In this episode, I’m sitting down once again with Diana Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Constellation, and honestly, it probably won’t be the last time. Every time we talk, the conversation evolves. The insights deepen. The game changes.

We talk about why dealers must innovate now—not tomorrow, not next quarter—but right now. Diana unpacks why playing defense in this market is the fastest route to irrelevance, how AI is already separating the winners from the soon-to-be-forgotten, and why some dealers are unknowingly bleeding market share to more aggressive, data-savvy competitors.

We also talk about:

• Why "cutting marketing" is one of the most dangerous moves a dealer can make right now.
• The hidden market share wars happening in real-time that many dealers aren’t even aware of.
• How true innovation isn’t just technology—it’s a mindset that should run through your entire organization.
• Why most dealerships are missing critical data and how that’s costing them sales daily.

Diana also shares why Constellation is blowing up its own agency model (intentionally) and how AI agents are now doing in one second what used to take entire teams weeks.

This isn’t just another conversation about AI. This is about taking control of your future or watching it slip away to the dealers who do.

If you’ve ever wondered how to win in a soft market, how to stop playing small, or what real audacity looks like in action you need to hear this.

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 Glenn Mercer, one of the most respected automotive researchers in the business. Glenn’s ability to break down complex industry trends into practical, real-world insights is second to none.

We talk about the surprising connection between SUVs, pickup trucks, and traffic congestion—something most people don’t even think about, but it’s quietly affecting your daily drive. Glenn also shares why the “chicken tariff,” a decades-old trade policy, is still shaping what we see on our roads today.

We dig into whether EV sales are really hitting a wall, why affordability might not be the crisis everyone says it is, and whether Chinese vehicles will ever find their way to U.S. dealerships.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How bigger vehicles are actually slowing down our roads (not just in theory, but backed by data)
• Why EV adoption may have already hit its ceiling in the U.S.
• How dealership profitability and consumer buying habits could shift in the next 5 to 10 years
• Whether AI will truly change how dealers operate—or if it will just be another tech buzz

There’s a lot to unpack here, but this conversation is about giving you a real, no-fluff look at where the auto industry might actually be heading. If you’re in the business—or just fascinated by how all these moving parts connect—you’ll want to stick around for this one.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

1. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/
2. Website: https://www.davidspisak.com
3. Email: [email protected]
4. Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308
5. 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 Rob Ruth, Dealer Principal at Bob Ruth Ford in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania — a town of just under 3,000 people — and yet he’s moving over 350 used cars a month.

We talk about how that’s even possible. Not in theory. In practice. Rob breaks down how his team built a buying operation that rivals national players, why most dealers still miss the mark on used car growth, and what really creates long-term dealership success (hint: it’s not your inventory size or your showroom’s square footage).

You’ll learn:

• How Rob went from washing cars as a kid to leading one of the highest-performing used car operations in the country
• The behind-the-scenes of how they scaled from 50 to over 350 used sales per month
• The practical steps they took to build a buying center that actually works — without burning out the team
• Why small-market dealers have more opportunity than they think (if they’re willing to think differently)
• And what Rob looks for when hiring — especially how he identifies young talent that can outperform seasoned vets

We also touch on legacy, leadership, and what it really means to create opportunity — not just for yourself, but for the people around you.

If you’ve ever thought, “How do I grow used without a second rooftop?” or “How do I build a culture that attracts talent instead of chasing it?” — this is your episode.

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 Senator Bernie Moreno from the great state of Ohio—a fellow car guy whose journey from the showroom floor to the U.S. Senate is nothing short of remarkable.

We dig into what he learned from years in the retail automotive business, and how those lessons are helping him shape national policy. You’ll hear stories about his time working with Herb Chambers, building one of the top-performing Mercedes-Benz stores in the country, and how that background is now fueling his work in the Senate.

We talk about the resilience of the car business, what most people get wrong about tariffs, and why now might be one of the best times in decades to be in automotive retail. Bernie also shares what inspired him to launch the Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State—and why sales, when taught right, can change lives.

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 Joe Blanco the Assistant Used Car Director for Sheehy Auto Stores, a group that represents 30 franchises across the Mid-Atlantic region and delivers an impressive 23,000 used vehicle sales annually.

And here's the kicker: Joe started in this business delivering Papa John's pizzas at 18. Now, he’s helping steer one of the most data-driven, people-focused dealership groups in the country.

We talk about what actually moves the needle when it comes to used car acquisitions, why most dealerships are still struggling with buying off the street, and what separates stores that say they want to grow from those that actually do. 

