By David Spisak
What happens when you get access to uncommon conversations with people who achieved the highest levels of success? Join David Spisak as he brings you inside the room where success stories are told
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The podcast currently has 179 episodes available.
This one’s special. You know I’m all about digging into the real stories—the wins, the lessons, and the grit behind the people shaping our industry. Today, I’m sitting down with Yossi Levi, or as most of you know him, Car Dealership Guy. If you’ve been following his journey, you already know he’s the guy who took what many see as a “traditional” business and flipped the script, building a brand, a movement, and a thriving media presence—all while staying true to his used car roots.
But what makes Yossi’s story so powerful isn’t just his success—it’s his why.
In this episode, we explore:
Yossi’s Journey: How he went from reluctantly joining the family business to scaling operations that sold thousands of cars a year.
Marketing Mastery: The secrets to delighting customers in ways that build loyalty, elevate your brand, and differentiate your dealership in a crowded market.
The Evolution of Used Cars: Why the used car department is no longer the icing on the cake—it is the cake.
The Future of Automotive: How AI and automation are reshaping the landscape and why your people and brand will always be your greatest assets.
This episode isn’t just about Yossi’s journey—it’s about what you can learn from it. Whether you’re running a dealership, building a team, or just trying to stay ahead in a fast-changing world, there’s a nugget in here for you.
And as we wrap up, Yossi drops a gem that’s still echoing in my mind: “If you’re going to do something, be the best at it. Don’t dabble—dive.”
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Ever wondered why some dealerships are thriving online while others seem to struggle with customer retention? What if your website’s design and speed could make the difference between a customer purchase and a lost opportunity? In today’s digital world, first impressions are often made on a screen, not in person. In this episode, Kyle Mountsier, COO of Auto Genius, dives deep into why many dealership websites are unknowingly driving potential buyers away—and how to fix it.
What We Discuss in This Episode:
Here’s the deal: we’re all hustling to bring customers through digital doors, but as Kyle points out, many dealerships are actually putting up invisible barriers—confusing pages, endless CTAs, and sluggish load times that can drive customers away before they even step foot in a showroom. Imagine your website going on a diet. That’s right. Kyle breaks down why trimming the fat—simplifying and speeding up the experience—is the game-changer we’ve been overlooking.
In this episode, we get real about the simple yet powerful changes that can transform your site into a customer magnet. We dig into the psychology behind consumer decision-making, the wild impact of adding friction in the right places, and why an “Amazon experience” isn’t just for retail giants. Kyle even shares how AI is shaping the future of automotive and how a lean, tech-savvy dealership can go head-to-head with the big guys.
Key Highlights:
If you’re ready to transform your dealership’s online presence, this conversation is a must-listen.
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What if every appraisal was the key to industry-leading profitability? In today's market, the power of acquisition strategies has never been more critical. With the rise of disruptors like Carvana and CarMax, the question on every dealership's mind is: How do we stay competitive and maximize profitability?
In this episode of Disruptive Forces in Retail Automotive, I sit down with three industry heavyweights—Joe Blanco, Rob Ruth, and Brian Kramer—to discuss how they’re navigating the complex terrain of used car acquisition in the face of these unprecedented challenges. From creating separate acquisition brands to redefining service drive interactions, these leaders are not only adapting but thriving. Their insights? Game-changing.
What We Discuss In This Episode:
This conversation digs into the exact strategies these top players are using to stay ahead. Joe is breaking down how Sheehy’s been able to go from auction-dependent to building its own consumer-direct brand, "Sheehy Buys Cars." Rob talks about what it’s like to be in a small market but make massive waves by becoming a used car powerhouse. And then there’s Brian, who’s going to shed light on the tech side—how tools like AccuTrade are allowing dealers to compete head-on with the big disruptors, appraising faster and with more precision than ever.
Here’s what I need you to ask yourself: What would happen if your store could run appraisals on every single vehicle that rolls through your lot? How much would change if your team saw every customer as a potential acquisition, not just a sales lead? We’re talking about a shift in mindset here—a move from playing defense to going on the offense.
