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Daily Dealer Insights

Feb. 1, 2026

Simple "internal" framework this dealer group used to hire their CFO

Simple "internal" framework this dealer group used to hire their CFO

Hiring a CFO forced this dealer group to get brutally clear on what matters. Andrew Habberstad, CEO of Habberstad Auto Group, explains how a simple internal framework now guides hiring across the organization. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your favorite platform.

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Feb. 1, 2026

This Is a Direct Hit on the Franchise Model

This Is a Direct Hit on the Franchise Model

Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…

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Jan. 31, 2026

How growing dealer groups are deciding what to keep (and what to kill)

How growing dealer groups are deciding what to keep (and what to kill)

*Operational focus* is shifting inside some dealer groups— Capital and talent are being redirected toward moves that support expansion. Andrew Habberstad, CEO of Habberstad Auto Group, explains how tying decisions to growth goals keeps teams aligned. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your…

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Jan. 31, 2026

The $7K Store that Built a 55-Year Dealer Empire & Where It's Going Next | Andrew Habberstad

The $7K Store that Built a 55-Year Dealer Empire & Where It's Going Next | Andrew Habberstad

Today I’m joined by Andrew Habberstad, CEO at Habberstad Auto Group. We unpack how a single relationship led to a $7,000 BMW franchise. Andrew breaks down generational continuity, smart expansion, and why listening to peers can quietly reshape a dealer’s entire future. Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: For dealers:…

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Jan. 30, 2026

Dealer Video Excellence Challenge Awards Reveal | Daily Dealer Live

Dealer Video Excellence Challenge Awards Reveal | Daily Dealer Live

Today's show features: Margaret Henney, Vice President of Marketing at CoVideo Taylor Mazock, Social Media Manager at Cavender Auto Group Jason Espin, Automotive Technician at Benzel-Busch Motor Car Lauren Clarke, RV Sales Assistant at Airstream of South Florida Chris Escalante, Finance Assistant at Suburban Buick GMC of Troy This episode…

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Jan. 30, 2026

How Social Media Reshaped This Dealership’s In-Store Experience | Taylor Mazock on Daily Dealer Live

How Social Media Reshaped This Dealership’s In-Store Experience | Taylor Mazock on Daily Dealer Live

Daily Dealer Live is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands…

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Jan. 30, 2026

3 questions dealers are asking before investing in AI tools

3 questions dealers are asking before investing in AI tools

AI vendors are facing more *scrutiny* from dealers than ever before. The focus? ROI, data control, and whether the tech solves real problems. Annie Fallows, Head of Navigator Platform at @CapitalOne, explains how dealers can evaluate AI partners. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now…

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Jan. 30, 2026

New-Car Buyers Are Ghosting Service Departments

New-Car Buyers Are Ghosting Service Departments

Data via @carfax Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤…

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Jan. 29, 2026

This may be the biggest failure point in the dealer–customer experience

This may be the biggest failure point in the dealer–customer experience

The "online-to-in-store" handoff is emerging as a key pressure point for dealers. Annie Fallows, Head of Navigator Platform at @CapitalOne, explains how friction in the buying journey is impacting car sales. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your favorite platform—brought to you by…

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Jan. 29, 2026

Solving the $182M Handoff Problem – Winning Back Customer Trust & Gen Z Buyers | Annie Fallows

Solving the $182M Handoff Problem – Winning Back Customer Trust & Gen Z Buyers | Annie Fallows

Today I’m joined by Annie Fallows, Head of Navigator Platform at Capital One. We dive into a massive shift in market sentiment, exploring how dealer trust skyrocketed from 44% to 70%. Annie breaks down why Gen Z is your most loyal—yet most anxious—customer and reveals the "spicy" truth that most…

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Jan. 28, 2026

Wyler on Acquisition, Rohrman on Tariffs, Owens on Reviews, Painter on TrueCar | Daily Dealer Live

Wyler on Acquisition, Rohrman on Tariffs, Owens on Reviews, Painter on TrueCar | Daily Dealer Live

Today's show features: - David Wyler, President and CEO of Jeff Wyler Automotive Family - Ryan Rohrman, Chief Executive Officer of Rohrman Auto Group - Cuyler Owens, CEO of Widewail - Scott Painter, Founder & CEO of TrueCar This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies…

