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 …

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Picture this: You’ve got the cars, the team, and the ambition, but something’s clogging up the works—your recon process. Sound familiar? Well, today’s episode of Disruptive Forces in Retail Automotive is here to blow the doors off your inefficiencies and show you how to get those cars from just bought to just sold in record time. I’ve gathered an a…

Today's episode is a must-listen! I sit down with none other than Chris Martinez, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio—a leader who has not only mastered the auto world but also written the book on it. Literally. Let me set the scene for you. Chris didn’t grow up dreaming about selling cars. In fact, his twin brother accidentally nudged …

In this powerhouse panel discussion, I sit down with some of the sharpest minds in automotive retail to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today: achieving the ideal inventory mix. Joining me are Joe Blanco GM Sheehy Auto Group, Boris Lopez VP of Operations Toy Tech Motors, Adam Arens of Patriot Subaru, and Danny Zaslavsky, Pre…

This one’s special. You know I’m all about digging into the real stories—the wins, the lessons, and the grit behind the people shaping our industry. Today, I’m sitting down with Yossi Levi, or as most of you know him, Car Dealership Guy. If you’ve been following his journey, you already know he’s the guy who took what many see as a “traditional” bu…

Ever wondered why some dealerships are thriving online while others seem to struggle with customer retention? What if your website’s design and speed could make the difference between a customer purchase and a lost opportunity? In today’s digital world, first impressions are often made on a screen, not in person. In this episode, Kyle Mountsier, CO…

What if every appraisal was the key to industry-leading profitability? In today's market, the power of acquisition strategies has never been more critical. With the rise of disruptors like Carvana and CarMax, the question on every dealership's mind is: How do we stay competitive and maximize profitability? In this episode of Disruptive Forces in Re…

What if building a company isn’t just about selling a product, but about transforming an industry? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Tim Cox, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of CarNow, a guy whose journey from the dealership floor to creating one of the industry’s most impactful tech solutions is nothing short of legendary. We dig…

You know, one of the things I love most about this industry is that every leader has a story—and today’s guest, Damon Lester, has one of the most unique I’ve ever heard. Imagine stepping into the world of auto dealerships before you’ve even set foot inside a dealership. Yeah, you heard that right. Damon went from the world of accounting to becoming…

What does it really take to go beyond your limits and lead under the most intense pressure? In this episode, I sit down with Errol Doebler, a man who has redefined what it means to lead. From serving as a Navy SEAL to tracking terrorists as an FBI agent, and now as the founder of Ice Cold Leader, Errol’s journey is one of grit, resilience, and rele…

You know those conversations that hit you like a lightning bolt? The ones that leave you thinking, "Wow, I’ve never looked at it that way before"? Well, buckle up because this episode is one of those. I’m sitting down with none other than Cliff Banks—a true legend in automotive journalism. Cliff has been ahead of the curve for over 30 years, and to…

We’ve all heard it—tech this, AI that—but let me ask you this: If technology has advanced so much in our industry, why are we still stuck selling the same number of cars we did 20 years ago? What’s really holding us back? In this episode, I sit down with Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Automotive Group, to uncover the real reasons d…

"Ever felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of ‘best practices’ that never seem to move the needle? In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who’s been breaking the mold in the automotive world – Darrell Steed, founder and president of Smart Wolf Consulting. Darrell isn’t just another industry voice; he’s the guy who’s out…

In this episode I'm diving into a topic that has been a thorn in the side of dealerships for as long as I can remember – the used car department. You’re probably wondering, “What do happiness and the used car department have in common?” Well, in more ways than one, both seem to slip out of reach just when you think you’ve got them figured out. But …

Alright, friends, buckle up because this episode is going to completely reshape how you think about the used car game. If you've been in the industry as long as I have (and that's 45 years, but who's counting?), you know the used car department can either make or break a dealership. But why is it still such a puzzle for so many? What is it about us…

In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, one thing is clear—used car acquisition is no longer just a piece of the puzzle; it is the puzzle. In this episode, I sit down with Frank Knox, Vice President of Unique Auto Sourcing, to explore the vital role of acquisition in the future of dealerships. Frank draws from his 23 years of experience, i…

Hey, it’s David here. I’m going solo on this one, and I’ve got something on my mind that I just couldn’t wait to share with you. Let’s talk about something that might make a few people uncomfortable, but it’s too important to ignore—your used car department. For years, we’ve all been conditioned to believe that the new car department is the beating…

In this week's episode I’ve got something truly special for you in this episode. I sit down with Napo Rumteen, a veteran in the automotive industry and the innovative mind behind Interactive EQ. Together, we explore the often-overlooked yet crucial element of emotional intelligence (EQ) in hiring and team building. Napo shares his journey from work…

What if the very thing holding you back could become your greatest asset? How do fear and anxiety influence your success—both personally and professionally? In this episode, we explore these questions and more as we delve into the dynamics of fear with Stephen Dietrich. Stephen Dietrich is a partner at Holland & Knight, where he specializes in deal…

Welcome to the David Spisak Show! I'm thrilled to have you here for an enlightening conversation with Robert Hollenshead, a true legend in the retail automotive industry. If you've been in the business over the last few decades, you undoubtedly know Robert. For those who don't, Robert is a pioneer in the wholesale automotive market with over 40 yea…

In this insightful episode, Justin Shanken, CEO of Black Breach, returns for a deeper dive into the critical issue of cybersecurity in the automotive industry. Our conversation begins by revisiting the massive cyber attack on CDK, exploring its far-reaching implications, and understanding what lessons dealerships can draw from it. Justin's expertis…

Yaron Rosen is the CEO of Fuse Autotech, a company revolutionizing the automotive retail experience with its innovative point-of-sale system. Yaron's career began in the Israeli Air Force, where he rose to the rank of general and served as the chief of the IDF Cyber Staff. After retiring from the military, he founded two cybersecurity startups befo…

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Justin Shanken, the founder and CEO of Black Breach, to uncover the alarming realities of cybersecurity threats facing the automotive retail industry. As the recent CDK Global ransomware attack has demonstrated, dealerships across the country are at significant risk, with potential losses estimated betwe…

Todd Caputo is a seasoned professional in the retail automotive industry with extensive experience managing both independent and franchise dealerships in New York. He currently runs a consulting firm that collaborates with vendors, tech creators, and top dealerships across the country. His mission is to elevate businesses and their teams to the hig…

We’re almost halfway through 2024, and time seems to be flying by faster than ever. Are you on track to achieve your goals this year? Or do you feel like you’re still in the starting blocks while everyone else has taken off? In the latest episode of The David Spisak Show, I dive into strategies to assess your progress and set yourself up for an inc…

Welcome to the David Spisak Show! I'm so glad you're here, and I deeply respect the time you invest in listening to these episodes. Today, I have the privilege of introducing Michael Porro, Managing Partner at Honda World in Louisville. If my goal is to bring you immense value, Michael is about to make my job incredibly easy. Get ready to gain insi…

Scott Wingo is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of Spiffy, a company revolutionizing car care through a unique blend of digital and physical services. With a background in engineering and a track record of successful ventures, Scott brings a wealth of experience and insight into transforming traditional industries through technology. W…

What if the future of the global automotive industry lies in the hands of China? Can American and European automakers withstand the tidal wave of Chinese EV dominance? These are the questions we tackle in this episode, where the insights might just redefine your understanding of the auto market's future. What We Discuss in This Episode: I have the …

Have you ever wondered why you make certain choices when buying or selling? Is it always about getting the best price, or does the experience matter more? Why do we stick to old habits and methods that no longer serve us well? What We Discuss In This Episode In this solo episode, I explore the intricate and often overlooked dynamics of price versus…

Is the electric vehicle (EV) revolution facing an unexpected twist? Why are major automakers hesitating and what role does China play in the global EV market? Tune in as we dive deep into these pressing questions with Michael Dunne, the global authority on EVs. Discover why "everyone other than Tesla should be terrified of BYD" and what it means wh…

David J. Long is not your average auto industry executive. With decades of experience under his belt, David has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in the auto sales landscape. As the executive GM at Hansel Auto Group, he's revolutionized the way dealerships procure used cars, setting up highly successful buying centers that have transformed the…

Ever wondered what happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? Join me, David Spisak, on an unexpected journey as my guest, Brad Mugg, turns the tables and delves into my own story. What We Discuss In This Episode: After Brad Mugg turns the tables and decides to interview me instead, the conversation takes a fascinating turn. Initially ta…

In this episode, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of the retail automotive industry with three distinguished guests: Steve Greenfield, founder and managing partner for Automotive Ventures; Cliff Banks, a legendary journalist in the retail automotive field; and Paul Daly, affectionately known as the "King of the flat bills" for his energy a…

Scott Joseph is an elite entrepreneurship and networking strategist. He is the CEO and founder of ME Plus Ultra, a platform that brings together thought leaders and disruptors to exchange groundbreaking ideas and strategies. What We Discuss In This Episode: In our episode with Scott Joseph, we dive deep into the journey behind Me Plus Ultra, Scott'…

In this episode, I engage in a dynamic discussion with my esteemed guests, Geoffrey Pohanka, chairman of both the NADA and Pohanka Auto Group, Chase Fraser, Managing Partner at FM Capital, and Ron, covering a range of critical topics shaping the automotive industry. What We Discuss In This Episode: We delve into the transformative impact of electri…

In this episode of the David Spisak show, David discusses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of success in the automotive retail industry: attracting and retaining top talent. David is joined by Morgan Prestwood, CFO of RockEd, a company that provides micro-learning solutions specifically designed for the automotive industry. The conversation d…

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is here, and dealerships need to be prepared! In this episode, we dive deep into EV sales and marketing strategies with a panel of industry experts. You'll hear from Liza Borches, President of Carter Myers Automotive Group, Diana Lee, President/CEO of Constellation, Ash Zaki, CEO/Owner of Euromotors Auto Group, …

Are you struggling to find the right talent for your team? Tune in as I unravel the extraordinary journey of Jensen Huang, the mastermind behind NVIDIA. In this episode, we'll delve into Huang's remarkable life story, drawing invaluable lessons that can revolutionize your approach to talent acquisition. Get ready for insights that could reshape you…

In this episode, I host a powerhouse panel featuring Brian Kramer, Jimmy Douglas, Alex Lawrence, and John, industry leaders at the forefront of the used car EV disruption. We delve deep into various facets of the EV market, exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape the landscape. What We Discuss In This Episode: The used car market…

In this episode I had the pleasure of hosting Scott Crompton Digital Marketing Director at Victory Automotive Group and Ron Andrews, the Vice President of Media and Digital at Cars Commerce. What We Discuss In This Episode: Our conversation delved into the intricacies of automotive marketing strategies and the unique opportunities presented by the …