In this episode, we dig into what independent dealers are facing right now and what it actually takes to grow in the current market. We talk about goal setting that doesn’t get forgotten, how to make 50 cars a month a real target instead of a wish, and why accountability and visibility inside the dealership matter more than ever.We cover the numbers behind realistic sales goals, breaking them down into daily activity, inventory expectations, staffing, and process. We also talk through the personal side of ownership: taking care of your health, protecting time with family, networking with intention, and creating habits that support both the business and the person running it.If sales have slowed down, repos are climbing, or breaking even feels like a win right now, this conversation gives you practical steps you can put in place immediately. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just real dealership strategy.Topics in this episode:• How to build toward 50 cars a month with real math behind it• Whiteboards, visibility, and daily accountability that doesn’t fade• Weekly structure, staffing expectations, and lead flow basics• Understanding the market if margins are tight and collections are heavy• Operational habits that change the month before the numbers do• Protecting time, health, and relationships while still growingSupport the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk ServicesReinsurance, tax planning, and long-term wealth strategies built for independent dealers.BlytzPayBuy Here Pay Here payment processing with fast funding, text-to-pay, and real support.Tax MaxTax season systems that help dealers sell more in Q1 with same-day advances and customer-facing tax solutions.Ituran GPSGPS and payment technology for BHPH and retail dealerships focused on asset protection, recovery tools, and customer management.

In Episode 411 of The Independent Dealer Podcast, we take you inside RPM Garage in Dallas, Texas for a full shop tour with special guest Patrick Ellefson.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a specialty dealership built around classic cars, exotics, high-horsepower builds, and truly one-of-one inventory. Patrick breaks down how he sources unique vehicles, prices inventory for faster turn time, and uses social media to generate consistent inbound demand in a niche market.

Whether you’re a buy here, pay here dealer or an independent used car dealer, this episode delivers practical insight you can apply to inventory strategy, marketing, and dealership operations.

• How RPM Garage sources specialty inventory without relying on auctions

• Why faster turn time can outperform chasing high gross margins

• The risks and realities of selling modified and high-horsepower vehicles

• How social media drives real car sales for independent dealers

• Why dealership presentation and atmosphere impact buyer trust

• Turning your dealership into a destination, not just a lot

• Using social media as a core sales channel

• Managing inventory risk in specialty vehicles

• Building a business around what you enjoy selling

If you’re an independent dealer looking to stand out, improve turn time, or rethink your inventory and marketing strategy, this episode provides real-world insight from a dealer who’s doing it differently.

Support the businesses who support the podcast:

• BlytzPay — credit card processing and text communications for independent dealers (3 free months when you mention IDP)

• Buckeye Risk Services — education and reinsurance solutions

• TaxMax — flexible tax refund solutions for car buyers

Website: www.theindependentdealer.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: @independentautogroup
Luke Godwin: @lukegodwin
Jeff Watson: /sendtojeffw

Like, subscribe, and share with another dealer who needs fresh perspective.

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, we sit down with brothers Travis and Casey of Vamos Auto in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 🚗💥 They break down how they took over a distressed buy here, pay here dealership, uncovered major operational issues, and rebuilt it into a premium BHPH operation. 🚀What you’ll learn in this episode: 📚🔹 How a Navy F-18 pilot and Top Gun graduate became a buy here, pay here dealer ✈️🔹 What it’s really like to take over a distressed BHPH with missing inventory and over-leverage 💰🔹 Why upgrading inventory to higher-ACV trucks and SUVs changed the business 🛻🔹 How data analytics drives smarter decisions in modern buy here, pay here 📊🔹 The real timeline for working through distressed portfolios ⏳🔹 Insights from a recent note sale and portfolio cleanup 📈🔹 Why disciplined growth beats empire building 🎯Key takeaways for independent dealers: 🎯✨ Consolidating locations to regain control✨ Building analytics systems from day one 💻✨ Shifting from a car sales mindset to a finance-first operation 💡✨ The importance of transparency with lenders 🏢If you’re an independent dealer, BHPH owner, or considering a distressed dealership acquisition, this episode delivers real-world insight on operational turnaround, risk management, and sustainable growth. 💪Support the businesses that support the podcast: 🔷🔹 BlytzPay — credit card processing and text communications (3 free months when you mention IDP)🔹 Buckeye Risk Services — education and reinsurance🔹 TaxMax — flexible tax return solutionsConnect with us: 🌎Website: @Email: @ependentdealer.com 📧Facebook Group: @independentautogroup 👥Luke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: / sendtojeffw

