By CarNow
On each episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond, Tim Cox, co-founder of CarNow, chats with the best minds in the car business to share as much usable and practical information as poss
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The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.
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.
Description:
Join Tim in this heartfelt episode of TimTalks Automotive Leadership and Beyond, where he sits down with his close friend and esteemed leader, Patrick Abad, general manager of Beaver Toyota of Cumming. Dive into an inspiring conversation about leadership in the automotive industry, the power of effective management, and how to create a thriving dealership culture. Patrick shares his journey from working in Tampa, Florida, to transforming Beaver Toyota in Cumming, Georgia, and the core principles that have driven his success. Discover how clear communication, respect, and opportunities for growth can foster an environment where employees flourish and aspire to their leaders.
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[0:00] - Introduction: The Power of Leadership in Dealerships
Tim introduces the episode and highlights the significance of leadership in the success of automotive dealerships. He introduces his close friend, Patrick Abad, as the guest for this special episode.
[0:26] - Patrick Abad's Leadership Journey
Patrick shares his background and the journey from working in Tampa, Florida, to leading Beaver Toyota in Cumming, Georgia. He reflects on the influence of leaders like John Williams and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership.
[2:48] - Key Leadership Principles: Coming Through for People
Patrick emphasizes the importance of consistently coming through for people, whether in leadership or in personal interactions. He discusses the lessons learned from both good and bad leaders in the automotive industry.
[5:44] - Building a Culture of Respect and Growth at Beaver Toyota
Patrick explains how he successfully transformed Beaver Toyota by focusing on three core principles: fair pay, opportunities for growth, and respect for employees. He shares how over 50 employees moved from Tampa to join his team, attracted by the positive culture.
[10:50] - Communicating Growth Opportunities Clearly
Patrick discusses the importance of transparent communication in the dealership, including detailed career paths posted throughout the dealership.
[13:55] - The Impact of Culture on Business Success
Patrick explains how creating a transparent and growth-oriented culture not only retains employees but also drives business success. He emphasizes the need to remove financial guesswork and foster a supportive work environment.
[16:50] - The Role of Humility in Leadership
Tim and Patrick discuss the importance of humility in leadership. Patrick stresses the need to avoid pride and insecurity, which can undermine a positive workplace culture.
[19:19] - Community Engagement and Giving Back
Patrick talks about Beaver Toyota's commitment to community involvement, including their annual charity golf tournament and support for local foster children.
[22:14] - Advice for Aspiring Leaders in Dealerships
Patrick offers practical advice for sales managers and other leaders in the automotive industry: build equity by consistently supporting your team, lead with grace, and apply the same care to all employees, not just top performers.
[27:25] - Closing Thoughts and Takeaways
Tim wraps up the episode, thanking Patrick for sharing his insights. He encourages listeners to reflect on the importance of humility and community in leadership and to continuously strive for improvement.
[27:54] - Outro
Tim concludes the episode with a reminder that no one is smarter than everyone, and that together, we can all get better. He invites listeners to tune in for future episodes of TimTalks.
Description: In this episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond, Tim welcomes Lynne Hudson, Director of Marketing for Toyota Tampa Bay and West Shore Honda. With a long-standing relationship since 2015, Tim and Lynne delve into her journey in the automotive industry, her leadership philosophy, and her dedication to empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Lynne shares insights from her work with the Morgan Auto Group, her experiences with John Maxwell's leadership principles, and the importance of intentional living. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about overcoming challenges, fostering leadership, and the transformative power of gratitude.
Guest:
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[0:00 - 0:55]
The Power of Leadership: Tim introduces the core of great dealerships: leadership. Welcoming listeners to another episode of TimTalks featuring guest and long-time friend, Lynne Hudson, the Director of Marketing for two successful dealerships under Morgan Auto Group.
[0:55 - 2:12]
Lynne’s Role and Leadership Passion: Lynne’s extensive role in marketing and her passion for leadership, especially among women in the automotive industry, is highlighted. Discussion emphasizing Lynne’s commitment to fostering leadership.
