Hey, it’s just you and me today—and I want to have a real conversation. One that peels back the headlines, the hype, and the AI buzzwords to get to the core of what’s actually happening in our industry… and what isn’t.

If you’ve looked around lately and thought, “Everything feels different,” you’re not alone. From geopolitical headlines to AI hype, to the whirlwind of new tech and ever-climbing expectations—it's a lot. But here’s the question I’m asking in this episode: Has the world really changed… or are we just seeing the same challenges dressed in new tech and tighter timelines?

In this episode, we also talk about:

• Why most dealers still crave partners—not vendors
• The Jenga tower we call our tech stacks
• Why “used cars” are no longer the “other” department
• The real shift happening in dealership culture right now
• How AI is both exciting... and misleading
• And the truth about what still drives success.

This isn’t just a state-of-the-industry rant. It’s a strategy reset.

Because if your tech stack is fragile, your culture is thin, and your marketing is coasting on yesterday’s tactics… no amount of hustle will save you. But if you’re willing to take an honest look under the hood—with the right questions, the right tools, and the right people—everything can change.

Let’s talk about what still really drives success—and why now is the time to double down on it.

And hey, if you feel stuck or want help breaking through the noise, you’re one DM away. Let’s talk.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

In this episode, I sit down with one of the most passionate and influential voices in our industry—Don Hall, President & CEO of the Virginia Auto Dealers Association, to unpack what’s actually holding dealerships back—and how some of the best are rewriting the playbook by leading with people, purpose, and outrageous hospitality.

You’ll walk away with game-changing insights that can completely transform your team culture, customer experience, and leadership mindset—starting today.

Here’s what we get into:

• Why your calendar might be sabotaging your growth—and how to break free from the 30-day hamster wheel.
• The connection between a steakhouse in Charleston and the car-buying experience at your dealership.
• How the Rory McIlroy mindset can help you overcome years of setbacks—and come out stronger than ever.
• Why “commission breath” is killing your deals (and what to do instead).
• The real reason people leave dealerships—and how legendary operators are solving it with culture and care.
• And yes, we talk about tariffs, but more importantly—how to stop getting distracted by noise and focus on what truly matters.

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective, if you want to lead better, build better teams, and create experiences that actually move people—you’re in the right place.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

In this special episode—hosted by none other than Brian Kramer, EVP, Dealer Growth & Success at Cars Commerce—we assembled what I’d call The Used Car Avengers: Frank Knox (Unique Auto Sourcing), Jasen Rice (Lotpop). These guys don’t just talk acquisition—they live it.

So what’s the mission?

Unpacking the real reasons dealers are missing the mark on direct-from-consumer sourcing (aka: your most profitable channel), why “look-to-book” might be the most overrated metric in the business, and how flipping your culture from “appointment-first” to “appraisal-first” might just change your entire game.

Here’s a sneak peek at what we get into:

• Why acquiring cars from consumers is the most profitable move—and why most dealers are still stuck at the auction.
• The 3 building blocks of a bulletproof acquisition strategy: product, people, and process.
• What Starbucks can teach your used car department about consistency.
• The real cost of missing an appraisal—spoiler: it's not just a lost trade, it's a $5,000 profit hole.
• Why “look-to-book” might be hurting more than helping—and what to track instead.
• The two types of inventory you’re holding right now: iPhones vs. flip phones.
• How to build a culture where sourcing is everyone's job—not just the used car manager’s.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

In this episode I sit down with Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, for a rare, unfiltered peek behind the curtain of one of the most influential (yet often misunderstood) players in automotive retail.

We’re talking about the company that quietly powers the digital infrastructure of 16,000+ dealer websites, bridges the gap between OEMs and dealers, and handles the messy, fragmented world of CRMs, widgets, lead tools, and consumer data privacy. Spoiler: it’s not as simple as “just pick one vendor.”

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Matt’s unconventional journey from ad agencies to OEM leadership to running Shift Digital
• Why Shift exists—and how it became the connective tissue between Tier 1, 2, and 3
• The real reason most OEMs can’t pull off a unified tech stack (and why that might be a good thing)
• How Shift helps dealers protect consumer data and avoid compliance nightmares
• The unintended consequences of overloaded websites and what actually helps conversions
• A dead-honest conversation about vendor transparency, culture vs. strategy, and the EV pivot

 Plus: You’ll hear about Matt’s 1974 Bronco, a Warren Buffet vs. day trader analogy you’ll never forget, and why “soft skills” might be the hardest leadership asset of all.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

Heads up: This episode is not just another industry chat. It’s a full-on, no-holds-barred deep dive into what could be the single biggest threat to automotive retail as we know it.

The CARB mandate is here — and most people have no idea just how disruptive it really is.

That’s why I brought in three heavy hitters who are in the thick of it every single day:

Brian Maas – President of the California New Car Dealers Association, Don Hall – President and CEO of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, and Bob O’Koniewski – Executive VP of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association.

Together, we unpack the ripple effects of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule (aka CARB), what it means for your inventory, your customers, your tax base, and your bottom line.

