Best David Spisak Podcasts (2025)

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The Defining Moments That Shape Great Leaders with Joshua Potts 49:28

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5d ago49:28

49:28

What happens when a kid who once felt invincible, who made more than his fair share of bad decisions, finds himself leading one of the largest auto groups in the country? That’s the story of Joshua Potts, CEO and Director of Dealership Operations at Mac Haik Auto Group. And let me tell you, it’s not the kind of story you’d expect. In this conversat…

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Dealer Consolidation Is Coming: How to Be on the Winning Side with Don Reese 56:08

12d ago56:08

56:08

In this episode I sit down with my longtime friend and industry powerhouse, Don Reese. For nearly 40 years, Don has been shaping the automotive landscape—partnering with giants, leading bold transformations, and now serving as CEO of the automotive sector at Franchise Equity Partners. Together, we rewind the tape back to the late ’80s, tracing Don’…

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Are You Building a Legacy or Just a Monument to Yourself? 23:06

19d ago23:06

23:06

Most people think great leadership comes down to charisma. The loudest voice in the room. The rockstar personality. But what if I told you that kind of leadership might actually be dangerous? In this solo episode, I unpack Jim Collins’ timeless lessons from Good to Great—and how they apply to the real-world challenges leaders face today. We dive in…

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The EV Shift That Could Catch Dealers Off Guard with Jimmy Douglas 55:22

26d ago55:22

55:22

What if the future of your dealership wasn’t about selling more EVs—but about understanding where the real opportunity in EVs actually is? In this episode my guest is Jimmy Douglas, Founder and CEO of Plug, the first wholesale platform built specifically for pre-owned EVs. Jimmy’s career has taken him from Tesla during some of its most intense year…

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The Hard Work Rule: How Jeremy Beaver Built DGDG Into a Top Dealer Group 57:53

1M ago57:53

57:53

What happens when you put culture, technology, and pure hard work into the same room? You get a story like Jeremy Beaver’s. In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy, CEO of the Del Grande Dealer Group (DGDG), one of the most innovative and people-first dealership groups in the country. We talk about how a kid making cold calls from a phone book grew…

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The Dealer’s Advantage: How to Compete with Carvana and CarMax in 2025 57:49

1M ago57:49

57:49

In this episode my guests are Steve Greenfield from Automotive Ventures, Chip Perry, industry icon and former Autotrader CEO, and Dom Pope, founder of Sell My Ride. We dive into how dealers can win in the used car market at a time when acquiring the right inventory feels harder than ever. You’ll hear how Dom’s unique approach to vehicle acquisition…

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Inside the Net Zero Model That’s Saving Dealers Millions with Angelo Mendola 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

In this episode, my guest is Angelo Mendola, President & COO of Priority Payment Systems Local — a guy whose business success is rooted in something far more powerful than just numbers or technology. Angelo’s journey starts in a Brooklyn restaurant at 14 years old, where he learned that the real magic in business isn’t in the “menu,” it’s in listen…

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From $0 in 6 Years to 125 Dealerships with Robert Stettler 59:19

2M ago59:19

59:19

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Stettler—founder, president, and the driving force behind Clear Car Concepts. From wrenching on lawnmowers in freezing Amish country as a second grader… to running one of the largest automotive accessory install operations in the U.S., Rob’s story is anything but ordinary. We talk about the quiet power of consis…

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How STELLA AI Is Giving Dealers Back Their Most Valuable Asset: Time with Rich Sands 56:28

2M ago56:28

56:28

In this episode, my guest is Rich Sands, CEO of STELLA Automotive AI—a company I’ve had my eye on for a while now. Not just because they were one of the first to embrace AI in their name, but because they’re actually delivering results in an industry full of overpromises. We cover a lot of ground in this one. Rich shares how growing up in Detroit a…

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How to Make Marketing Finally Work for You with John Fitzpatrick 55:57

2M ago55:57

55:57

In this episode, I’m joined by John Fitzpatrick, the CEO and Co-Founder of Force Marketing—a company that’s quietly reshaping how some of the largest auto groups in automotive think about marketing, customer lifetime value, and fixed ops growth. But here’s the twist: This isn’t just a business episode. John shares how Force Marketing got its start,…

