Great leadership is the key to every successful dealership, and Tim Pohanka proves it.

On the latest TimTalks episode, Tim, VP of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai, shares how he transformed struggling stores, built a powerhouse team, and created a leadership retreat that breaks down silos between sales, service, and vendor partners.

Learn how process, accountability, and innovative thinking drive dealership success—and how rising stars like Roman are reshaping the industry.

Connect with Tim Pohanka on LinkedIn.

[00:00 – 01:15] Introduction

Tim opens the episode by introducing Tim Pohanka, a leader who has driven remarkable transformations in his dealerships.

[01:15 – 03:51] Pohanka Dealerships

With over 100 years in business, Pohanka dealerships are built on trust and innovation. Tim P. shares how he respects the past while leading his stores into the future.

[03:51 – 06:38] Overcoming Challenges

Facing adversity from an OEM partner, Tim P. focused on the future rather than the past. His resilience and adaptability helped turn struggling stores into thriving businesses.

[06:38 – 08:07] Adapting Strategies

Tim P. describes how learning from setbacks allowed him to position his stores for long-term success.

[08:07 – 10:34] Finding the Right Leaders

Hiring the right people is key. Tim shares the story of Pam, a GM who transformed operations by enforcing strong processes and building trust.

[10:34 – 15:02] Greenbrier Leadership Retreat

Tim P. describes his team’s annual leadership retreat that brings key team members and vendor partners together.

[15:02 – 17:24] Partners, Not Vendors

Tim P. emphasizes the value of vendor partnerships. By involving partners in dealership strategy, he ensures they contribute to long-term success.

[17:24 – 22:55] Breaking Down Silos

Bridging the gap between sales and service is crucial. By fostering open communication, Pohanka dealerships create a unified culture that benefits employees and customers.

[22:55 – 26:01] Process & Accountability

Understanding financials is key to success. Tim P. ensures his team takes ownership by setting clear expectations and tracking performance.

[26:01 – 29:51] Roman’s Rise to Leadership

Roman, a top salesperson, mastered digital retailing and social media to drive sales. His success led to a leadership promotion, proving that strong processes create great leaders.

[29:51 – 31:55] Final Advice

Tim P. advises dealership leaders to focus on service, process, and accountability. A strong foundation in these areas drives long-term success.

[31:55 – 32:08] Closing Thoughts

Tim C. wraps up with a reminder: success comes from continuous learning and collaboration. Working together leads to better results for dealerships and their teams.