How can I prevent AI from taking over my job?
Dealer Confidential
AI can accomplish much more than humans, and often at a much faster pace. But can it truly replace dealership staff, or is that just fearmongering? In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay speaks with Zak Branham, Director of Marketing at Harry Brown’s Automotive Group, about how to effectively integrate AI into dealership operations. They explore the importance of training staff to effectively use AI tools, the potential efficiencies AI can bring, and practical strategies for implementing AI in daily tasks. Zach shares his experiences with various AI tools, including...
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Are Gen-Z right about influencer marketing?
Dealer Confidential
It feels like everyone is trying to be an influencer these days, but can incorporating ‘viral content’ into your marketing strategy really work for your local dealership? In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay speaks with Jon Frederick, founder and CEO of Freddy Media, about the evolving role of social media influencers in the automotive industry. They discuss the benefits of user-generated content (UGC) for dealership sales and explore strategies to leverage social media for driving sales within the dealership’s local community and beyond. Here’s what...
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Can AI improve efficiency without risking jobs?
Dealer Confidential
AI can perform many tasks far more efficiently than humans - but there is nothing like the human touch. When it comes to AI implementation in a BDC, the right training is what’s needed to ensure employees thrive alongside the technology, rather than risk falling behind. In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay speaks with Michael Renaud, CEO of Alan Ram’s Proactive Training Solutions, about why BDC teams shouldn’t be so wary of integrating AI. They explore the importance of mindset in adopting AI, the potential for AI to revive old leads, and the necessity for training...
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Is it possible to provide personal experiences with one-size-fits-all solutions?
Dealer Confidential
Relationships may be a huge part of sales for dealers, but for luxury dealerships, building relationships are everything. In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay speaks with Mabel Peralta, Sales and Finance Manager at Aston Martin Summit, about why current automotive marketing and sales solutions often miss the mark when it comes to fostering the personal connections that are vital for luxury dealerships. Here’s what one anonymous dealer had to say: Dear Ilana, I’m writing as a luxury dealer who feels overlooked by technology companies. Many solutions seem...
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Does your dealership have a ‘what if’ strategy?
Dealer Confidential
Tariffs may come and go, but dealer preparedness for change must remain steady. Dealers need to build and continuously update their “what if” strategies to navigate economic fluctuations, inventory challenges, and whatever else the future may hold. In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay talks with Michael Cirillo of ASOTU, FlexDealers, and The Dealer Playbook Podcast about the impact of tariffs on the automotive industry. They highlight the importance of developing proactive response plans, discuss political influences on the market, underscore the value of exceptional...
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Are automotive conferences worth it anymore?
Dealer Confidential
Raise your hand if you’ve attended an automotive conference focused on AI within the past few years ✋Yeah, that’s what we thought. In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay chats with Kayla Kody, VP of Richmond Ford Auto Group, about the relevance of automotive conferences today. Are the themes still on point, or have they become repetitive? Is it up to attendees to extract value and relevance from these experiences? Here’s what one anonymous dealer had to say: Dear Ilana, While I used to find tremendous value in automotive conferences, lately it feels like the same...
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Are OEM programs a help or a hindrance?
Dealer Confidential
Do OEM programs really work, or are dealers actually paying more for less? In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay chats with Matt Lasher, president of Streamline and former Director of Marketing at West Herr, about the real truth of OEM programs: how much do they really benefit dealerships and are the OEMs, vendors, and dealers even in sync with each other? Here’s what one anonymous dealer had to say: Dear Ilana, As a marketing director, I find the OEM programs are increasingly limiting, and frankly, they’re just not cutting it...
info_outlineTariffs may come and go, but dealer preparedness for change must remain steady. Dealers need to build and continuously update their “what if” strategies to navigate economic fluctuations, inventory challenges, and whatever else the future may hold.
In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay talks with Michael Cirillo of ASOTU, FlexDealers, and The Dealer Playbook Podcast about the impact of tariffs on the automotive industry. They highlight the importance of developing proactive response plans, discuss political influences on the market, underscore the value of exceptional customer service, and emphasize the need to anticipate changes to succeed in uncertain times.
Here’s what one anonymous dealer had to say:
Dear Ilana,
Tariffs are on everyone’s mind. Despite the tariffs being all over the news, discussed in conferences, and in my inbox, I’m still not sure what I should or shouldn’t be doing to prepare my dealership. With all of the uncertainty, I’m not sure what I should be saying to my staff.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Dealer
Ilana and Michael dive into:
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Why dealerships must prepare for the impact of tariffs, or other industry changes;
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How politics influences the automotive industry;
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Why anticipating market changes is essential for a successful dealership.
Michael Cirillo is the Co-founder and CEO of FlexDealer, a company that helps retail auto dealers turn traffic into revenue with strategies and technologies that lead to car purchases. . Michael is also the host of The Dealer Playbook podcast and Chief of Staff at ASOTU.
Resources mentioned: