The Doug Horner Show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!Two months into her first-ever car sales job, Stacey Bahr was the top salesperson at her Land Rover store. Three and a half years later, she still is, usually by a wide margin. On this episode of The Doug Horner Show, Stacy shares how she got there with zero car sales experience.Stacy grew up around cars on Long Island (her dad rebuilt carburetors), spent years in retail and executive recruiting, and always said she wanted to sell cars. When her husband retired, she made him a deal: he takes over everything at home, and she goes to work selling cars. He said “game on.” We get into what’s made her so successful, including going the extra mile to source the exact car a customer wants (even from a sister store hundreds of miles away), being radically transparent on pre-owned walkarounds by pointing out every nick and ding, and the bold schedule she negotiated: Monday through Friday, weekends by appointment only. Her GM warned she’d sell fewer cars. She sold just as many, if not more.We also talk about her “secret weapon”: personalized video. Stacy sends a video to every single lead, and she explains why customers respond to video in a way they never do to texts or emails, how she structures her walkarounds to build trust, and a new two-video strategy I suggested to her that one of the top BMW internet departments in the country swears by. Plus, her advice for anyone thinking about getting into car sales, why she wants to see more women in the business, and why who trains you matters as much as how hard you work.Full disclosure: I’m a co-owner in CarFilm, the video tool Stacy uses and talks about in this episode. Learn more about CarFilm at https://getcarfilm.com/Support the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!Why do so many consumers hate car dealerships, and how much of that is our own fault? In this episode of The Doug Horner Show, I sit down with Texas Car Guy for an honest conversation about the car business and the ways dealerships have become their own worst enemies. We dig into what doing business the right way actually looks like, what it’s going to take to fix the industry’s reputation, and we talk through some of Tomi Mikula of Delivrd’s takes on the dealership model. Then we tackle the direct-to-consumer debate head on: what car shoppers might not be thinking about when they picture buying without a dealer, the pitfalls nobody mentions, and why the dealership model still matters, as long as dealers earn it. Whether you’re in the business or you’ve sworn off dealerships for good, this conversation is worth your time.Support the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!Season 3 starts now. To kick it off, I sit down with Sean Weaver, founder of CarFilm, for a conversation every car buyer and car business person should hear: why can you walk into two dealerships selling the same brand and have completely different experiences? We get into what's actually broken in the automotive industry, why the experience is so inconsistent from store to store, and what can realistically be done to fix it.Sean also shares the origin story behind CarFilm. Years of mystery shopping dealerships across the country, seeing firsthand how most stores handle (and mishandle) their customers, until one salesperson impressed him so much by replying to his internet lead with a personal video that it sparked the idea for an entire company built around video selling.Whether you're in the car business or you're a consumer who's always wondered why buying a car feels like a coin flip depending on where you go, this episode is for you.Listen to full episodes:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07qvjcFfS8XDAmq6ufvFhB🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doug-horner-show/id1852607127Work with me and my team, or connect with my partner vendors:👉 https://stan.store/benzsandbowties(Dealership page, work with me & the team, and partner vendors — all in one spot.)Like, subscribe, and hit the bell — Season 3 is just getting started. 🎙️—Search terms / tags:The Doug Horner Show, Sean Weaver, CarFilm founder, automotive industry podcast, why dealerships are inconsistent, car dealership experience, mystery shopping dealerships, fixing the car business, video selling cars, car industry problems, car buying experience, automotive retail podcast, BenzsandBowtiesHashtags:#TheDougHornerShow #Podcast #CarFilm #CarBusiness #AutomotiveIndustry #CarBuying #BenzsandBowtiesSupport the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!On this episode of The Doug Horner Show, I sit down with Tyler Astorg, co-founder of iPacket, to break down their new appraisal and merchandising feature that's changing how dealerships value, price, and resell pre-owned inventory.If you're in the car business, whether you're a sales manager, used car manager, GM, or dealer principal — this conversation is going to give you a real look at the tools that are helping dealerships maximize profitability on every unit.Tyler shares the Astorg family's deep roots in the dealership world, the story behind founding iPacket, and exactly how their new iPacket Value tool helps dealers appraise cars more accurately, merchandise them more effectively, and price them to make the most money possible.Whether you're trying to tighten up your reconditioning process, improve your merchandising, or just understand what the best dealerships are doing differently — there's something in this conversation for you.🔗 Work with me & the team, partner with my preferred vendors, and more: https://stan.store/benzsandbowties🎙️ ABOUT THE DOUG HORNER SHOWThe Doug Horner Show is the podcast where I sit down with the people shaping the automotive industry: dealers, content creators, technology founders, and the disruptors changing how cars are bought and sold.Subscribe so you don't miss the next episode.📱 FOLLOW BENZSANDBOWTIESTikTok: @benzsandbowtiesInstagram: @benzsandbowtiesFacebook: BenzsandBowtiesYouTube: @BenzsandBowties#TheDougHornerShow #iPacket #CarDealership #UsedCars #DealershipLife #AutomotiveIndustry #CarBusiness #DealerTech #CarSales #AutoRetail #UsedCarManager #CarAppraisal #DealershipOwner #BenzsandBowties #TylerAstorgSupport the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!