Head Coach Mentality: How GMs Build Winning Teams Through Managers
Release Date: 01/22/2025
How to Instantly Build Trust and Credibility with Internet Buyers
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
In this episode, I share one of my biggest secret weapons for converting more Internet leads — selling yourself first. It's not about hard selling the car; it's about showing the value in doing business with you and your dealership. I dive deep into tactical strategies for prepping before the first call, leveraging past customer history, using community connections, and showcasing dealership value the right way — with real-world examples from inside the showroom. You'll learn how to position yourself as the obvious choice, how to talk about your digital retailing tools to save buyers...
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Helper Vibes Seller Vibes: How to Win the Call in 30 Seconds
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked—but powerful—skills in phone sales: your tonality. It’s not just what you say. It’s how you say it. I share how I intentionally changed my voice, volume, and energy over time to sound more exciting, engaging, and attractive to buyers—and how you can do the same. We dive deep into why first impressions, tonal shifts, and “helper vibes” are what pull people into real conversations and help you move leads into the buying cycle fast. This episode is packed with real examples from live calls, opening lines that create trust, and...
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Stand Out or Miss Out: Real Talk on Email, Video, and Follow-Up That Actually Works
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
Staying hyper-focused on internet lead handling... In this episode, I break down how to actually improve your follow-up process so you win more customers—starting with your emails, videos, and mindset. Let’s face it: most emails still look like outdated templates, and subject lines that scream “dealership” get ignored. I’m showing you how to change that. I walk through my current process using ChatGPT to write custom, engaging subject lines and value-based messages that feel like they were made just for the customer. I also dive into how to create short welcome videos that build...
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Call First, Text Smart, Leave a Killer Voicemail: Lead Handling in 2025 with Jen Suzuki
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
In this episode, I’m getting real about the grind of internet leads—the ones with no phone numbers, the ones who ghost you, and the ones who drain your time asking for information only to disappear into the void. I've been there. I’ve sold cars. And now I work these leads live during my dealership sales training sessions. I'm in the trenches with you—setting same-day appointments with tough leads while coaching teams to win. That’s why I care so deeply about helping sales pros and BDC reps level up. You’ll hear: Why urgency is non-negotiable when working internet leads How to...
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Mentorship in Motion: How Lane Managers Build Winning Teams
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
In this episode, I’m talking directly to the powerhouse behind the most successful service departments: Lane Managers. Also known as Assistant Managers, these leaders are the glue that holds the service drive together. I’ve been spending time on-site with service teams recently, and when Lane Managers are engaged, locked in, and supporting the hustle live on the drive—everything changes fast. We break down how Lane Managers reinforce training, support Advisors in the moment, jump into heat cases, and create an environment where growth isn’t just expected—it’s lived. From tightening...
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No More Whip Cracking: Fun Accountability That Works
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
In this episode, I'm in the trenches—literally—on-site with a dealership service management team I’ve been working with. We’ve trained, implemented new tactics, and now we’re locking in on accountability without turning the heat up too high. Here’s the truth: you don’t need to micromanage to get big results. What you do need are simple, consistent actions that reinforce change. I walk through real-life examples—like how to use visual gauges during check-in, recognize loyal customers in the drive, and improve technician videos—to create habits that stick. We dive into: How to...
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From eLead CRM to AI Smart Camera Systems: Mark Queen is Redefining Efficiency with Visual Intelligence
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
Mark Queen, the visionary CEO of Skaivision and one of the original founders behind eLead CRM, joins me to dive into the future of AI-powered dealership efficiency. Skaivision is revolutionizing the way dealers view process breakdowns by layering powerful AI—specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)—over existing dealership camera systems. This groundbreaking tech captures real-time activity in sales and service, highlights missed opportunities, and even delivers instant vehicle offers during service visits. Mark walks us through his entrepreneurial journey, from Reynolds &...
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The #1 Training Hack to Build Customer Trust in Fixed Ops with Jen Suzuki
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
Mastering Service Drive Walkarounds in Live Role-Play – Real Training for Real Results...COME ON NOW!!! In this episode, I'm opening the door to run through the plays of the most important activity a amanger can do with their selling machines - the Service Advisors! The power of the service drive walkaround—one of the most effective yet underutilized tools for selling service work. I’ve been training dealership teams across the country, and I’ve seen firsthand how confidence, engagement, and real-world practice can completely transform how advisors interact with customers. I explain...
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Dealership Capital Strategies for Ambitious Operators with Dan Garces
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
In this episode, I sit down with Dan Garces, President and COO of Automotive Capital, to break down the financial strategies that allow dealership operators to grow, scale, and even own their own store—without putting up massive amounts of personal cash. Dan has spent his career helping dealers navigate the complexities of capital, and today, he’s sharing real-world insights on how funding works, how to leverage it properly, and what separates those who stay operators from those who become owners. We dive into: The biggest mistakes dealers make when it comes to financing growth....
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Keeping the Energy High: Fun & Competitive Ways to Reinforce Training
Dealer Talk With Jen Suzuki
How to Build Championship Teams with Contests & Competitions The hardest part of training isn’t teaching the process—it’s making sure it sticks. In this episode, I break down how to sustain momentum, accountability, and energy in your dealership using fun competitions, MVP recognition, and daily challenges. I share real-world dealership strategies that keep teams engaged, motivated, and focused on growth, even when sales get tough. From raffle ticket rewards to upsell challenges and technician video contests, I’ll walk you through simple but effective ways to reinforce training...
info_outlineMany of you know this but I am privileged to work alongside so many high performing dealerships and their leadership. Most top 20 in the country for their brands. I use my podcast to share what I learn, teach and implement with the end game - building a championship team.
In this episode, we dive into the critical role General Managers (GMs) play as the "head coaches" of their dealerships, driving performance through daily coaching of their management teams. Achieving championship-level results—rising above all stores in the region or country—is no small feat. It requires a relentless focus on developing managers into high-performing coaches who can guide their teams to win every day.
We explore how top-performing GMs pull their managers in, just like a head coach, to model effective coaching strategies. From improving team execution with tools like guest sheets and CRMs to perfecting follow-up texts, coaching managers daily is a game-changer.
You’ll also hear real-life tactics, like how one GM taught his Service Director to implement a "stamp" system for declined work, bringing more awareness to the shop and protecting their people. It's all about leading by example, fostering collaboration, and helping managers pass those skills on to their teams.
We'll also cover the importance of private one-on-one coaching over public scolding, creating a culture of learning, and ensuring team members feel supported, motivated, and empowered to perform.
If you’re a GM or dealership leader, this episode gives you actionable strategies to elevate your managers, instill confidence in your teams, and drive better results. Coaching doesn’t stop at performance talks—it’s about getting involved, listening, and leading by example in every aspect of the business.
Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |[email protected] | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com
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Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace. NADA Show Booth #7921