The Dealer Playbook

Updated: 19 Jun 2025 • 663 episodes
www.thedealerplaybook.com

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.

Show episodes

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’t just about oil changes and tires. It’s a relationship hub. It’s whe

21 min
00:00
21:57
No file found

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, and even our personal lives. Jill shares the science behind why playi

34 min
00:00
34:51
No file found

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” that make success predictable in life and business. We talk about why m

23 min
00:00
23:36
No file found

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, Matt brings a rare, high-altitude perspective that cuts through the flu

23 min
00:00
23:35
No file found

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—and more importantly, make it useful. We talk about what AI actually mea

31 min
00:00
31:21
No file found

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 what needs to change now if dealerships want to stay relevant in a wor

24 min
00:00
24:47
No file found