The phrase “latest and greatest” is only accurate for so long when it comes to problem-solving in dealerships using new tech and strategies.

This week, host Keishawn Batts speaks with Alex Balk, General Manager of North Orlando CARite, about overcoming challenges in the world of auto dealing. From addressing financing questions to adapting to car buying trends and shifting expectations, Alex brings a commitment to implementing new technologies and strategies within dealerships and a commitment to building a better buying experience for all.

Join us as we discuss:

• Whether customers prefer online or in-person car purchasing experiences
• Educating customers about financing options
• Effective inventory management
• How AI lending can enable more sellable deals

As auto technology evolves, so do the expectations of the auto consumer—and for auto dealers looking to stay current, stagnancy is not an option.

This week, host Keishawn Batts speaks with Amira Aly, Founder of VoltAlytics. Amira shares her thoughts on what it means to truly rise to the challenge of meeting the ever-changing needs of the modern auto consumer—which is best epitomized by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). From the shift in vehicle ownership models and the critical role of financial institutions, to the need for robust charging infrastructure and digitized retail experiences, Amira touches on areas where dealers should question the status quo.

Join us as we discuss:

• The importance of understanding the customer's perspective
• How auto dealers can better understand and cater to the evolving needs of EV consumers
• Leveraging tech and digital retailing to enhance the consumer experience
• Key trends automotive companies should focus on to ensure they remain relevant and competitive

True growth and progress are anything but easy: it almost always involves asking tough questions and being able to access even tougher answers and truths about the way one is currently doing things.

Today’s guest, Jen Suzuki (President of eDealer Solutions), knows all of this firsthand, and she joins host Danielle Mills Walden to discuss her innovative approaches to BDC training and outbound prospecting. Jen’s journey is marked by challenging beginnings and hard-won wisdom about what it takes to succeed both in and out of the dealership — and Jen uses her story as an engaging starting point for her vision for empowering sales teams to tackle the latest challenges and opportunities.

Join us as we discuss:

• The importance of involvement management in training
• How leadership and team building in dealerships has changed over the past few years
• Rethinking outdated sales tools like CRM systems
• How to utilize customer data to create a continuous and personalized buying experience

This week, host Danielle Mills Walden speaks with Elwira Wilczynska, Director of Sales Training at Del Grande Dealer Group, about the intersection of technology implementation and sales team success. From onboarding new hires to revolutionizing the car buying experience, Elwira shares insights on how dealerships can effectively train employees (and get buy-in from leadership) on using technology to create seamless experiences for all manner of customers.

Discussed in this episode: 

• How pre-hiring interactions and training platforms set new hires up for success before they enter the dealership
• The evolution of the guest experience in light of disruptors and increased availability of product info online
• Why building and cultivating culture is equally important as integrating game-changing tech 
• The vital role of open communication when implementing and testing new tech and processes

Growth is about more than profits and expansion — it’s also about how much your leaders at your dealership are investing in employee training, especially how to align training with customer needs and pain points. 

On today’s episode, Durran Cage, Founder and CEO of Cage Automotive, joins host Danielle Mills Walden to share his insights on the vital role of continuous learning and mentorship in next-level auto sales. Durran formerly worked his way up in the dealership from BDC to GSM, and attributes much of his success in coaching and consulting today to strong mentorship and training from his past dealership.  

Join us as we discuss:

• Misconceptions about BDC and internet teams — and strategies for evolving them
• Leveraging data to boost customer retention
• The power of video in attracting customers
• Prioritizing customer education with EVs

Being able to give an authentically inspiring answer to the question “Why?” is the mark of a true change-maker. The guests on today’s episode answer that very question in a way that will both invigorate and resonate with leaders in the world of auto dealerships.

This week, host Danielle Mills Walden is joined by Fred Lennartz and Lou Ramirez, the dynamic duo behind Car Guy Coffee Media. Fred and Lou are committed to revolutionizing the dealership experience by emphasizing positive relationships between sales pros and customers — as well as encouraging leaders to embrace change and adopt customer-centric processes and mindsets. Both as individuals and as a team, they have so much to offer any dealership looking to better itself and its team.  

Discussed in this episode:

• What it means to be a true “solutionary” in the world of dealerships 
• The qualities of a truly positive and lasting relationship with customers
• How to overcome common barriers to positive change within dealerships
• The role of accountability from the top down in shaping successful strategy

No matter how much the landscape of sales and retail shifts, two things remain the same: consumers crave convenience, and employees crave steady guidance through industry changes.

For the first episode of Leadership in the Dealership, our host Danielle Mills Walden talks with Brian Kramer, General Manager of Accu-Trade — who brings along all manner of insights about the role of tech solutions in the world of auto sales. Brian brings a belief in creating seamless and convenient experiences for consumers, as well as a commitment to seeing through such transformations and revolutions with effective leadership and careful planning.

Join us as we discuss:

• How key tech solutions have changed day-to-day operations at auto dealerships
• The need for top-level buy-in during change management processes
• Strategies for catering to evolving customer needs and preferences
• The challenges ongoing shifts in vehicle valuations and aging inventory