The Automotive Advertising Podcast
Jim Flint
Jim Flint and guests discuss marketing topics from traditional to OTT, to all things digital. Join them on the fast track to successful and influential automotive advertising.
Episodes
Season 5, Episode 22: Looking for a Fast Way to Scale?
Looking for a fast way to scale your business? Football season. The game got faster. A veteran NFL quarterback talks about real-time reads—not simpler reads, quicker ones. With performance on the line. We can't see everything anymore. So how do we get to the best decision, faster? What could that mean for your dealership's advertising, inventory, and next customer? Listen to what he said. Then tell me that wouldn't work in the car business. The competition is getting faster. How can we?
Season 5, Episode 21: Monique Sar on AI Influencers & Viral Dealership Marketing
In this episode of the Automotive Advertising Podcast, Jim Flint sits down with Monique Sar to discuss how dealerships can think differently about attention, content, influencers, and AI in today's market. Together, they explore creator partnerships, scroll stopping content, real world events, and where AI can accelerate marketing while human creativity still makes the difference. From viral moments to AI-powered execution, this conversation explores what modern dealerships need to consider as automotive advertising continues to evolve. Follow Monique: https://www.instagram.com/moniquesar.boss/?hl=en
Season 5, Episode 20: The Dealers Who Win With AI Will Build in July
AI is coming to your dealership. In many cases, it's already there. The question is not whether you invest — the question is how. In this episode, Jim Flint explains why summer is the most important AI investment window, and why building in July means you're ready to execute in September. Building is not the same as waiting. The dealers who win with AI will start the build in July.
Season 5, Episode 19: You Cannot Be Serious
In this episode, Jim Flint uses John McEnroe's famous Wimbledon meltdown to talk about the objections dealerships are still making in the AI race. From AI workflows to getting dealership data LLM ready, Jim explains why "we're not ready" is no longer a strategy. He also looks at the coming opportunity around ChatGPT advertising and why early movers may secure a real advantage before the auction gets crowded. The call may stand for now, but that doesn't mean it's right. You cannot be serious — but dealers who wait too long might be.
Season 5, Episode 18: Arnold Gacita: AI Can't Fix Auto Service Alone
Can better training fix automotive service? In this episode, Jim Flint sits down with Arnold Gacita, President of Petra, to talk entrepreneurship, service advisor training, AI, leadership, and the people behind the dealership business. Arnold shares how his family's work ethic shaped his career, why Petra puts relationships first, and how Petra Cares is creating meaningful opportunities for foster youth. The conversation explores why service advisors need stronger training, where AI and common sense fit into dealership operations, and why communication and lasting customer relationships remain the foundation of great service.
Season 5, Episode 17: The World Cup and Your Market
Cabo Verde had 120 minutes. Your dealership has a summer. In this episode, Jim Flint explores what an unlikely World Cup matchup reveals about competing in a market dominated by bigger names. The biggest dealer may have more inventory, more budget, and more brand recognition. But AI is creating a rare window where smaller, sharper dealerships can compete with better follow-up, smarter lead handling, conversational advertising, and stronger inventory visibility.The gap is not gone. But for now, execution can matter more than scale. The question is simple: will your dealership use the window before the biggest players catch up?
Season 5, Episode 16: Chris Martinez: Can AI Sell Cars? The Dealership Playbook Is Changing
Can AI actually sell cars? In this episode, Jim Flint sits down with Chris Martinez to discuss AI adoption in dealerships, why many dealers know they need it but haven't implemented it, and what successful adoption looks like in the real world. From leadership and operations to practical crawl-walk-run strategies, this conversation explores the opportunities, challenges, and practical realities of AI in automotive retail—and what dealerships should be thinking about next.
Season 5, Episode 15: The Room Where It Happens
The F&I office is the highest-margin room in the dealership, and one of the last areas AI has barely touched. In this episode, Jim Flint explains why that's about to change, what shrinking front-end gross and strong F&I performance tell us about the future, and how AI is reshaping everything that happens before the customer enters the room. AI doesn't change the room. It changes who walks in prepared. The Happening — decoding AI's takeover of the car business, one room at a time.
Season 5, Episode 14: Banners and Balance Sheets
Championship rosters don't happen by accident. Neither do championship dealerships. Every spring, two championships get decided — one on hardwood, one on ice. Both have something to teach about how you're spending. In this episode, Jim Flint breaks down why the Spurs can win with a $13.4M rookie deal while the Knicks spend $250M chasing the same outcome, and what two different Stanley Cup builds reveal about spending efficiency. Plus the one number every dealer should track: total ad spend divided by units sold. The question isn't whether you're spending enough. The question is whether you'll be able to afford the extension.
Season 5, Episode 13: Not Everyone Gets a Ring
The ring doesn't go to the team that wanted it most. It goes to the team that built for it first. In this episode, Jim Flint explains why the AI moment in auto retail is happening now, why 81% believe but only 5% have moved, and how early adopters are building an advantage that compounds. The decision is all that's left. Which side are you on?
Season 5, Episode 12: Milliseconds: Speed is the Strategy
The fastest driver rarely wins the Indy 500. The best-prepared team does. Your dealership advertising works the same way. Every car search opens an auction that closes before you can blink. Win the click, and your page has about three seconds to load before the buyer leaves — 53% abandon a site slower than that. Speed is the strategy. At every level of the race.
Season 5, Episode 11: Shut Up and Listen!
Tilman Fertitta didn't just buy a basketball team. He bought twenty more nights of revenue in a building he already owns. In this episode, Jim Flint explains why that same fixed-cost math applies to dealerships, AI adoption, and the widening gap between stores adapting early and those falling behind. 81% of dealers say AI is here to stay. Only 5% have implemented it. Same building. More Nights. The math keeps running whether you listen to it or not.
Season 5, Episode 10: The Market Was Already There
From the NBA Finals to Caitlin Clark's breakout moment, this isn't just a sports story—it's how markets reveal themselves when the product becomes undeniable. In this episode, Jim Flint connects that same pattern to automotive retail, where today's car buyer is already informed by AI before ever contacting a dealership. LLM-driven dealership traffic is up 43% in a single month, signaling a major shift in how customers arrive. AI didn't create the informed buyer—it empowered them. The question is which dealerships adapt to that reality, and which get left behind.
Season 5, Episode 9: They Didn't Want Her Here
What happened with Caitlin Clark wasn't just sports. It was disruption. A new audience showed up, the incumbents resisted, and the product grew anyway. In this episode, Jim Flint connects the "Caitlin Clark effect" to what AI is doing to the automotive industry as AI-informed buyers reshape the dealership experience before ever making contact. The buyers are already here. The question is which dealers are ready for them.
Season 5, Episode 8: Draft Day: Three Drafts. One Question Data Can't Answer.
Three drafts this week: NFL, WNBA expansion, WNBA regular. Can data tell you who someone is going to become? Ai is reshaping scouting and dealership lead-scoring, but both still come down to people, not predictions. Your dealership runs this same draft every month. AI scores the lead, ranks it, predicts conversion. Dealerships using AI-managed lead systems are converting at 26% higher rates. But the lead still becomes a conversation. And the model's output becomes context — not conclusion. The car business has always been a people business. The question is whether it still will be.
Season 5, Episode 7: AI vs Google — The Future of Car Buying is Changing Fast
AI is changing how cars are bought and who controls the process. In this episode, Jim Flint and Corey Lydstone break down how ChatGPT, MCP (Model Context Protocol), and AI-driven search are reshaping automotive sales and marketing. From Google losing control of intent… to AI becoming the new front door for car buyers… this is a shift some dealers will take advantage of to drive more sales. The rules are changing. The dealers who adapt early win. Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not financial, legal, or business advice—do your own research.