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Is This the Year Dealers Finally Face Reality? with Joel Bassam 1:09:37

3M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

In this episode, I sit down with Joel Bassam, President of Easterns Automotive Group—a leader who doesn’t just “talk shop” but lives and breathes the used car business at scale. If you’ve been feeling the squeeze—from inventory pressures to margin compression, rising recon costs, to the endless tariff noise—this episode will feel uncomfortably rele…

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Is the Car Business Headed for a Meltdown or a Rebirth? with Jonathan Smoke 1:17:50

3M ago1:17:50

1:17:50

In this episode, my guest is Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive, someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for a long time. If you’re in the car business, you’ve probably read his reports, quoted his data, or heard his insights passed around. But in this conversation, we go deeper than the numbers. We talk about how he actually ended u…

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The Brutal Truth About AI, Advertising, and the Future of Dealerships with Diana Lee 55:57

3M ago55:57

55:57

In this episode, I’m sitting down once again with Diana Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Constellation, and honestly, it probably won’t be the last time. Every time we talk, the conversation evolves. The insights deepen. The game changes. We talk about why dealers must innovate now—not tomorrow, not next quarter—but right now. Diana unpacks why playing d…

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The Hidden Forces Shaping the Future of Car Buying with Glenn Mercer 57:56

3M ago57:56

57:56

In this episode, my guest is Glenn Mercer, one of the most respected automotive researchers in the business. Glenn’s ability to break down complex industry trends into practical, real-world insights is second to none. We talk about the surprising connection between SUVs, pickup trucks, and traffic congestion—something most people don’t even think a…

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How to Compete With CarMax and Carvana on Your Own Turf with Rob Ruth 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

In this episode, my guest is Rob Ruth, Dealer Principal at Bob Ruth Ford in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania — a town of just under 3,000 people — and yet he’s moving over 350 used cars a month. We talk about how that’s even possible. Not in theory. In practice. Rob breaks down how his team built a buying operation that rivals national players, why most dea…

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How Selling Cars Taught Me to Serve a Nation with Senator Bernie Moreno 21:16

4M ago21:16

21:16

In this episode, my guest is Senator Bernie Moreno from the great state of Ohio—a fellow car guy whose journey from the showroom floor to the U.S. Senate is nothing short of remarkable. We dig into what he learned from years in the retail automotive business, and how those lessons are helping him shape national policy. You’ll hear stories about his…

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How Sheehy Auto Sells 2,000+ Used Cars a Month w/ Joe Blanco 44:58

4M ago44:58

44:58

In this episode, my guest is Joe Blanco the Assistant Used Car Director for Sheehy Auto Stores, a group that represents 30 franchises across the Mid-Atlantic region and delivers an impressive 23,000 used vehicle sales annually. And here's the kicker: Joe started in this business delivering Papa John's pizzas at 18. Now, he’s helping steer one of th…

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How to Create a High-Performing Used Car Department with Joel Bassam 1:03:31

4M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

In this episode, I sit down with Joel Bassam, President of Easterns Automotive Group, and to say it was eye-opening would be an understatement. From the moment we met at NADA, I knew Joel had tapped into something most dealers are missing—and I had to find out what it was. What you’re about to hear isn’t just about scaling a used car operation. It’…

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How to Steal Market Share in 60 Seconds Using AI — with Diana Lee 58:54

4M ago58:54

58:54

In this powerhouse episode, I’m joined by none other than Diana Lee, the unstoppable force behind Constellation. If you’ve ever wondered what real innovation sounds like—raw, relentless, and razor-sharp—you’re about to get a front-row seat. This conversation is about so much more than business. It’s about redefining the rules, leveraging true AI (n…

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Devin Daly: This AI Brain Knows Your Customers Better Than You Do 1:01:23

5M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

What if I told you there’s an “AI brain” that knows your customers better than you do—and it's already being used in thousands of dealerships? In this episode, my guest is Devin Daly, the brilliant co-founder of Impel—one of the most exciting AI companies in automotive right now. We dive deep into how conversational AI, CDPs, and real-time personal…

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The Next Normal: How MavSign is Revolutionizing the Digital Car Buying Journey 39:51

5M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode, I sit down with some of the most forward-thinking minds in the automotive world to unpack a game-changing car buying experience that’s shattering the old-school dealership model. Joining me are Rudolph Nieto, CEO of MavSign; Preston S., Compliance and Variable Operations at Napleton Auto Group; Matthew Meyer, General Manager at Lex…

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Everything’s Changing… Or Is It? The Hidden Truth About Today’s Dealerships 21:06

5M ago21:06

21:06

Hey, it’s just you and me today—and I want to have a real conversation. One that peels back the headlines, the hype, and the AI buzzwords to get to the core of what’s actually happening in our industry… and what isn’t. If you’ve looked around lately and thought, “Everything feels different,” you’re not alone. From geopolitical headlines to AI hype,…

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Don Hall: The 30-Day Mindset is Killing Your Dealership 48:33

5M ago48:33

48:33

In this episode, I sit down with one of the most passionate and influential voices in our industry—Don Hall, President & CEO of the Virginia Auto Dealers Association, to unpack what’s actually holding dealerships back—and how some of the best are rewriting the playbook by leading with people, purpose, and outrageous hospitality. You’ll walk away wi…

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The Avengers of Used Cars 22:16

6M ago22:16

22:16

In this special episode—hosted by none other than Brian Kramer, EVP, Dealer Growth & Success at Cars Commerce—we assembled what I’d call The Used Car Avengers: Frank Knox (Unique Auto Sourcing), Jasen Rice (Lotpop). These guys don’t just talk acquisition—they live it. So what’s the mission? Unpacking the real reasons dealers are missing the mark on…

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Matt VanDyke: How Shift Digital Became Automotive Retail’s Secret Weapon 1:00:57

6M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

In this episode I sit down with Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, for a rare, unfiltered peek behind the curtain of one of the most influential (yet often misunderstood) players in automotive retail. We’re talking about the company that quietly powers the digital infrastructure of 16,000+ dealer websites, bridges the gap between OEMs and de…

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CARB Chaos: What Every Dealer (and Consumer) Needs to Know Right Now 1:12:51

6M ago1:12:51

1:12:51

Heads up: This episode is not just another industry chat. It’s a full-on, no-holds-barred deep dive into what could be the single biggest threat to automotive retail as we know it. The CARB mandate is here — and most people have no idea just how disruptive it really is. That’s why I brought in three heavy hitters who are in the thick of it every si…

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Steven Fang: This Used to Be a Food Cart Lot. Now It’s a Movement. 26:09

6M ago26:09

26:09

What if I told you one man had a vision so bold it turned an empty city block into a cultural epicenter, blending Portland’s gritty charm with five-star sophistication? In this episode, I sit down on location with visionary entrepreneur Steven Fang, the brain behind Flock—a living, breathing, city-block-sized love letter to food, culture, and commu…

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Elgie Bright: What’s the Secret to Thriving in Retail Automotive? 50:59

6M ago50:59

50:59

We talk a lot about the future of automotive—EVs, AI, digital retailing—but what if I told you that the biggest game-changer for our industry isn’t just about the tech? It’s about people. Today, I’m sitting down with Elgie Bright, Chair of the Automotive Department at Northwood University, to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough atte…

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Are Car Dealers Focused on the Wrong Things? 17:41

7M ago17:41

17:41

In this episode, I sit down with some of the sharpest minds in the industry—Dan Schroeder, Ron Andrews, and Charles Dubord—live from the Cars Commerce booth at NADA. We get real about one of the biggest misconceptions in automotive: the idea that a website is just a digital storefront. Spoiler alert—it’s so much more than that. Here’s what we unpac…

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The Ad Spend Black Hole: How to Increase Ad Performance in Your Dealership 27:44

7M ago27:44

27:44

In this episode, my guest is Jen Cole, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cars Commerce, alongside Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Auto Group, and Ron Andrews, VP of Media & Digital Solutions at Cars Commerce. These folks have been in the trenches, building strategies that actually drive results, and they’re not holding back. Because le…

