TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond

Growth rarely shows up wrapped in convenience. Sometimes it looks like discomfort. Sometimes it looks like spending money on yourself when every instinct tells you to put everyone else first.Tim Cox sits down with April Simmons, Heidi German, and Wendy Cornell for an honest, grounded conversation about what happens when women in automotive finally say “yes” to their own development — and how that single decision quietly changes everything that follows. The discussion unfolds not as a victory lap, but as a reflection on leadership, self-belief, and the courage it takes to step into something new before you feel “ready.”What stands out most is how growth doesn’t arrive all at once. It shows up in journaling. In accountability. In recognizing the “gap of crap” — the stories we tell ourselves about why we can’t move forward. Heidi and Wendy share their journeys through automotive, leadership, and life, revealing that investing in yourself doesn’t pull you away from others — it actually makes you more capable of serving them. The episode lands on a simple truth: leadership isn’t measured only by what you do, but by what people do because of you.00:00 – Why great dealerships are built on leadership, not luck01:39 – Celebrating women who are shaping the future of automotive03:30 – Saying yes to personal growth before you understand the impact04:42 – Why most women won’t invest in themselves — and the cost of that05:23 – Creating scholarships to remove barriers to growth06:31 – The power of community and accountability partners08:46 – Choosing yourself when you’ve always put everyone else first11:04 – Career paths aren’t linear — and that’s a strength14:00 – Wearing many hats and growing into leadership17:51 – What truly inspires effective leaders22:43 – Leadership is measured by what people do because of you26:55 – Advice to women entering automotive: keep growing, stay curious29:05 – Identifying what’s holding you back — and how to close the gap30:54 – Positivity, grace, and breaking goals into manageable stepsConnect with April Simmons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-simmons/Connect with Heidi German on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-german-53326881/Connect with Wendy Cornell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornellwendy/Connect with Tim Cox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cox-29065a7/Listen to more episodes of Tim Talks at: https://www.carnow.com/timtalks/

In this special episode of Tim Talks, Tim sits down with dealer principal Tim Pohanka to unpack one of the most creative, daring, and downright fun marketing experiments the automotive world has seen in years. Pohanka and two other Nissan dealer principals each bought a sub-$10,000 used Nissan, added minimal modifications, and embarked on a 1,200-mile off-road endurance challenge across Utah’s most brutal terrain — from the Bonneville Salt Flats to Moab, Little Sahara, Cathedral Valley, and more. With more than 150 hours of drone, in-car, and cinematic footage, the “Tour Detour” chronicles not only the punishing journey but also the surprising durability of these inexpensive vehicles, particularly the much-debated Nissan CVT.What emerges is more than a road trip. It’s a blueprint for modern dealership storytelling: raw, human, adventurous, and anchored in authenticity instead of polished ad scripts. The conversation dives into how this grassroots project reshapes consumer perception, celebrates the joy of the American road trip, and proves that creativity in auto retail still has endless room to grow. It’s part entertainment, part marketing masterclass, and fully a reminder that the car business can — and should — still be fun.Takeaways0:00 — Why leadership and creativity still define the best dealerships.0:50 — $6k Nissans pushed through a 1,200-mile off-road challenge.1:51 — Moab, Little Sahara, Cathedral Valley, UTV parks, Telluride — some of the harshest environments in America.2:44 — 150 Hours of cinematic footage to tell a story OEMs can’t.3:57 — The journey starts at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where Tim’s grandfather once raced4:38 — Nissan’s CVT has taken heat, but the team intentionally tried to break it… and couldn’t. 7:14 — A local Utah man keeps his shop open until 11 PM to rescue the crew.8:01 — A badly timed jump at Swing Arm City launches Tim’s roof rack into the air.9:12 — Most people can’t afford a $70k Bronco or Rubicon but a $10k adventure car? That’s relatable and inspiring.10:46 — How storytelling and authenticity outperform today’s noisy, overly polished ads.12:12 — The Tour Detour clips now help humanize the dealership and show real-world use cases customers trust.15:45 — After surviving impossible terrain, Tim can hardly part with his Nissan.17:50 — A Challenge to Dealerships Everywhere: Every store can tell authentic stories that make cars fun again.Connect with Tim Pohanka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpohanka/Watch the Tour Detour: https://thetourdetour.com/Connect with Tim Cox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cox-29065a7/Listen to more episodes of Tim Talks at: https://www.carnow.com/timtalks/

From athletic trainer to one of the most outspoken voices in automotive, Brooke Furniss has built her career on one rule — facts, not feelings. In this episode, Tim sits down with Brooke to unpack how a corneal transplant, a detour into DealerSocket, and years inside dealerships led her to build a platform that defends dealers, challenges vendors, and demands truth in an industry full of noise.What follows is a raw, funny, and powerful look at leadership, humility, and the courage to say what others won’t. Brooke and Tim dive into data transparency, fake dashboards, shiny-object distractions, and why the best leaders are humble enough to learn through pain. This one’s part masterclass, part therapy session, and all heart.00:00 Tim welcomes Brooke — and sets the tone for an unfiltered conversation01:03 The unexpected start: from athletic trainer to the automotive world02:29 How a corneal transplant changed everything04:06 The DealerSocket years and seeing every side of the business05:59 Why Brooke walked away from selling and started giving dealers a voice06:47 Tim on vanity metrics and the only KPI that really matters07:54 Brooke breaks down the data fight — and why most dealers don’t own theirs09:45 “Performance over pizzazz”: chasing shiny objects vs. chasing results12:52 Kickbacks, broken processes, and calling out industry excuses14:22 What “people first” really means when culture gets tough16:59 The biggest killer in any dealership: pride18:18 How true leaders stay humble — and why that’s rare26:30 Brooke’s message to new leaders: research, resilience, and never losing your voiceLearn more about Brooke Furniss at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookefurniss/Watch the Facts, Not Feelings podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIY-PixNsvgD1nrRFiw5xoNfU3rY6ojPyConnect with Tim Cox at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cox-29065a7/Listen to more episodes of Tim Talks at https://www.carnow.com/timtalks/

What if the reason you’re not growing isn’t your business, your team, or your market — it’s you?In this episode, Tim sits down with world-renowned executive coach Chris Hunsicker, a former therapist turned leadership mentor whose honest, no-nonsense approach has reshaped how leaders think about growth. Chris shares the truth behind resilience, why “grinding harder” isn’t the answer, and how the best leaders are the ones humble enough to be coached.This is a conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the quiet discipline of getting better every day. You’ll walk away with tools to lead yourself first, reshape your culture, and finally understand what it means to build something that lasts.0:00 — The importance of leadership and the power of coaching1:30 — How Chris Hunsicker became David Long’s leadership coach2:50 — Why even top performers need coaching3:20 — The myth of toughness and what resilience really means5:00 — From therapist to coach: how Chris found his purpose7:00 — The Mrs. Fields story — and a career-defining confrontation8:40 — Falling in love with the car business10:00 — What separates good dealerships from great ones11:10 — “You’re not broken” — how leaders can face the truth13:05 — The danger of blaming others instead of growing yourself15:45 — Why leadership starts when it stops being about you17:10 — “You’re either breaking or being broken” — the power of standards20:45 — How leadership principles apply to every part of life24:40 — The 3-question game film exercise to review your day26:00 — Why small daily progress beats big quarterly plans31:00 — Lessons from teaching leadership in Paris33:00 — Maxwell’s wisdom: success is found in daily routines34:45 — The true separator of good and great leaders35:50 — Chris’s book Unstoppable Culture and final reflectionsConnect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hunsicker/Read Unstoppable Culture: https://bit.ly/4oSPEl5Listen to the Dealership War Room: https://info.chrishunsicker.com/private-podcstConnect with Tim Cox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cox-29065a7/Listen to more episodes of Tim Talks at: https://www.carnow.com/timtalks/

In this moving conversation on TimTalks, Tim Cox sits down with Mickey Seelye, President & CEO of Seelye Auto Group in Kalamazoo, Michigan—a third-generation dealer whose leadership begins and ends with faith.Mickey shares how he rebuilt his family business from the inside out: valuing people over profit, choosing culture over convenience, and insisting that his faith be part of every decision he makes. This is a story about courage, conviction, and the quiet power of consistency—the kind of leadership that transforms both workplaces and lives.00:00 – The Seelye legacy and the roots of a family-run dealership.02:15 – Growing up in the showroom and learning every job in the building.04:03 – “There’s no way I could do it without them.” Mickey on valuing his team.05:34 – Meeting Stan—the faith-filled friendship that changed everything.07:12 – The promise to lead differently, even when others said it couldn’t be done.11:02 – When Forbes called—and why Mickey refused to leave faith out of the story.13:18 – “If He’s first in my life, that means He’s first in business.”17:40 – Consistency: the hidden ingredient in great leadership.20:13 – “We hire for attitude, then train for skill.” Culture before talent.25:01 – Starting with people—how to rebuild a broken culture from the ground up.28:19 – Grace, hope, and leading a life that points back to purpose.Connect with Mickey Seelye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyseelye/Connect with Tim Cox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cox-29065a7/Listen to more episodes of TimTalks: https://www.carnow.com/timtalks/

Tim sits down with David Long of Hansel Auto Group to explore clarity, accountability, and pouring into people.In this episode, David shares the origins of his Pandemic of Positivity, the foundation of his upcoming book, “Step Zero,” and his Return on Time framework. From his start detailing cars in Ohio to leading one of the strongest groups in the country, David’s story is proof that success leaves clues. Tune in for strategies that will inspire, only on TimTalks. [00:00 – 02:32] IntroductionsTim introduces the episode and welcomes longtime friend and industry leader, David Long.[02:32 – 04:36] David’s JourneyDavid recounts beginning his career, starting with detailing cars before moving into sales, and working with Hansel Auto Group.[04:36 – 06:36] Advice for Young LeadersDavid emphasizes the importance of being “all in” and how dabbling never leads to success. [06:36 – 08:08] Clear Expectations and AccountabilityDavid shares how he evaluates performance by focusing on actions rather than words, and the importance of clarity in leadership.[08:08 – 09:43] Repositioning TalentTim and David discuss recognizing employees’ strengths and placing them in roles where they can thrive.[09:43 – 11:14] Pandemic of PositivityDavid shares the origin story of Pandemic of Positivity, born from the challenge of laying off 500 employees during COVID-19.[11:14 – 12:34] Rebuilding CultureDaily encouragement and care for employees fostered resilience and growth, setting the foundation for Hansel’s record-breaking years.[12:34 – 14:39] Live to 100Tim connects lessons from “Live to 100” with leadership principles, emphasizing the overlap between purpose, health, and culture.[14:39 – 17:27] Breaking Through ExcusesTim and David unpack the dangers of “yeah, but” excuses that hold teams back and stress the role of pride in leadership failure.[17:27 – 19:35] The Right PeopleDavid explains how surrounding himself with high performers forces him to grow and avoid mediocrity.[19:35 – 20:53] Step ZeroDavid previews his upcoming book and the foundational elements required to succeed.[20:53 – 23:09] Making a Difference Tim and David reflect on the transformative impact the automotive industry can have.[23:09 – 24:12] Return on Time (ROT)David introduces his ROT framework, challenging leaders to eliminate unproductive hours.[24:12 – 26:18] Power of ConsistencyTim points out David’s relentless early-morning commitment, noting his dedication to pouring into people daily.[26:18 – 27:46] Legacy of Love and LeadershipDavid shares his desire to be remembered for helping others see the bigger picture, rooted in love, compassion, and kindness.[27:46 – 31:17] Choosing Positivity DailyTim and David close with reflections on challenges, gratitude, and the power of treating others as more important than ourselves.[31:17 – 32:46] Closing ThoughtsTim thanks David, teases links to David’s training resources, and encourages listeners to continue striving for growth.

