The David Spisak Show

In this episode, my guest is Aaron Bickart, EVP and GM of OfferLogix. Aaron has spent over three decades in the automotive industry, blending deep retail experience with cutting-edge technology solutions. We dive into his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and what it takes to stand out in an industry that’s constantly evolving. Ever wonder why some people in the auto industry seem to be light-yea...

Every year at NADA, I sit down with the brightest minds in the industry, and this year was no different. I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Jay Vijayan, Founder & CEO of Tekion, on the Tekion Innovation Stage. Jay and his team have been making serious waves, shaking up the status quo and redefining what’s possible in dealership operations. And let me tell you—when you see a booth that’s co...

Welcome back to The David Spisak Show! Today, we’re diving into the epicenter of dealership success: Fixed Operations. And trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this one. My guest, Doug Brown, Director of Field Operations at XPEL, is here to drop some serious knowledge. Doug has a career story that feels like a masterclass in leadership, growth, and navigating curveballs. From humble beginning...

What’s the secret to thriving in an industry that’s constantly evolving, often under fire, and endlessly competitive? Preston Stewart, the National Variable Operations Director (and Compliance Director!) for the iconic Napleton Auto Group, joins me to answer that question—and so much more. Preston’s story is one for the books: from growing up in his family’s Kansas dealership to working under some...

What happens when fresh perspectives meet decades of wisdom in the automotive industry? This episode is your front-row seat to a dynamic conversation with Jaden Abad, a rising star in automotive and the son of industry legend Patrick Abad. Jaden is bringing new energy, bold ideas, and an unstoppable drive to reshape how dealers think about used car operations, customer relationships, and the power...

Welcome back to Used Car Solved! Today’s episode is packed with insights, strategies, and let’s be honest—some serious mic drops. I had the absolute pleasure of hosting three industry powerhouses: Daniel Crainic of Time Auto Group, Jared Kilway from Casa Auto Group. Here’s what’s on the table: We’re diving deep into how disruptors like CarMax and Carvana have reshaped the game—and more importantly...

Alright, buckle up, because this episode is one of those “you’ve got to hear it to believe it” conversations. I sat down with Diego Vargas, a 30+ year veteran of the automotive industry and the new VP of Dealer Services at VinCue, to unpack how technology and curiosity are shaping the future of retail automotive. Whether you’re a dealer navigating inflation, rising interest rates, or the evolution...

In this episode I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with two of the sharpest minds in the automotive industry: Edgar Castellanos, the mastermind behind California Motors Direct and Euro Motor Cars, and Daniel Crainic, the driving force of DNC Motors and Time Auto Group. These guys didn’t just stumble into success—they built it from the ground up, navigating the challenges of independent d...

In this episode my guest is none other than Alan Haig , the mastermind behind Haig Partners and one of the most trusted advisors in retail automotive. If you're a dealer, investor, or just fascinated by the business of cars, this episode is your front-row seat to what’s really happening under the hood of the industry. Alan doesn’t just dabble in data—he and his team live it. From record-break...

Alright, my friends – buckle up, because this episode is an absolute masterclass in what it takes to build a wildly profitable used car operation in today's market. And trust me, you're going to want to take notes… or at least listen twice. In this special segment of "Disruptive Forces", I’m joined by three powerhouses: Danny Zaslavsky from VinCue, Darrell Steed from Smart Wolf...

Hey friends, welcome back to the show, and happy holidays! Wherever you are, I hope you’re surrounded by loved ones and soaking in the good vibes this season.  I’ve got a special guest for you today—someone I’ve been looking forward to having on for a while. Meet Adam Arens, the owner and operator of Patriot Auto Group. Adam is one of those names in the automotive world that stands out for all the...

Hey friends, you’re in for a real treat today. I brought on three absolute legends in the automotive world for this episode of Disruptive Forces. Meet Jason Rice, the mastermind behind Lot Pop (and a guy so obsessed with sales turn, his license plate says it all), Joel Bassam, president of Eastern’s Auto Group and a pioneer in innovative dealership strategies, and Adam Aarons, owner of the Patriot...

Welcome back to this episode of The David Spisak Show, today's episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone in the automotive industry—especially if you’re knee-deep in the world of used cars. Joining me are two incredible guests: Jared Kalfus, EVP at Black Book, and Laura Wehunt, VP of Data & Analytics. These two sit at the very heart of the used car universe, and they’re here to unpack...

Hey there, friends! You know I love bringing the heavy-hitters to the show, and today is no exception. In this episode of Disruptive Forces, I’m joined by four absolute legends in the industry: Tommy Gibbs, a veteran who’s guided countless dealers to success; David Long, the mastermind behind 79 (and counting) buy centers; Rob Ruth, who’s doing mind-blowing numbers in a tiny town of 2,900 people;...

Ah, December, my friends, is here. The lights are up, Andy Williams is on repeat, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already had your fair share of holiday treats. But there’s something about this time of year that just feels different, doesn’t it? In this episode, I’m diving into what makes December the most wonderful time of the year—not just for the holiday vibes but for the life lessons it...

Welcome back, my friends—today’s episode is packed with pure gold. I promised you this one would over-deliver, and I don’t make promises lightly. Joining me for a powerful segment of Disruptive Forces is the legendary Michael Porro from Honda World in Louisville, Kentucky. Michael isn’t just a dealer—he’s an innovator, a leader, and someone who lives the mantra: “Better Every Day.” From the moment...

Alright, here’s the deal. You know how some conversations stick with you long after they’re over? Well, that’s exactly what happened the first time I chatted with Jarrod Kilway, VP of Digital Operations at Casa Auto Group. And when I say "stick with you," I mean I was still thinking about it during Thanksgiving dinner. So, naturally, I had to bring him back for round two. If you’re wonde...

Picture this: You’ve got the cars, the team, and the ambition, but something’s clogging up the works—your recon process. Sound familiar? Well, today’s episode of Disruptive Forces in Retail Automotive is here to blow the doors off your inefficiencies and show you how to get those cars from just bought to just sold in record time. I’ve gathered an all-star crew to spill their secrets and strategies...

Today's episode is a must-listen! I sit down with none other than Chris Martinez, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio—a leader who has not only mastered the auto world but also written the book on it. Literally. Let me set the scene for you. Chris didn’t grow up dreaming about selling cars. In fact, his twin brother accidentally nudged him into the business (you’ll want to stick a...

In this powerhouse panel discussion, I sit down with some of the sharpest minds in automotive retail to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today: achieving the ideal inventory mix. Joining me are Joe Blanco GM Sheehy Auto Group, Boris Lopez VP of Operations Toy Tech Motors, Adam Arens of Patriot Subaru, and Danny Zaslavsky, President and co-founder of VinCue. Together, we unpa...

This one’s special. You know I’m all about digging into the real stories—the wins, the lessons, and the grit behind the people shaping our industry. Today, I’m sitting down with Yossi Levi, or as most of you know him, Car Dealership Guy. If you’ve been following his journey, you already know he’s the guy who took what many see as a “traditional” business and flipped the script, building a brand, a...

Ever wondered why some dealerships are thriving online while others seem to struggle with customer retention? What if your website’s design and speed could make the difference between a customer purchase and a lost opportunity? In today’s digital world, first impressions are often made on a screen, not in person. In this episode, Kyle Mountsier, COO of Auto Genius, dives deep into why many dealers...

What if every appraisal was the key to industry-leading profitability? In today's market, the power of acquisition strategies has never been more critical. With the rise of disruptors like Carvana and CarMax, the question on every dealership's mind is: How do we stay competitive and maximize profitability? In this episode of Disruptive Forces in Retail Automotive, I sit down with three i...

What if building a company isn’t just about selling a product, but about transforming an industry? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Tim Cox, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of CarNow, a guy whose journey from the dealership floor to creating one of the industry’s most impactful tech solutions is nothing short of legendary. We dig into how CarNow came to be—not from some grand bl...

You know, one of the things I love most about this industry is that every leader has a story—and today’s guest, Damon Lester, has one of the most unique I’ve ever heard. Imagine stepping into the world of auto dealerships before you’ve even set foot inside a dealership. Yeah, you heard that right. Damon went from the world of accounting to becoming the owner of Nissan Bowie and long-time chairman...