[2:12 - 3:08]
Expanding Leadership Influence: Lynne shares her experiences with leadership within the Morgan Auto Group, how it has inspired her to extend her influence beyond the organization, and her work in bringing more women into the automotive industry.
[3:08 - 4:12]
John Maxwell on Leadership: Tim and Lynne discuss John Maxwell’s influence on leadership, touching on Maxwell’s impactful teachings and Lynne’s journey to becoming a certified coach.
[4:12 - 6:57]
Lynne’s Journey in Automotive: Lynne recounts her challenging start in the automotive industry, her swift rise to success, and how John Maxwell’s leadership principles guided her personal and professional growth.
[6:57 - 9:59]
Overcoming Leadership Challenges: Lynne details her work in coaching, especially with women, highlighting the importance of finding the right organization and mindset to thrive in leadership roles.
[9:59 - 14:14]
Women in Automotive Leadership: Tim and Lynne explore common struggles women face in leadership within the automotive industry and how Lynne’s coaching helps them overcome these challenges. Lynne discusses the value of living intentionally and the recurring themes she sees in her coaching practice, particularly the challenges women face in balancing multiple roles.
[14:14 - 18:21]
Social Media’s and Self-Perception: The conversation shifts to the broader societal pressures on women, especially the impact of social media on self-perception, and how leadership and gratitude can transform lives.
[18:21 - 20:24]
Success of Lynne’s Coaching Program: Lynne shares the ongoing success of her coaching program and the powerful community it has built among participants.
[20:24 - 26:53]
Final Thoughts: Mindset and Leadership: Tim wraps up the episode with a passionate discussion on the importance of mindset, continuous self-improvement, and leadership in all aspects of life. He encourages listeners to take action and connect with Lynne for further growth.
Episode Description:
In this episode of Tim Talks, we dive deep into the complexities of privacy laws impacting the automotive industry with our special guests, privacy attorney Nicole Newman from L2 Partners, and senior attorney Joshua Talcovitz from Kurkin, Forehand, and Brandes. Learn about the challenges dealerships face regarding outdated privacy laws, such as the Florida Security and Communication Act, and how these laws are being leveraged in lawsuits that could affect your dealership. Nicole and Joshua provide invaluable insights on how to protect your dealership from these legal pitfalls and proactive measures you can take to stay compliant.
Guests and Contact Information:
Show Notes:
[00:00] Introduction: Tim Cox introduces the focus of the episode – the importance of leadership in the automotive industry and the growing concern over compliance with privacy laws.
[00:17] Industry Challenges: Tim Cox highlights the need for the automotive industry to stay compliant with laws like GLBA and TCPA, with a focus on protecting dealerships.
[01:19] Guest Introduction: Tim Cox introduces privacy attorney Nicole Newman and senior attorney Joshua Talcovitz.
[02:07] The Florida Security of Communications Act: Nicole Newman and Joshua Talcovitz discuss the law being used to file lawsuits against dealerships for their chat features.
[03:13] Understanding Consent: Nicole Newman explains the lawsuits stemming from improper consent in dealership online chats and how CarNow is helping dealers protect themselves.
[05:14] Wiretap Law Application: Joshua Talcovitz expands on the outdated wiretap laws and how they are misapplied to modern chat features on dealership websites.
[07:49] Who’s Behind the Lawsuits: Joshua Talcovitz reveals how digital privacy advocates, or individuals looking to profit from lawsuits, are targeting dealerships.
[10:18] Court Cases & Outcomes: Joshua Talcovitz details the legal landscape, including small claims courts, and the potential for these cases to escalate to class-action lawsuits.
[14:53] How Dealerships Can Protect Themselves: Nicole Newman and Joshua Talcovitz share proactive steps dealerships can take, such as adding cookie banners and updating privacy policies.
[18:09] Two-Party Consent States: Nicole Newman lists states with two-party consent laws and why dealerships must be extra vigilant in those areas.
[20:12] Practical Solutions: Tim and his guests discuss practical steps dealerships can take to avoid lawsuits, including working closely with their web providers.
[24:07] Final Thoughts: Joshua Talcovitz and Nicole Newman encourage dealerships to fight these lawsuits rather than settle, in order to prevent a flood of future legal actions.
[27:00] Call to Action: Tim Cox wraps up with a call for dealerships to be proactive, protect themselves, and reach out to CarNow or legal experts for guidance.
In this inaugural episode of the revamped "TimTalks Automotive Leadership and Beyond," host CarNow’s Tim Cox sits down with Damian Boudreaux, a renowned coach in the automotive industry, to discuss transformational leadership. Damian delves into the principles of relationship selling, the importance of mindset, and the crucial role of leadership in transforming car dealerships. The TimTalks podcast is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the automotive industry looking to be inspired, enhance their leadership skills and dealership culture.
Guest:
Contact Information:
Show Notes:
[00:00] Ben Carson’s Story: Tim introduces the story of Dr. Ben Carson, reflecting on how Carson went from being called “dummy” to becoming one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons, all due to a shift in mindset.
[01:39] Renewing Your Mind: Tim emphasizes that Carson’s transformation began with a change in mindset, linking this lesson to leadership in dealerships.
[02:40] Welcome to the Revamped Tim Talks: Tim introduces Damian Boudreaux, who inspired the Leadership in the Dealership concept and co-authored a book with Ali Reda, the top car salesperson in the world.
[04:44] Damian Boudreaux Joins the Conversation: Damian shares his excitement about being part of the program and emphasizes that the key to transforming dealerships is growing people.
[07:26] The Journey from Transactional to Relationship Selling: Damian explains how he went from selling just a few cars a month to selling 63 cars in one month by focusing on relationships.
[08:59] Vision, Identity, and Storytelling: Damian outlines the three pillars of dealership success: having a clear vision, knowing your identity, and telling your story.
[10:14] Mentorship and Growth: Damian talks about mentoring top performers like Ali Reda.
[12:07] Coaching Managers and Leaders: Damian and Tim discuss how the book they co-wrote evolved to focus not just on sales but on the leadership challenges managers face.
[14:23] Developing Career Paths for Dealership Staff: Damian highlights the importance of developing clear career paths within dealerships, not just for salespeople but for every role in the dealership.
[16:26] The Law of Attraction and Duplication: Tim reflects on leadership principles that have helped him grow his own company, including the Law of Attraction and the Law of Duplication.
[18:02] The Baseball Diamond Analogy: Damian introduces his “baseball diamond” analogy to explain the difference between transactional and relationship selling.
[20:33] Success Stories and Relationship Selling: Damian shares success stories, including how he helped a young man named Carlos transition from the swimming pool business to selling 50 cars a month.
[22:13] Moving Dealerships from Transactional to Relationship Selling: Damian and Tim talk about how entire dealerships can be transformed by shifting from transactional to relationship-focused models.
[24:00] Overcoming the “Yeah, But” Mentality: Tim and Damian challenge listeners to reject the excuses that hold them back.
[27:29] Closing Thoughts: Tim and Damian reflect on the power of mindset transformation, urging listeners to imagine what could be possible if they renewed their minds and believed in their potential as leaders in the dealership.
Tim Cox sits down with Danelle Delgado to explore the keys to unlocking your potential, navigating life's challenges, and embracing a mindset that leads to lasting significance.
Find Danelle's book mentioned in the episode here: https://bit.ly/41P4AWv
Join Tim Cox and Bob Lanham as they discuss the ever-changing world of auto dealerships with Daniel Govaer, the general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Easton. The trio explores insights on inventory challenges, buying from consumers, OEMs and inventory management, the impact of interest rates on financing and leasing, and the nuances of price trends in the automotive industry.
CarNow's Tim Cox and Bob Lanham are joined by Bob Werner, Dealer Principal at Werner Mazda, to discuss the keys to Bob Werner's success. From understanding modern shopper preferences to delivering top-notch customer service, they explore the strategies and techniques that have made Werner Mazda a true leader in the automotive industry.
The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.
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