The Independent Dealer Podcast

The Independent Dealer Podcast

Jeff Watson & Luke Godwin

Updated 2 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 (466)

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#41 - O'Hara Howard - Wholesaler Relationships

This week we meet O'Hara Howard and find out why we all need to have relationships with local wholesalers.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E40 Sep 12, 2019 36 min

#40 - Monday Minute - Staff Size

Got too many employees or not enough? Both answers are right

S1E41 Sep 10, 2019 6 min

#39 - Nick Markosian - Lease Here Pay Here

Nick is the owner of 3 LHPH locations. He shares with us why he does leasing and why it might be smart for you also. This is a great episode if you have ever wondered how lease here pay here works. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E39 Sep 05, 2019 56 min

#38 - Monday Minute - Digital Dealer 2019 Vendor Highlights

Short interviews with 3 vendors that stuck out to me as i walked to halls of Digital Dealer 2019. If you want to know more about them reach out. Webbuy.com Gubagoo.com carsaver.com Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E38 Sep 02, 2019 6 min

#37 - Mark Weida - Lessons From A Lifetime In The Auto Industry

Mark shares with us his story and insights from a lifetime in the auto industry. From new car store GM to independent operator, Mark has seen and done it all. Listen in and learn from those that have gone before us. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E37 Aug 29, 2019 19 min

#36 - Monday Minute - CIADA Part 2

Here is part 2 of Luke & Marshall presenting at CIADA 2019. They wrap it up with a plead for us to make a plan and take action.    Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E36 Aug 26, 2019 14 min

#35 CIADA Presentation - Part 1

This week we get to listen in on the first half of Luke and Marshall Zoerner presenting at CIADA 2019. They share with us some great info about training and making sure our staff knows ours sales process. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E35 Aug 22, 2019 65 min

#34 - Monday Minute - Deceptive Pricing Practices

Lately it seems more dealers have been trying to game how they price their cars. DONT DO IT! Be an honest dealer and the customers will find you.   Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E34 Aug 19, 2019 7 min

#33 - Bert Straub - The Ins & Outs of Being a CAC Dealer

Bert is uniquely qualified to educate us on the skills it takes to be a successful partner with Credit Acceptance Corp. In this episode we talk about who should be on this program, what inventory you need to stock and how to know if you're being profitable. If you have ever wondered if the CAC program might be right for your dealership this interview will answer your questions. Enjoy.   Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E33 Aug 15, 2019 41 min

#32 - Monday Minute - Rental Car Rant

Luke will share with us his warning on the rental car business. Be smart and check your state laws before you get in too deep. 

S1E32 Aug 12, 2019 9 min

#31 - Marshall Zoerner - Why We Train Our Staff

Marshall joins us this week to talk about his process for training his staff. The 3 types of meetings and how to make sure your staff gets the education they need to succeed.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E31 Aug 08, 2019 34 min

#30 - Dave Keller - Top 5 Bookkeeping Tips

Dave joins us and shares his top 5 tips for bookkeeping that all independent dealers need to be aware of. Knowing your numbers as a business owner is crucial to success. Take the time to get educated and keep an eye on your $.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E30 Aug 01, 2019 40 min

#29 - Eric Freeman - Scaling Your Dealership

This weeks episode is a powerful lesson on scaling your dealership. When to add a location. Why you should add a location. What to do when you feel you're ready to expand. Eric shares his experience doing it the wrong way and the right way. Get out your pen and paper this one will blow your mind! Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E27 Jul 25, 2019 41 min

#28 - Dealer Interviews at NIADA

We had the opportunity to interview 5 different rockstars in the independent dealer world. These are short interviews full of powerful information and tips for running your life and dealership from successful dealers.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E28 Jul 18, 2019 21 min

#27 - Maintaining a Great Online Reputation in Your BHPH Operation

From NIADA convention 2019 we have the audio of Luke's presentation on maintaining a great online reputation. Learn some insight on how to respond to negative reviews and how to foster positive ones. To get access to ALL the amazing sessions from NIADA 2019 contact our friends at NIADA.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E27 Jul 11, 2019 45 min

