The Independent Dealer Podcast

The Independent Dealer Podcast

Jeff Watson & Luke Godwin

Updated 3 days ago
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A podcast for Independent Used Car Dealers to get help on how to improve their dealerships and their life. As current used car dealers, Luke and Jeff find the best advice from industry experts and other successful dealers. If you want to learn and grow your business with like minded used car dealers tune in each week. "Dealers Helping Dealers"

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Episodes (479)

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#175 - Using B.A.T. To Find A Niche Buyer w/ Jack Handegan

There are riches in the niches! How Jack is using Bring A Trailer to connect a specific type of car to a specific type of buyer. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the businesses that support the podcast https://www.buckeyereinsurance.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E175 Jun 24, 2021 44 min

#174 - Kick Off To Convention Season w/ Jeff Martin

We are excited to see everyone at conventions this year. TIADA kicks off July 25-27th. Dealers from all states can find value in attending, so make a plan to be there! Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the businesses that support the podcast https://www.buckeyereinsurance.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E174 Jun 17, 2021 27 min

#173 - Creating Your "Preferred Experience" w Michael Cirillo

Host of the popular Dealer Playbook Podcast, Michael has dedicated his life to helping professionals thrive in the auto industry. He shares with us mindset tips for leadership and culture at your dealership. Learn how to live your "preferred experience". Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the businesses that support the podcast https://www.buckeyereinsurance.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E173 Jun 10, 2021 46 min

#172 - Buckeye Dealership Consulting

This week Shaun & Jason from Buckeye Dealership Consulting join us to talk Reinsurance. Retail dealers and BHPH dealers can benefit from owning their own insurance companies. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the businesses that support the podcast https://www.buckeyereinsurance.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E172 Jun 03, 2021 44 min

#171 - Rollercoaster Life of A Car Dealer

A dealers life is full of ups and downs and sometimes straight sideways. Luke & Jeff vent this week about the many stresses of running a dealership. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E171 May 27, 2021 30 min

#170 - Auction Of The Future w Steve Jordan

Steve Jordan joins us this week from his new post at KAR Global. Luke & Steve talk sourcing, auction inventory levels, and the future of wholesale buying. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur 

S3E170 May 20, 2021 33 min

#169 - Fixing The Mechanic Shortage w/ Michael Mole

Only thing harder than finding a good car is finding a good technician. Michael shares with us tips on hiring, retaining and compensating top mechanics. Make your service department a place that attracts and grows top talent. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E169 May 13, 2021 50 min

#168 - Two Is Better Than One??? w/ Dan Reel

We make our annual check in with Dan Reel. Time for an update on location 2, how he is staffing both stores and where the heck is he getting cars from?!? Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E168 May 06, 2021 34 min

#167 - Bob Voltmann In The Drivers Seat Of NIADA

The new CEO of NIADA joins us to talk about his strategic plan for the association. We also discuss strengthening state associations, the PAC and national convention.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E167 Apr 29, 2021 33 min

#166 - Your Employees All Want To Quit

Only thing harder than finding good inventory is finding good employees. This week we talk tips on how to find and retain top talent at your dealership. Grow em or lose em! Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E166 Apr 22, 2021 33 min

#165 - The Future of NIADA Education with Larry Dixon

NIADA's new VP of education joins us to talk about upcoming convention, and the associations renewed focus on education. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E165 Apr 15, 2021 32 min

#164 - Our Process For Vetting Your Vendors

A 10 step process for picking a vendor. If your thinking of adding, switching or cancelling a vendor relationship be sure you are vetting them right. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E164 Apr 08, 2021 36 min

#163 - Notes from 20 Group

Luke & Jeff share with us their action items from last weeks 20 group meeting. They cover sales process, referral source, data mining, back-end products and staffing issues. Enjoy! Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E163 Apr 01, 2021 31 min

#162 - Dealers In The Music City

Luke & Jeff hang out in Nashville this week for 20 group. Hear some of their take-aways from the week. Also, meet some fellow dealers Jim Ramsey and Steven & Kerri Watkins. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Support the sponsors that support us dealers: www.DealerRe.com Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E162 Mar 25, 2021 22 min

