EP 9:23 The Future of Automotive: Mastering Media & Navigating Through the EV and AI Revolution

Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast

In this power-packed episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean V. Bradley, President of Dealer Synergy, and Karen Bradley, CEO of Dealer Synergy, have the pleasure of sitting down with none other than the legend himself, Jim Fitzpatrick co-founder and president of CBT News!

“Behind every great salesperson is a positive mental attitude, and behind every loser is typically the opposite of that." - Jim Fitzpatrick

Recorded in the jaw-dropping CBT News studio, this episode is INTENSE! We’re talking about Jim’s EPIC journey from running a dealership to building a digital media empire that’s changing the game for the automotive industry!

"If your dealership is 30-40% off [of your sales goals], you’re going to want start listening." - Jim Fitzpatrick

But we don’t stop there! We dive DEEP into the hottest topics shaking up the industry right now—like the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the power of artificial intelligence (AI), and how they’re transforming the dealership model. Plus, Jim brings the HEAT with stories from his exclusive interviews with top industry insiders. If you want to know what’s NEXT for dealerships and how to STAY AHEAD! Don’t miss out, tune in NOW!

Key Takeaways

• Transformative Platforms: CBT News serves as a 'town hall' for the automotive industry, connecting dealers, executives, and other professionals to share ideas and tackle common challenges.

• Dealer and Vendor Perspectives: Jim's dual experience as a dealer and vendor allows him to provide unique insights and facilitate balanced discussions relevant to all stakeholders.

• Industry Evolution: Current industry trends like EVs and AI significantly influence dealership operations, and staying ahead is crucial for success.

• Interpersonal Dynamics: The benefits and challenges of working with a spouse in a professional setting can lead to a successful business partnership and personal growth.

• Adapting to Change: The automotive industry must embrace innovation and adaptability to overcome existing challenges and meet consumer demands.

About Jim Fitzpatrick

Jim Fitzpatrick is the co-founder and president of CBT News, a leading platform providing news and interviews dedicated to the automotive industry. With over 25 years of experience in the car business, Jim has transitioned from dealership management to digital media, leveraging his experience to bridge communication between dealers, OEM executives, and industry professionals. Before launching CBT News, Jim was involved with Force Marketing, where he implemented impactful automotive marketing strategies. Known for his engaging interviews and insightful industry analysis, Jim continues to influence and inform automotive professionals nationwide.

Resources:

Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership’s sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!

Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry’s #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.

The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 28,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!

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The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By:

Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast.

Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.

Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry’s top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

Navigating the Automotive Industry Landscape: Insights from CBT News and Dealership Dynamics Key Takeaways

• The evolving role of digital platforms like CBT News is crucial for dealer and vendor engagement in the automotive industry.

• Successful dealership operations hinge on balancing innovation, accountability, and maintaining core fundamentals.

• Industry experts emphasize the importance of personal and professional growth for achieving long-term success in the automotive sector.

The Importance of Digital Media in the Automotive Industry

In today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape, digital media platforms play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between industry players. As discussed in the podcast featuring Jim Fitzpatrick of CBT News and Sean V. Bradley, digital platforms have created unique opportunities for OEMs, dealers, and vendors to engage in meaningful dialogue. "We said, well, look, let's put this out there, and we'll see if there's any takers," said Jim Fitzpatrick on starting CBT News. This reflects the initial uncertainty yet burgeoning potential of digital news networks.

These platforms are not just news purveyors; they are vital for fostering industry-wide collaboration and innovation. For instance, CBT News regularly features interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders—from OEM executives to small dealer owners—each providing insights that are crucial for collective growth. "It's kind of a town hall, if you will, every single day here at CBT News," Jim articulated, emphasizing CBT’s role as a hub for industry dialogue.

By providing a space to share best practices and innovations, digital outlets like CBT News empower industry players to stay ahead of emerging trends, fostering an inclusive environment where varied perspectives enrich the conversation. Given the industry's shift towards incorporating electric vehicles (EVs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), these platforms are instrumental in guiding dealerships as they adapt to new technologies.

Balancing Innovation and Core Dealership Fundamentals

While digital transformation is vital, maintaining focus on core operational fundamentals remains a challenge for many dealerships. The discussion between Jim Fitzpatrick and Sean V. Bradley highlighted a recurring theme in the automotive space: the need for dealers to innovate without losing sight of essential business practices.

Bradley pointed out that dealerships often struggle to implement next-level strategies because they have yet to master the basics. "By 2025, we shouldn't have the same antiquated conversations about calling people back or basic stuff," he stressed. This calls for a reassessment of internal processes and training methodologies to ensure that foundational competencies are robustly developed before pursuing advanced initiatives.

For instance, Jim Fitzpatrick shared an anecdote on how easily internal inefficiencies could be overlooked, leading dealers to externalize blame when things go wrong. "I'd be getting ready in the morning. I say, I have a great idea. She'll go, wait a minute. Can we just focus on the last 14 great ideas that you had?" he quipped, underscoring the importance of disciplined execution even amidst a proliferation of ideas.

Dealers must focus on harmonizing the pursuit of innovation with established business fundamentals. This balanced approach enables them to remain agile and responsive to industry disruptions while ensuring sustained operational excellence.

Prioritizing Personal and Professional Growth in the Automotive Industry

Personal and professional development is increasingly recognized as the cornerstone of long-term success within the automotive sector. Industry leaders like Jim Fitzpatrick and Sean V. Bradley underscore the value of incorporating holistic development approaches that go beyond traditional sales training.

Fitzpatrick noted the positive effects of engaging with self-improvement resources, indicating, "we have got five kids. It's a blended family. But we don't have any children other than our little dog. We love it." His words underscore the importance of adopting a balanced lifestyle, which directly impacts professional efficacy.

Furthermore, Karen Bradley highlighted, "Life is so short… you share the same mission and goals, and you're both driving for the same thing." This ethos aligns with the broader industry perspective that strong collaboration, both personally and professionally, enriches team dynamics and performance.

Incorporating elements of personal development such as stress management, emotional intelligence, and positive mindset training can significantly enhance performance across all levels of the dealership. By investing in their human capital, dealerships can inspire a dedicated and dynamic workforce poised to excel in an ever-changing industry landscape.

Dealers who prioritize comprehensive development strategies will likely cultivate an empowered, motivated workforce, better equipped to meet the evolving demands of today’s market.

Engagement with digital media, alignment of innovation with core fundamentals, and commitment to personal growth paint a promising future for the automotive industry, pushing boundaries and fostering a more interconnected, vibrant community. Armed with these insights, dealerships can confidently navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring sustained growth in a rapidly evolving market.