TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond

Growth rarely shows up wrapped in convenience. Sometimes it looks like discomfort. Sometimes it looks like spending money on yourself when every instinct tells you to put everyone else first. Tim Cox sits down with April Simmons, Heidi German, and Wendy Cornell for an honest, grounded conversation about what happens when women in automotive finally say “yes” to their own development — and how that...

In this special episode of Tim Talks, Tim sits down with dealer principal Tim Pohanka to unpack one of the most creative, daring, and downright fun marketing experiments the automotive world has seen in years. Pohanka and two other Nissan dealer principals each bought a sub-$10,000 used Nissan, added minimal modifications, and embarked on a 1,200-mile off-road endurance challenge across Utah’s mos...

From athletic trainer to one of the most outspoken voices in automotive, Brooke Furniss has built her career on one rule — facts, not feelings.  In this episode, Tim sits down with Brooke to unpack how a corneal transplant, a detour into DealerSocket, and years inside dealerships led her to build a platform that defends dealers, challenges vendors, and demands truth in an industry full of noise. W...

What if the reason you’re not growing isn’t your business, your team, or your market — it’s you? In this episode, Tim sits down with world-renowned executive coach Chris Hunsicker , a former therapist turned leadership mentor whose honest, no-nonsense approach has reshaped how leaders think about growth. Chris shares the truth behind resilience, why “grinding harder” isn’t the answer, and how the...

In this moving conversation on TimTalks, Tim Cox sits down with Mickey Seelye, President & CEO of Seelye Auto Group in Kalamazoo, Michigan—a third-generation dealer whose leadership begins and ends with faith. Mickey shares how he rebuilt his family business from the inside out: valuing people over profit, choosing culture over convenience, and insisting that his faith be part of every decisio...

Tim sits down with David Long of Hansel Auto Group to explore clarity, accountability, and pouring into people. In this episode, David shares the origins of his Pandemic of Positivity, the foundation of his upcoming book, “Step Zero,” and his Return on Time framework. From his start detailing cars in Ohio to leading one of the strongest groups in the country, David’s story is proof that success le...

In this episode of “ TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond ,” Tim Cox sits down with Laurie Halter , founder and CEO of Charisma! Communications. Laurie shares her journey through the industry—from her early days at Chrome Data to running her own successful agency—and opens up about leadership, culture, and the powerful rise of women in automotive. From the importance of sitting “in every cha...

Excelling Through the 'Yeah Buts' with Evangeline Sutton & Hayden Hicks The latest TimTalks explores the foundations of exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and servant-minded growth in the automotive world.  Tim joined Hayden Hicks, who is leading the charge at Jerry Hunt Supercenter with 900 used cars sold monthly, and Evangeline Schultz-Sutton, the dynamic CMO helping s...

Challenging Ego and Creating Empathy with April Simmons Tim sits down with industry powerhouse, April Simmons, to explore her journey from loan officer to digital retailing pioneer to operations leader at Horne Auto Group. April shares candid stories of breaking barriers as a woman in automotive, building successful internet departments, and discovering her “second mountain”—a mission to empower o...

On the latest “TimTalks,” Roger Hendon shares how he transformed Valdosta Toyota from a low-performing store to a top closer by building champions.  Discover how empowering his team, establishing expectations, and leading with humility broke decades-old records. Learn Roger’s step-by-step strategy for dealership success, the power of belief, and what it takes to create a team that manages itself. ...

Tim sat down with five standout students and Elgie Bright, the heart behind Northwood University’s automotive program.  Meet Colin, Katrina, Julia, Chase, and Brooke. From global experiences to major internships and career goals, these future leaders share how Northwood empowers them to thrive. Packed with inspiration, insights, and lessons, this episode shares a front-row seat to the next generat...

Tim sits down with Kyle Mountsier, COO and co-founder of ASOTU, to explore the journey from retail automotive to purpose-driven leadership.  Kyle shares powerful stories of culture transformation, the origins of ASOTU, and how creating an environment where people see the best in themselves can change everything.  From personal faith to professional breakthroughs, this conversation unpacks what it...