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How XPEL Is Redefining Retention & Profitability for Car Dealers 23:12

7M ago23:12

23:12

What if I told you there’s a product that not only boosts your dealership’s profitability but also enhances customer experience, increases retention, and is practically FTC-proof? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, in this episode, I sat down with Tony Rimas and Ryan Pape from XPEL—the brand that dealers across the country call the gold stand…

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Brian Maas: The Future of Car Dealerships: Resilient or at Risk? 13:25

7M ago13:25

13:25

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association, live from New Orleans at the CNCDA dealer reception. And let me tell you—just getting here was no easy feat. Snowstorms, travel chaos—it was a true test of resilience. But if there’s one thing I know, dealers are built different. Think about …

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Alex Vetter: The Power of Data, Disruption, and Dealer-Centric Innovation 21:13

8M ago21:13

21:13

Dealers, if you’ve ever felt frustrated by inefficiencies in wholesale, struggled to make data-driven decisions, or wondered how to maximize profitability while staying ahead of the curve… this episode is for you. Live from NADA 2025 in New Orleans, I sat down with Alex Vetter, CEO of Cars.com, and let me tell you—the energy in this conversation is…

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Aaron Bickart: What Separates the Best Car Dealerships from the Rest? 46:56

8M ago46:56

46:56

In this episode, my guest is Aaron Bickart, EVP and GM of OfferLogix. Aaron has spent over three decades in the automotive industry, blending deep retail experience with cutting-edge technology solutions. We dive into his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and what it takes to stand out in an industry that’s constantly evolving. Ever wonder why som…

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Jay Vijayan: How AI is Revolutionizing Automotive Retail (NADA 2025 Special) 49:53

8M ago49:53

49:53

Every year at NADA, I sit down with the brightest minds in the industry, and this year was no different. I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Jay Vijayan, Founder & CEO of Tekion, on the Tekion Innovation Stage. Jay and his team have been making serious waves, shaking up the status quo and redefining what’s possible in dealership operations. And …

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Doug Brown: Why Fixed Ops is the Heart of Every Dealership - Disruptive Forces 43:56

8M ago43:56

43:56

Welcome back to The David Spisak Show! Today, we’re diving into the epicenter of dealership success: Fixed Operations. And trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this one. My guest, Doug Brown, Director of Field Operations at XPEL, is here to drop some serious knowledge. Doug has a career story that feels like a masterclass in leadership, growth…

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Preston Stewart: How to Future-Proof Your Dealership for 2025 and Beyond 49:48

8M ago49:48

49:48

What’s the secret to thriving in an industry that’s constantly evolving, often under fire, and endlessly competitive? Preston Stewart, the National Variable Operations Director (and Compliance Director!) for the iconic Napleton Auto Group, joins me to answer that question—and so much more. Preston’s story is one for the books: from growing up in hi…

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Jaden Abad: Cracking the Code to Next-Level Dealership Success 49:59

8M ago49:59

49:59

What happens when fresh perspectives meet decades of wisdom in the automotive industry? This episode is your front-row seat to a dynamic conversation with Jaden Abad, a rising star in automotive and the son of industry legend Patrick Abad. Jaden is bringing new energy, bold ideas, and an unstoppable drive to reshape how dealers think about used car…

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Disruption: What the New Reality Means for Used Car Dealers - Disruptive Forces 50:28

8M ago50:28

50:28

Welcome back to Used Car Solved! Today’s episode is packed with insights, strategies, and let’s be honest—some serious mic drops. I had the absolute pleasure of hosting three industry powerhouses: Daniel Crainic of Time Auto Group, Jared Kilway from Casa Auto Group. Here’s what’s on the table: We’re diving deep into how disruptors like CarMax and C…

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Diego Vargas: The Secret Weapon for Dealership Success in 2025 35:34

9M ago35:34

35:34

Alright, buckle up, because this episode is one of those “you’ve got to hear it to believe it” conversations. I sat down with Diego Vargas, a 30+ year veteran of the automotive industry and the new VP of Dealer Services at VinCue, to unpack how technology and curiosity are shaping the future of retail automotive. Whether you’re a dealer navigating …

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Independent vs Franchise: Lessons from the Industry’s Top Disruptors - Disruptive Forces 57:32

9M ago57:32

57:32

In this episode I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with two of the sharpest minds in the automotive industry: Edgar Castellanos, the mastermind behind California Motors Direct and Euro Motor Cars, and Daniel Crainic, the driving force of DNC Motors and Time Auto Group. These guys didn’t just stumble into success—they built it from the gro…

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Alan Haig: What Makes a Dealership Valuable in 2025? 1:00:43

9M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

In this episode my guest is none other than Alan Haig, the mastermind behind Haig Partners and one of the most trusted advisors in retail automotive. If you're a dealer, investor, or just fascinated by the business of cars, this episode is your front-row seat to what’s really happening under the hood of the industry. Alan doesn’t just dabble in dat…

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Cracking the Code on Used Car Profitability - Disruptive Forces 1:04:01

9M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Alright, my friends – buckle up, because this episode is an absolute masterclass in what it takes to build a wildly profitable used car operation in today's market. And trust me, you're going to want to take notes… or at least listen twice. In this special segment of "Disruptive Forces", I’m joined by three powerhouses: Danny Zaslavsky from VinCue,…

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Adam Arens: Why Culture Is the Ultimate Competitive Advantage 1:18:52

9M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

Hey friends, welcome back to the show, and happy holidays! Wherever you are, I hope you’re surrounded by loved ones and soaking in the good vibes this season. I’ve got a special guest for you today—someone I’ve been looking forward to having on for a while. Meet Adam Arens, the owner and operator of Patriot Auto Group. Adam is one of those names in…

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Mastering Sales Turn: Insights from Industry Leaders on Driving Profitability and Efficiency - Disruptive Forces 48:46

9M ago48:46

48:46

Hey friends, you’re in for a real treat today. I brought on three absolute legends in the automotive world for this episode of Disruptive Forces. Meet Jason Rice, the mastermind behind Lot Pop (and a guy so obsessed with sales turn, his license plate says it all), Joel Bassam, president of Eastern’s Auto Group and a pioneer in innovative dealership…

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The Truth About Used Cars in 2025 1:02:56

9M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Welcome back to this episode of The David Spisak Show, today's episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone in the automotive industry—especially if you’re knee-deep in the world of used cars. Joining me are two incredible guests: Jared Kalfus, EVP at Black Book, and Laura Wehunt, VP of Data & Analytics. These two sit at the very heart of the used…

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Merchandise Like a Master: The Ultimate Dealer Blueprint - Disruptive Forces 51:07

9M ago51:07

51:07

Hey there, friends! You know I love bringing the heavy-hitters to the show, and today is no exception. In this episode of Disruptive Forces, I’m joined by four absolute legends in the industry: Tommy Gibbs, a veteran who’s guided countless dealers to success; David Long, the mastermind behind 79 (and counting) buy centers; Rob Ruth, who’s doing min…

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 13:04

10M ago13:04

13:04

Ah, December, my friends, is here. The lights are up, Andy Williams is on repeat, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already had your fair share of holiday treats. But there’s something about this time of year that just feels different, doesn’t it? In this episode, I’m diving into what makes December the most wonderful time of the year—not just…

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Michael Porro: How To Win the Used Car Game - Disruptive Forces 36:58

10M ago36:58

36:58

Welcome back, my friends—today’s episode is packed with pure gold. I promised you this one would over-deliver, and I don’t make promises lightly. Joining me for a powerful segment of Disruptive Forces is the legendary Michael Porro from Honda World in Louisville, Kentucky. Michael isn’t just a dealer—he’s an innovator, a leader, and someone who liv…

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Jarrod Kilway: The Sequel 1:08:30

10M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

Alright, here’s the deal. You know how some conversations stick with you long after they’re over? Well, that’s exactly what happened the first time I chatted with Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Auto Group. And when I say "stick with you," I mean I was still thinking about it during Thanksgiving dinner. So, naturally, I had to bring…