managers need to make
•  Learn how emotional intelligence directly impacts your team’s retention and performance
•  And—why selling time (not just services) could change your fixed ops game

Plus, you’ll hear Tom drop wisdom like “It’s not about being right, it’s about getting it right”… and Kyle’s reminder that we’re not selling oil changes—we’re selling time. Every word in this one is gold.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between the numbers and the people...

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with both strength and softness...

Or if you're just tired of turnover and know there’s gotta be a better way—

Then this one’s for you.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Kyle Newsom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-newsom-650720110/

Connect with Tom Fennen

•    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-fennen-49931059/

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching