In this inspiring episode of TimTalks, Troy Duhon, owner of Premier Auto Group and founder of Giving Hope Foundation, shares his journey from overcoming personal tragedies to building a life of leadership and philanthropy. 

Learn how he transformed pain into a global mission, feeding thousands, building orphanages worldwide, and creating a legacy of compassion in the automotive industry. 

Connected with Troy on LinkedIn, and learn more about Giving Hope NOLA. 

[00:00 – 00:26] Welcome to 2025
Tim introduces the first episode of 2025 and welcomes Troy Duhon, owner of Premier Auto Group.

[00:26 – 01:41] Introducing Troy
Tim shares his first encounter with Troy, praising his leadership, faith, and philanthropy. 

[01:41 – 02:33] Troy’s Journey
Troy recounts his journey into car sales under his father’s influence, despite a challenging upbringing.

[02:33 – 05:36] From Sales to Ownership
Troy shares how he became the youngest Toyota dealer in the world and the lessons he learned from his father.

[05:36 – 08:24] Overcoming Hurricane Katrina
Troy describes the devastation Hurricane Katrina brought to his dealerships in 2005, and how he turned his challenges into a commitment to giving back.

[08:24 – 11:23] Leading with Purpose
Troy discusses Premier Auto Group’s unique model of giving ownership to partners and his commitment to philanthropy.

[11:23 – 14:45] Giving Hope NOLA
Tim reflects on his experience at Troy’s Giving Hope Gala and how Troy’s team runs a food bank and supports orphanages globally.

[14:45 – 17:10] Creating a Culture of Compassion
Troy advises leaders to identify local community needs and involve employees in making an impact. 

[17:10 – 19:47] Legacy Over Wealth
Troy highlights the importance of building a legacy over material wealth, sharing personal anecdotes about instilling values in his children.

[19:47 – 24:08] Pain Becomes Purpose
Troy shares the loss of two sons to Potter’s Syndrome, leading him to adopt and build orphanages worldwide and turn personal pain into a global mission.

[24:08 – 27:00] Encouraging Resilience
Tim reflects on his own hardships and how Troy’s resilience and commitment to serving others inspired him and his family during difficult times.

[27:00 – 28:27] Keys to a Meaningful 2025
Troy challenges listeners to love unconditionally, give selflessly, and lead by example to make 2025 their best year yet.

[28:27 – 29:04] Closing Thoughts
Tim expresses gratitude for Troy’s time and story, encouraging listeners to apply the lessons shared and subscribe to the podcast.

In this episode of TimTalks, Tim sits down with Brad Wise, executive manager at Ferman Automotive, to explore the transformative power of leadership.

Brad encourages us to find the gift within challenges, illustrating how reframing obstacles can unlock hidden opportunities From overcoming limiting beliefs to recruiting for success, Brad's insights will motivate you to embrace progress over perfection. Whether you’re in the automotive industry or navigating your own leadership journey, this conversation will help you succeed.

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn, and subscribe to his podcast, WISE UP.

[00:00 – 01:00] Introduction

Tim introduces the episode, focusing on leadership in car dealerships and welcoming Brad Wise, Executive Manager at Ferman Automotive.

[01:01 – 03:27] Brad’s Journey

Brad shares his journey from a college baseball player to a leader in the automotive industry. Early mentors shaped his career and instilled key values.

[03:28 – 05:00] Overcoming Early Challenges

Brad discusses his humble beginnings in the industry, from his first day in a Sears suit to building confidence through mentorship and hard work.

[05:01 – 07:00] Joining Ferman Automotive

After 25 years in the industry, Brad joined Ferman Automotive. He highlights the company’s 127-year legacy and supportive culture.

[07:01 – 08:59] Transforming Leadership

Brad shares how he identified organizational strengths and opportunities, implementing daily meetings focused on personal development and positivity.

[09:00 – 11:50] The Power of Inspiration

Brad emphasizes the importance of self-development, using inspirational stories to motivate his team. Progress, he notes, is the key to happiness.

