Podcasts

Scott Davidson is the President and founder of Stop 23 Auto Sales. An independent dealer in rural Listowel Ontario, that specializes in almost new inventory. His store and team are very well known in the area and sell mostly trucks, SUVs and also some very specialty cars. Today we spoke about his upbringing, how he got started in the automotive world, buying dealerships, creating culture as a used dealer, leveraging bad markets, and so much more.

Darrell Steed is an experienced automotive consultant and the founder of Smart Wolf Consulting, which specializes in Private Party Acquisition and improving dealership efficiencies. He’s spent over 15 years helping Tier 2 and 3 auto dealers tackle issues like process inefficiencies, inventory struggles, sales conversion rates, high employee turnover, and building out Buying Centers.

Joel Courchaine is an experienced GM that has worked with used and franchised stores across Western Canada, and now with Subaru and Audi in Elk Grove, California. He lives and breathes a people first mentality, and this conversation will clearly demonstrate that. If you need a fresh perspective on leading teams and growing rockstars within your organization, look no further.

Brent Ravelle is the Dealer Principal of Listowel Ford and Listowel Chrysler. 2 rural stores in Ontario, that are known for their amazing service and personal touch. We dive deep into leadership, running successful stores, 20 groups, and the future of the dealership landscape. Brent also plays a large role in both the Automotive Business School of Canada, and the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario. An organization that helps build relationships between franchised dealers, consumers and government.

Dillan Wightman is the General Sales Manager at Listowel Chrysler and Listowel Ford and a passionate car enthusiast. His stores and team are very well known in the area and cater to mostly rural buyers.

Sameer Khan is the founder of Ayra.AI, an AI automation and software company building our very own software. We discuss how our AI receptionist answers 100% of your calls, sounds like a human, and automatically books sales and service appointments into your calendar. We talk about data, advertising, improving the customer experience, and the future of AI technology.

Jamie Kaban is the GM of Kelowna Toyota - a dealership in the Canada One Auto Group located in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Kurtis Anderson is the Internet Director of the Knight Group, a Canadian auto group with stores across Western Canada and the USA. As you will hear, Kurtis has been with the Knight Group for many years and was actually their very first Internet Directors/Manager. I was excited for this one because Kurtis and I just got to nerd out on advertising and marketing in the dealership space as we've been working along side each other for over a year now.

Mark Leslie is one of the owners of Leslie Motors Ford, located in Harriston, Wingham, and Walkerton Ontario - a family dealer group that just celebrated 58 years in the car business! Mark represents the second generation of the Leslie family to lead the dealership, carrying forward a legacy of family values, community focus, and exceptional customer service. We’ll explore his journey in the automotive world, the lessons he’s learned running a family business, and how they're driving Leslie Motors Ford into the future with the third generation.

In 1945, a group of successful Ford dealerships formed the Dealer Analysis Bureau, holding meetings to discuss dealer operations and share best practices. This group evolved to become the original 20 group, by NCM. In this episode, Brandon shares best practices and key takeaways from working alongside some of the best dealership's in the automotive business. This episode was recorded live at the ACE conference in Niagara Falls.

John Kot is the President of the KOT Auto Group, based in Kelowna, BC. Alongside his family and team, they grew to 11 rooftops in Western Canada, and are continuing to grow their group. John grew up in a small farming community in Saskatchewan, and began working at dealers when he was 15. When opportunity knocked to eventually buy his first location in Kelowna, he and his family moved west and bought their first store.

John Kot is the President of the KOT Auto Group, based in Kelowna, BC. Alongside his family and team, they grew to 11 rooftops in Western Canada, and are continuing to grow their group. John grew up in a small farming community in Saskatchewan, and began working at dealers when he was 15. When opportunity knocked to eventually buy his first location in Kelowna, he and his family moved west and bought their first store.

Aron Welsh is the Dealer Principal of Pacific Nations Auto Sales in Campbell River, BC - and is a part of the Steve Marshall Group. In this episode we dive into building a recognizable brand, culture, and dive into the used car markets.

Brandin Wilkinson is the Director Of Leadership at the Bannister Automotive Group, in Western Canada. They are setting the standard for other stores, groups, and the industry for employee leadership development. From hands on coaching, to resources and inspiring other leaders - they're doing something truly incredible.

Ryan Ellingham is the Director Of Marketing at the Steve Marshall Group. From leading innovative campaigns and running new incentives across a network of stores, Ryan brings an experienced perspective on automotive advertising.

On this episode, I sit down with Karl Ebdrup & Steve Davidson to talk about the Steve Marshall Group, automotive and the market, leadership and more!