Season 5, Episode 6: The Gap Is Getting Wider Every Week
AI doesn't make decisions, but it's already changing outcomes. In this episode, Jim Flint breaks down net income per employee, and why AI is about to move it in a way most dealers aren't ready for. This isn't about replacing producers. It's about removing the layers around them, and the scoreboard is already live. ⚠️ Informational only. Consult your team before making decisions.
Season 5, Episode 5: Every Shot has a Number
At Augusta, everything is measured, but in the end it comes down to a single putt. Automotive advertising is no different. Dealers have more data than ever, but one metric ultimately decides performance: cost per sale. In this episode, Jim Flint draws the parallel between golf's most measured stage and today's AI-driven dealership marketing environment, showing why the dealers winning with AI are the ones focused on the metric that actually decides the round.
Season 5, Episode 4: AI Something. AI Anything. But AI.
The Caddyshack cannonball is coming. AI in automotive is following the same path as past tech waves. Early adopters win, then everyone jumps in — the cannonball moment — and the advantage disappears. Jim Flint breaks down what dealers need to do now to stay ahead.
Season 5, Episode 3: 👉 If You Build It, They Won't Come — How 97 Car Dealers Got FTC Letters
If you build it… they won't come. 97 dealers got FTC letters—not for bad ads, but for ads that don't convert. The FTC CARS Rule is exposing the gap between dealer messaging and buyer trust. Same traffic. Same inventory. Different results. Some dealers are quietly winning, while others are spending more and falling behind.
Season 5, Episode 2: Chris George: The AI Revolution Reshaping Car Dealerships
Car dealerships are entering a new era, and AI is leading the charge. 🚀 Guest speaker, Chris George, joins Jim Flint to discuss how automation, digital auctions, and intelligent systems are reshaping sales, service, and the customer journey. They cover AI-powered appointment setting and BDC, service lane efficiency, the evolution of F&I and customer trust, digital auctions, and inventory strategy. If you want to understand how to prepare your dealership for the AI future and stay competitive, this episode delivers clear, practical insight.
Season 5, Episode 1: Missed NADA 2026? Here's Mike Udell's State of AI in Automotive
Missed NADA 2026? 👀 Guest speaker Mike Udell joins the conversation to break down what dealers really need to know about AI in automotive, without the hype, booths, or sales pitches. We focus on what's happening inside dealerships right now, how AI is being adopted, where it's driving real ROI, and where trends are outpacing execution. From sales and marketing to CRM and customer experience, this is a practical look at what is actually working. Whether you were at NADA or watching from home, this episode delivers clear insight on how dealers should approach AI today and what truly matters next.
Season 4, Episode 11: JJ Gottsch: "Don't Waste a Minute. Don't Waste a Day."
Guest speaker JJ Gottsch joins Jim Flint to discuss the future of Professional Bull Riding (PBR) and how to grow a sport without losing its soul. JJ shares insights as a former bull rider and current team owner on expanding into new markets, forming authentic partnerships, and balancing tradition with innovation. They explore how PBR builds community, earns fan trust, and scales responsibly. This episode offers actionable lessons in sports leadership, brand alignment, and growing organizations with purpose, values, and long-term vision.
Season 4, Episode 10: Kyle Richter's Consistency Code | From Baseball to Business
Guest speaker Kyle joins Jim Flint to share how consistency, mindset, and discipline shaped his journey from uncertainty to confidence, on the field and in life. Learn why small habits and showing up every day create a competitive advantage, how mindset shifts fuel growth, and why repetition and discipline matter more than motivation. This episode delivers actionable lessons for anyone focused on growth, performance, and becoming a stronger version of themselves.
Season 4, Episode 9: Ashley Cavazo on the Frontlines | Reinventing Automotive Marketing
Guest speaker Ashley Cavazos joins Jim Flint to unpack shifts in the automotive industry, from clean data and KPIs to AI, customer experience, and dealership marketing. Ashley shares what's changing, what still works, and how dealerships can stay competitive. Topics include metrics that matter, AI and ChatGPT, leadership and empowerment, and improving customer experience and leads. This episode delivers clear, actionable insights for dealership operations, marketing, and leadership in today's fast-moving auto industry.
Season 4, Episode 8: Robin Wilson's Impact View | A Look at Influence, Direction & Authenticity
Guest speaker Robin Wilson joins Jim Flint for a grounded and insightful conversation on presence, clarity, and personal strength. She shares the moments that shaped her voice and the principles she stands on today, from early life challenges to becoming a respected creator. You'll hear how personal history shapes confidence, why realness outperforms polish, and ways to express ideas with conviction and purpose. Robin also shares mindset shifts for strengthening presence, building trust, and staying centered while showing up publicly. If you're navigating ambition, identity, or influence in today's noisy world, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and actionable takeaways to show up authentically and powerfully.
Season 4, Episode 7: Steven Martin's Playbook for Success | Sales, AI & Modern Leadership
Guest speaker Steven Martin joins us to explore how college athletics, NIL, and modern coaching culture mirror today's automotive business. From locker-room lessons to real-world sales strategies, this conversation uncovers how mindset, discipline, and competitiveness shape long-term success. You'll hear how athletic training builds confidence, why adaptability is critical in the car business, lessons from NIL and the transfer portal, coaching styles, leadership, and the importance of authenticity and customer insight. The episode also covers turning fear of failure into fuel, developing talent, and building resilience in your career. Whether you're in automotive sales, management, sports, or just love stories of growth and grit, this episode is packed with perspective, life lessons, and takeaways you can use today.
Season 4, Episode 6: Christy Roman's Automotive Evolution | The Future of Dealerships
Christy Roman, Founder of Women in Automotive and CEO of Now Digital, joins Jim Flint to discuss the evolution of the automotive industry and how AI, data, and people are shaping its future. From her early career at Disney to leading digital transformation for dealerships, Christy shares lessons on leadership, innovation, and finding balance in a fast-changing world. In this episode, you'll hear about the shift from traditional to digital retail, how AI is reshaping dealership operations, the growing influence of women in automotive, and the importance of authenticity and connection in leadership.
Season 4, Episode 5: Reid Ryan Building Winning Teams | Leadership, Legacy & Life Lessons
Reid Ryan joins Jim Flint to share leadership, legacy, and life lessons from the world of baseball. From the dugout to the boardroom, Reid offers insights on building lasting impact both on and off the field. You'll hear lessons from growing up in the game, strategies for building enduring organizations and communities, the Ryan family's leadership values, and how purpose and teamwork drive long-term success. The conversation also touches on the future of athletes, NIL opportunities, and sports innovation. Whether you're in business, sports, or leadership, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.
Season 4, Episode 4: Rian Forestier on Navigating NIL with Automotive Sponsorships | Driving 4WARD
USC basketball player Rian Forestier, founder of the nonprofit 4WARD, joins Jim Flint to share her journey as a student-athlete and how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnerships, including with auto dealers, can create meaningful community impact. You'll hear about her mission donating 600+ pairs of shoes to Title I schools, navigating life as a student-athlete, lessons from boxing, and how sponsorships like Ford dealership NIL partnerships make a real difference. The episode also highlights the rise of women's basketball, growing WNBA visibility, and a surprise gift of rare Caitlin Clark sneakers plus NIL support from the automotive community. For auto dealers, this conversation shows how NIL partnerships can support athletes, expand community impact, and build strong local connections.
Season 4, Episode 3: Power Moves: Jack Hollis from Championships to Toyota to Olympics & Beyond
Guest speaker Jack Hollis, best known for his leadership roles with Toyota, sits down with Jim Flint to discuss sports, faith, leadership, and business. Drawing from his new role with the 2034 Utah Olympics, Jack shares why relationships, not transactions, are the foundation of lasting success. You'll hear reflections on tragedy, unity, and history, how sports teach lifelong lessons, the importance of people over technology in the dealer model, and strategies for building trust, leading teams, and coaching others. Faith as a foundation for success and community is also a key theme. Whether you're in business, sports, or seeking leadership inspiration, this episode is full of actionable lessons on teamwork, resilience, and human connection.
Season 4, Episode 2: Jim Flint Experience - Marc McGurren
The story starts in Vegas! In this episode, Marc McGurren joins us to explore how AI is transforming the automotive industry, from dealership operations and advertising to financial strategy and customer experience. Learn how self-improving AI tools are reshaping the way dealers run their businesses and create efficiencies for principals and general managers. Later, the conversation takes a surprising turn to the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones. Discover lessons in leadership, culture, and strategy from America's Team, and see how those insights connect to innovation and competition in the automotive world. From AI breakthroughs to sports dynasties, this episode connects two competitive worlds where technology, strategy, and execution define success.
Season 4, Episode 1: AI: When Car Dealers Advertise on ChatGPT
Can AI really sell cars? In this episode, Jim Flint and guest speaker, Shanehan Westphal, explore how dealerships are using ChatGPT, Grok, and other AI tools to advertise smarter, streamline operations, and improve the customer experience. You'll learn how AI is transforming lead generation, sales interactions, and service lane efficiency, as well as what dealerships need to know to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Whether you're in auto retail or just curious about the AI revolution, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Season 3: Episode 10: Super Bowl Predictions Gone Wrong | Ad Breakdowns & Marketing Insights
In this episode, Jim Flint reviews his not-so-spot-on Super Bowl 2025 predictions and breaks down the best (and funniest) commercials. From Uber Eats' nostalgia-packed spot with Matthew McConaughey to Dodge Ram's creative storytelling, he shares what worked, what didn't, and the key takeaways for automotive advertising.
Season 3: Episode 9: Car Dealerships: Lots Overflowing? DO THIS NOW!
In this episode, we tackle a common challenge for dealerships: what to do when your lot is overflowing with inventory. Discover marketing strategies specifically designed to move cars faster, including targeted Google Ads and PPC campaigns, social media tactics, and other digital marketing techniques tailored for busy dealerships. Learn actionable advertising tips and automotive marketing trends that help your dealership stand out and sell more vehicles, even in a crowded market. If your inventory isn't moving as fast as it should, this episode is packed with strategies to get your cars off the lot and into buyers' hands.
Season 3: Episode 8: How We Helped Dealers make $290+ million
In this episode, we reveal how dealerships can generate over $290 million in sales using effective digital marketing strategies. Learn how social media, Google Ads, and PPC campaigns can transform car dealership marketing. We cover practical advertising tips, broader automotive marketing strategies, and the latest digital marketing trends that give dealerships a competitive edge. This episode is packed with actionable insights for dealership owners and marketing professionals looking to boost sales and stay ahead in 2024.
Season 3: Episode 7: Best Google Ads Strategies For Car Dealerships (2024)
In this episode, we explore the best Google Ads strategies for car dealerships in 2024. We cover essential digital marketing tactics, including PPC campaigns, social media strategies, and practical advertising tips that drive results. Learn how dealerships are leveraging automotive marketing trends and case studies to boost sales and stay competitive. Whether you're a dealership owner or a marketing professional, this episode provides actionable insights to enhance your Google Ads and overall digital marketing strategy this year.
Season 3: Episode 6: How This Car Dealership Added 7 Figures PROFIT & Became #1 In His Market
In this episode, we share how one car dealership added seven figures in profit and became #1 in its market. We break down the digital marketing strategies that drove this success, including social media, Google Ads, and PPC campaigns. Learn how effective car dealership advertising and automotive marketing strategies can transform sales and keep you ahead of trends.
Season 3: Episode 5: Car Dealership Marketing: The Best Strategy You'll Probably Ignore (2024)
In this episode, we break down one of the most effective marketing strategies for car dealerships in 2024 and why many dealers overlook it. We cover how car dealership digital marketing connects with broader automotive marketing efforts, including social media, advertising strategy, and current digital trends. You'll also gain insight into running Google Ads and PPC campaigns more effectively as part of a stronger overall marketing approach. If you're serious about improving your dealership's marketing in 2024, this episode is essential.
Season 3: Episode 4: Car Dealers: STOP Running Ads Until You Watch This (2024 Strategy)
In this episode, we break down why car dealers should rethink their digital marketing strategy in 2024 before continuing to run ads. You'll learn key Google Ads strategies for car dealerships, how to optimize PPC campaigns, and the latest social media tactics for dealers. We also cover essential automotive marketing strategies and digital trends shaping the industry this year. If you're investing in dealership advertising, this episode will help you refine your approach and stay competitive.
Season 3: Episode 3: AI For Car Dealerships: How To Sell More Cars In 2024
In this episode, we break down how car dealerships can use AI to sell more cars in 2024. From ChatGPT to powerful automation tools, AI is quickly becoming a competitive advantage in the auto industry. You'll learn how to integrate AI into your marketing and sales process, including improving lead response, streamlining operations, enhancing social media and advertising performance, and combining traditional dealership strategies with AI-driven execution. Dealers who implement AI effectively will increase efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive more sales. This episode walks you through how to get started.
Season 3: Episode 2: The BEST Marketing Strategy For Car Dealerships in 2024
In this episode, we break down how car dealerships can continue selling and staying profitable in 2024 despite high interest rates and economic pressure. If you think the market is the problem, this episode will challenge that mindset. You'll learn how to adjust your dealership's digital strategy to win in a tougher environment, including: The marketing shifts dealers must make in a high-interest-rate market How to use Google Ads and PPC to capture high-intent buyers Smarter social media strategies that actually drive leads Automotive digital marketing trends that are working right now How to structure your advertising for measurable ROI The dealers who adapt will outperform. This episode walks you through exactly how to do it.
Season 3: Episode 1: How Mike Added 7 Figures PROFIT To His Car Dealership in 12 Months
In this episode, our guest speaker Mike Udell shares how he added seven figures in profit to his car dealership in just 12 months. A longtime auto industry veteran, Mike breaks down the digital marketing strategies that drove real results, from social media and Google Ads to smarter dealership advertising. This real-world case study shows what's possible when dealership marketing is done right.
Season 2, Episode 7: "Conceptualization" - Automotive Advertising Podcast
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 7 of Automotive Advertising Podcast! Chris Wohrer and Jim Flint break down creative concepts in the automotive industry. #creativeconcepts #creativity #fordbroncofamily #marketing #advertising #automotive #dealerships
Season 2, Episode 6: "Capitalization" - Automotive Advertising Podcast
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 6 of Automotive Advertising Podcast! Jim Flint and Chris Wohrer talk about a company born out of an idea... Tesla. #capitalization #creativity #authenticity #marketing #advertising #automotive #dealerships
Season 2, Episode 5: "Culture" - Automotive Advertising Podcast
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 5 of Automotive Advertising Podcast! Chris Wohrer and Jim Flint dive into the core of creative -- culture. #creativity #culture #marketing #dealerships #automotive #advertising
Season 2, Episode 4: "Compliance" - Automotive Advertising Podcast
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 4 of Automotive Advertising Podcast! Our guest, Kori Lott, analyzes different ways of finding alignment with creativity and compliance. #compliance #creativity #gmb #marketing #autmotive #advertising #dealerships
Season 2, Episode 3: "COVID & TikTok" - Automotive Advertising Podcast
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of Automotive Advertising Podcast! Chris Wohrer and Jim Flint navigate the waters of COVID through TikTok. #tiktok #videoads #automotive #marketing #dealerships #advertising
Season 2, Episode 2: "Concepts" - Automotive Advertising Podcast
Chris Wohrer talks to Jim Flint about creative concepts and how to bring ideas to fruition. #creativeconcepts #creativity #marketing #advertising #dealerships
Season 2, Episode 1: "Creativity" - Automotive Advertising Podcast
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of Automotive Advertising Podcast! Our guest speaker, Chris Wohrer, speaks about where he pulls inspiration from for creative with Jim Flint. #creativity #inspiration #marketing #advertising #dealerships