@Benzsandbowties talks with Kelly Stumpe, AKA @the_car_mom about the mom audience on social media that turns to her for car buying advice for families. Kelly occupies a niche nobody else has ventured into, proving that Moms are "car people" and are some of the most important decision makers when it comes to buying a car.Hosted by Doug Horner, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted and a rising voice in automotive social media, this new podcast brings a transparent, high-energy perspective to dealership operations, leadership, and digital engagement.Known online as   @BenzsandBowTies  he has amassed 500K+ followers and 25MM+ viewers monthly across his channels where he often blends humor into content resonating with agents, operators, and customers alike with authenticity and real-world dealership insights. "We all are consuming social media all day long every day,” Horner shared in a recent Car Dealership Guy interview. “If everyone is doing this all day long, then that's where we need to be.” The Doug Horner Show dives into what drives dealership success today through candid conversations with respected industry leaders, performance coaches and digital creators shaping modern automotive culture. About Doug HornerDoug Horner is General Sales Manager at luxury dealership, Mercedes-Benz North Olmsted, and the creator of @BenzsandBowties, a brand centered on real dealership culture and leadership perspective, and the joy of the work, as an auto industry influencer.About CallRevu CallRevu is the leading communication intelligence platform built for automotive retail—empowering dealerships to take control of every conversation, from the first ring to the final result. Our holistic solution combines an automotive-specific hosted phone system, call monitoring, performance training, and reputation management­–fueled by AI-powered analytics that turn every customer interaction into actional intelligence. Founded in a dealership in 2008, CallRevu was created by the industry, for the industry to drive revenue, improve performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.CallRevu.com#cars #dealership #carsales #carshopping #cardealership #salesSupport the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!@Benzsandbowties talks with Austin Conroy, AKA @dealerplateguy about all of the most memorable and hilarious situations that happen behind the scenes in the service department of your local car dealership. Plus, how did Austin get into the car business, and when did he start making content?Hosted by Doug Horner, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted and a rising voice in automotive social media, this new podcast brings a transparent, high-energy perspective to dealership operations, leadership, and digital engagement.Known online as   @BenzsandBowTies  he has amassed 500K+ followers and 25MM+ viewers monthly across his channels where he often blends humor into content resonating with agents, operators, and customers alike with authenticity and real-world dealership insights. "We all are consuming social media all day long every day,” Horner shared in a recent Car Dealership Guy interview. “If everyone is doing this all day long, then that's where we need to be.” The Doug Horner Show dives into what drives dealership success today through candid conversations with respected industry leaders, performance coaches and digital creators shaping modern automotive culture. About Doug HornerDoug Horner is General Sales Manager at luxury dealership, Mercedes-Benz North Olmsted, and the creator of @BenzsandBowties, a brand centered on real dealership culture and leadership perspective, and the joy of the work, as an auto industry influencer.About CallRevu CallRevu is the leading communication intelligence platform built for automotive retail—empowering dealerships to take control of every conversation, from the first ring to the final result. Our holistic solution combines an automotive-specific hosted phone system, call monitoring, performance training, and reputation management­–fueled by AI-powered analytics that turn every customer interaction into actional intelligence. Founded in a dealership in 2008, CallRevu was created by the industry, for the industry to drive revenue, improve performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.CallRevu.com#cars #dealership #carsales #carshopping #cardealership #salesSupport the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!Doug tells you everything you need to know about the exciting world of Mercedes-Benz in 2026 and beyond. Mercedes is in the beginning stages of a new product offensive which will bring 30 new models to the brand over the next several years. And with creative incentives and programs, the now and future is bright for the brand.Hosted by Doug Horner, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted and a rising voice in automotive social media, this new podcast brings a transparent, high-energy perspective to dealership operations, leadership, and digital engagement.Known online as   @BenzsandBowTies  he has amassed 500K+ followers and 25MM+ viewers monthly across his channels where he often blends humor into content resonating with agents, operators, and customers alike with authenticity and real-world dealership insights. "We all are consuming social media all day long every day,” Horner shared in a recent Car Dealership Guy interview. “If everyone is doing this all day long, then that's where we need to be.” The Doug Horner Show dives into what drives dealership success today through candid conversations with respected industry leaders, performance coaches and digital creators shaping modern automotive culture. About Doug HornerDoug Horner is General Sales Manager at luxury dealership, Mercedes-Benz North Olmsted, and the creator of @BenzsandBowties, a brand centered on real dealership culture and leadership perspective, and the joy of the work, as an auto industry influencer.About CallRevu CallRevu is the leading communication intelligence platform built for automotive retail—empowering dealerships to take control of every conversation, from the first ring to the final result. Our holistic solution combines an automotive-specific hosted phone system, call monitoring, performance training, and reputation management­–fueled by AI-powered analytics that turn every customer interaction into actional intelligence. Founded in a dealership in 2008, CallRevu was created by the industry, for the industry to drive revenue, improve performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.CallRevu.com#cars #dealership #carsales #carshopping #cardealership #salesSupport the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!Raul Tomsa, aka @vincierge did something unheard of in the automotive world. He left behind the