In an era where competition is only intensifying, the strategies shared in this episode could redefine success for dealerships across the nation. By building strong acquisition channels, harnessing technology, and reimagining service interactions, these leaders are setting a blueprint for sustained growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to turn acquisition into their dealership's greatest strength. Because at the end of the day, the difference between surviving and thriving is in the details.
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What if building a company isn’t just about selling a product, but about transforming an industry? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Tim Cox, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of CarNow, a guy whose journey from the dealership floor to creating one of the industry’s most impactful tech solutions is nothing short of legendary.
We dig into how CarNow came to be—not from some grand blueprint, but from a real need Tim saw while grinding it out in dealerships day after day. Tim’s story is packed with those raw, unfiltered moments every entrepreneur can relate to: the 4 a.m. grinds, the endless search for better processes, and the unwavering commitment to his team and customers. Trust me, it’s not the product that makes CarNow special; it’s the intention behind it, the obsession with helping people, and the pursuit of excellence that has taken it from a startup to a cornerstone in automotive retail.
Here’s what we’re unpacking in this episode:
If you’re all about finding inspiration from real stories and genuine people, you’re going to love this conversation. Whether you’re knee-deep in the car business or just looking for the kind of wisdom that applies anywhere, Tim Cox is here to deliver.
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You know, one of the things I love most about this industry is that every leader has a story—and today’s guest, Damon Lester, has one of the most unique I’ve ever heard. Imagine stepping into the world of auto dealerships before you’ve even set foot inside a dealership. Yeah, you heard that right. Damon went from the world of accounting to becoming the owner of Nissan Bowie and long-time chairman of NAMAD, and his journey is nothing short of incredible.
In this episode, Damon and I dig deep into what it takes to lead in an industry that’s been through its fair share of challenges. We talk about how he accidentally found himself in the automotive world, the life-changing lessons he learned from working overseas in post-Soviet countries, and why diversity in leadership isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a key driver of success.
Damon’s insights on navigating the complex world of dealership ownership, especially as a minority dealer, are something you don’t want to miss. We also dive into how the auto industry has shifted from having to embrace diversity to wanting to, and what that means for the future of dealerships.
A Glimpse Into the Episode:
“People are people, no matter where they come from,” Damon shares, reflecting on his time overseas. This insight serves as a foundation for his leadership at NAMAD, where fostering diversity isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessary ingredient for success in the automotive industry. Whether he’s discussing the challenges of dealership ownership or the cultural nuances of buying a car, Damon’s insights are both profound and practical.
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What does it really take to go beyond your limits and lead under the most intense pressure? In this episode, I sit down with Errol Doebler, a man who has redefined what it means to lead. From serving as a Navy SEAL to tracking terrorists as an FBI agent, and now as the founder of Ice Cold Leader, Errol’s journey is one of grit, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
We dive into the defining moments that shaped his path—from flipping through a Naval Academy book in sixth grade to surviving Hell Week in SEAL training, where 70% of candidates quit. Errol shares what sets Navy SEALs apart, not just physically but mentally. He talks about the importance of never letting quitting become an option, a mindset that’s carried him through life-threatening missions and into his new career as a leadership coach.
For those of you who’ve been with me for years, you know I don’t throw around the word “transformational” lightly, but this episode is just that. Errol’s unique approach to leadership isn’t just for the battlefield—it’s for the boardroom, your team, your family, and even your own personal growth. He shares how the lessons learned in special operations apply to all of us, from solving everyday problems to overcoming life's toughest challenges.
If you’ve ever wondered how the best of the best think, act, and lead when the stakes are highest, you’re not going to want to miss this one.
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You know those conversations that hit you like a lightning bolt? The ones that leave you thinking, "Wow, I’ve never looked at it that way before"? Well, buckle up because this episode is one of those.
