How to Build Championship Teams with Contests & Competitions

The hardest part of training isn't teaching the process—it's making sure it sticks. In this episode, I break down how to sustain momentum, accountability, and energy in your dealership using fun competitions, MVP recognition, and daily challenges.

I share real-world dealership strategies that keep teams engaged, motivated, and focused on growth, even when sales get tough. From raffle ticket rewards to upsell challenges and technician video contests, I'll walk you through simple but effective ways to reinforce training while making work fun.

If you're a dealership manager looking to create a high-performance culture, this episode will give you practical ways to celebrate wins, build camaraderie, and keep your team focused on execution.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace

Join us in an enlightening conversation as we sit down with Chris Sutton, Vice President Retail at JD Power and Associates, to unravel insights from their comprehensive study involving 35,000 car buyers. Delve into the dynamics of the automotive industry, where constraints and high prices challenge buyers, yet improvements in the overall consumer experience continue to shine through.

Despite service appointment delays and the absence of loaners, consumers have reported incremental enhancements in their service interactions, showcasing a resilient and evolving landscape. The heart of positive sales and service experiences lies in the personal connections forged with salespeople and advisors, emphasizing the pivotal role of human touch in delivering a friendly and memorable customer journey.

In the quest to foster customer loyalty, retailers are recognizing the significance of building lasting relationships through meaningful interactions. Chris sheds light on the transformative impact of video inspections and MPI (Multi-Point Inspections) in building trust and confidence among customers, essential elements that drive business growth and enhance customer loyalty.

With over 30 years of industry benchmarking expertise, JD Power and Associates unveil key consumer preferences in dealership experiences, shedding light on the evolving landscape of digital retailing. While online transactions have gained traction, a significant percentage of customers still prefer a blend of online and in-store experiences, especially in the realm of EV (Electric Vehicle) purchases.

As customer expectations continue to rise, retailers are urged to streamline processes and reduce wait times to meet evolving demands. Discover how the automotive industry is adapting to the changing landscape of consumer preferences and digital advancements to enhance business performance and customer loyalty.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into consumer expectations, digital retailing trends, and the future of dealership experiences from the industry expert, Chris Sutton.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

CallRevu.com is the leading automotive communications intelligence platform, offering call monitoring and call analysis, with technology optimized for sales, service (fixed ops) and marketing.

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Garces, President and COO of Automotive Capital, to break down the financial strategies that allow dealership operators to grow, scale, and even own their own store—without putting up massive amounts of personal cash. Dan has spent his career helping dealers navigate the complexities of capital, and today, he's sharing real-world insights on how funding works, how to leverage it properly, and what separates those who stay operators from those who become owners.

We dive into:

• The biggest mistakes dealers make when it comes to financing growth.
• Alternative funding options that don't drain your cash flow.
• How to position yourself for ownership even if you don't have millions in the bank.
• The mindset shift required to go from running a store to owning one.

If you've ever dreamed of owning your own dealership, expanding your operations, or simply improving your financial strategies as an operator, this episode is for you. Knowledge is the key to growth—and today, we're unlocking it.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

Mastering Service Drive Walkarounds in Live Role-Play – Real Training for Real Results...COME ON NOW!!!

In this episode, I'm opening the door to run through the plays of the most important activity a amanger can do with their selling machines - the Service Advisors! The power of the service drive walkaround—one of the most effective yet underutilized tools for selling service work. I’ve been training dealership teams across the country, and I’ve seen firsthand how confidence, engagement, and real-world practice can completely transform how advisors interact with customers.

I explain how I do role-plays in Service!

Learn the break down on why role-playing is critical, how to avoid overwhelming customers with price breakdowns, and the game-changing impact of presenting financing options at the right moment. Plus, I’ll share an easy-to-implement training exercise that managers can use immediately to boost sales and customer experience on the drive.