In this episode of “TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond,” Tim Cox sits down with Laurie Halter, founder and CEO of Charisma! Communications. Laurie shares her journey through the industry—from her early days at Chrome Data to running her own successful agency—and opens up about leadership, culture, and the powerful rise of women in automotive.From the importance of sitting “in every chair,” to practical ways we can recruit and support more women in the industry, Laurie’s insights are both inspiring and actionable. Their conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities of AI in automotive, and why listening to dealers is the key to creating real solutions.Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn and learn more about Charisma! Communications.[00:00 – 01:30] IntroductionsTim opens the episode and welcomes guest Laurie Halter.[01:30 – 03:35] Laurie’s StoryLaurie recounts how she entered automotive by chance, her early days at Chrome Data, and launching her own agency in 2003.[03:35 – 05:45] The Value of Experience Laurie and Tim discuss why the best dealership leaders have “sat in every chair” and how that empathy shapes their approach.[05:45 – 09:47] Building a Sorority of SupportLaurie shares how top women leaders are mentoring and empowering the next generation, creating momentum for lasting change.[09:47 – 13:29] Recruiting Women into AutomotiveExploring barriers like rigid schedules, family balance, and the need for better recruitment strategies, Laurie emphasizes flexibility and recognizing leadership potential everywhere.[13:29 – 20:55] Culture, Mentorship & Leadership LessonsTim shares a personal mentorship story from his early days, and they both reflect on the importance of leaders creating one-on-one support.[20:55 – 24:56] Advice for Women Entering AutomotiveLaurie encourages women to be bold, assertive, confident in their ideas, and to reject labels that diminish their role as leaders.[24:56 – 29:47] Trends & Opportunities Laurie discusses her recent AI research, the challenges with solutions being built without dealer input, and the opportunity for tools that truly solve dealership needs.[29:47 – 31:26] Closing ThoughtsLaurie shares how to connect with her on LinkedIn and through Charisma! Communications, and Tim wraps the episode. 

Excelling Through the 'Yeah Buts' with Evangeline Sutton & Hayden HicksThe latest TimTalks explores the foundations of exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and servant-minded growth in the automotive world. Tim joined Hayden Hicks, who is leading the charge at Jerry Hunt Supercenter with 900 used cars sold monthly, and Evangeline Schultz-Sutton, the dynamic CMO helping scale Clement Auto Group from two to seven rooftops. This episode spans personal origins, leadership philosophies, mindset routines, and tactical growth strategies that fuel next-level performance.Connect with Evangeline and Hayden on LinkedIn.[00:00 – 02:17] Meet the GuestsTim introduces the episode and how Evangeline brought Hayden to his attention as a top-performing leader selling 900 used cars per month.[02:18 – 04:43] Why Hayden Stands OutEvangeline shares what makes Hayden and the Todd Hunt Auto Group special: leadership through service and consistent results.[04:44 – 09:47] Hayden’s JourneyHayden recounts growing up in a family dealership, facing tough times, and developing his drive to lead and serve through those experiences.[09:48 – 14:14] Daily Culture & Setting the ToneTim emphasizes leadership through daily tone-setting, highlighting Hayden’s passion for transformative sales meetings and service-driven culture.[14:15 – 16:40] Crushing the "Yeah, Buts"Hayden unpacks how his team is thriving in a tough market by eliminating excuses, sourcing cars nationally, and building customer-first processes.[16:41 – 20:58] Scaling with SmilesEvangeline discusses how leadership, vision, and gratitude help her navigate rapid team and dealership expansion.[20:59 – 24:28] Gratitude as a Leadership SuperpowerTim shares personal reflections and emphasizes the value of starting each day with gratitude as a leadership and culture tool.[24:29 – 26:48] Advice to a Younger HaydenHayden reflects on what he would tell his younger self: embrace gratitude early, aim high, and don’t waste the gift of time.[26:49 – 28:27] Advice to a Younger EvangelineEvangeline encourages her past self and fellow millennials to embrace long-term thinking and show up fully every day.[28:28 – 31:12] Dream BigTim reinforces the episode’s core message: don’t stop short—go for “immeasurably more” in your career and personal life.[31:13 – 31:57] Final Advice for New LeadersHayden gives a final charge to new managers: serve others, level up, and lead with professionalism and purpose.[31:58 – 33:00] Closing RemarksTim thanks his guests and teases a possible follow-up episode to uncover Hayden’s secret to sourcing 900+ cars/month.