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast's "How I Built This" series, we sit down with Ricky Thomas of Wildcat Used Cars in Somerset, Kentucky. 🚗💥 Ricky shares his incredible journey from getting fired on his FIRST DAY as a sales manager to building a 16-acre independent dealership empire that sells 1,000+ cars a year! 🚀Here's what you'll learn: 📚🔹 How Ricky went from 320 cars to 1,400+ in just a few years 📈🔹 Why he built a real estate portfolio BEFORE scaling his dealership 🏢🔹 His strategy for maintaining 43-day inventory turn (down from 160 days!) ⚡🔹 How Capital One and Credit Acceptance helped him reach new heights 🤝🔹 The social media strategy generating 1.5 MILLION views per month 📱🔥🔹 His unique pay plan that motivates salespeople to help each other win 💰🔹 Managing a massive operation with service centers, detailing, and collision repair 🔧Key Takeaways: 🎯✨ Started with $80K and 25 cheap cars in 2016✨ Now operates on nearly 16 acres with 33+ employees 👥✨ Uses real estate equity to fund dealership growth 💡✨ Focuses on affordability over flashy inventory✨ Leverages digital content creation for massive brand awareness 📸✨ Bids on his own repos to protect his CAC pool 🏆Whether you're running a small lot or scaling to multiple locations, Ricky's story proves that with hard work, smart partnerships, and a focus on affordability, you can build an independent dealership that competes with anyone. 💪Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more dealer success stories! 👍💬🔔Support the businesses that support the podcast:🔷 Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! http://www.blytzpay.com🔷 Buckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needs http://www.buckeyerisk.com🔷 TaxMax for flexibility with your tax returns http://www.taxmax.comConnect with us: 🌐Website: http://www.theindependentdealer.comEmail: @independentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @dwinJeff Watson: https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw

What does it take to build a thriving buy-here-pay-here dealership from scratch?Join us as we sit down with Darla Booher—2002 startup founder, National Quality Dealer Award winner, and incoming NIADA President. Discover her incredible 20-year journey from franchise sales manager to BHPH powerhouse.🎯 In This Episode:Why she left franchise dealerships for BHPHStarting with just $30K right after 9/11Surviving 2008 & COVID economic crashesThe embezzlement that almost ended it allScaling from 12 cars to 100+ inventoryHer vision for NIADA and dealer education💡 Key Lessons:✓ Never put all eggs in one basket with lenders✓ Hire smarter than yourself✓ One location done well beats multiple done poorly✓ Processes are everything📢 Subscribe for more dealer success stories!🔗 Connect With Us:@theindependentdealerEmail: [email protected]🙏 Sponsors:Blytzpay - http://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Risk Services - http://www.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax - http://www.taxmax.com