🚗 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to execute a proper service walkaround to engage customers and sell more work
✅ Why live training activities (yes, role-playing!) are the fastest way to level up your skills
✅ The right way to present pricing and financing options to increase approvals
✅ How small adjustments in body language and conversation flow impact ROI & CSI

If you’re a service advisor, manager, or dealership leader, this episode is packed with real strategies you can implement today. Let’s get to work!🛠️

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

Mark Queen, the visionary CEO of Skaivision and one of the original founders behind eLead CRM, joins me to dive into the future of AI-powered dealership efficiency. Skaivision is revolutionizing the way dealers view process breakdowns by layering powerful AI—specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)—over existing dealership camera systems. This groundbreaking tech captures real-time activity in sales and service, highlights missed opportunities, and even delivers instant vehicle offers during service visits.

Mark walks us through his entrepreneurial journey, from Reynolds & Reynolds to creating the largest CRM in auto retail, to now tackling tech fatigue and inefficiencies head-on. If you're in the car business—service, sales, tech, or leadership—this episode will fuel your thinking about what's possible when innovation meets daily dealership challenges.

We talk express service friction, retention killers, service-to-sales drama, video transparency, and how real-time AI automation can make your people faster, more productive, and more profitable.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the auto industry's most respected founders!

👋 Mark.Queen@skaivision.com | skaivision.com

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

In this episode, I'm in the trenches—literally—on-site with a dealership service management team I've been working with. We've trained, implemented new tactics, and now we're locking in on accountability without turning the heat up too high.

Here's the truth: you don't need to micromanage to get big results. What you do need are simple, consistent actions that reinforce change. I walk through real-life examples—like how to use visual gauges during check-in, recognize loyal customers in the drive, and improve technician videos—to create habits that stick.

We dive into:

• How to reward the right behaviors without burning people out
• Why shadowing advisors and reviewing MPI calls should be your weekly rhythm
• A fun team game called "Sell It to Me" that builds value-selling skills
• How easy metrics like % of tech videos completed can keep your team focused
• Simple contests and incentives that actually motivate people to grow

Bottom line: when your people are having fun, feel seen, and know what to aim for—they win and so do your numbers. If you're a service manager who wants real accountability without the grind, you need this episode.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. NADA Show Booth #803 Autosled.com is the next-generation automotive transportation logistics platform and marketplace.

In this episode, I’m talking directly to the powerhouse behind the most successful service departments: Lane Managers. Also known as Assistant Managers, these leaders are the glue that holds the service drive together. I’ve been spending time on-site with service teams recently, and when Lane Managers are engaged, locked in, and supporting the hustle live on the drive—everything changes fast.

We break down how Lane Managers reinforce training, support Advisors in the moment, jump into heat cases, and create an environment where growth isn’t just expected—it’s lived. From tightening up MPI processes to improving greeting structure, managing wait times, and even securing financing approvals—these leaders do it all. And when they do, you feel it: happier customers, faster approvals, more trust, and an energized team all rowing in the same direction.

This episode is filled with real examples, easy-to-execute ideas, and reminders of just how impactful Lane Managers are. It’s time to level up the leaders who keep the wheels turning!

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!

In this episode, I'm getting real about the grind of internet leads—the ones with no phone numbers, the ones who ghost you, and the ones who drain your time asking for information only to disappear into the void.

I've been there. I've sold cars. And now I work these leads live during my dealership sales training sessions. I'm in the trenches with you—setting same-day appointments with tough leads while coaching teams to win. That's why I care so deeply about helping sales pros and BDC reps level up.

You'll hear:

• Why urgency is non-negotiable when working internet leads

• How to stand out in a crowded inbox

• The power of a well-timed phone call vs. a lifeless text chain

• Voicemail strategies that actually spark engagement

• How ChatGPT can help you write customized, value-packed follow-up messages

• What mindset it takes to thrive in today's high-competition digital battlefield

Whether you're struggling to convert leads or just want to refresh your game with 2025 tactics, this episode is packed with real talk, real examples, and strategies that actually work.

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast | 🎧 https://apple.co/38lmHM1 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t | Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

🔥Check out our sponsors!🔥

LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability.

ActivEngage.com messaging seamlessly integrates into your dealership operations to attract, engage and convert more online shoppers with live people 24/7!