In a TimTalks first, Kyle Disher, founder of RevDojo, demonstrates a live, impromptu mystery shop, highlighting the exchange’s strengths and areas to improve.  Throughout the conversation, Tim and Kyle dive into what’s working—and what’s not—in dealership sales today. We learn what separates average dealerships from the exceptional and how small process improvements can lead to big wins.  From mys...

In the latest episode of TimTalks, Glenn Pasch joins Tim to discuss his new book, “The Road to Sold,” the evolution of digital retailing, and how leadership drives lasting change in automotive.  From his journey into the industry to powerful lessons in process and customer experience, this is a must-watch for anyone in automotive.  Connect with Glenn on LinkedIn , and order “The Road to Sold” toda...

Ben Hadley, CEO & co-founder of Auto Genius, joined Tim for the latest episode of “Tim Talks: Leadership and Beyond.” From building a brand that can’t be measured by metrics to empowering teams with creativity and purpose, don’t miss the dynamic conversation on driving success.  Ben shares his journey through tech, leadership, and launching game-changing strategies. Discover how community, cul...

In this episode, Tim sits down with Danny Zaslavsky to explore personal resilience, leadership, and innovation in the automotive world. From growing up as a Ukrainian immigrant to building a tech-driven dealership and co-founding VINCUE, Danny shares how purpose and culture have guided his journey.  Connect with Danny on LinkedIn .  [00:00–01:03] Welcome Danny  Tim introduces Danny Zaslavsky, foun...

In this episode of “TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond.” Tim welcomes Michael Speigl, dealer principal of We Auto and industry leader. They dive into what makes great leadership, how to build a winning culture, and the power of mentorship in business.  Michael shares insights on how his dealerships thrive by focusing on people, community, and core values, while Tim highlights key lessons o...

Unlock elite sales success! Jonathan Dawson joins Tim Cox for an inspiring conversation. Jonathan shares game-changing insights from his 25-year journey in the automotive industry. A 24-time NADA speaker, co-founder of the Pinnacle Society, and president of Sellchology Sales Training , Jonathan dives deep into the mindset, strategies, and leadership principles that separate top performers from the...

Great leadership is the key to every successful dealership, and Tim Pohanka proves it.  On the latest TimTalks episode, Tim, VP of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai, shares how he transformed struggling stores, built a powerhouse team, and created a leadership retreat that breaks down silos between sales, service, and vendor partners.  Learn how process, accountability, and innovative thinking drive dealersh...

 “Tim Talks: Leadership and Beyond” sits down with Adam Arens, owner of Patriot Auto Group. Adam shares his incredible journey to becoming the region’s most successful Subaru dealer.  They explore actionable leadership strategies, the importance of mentorship, and how to build a winning culture. Adam opens up about overcoming challenges, embracing ambitious goals, and developing teams that thrive...

In this inspiring episode of TimTalks, Troy Duhon, owner of Premier Auto Group and founder of Giving Hope Foundation, shares his journey from overcoming personal tragedies to building a life of leadership and philanthropy.  Learn how he transformed pain into a global mission, feeding thousands, building orphanages worldwide, and creating a legacy of compassion in the automotive industry.  Connecte...

In this episode of TimTalks, Tim sits down with Brad Wise, executive manager at Ferman Automotive, to explore the transformative power of leadership. Brad encourages us to find the gift within challenges, illustrating how reframing obstacles can unlock hidden opportunities From overcoming limiting beliefs to recruiting for success, Brad's insights will motivate you to embrace progress over pe...

In this episode of “TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond,” Tim sits down with Adam Merlin, founder and president of Merlin Auto Group, to discuss his inspiring journey from a childhood passion for Ferraris to building one of the most respected independent luxury car dealerships in the country. Starting with a 400-square-foot office during the 2008 financial crisis, Adam reveals how creativit...

This episode of TimTalks dives deep into the essence of leadership, culture, and resilience, featuring David Spisak, president and CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions LLC. Drawing on decades of experience, David shares his journey from running the most profitable dealership in America to now, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in an industry accustomed to cycles of change. David and Tim ex...

Tim welcomes Todd Caputo, president of Todd Caputo Consulting, for another episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond . Formerly known as the “Used Car King,” Todd shares his journey from growing up in his father’s dealership, to building and selling multiple high-performing stores, and now consulting for dealerships around the country. Tim and Todd discuss progressive leadership, recru...