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Artwork for The Dealer Playbook

The Dealer Playbook

Michael Cirillo
Automotive Industry
Marketing Strategies
Hispanic Market
Customer Experience
Autofi
Leadership
Spanish SEO
Cultural Competency
Electric Vehicles
Luxury Vehicle Leasing
Exotic Cars
General Manager
Personal Finance
Customer Service
Customer Engagement
Innovation Financial Services
Road To Ownership
Covid-19 Pandemic
Personal Growth
Operational Efficiency

The Dealer Playbook is the podcast for serious automotive professionals. The ones who think beyond the transaction. Hosted by Michael Cirillo, now in its 12th year, The Dealer Playbook delivers straight-talk conversations with the dealers, operators, and leaders who are actually building something. If you run a store, lead a team, or are building a career worth having, this is your show. New episo... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes702Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipBusiness

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Artwork for The Dealer Playbook

Latest Episodes

Is your dealership struggling to convert online leads into showroom appointments? You’re not alone. Many automotive professionals focus on getting leads, but miss the critical step of engaging them effectively to drive sales.

Here’s what you’ll get ... more

The AI hype is real, and every vendor at NADA claims to have the next big thing for your car dealership. But as you consider integrating new tools, are you truly solving problems or just inviting new ones? The promise of AI in automotive retail is va... more

AI is rapidly changing the automotive retail landscape. The question isn't whether it will impact your car dealership, but how to leverage it without alienating your customers. Are you ready to integrate AI in a way that amplifies, rather than dimini... more

Is your dealership losing customers you thought were gone for good? Every automotive professional knows the sting of a "lost" sale, but what if those defections weren't permanent goodbyes, but instead, opportunities for powerful comebacks through fix... more

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Recent Guests

Mackenzie Wiltrout
VP of Innovation at Stream Companies
Stream Companies
Episode: "Human in the loop" — Why AI needs organic intelligence in your dealership | Mackenzie Wiltrout, Stream Companies
Joey Zanetis
Executive Vice President at iHeart Media Automotive
iHeart Media Automotive
Episode: "Guaranteed human" — How AI makes connection critical | Joey Zanetis, EVP iHeart Media Automotive
Kristine Lentz
Product Operations Manager at Urban Science
Urban Science
Episode: "Doesn't mean goodbye" — Recapturing "lost" customers through fixed operations | Kristine Lentz, Urban Science
Matt Lasher
Representative from Streamline Auto
Streamline Auto
Episode: “The Great Train Wreck”: How Affordability and a Broken Process Are Costing Dealers the Sale | Matt Lasher, Streamline Auto
Ashley Cavazos
Digital Performance Consultant and Moderator at NCM Associates
NCM Associates
Episode: "Stop Blaming Marketing": The Digital Mistake Costing Dealers Growth | Ashley Cavazos, NCM Associates
Jay Ku
Founder and CEO of HeyGreenlight
HeyGreenlight
Episode: "It's Like a Wingman": The Sales Intelligence Tool Closing the Gap Between Your Worst and Best Reps | Jay Ku, Founder of HeyGreenlight
Rob Ruth
President of Bob Ruth Ford
Bob Ruth Ford
Episode: "Sold 300+ Used Cars" - This ford store cracked the used car game | Rob Ruth, President - Bob Ruth Ford
Matt Birkhead
Dealer principal at Sir Walter Chevrolet, overseeing a century-old dealership focused on community and employee investment.
Sir Walter Chevrolet
Episode: "The Sir Walter Way" - How a 100-Year Dealership Stays Nimble (and Grows) in a Modern Market | Matt Birkhead, Dealer Principal at Sir Walter Chevrolet
Josh Keough
Licensed architect and studio director at Gensler, leading the retail and consumer experience practice with a focus on automotive.
Gensler
Episode: "Design is an operating system" - How Architecture Shapes Sales, Service, and Culture | Josh Keough, Gensler

Host

Michael Cirillo
Host of a podcast that focuses on automotive industry dynamics, offering expert interviews and insights aimed at improving dealership success and sales performance.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 199 ratings
  • Energy. Insights. Humor.

    Michael Cirillo is a fantastic host who brings energy, wit, and real knowledge of the dealer world to every conversation.

    I had a great time joining him on The Dealer Playbook to trade insights and also learn from his perspective.

    He asked sharp questions that pushed the discussion beyond surface-level marketing and into what really makes dealership events stand out.

    The episode covers everything from knowing your audience to elevating experiences through partnerships, sports lessons, and ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ORT D.Point
    United States7 months ago
  • Great podcast

    Michael is an innovator in this industry and the messages he puts out are poignant for all within the auto world. This is a MUST FOLLOW for industry leaders like myself!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mike Wood, U of L
    United States2 years ago
  • 10/10 Love this Podcast!