#26 - Chatbots And Why We Need Them

We chat with Robert MacBeth of Alchemical Bot. He is an expert in chatbots for business and explains to us how we can use them to drive leads to our dealerships. There are many applications from fielding FAQ's to prequalifying Facebook marketplace leads. Here are some links to the products we talk about: Manychat.com Alchemical-bot.com To test an example of a chatbot pre-approval flow that Jeff built with Manychat. Message his dealership 4 Seasons Auto the word "#artieapproved" then follow the bot. At the end type "unsubscribe" Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E23 Jul 04, 2019 31 min

#25 - Action Items From Convention

We recap and share with you our takeaways from the 2019 NIADA Convention. A week packed with so much great information and so many rock star dealers. We took home pages of notes. This episode we talk about some of our favorite sessions and speakers. 

S1E25 Jun 27, 2019 24 min

#24 - 2019 Niada Convention - Vendors

In this quick episode we take you to the expo hall of the 2019 NIADA/NABD convention in Las Vegas to meet 5 random vendors. We hope to give you information on a couple vendors that stood out to us as new or interesting. None of these vendors Luke or I use so there is no bias or agenda. Wish we could have interviewed all of them... maybe next time. Enjoy! QuotePro Mircobilt Single Interest Weave Dominion Solutions Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E24 Jun 20, 2019 15 min

23 - How To Get The Most Out Of Conventions

NIADA  convention is next week in Las Vegas. Whether you are attending or not this podcast will help you get the most out of your next convention experience. Attending these events is a great opportunity to meet your current vendors, interview potential new vendors, get educated on aspects of the industry, meet like minded dealers and take home an actionable plan to improve your dealership. Maximize your time and money spend by having a plan before you go.

S1E23 Jun 12, 2019 26 min

#22 - Our 4 Tips For Staying Sane.

Some days locking the doors and walking away sounds like a good idea. When everything is going wrong and you're ready to burn the building down tune into this podcast for Luke & Jeffs 4 tips for staying sane as an auto dealer. These are helpful tips to prevent you from getting to meltdown mode. We are in a great industry with limitless potential. Keep a long term perspective and remember to laugh.  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E22 Jun 06, 2019 22 min

#21 - Justin Osburn - Improving The Retail Sales Process

 This episode has tons of great practical information about improving you sales operation. Justin is an NIADA 20 group moderator and expert when it comes to sales, branding and operations. We cover sales process, social media marketing, staff training and many more actionable topics. ENJOY!  Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [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

S1E21 May 30, 2019 42 min

#20 - George Mammarella - BHPH Master

George is living proof that when BHPH is done right it can be rewarding and profitable. He shares with us his wisdom and advice from decades of being a master dealer. We touch on building a portfolio in a small market, Customer retention, selling your accounts, being an advocate for your customers and many more words of wisdom.   Thank you for listening, we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [email protected] 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

S1E20 May 24, 2019 40 min

#19 - Tim Byrd - Dealer Reinsurance

Tim Byrd an industry expert on dealer reinsurance company's. If you have ever wondered about setting up your own reinsurance company, this episode is for you! We answer all your questions: What is reinsurance? Difference between a warranty and a service contract? What is debt cancellation and collateral protection insurance? Tax benefits from reinsurance? Am I too small? Take action today!   Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [email protected] 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

S1E19 May 16, 2019 49 min

#18 - Joe Mok - An Industry Leader In Sourcing.

We cover so many valuable topics in this episode: When and why to open a second location, how to source inventory in the digital age, the importance of having great lender relationships. Joe has years of insight from running his own dealership and venturing into digital with his Turn Auctions platform. Enjoy! Remember to share the podcast with your dealer friends:   Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [email protected] 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

S1E18 May 10, 2019 41 min

#17 - Leigh Anne Thompson - The Power Of The On-line Review

This week Leigh Anne, the founding member of the Independent Dealer Facebook page, shares with us the origins of the FB group. Also, we talk on-line reviews. Where is the best place to focus your efforts, how to get more reviews and what to do with those negative ones. Thank you for listening we hope you learned something new. Let us know what you think. [email protected] 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

S1E17 May 02, 2019 35 min