Service Sales Training is the Missing Piece in Dealership Growth
Trust is one of the biggest barriers in the service drive — and without it, your team will always be stuck in transactional selling. In this episode, Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes sit down with Jennifer Suzuki, President of eDealer Solutions, to talk about why service sales training is still the missing piece in dealership growth.Jennifer breaks down how a customer-first mindset, value-based selling, and simple culture shifts can change everything. She shares real examples of what strong service advisor communication looks like, how to build trust quickly, and why slowing down is actually the smartest way to move forward. From walk-around strategy to technician videos and everyday phrases that signal care, this episode is full of practical tools you can use immediately.If your service lane is still being treated like a speedway instead of a relationship-building opportunity, this episode will help you reset the approach.Follow UsX @NADAUpdateInstagram @NADAYouTube @NADAUpdateLinkedIn @NADAFacebook @NADAUpdatePresented by The National Automobile Dealers Associationhttps://www.nada.org/
--------
22:19
Increasing the Value of Your Dealership
Valuing a dealership isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — and most owners underestimate what really drives worth. In this episode, Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, joins hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes to talk through the real factors that impact dealership valuations and how to strengthen them. Erin shares why location, fixed operations, used car performance, and image-compliant facilities all influence value — and how to think strategically about expansion and exits. She also outlines how real estate, staffing efficiency, and contract management can either help or hurt your long-term game. Whether you're planning to sell, grow, or simply sharpen your operations, this episode breaks down practical steps to improve performance and build value in today’s market.Follow UsX @NADAUpdateInstagram @NADAYouTube @NADAUpdateLinkedIn @NADAFacebook @NADAUpdatePresented by The National Automobile Dealers Associationhttps://www.nada.org/
--------
22:19
The Digital Drive: Mastering AI, CDPs, and Dealer Data
The future of dealership operations is data-driven, and mastering AI, Customer Data Platforms (CDPs), and advanced analytics is no longer optional. In this episode, Jim Dodd, NADA Consultant & Digital Analytics Technical Specialist, joins hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes to break down how dealers can use these tools to improve marketing, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge. Jim explains how AI enhances customer interactions, why first-party data is key to better decision-making, and how CDPs provide a unified view of customers. He also covers critical topics like data privacy, ownership, and compliance, offering real-world strategies to ensure dealers stay in control of their data while maximizing its value. For dealers looking to optimize their digital strategy and future-proof their business, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.Follow UsX @NADAUpdateInstagram @NADAYouTube @NADAUpdateLinkedIn @NADAFacebook @NADAUpdatePresented by The National Automobile Dealers Associationhttps://www.nada.org/
--------
21:44
Optimizing Parts Inventory for Greater Dealership Success
Welcome to Dealer Driven, the podcast for dealership professionals ready to level up their operations and boost profitability. In this episode, hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes sit down with Brian Crossen, a NADA Academy instructor with over 25 years of operations experience, to tackle a game-changing topic: Parts Inventory and Investment Quality—one of the most overlooked yet critical factors in dealership success. Brian shares how poor inventory management can slow down your service department and impact sales. He breaks it all down—covering key metrics like inventory aging, fill rates, and obsolescence—and shares practical strategies to keep your operations running smoothly. Tune in to learn how better communication between parts and service teams, plus smarter use of your DMS tools, can transform your dealership’s efficiency and profitability.Follow UsX @NADAUpdateInstagram @NADAYouTube @NADAUpdateLinkedIn @NADAFacebook @NADAUpdatePresented by The National Automobile Dealers Associationhttps://www.nada.org/
--------
23:53
Boost Technician Productivity and Profitability in Your Dealership
Welcome to Dealer Driven, the podcast tailored to dealership professionals navigating today’s fast-paced automotive industry. In this episode, hosts Cameron Wilson and Michael Hayes discuss the critical issue of "technician time vampires" with NADA Academy instructor Larry Hourcle. Drawing from his 27-year experience as a line technician, Larry breaks down how seemingly minor inefficiencies can significantly impact the service department's productivity and profitability. From proper documentation, organized workspaces, and strong communication between service and parts departments, learn how these small efficiency gains can lead to substantial productivity increases and better profitability. Whether you're managing a service department or looking to optimize your dealership operations, this episode provides actionable insights for minimizing time waste and maximizing technician productivity.Follow UsX @NADAUpdateInstagram @NADAYouTube @NADAUpdateLinkedIn @NADAFacebook @NADAUpdatePresented by The National Automobile Dealers Associationhttps://www.nada.org/
Welcome to Dealer Driven! A podcast all about your industry, from your association, focused on amplifying your success. Join hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes as they explore the daily challenges and opportunities dealerships face and how to navigate through them. These 15 to 20-minute drive-time episodes will highlight the best ideas for opportunities and solutions to operational challenges you face, as well as warn you about issues on the road ahead. If you work in a dealership, this is the podcast for you!