Join us for an in-depth conversation about the current challenges facing the buy here pay here industry. Luke Godwin and Jeff Watson from the Independent Dealer Podcast sit down with Kaleb Bryan in Dallas, Texas to discuss market conditions, exit strategies, and what it takes to survive in today’s climate.Key Topics Covered: • The Tricolor collapse and its impact on the industry • Understanding securitization and why it’s failing • Current market valuations for portfolios (55-60% advances) • Exit strategies for dealers looking to wind down • The importance of deleveraging and cash flow management • Making tough decisions: cutting expenses and staff • Why institutional capital has dried up • The future of buy here pay here: consolidation and opportunity • Portfolio collection strategies and realistic timelines • Work-life balance as a dealer owner👇Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies from industry experts!Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. Leave us a review at www.theindependentdealer.com or @independentdealer.comSupport the businesses that support the podcast:🔹 Buckeye Risk Services – Education & reinsurance experts👉 www.buckeyerisk.com🔹 Blytzpay – Credit card processing & text communication (Get 3 FREE months when you mention IDP!)👉 www.blytzpay.com🔹 Taxmax – Flexibility with tax returns Use code VIP for 35% off! 👉 www.taxmax.comPlease subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.Connect with us online:/ independentautogroup/ jlukegodwin/ sendtojeffw🎧 Listen to all episodes:@pendentdealer📲 Connect with us:@independentautogroup | @jlukegodwin | @sendtojeffw💬 [email protected]

Tax Season 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest stimulus events of the year—and most dealers aren't ready for it.In this dedicated episode, Bill Neylan, founder and CEO of Tax Max, breaks down why this tax season will be different and how independent dealers can capitalize on massive refund opportunities. With new tax laws creating $2,500-$3,500 MORE per customer in refunds, there's huge potential for dealers who prepare NOW instead of waiting until January.What We Cover:Why 2026 is different: No tax on overtime/tips but withholdings weren't adjusted = HUGE refundsThe 98% collection rate case study: One dealer had 245 Q4 deals and collected on 241How Tax Max works now: Customers self-file via text (zero dealer paperwork), refund advances start January 2ndFive collection "buckets": Past due, repos, side notes, recoveries, and low balance customersCash flow strategy: Getting more money IN your dealership with less ON the streetFourth quarter vs Q1 programs: Why Q4 deals perform better and last longerWeekly Tax & Consulting Groups starting November for real-time guidanceGovernment shutdown impact and IRS opening predictions💰 SPECIAL OFFER: Use code VIP at taxmax.com for 35% offCRITICAL REMINDER: "The only people who don't have good tax seasons are the people who don't prepare for tax season." Don't wait until January to learn this system.👇Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies from industry experts!Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. Leave us a review at www.theindependentdealer.com or @independentdealer.comSupport the businesses that support the podcast:Tax Max - Use code VIP for 35% off! www.taxmax.comBlytzpay for your credit card processing and text communications. Tell them IDP sent you to get 3 free months! www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needs www.buckeyerisk.comPlease subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.Connect with us online:/ independentautogroup/ jlukegodwin/ sendtojeffwListen to all our episodes on Anchor: @pendentdealerGodwin Consulting Group Upcoming Event: Collections Boot Camp - December 10, 2025, Dallas, TX (Sponsored by Tax Max)Register: godwinconsultinggroup.com/trainings

We're on location at a shuttered dealership in Texas to discuss one of the biggest cautionary tales in recent BHPH history. From alleged fraud to financial collapse, this episode breaks down what went wrong and the critical lessons every independent dealer needs to learn.In this special edition, we explore the downfall of what was once considered a poster child operation in the buy-here-pay-here industry. Just two years ago, this dealership was featured at industry conferences and praised across LinkedIn. Today? Lights are on, but nobody's home—and there's a lot of inventory sitting in limbo.What We Cover:The three major takeaways every dealer must learn from this failureWhy 80% repos on your lot is a red flag for serious cash flow problemsThe "debt vortex" - what happens when your ACV values invert on recycled inventoryFloor plan dangers for BHPH dealers and when (if ever) to use oneThe critical importance of communicating with your lender before things spiralHow to scale properly without getting ahead of your balance sheetWhy traditional practices with your own spin beats risky shortcuts every timeAlleged fraud tactics: double pledging collateral, falsified financials, and covenant violations.👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies from industry experts!Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] the businesses that support the podcast:🔹 Blytzpay – Credit card processing & text communication (Get 3 FREE months when you mention IDP!)👉 www.blytzpay.com🔹 Buckeye Risk Services – Education & reinsurance experts👉 www.buckeyerisk.com🔹 Taxmax – Flexibility with tax returns (Use code Podcast2024 for 40% off sign up!)👉 www.taxmax.com🔹 Ignite Consulting Partners – Identifying problems, creating solutions, helping your business thrive👉 www.ignitecp.com🎧 Listen to all episodes:https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer📲 Connect with us:@independentautogroup | @jlukegodwin | @sendtojeffw💬 [email protected]

Join us for this special milestone episode as Jeff and Luke celebrate 400 episodes of The Independent Dealer Podcast! After 7 years and never missing a week, they reflect on the biggest lessons learned, what they got wrong, and what's ahead for independent dealers.What You'll Learn:-The biggest lesson: There are countless ways to succeed in the car business - not just one "right way"-What they got wrong: Luke's "transitory" Covid pricing call and the Carvana stock prediction-Why the "golden age" of buy here pay here from 2010 may never return-How leverage and interest costs are taking down successful dealers-The hybrid dealership model: Mixing BHPH with subprime and prime financing-Why building with your own capital is more critical than ever👇 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies from industry experts!Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.Leave us a review www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] 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.comBuckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needshttp://www.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code "Podcast2024" for 40% off sign up!http://www.taxmax.comIgnite Consulting Partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!http://www.ignitecp.comPlease subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.Connect with us online:/ independentautogroup/ jlukegodwin/ sendtojeffwListen to all our episodes on Anchor:https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer

In this episode of The Independent Dealer podcast, we sit down with Blake Ingram, owner of Auto City and one of the most respected names in the buy-here-pay-here industry. With 67 years of combined car dealer wisdom, Blake shares the hard-earned lessons that have made Auto City a thriving operation in the competitive world of subprime auto lending.Blake opens up about what it really takes to run a successful BHPH dealership, from the daily challenges to the big-picture strategies that keep his business ahead of the curve. He doesn't hold back when discussing the challenging but essential topics of hiring and firing—sharing his proven approach to building a team that drives results and knowing when it's time to make the tough personnel decisions.Whether you're an established independent dealer looking to refine your operations or just breaking into the BHPH space, Blake's decades of experience offer invaluable insights into what it really takes to succeed in this industry.*In This Episode:• What makes a BHPH dealership truly successful• Blake's approach to hiring the right people for BHPH operations• When and how to make firing decisions that protect your business• Lessons learned from 67 years in the car dealer business• Keys to thriving as an independent dealer in today's market👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies from industry experts!#independentdealerpodcast #AutoCity #DealerTips #CarBusiness #UsedCars #AutomotiveStrategy #IndependentDealer Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.-Leave us a reviewwww.theindependentdealer.comInfo@theindependentdealer.comSupport 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!https://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needshttp://www.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!https://www.taxmax.comIgnite Consulting Partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!www.ignitecp.comPlease subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.Connect with us online: / independentautogroup / jlukegodwin / sendtojeffwListen to all our episodes on Anchor:https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer

Why September is the PERFECT Time to Start Tax Season PrepThink it's too early to plan for tax season? Think again! Jeff and Luke break down the 5 critical steps every independent dealer needs to take RIGHT NOW to maximize their biggest sales opportunity of the year.Key Takeaways:* Tax season isn't just for buy-here-pay-here dealers* Start preparation in September, not December* Your current customer base is your goldmine* Higher down payments can help you control inventory flowSupport 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!https://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needshttps://www.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!https://www.taxmax.comIgnite Consulting Partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!www.ignitecp.comPlease subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.Connect with us online: / independentautogroup / jlukegodwin / sendtojeffwListen to all our episodes on Anchor:https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer

Join us for this special live episode from the Lease Here Pay Here Summit 2025 in San Diego as we sit down with Tracy Myers, fourth-generation dealer and owner of Frank Myers Auto. After 15+ years in buy-here-pay-here with 1,800 accounts, Tracy made the bold decision at age 52 to transition into lease-here-pay-here - and he's sharing everything he learned.What You'll Learn:* Why Tracy switched from a successful BHPH model to lease-here-pay-here* The unexpected advantages: bankruptcy protection, cash flow improvements, and abandoned vehicle solutions* Sales training challenges when educating customers about leasing vs ownership* How "Down the Road Motors" helps customers understand the program* The accounting and operational differences that caught him off guard* Why his "perfect hire" philosophy completely changed over 20 yearsThank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.-Leave us a reviewwww.theindependentdealer.comInfo@theindependentdealer.comSupport 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!https://www.blytzpay.comBuckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needshttps://www.buckeyerisk.comTaxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!https://www.taxmax.comIgnite Consulting Partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!www.ignitecp.comPlease subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.Connect with us online: / independentautogroup / jlukegodwin / sendtojeffwListen to all our episodes on Anchor:https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer

The Independent Dealer Podcast has a brand-new look — but the same trusted insight you know and love. Berry Creative partnered with the podcast to reimagine their branding, from visuals to identity, giving the show a modern, professional edge without changing the core conversations that dealers rely on
In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes of the rebrand and why “new look, same insight” perfectly captures the transformation.
✨ In this episode you’ll discover:

• How Berry Creative transformed the Independent Dealer Podcast’s branding
• The vision and design choices behind the new look
• How dealers now have an easier way to sign up through forms on the new website

🎙️ Same powerful conversations. Same industry expertise. Now with a bold new look, thanks to Berry Creative.
Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.
-Leave us a review
www.theindependentdealer.com
[email protected]

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!
https://www.blytzpay.com
Buckeye Risk Services for all your education and reinsurance needs
https://www.buckeyerisk.com

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!
https://www.taxmax.com

Ignite Consulting Partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!
www.ignitecp.com

Please 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

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, the boys sit down with Car Dealership Guy to tackle the biggest challenges facing independents today—inventory management, hiring talent, scaling operations, and preparing for the future of AI in automotive retail.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
💡 Why inventory is the silent killer and how to protect your margins
📊 How franchise stores leverage data—and what independents can do to catch up
🚗 The talent gap: why it’s tough to hire as an indie and how to sell your growth story
⚡ The “dangerous middle” of 2–3 rooftops vs. the leverage that comes at scale
🤖 How AI could reshape DMS, CRM, websites, and dealer tech in the years ahead
Whether you’re running a single lot or planning to expand, these insights will help you stay lean, recruit better, and future-proof your dealership.
👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies from industry experts!
#independentdealerpodcast #CarDealershipGuy #DealerTips #CarBusiness #UsedCars #AutomotiveStrategy #IndependentDealer
Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.
-Leave us a review
www.theindependentdealer.com
[email protected]
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!
https://www.blytzpay.com
Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs
https://www.buckeyereinsurance.com
Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!
https://www.taxmax.com
Ignite Consulting Partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!
www.ignitecp.com
Please 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

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, the boys welcome back Jason Berry to dive deep into the strategies that actually work when pricing used cars in today’s competitive market.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

💡 How to price smarter without racing to the bottom

📊 Tools and tactics Jason uses to stay ahead of market shifts

🚗 When to hold inventory and when to move it fast

⚡ Real-world tips to protect your margins and boost profitability

Whether you’re running a small lot or scaling a dealership, these insights will help you stay competitive, close more deals, and maximize every dollar.

👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies from industry experts!

#IndependentDealerPodcast #UsedCarPricing #DealerTips #CarBusiness #JasonBerry #AutomotiveStrategy #CarDealership

Thank you for listening. We hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think.

-Leave us a review

www.theindependentdealer.com

[email protected]

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!

https://www.blytzpay.com

Buckeye Dealership Consulting for all your education and reinsurance needs

https://www.buckeyereinsurance.com

Taxmax for flexibility with your tax returns. Use the code “Podcast2024” for 40% off sign up!

https://www.taxmax.com

Ignite consulting partners are there to identify problems, create solutions, and help your business thrive!

www.ignitecp.com 

Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend.

Connect with us online:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup

https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin

https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw

Listen to all our episodes on Anchor:

https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer

Used car dealer, independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur