Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki is an Automotive Sales and Service Podcast and is a free educational series for Dealers, Managers, Sales Teams and anyone in the Auto Industry that has a desire to obtain information that will propel growth, lead the auto industry and invoke progressive strategies. We will educate on staying relevant, offer ways to improve vehicle sales and service, CSI and retention. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki is an Automotive Sales and Service Podcast. Use #DealerTalkWithJen
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Test Drives, Trial Closes & Real Talk: Steps 5 & 6 of the Sale - Series on Showroom 10 Steps to Sale
18:26
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18:26In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we’re diving deep into Steps 5 and 6 of the 10 Steps to the Sale — the test drive and the trial close. Jen keeps it real with down-to-earth stories (including one near-kidnapping 🤯), pro-level coaching, and word-for-word examples of how to turn a test drive into a tipping point and handle objections l…
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The Matchmaker & The Walkaround: Steps 3 & 4 to Seal the Deal - Series on Showroom 10 Steps to Sale
20:20
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20:20In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I'm diving into steps 3 and 4 of the classic "10 Steps to the Sale" — Qualify and Vehicle Presentation. Learn how to shift from selling to consulting with a smarter, more emotional approach to the Needs Assessment. Jen shares how asking the right questions saves time, builds trust, and helps land cust…
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Master the Meet & Greet + Discovery: Step Up Your Sales Game - Series on Showroom 10 Steps to Sale
22:07
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22:07Salespeople ask me all the time: “Jen, do you still teach the 10 Steps to the Sale?” The answer is YES — but with a modern spin for today’s showroom and remote selling environments. In this episode, I break down the first two steps: ✅ Meet & Greet — Creating instant comfort, using body language, and ditching robotic openers. ✅ Build Rapport & Disco…
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Sales Managers: This One-on-One Framework Changes Everything
13:13
13:13
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13:13The best sales coaches don’t wing it — they go one-on-one. In this powerful episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we get into the most underutilized yet effective tool in a dealership manager’s playbook: the 10-minute one-on-one. Jen breaks down her personal playbook for holding short, focused coaching sessions that actually develop your salespeo…
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Pro Teams Don’t Wing It: Build Your Dealership’s Training Calendar
16:16
16:16
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16:16You can’t build a championship team on randomness. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we’re locking in on the tool most dealerships overlook — a strategic, weekly training calendar that creates rhythm, raises confidence, and keeps your team locked into progress. Jen shares her repeatable 4-week framework that covers internet leads, pho…
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From Eye Rolls to MVPs: Making Practice Part of the Game
18:41
18:41
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18:41Want to know what separates average sales teams from championship ones? It’s not just hustle — it’s practice. In this episode of Dealer Talk, Jen dives into the power of daily role play and how dealership managers can create a culture where practice becomes the norm (not the cringe). Whether your team is avoiding the phones, recycling templates, or…
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Coach the person, not just the group. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we're taking the next step in developing high-performing sales teams—moving from team talks to tailored coaching. If you’re a manager who’s ready to elevate your leadership game, this one’s packed with practical frameworks and real dealership scenarios you can sta…
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The 10-Minute Coaching System That Builds Champions
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13:51
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13:51Managers Series - did you check out the prevous episode? This is “My team knows what to do, they just don’t do it.” If you’ve ever said that, this episode is for you. Jen breaks down how managers can coach their teams in just 10-minute bursts using her proven CIVIL framework: Coach, Introduce, Verify, Illustrate, and Lead. You’ll learn: How to stru…
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Stop Managing, Start Coaching: 3 Skills Every Great Leader Must Own! 🥇
11:30
11:30
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11:30In this episode, Jen Suzuki shares three powerful strategies for dealership sales managers who want to transform their team into top performers. Whether you came up through the ranks selling cars or you're new to leading people, Jen dives into how to shift from being the go-to closer to becoming the coach your team needs. Packed with real-world ins…
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The MRI for Cars: How UVeye Is Rebuilding Trust in the Service Lane
34:56
34:56
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34:56What if your service lane could scan a car like an airport security system—except instead of searching for bombs, it's finding oil leaks, tire damage, and alignment issues? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Yaron from UVeye, the company turning heads (and lifting RO numbers) with their instant vehicle imaging tech—also…
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Low-Key, High-Impact: Sales Follow-Up Tactics That Actually Work in 2025
14:31
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14:31In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we're diving into one of the most powerful, underrated strategies for breaking through the noise in today’s sales landscape: using GIFs and memes in your follow-up. If your internet leads keep ghosting you, you’re not alone—and you’re not helpless. Jen shares how she coaches dealerships to inject low-…
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Text Like You Mean It: Crafting Follow-Ups That Actually Work
9:25
9:25
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9:25Tired of sending dead-end follow-up texts that get ignored? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we dive into the exact words, tactics, and mindset shifts you need to revive ghosted leads and get customers talking again. Jen breaks down real-world follow-up strategies straight from her dealership coaching sessions—no fluff, just proven s…
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10 Ways to Get More Appointments — Flood Your Showroom Now!
