The Dealer Playbook
By Michael Cirillo
The Dealer Playbook is the top-rated podcast for automotive professionals who want to dominate the retail industry.
Hosted by Michael Cirillo, this show delivers expert interviews, proven strategies, and actionable insights to help you sell more cars, lead stronger teams, and grow thriving dealerships.
Whether you work in sales, service, F&I, marketing, or management, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to excel in a rapidly evolving market.
Join thousands of listeners every week who trust The Dealer Playbook as their go-to resource for career growth and dealership success. Subscribe now and unlock the secrets to staying ahead in the fast-paced world of retail automotive.
Latest episode
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Ep. 667 - The New Rules of SEO for Car Dealers in 2025, with Colin Carrasquillo
In this episode, my guest is Colin Carrasquillo, Digital Marketing Manager at Nielsen Auto Group. We’re diving into some of the real challenges and solutions that most dealers are thinking about but rarely talk about out loud. We talk about what it a… -
Ep. 666 - What Most Dealerships Gets Wrong About CRM, with Sam Maimone
In this episode, my guest is Sam Maimone from Activix, and we’re diving into a part of the car business that most people think they’ve figured out—but really haven’t: CRM. We talk about why most CRM setups are missing the mark and why buying more le… -
Ep. 665 - Why Fixed Ops Isn’t Back-End—It’s the Backbone, with Nicole Dolphin
In this episode, my guest is Nicole Dolphin, Retail Development Manager at Groupe Touchette, and we’re digging into the part of the dealership that doesn’t always get its fair share of attention—Fixed Ops. Nicole shares how the service department isn… -
Ep. 664 - How to Create a High-Performance Dealership Culture, with Jill Schulman
In this episode, my guest is Jill Schulman, USMC veteran, leadership coach, and author of The Bravery Effect. We dig into the surprising role that bravery plays in building high-performing cultures—not just in the military, but in dealerships, teams,… -
Ep. 663 - The Laws That Top Performers in Retail Auto Obey, with Alan Dickie
In this episode, my guest is Alan Dickie, President - www.AlanDickie.com and a returning DPB alum. Alan’s one of those guys who doesn’t just talk about success—he breaks it down to the bone. In this conversation, we explore what he calls the “laws” t… -
Ep. 662 - AI, Accountability, and the $30 Leak in Your Marketing, with Matt VanDyke
In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, to unpack some of the most pressing—and overlooked—topics in automotive marketing right now. From mobile-first lead strategies to AI-powered insights, M… -
Ep. 661 - What Agentic AI Means for the Future of Automotive Retail, with Barry Hillier
In this episode, my guest is Barry Hillier, co-founder of Auto Agentic A.I. and someone I’ve known and respected for years. Barry’s got a deep background in SaaS and marketing, and he’s one of those rare people who can make complex tech make sense—an… -
Ep. 660 - How To Turn Friction Points Into Profit Centers, with Jacqui Barker
In this episode, my guest is Jacqui Barker, Global OEM Strategy Director at Keyloop, joining me from the floor of the Toronto International Auto Show. We get into the real stuff—the behind-the-scenes friction points in today’s car buying journey and … -
Ep. 659 - Expanding Your Dealership’s Revenue Stream, with Shahin Alizadeh
In this episode, my guest is Shahin Alizadeh, President and CEO of Downtown Auto Group – a powerhouse in the automotive and real estate industries. Shahin has redefined what a dealership can be, transforming a small, struggling lot to then developing… -
Ep. 658 - Lessons in Influence from One of Canada's Most Respected Leaders, with Agnes Di Leonardi
My guest in this episode is Agnes Di Leonardi — an automotive executive, a lawyer, and one of the few recipients of the prestigious Order of Canada for her contributions to the industry. With over 30 years of experience across companies like Ford, Ma…