I’m sitting down with none other than Cliff Banks—a true legend in automotive journalism. Cliff has been ahead of the curve for over 30 years, and today, he’s sharing insights that will reshape the way you think about the future of our industry. We’re talking about Autovate, the event that brings together the best minds in automotive retail, venture capital, and innovation. This isn’t your average conference—it's where the real movers and shakers come together to make things happen.
Cliff and I dive into the realities of electric vehicles—what’s working, what’s not, and why some OEMs are scrambling to shift gears. Plus, we tackle the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions in automotive retail. What does the future hold for dealerships, and how can you position yourself to thrive in 2025 and beyond?
This episode is packed with hard-hitting insights, candid truths, and even a little humor along the way.
Join me and Cliff as we pull back the curtain on what’s really going on in automotive—and trust me, you won’t want to miss this.
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We’ve all heard it—tech this, AI that—but let me ask you this: If technology has advanced so much in our industry, why are we still stuck selling the same number of cars we did 20 years ago? What’s really holding us back? In this episode, I sit down with Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Automotive Group, to uncover the real reasons dealerships haven’t fully tapped into the potential of today’s tech—and how we can turn it around.
Jarrod is one of those rare leaders who sees beyond just the shiny new tools and asks the critical question: How do we future-proof the dealership? We dive into everything from the overwhelming tech stacks dealers are trying to navigate to the missed opportunities in training and marketing that could be the key to doubling performance.
Together, we’ll explore:
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one. Jarrod drops some serious knowledge bombs that will have you rethinking how you run your dealership and where we’re heading as an industry.
If you're ready to future-proof your dealership and stay ahead of the curve, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!
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"Ever felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of ‘best practices’ that never seem to move the needle? In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who’s been breaking the mold in the automotive world – Darrell Steed, founder and president of Smart Wolf Consulting.
Darrell isn’t just another industry voice; he’s the guy who’s out there solving real problems for dealers just like you and me. We dive deep into what it really takes to win in the used car game, from dismantling outdated processes to building strategies that actually work. You’ll hear why most dealerships are their own worst enemies when it comes to used car acquisition, and why it’s time to stop relying on so-called ‘best practices’ that are more about hype than results.
What I loved about this conversation is how Darrell doesn’t pull any punches. He’s been in the trenches, knows what works, and isn’t afraid to call out what doesn’t. He shares the story behind his nickname, ‘The Wolf,’ and how he became the go-to guy when dealerships were facing insurmountable challenges. We tackle everything – from finding the right used car manager to creating a culture that fosters accountability and growth.
If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and start making real, transformative changes in your used car department, this is the episode for you. Listen in as Darrell and I unpack the hard truths and the proven strategies that will take your dealership from struggling to soaring.
“The truth hurts only when it should.” – This line hit me hard, and I think it’ll resonate with you, too.
Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the kind of conversation that’s going to make a difference in how you approach your business.
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In this episode I'm diving into a topic that has been a thorn in the side of dealerships for as long as I can remember – the used car department.
You’re probably wondering, “What do happiness and the used car department have in common?” Well, in more ways than one, both seem to slip out of reach just when you think you’ve got them figured out. But here’s the kicker: just like happiness, a successful used car department is achievable—if you know the six critical areas to master. From inventory challenges to sourcing strategies, and the all-too-familiar pain points of auctions and reconditioning, I’m laying it all out in this episode.
What We Discuss In This Episode:
We’ll cover some big questions: Why do disruptors like CarMax and Carvana seem to be thriving while others struggle to keep up? How do you make acquisitions your secret weapon instead of a financial sinkhole? And most importantly, how can you turn your used car department into a powerhouse of profitability—consistently?
After decades in the industry, I’ve seen it all. I’m going to break down the six critical areas every dealership needs to master to not just survive but thrive. And let me tell you, these aren’t theories—they’re proven, battle-tested strategies used by top dealers across the country.
So if you’ve ever felt like your used car department is more like a ticking time bomb than a money-making machine, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll explore how to finally crack the code on used car success and build something sustainable for the future.
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The podcast currently has 179 episodes available.
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