[11:51 – 14:45] Building a Positive Culture

Brad highlights the connection between personal and professional growth. His leadership approach centers on empowering employees to succeed in all areas of life.

[14:46 – 17:42] Balancing Accountability

Brad balances a supportive culture with clear expectations, focusing on recruiting, lead handling, training, and service retention.

[17:43 – 21:25] Creative Recruiting

Brad’s innovative recruiting methods, like targeted social media and nontraditional talent pools, attract top-tier candidates to Ferman.

[21:26 – 24:42] Overcoming Limitations

Brad encourages team members to turn challenges into opportunities, sharing stories of famous figures who used adversity as fuel for success.

[24:43 – 26:58] Finding the Gifts

Brad shares how reframing challenges, like a long commute, helped him grow. He urges others to seek the hidden benefits in difficult situations.

[26:59 – 28:58] Advice for Leaders

Brad advises new leaders to prioritize visibility, celebrate progress over perfection, and recognize unsung heroes within their teams.

[28:59 – 32:14] Closing Thoughts

Tim reflects on Brad’s inspiring insights, encouraging listeners to focus on progress and growth. Brad invites everyone to check out his podcast, "WISE UP."

In this episode of “TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond,” Tim sits down with Adam Merlin, founder and president of Merlin Auto Group, to discuss his inspiring journey from a childhood passion for Ferraris to building one of the most respected independent luxury car dealerships in the country.

Starting with a 400-square-foot office during the 2008 financial crisis, Adam reveals how creativity, risk-taking, and a focus on client experience helped him navigate challenges and achieve success in the niche market of pre-owned Ferraris and Porsches. He highlights the importance of leadership, treating employees with respect, and creating a positive work-life balance to attract top talent. By focusing on quality of life rather than solely financial incentives, Adam has attracted top talent, including some of the best Ferrari and Porsche technicians in the industry.

Packed with insights on entrepreneurship and leadership, this episode is a must-watch for automotive enthusiasts and business leaders alike.

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn.

[00:00 – 2:31] Introduction & Guest Background

Tim introduces Adam Merlin, founder and CEO of Merlin Auto Group.

[02:32 – 05:20] Adam’s Early Career Story

Adam shares his childhood passion for Ferraris and journey from an Indiana University graduate, to starting in car sales, and founding Merlin Auto Group in 2008.

[05:21 – 07:12] Making Smart Decisions in Challenging Times

Tim reflects on Adam’s approach to creating Merlin Auto Group amid the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting the smart decisions he made.

[07:13 – 10:19] Creating Merlin Auto Group

Adam reflects on his original business model, acquiring an airport office, and what it took to create a market.

[10:20 – 12:11] Transitioning to High-Line Luxury

Tim shifts the conversation to leadership, asking Adam how he built his team and made the transition to high-line luxury vehicles.

[12:12 – 16:54] Building the Merlin Auto Group Culture

Adam shares his thoughts on shifting his business model, establishing relationships, and taking the pain points out of luxury car sales by focusing on quality of life.

[16:55 – 18:35] How Important Quality of Life Is

The conversation on improving quality of life for employees continues. Adam stresses understanding bandwidth and dialing in on ethical alignment.

[18:36 – 22:05] Acquiring Top Service Technicians

Adam reflects on the challenges he faced while outsourcing service and the realization that he needed in-house Ferrari and Porsche techs.

[22:06 – 23:50] Finding What Motivates People

Adam reflects on the lessons he learned early in his career on finding people’s motivations and applying them to leading his team today.

[23:51 – 28:15] Taking Leadership to New Levels

Tim reflects on Adam’s leadership style, personal integrity, and the brand he’s built, highlighting how important Adam’s kind of leadership is to the automotive industry.

[28:16 – 30:15] Closing Thoughts

Tim and Adam close the episode with final thoughts on leadership, culture, and the power of treating people well.

This episode of TimTalks dives deep into the essence of leadership, culture, and resilience, featuring David Spisak, president and CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions LLC. Drawing on decades of experience, David shares his journey from running the most profitable dealership in America to now, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in an industry accustomed to cycles of change.

David and Tim explore the concept of being “gatekeepers of culture” and its significance to protecting a workplace’s environment and success. David highlights recruiting not just as a means to replace but to upgrade, advocating for emotionally intelligent and self-driven individuals.

The discussion serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide for leaders striving to create environments where their people and organizations can flourish.

Connect with David on LinkedIn.

[00:00:00 - 00:04:02] Introduction

Tim introduces the episode and guest David Spisak, reflecting on their relationship, Tim’s new role as a grandfather, and why leadership matters.

[00:04:03 - 00:05:58] Guest Background

Tim sets up the conversation asking David to reflect on his success in the industry.

[00:05:59 - 00:08:28] Leadership and Personal Milestones

David shares insights into owning the most profitable dealership in the nation with a less than a 3% turnover rate, citing mentorship and caring about the little things.

[00:08:29 - 00:10:55] Creating a Successful Culture

David stresses that culture and self efficacy as drivers for exceptional performance.

[00:10:56 - 00:12:12] How David Strove to Lead

David reflects on his task to raise the ceiling at the Mercedes store he stepped in to run, focusing on his people and importance of leading culture.

[00:12:13 - 00:14:39] Leadership Values

Tim shifts to the importance of resilience, staying calm during crises, and pouring into your people.

[00:14:40 - 00:17:27] Coaching Through Challenges

David expounds on Tim’s point, highlighting workforce shifts in the industry and talent needing additional support while navigating new challenges.

[00:17:28 - 00:22:53] Becoming “Gatekeepers of Culture”

David introduces the concept of being a "gatekeeper of culture" and encourages leaders to hire for values over talent, foster a collaborative team, and develop their teams.

[00:22:54 - 00:23:50] Hallmarks of Thriving Organizations

David argues that the hallmarks of a successful organization include: a strong culture and being data-centric, processes-driven, and obsessed with their clients.

[00:23:51 - 00:25:26] Hiring for Long-Term Success

Tim pushes deeper into “gatekeepers of culture,” asking David how to continue hiring the right people.

[00:25:27 - 00:27:23] Hiring the Right Person

David stresses to focus on long-term team cohesion over immediate talent, not stressing on hiring a person but the person.

[00:27:24 - 00:29:46] EQ Is the X Factor

David argues that the hiring “X factor” is a person’s emotional quotient, or EQ.

[00:29:47 - 00:32:50] Closing Thoughts

Tim closes the episode, thanking David for his time and further reflecting on what “gate keepers of culture” means to him.

Tim welcomes Todd Caputo, president of Todd Caputo Consulting, for another episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond.

Formerly known as the “Used Car King,” Todd shares his journey from growing up in his father’s dealership, to building and selling multiple high-performing stores, and now consulting for dealerships around the country.

Tim and Todd discuss progressive leadership, recruitment, and marketing success. Todd explains how dealerships can thrive by approaching operations in new ways, adapting to market challenges, and motivating the industry’s changing workforce.

Whether your focus is new or pre-owned, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to lead and grow your business.

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn.

[00:00 – 01:00] Introduction & Guest Background

Todd Caputo, known as the "Used Car King," discusses his experience in the automotive industry, having worked in every dealership role, including dealer principal.

[01:01 – 03:55] Early Career and Business Growth

Todd grew up in the business, starting at his father’s small dealership in Syracuse, NY, and attending Le Moyne College. He built used car superstores, selling 6,500 cars annually at peak, focusing heavily on leadership and team autonomy.

[03:56 – 05:32] Expansion and Sonic Automotive Acquisition

Todd's business was sold to Sonic Automotive during COVID-19. He reflects on the transition from being a dealer to working for a public company, describing it as his "MBA."

[05:33 – 09:00] Talent Recruitment Strategies

He recruited top talent through progressive branding, compensation, and marketing, drawing attention from employees across the industry. Auctions and industry events were also key recruitment grounds.

[09:01 – 12:06] Key Strategies for Used Car Success

Todd emphasizes the importance of inventory acquisition from auctions, trade-ins, and service drives.

[12:07 – 16:00] Adapting to Market Changes Post-COVID

With auctions becoming more challenging, acquiring trade-ins became essential to profitability. A detailed appraisal process ensures the dealership doesn’t miss valuable trades.

[16:01 – 22:00] Service Drive Acquisition Process

Todd shares how service drives can generate inventory: Use dedicated staff for appraising service vehicles; incorporate QR codes and personalized offers with repair orders; pay all employees bonuses for helping acquire cars.

[22:01 – 25:10] Creating a Culture of Acquisition

Todd promotes dealership-wide participation in car acquisition, with employees using QR-code business cards to connect with car sellers outside the dealership.

[25:11 – 27:10] Motivating and Managing Younger Employees

Todd explains how Millennial and Gen Z employees respond better to positive reinforcement than financial incentives alone. He argues that leaders need to adjust their management styles to support younger talent effectively.

[27:11 – 29:50] Preparing for Market Shifts

Todd advises dealerships to be ready for economic changes and seize unexpected opportunities.

[29:51 – 33:38] The Importance of Financial Discipline

Todd stresses saving money during good times to weather downturns, cautioning dealerships against overspending. He observes that many in the industry are now struggling after living beyond their means during profitable periods.

[33:39 – 34:22] Closing Thoughts

Tim reflects on giving back to the industry and mentoring the next generation and encourages listeners to focus on continuous improvement and to seek out small ways to make a difference every day.

Purpose, Gratitude, and Security with Paul J Daly

In this episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond, Tim sits down with Paul J Daly, founder and CEO of Congruent and Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Paul shares his journey from service advisor to building a thriving reconditioning business and then founding Congruent.

Tim and Paul discuss the role of identity in leadership, overcoming insecurities, and how fostering purpose helps teams thrive. They emphasize the importance of gratitude, recognizing employees, and making hard decisions for long-term success.

Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical leadership lessons.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.

[00:00 – 01:04] Introduction

Tim Cox opens the episode, introducing the show’s focus on leadership in the automotive industry. We’re introduced to guest Paul J Daly.

[01:05 – 04:09] Icebreaker

Paul and Tim joke around with a funny anecdote about having a personal bedtime message recorded by David Spisak.

[04:10 – 08:08] Paul’s Early Days

Paul shares how he got started in the automotive industry from growing up in South Philadelphia to starting as a service advisor in Oswego, NY.

[08:09 – 10:49] Founding a Reconditioning Business

Paul explains how he transitioned from his service advisor role to starting his own reconditioning business, growing to serve 50,000-60,000 vehicles annually across the Northeast.

[10:50 – 11:47] Building Congruent

After selling his reconditioning company, Paul focused on Congruent, a marketing agency incubated from his previous work.

[11:48 – 17:16] Power’s Double Edge Sword

Paul reflects on good and poor examples of power in leadership, arguing that leadership’s intent is to produce thriving in and through other people.

[17:17 – 24:32] A Leader’s Sense of Self

Tim and Paul discuss how leadership impacts the automotive industry where Paul emphasizes the connection between identity, effective leadership, and celebrating wins.

[24:33 – 28:37] Making Hard Decisions to Thrive

Paul reflect on challenges in leadership, including making hard decisions for the future good of their teams, even if the team is uncomfortable.

[28:38 – 34:12] Gratitude in Everything

Tim and Paul reflect on the importance of thriving through others and being grateful. Paul shares advice: Start and end each day and end each day with gratitude by saying, “Thank you.”

[34:13 – 35:59] Reflecting on Legacy and Influence

Tim shares personal stories, including receiving support from the automotive community at his mother’s funeral, which leads Paul and Tim to discuss how genuine leadership leaves a lasting impact through meaningful interactions.

[36:00 – 37:19] Tim’s Challenge to Listeners

Tim challenges listeners to treat everyone as if they are more important than themselves, fostering a culture of respect and care.

[37:20 – 37:49] Closing Remarks

Tim thanks Paul for joining and encourages listeners to follow the podcast, leaving them with the takeaway: "No one is smarter than everyone—let’s get better together."

In this episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond, Tim Cox sits down with Matt Lasher, a seasoned leader from West Herr Automotive Group and President of streamline.auto. 

They discuss prioritizing people over everything, navigating accountability, and how great leaders are measured by their impact on their team. They explore the nuances of individualized management, work-life balance, and authentic leadership. Matt also shares his unique approach to leadership: tending a garden with constant nurturing and adaptation.

Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical leadership lessons.

Connect with Matt Lasher on LinkedIn.

[00:00 – 00:17]  – Introduction to TimTalks
Tim Cox opens the episode, reflecting on decades of experience in automotive and how leadership is the cornerstone of every great dealership. 

[00:18 – 01:22] – Matt Lasher
Tim Cox introduces Matt Lasher as one of the best leaders in the industry.

[01:23 – 02:40] – Matt’s Personal Life
Matt introduces himself and shares about his life as a husband and father, reflecting on the importance of balance.

[02:41 – 04:10] – Matt’s Career Journey 
Matt recounts his days working at Nissan North America, his dissatisfaction with corporate America, and his journey back to Buffalo, NY, where he joined West Herr Automotive. 

[04:11 – 04:38] – Building West Herr Automotive
Matt discusses how West Herr has grown over 15 years. 

[04:39 – 06:07] – The Importance of People
Tim agrees with Matt on the importance of people and the overall success they bring to a company.

[06:08 – 08:30] – Accountability in Leadership
The conversation shifts to accountability, where Matt advocates for big picture thinking. 

[08:31 – 09:02] – Work-Life Balance
Matt reflects on the impact personal lives can have on employees’ performance, noting how leaders need to be aware.

[09:03 – 10:33] – People Over Everything
Matt shares his philosophy of “People Over Everything:” leaders must understand their team to guide them. 

[10:34 – 13:50] – Being Hyper-Individualized
Matt discusses the importance of individualized management, noting that leaders can’t treat everyone the same. 

[13:51 – 15:13] – Non-Linear Paths
Matt reflects on non-linear paths in sales and marketing, emphasizing long-term relationships over short-term metrics.

[15:14 – 18:27] – Vulnerability
Tim and Matt explore the concepts of vulnerability and being aware of personal biases. 

[18:28 – 20:29] – Community Involvement
Matt reflects on the experiences automotive professionals share with their customers. 

[20:30 – 22:59] – Authentic Leadership
Matt and Tim talk about the importance of authenticity in leadership and reflect on those they admire.

[23:00 – 24:37] – Just for Today

Tim encourages leaders to practice gratitude even just for a day.

[24:38 – 27:06] – Measuring Leaders

Tim notes that true leaders are measured not by what they do, but what their people do. 

[27:07 – 28:25] – Hiring Talent
Tim and Matt discuss the insecurity leaders may feel when hiring talented people. 

[28:26 – 30:26] – The Garden of Leadership
Matt compares leadership to a garden. Leaders must constantly tend to their team.

[30:27 – 32:03] – Closing

Tim ends the conversation emphasizing how leaders should be judged by what their people accomplish.

In this episode of TimTalks, Tim Cox sits down with Kevin Deutsch, general manager of Butler Lexus of South Atlanta, to dive deep into the strategies and leadership mindset that transformed a failing Lexus dealership into a thriving, market-leading store. Kevin shares how removing titles from business cards fostered a problem-solving culture, how daily meetings keep his team aligned, and how he empowered managers to take ownership across all departments. He also explains why transparency, both with employees and customers, has been essential to the dealership's success. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, accountability, and the power of cohesive teamwork.

Guest and Contact 

Follow Kevin Deutsch, general manager of Butler Lexus of South Atlanta and radio talk show host “Car Guys” WSB Radio on Linkedin

Show Notes:

[00:00 - 01:00] – Introduction
Tim Cox welcomes guest Kevin Deutsch, GM of Butler Lexus of South Atlanta, and highlights Kevin’s extensive experience in the automotive industry, as well as his national radio show, The Car Guys on WSB.

[01:00 - 02:30] – Perception vs. Reality in Dealerships
Tim and Kevin discuss how social media often doesn’t align with reality. They explore the importance of maintaining integrity, particularly when the public's perception of a dealership doesn’t match internal operations. 

[02:30 - 04:00] – Kevin's Background and Reputation
Kevin shares his background and reputation as one of the best operators in the country. He recalls his early days in the automotive industry, including his time as a pre-owned manager.

[04:00 - 06:30] – Taking Over a Broken Dealership
Kevin tells the story of how he took over a struggling Lexus dealership in Union City, Georgia. Under his leadership, the dealership began outperforming even Tesla in market share.

[06:30 - 09:00] – Removing Titles and Building Cohesion
Kevin explains his decision to remove titles from business cards, ensuring that every manager—whether in sales, service, or parts—was simply called a "Manager." 

[09:00 - 12:00] – Daily Collaboration and Cross-Department Involvement
Kevin goes deeper into how his team collaborates across departments. 

[12:00 - 16:00] – Changing the Customer Experience
Kevin shares his approach to improving the customer experience at Butler Lexus, from offering exceptional service in the waiting area to establishing new processes for handling customer complaints. 

[16:00 - 18:00] – Pay Transparency and Daily Tracking
Kevin describes how he ensures that his salespeople know exactly where they stand every single day by logging every deal in real-time. 

[18:00 - 20:00] – The Role of the Sales Desk
Kevin unpacks how he manages the sales desk differently from most dealerships. Instead of separating roles by title, his managers work together at the desk, creating a seamless operation. 

[20:00 - 22:00] – A Culture of Cross-Training and Succession Planning
Kevin talks about the cross-training culture he has implemented at the dealership, where each manager is trained to understand all aspects of the business.

[22:00 - 24:00] – Monthly All-Employee Meetings
Kevin highlights one of the most impactful changes he made at the dealership: the implementation of monthly all-employee meetings.

[24:00 - 28:00] – Closing Thoughts
Tim invites listeners to reach out to Kevin and even visit the dealership to learn more about the strategies that have made it so successful.

In this insightful and inspiring episode of TimTalks, Automotive Leadership and Beyond Tim Cox sits down with Michael Stevens, an automotive leader who has turned challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Michael takes us on a journey through his decade-long career, sharing the highs and lows of working in a dealership, from starting out fresh in the industry to transforming the culture and productivity at Bob Ruth Ford. Michael reveals how adopting a mindset of gratitude, building meaningful relationships, and committing to daily growth not only changed his life but also the lives of those he leads. From improving team morale to breaking sales records, Michael discusses the real-world impact of positive leadership and culture change in the auto industry.

Guest & Contact:

Connect with Michael Stevens, variable operations director at Bob Ruth Ford on Linkedin 

Show Notes:

[00:00] Introduction
Tim introduces the episode, sharing his experience of visiting dealerships across the country and the leadership that makes a real difference. He introduces Michael Stevens, variable operations director at Bob Ruth Ford he’s met during his career. 

[01:29] Michael’s Background
Michael Stevens shares his journey in the automotive industry, starting in 2010 after college and the challenges he faced at the beginning of his career. He touches on his sales experience and his time at Bob Ruth Ford, highlighting the importance of leadership and culture in transforming the business.

[03:13] The Importance of Culture
Michael explains how culture was a problem in his previous role, leading to high turnover and low morale. He discusses the pivotal moment that made him realize the value of a positive work environment and how leadership plays a role in changing dealership culture.

[05:49] The Role of Gratitude
Tim and Michael discuss the impact of gratitude in leadership and personal growth. Michael shares his daily routine, which starts with journaling three things he’s grateful for, emphasizing how this practice has changed his mindset and outlook.

[07:06] Leading with Intention
Michael describes how the practice of gratitude and having the right intentions has transformed his leadership style and impacted his team at Bob Ruth Ford. 

[09:35] Legacy and Impact
Tim reflects on the legacy we leave behind and the importance of making an impact in both personal and professional lives. 

[14:54] Empowering Employees
Michael explains how Bob Ruth Ford invests in its people by identifying their unique talents and giving them opportunities to grow, leading to remarkable results. He highlights the importance of getting to know your employees, understanding their "why," and helping them achieve their goals.

[18:05] The Power of Belief
Tim and Michael discuss the importance of believing in yourself and your team. Michael shares his mantra, “I am, I can, I will,” and how it drives his leadership and personal development.

[00:21:58] Leading by Example
Michael talks about how leaders need to care for their teams and understand their personal goals to create a cohesive and motivated workforce. He shares examples of how Bob Ruth Ford fosters a culture where people feel valued.

[27:09] Closing Thoughts
Michael leaves a final message for new GMs and leaders, encouraging them to focus on building relationships with their teams and being servant leaders. He emphasizes that knowing your people and helping them find their “why” is the key to success.

[28:00] Outro
Tim thanks Michael for his insights and reminds listeners of the importance of continuous improvement in leadership and teamwork. 

Description: In this episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond, Tim explores the leadership principles that have propelled President Chad Staples of Elevation Dealer Services to success. Chad reveals how his company is redefining reinsurance with a transparent and customized approach, helping dealers maximize profits while building strong, value-driven teams.

Contact:

Connect with Chad Staples President of Elevation Dealer Services on Linkedin or contact him at  [email protected]

[00:00] - Introduction: The Importance of Leadership in Automotive
Tim introduces the episode, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in creating successful car dealerships.

[02:15] - Chad Staples’ Background and Introduction to Elevation Dealer Services
Chad Staples shares his journey into the automotive industry, starting 16 years ago, and how he founded Elevation Dealer Services. 

[05:30] - Redefining Reinsurance: Transparent Fee Structures
Chad discusses the traditional challenges in the reinsurance industry, particularly hidden fees, and how Elevation Dealer Services is different by offering a completely transparent fee structure. He explains how this approach leads to significant cost savings.

[10:00] - Customizing Reinsurance Based on Dealer Goals
Chad dives into how Elevation Dealer Services tailors its offerings to align with each dealer's growth strategy. He explains the flexibility of their investment strategies, which allow dealers to maximize returns based on their individual risk tolerance and business goals.

[13:45] - The Role of Investment Strategies in Reinsurance
A detailed look at how Chad’s company offers dealers more aggressive investment options, leading to higher returns. 

[17:00] - Setting Up Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) and the 831(b) Tax Election
Chad explains the advantages of setting up CFCs under the 831(b) tax election, which allows dealers to defer taxes on underwriting profits. He also discusses the flexibility in ownership structure and the long-term financial benefits for dealers.

[21:00] - Building a Strong Team: Leadership Values at Elevation Dealer Services
Chad reflects on his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership and creating a positive, supportive culture within his company.

[24:30] - Success Stories and Dealer Feedback
Tim and Chad discuss the positive feedback from dealers who have partnered with Elevation Dealer Services. 

[28:00] - The Growth of Elevation Dealer Services
Chad talks about the rapid expansion of his company, including the hiring of new team members and the addition of new dealer clients. He highlights the importance of maintaining a strong company culture amid growth.

[32:00] - The Law of Attraction in Leadership
Tim and Chad discuss how strong leadership naturally attracts talented individuals and loyal customers. They explore the idea of duplicating successful leadership practices to create a lasting impact in the industry.

[35:00] - Encouragement for Dealerships Considering Reinsurance Evaluation
Chad encourages dealership leaders to explore reinsurance evaluations, even if they’re happy with their current provider. 

[37:45] - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Tim wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of leadership and innovation in the automotive industry. He encourages listeners to reach out to Chad for a reinsurance evaluation and to consider the benefits of partnering with Elevation Dealer Services.

[40:00] - Outro
Tim thanks Chad for joining the podcast and shares a final thought on the role of leadership in achieving long-term success in the automotive industry.