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Leadership in the Dealership
Upstart
42 episodes
2 days ago
Welcome to Leadership in the Dealership — an Upstart podcast where automotive innovation meets insightful conversations. We help dealers improve their customer and employee experience by tapping into the minds and experiences of the industry’s top leaders. We’ll also explore cutting-edge trends shaping the auto industry across digitization and customer experience, both online and in the showroom. Ready to meet your hosts and catch a sneak peek of what's to come? Check out the trailer. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Upstart. Any content provided by the hosts or guests is for informational purposes only and is based on their own experiences and perspectives.
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Business
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All content for Leadership in the Dealership is the property of Upstart and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to Leadership in the Dealership — an Upstart podcast where automotive innovation meets insightful conversations. We help dealers improve their customer and employee experience by tapping into the minds and experiences of the industry’s top leaders. We’ll also explore cutting-edge trends shaping the auto industry across digitization and customer experience, both online and in the showroom. Ready to meet your hosts and catch a sneak peek of what's to come? Check out the trailer. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Upstart. Any content provided by the hosts or guests is for informational purposes only and is based on their own experiences and perspectives.
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Business
Episodes (20/42)
Leadership in the Dealership
Why This EV Owner Is DONE With Electric Cars
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer unpack what happens when automotive dreams turn into customer service nightmares. From the absurd reality of one tool in the entire country being able to fix a faulty EV battery, to a seven-person family given a Kia Soul as a loaner, to Phillip’s own story of selling a $208,000 car that broke down just six miles after leaving the lot.

This episode is packed with hard truths and human moments. They explore how owning mistakes, being transparent, and going above and beyond can turn even the angriest customers into loyal advocates.
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2 days ago
20 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
5 Things Most People Don’t Know About Car Dealerships
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, hosts Danielle Mills Walden and Philip Greer pull back the curtain on one of the industry’s biggest misconceptions: where dealerships actually make their money.

From the unsung powerhouse of the service department to the long game of customer loyalty that outlasts even brand preferences, Danielle and Philip break down five surprising truths that redefine the dealership experience.

Through candid stories, real-world stats, and insider perspectives, they explore how trust, transparency, and timing have become the real drivers of success in today’s market. Whether you’re running a dealership or shopping for your next car, this episode will change the way you see the business behind the showroom floor.
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2 weeks ago
20 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
Why Car Buyers Are About to Pay a Lot More
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, hosts Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer dive into the hot topic of rising dealer fees, sparked by California’s proposed increase from $85 to $500. They explore how this change compares to fees in other states, why the fees exist in the first place, and what they actually cover. Danielle shares insights from her time living in California, while Phillip breaks down the hidden costs and labor involved in processing vehicle sales. Together, they highlight the importance of transparency, regulatory impacts, and how technological advancements like e-titling could shape the future of dealership operations. Whether you’re in the car business or a curious consumer, this conversation sheds light on what you're really paying for.
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1 month ago
16 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
Inside the Biggest Dealer Event of the Year: NAMAD
From jaw-dropping showroom floor moments to the most talked-about panels, Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer deliver the ultimate recap of NAMAD 2025.
 
This year’s convention broke records in Las Vegas with more than 1,200 attendees and every major OEM in the room. Toyota alone sent 53 leaders. But it was not just about the numbers. Conversations went deeper, from inventory shortages to tech adoption to making sure minority dealers have a true seat at the table.

NAMAD proved it is no longer a niche event. It is shaping the future of the auto industry.

Whether you were in the room or following from afar, this recap puts you at the center of the action and delivers the insights that matter most for your dealership’s future.
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1 month ago
28 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
What No One Tells You About Selling Used EVs
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, host Phillip Greer sits down with John Foley to explore how John launched Recharged, an electric vehicle dealership redefining what it means to serve today’s EV buyer. With over 25 years of experience in automotive retail, John shares why he left traditional car sales, how he built a brand people will travel across the country to work with, and what every dealer needs to know about sourcing, selling, and servicing used EVs. They also dive into the realities of battery health, EV tax credits, social media strategy, and how authenticity wins in the modern dealership. If you're curious about the future of used EV sales or how to build a standout brand in a shifting market, this episode is a must-listen.
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1 month ago
29 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
Are EVs Still Worth Buying After the Tax Credit Expires?
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, hosts Danielle and Phillip dive into the rapidly changing landscape of the EV tax credit. With the credit now set to expire on September 30, 2025 (seven years earlier than expected), they unpack what this means for buyers, dealerships, and manufacturers. From used vehicle eligibility and battery constraints to the rise of leasing and potential pricing shifts post-expiration, Danielle and Phillip cover the implications from every angle.

Tune in for insights, strategy, and a look ahead at how dealers and consumers can adapt to the evolving EV market.
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2 months ago
25 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
Why Affordable Used Cars Are Vanishing Faster Than Ever
In this episode, Danielle Mills Walden sits down with Paul Machin to dive deep into the realities facing the auto industry in 2025. They break down why affordable used cars are disappearing from the market, how repossessions are quietly reshaping dealer inventory, and why dealerships need to adapt in order to compete.

Paul shares insights from decades of industry disruption, including how lenders, dealers, and consumers can all win when they embrace new inventory strategies. Danielle and Paul also explore the impact of tariffs, the rise in negative equity, and the surprising power of TikTok in moving hard-to-sell cars. This conversation is packed with data, practical takeaways, and forward-looking strategies every dealer needs to hear.
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2 months ago
32 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
The Most Asked Car Questions According to AI
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, hosts Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer tackle the top seven most searched questions about buying used cars, according to AI. From negotiating the best deal and understanding dealer fees, to deciding on extended warranties and decoding trade-in values, they break down the nuances of the used car buying process. They also explore how online platforms like Carvana are reshaping the traditional dealership landscape. If you're curious about the economics behind used car pricing or where dealerships really get their inventory, this episode delivers clarity and expert insights.
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3 months ago
13 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
The Real Reason Buyers Are Skipping the Showroom
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, hosts Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer dive deep into the Carvana effect. From Danielle’s own “traitor” confession of buying her car online to Phillip’s showdown with a dealership over a trade-in, they break down what makes Carvana so appealing, and what traditional dealers can learn from it. They cover speed, transparency, emotion, and how dealers can compete in a frictionless, digital-first world. This is a candid, insight-packed conversation you don’t want to miss.
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3 months ago
29 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
What Tesla Got Right That Dealers Keep Missing
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, co-hosts Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer dive into the messy, exciting, and sometimes dangerous world of electric vehicles. From wild rental car stories and range anxiety to $111,000 Rivians and self-driving tech that almost didn’t stop at a red light, Danielle and Phillip share personal experiences and sharp commentary on the realities of the EV market. They explore whether EVs are truly sustainable, how government incentives work, and what car buyers and dealers need to know about battery safety, charging infrastructure, and evolving consumer expectations. Whether you're a skeptic, an enthusiast, or somewhere in between, this episode unpacks what the EV revolution really looks like on the ground.
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4 months ago
26 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
What We’re Watching at NIADA 2025
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, co-hosts Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming NIADA Conference, one of the top annual events built specifically for independent dealers. They break down what makes this conference different, how to prepare with intention and what to prioritize to get the most out of your time.Whether it's auditing your tech stack, targeting the right vendors, or using LinkedIn to build real connections before you arrive, this conversation is full of actionable ideas that help you walk in ready.

They also unpack why Upstart is uniquely positioned to support indie dealers and what to expect when you stop by the booth.

Links:
  • NIADA Conference Info
  • Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn
  • Connect with Phillip on LinkedIn 
  • Upstart Auto Retail
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4 months ago
15 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
The Secret to Surviving the F&I Squeeze
Monthly payments are soaring. Interest rates are climbing. And approval rates? Dropping fast. In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, co-hosts Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer unpack what today’s affordability crunch means for both car buyers and dealers, and why transparency is the most undervalued tool in a dealership’s arsenal.You’ll hear:
  • A hilarious Ferrari mishap from Phillip’s early days on the lot
  • The psychology behind buyer mistrust—and how to reverse it
  • Why digital tools like online pre-approvals and transparent financing calculators are non-negotiable
  • The real reason some customers follow a salesperson across brands
If you’ve ever wondered where the car buying experience breaks down (and how to rebuild it), this one’s for you.
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5 months ago
27 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
The Podcast Every Auto Dealer Needs
5 months ago
1 minute

Leadership in the Dealership
The Leadership Formula for Dealership Success
What if the key to dealership success isn’t just about managing the team, but about unlocking the power of leadership?

In this episode, Danielle sits down with Glenn Lundy to explore the leadership strategies that are transforming the automotive industry. We’ll dive into his powerful LEADD framework—Listen, Encourage, Advise, Develop, Daily—and how it’s helping dealerships grow through people-first leadership. From overcoming personal struggles to building a thriving leadership legacy, Glenn shares his journey and insights on how empowering your team can drive real success.

Key discussion points:
  • Glenn’s LEADD framework for dealership growth
  • How to build a people-first culture that drives success
  • The importance of transparency and trust in leadership
  • Glenn’s ambitious goals for the future of automotive leadership
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5 months ago
35 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
Data is the New Oil… But Most Dealerships Are Running on Crude
The car business is evolving fast with AI leading the charge. While some dealers hesitate, others use automation to streamline operations, enhance sales, and boost revenue. Where should dealers start?

In this episode, Zach Hendrix, Co-Founder at Bolderstream, reveals why AI is a survival tool for tomorrow’s dealerships. Zach shares how forward-thinking dealers are gaining a competitive edge by leveraging data like never before. He also predicts the biggest shakeups in 2025, including the rise of dealership-built tech and the death of micro SaaS.


Join us as we discuss:
  • Why dealers hesitate to adopt AI and automation
  • How data is the new oil—but only if it’s refined and structured
  • The biggest untapped opportunity for dealerships in 2025
  • How dealers can take ownership of their tech instead of relying on third-party providers
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6 months ago
25 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
How Your Mind Shapes Your Next Car-Buying Decision
What if the key to selling more cars isn’t just about the deal, but understanding the mind of the driver behind the wheel?

In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, we dive into the psychology of car buying. We’ll uncover the mental factors, emotional triggers, and subconscious biases that shape how consumers make their car purchase decisions. We’ll talk about the emotional connections that drive choices, the power of brand loyalty, and how past experiences impact our buying behavior. Plus, we’ll explore how dealerships can tap into these psychological insights to build stronger, more personal relationships with customers.

Key discussion points:
  • The emotional triggers that influence car buyers
  • The role of brand loyalty in the decision-making process
  • Building trust through transparency
  • Why convenience and personalization matter more than ever
  • How psychology can turn casual shoppers into loyal clients
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6 months ago
30 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
What 25% Tariffs Mean for the Auto Industry
Hosted by Upstart’s Keishawn Batts and Danielle Mills Walden, this episode of Leadership in the Dealership takes a deep dive into the newly implemented 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts, effective April 3rd, 2025. With this significant policy shift, dealerships are facing new challenges—and opportunities—to adapt to the evolving automotive landscape.

Today, we explore the immediate impact on car prices, inventory, and customer confidence, as well as the varied responses from OEMs like Infiniti and BMW. We also discuss how dealerships saw record-breaking sales in March in anticipation of the tariff and speculate on shifts toward the used car market.

Key discussion points:
  • How the 25% tariff will affect dealership pricing, inventory, and customer confidence
  • OEM reactions: production halts vs. cost absorption strategies
  • How dealerships can stay agile and resilient in the face of new challenges
  • Advice for consumers: what to research before making significant purchases
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7 months ago
16 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
Gen Z is Changing Car Buying—Here’s What Your Dealership Needs to Know
Hosted by Upstart’s Keishawn Batts and Danielle Mills Walden alongside Don Richards-Boeff, this episode of Leadership in the Dealership dives into the challenge (and opportunity) of attracting and selling to Gen Z car buyers. With their unique shopping habits, digital-first mindset, and shorter attention spans, dealerships need fresh strategies to engage this emerging customer base.

Today, we debate whether social media marketing actually moves metal, explore innovative dealership branding techniques, and challenge traditional sales methods to meet Gen Z where they’re at. 


Key discussion points:
  • How dealerships can leverage social media (and whether it actually sells cars)
  • The power of influencers vs. grassroots dealership marketing
  • Video marketing strategies that grab attention and build trust
  • The ROI of social media ads—tracking leads and measuring success
  • The future of car buying: seamless, digital, and Gen Z-approved
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7 months ago
26 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
From Leads to Loyalty: AI’s Impact on Customer Engagement in Dealerships
Is AI a true game-changer for dealerships, or just another buzzword? As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, automotive retail is no exception. But what does AI really mean for sales, service, and customer engagement at dealerships? In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, we break down the impact of AI and separate fact from fiction.

We explore how AI is enhancing — not replacing — dealership operations, making customer interactions more personalized, and streamlining processes without sacrificing control. From automating follow-ups to optimizing service retention, AI is already proving to be a powerful tool (but only when used strategically). Whether you’re an AI skeptic or an early adopter, this episode will give you the insights you need to stay ahead.

Key discussion points:
  • Automation vs. Personalization – How AI improves follow-ups without flooding customers with generic emails.
  • The Fear Factor – Addressing dealer concerns about AI taking over jobs (and why it won’t).
  • Customer Engagement – How AI is helping dealers bring more customers into the showroom and service drive.
  • The Road Ahead – Where AI is heading in automotive retail and how dealers can implement it the right way.
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8 months ago
22 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
The Secrets to Success of a 100-Year-Old Luxury Dealership
Imagine a world where customers are willing to pay almost anything for a product they believe in. What if the key to unlocking that potential was simpler than you thought?

The automotive industry may constantly change, but Niello proves that strong values and an employee-first culture lay the foundation for true success. In this episode, we explore how Niello has maintained a focus on both customers and employees while revolutionizing customer service and embracing the digital age with their online sales platform, Niello Go. From combating fraud to fostering community connections, Dennis shares how Niello’s unwavering commitment to excellence is reshaping the future of the auto industry.

Join us as we discuss:
  • How prioritizing employees drives exceptional customer experiences at Niello Company
  • The power of listening and personalized service, from 7-day returns to white-glove experiences
  • Niello’s proactive approach to embracing change, ensuring compliance, and combating fraud
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8 months ago
44 minutes

Leadership in the Dealership
Welcome to Leadership in the Dealership — an Upstart podcast where automotive innovation meets insightful conversations. We help dealers improve their customer and employee experience by tapping into the minds and experiences of the industry’s top leaders. We’ll also explore cutting-edge trends shaping the auto industry across digitization and customer experience, both online and in the showroom. Ready to meet your hosts and catch a sneak peek of what's to come? Check out the trailer. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Upstart. Any content provided by the hosts or guests is for informational purposes only and is based on their own experiences and perspectives.