steady job of sales manager to get back on the sales floor and start making automotive content. Raul sits down with Doug Horner, aka  @BenzsandBowTies  for a full length interview brought to you by  @CallRevu to unpack WHY he made this surprise move, and how the unique dealership group he works for has made it an intriguing option.Hosted by Doug Horner, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted and a rising voice in automotive social media, this new podcast brings a transparent, high-energy perspective to dealership operations, leadership, and digital engagement.Known online as   @BenzsandBowTies  he has amassed 500K+ followers and 25MM+ viewers monthly across his channels where he often blends humor into content resonating with agents, operators, and customers alike with authenticity and real-world dealership insights. "We all are consuming social media all day long every day,” Horner shared in a recent Car Dealership Guy interview. “If everyone is doing this all day long, then that's where we need to be.” The Doug Horner Show dives into what drives dealership success today through candid conversations with respected industry leaders, performance coaches and digital creators shaping modern automotive culture. About Doug HornerDoug Horner is General Sales Manager at luxury dealership, Mercedes-Benz North Olmsted, and the creator of @BenzsandBowties, a brand centered on real dealership culture and leadership perspective, and the joy of the work, as an auto industry influencer.About CallRevu CallRevu is the leading communication intelligence platform built for automotive retail—empowering dealerships to take control of every conversation, from the first ring to the final result. Our holistic solution combines an automotive-specific hosted phone system, call monitoring, performance training, and reputation management­–fueled by AI-powered analytics that turn every customer interaction into actional intelligence. Founded in a dealership in 2008, CallRevu was created by the industry, for the industry to drive revenue, improve performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.CallRevu.com#cars #dealership #carsales #carshopping #cardealership #salesSupport the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!Russell Richardson, aka  ⁨@russflipswhips⁩ may just be the OG of short form automotive content. After taking a small Lincoln store in PA from Obscurity to national recognition, Russ left the dealership world to venture out and start his own business. What can we learn from Russ as he sits down with Doug Horner, aka  ⁨@BenzsandBowTies⁩ for a full length interview brought to you by  ⁨@CallRevu⁩ Hosted by Doug Horner, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted and a rising voice in automotive social media, this new podcast brings a transparent, high-energy perspective to dealership operations, leadership, and digital engagement.Known online as   ⁨@BenzsandBowTies⁩ he has amassed 500K+ followers and 25MM+ viewers monthly across his channels where he often blends humor into content resonating with agents, operators, and customers alike with authenticity and real-world dealership insights. "We all are consuming social media all day long every day,” Horner shared in a recent Car Dealership Guy interview. “If everyone is doing this all day long, then that's where we need to be.” The Doug Horner Show dives into what drives dealership success today through candid conversations with respected industry leaders, performance coaches and digital creators shaping modern automotive culture. About Doug HornerDoug Horner is General Sales Manager at luxury dealership, Mercedes-Benz North Olmsted, and the creator of @BenzsandBowties, a brand centered on real dealership culture and leadership perspective, and the joy of the work, as an auto industry influencer.About CallRevu CallRevu is the leading communication intelligence platform built for automotive retail—empowering dealerships to take control of every conversation, from the first ring to the final result. Our holistic solution combines an automotive-specific hosted phone system, call monitoring, performance training, and reputation management­–fueled by AI-powered analytics that turn every customer interaction into actional intelligence. Founded in a dealership in 2008, CallRevu was created by the industry, for the industry to drive revenue, improve performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.CallRevu.comSupport the show

Let Us Know Who You'd Like To See On The Podcast!Season 2 of The Doug Horner Show is Here! Tomi Mikula of  @Delivrd is hated by car dealerships around the country.. But is that because he makes them look bad, or they are exposing bad behavior to thousands of people at a time?Hosted by Doug Horner, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted and a rising voice in automotive social media, this new podcast brings a transparent, high-energy perspective to dealership operations, leadership, and digital engagement. Known online as  @BenzsandBowTies he has amassed 500K+ followers and 25MM+ viewers monthly across his channels where he often blends humor into content resonating with agents, operators, and customers alike with authenticity and real-world dealership insights. "We all are consuming social media all day long every day,” Horner shared in a recent Car Dealership Guy interview. “If everyone is doing this all day long, then that's where we need to be.” The Doug Horner Show dives into what drives dealership success today through candid conversations with respected industry leaders, performance coaches and digital creators shaping modern automotive culture. About Doug HornerDoug Horner is General Sales Manager at luxury dealership, Mercedes-Benz North Olmsted, and the creator of @BenzsandBowties, a brand centered on real dealership culture and leadership perspective, and the joy of the work, as an auto industry influencer.About CallRevu CallRevu is the leading communication intelligence platform built for automotive retail—empowering dealerships to take control of every conversation, from the first ring to the final result. Our holistic solution combines an automotive-specific hosted phone system, call monitoring, performance training, and reputation management­–fueled by AI-powered analytics that turn every customer interaction into actional intelligence. Founded in a dealership in 2008, CallRevu was created by the industry, for the industry to drive revenue, improve performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.CallRevu.comSupport the show