Challenging Ego and Creating Empathy with April SimmonsTim sits down with industry powerhouse, April Simmons, to explore her journey from loan officer to digital retailing pioneer to operations leader at Horne Auto Group.April shares candid stories of breaking barriers as a woman in automotive, building successful internet departments, and discovering her “second mountain”—a mission to empower others.From resilience to reinvention, this TimTalks episode has actionable insights for anyone looking to grow in the auto industry.Connect with April on LinkedIn.[00:00 – 01:04] Opening & Guest IntroductionTim introduces the episode and welcomes long-time friend and automotive leader April Simmons.[01:04 – 02:31] A Decade of PartnershipApril reflects on meeting Tim in 2016 and their early work together to bring CarNow into Earnhardt.[02:31 – 03:57] Taking Risks as a Thought LeaderApril and Tim recall navigating early challenges of introducing new tech into traditional dealerships.[03:57 – 05:02] April’s Automotive Origin StoryFrom a Nebraska bank loan officer to the Arizona car scene, April shares her path to the auto industry.[05:02 – 07:22] Early Lessons & AdaptingApril discusses her evolution with technology, from banking systems to the dawn of digital retailing.[07:22 – 09:04] Entering Retail Automotive & Breaking BarriersApril shares her journey into finance and her determination to rise in a male-dominated industry.[09:04 – 12:03] Building Internet Departments & Learning MarketingApril explains how she learned internet sales and marketing by leveraging vendor insights and curiosity.[12:03 – 13:29] The Secret Sauce: CommunicationApril’s success formula: apply proven retail principles while evolving communication methods.[13:29 – 17:21] Women in Automotive: Opportunity & ObstaclesTim and April explore how women dominate when given the chance, and what holds the industry back from greater inclusivity.[17:21 – 22:10] Retaining Women & Evolving CultureApril stresses retention and the need for leadership to evolve beyond historic toxic norms.[22:10 – 26:08] Treat People How You Wish To Be TreatedA powerful discussion on breaking cycles and building better, healthier leadership environments.[26:08 – 31:22] From Survival to JoyApril opens up about transitioning from survival mode to a values-driven life and leadership journey.[31:22 – 36:08] The Call to EmpowerApril outlines her calling to be the “foundation of others’ evolution,” teaching and empowering without boundaries.[36:08 – 37:43] Continuous ImprovementApril shares her word of the year: Kaizen. She gives insight into how small daily actions fuel growth and clarity.[37:43 – 37:54] Closing RemarksTim and April wrap the episode with gratitude, encouragement, and a commitment to always get better together.

On the latest “TimTalks,” Roger Hendon shares how he transformed Valdosta Toyota from a low-performing store to a top closer by building champions. Discover how empowering his team, establishing expectations, and leading with humility broke decades-old records. Learn Roger’s step-by-step strategy for dealership success, the power of belief, and what it takes to create a team that manages itself. Connect with Roger on LinkedIn.