End of the year creeping up on you? 😅 Don't be that dealer scrambling on December 30th!In this episode, Jeff and Luke break down the 5 ESSENTIAL year-end moves every independent dealer needs to make before December 31st. From tax strategy to portfolio cleanup, these time-sensitive tips could save you hundreds of thousands.🎯 What We Cover:✅ Why you need to meet with your CPA NOW (not January)✅ Portfolio cleanup: How to rip the band-aid off and start 2026 clean✅ The inventory audit that reveals missing cars and hidden money✅ Inventory write-downs: The "Voila Method" that makes cars sell immediately✅ Reinsurance compliance checkup before year-end✅ Equipment depreciation strategies (rollbacks, repo trucks, and more)✅ Strategic planning: How to map out a killer 2026💡 KEY TAKEAWAY: That car sitting on your lot for 6 months? It's not a turd - there's just no money in it for your salespeople. Learn how to reset it and watch it fly off the lot.UPCOMING EVENT:📍 Collections Event with Ai - Dallas, TX - December 10Godwin Consulting Group is putting on a Collections Event in Dallas on December 10, don't miss it! http://www.godwinconsultinggroup.com/...📢 WANT MORE DEALER INSIGHTS?✅ Subscribe to the Independent Dealer Podcast💬 Drop a comment with your biggest collection challenge👍 Like this video if you're definitely NOT waiting until December 30th to do all this... right? 😅⭐ Leave us a review: www.theindependentdealer.com📧 Email us: ⁠ [email protected] 🔗 CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comInstagram: @theinpendentdealerpodcast/Facebook: @theindydealerLinkedIn: @independent-dealer-180160225🙏 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Blytzpay - Your credit card processing and text communications partner. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 FREE months!www.blytzpay.com⁠Buckeye Risk Services - All your education and reinsurance needswww.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax - Flexibility with your tax returns⁠⁠⁠www.taxmax.com🎧 LISTEN TO ALL EPISODES:Anchor: ‪@theindependentdealer‬ Social Links:/ independentautogroup/ jlukegodwin/ sendtojeffwThe Independent Dealer Podcast is brought to you by real dealers, for real dealers. No BS. Just actionable insights from the trenches.---⚠️ DISCLAIMER: Jeff and Luke are not CPAs or tax professionals. This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional tax or legal advice. Always consult with your qualified CPA or tax advisor before making financial decisions.

Alright dealers, we just got back from the Buy Here Pay Here Dealer Forum in Nashville, TN—and let me tell you, the ideas we picked up will more than pay for the trip. Here's what we cover:-The "Best Ideas" session—strategies dealers are using RIGHT NOW to win-Man-on-the-street interviews with dealers who are in the trenches just like you-How AI is changing the game for BHPH dealers (and what's actually working)-A few laughs along the way because this business is hard enough without taking ourselves too seriouslyThe Bottom Line: Events like the BHPH Dealer Forum aren't just about learning—they're about connecting with other dealers who get it. The ideas shared in Nashville are worth their weight in gold, and we're bringing them straight to your screen. Whether you were there or not, this recap will give you strategies you can implement today.UPCOMING EVENT:📍 Collections Event with Ai - Dallas, TX - December 10Godwin Consulting Group is putting on a Collections Event in Dallas on December 10, don't miss it! http://www.godwinconsultinggroup.com/trainings

📢 WANT MORE DEALER INSIGHTS?✅ Subscribe to the Independent Dealer Podcast💬 Drop a comment with your biggest collection challenge👍 Like this video if you're ready to embrace AI (or still scared of it)⭐ Leave us a review: www.theindependentdealer.com📧 Email us: [email protected]🔗 CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comInstagram: @theinpendentdealerpodcast/Facebook: @theindydealerLinkedIn: @independent-dealer-180160225🙏 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Blytzpay - Your credit card processing and text communications partner. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 FREE months!www.blytzpay.com

Buckeye Risk Services - All your education and reinsurance needswww.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax - Flexibility with your tax returnswww.taxmax.com🎧 LISTEN TO ALL EPISODES:Anchor: @theindependentdealerSocial Links:/ independentautogroup/ jlukegodwin/ sendtojeffwThe Independent Dealer Podcast is brought to you by real dealers, for real dealers. No BS. Just actionable insights from the trenches.