20:25
20:25
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20:25Is your showroom traffic feeling light lately? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're not stuck. In this episode, Jennifer Suzuki breaks down 10 real, practical ways to get more people through your doors right now. Whether you're in sales or BDC, these aren’t theory-based ideas—they're street-tested tactics from dealerships doing it daily. J…
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AI That Moves Metal: Lance Schafer on Faster, Smarter Inventory Management
36:44
36:44
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36:44AI is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a game-changer for dealerships that want to win in today’s competitive market. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Lance Schafer, General Manager of Product and Technology at LotLinx, who’s been leading the charge in applying machine learning to the core areas where dealers often str…
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Inside the Mind of a Modern Automotive CEO: A Conversation with Randy Parker
26:52
26:52
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26:52In this rare and powerful episode, I sit down with Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America, one of the most progressive and people-first leaders in the automotive industry—and head of the third largest automaker in the world. We dive into the state of retail automotive, how Hyundai and Genesis are breaking records, and why Rand…
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Your CRM Is a CLOSER! It’s Your Memory. Your Proof. Your Deal Saver.
13:50
13:50
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13:50Ever had a customer walk in, get chased for months, and your team still greets them like it’s Day One? Yikes. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we’re calling out the CRM habits that are quietly killing your deals—and showing you how to fix them. Jen breaks down how internal notes create smooth BDC-to-sales handoffs, how to log objecti…
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Pitching Loyalty: How Ken Hicks, Dealer & Partner of Mariano Rivera Dealerships Is Driving Retention
33:03
33:03
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33:03This episode is all about solving real dealership problems—right from the service lane. I sit down with my longtime friend and mentor, Ken Hicks, Dealer Principal at Rivera Toyota and Mariano Rivera Honda, who shares how he tackled major fixed ops pain points by building his own software—Retention 360—a tool designed to drive loyalty, increase serv…
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Service Advisors Reimagined: Andy Wright on Vinart’s Strategy for Higher RO Counts & Better CX
39:53
39:53
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39:53What happens when a dealership fully commits to reinventing its service department? In this episode, Jennifer Suzuki chats with Andy Wright, Managing Partner at Vinart Dealerships, located just an hour from both Philly and NYC. Andy reveals how his team is solving the biggest challenges in fixed ops — from inconsistent traffic to advisor overload —…
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Appointment No Show? No Sale. Boost Your Appointments Now with Jen Suzuki
21:33
21:33
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21:33You did the hard part. Now finish strong. You led the call with value. You gave them confidence in you. But if you’re not setting the appointment—you’re leaving money behind. This episode is a deep dive into how to confidently sell the appointment, lock in commitment, and increase your show rate with real-world strategies I teach live every week in…
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How to Instantly Build Trust and Credibility with Internet Buyers
23:37
23:37
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23:37In this episode, I share one of my biggest secret weapons for converting more Internet leads — selling yourself first. It's not about hard selling the car; it's about showing the value in doing business with you and your dealership. I dive deep into tactical strategies for prepping before the first call, leveraging past customer history, using comm…
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Helper Vibes Seller Vibes: How to Win the Call in 30 Seconds
20:06
20:06
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20:06In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked—but powerful—skills in phone sales: your tonality. It’s not just what you say. It’s how you say it. I share how I intentionally changed my voice, volume, and energy over time to sound more exciting, engaging, and attractive to buyers—and how you can do the same. We dive deep into why first im…
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Stand Out or Miss Out: Real Talk on Email, Video, and Follow-Up That Actually Works
25:04
25:04
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25:04Staying hyper-focused on internet lead handling... In this episode, I break down how to actually improve your follow-up process so you win more customers—starting with your emails, videos, and mindset. Let’s face it: most emails still look like outdated templates, and subject lines that scream “dealership” get ignored. I’m showing you how to change…
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Call First, Text Smart, Leave a Killer Voicemail: Lead Handling in 2025 with Jen Suzuki
21:06
21:06
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21:06In this episode, I’m getting real about the grind of internet leads—the ones with no phone numbers, the ones who ghost you, and the ones who drain your time asking for information only to disappear into the void. I've been there. I’ve sold cars. And now I work these leads live during my dealership sales training sessions. I'm in the trenches with y…
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Mentorship in Motion: How Lane Managers Build Winning Teams
13:58
13:58
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13:58In this episode, I’m talking directly to the powerhouse behind the most successful service departments: Lane Managers. Also known as Assistant Managers, these leaders are the glue that holds the service drive together. I’ve been spending time on-site with service teams recently, and when Lane Managers are engaged, locked in, and supporting the hust…
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No More Whip Cracking: Fun Accountability That Works
14:19
14:19
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14:19In this episode, I'm in the trenches—literally—on-site with a dealership service management team I’ve been working with. We’ve trained, implemented new tactics, and now we’re locking in on accountability without turning the heat up too high. Here’s the truth: you don’t need to micromanage to get big results. What you do need are simple, consistent …
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From eLead CRM to AI Smart Camera Systems: Mark Queen is Redefining Efficiency with Visual Intelligence
52:35
52:35
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52:35Mark Queen, the visionary CEO of Skaivision and one of the original founders behind eLead CRM, joins me to dive into the future of AI-powered dealership efficiency. Skaivision is revolutionizing the way dealers view process breakdowns by layering powerful AI—specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)—over existing dealership camera systems. …
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The #1 Training Hack to Build Customer Trust in Fixed Ops with Jen Suzuki
12:58
12:58
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12:58Mastering Service Drive Walkarounds in Live Role-Play – Real Training for Real Results...COME ON NOW!!! In this episode, I'm opening the door to run through the plays of the most important activity a amanger can do with their selling machines - the Service Advisors! The power of the service drive walkaround—one of the most effective yet underutiliz…
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Dealership Capital Strategies for Ambitious Operators with Dan Garces
35:30
35:30
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35:30In this episode, I sit down with Dan Garces, President and COO of Automotive Capital, to break down the financial strategies that allow dealership operators to grow, scale, and even own their own store—without putting up massive amounts of personal cash. Dan has spent his career helping dealers navigate the complexities of capital, and today, he’s …
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Keeping the Energy High: Fun & Competitive Ways to Reinforce Training
12:55
12:55
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12:55How to Build Championship Teams with Contests & Competitions The hardest part of training isn’t teaching the process—it’s making sure it sticks. In this episode, I break down how to sustain momentum, accountability, and energy in your dealership using fun competitions, MVP recognition, and daily challenges. I share real-world dealership strategies …
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High-Performance Dealership: Smarter Scheduling, Stronger Communication, Bigger Profits With Daniel Govaer + Matt Haiken
35:17
35:17