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Jan. 28, 2026

What 20 Million Dealer Reviews Reveal About Customer Experience | Cuyler Owens on Daily Dealer Live

What 20 Million Dealer Reviews Reveal About Customer Experience | Cuyler Owens on Daily Dealer Live

Daily Dealer Live is brought to you by: Widewail – Leading dealerships aren’t choosing between profit and customer experience. They’re learning to balance both. Widewail CEO Cuyler Owens unveils how Customer Intelligence provides the real-time insights needed to stay aligned with customer expectations as the digital-native market grows. The discussion,…

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Jan. 28, 2026

What today’s data says about dealership buyer behavior

What today’s data says about dealership buyer behavior

Dealer acquisition interest remains elevated across the industry– But buyers are taking a more *selective* approach on brands, markets, and pricing. George Karolis, President of @ThePresidioGroup, breaks down what’s driving today’s M&A behavior. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your favorite platform—brought to…

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Jan. 27, 2026

How smart buyers are actually valuing dealerships today

How smart buyers are actually valuing dealerships today

Valuation metrics are under renewed focus in auto retail. George Karolis, President of @ThePresidioGroup, explains how earnings factor into dealership M&A. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your favorite platform—brought to you by @amazon Autos, @fullthrottleAI and @ThePresidioGroup

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Jan. 27, 2026

The End of the M&A Lottery – Why Earnings Quality Now Outweighs the Multiple | George Karolis

The End of the M&A Lottery – Why Earnings Quality Now Outweighs the Multiple | George Karolis

Today I’m joined by George Karolis, President of The Presidio Group. We dive into the shifting landscape of automotive buy-sell activity and why dealership valuations remain resilient despite economic headwinds. George breaks down the tension between record-high blue sky multiples and the rising cost of capital, offering a rare look…

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Jan. 26, 2026

Pres on Insurance, Perrotta on Scout Threat | Daily Dealer Live

Pres on Insurance, Perrotta on Scout Threat | Daily Dealer Live

Today's show features: - Chris Pres, VP, Automotive Distribution of Polly - Laura Perrotta, President of NJ CAR This episode is brought to you by: Stream Companies – Stream Companies is a full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and…

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Jan. 26, 2026

How Rising Insurance Costs Are Reshaping Car Buying | Chris Pres on Daily Dealer Live

How Rising Insurance Costs Are Reshaping Car Buying | Chris Pres on Daily Dealer Live

Daily Dealer Live is brought to you by: Polly – Polly helps dealers turn insurance into a better customer experience and stronger deal performance. By bringing insurance directly into the car-buying journey, Polly helps dealers close more deals, move them faster, and keep buyers happier. Learn more at www.polly.co/cardealershipguy Follow…

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Jan. 26, 2026

No Video. No Lead.

No Video. No Lead.

Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…

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Jan. 26, 2026

No Video, No Lead.

No Video, No Lead.

Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…

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Jan. 25, 2026

Biggest red flags when choosing a voice AI vendor

Biggest red flags when choosing a voice AI vendor

Voice AI failures are eroding dealer credibility with car buyers. Ari Polakof, CEO & Co-founder of Flai, explains what dealers need to pressure-test before putting voice AI in front of customers. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your favorite platform—brought to you by…

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Jan. 25, 2026

The Battery Debate Nobody Wants...

The Battery Debate Nobody Wants...

Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…

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Jan. 24, 2026

Are dealer web sites already dead to AI?

Are dealer web sites already dead to AI?

Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…

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Jan. 24, 2026

Slow service response is costing dealers real revenue

Slow service response is costing dealers real revenue

Service response speed is becoming a *silent* retention risk for dealers. Missed calls and slow callbacks are pushing customers to the next dealership— Often within hours. Luke Sontag, Marketing & IT Manager at @jackkisseeford4539, explains how response gaps are leaking service revenue. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car…

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Jan. 24, 2026

Why Most Service Departments Leak Calls – And What Actually Stops It | Pre-NADA AI #5

Why Most Service Departments Leak Calls – And What Actually Stops It | Pre-NADA AI #5

In part 5 of our Pre NADA AI Spotlight series, Sam sits down with Luke Sontag, Marketing, & IT Manager at Kissee Ford and Ari Polakof, CEO & Co-founder of Flai. We explore how one family-owned dealership used voice AI to capture after-hours and rollover calls without losing its local,…

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