#161 - Rant: Gimmie Your Stimi, Work-Life Balance & Jeffs Suprise

This week Luke and Jeff rant about stimulus money, work-life balance, book values and Jeff blindsides Luke with some news.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E161 Mar 18, 2021 34 min

#160 - GPS Best Practices w Jake Frank

We get to know Jake Frank CEO of Passtime and Pioneer in the GPS industry. We talk about the history of the GPS device and some best practice tips for dealers using or thinking of using trackers. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E160 Mar 11, 2021 46 min

#159 - Connecting Your Dealership To Wallstreet Money w/ Steve Burke

The first ever auto loan crowd sourced securitization and what it means for the independent dealer. Agora Capital CEO Steve Burke joins us to explain that the heck it is and why its a game changer for the small dealer. What if your dealership had access to Wallstreet capital? Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E159 Mar 04, 2021 48 min

#158 - Will The CFPB Come For Your Dealership w/ Shaun Peterson

What is the agenda for the new administrations CFPB director. How can independent dealers protect themselves.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E158 Feb 25, 2021 27 min

#157 - Is Your Dealership A Target Of The CFPB w/ Dennis LeVine

Will auto dealers and bhph operators be on the hit list for the new CFPB? What does the recent supreme court ruling on repossessions and bk filings mean? We get answers to these questions from Dennis LeVine of Kelley - Kronenberg. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E157 Feb 18, 2021 44 min

#156 - Inventory, Clubhouse & Scaling w/ Luke & Jeff

This week we rant about some hot topics. Tax refunds, auction prices, physical conventions, state associations, stimulus money and when to scale your car lot. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E156 Feb 11, 2021 35 min

#155 - What Happens to Your Dealership If You Die w Mark Burkholder

What happens to your dealership if something happens to you? Do you have a plan in place to make sure your work and home families are taken care of. Contrary to popular belief us car dealers are not immortal. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E155 Feb 04, 2021 40 min

#154 - The Vehicle History Report w Kirsten Von Busch

Love them or hate them Vehicle History Reports are a powerful tool for your dealership. Kirsten from Experian Autocheck joins us this week to talk the ins and outs of VHR's. Learn why and how your dealership can use them to sell more cars and make more money. Please support those that support the podcast: www.Taxmax.com Use promo code “Podcast” for 25% off sign up Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E154 Jan 28, 2021 37 min

#153 - Top 5 Tips for Dealerships SEO-SEM w Steve Neu

Getting a grip on your dealerships SEO/SEM is not easy and knowing where to start is the first step. This episode Steve talks about us about his 5 top tips for getting your Google game amped up.  Please support those that support the podcast: www.Taxmax.com Use promo code “Podcast” for 25% off sign up Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E153 Jan 21, 2021 52 min

152 - Time to Plan Your Dealerships 2021 Roadmap

This week join us for an online workshop to project your 2021 goals. Download the excel template from our website and follow along as we forecast the upcoming year. Setting and achieving your goals are key to moving your dealership forward! Please support those that support the podcast: www.Taxmax.com Use promo code “Podcast” for 25% off sign up Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E152 Jan 14, 2021 39 min

#151 - The Financial Health of Your Dealership in 2020 w/ Jim Rhoads

Jim Rhoads, owner of The Octane Group, joins us to talk about the KPI's that you should be looking at to see if your dealership came out of 2020 healthy. We talk about net profit as a percent of sales, the importance of having a DMS and or accounting software and many other ways to look back at your 2020 schedule.  Please support those that support the podcast: www.Taxmax.com Use promo code “Podcast” for 25% off sign up Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. www.theindependentdealer.com [email protected] Please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Connect with us online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/independentautogroup https://www.facebook.com/jlukegodwin https://www.facebook.com/sendtojeffw Listen to all our episodes on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theindependentdealer Used car dealer, Independent dealer, automotive, car sales, entrepreneur

S3E151 Jan 07, 2021 32 min