Imagine an automotive conference that is as much educational as it is fun. 

Imagine not only getting to learn from the speakers but also networking with them! 

I'm talking about speakers like Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, and Dr. Nicole Lipkin; a renowned Psychologist and leadership consultant. 

I'm also talking about industry juggernauts like Patrick Abad, Liza Borches, and dozens more. 

ASOTUCON is a one-of-a-kind automotive conference, and for a limited time, DPB listeners get access to 50% off! 

Visit https://www.asotucon.com and use code: thedpb to claim 50% off now. 

It's a no-brainer, gang. 

Will I get to see you there?

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Joe St. John, a dynamic innovator in the automotive space, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a keen eye for identifying industry challenges and a passion for crafting innovative solutions, Joe's journey from disenchantment to reimagining the digital retail landscape is nothing short of inspiring. What We Discuss In This Episode: Joe provides invaluable insights into the challenges faced by dealerships in adapting to digital retailing. Drawing from his extensive experience, Joe articulates the disconnect between the promise of digital retailing and its practical implementation, highlighting the need for solutions that streamline the car-buying process while enhancing the customer experience. Throughout the episode, Joe's passion for problem-solving shines through, as he reflects on his role in driving innovation within the automotive sector. From his grassroots approach of immersing himself in dealerships to understand their pain points firsthand, to his pivotal role in shaping AutoFi's mission to revolutionize the car-buying journey, Joe's dedication to effecting meaningful change is palpable. Ultimately, our conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of technology when harnessed with purpose and empathy. By embracing simplicity, focusing on real-world challenges, and fostering genuine connections, Joe exemplifies how technology can be wielded as a force for positive change, both in business and in life. Thanks, Joe St. John! If you enjoyed this episode featuring Joe St. John, support us by clicking the links! Connect with Joe St. John on LinkedInListen to the full episode for insights and context from Joe St. John!  ⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!  Connect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInCLICK HERE to learn more about The Dealer Playbook!  Sell Smarter, Not Harder AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too. AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I; menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS. Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

Joe St. John: The $1,000 Secret That's Killing Car Deals

After losing his leg in 2018, firefighter Gary Weiland did the impossible and went back to work. He didn’t stop there, and used this opportunity to be an inspiration. Since his surgery Gary has become a motivational speaker, author, American Ninja Warrior, entrepreneur, and a member of multiple USA Para teams, including the 2023 U.S. Para Bobsled Push Division National Champion. With a message applicable to anyone from school-age children to world leaders, Gary inspires with his story of perseverance, faith, and determination. His experiences and perspective are perfect examples of how to turn tragedy into opportunity. You too will feel motivated to adapt and overcome. What We Discuss In This Episode: In the episode with Gary Weiland, we delve deep into his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity. We start by discussing the pivotal moment when Gary, a firefighter, faced unexpected complications after knee surgery, leading to the eventual amputation of his leg due to the cutting off of blood flow to his foot. Gary shares the emotional and physical turmoil he experienced during this challenging time, highlighting the grieving process, feelings of anger, and the struggle to accept his new reality. Throughout the conversation, Gary reflects on the importance of mindset and choice in navigating adversity. He recounts how his children's reminder of his own teachings about finding purpose in difficult circumstances sparked a shift in his perspective. This realization propelled him to make the conscious decision not to let his situation define him but rather to use it as motivation to become the first amputee firefighter in the world. We explore Gary's journey of setting and achieving ambitious goals, from returning to firefighting within 10 months and six days of his amputation to competing on American Ninja Warrior. His story underscores the power of resilience, determination, and adaptability in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Thanks, Gary Weiland! If you enjoyed this episode featuring Steven Posner, support us by clicking the links! Connect with Gary Weiland on LinkedInListen to the full episode for insights and context from Gary Weiland!  ⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!  Connect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInCLICK HERE to learn more about The Dealer Playbook!  More Dealers Are Choosing To Partner with FlexDealer Looking for a reliable, high-performance dealership marketing partner? Visit https://www.flexdealer.com to discover why more and more dealers are choosing them over big-box providers.

Overcoming Hardships with American Ninja Warrior, Gary Weiland

In this episode I sit down with Steven Posner, the CEO of Putnam Leasing Company, to dive into the intricacies of the exotic car market. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, starting with the resilience of the exotic car market amidst volatile economic conditions. Steven shares his insights into how the demand for luxury vehicles surged unexpectedly during the recent pandemic, leading to a significant uptick in business for Putnam Leasing. What We Discuss In This Episode: As we explore the landscape of the exotic car leasing industry, Steven highlights the challenges posed by the influx of "new money" clients. These individuals, often young professionals with substantial incomes, present unique risks and opportunities for leasing companies. We discuss the importance of careful vetting and risk management strategies to ensure the financial stability of Putnam Leasing in a rapidly evolving market. One particularly intriguing trend that Steven sheds light on is the rise of YouTuber wealth. We delve into the phenomenon of young content creators with substantial incomes seeking luxury car leases, and how Putnam Leasing adapts to cater to this emerging demographic. From navigating insurance hurdles to addressing the unique needs of these clients, Steven provides valuable insights into the dynamics of this evolving segment of the market. Throughout our conversation, Steven emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and anticipating future challenges and opportunities. From tightening insurance markets to shifting consumer preferences, he offers a seasoned perspective on the future outlook of the exotic car leasing industry.  Thanks, Steven Posner! If you enjoyed this episode featuring Steven Posner, support us by clicking the links! Connect with Steven Posner on LinkedInListen to the full episode for insights and context from Steven Posner! ⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!  Connect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInCLICK HERE to learn more about The Dealer Playbook!  Sell Smarter, Not Harder AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too. AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I; menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS. Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

The New Rules of Luxury Leasing: What You Need to Know in 2024 with Steven Posner

Katie Mares is an author, speaker, and consultant who empowers businesses to design experiences that resonate with female consumers. She is a bestselling author and her book, "CustomHer Experience" is a guide for businesses to close the gender gap in sales. What We Discuss In This Episode Katie shares her personal journey from a disastrous car-buying experience to becoming a leading voice in customer experience. Her encounter with six dismal dealerships sparked a quest to understand and transform the automotive industry's approach to female consumers. Drawing from her expertise, Katie provides actionable insights for dealerships to elevate the customer experience authentically. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to understanding touchpoints, she emphasizes the significance of aligning every aspect of the journey with the needs and preferences of female consumers. In a world driven by hustle and superficiality, Katie advocates for kindness and authenticity as foundational principles for success. She highlights the enduring value of building genuine relationships based on trust and mutual respect, which ultimately fosters customer loyalty and long-term growth. Thanks, Katie Mares! If you enjoyed this episode featuring Katie Mares, support us by clicking the links! Connect with Katie Mares on LinkedInListen to the full episode for insights and context from Katie Mares!  ⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!  Connect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInCLICK HERE to learn more about The Dealer Playbook!  Sell Smarter, Not Harder AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too. AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I; menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS. Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

Women Drive Auto Sales: Unlocking Female Customer Satisfaction with Katie Mares

Gabrielle (Gabi) Abinion is the General Manager at Fox Valley Volkswagen of St. Charles. With a rich family history in the automotive business, Gabi brings a unique perspective to her role, blending tradition with innovation to drive success. Her dedication to empowering her team and fostering a culture of growth has been instrumental in the dealership's continued prosperity. Buckle up for a conversation about hard work, navigating family businesses, and forging your own path in a rapidly changing industry. What We Discuss In This Episode: Gabi isn't your typical dealership GM. The daughter of a Filipino immigrant who came to America to chase the dream, Gabi grew up around cars but knew she had to carve her own path. Despite her family's auto group, she ventured out to learn the ropes at another dealership before returning with a fresh perspective. Gabi shared her inspiring path into the automotive world, rooted deeply in her family's heritage and the profound impact of her father's journey as an immigrant. From witnessing her father's resilience and determination to carve a path in the industry to her own decision to follow in his footsteps, Gabi's narrative underscores the transformative power of passion and perseverance. A focal point of our conversation centered on the importance of cultivating a thriving workplace culture as a driver of organizational success. Gabi shared insights into her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the value of clear communication, active listening, and fostering a sense of belonging among team members. By prioritizing collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning, Gabi has cultivated an environment where employees feel empowered to thrive and contribute their best. Furthermore, Gabi underscored the significance of community engagement and customer-centricity in building trust and loyalty among clientele. By prioritizing authentic connections and meaningful interactions, Fox Valley Volkswagen has solidified its reputation as a trusted automotive partner, dedicated to serving the needs of its community with integrity and excellence. Thanks, Gabi Abinion! If you enjoyed this episode featuring Gabi Abinion, support us by clicking the links! Connect with Gabi Abinion on LinkedInListen to the full episode for insights and context from Steve Whitlock!  ⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!  Connect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInCLICK HERE to learn more about The Dealer Playbook!  Sell Smarter, Not Harder AutoFi helps progressive dealers like you sell smarter, not harder—on your dealership website and, now, in your showroom, too. AutoFi solves the everyday problems dealers actually face: like bottlenecks at the sales desk, customer distrust, and decision overload. And their all-new showroom solution includes deal estimation, desking, lender routing, and an F&I; menu – all in one powerful platform that bridges the gap between the CRM and DMS.

Go to AutoFi.com/dealerplaybook to learn more. And start selling smarter, today.

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