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35:17In this episode, we’re diving deep into how dealership owners and managers can build a more structured, efficient, and profitable business with two powerhouse guests—Daniel Govaer, Fractional COO, and Matt Haiken, Principal and President of Prestige Collection Auto Group. Matt, who now runs six dealership locations, shares how his approach to leade…
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Cliff Banks on AI, Amazon-Hyundai, Digital Retailing & the Future of Auto
1:04:01
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1:04:01What does the Amazon-Hyundai partnership really mean for the future of auto retail? Is AI evolving too fast for dealerships to keep up? And why might some obstacles in car buying actually be good for dealers? In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend and trusted industry voice, Cliff Banks—founder of The Banks Report and AUTOVATE Confere…
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The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything in Sales
13:22
13:22
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13:22Most service advisors stop at the first “no.” But the best? They know that’s just the beginning. In this episode, we’re talking about taking second and third swings—the art of fighting for the business that’s sitting right in front of you. Your customers don’t always need a discount; sometimes, they just need a little more information. I’ll walk yo…
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NADA’s Relentless Advocacy for Dealers: A Conversation with President Mike Stanton
37:27
37:27
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37:27The automotive industry is changing fast—EV mandates, direct-to-consumer threats, shifting manufacturer relationships, and evolving government policies. Are dealers being heard? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Stanton, President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), to talk about how NADA is fighting for dealers, ensuring the…
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The Power of Live Messaging With Ted Rubin, CEO ActivEngage! How Dealerships Turn Conversations into 🚗 Sales!
39:59
39:59
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39:59Think about it—when a customer walks into your showroom or calls your dealership, your team jumps into action. So why is chat any different? It shouldn’t be. In this episode, I sit down with Ted Rubin, CEO of ActivEngage, to talk about the power of real, human conversation in the digital sales process. We break down why dealership live messaging is…
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Coaching Service Advisors: Boost Approvals With This Sales Strategy 🏆 Risk & Reward
15:36
15:36
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15:36This quick hit episode is incredibly important for every Service Team! Ready to boost your service department's success?! Let's gooooo! In this quick class, I lock in on the often-overlooked 'Risk & Reward' equation in the service sales process. Many Service Advisors hesitate to fully explain the risks of delaying necessary work, leading to missed …
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Building Relationships at Write-Up: The Secret to Selling More 🔧Service Work
19:19
19:19
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19:19Too often, service advisors treat the write-up process as just another transaction. Big mistake. If you want to boost revenue, retain customers, and build long-term trust, relationships must come first. In this episode, I break down how to turn every customer interaction into a lasting relationship—starting from the moment they pull into the servic…
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Technician Videos: The Secret to More Work Approvals & Bigger RO Sales with Jen Suzuki
16:30
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16:30In this episode, we’re tackling a major gap in dealership service departments—technician videos. These videos are a game-changer for gaining more work approvals, yet most technicians receive zero training on how to shoot them effectively. Data shows that shops using video can double RO sales, with TruVideo reporting a 20-30% increase in revenue per…
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Who Needs Their GM Most? 🛠️Service BDC—The Powerhouse of Dealership Success with Jen Suzuki
14:19
14:19
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14:19Are you, as a GM, truly present with both your sales and service BDC teams? Too often, GM involvement leans heavily toward the sales BDC while the service side gets overlooked. Why? Because sales is familiar—it’s where many GM’s built their careers. But here’s the reality: your service BDC is just as critical, responsible for over 150 appointments …
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Recognition, Competition & Culture: The Sauce to a Thriving Dealership!