    The Dealer Playbook is a fantastic podcast. If you’re in the automotive industry or an adjacent industry- listen to this podcast. There is so much helpful information that is shared and great guest speakers that shed light on the industry from a macro point of view and industry trends. Michael is an awesome host that brings good perspective, positivity and inspiration to this industry and his work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gabi Abinion
    United States2 years ago
  • Revolutionizing Sales Strategies with Expert Insights

    The Dealer Playbook podcast, especially the episode with Shari Levitin on utilizing video in sales, brilliantly showcases the importance of evolving sales tactics in today's digital landscape. The insights offered in this episode are not only informative but also highly applicable, providing listeners with actionable strategies to enhance their sales processes. This podcast is a valuable resource for sales professionals looking to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital sales environment.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I value the unique angle
    Austria2 years ago
  • A must-listen!

    The Dealer Playbook has quickly become a favorite in my feed! I'm consistently impressed by the engaging conversations, insightful content, and actionable ideas. I truly learn something every time I listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mvelasco07
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the engaging and knowledgeable style of the host, praising his ability to draw out valuable insights from guests.
The content is seen as rich in practical strategies that automotive professionals can apply in their roles.
There are mentions of the podcast being an invaluable resource for guidance in the retail automotive industry.
Many comment on the positive energy and humor added to the discussions, making it enjoyable while educational.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

"Doesn't mean goodbye" — Recapturing "lost" customers through fixed operations | Kristine Lentz, Urban Science
Q: Tell me how you define defection and why it matters for dealers.
Defection is when a lead or a purchaser in a dealer's CRM ends up buying from a competitor. Understanding who defected, why they defected, and when it happened lets dealers map the leak, adjust follow-up timing, and target future interactions to win the customer back, rather than treating defection as an absolute loss.
"Guaranteed human" — How AI makes connection critical | Joey Zanetis, EVP iHeart Media Automotive
Q: How can brands avoid the reduction of trust when using AI and data?
Focus on authentic voices and audience-specific messaging, give room for human storytelling rather than strict guidelines, and ensure the salesperson or host reflects real experiences that customers identify with. That human filter cannot be replicated by machines.
"Guaranteed human" — How AI makes connection critical | Joey Zanetis, EVP iHeart Media Automotive
Q: How should dealers think about audio in their marketing mix?
Audio should be a primary channel because it reaches people during daily activities and can deliver authentic, trusted voices. The strategy should blend podcasters, broadcasters, and influencers to extend human connection across platforms while maintaining brand health and audience fit.
"Guaranteed human" — How AI makes connection critical | Joey Zanetis, EVP iHeart Media Automotive
Q: What does 'guaranteed human' mean and how did you come up with it?
It means keeping a trusted human voice at the center of content and recommendations, even as AI and data power smarter targeting. We want the human connection to guide decisions, especially for big purchases like a car, so that technology enhances relevance without replacing trust.
"It's Like a Wingman": The Sales Intelligence Tool Closing the Gap Between Your Worst and Best Reps | Jay Ku, Founder of HeyGreenlight
Q: What role does AI play versus human sales skill in this system?
AI acts as a data engine and coaching backbone, while the human salesperson remains central for empathy, connection, and trust. AI handles data aggregation, scripting, and timely prompts, but the actual selling still relies on human judgment and relationship-building.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Dealer Playbook

What is The Dealer Playbook about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Targeting automotive professionals across various roles, this podcast offers a wealth of expert insights and strategies aimed at driving success in the retail automotive industry. With a consistent focus on evolving market dynamics, the conversations frequently revolve around sales techniques, digital marketing, customer experience, and innovative approaches to dealership operations. Unique to this podcast is its emphasis on blending modern technology—such as AI and social media—with traditional sales practices, providing listeners with a holistic toolkit that combines operational efficiency and authentic customer connection.

Listeners can expect to engage with a wide range of industry leaders and pioneers who share their experiences and i... more

Where can I find podcast stats for The Dealer Playbook?

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How many listeners does The Dealer Playbook get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for The Dealer Playbook, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for The Dealer Playbook?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for The Dealer Playbook, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does The Dealer Playbook have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Dealer Playbook has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Dealer Playbook?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Dealer Playbook:

1. Car Dealership Guy Podcast
2. Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast
3. Automotive News Daily Drive
4. The Joe Rogan Experience
5. The Shawn Ryan Show

How many episodes of The Dealer Playbook are there?

The Dealer Playbook launched 12 years ago and published 702 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Dealer Playbook?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Dealer Playbook?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Dealer Playbook from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The Dealer Playbook?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of The Dealer Playbook. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on The Dealer Playbook?

Recent guests on The Dealer Playbook include:

1. Mackenzie Wiltrout
2. Joey Zanetis
3. Kristine Lentz
4. Matt Lasher
5. Ashley Cavazos
6. Jay Ku
7. Rob Ruth
8. Matt Birkhead

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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