You’ll walk away with the full picture: why this policy is failing, what’s really at stake, and what needs to happen right now if we want to avoid a full-scale collapse of the retail auto industry in CARB states.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

What if I told you one man had a vision so bold it turned an empty city block into a cultural epicenter, blending Portland’s gritty charm with five-star sophistication?

In this episode, I sit down on location with visionary entrepreneur Steven Fang, the brain behind Flock—a living, breathing, city-block-sized love letter to food, culture, and community. We’re talking next-level hospitality built right into the base of the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Portland.

 This conversation isn’t your typical studio sit-down. We’re walking and talking on set, giving you a real-time tour of the vision brought to life—from food stalls and wine bars to coffee shops and craft beer taprooms. You’ll feel like you’re right there with us as we explore what’s now become a cultural heartbeat of downtown Portland. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The real story of how Flock came to life (and the hurdles along the way)
• Why Portland is more than its headlines—and why Steven is betting big on its comeback
• How a kid from Chengdu went from culture shock in New York to revitalizing an entire city block
• The business strategy behind creating community-first retail spaces
• And, why every entrepreneur needs to be just a little crazy to change the world

Whether you're a foodie, a founder, or someone who just loves a good comeback story—this episode will leave you inspired to dream big, take risks, and maybe even build your own version of Flock.

Hit play if you're ready to explore how vision meets execution... and how one man's dream is reigniting the soul of a city.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

We talk a lot about the future of automotive—EVs, AI, digital retailing—but what if I told you that the biggest game-changer for our industry isn’t just about the tech? It’s about people.

Today, I’m sitting down with Elgie Bright, Chair of the Automotive Department at Northwood University, to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: the next generation of automotive leaders and what dealers need to do right now to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 We dive into:

•  What makes Northwood University THE place for automotive education?
•  The shift from transactional sales to true customer relationships
•  What dealers can learn from Walmart, CarMax, and even... Nokia?
•  The #1 thing dealerships must do today to stay ahead of disruptors
•  The power of after-sales service in building customer loyalty
•  Why the Northwood Auto Show and Full Tank High School Camp are game-changers for the industry

Elgie and I break down real, tangible insights that dealers, GMs, and industry leaders need to hear—including how Northwood’s Auto Show and High School Talent Program are changing the game.

Oh, and if you’ve ever had a bad trade-in experience, you’ll love the real talk on why dealerships still make customers jump through hoops—and what needs to change ASAP.

If you’re in retail automotive—or just fascinated by the future of the industry—you can’t afford to miss this one. Hit play and dive in!

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

In this episode, I sit down with some of the sharpest minds in the industry—Dan Schroeder, Ron Andrews, and Charles Dubord—live from the Cars Commerce booth at NADA. We get real about one of the biggest misconceptions in automotive: the idea that a website is just a digital storefront. Spoiler alert—it’s so much more than that.

Here’s what we unpack in this episode:

•  The Engagement Myth – Why more traffic doesn’t always mean more sales (and what actually does).
•  Lead Gateways vs. Transparency – Are pop-ups and lead forms killing the customer experience?
•  The Attribution Game – Why dealers are still tracking ROI the wrong way and how to fix it.
•  Personalization & Conversion – How Dealer Inspire is doubling engagement and making websites work for the dealer.
•  Innovation Beyond Tech – The power of real partnerships and strategic thinking to maximize your marketing spend.

And let’s be honest—when was the last time you walked into a store and immediately wanted to start a conversation? So why are we forcing that experience online?

If you’re tired of checking boxes and want to actually move the needle in your dealership, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

In this episode, my guest is Jen Cole, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cars Commerce, alongside Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Auto Group, and Ron Andrews, VP of Media & Digital Solutions at Cars Commerce. These folks have been in the trenches, building strategies that actually drive results, and they’re not holding back.

Because let’s be real… marketing in the auto industry feels like one giant mystery box. You pour money in, cross your fingers, and hope that somehow, miraculously, sales come out the other side. But here’s the million-dollar question:

1. Do you actually know what’s working?
2. Can you confidently say why a customer walked into your dealership?
3. Or are you just throwing cash into the Google machine and hoping for the best?

Most dealers don’t have real accountability when it comes to their ad spend—and that’s exactly why we’re having this conversation.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679

What if I told you there’s a product that not only boosts your dealership’s profitability but also enhances customer experience, increases retention, and is practically FTC-proof? Sounds too good to be true, right?

Well, in this episode, I sat down with Tony Rimas and Ryan Pape from XPEL—the brand that dealers across the country call the gold standard in paint protection, window tint, and now… windshield film.

Let me put it this way—dealers aren’t just selling XPEL; they’re redesigning their stores to include dedicated XPEL spaces. That’s how big of an impact this brand is making. And for good reason. This isn’t some gimmicky, “nice-to-have” product—this is something customers are actively searching for, something they refuse to buy a car without, and something that has proven itself over and over to increase dealership profitability while delivering undeniable value.

Trust me, if you care about maximizing dealership profits, enhancing customer experience, and securing long-term retention, you need to hear this conversation.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
• Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
• Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-spisak-show/id1602552929
• 🔊 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oPjFeHfnxNXPTHXxNwIsm?si=4fc3f546d07a4679