Here’s a taste of what we explore:

• Why your acquisition process is either your biggest unlock—or your biggest liability
• How Sheehy sources hundreds of units monthly off the street
• The surprising ROI of humility in dealership leadership
• Why embracing tech like AccuTrade is no longer optional if you want to compete with the CarMaxes and Carvanas of the world
• The real stat that shows whether your used car department has a people problem—or a process one

If you lead a used car operation, are struggling to scale your acquisitions, or want to future-proof your store in a hyper-competitive space, this is the episode you need to hear.

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 Joel Bassam, President of Easterns Automotive Group, and to say it was eye-opening would be an understatement. From the moment we met at NADA, I knew Joel had tapped into something most dealers are missing—and I had to find out what it was.

What you’re about to hear isn’t just about scaling a used car operation. It’s about rewiring how we think about leadership, processes, pricing, digital retailing, and building a business that wins without having the typical “advantages” most new car franchise dealers rely on.

We cover everything from:

• Why most dealers are losing money by treating reconditioning as a profit center
• How Joel’s team created a frictionless digital retailing experience that actually works
• The reason 300 employees share a single vision (and why that changes everything)
• And how Easterns built a 20-acre, 160,000 sq ft campus focused solely on used cars—yes, you read that right

Whether you’re running a single-point store or a 20-rooftop group, this episode is a masterclass in operational clarity, customer-first thinking, and bold decisions that most dealers only dream about.

If you’ve ever felt like there’s more you could be doing—but didn’t know where to start—this episode will give you the roadmap.

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 powerhouse episode, I’m joined by none other than Diana Lee, the unstoppable force behind Constellation. If you’ve ever wondered what real innovation sounds like—raw, relentless, and razor-sharp—you’re about to get a front-row seat.

This conversation is about so much more than business. It’s about redefining the rules, leveraging true AI (not the watered-down buzzword kind), and what it really takes to stay hungry after you’ve “made it.” Diana doesn’t just challenge the status quo—she obliterates it.

Here’s what we dig into:

• The shocking truth behind paid search—and why it may be quietly bleeding your dealership dry.
• Diana’s bold pivot from managed services to cutting-edge AI that delivers real-time market dominance strategies.
• How data—not gut feelings—will decide the winners and losers in the next 12 months.
• Why too many layers of leadership can kill innovation faster than bad strategy.
• The raw stories of grit, immigrant hustle, and the inner fire that can’t be bought or faked.

Oh—and we unpack how dealers can steal market share with precision, optimize inventory strategy in seconds, and why some of the biggest names in the game may be too big to actually innovate anymore. This one’s part masterclass, part mic drop.

If you care about staying relevant, competitive, and profitable in today’s hyper-evolving auto space—this episode isn’t optional. It’s mandatory.

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 an “AI brain” that knows your customers better than you do—and it's already being used in thousands of dealerships?

In this episode, my guest is Devin Daly, the brilliant co-founder of Impel—one of the most exciting AI companies in automotive right now. We dive deep into how conversational AI, CDPs, and real-time personalization are reshaping the way dealerships operate and communicate.

But we don’t just talk about the tech.

We go way back to Devin’s Wall Street days, trace the unexpected pivot from fashion to automotive, and unpack the wild story of how a single LinkedIn profile change lit the fuse for what Impel is today.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why most chatbots are stuck in 2005 (and how Impel’s AI blows them out of the water)
• How a single AI brain can manage the entire customer lifecycle—from lead to loyalty
• The power of an AI Knowledge Bank and how it actually brings SOPs to life
• Why Ford is going all-in on Impel’s technology—and what that means for your store
• The future of AI certification (yes, even your porters can benefit from this)

We also touch on a critical truth: AI isn’t here to replace people. It’s here to amplify your best talent and remove the drudgery that gets in the way of greatness.

If you’re a dealer wondering how to future-proof your store, or you’re just fascinated by how fast AI is moving—this episode will give you the clarity, the context, and the inspiration you’ve been waiting for.

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 most forward-thinking minds in the automotive world to unpack a game-changing car buying experience that’s shattering the old-school dealership model.

Joining me are Rudolph Nieto, CEO of MavSign; Preston S., Compliance and Variable Operations at Napleton Auto Group; Matthew Meyer, General Manager at Lexus of Wayzata; Becky Stenson, Finance Manager at Lexus of Wayzata; and Allison, the car buyer at the center of it all.

We’re exploring the precise strategies that are transforming complex out-of-state deals into seamless, frictionless transactions. You’ll hear how one dealership not only secured the exact car a client wanted but also delivered an unexpectedly personal buying experience – all without a single in-person handshake.

But there’s more. We’re also unpacking the hidden risks of remote car buying and the unexpected solutions that can protect your identity, elevate the customer experience, and streamline operations for dealers.

If you’ve ever wondered how the best in the business handle out-of-state transactions, navigate compliance, and build trust in a digital-first market – this is the 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

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