Alright dealers, buckle up. We're talking AI in collections, and before you roll your eyes and say "not another AI conversation"—this one's different. We've got real numbers, real dealers, and real results.Robyn Burkinshaw (CEO of Blytzpay) joins us along with Kaleb Bryan and Kyle LeCrone from The Auto Cave to break down what's actually happening with AI-powered collections in the BHPH space. Spoiler alert: it's wild.🔥 WHAT WE COVER:Why 30% of your collectors' time is completely wasted (and what to do about it)The two REAL reasons customers pay late (hint: it's not what you think) The "Friday payday problem" every dealer faces—and how AI solves itWhy your GPS data is useless (and how to make it actually actionable)What happens when customers realize they're talking to a robot (it's not what you'd expect)The future of text-based collections and "automated intelligence"THE BOTTOM LINE: This isn't about replacing your collectors. It's about freeing them from the BS tasks nobody wants to do anyway—so they can actually do their job. And the results? They speak for themselves.Whether you're running a 50-car lot or a 500-car operation, this conversation will change how you think about collections.👥 FEATURED GUESTS:Robyn Burkinshaw - CEO, BlytzpayKaleb Bryan - Owner & CEO, The Auto CaveKyle LeCrone - Portfolio Manager, The Auto CaveMentioned in this episode: Join us for the Collections Bootcamp in Dallas on December 10! Get seven hours of power-packed training designed to give your collections team the tools, tactics, and confidence to win big. Learn more and register at http://www.godwinconsultinggroup.com/trainings📢 WANT MORE DEALER INSIGHTS?✅ Subscribe to the Independent Dealer Podcast💬 Drop a comment with your biggest collection challenge👍 Like this video if you're ready to embrace AI (or still scared of it)⭐ Leave us a review: http://www.theindependentdealer.com📧 Email us: [email protected]🔗 CONNECT WITH US:Website: http://www.theindependentdealer.comInstagram: @theinpendentdealerpodcast/Facebook: @theindydealerLinkedIn: @independent-dealer-180160225🙏 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Blytzpay - Your credit card processing and text communications partner. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 FREE months! http://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Risk Services - All your education and reinsurance needshttp://www.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax - Flexibility with your tax returnshttp://taxmax.com🎧 LISTEN TO ALL EPISODES:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealerSocial Links:/ independentautogroup/ jlukegodwin/ sendtojeffwThe Independent Dealer Podcast is brought to you by real dealers, for real dealers. No BS. Just actionable insights from the trenches.

Surprise Friday drop! Luke and Jeff are on their way to the Buy Here Pay Here Dealer Forum in Nashville and wanted to make sure you know about two important upcoming events.Nashville BHPH Forum - This Weekend!Luke will be leading an opening session Sunday afternoon (2:45-5:45 PM) with tactical worksheets and planning tools to get your 2026 squared away. Then stick around for the Best Idea Session with Luke & Jeff and Autozone on Tuesday morning (9-10:30 AM) – it'll pay for your entire trip!Collections Training - December 10th in DallasGodwin Consulting's first in-person event! Send your collectors to Dallas (Fairfield Inn & Suites at Love Field) for hands-on training, roleplay, and tactical skills development. Topics include AI in collections, key metrics, and getting that money in the bank. Early bird registration ends November 14th.Sponsored by Tax Max and Blytzpay (happy hour the night before!).It's not too late to make it to Nashville, and spots are filling up fast for Dallas. Don't miss out!

In this candid conversation, we dive into real user experience with our automotive shipping platform, Auto Hauler Exchange. Jeff and Luke share their straightforward assessment of the service, highlighting what works well and where there's room for improvement.

Key Discussion Points: - Transparency in pricing and platform fees - How our platform differs from traditional shipping brokers - The arbitrage model vs. direct pricing - A shipper's perspective on competitive rates - Why clear pricing matters in the auto transport industry Whether you're an independent dealer looking for reliable vehicle transport solutions or a shipper evaluating new platforms, this honest review provides valuable insights into how modern auto transport technology is changing the game. Subscribe for more candid industry conversations 🔔 Like if you appreciate honest dealer feedback 👍 Comment with your own shipping experiences 💬 Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com @independentdealer.com Support the businesses that support the podcast: Blytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! Buckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needs Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Please like, subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: / independentautogroup / jlukegodwin / sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer