Unlocking AI Potential in Automotive Leadership | The Evening Drive Podcast

Unlocking AI Potential in Automotive Leadership | The Evening Drive Podcast

AI is changing the automotive industry faster than most dealerships realize. In this episode of The Evening Drive Podcast, we break down what AI actually means for dealership leaders, sales teams, customer experience, operations, and the future of automotive retail. This conversation goes beyond the hype.   We discuss: • How leaders can leverage AI without losing culture • Why AI should support people — not replace them • The real opportunities dealers are missing right now • How top-performing stores are beginning to use AI tools • The balance between technology and human leadership • Why adaptation matters more than perfection The dealerships that learn how to combine people, process, and AI will separate themselves over the next 3–5 years. This episode is for: • Dealers • General Managers • GSMs • Sales Managers • BDC Leaders • Automotive professionals preparing for the future Welcome to The Evening Drive Podcast. LOCK THE GATES. START THE DRIVE. WIN THE DAY.   #Automotive #AI #DealershipLeadership #AutomotiveIndustry #CarSales #ArtificialIntelligence #DealershipLife #Leadership #AutomotiveNews #TheEveningDrive

From 2 Cars to GMC Dealer of the Year with Mark Foster | The Evening Drive

What happens when a sixth grader raises his hand and says he wants to be in the car business? In this episode of the Evening Drive podcast, Sam Cox and Evan Walters sit down with Mark Foster to unpack an incredible journey of faith, leadership, culture, and building a dealership the right way. From surviving the chaos of 2008–2009, to taking over a store with only two cars and eight employees, to becoming GMC Dealer of the Year, Mark shares the mindset shifts that transformed his business and his life. This conversation dives deep into: * Why modern customers don’t need to step foot in a dealership to buy a car * Eliminating toxic “old-school” dealership culture and word tracks * Creating a customer-first experience built on transparency and trust * Leadership lessons on retention, culture, and building people * The powerful role faith and purpose have played in Mark’s journey * Developing future leaders through hands-on cross-department mentorship * Why employee happiness isn’t your responsibility — but opportunity is This one is packed with perspective shifts for dealership owners, managers, sales professionals, and anyone striving to lead with purpose while growing a winning culture. Lock the gate. Start the drive. Go win the day. 🚘🔥

Balancing Leadership and Family with Brad Overly | The Evening Drive

The road home after a long day hits different… and that’s exactly what this episode of The Evening Drive is all about. 🚗💨 In this special episode, Sam Cox and Evan Walters sit down in Scottsdale, Arizona during the 800% Grit Matters Retreat to reflect on the journey of the podcast so far — the guests, the lessons, the laughs, and the real conversations that matter most. From dealership culture and leadership to family, faith, balance, and business growth, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to win both at work and at home. Then Evan sits down with special guest Brad Overly — a dealership leader with an incredible story of growth through sales, BDC, finance, and executive leadership. Brad shares hard-earned wisdom on: 🔥 Building culture that people can feel 🔥 Leading through servant leadership 🔥 Balancing family and the demands of the automotive industry 🔥 Managing by the numbers, not emotion 🔥 Developing teams through accountability and vision 🔥 Creative inventory acquisition strategies in today’s market This episode is packed with authentic conversations, practical dealership insight, and reminders that success means nothing if you lose yourself or your family along the way. Whether you're in automotive, leadership, sales, or just trying to become a better human being — this one’s for you. 🎙️ Real conversations. Real leadership. Real growth. 👊 Welcome to The Evening Drive. #EveningDrive #800Percent #AutomotiveLeadership #DealershipLife #Leadership #ServantLeadership #CarSales #BDC #FinanceManager #GrowthMindset #FaithFamilyBusiness #CultureMatters #WinTheDay

Why Building Relationships and Experience Matter

🚗 The Evening Drive: From the Congo to a Million-Dollar Fashion Empire | The Power of Experience Over Product What happens when you mix relentless grit, world-class service, and a vision bigger than your environment? In this episode of The Evening Drive, Sam Cox and Evan Walters sit down with a truly special guest—Albert Lokonga, founder of a rapidly growing luxury fashion brand based right here in Lexington, Kentucky. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised in Lexington, Albert’s journey is anything but ordinary. From nearly pursuing a career in medicine to building a multimillion-dollar fashion business, his story is packed with powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, sales, and creating unforgettable customer experiences. 🔥 Inside this episode, you’ll discover: * How Albert turned adversity into opportunity—and built from nothing * The real reason most entrepreneurs fail to launch (and how to fix it) * Why experience > product in today’s marketplace * How he scaled from selling suits… to landing $50K+ clients * The moment that almost broke his business—and became his biggest breakthrough * Why relationships, not transactions, are the true key to growth * How YOU can apply these same principles in automotive, sales, or any industry 💡 One of the most powerful takeaways: “I’m not building wardrobes… I’m building confidence.” Whether you’re a salesperson, manager, business owner, or just someone chasing something bigger—this episode will challenge the way you think about value, service, and what it really means to win. 📍 Featuring insights straight from Lexington, KY 🎯 Perfect for automotive professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders 👉 Buckle up. This one’s different. Connect with Albert: Search “Albert Couture” or visit his Lexington showroom (appointment only). If you got value from this episode: 👍 Like 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔁 Share with someone who needs this message #EveningDrive #Entrepreneurship #SalesMindset #CustomerExperience #LuxuryBrand #GlennLundy #800Percent #WinTheDay

The 1% Effect with Guest Tustin Ulrich

What if changing your life didn’t take a massive overhaul—but just 1% better every day? In this episode, we sit down with Tustin Ulrich, who went from working 70 hours a week, weighing 460 pounds, and struggling personally… to leading one of the most culture-driven teams in the automotive industry. We break down: * How small daily habits compound into massive results * Why most leaders fail (and how to avoid it) * The truth about work-life balance in sales * Building wealth outside the dealership If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or like there’s more out there for you—this one’s for you.