The Independent Dealer Podcast

Winding down a Buy Here Pay Here portfolio sounds simple until you’re actually in it. In this episode of  The Independent Dealer Podcast , Jeff sits down with Luke to talk through the real-world process of intentionally winding down a BHPH operation. Not from a theory standpoint. From lived experience. They dig into what happens after you stop originating deals, why staying open matters more than...

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Monday Minute, part of our new series on The Independent Dealer Podcast, brought to you by our sponsor, Podium. The Monday Minute is your quick weekly reset. It’s designed to help you lead better, think clearer, and build your dealership with intention. Think of this as the mindset. The Sunday newsletter is the roadmap. This week, Jeff breaks down one of the most import...

Most independent dealers already have a reinsurance company. The problem is knowing what to do after it’s set up. In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, we go past the basics and into advanced reinsurance strategy for dealers who are already in the game. If you’ve been running reinsurance for years and still wonder whether you’re maximizing it, this conversation is for you. Bret from B...

What is the real purpose of your dealership? In this Monday Minute from the Independent Dealer Podcast, we challenge the idea that dealerships exist only to sell cars. The truth is, a successful dealership is a platform for service, opportunity, and long-term impact — for customers, employees, and the community. In this episode, we cover: Why defining your dealership’s purpose is critical to leade...

In this episode, we dig into what independent dealers are facing right now and what it actually takes to grow in the current market. We talk about goal setting that doesn’t get forgotten, how to make 50 cars a month a real target instead of a wish, and why accountability and visibility inside the dealership matter more than ever. We cover the numbers behind realistic sales goals, breaking them dow...

In  Episode 411 of The Independent Dealer Podcast , we take you inside  RPM Garage  in Dallas, Texas for a full shop tour with special guest  Patrick Ellefson . This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a specialty dealership built around classic cars, exotics, high-horsepower builds, and truly one-of-one inventory. Patrick breaks down how he sources unique vehicles, prices inventory for fas...

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast, we sit down with brothers Travis and Casey of Vamos Auto in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 🚗💥 They break down how they took over a distressed buy here, pay here dealership, uncovered major operational issues, and rebuilt it into a premium BHPH operation. 🚀What you’ll learn in this episode: 📚🔹 How a Navy F-18 pilot and Top Gun graduate became a b...

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast's "How I Built This" series, we sit down with Ricky Thomas of Wildcat Used Cars in Somerset, Kentucky. 🚗💥 Ricky shares his incredible journey from getting fired on his FIRST DAY as a sales manager to building a 16-acre independent dealership empire that sells 1,000+ cars a year! 🚀Here's what you'll learn: 📚🔹 How Ricky wen...

What does it take to build a thriving buy-here-pay-here dealership from scratch? Join us as we sit down with Darla Booher—2002 startup founder, National Quality Dealer Award winner, and incoming NIADA President. Discover her incredible 20-year journey from franchise sales manager to BHPH powerhouse.🎯 In This Episode:Why she left franchise dealerships for BHPHStarting with just $30K right after 9/...

End of the year creeping up on you? 😅 Don't be that dealer scrambling on December 30th! In this episode, Jeff and Luke break down the 5 ESSENTIAL year-end moves every independent dealer needs to make before December 31st. From tax strategy to portfolio cleanup, these time-sensitive tips could save you hundreds of thousands.🎯 What We Cover:✅ Why you need to meet with your CPA NOW (not Januar...

Alright dealers, we just got back from the Buy Here Pay Here Dealer Forum in Nashville, TN—and let me tell you, the ideas we picked up will more than pay for the trip. Here's what we cover:-The "Best Ideas" session—strategies dealers are using RIGHT NOW to win-Man-on-the-street interviews with dealers who are in the trenches just like you-How AI is changing the game for BHPH dealers...

Alright dealers, buckle up. We're talking AI in collections, and before you roll your eyes and say "not another AI conversation"—this one's different. We've got real numbers, real dealers, and real results. Robyn Burkinshaw (CEO of Blytzpay) joins us along with Kaleb Bryan and Kyle LeCrone from The Auto Cave to break down what's actually happening with AI-powered collecti...

Surprise Friday drop! Luke and Jeff are on their way to the Buy Here Pay Here Dealer Forum in Nashville and wanted to make sure you know about two important upcoming events. Nashville BHPH Forum - This Weekend! Luke will be leading an opening session Sunday afternoon (2:45-5:45 PM) with tactical worksheets and planning tools to get your 2026 squared away. Then stick around for the Best Idea Sessio...

In this candid conversation, we dive into real user experience with our automotive shipping platform, Auto Hauler Exchange. Jeff and Luke share their straightforward assessment of the service, highlighting what works well and where there's room for improvement. Key Discussion Points: - Transparency in pricing and platform fees - How our platform differs from traditional shipping brokers - The...

Join us for an in-depth conversation about the current challenges facing the buy here pay here industry. Luke Godwin and Jeff Watson from the Independent Dealer Podcast sit down with Kaleb Bryan in Dallas, Texas to discuss market conditions, exit strategies, and what it takes to survive in today’s climate. Key Topics Covered: • The Tricolor collapse and its impact on the industry • Understanding s...

Tax Season 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest stimulus events of the year—and most dealers aren't ready for it. In this dedicated episode, Bill Neylan, founder and CEO of Tax Max, breaks down why this tax season will be different and how independent dealers can capitalize on massive refund opportunities. With new tax laws creating $2,500-$3,500 MORE per customer in refunds, there'...

We're on location at a shuttered dealership in Texas to discuss one of the biggest cautionary tales in recent BHPH history. From alleged fraud to financial collapse, this episode breaks down what went wrong and the critical lessons every independent dealer needs to learn. In this special edition, we explore the downfall of what was once considered a poster child operation in the buy-here-pay-h...

Join us for this special milestone episode as Jeff and Luke celebrate 400 episodes of The Independent Dealer Podcast! After 7 years and never missing a week, they reflect on the biggest lessons learned, what they got wrong, and what's ahead for independent dealers. What You'll Learn:-The biggest lesson: There are countless ways to succeed in the car business - not just one "right way&...

In this episode of The Independent Dealer podcast, we sit down with Blake Ingram, owner of Auto City and one of the most respected names in the buy-here-pay-here industry. With 67 years of combined car dealer wisdom, Blake shares the hard-earned lessons that have made Auto City a thriving operation in the competitive world of subprime auto lending. Blake opens up about what it really takes to run...

Why September is the PERFECT Time to Start Tax Season PrepThink it's too early to plan for tax season? Think again! Jeff and Luke break down the 5 critical steps every independent dealer needs to take RIGHT NOW to maximize their biggest sales opportunity of the year. Key Takeaways:* Tax season isn't just for buy-here-pay-here dealers* Start preparation in September, not December* Your curr...

Join us for this special live episode from the Lease Here Pay Here Summit 2025 in San Diego as we sit down with Tracy Myers, fourth-generation dealer and owner of Frank Myers Auto. After 15+ years in buy-here-pay-here with 1,800 accounts, Tracy made the bold decision at age 52 to transition into lease-here-pay-here - and he's sharing everything he learned. What You'll Learn:* Why Tracy swi...

The Independent Dealer Podcast has a brand-new look — but the same trusted insight you know and love. Berry Creative partnered with the podcast to reimagine their branding, from visuals to identity, giving the show a modern, professional edge without changing the core conversations that dealers rely on In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes of the rebrand and why “new look, same insight”...

In this episode of  The Independent Dealer Podcast , the boys sit down with  Car Dealership Guy  to tackle the biggest challenges facing independents today—inventory management, hiring talent, scaling operations, and preparing for the future of AI in automotive retail. Here’s what you’ll learn: 💡 Why inventory is the  silent killer  and how to protect your margins 📊 How franchise stores leverage...

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast , the boys welcome back Jason Berry to dive deep into the strategies that actually work when pricing used cars in today’s competitive market. Here’s what you’ll learn: 💡 How to price smarter without racing to the bottom 📊 Tools and tactics Jason uses to stay ahead of market shifts 🚗 When to hold inventory and when to move it fast ⚡ Real-world t...

In this episode of The Independent Dealer Podcast , the boys dive into a grab bag of dealership hot topics and burning questions that have landed in their inbox lately. They break down: ⚡ The latest on the EV tax credit — and what it means for your inventory 🔧 Smart strategies for recon efficiency and cutting unnecessary costs 📬 Real dealer questions answered — from operations to profitability...