13:20
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13:20Ever walk into the dealership in the morning and feel that slow-motion energy? People shuffling in, sipping coffee, staring at their screens, waiting for something to kick them into gear. Then—something shifts. Maybe it’s a manager calling out yesterday’s wins. Maybe it’s an MVP shoutout for someone who went above and beyond. Maybe it’s a fun, comp…
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Teach, Demonstrate, Apply: The Role-Play Method Every GM Needs
18:30
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18:30In this episode, I dive into the power of role-playing as a key training tool for dealership success. Too often, managers shy away from role-play, but it’s one of the most effective ways to build confidence, boost skills, and ensure team members know exactly how to execute what you’re teaching. I share my proven tactic—Teach, Demonstrate, Apply—and…
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Reducing Turnover: How GMs Build Loyal Teams and Drive Results
14:34
14:34
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14:34In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest challenges dealerships face: turnover. With 70% turnover rates in sales and service, it’s nearly impossible to build client loyalty or hit nationally ranked numbers when you’re constantly starting over with new team members. The solution? It starts with the General Manager. I share the tactics I’ve used …
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Head Coach Mentality: How GMs Build Winning Teams Through Managers
15:57
15:57
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15:57Many of you know this but I am privileged to work alongside so many high performing dealerships and their leadership. Most top 20 in the country for their brands. I use my podcast to share what I learn, teach and implement with the end game - building a championship team. In this episode, we dive into the critical role General Managers (GMs) play a…
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What 🛠️Service Departments Are Getting Right: Building Trust Through Small Acts with Big Impact!
12:18
12:18
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12:18In today’s episode, I share my experience working alongside dealership service teams and witnessing what’s being done right to build trust and elevate the customer experience. From the smiles and eye contact at check-in to the small, deliberate acts of trust-building, service advisors and BDC agents are making a difference. Many dealerships are tar…
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Pick Up the Phone: The Key to Unlocking Sales in Service!
11:51
11:51
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11:51In this episode, I tackle one of the most overlooked issues in service departments: relying solely on texts and videos to sell work. Service Advisors, it’s time to pick up the phone and ask for the business—every single time! I explain why this is important. We’ll explore why some advisors skip the call, how judging customers costs you sales, and t…
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Taking Swings: Mastering Price Objections to Book More Appointments
21:09
21:09
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21:09In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most common challenges in automotive sales: handling customers who demand prices over the phone or say they’ve found a better deal elsewhere. You’ll learn: Why giving a number too soon often leads to dead ends—and what to do instead. The importance of asking the right questions to redirect the conversat…
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Client History: The Key to Customer Loyalty and Higher Profits With Jen Suzuki
15:43
15:43
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15:43In this episode, I dial into a game-changing tactic for sales and service teams: leveraging client history. Imagine knowing exactly where a customer stands—whether they’re a loyal advocate or a first-time visitor—and using that insight to create personalized, value-driven experiences. Learn how this one step can instantly make customers feel valued…
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The Rise of Call-Driven Car Buyers: Why Phone Systems Are Dealerships’ New Priority with Reuben Fine, CallRevu
47:45
47:45
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47:45In this episode, I sit down with Reuben Fine, who leads OEM partnerships at CallRevu, to dive into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of dealership success: phone calls. Did you know that 30-40% of dealership calls go unanswered? That’s a staggering number of missed opportunities that could dramatically impact sales and service outcomes. Reuben…
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From Data to Deals: Leveraging Technology for Sales Success with Mary Catherine Kenny, automotiveMastermind
47:15
47:15
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47:15In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we welcome back Mary Catherine Kenny from automotiveMastermind. Fresh off being named to Auto Remarketing's prestigious 40 Under 40 list, Mary Catherine dives into how automotiveMastermind is transforming dealership sales processes with their innovative tools, including a redesigned customer deal shee…
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The Risk Factor: Closing More Deals in Sales and Service with Jen Suzuki
12:37
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12:37In this episode, I dial into tackling one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your sales and service conversations: risk. Knowing how to talk about risk with your customers isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for showing value, solving problems, and closing deals. We’ll cover: Why identifying and explaining risk is crucial in every cu…
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Leading with Purpose: Rita Case on Automotive Excellence and Community Impact
49:14
49:14
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49:14So grateful to share time with Rita Case, a prominent figure in the automotive industry, best known for her leadership in the Rick Case Automotive Group, which she co-founded with her late husband, Rick Case. Together, they built a successful dealership network recognized for its commitment to customer service and community involvement. Rita shares…
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