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- Car Dealership Guy gets grilled by his toughest critics yet – his own staff
Car Dealership Guy gets grilled by his toughest critics yet – his own staff
Featuring guest host Kelly Stumpe aka The Car Mom
Welcome to this special edition of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast recap.
In this episode, Yossi Levi, aka Car Dealership Guy (CDG), is in the hot seat — answering his team’s most burning questions together with guest host Kelly Stumpe, aka The Car Mom. Learn more about Yossi’s journey, the rise of Car Dealership Guy, what it’s like building a media empire, and where the auto industry is headed.
1. The evolution of Car Dealership Guy.
Over the past year, CDG’s status has gone from being an anonymous social media account to being a prominent figure in the automotive space. Yossi notes that the team has been crucial in this transformation. The challenges and excitement of creating a brand also resonate deeply with both dealers and industry professionals, leading to the growing community surrounding the CDG brand.
2. Curating standout podcast episodes.
Some of Yossi’s favorite interviews so far have been with Brett Morgan, Liza Borches, Doug Eroh, and Brian Benstock. Each of these offered unique insights into the automotive industry, covering everything from succession planning and employee compensation to lessons in dealership management and tech innovations. Yossi believes the best episodes are those which introduce new ideas or approaches.
3. Building a media empire.
Car Dealership Guy has evolved into a diversified media company, offering a newsletter, podcasts, social platforms, and more. While the platform started as a one-man operation, it has grown into a collaborative effort involving a dedicated team. This growth enables CDG to amplify its impact, fostering transparency and delivering actionable insights to dealers and industry professionals.
“Transparency is the silver bullet for this industry. If we can elevate the level of openness, we’ll lift all boats — improving reputation, experience, and financial outcomes for both dealers and consumers.”
4. The role of storytelling and authenticity.
Curiosity and preparation are key in conducting engaging interviews. Yossi’s goal with every discussion is to create a conversational and relaxed atmosphere. While he prepares for each episode meticulously, he also believes organic, unscripted moments that allow guests to share their authentic selves are also crucial.
"My philosophy is very simple. I'm very curious, and I prepare. I want to get into their soul, figure out who they are, what their story is, and what they're best at. It’s about earning trust and getting authentic answers."
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5. Navigating change.
While remaining anonymous initially helped Yossi build intrigue and credibility, it eventually became a limitation. Revealing himself earlier this year allowed Yossi to forge deeper relationships and authentically share his story. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing personal exposure with the broader mission of the brand but ultimately views transparency as a critical component of CDG's success.
"Most things we experience are not as good or bad as we think. I take a deep breath, focus on improving 1% every day, and trust that progress will compound over time."
6. Insights on the future of dealerships.
Yossi predicts the auto industry will undergo significant changes driven by technology and shifting consumer expectations. He sees dealerships evolving into hubs of hospitality, where exceptional customer experiences become the key differentiator. With vehicles becoming more commoditized and AI leveling the playing field, dealers must focus on brand building and fixed operations like service and maintenance. Yossi also believes transparency will be critical in improving dealership reputations and fostering trust with consumers.
7. Lessons in leadership and team building.
Yossi shares his philosophy on building high-performing teams, emphasizing the importance of hiring good humans who align with the company’s vision. He believes in being hands-on and involved in the details, fostering a culture of obsessiveness and intensity to achieve excellence. Reflecting on past experiences,
Yossi stresses the value of knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses and surrounding oneself with people who complement those areas. His insights offer a roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses while maintaining a strong organizational culture.
"It’s about finding good humans who are competent and share the same vision. I want to enjoy talking to them every day and know they care as much about the details as I do."
8. The power of media and social platforms.
Social media and the creator economy are shaping public perception of the automotive industry. With trust in traditional media at an all-time low, niche platforms like CDG play a crucial role in delivering reliable, relatable content. Yossi encourages manufacturers, dealers, and tech companies to embrace social media as a tool for transparency and connection. Yossi underscores the importance of storytelling in building trust, showcasing the human side of dealerships, and educating consumers about the car-buying process.
9. The Impact of AI on dealerships.
Yossi is optimistic about the role of AI in revolutionizing the automotive retail experience. He sees AI as a tool to enhance efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve communication, ultimately elevating the customer experience.
By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows dealerships to focus on building relationships and providing personalized service. Yossi believes that embracing AI will not only streamline operations but also help dealerships thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape, ensuring they remain relevant and profitable.
10. Vision for CDG and the automotive industry.
Looking ahead, Yossi envisions CDG becoming an indispensable resource for dealers and industry professionals, delivering insights that help them stay informed and ahead of the curve. He aims to expand CDG’s offerings beyond content, exploring opportunities like recruiting services and other value-driven initiatives.
At the heart of this vision is a commitment to transparency, education, and innovation, with the ultimate goal of elevating the automotive industry as a whole.
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