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Before the sales floor, there was a fight to rebuild his life.

Steve Puckett joins John Gavin and Bagi to share his journey through 25 years of addiction, homelessness, and recovery—and how the car business became part of his second chance.

In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, Steve talks about his daughter’s role in his recovery, the faith that helped him keep going, and what it took to start over. Along the way, we get into sales, lessons learned at the dealership, and the show...

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What happens when dealership sales slow down and the owner brings in an outside sales guru to turn things around?

Tonight, John and Bagi discuss whether an outside consultant can truly improve a dealership—or whether the real problems usually run deeper. We’ll get into leadership, accountability, sales processes, employee buy-in, morale, and what happens when an outsider walks onto the floor promising results.

Can the right guru bring a fresh perspective and increase sales, or does it create more disruption than improvement?

Join the conversation and...

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What are dealerships getting wrong about F&I—and how can they create more value without adding more paperwork, steps, or customer friction?

Jon Stevens of Nexus Automotive Solutions joins John Gavin and BAGI for an honest conversation about today’s F&I department, customer trust, payment sensitivity, product penetration, dealer profitability, and the changing expectations surrounding the finance office.

Jon also introduces us to Nexus Automotive Solutions and EquityPro, including their approach to dealer-owned financial protection products, customer support, identity-theft monitoring, and building stronger long-term relationships between dealerships and...

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This live show will feature:

• Real car-business questions and answers
• Pat’s perspective on dealerships, sales and the automotive industry
• A look at Car Guy Advocate, including a real customer issue John helped resolve
• Honest discussion about trades, financing, add-ons and dealership experiences

No scripts. No corporate talking points. Just real car guys, real questions and straight answers.

If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact the show today [email protected]

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John Gavin has something to say… and even Bagi wasn’t prepared for this one.

On this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, what starts as another conversation about the automotive business takes an unexpected turn when John reveals something he’s been doing behind the scenes.

Bagi’s reaction?

“I can’t believe you did that.” 😂

What exactly did John do — and why does he believe so strongly in it?

You’ll have to watch to find out.

Plus, John and Bagi g...

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What separates great dealerships from average ones?

This week on True Confessions of a Car Guy, we're joined by automotive executive, coach, entrepreneur, and author Chuck Scalies to discuss his new book, The Velocity of Trust.

Chuck shares nearly four decades of real-world experience helping dealerships improve leadership, customer experience, sales processes, and profitability. We dive into why trust isn't just a buzzword—it's the foundation for sustainable growth in today's automotive industry.

Whether you're a dealer principal, general manager, sales professional, or simply passionate about the ca...

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🎙️ True Confessions of a Car Guy
#service #dealership #ai #podcast #fixedops #fyp 

Can AI help technicians diagnose vehicles faster without replacing the people who keep our industry moving?

On this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, host John Gavin sits down with Shane Beaman, Founder & CEO of ForgePilot, and Matt Stanford to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming Fixed Operations and the future of automotive service.

Before becoming a technology founder, Shane spent more than 20 years as a master technician, custom builder, and shop owner...

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What happens after you leave the car business?

In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, John Gavin sits down with Tangi Griggs to discuss her journey through the automotive industry, the lessons she learned on the showroom floor, and the path that led her to become an author.

Tangi shares stories from her years in the car business, reflects on the experiences that shaped her career, and discusses the inspiration behind her memoir, Calm in Calamity.

📚 Tangi's Book – Calm in Calamity
Learn...

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Born Free. Born Car Guy. Roundtable | 1 Year Strong

Welcome to our special Independence Day Roundtable as we celebrate 1 Year Strong with True Confessions of a Car Guy.

Join us for an honest conversation about the automotive industry, dealership life, and the people who have dedicated their careers to the car business. From memorable stories to industry insights, this July 4th special celebrates the freedom, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit that define automotive professionals across America.

🎙️ Guests
Steve Forrest
Lane Campbell

🎤 Host
John Gavin

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After decades on the floor and in the GM's chair, Mike "Lado" Ladowitz just walked away from the car business — and he's not holding back. The recently retired General Manager joins True Confessions of a Car Guy to talk war stories from a career spent running a dealership, and what's changed in the business since Lado stepped away. Old school instincts, real experience, no filter.

If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact the show today [email protected]

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Drew Pearlman 
Sponsored By:  Pearl Auto Advocates
https://pearlautoadvocates.com/

Drew Pearlman started in the car business at 14 years old. He worked every seat — sales floor, finance office, sales management — all the way to General Manager. Now he runs Pearl Auto Advocates, consulting with dealerships to fix their operations from the inside out. 35 years of experience, and he's bringing all of it to True Confessions of a Car Guy.

If you are a car guy or car girl with s...

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Bagi
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com

Summer's the busiest stretch in the car business — and the easiest one to blow if you're not working smart. Bagi and John Gavin break down what actually moves the needle when the lot heats up: hunting deals in the service drive, ditching the old-school games for real transparency, and being ready for today's customer who already knows the invoice, the incentives, and what their trade is worth before they ever shake you...

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 On The Road takes True Confessions out of the studio and onto the floor. John Gavin and Richard Luciano visit working dealerships in real time — showrooms, used car lots, the desk — to see how business is actually flowing. Bagi produces from the ground as it happens. You hear the deals, the pace, the read on whether the store is hot or dead, straight from the people living it. Raw, unfiltered, the way the car business really runs. For dealers, hustlers and lifers. 

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Richard Luciano
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com

Some salespeople don't close deals — they hold people in place until it happens. In the car business, they had a name for it. And the guy who perfected it had customers leaving deposits in microwaves, shop vacs, and floor-model TVs. That was just Tuesday. Then a woman slides a men's Rolex across the desk to hold a car — and a week later, a very calm, very motivated ex-husband calls looking for i...

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There are stories from the car business that never get told. Not because they aren't real — but because nobody thought anyone would care.
We do.

True Confessions of a Car Guy is a podcast built around the people, the deals, and the moments that shaped an era of automotive retail that most people never saw — and that those who lived it will never forget. Hosted by John Gavin, with co-host Richard Luciano, and produced by Bagi — the man bringing it all to life — this show is for the guys who were the...

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Richard Luciano
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com

John Gavin and Richard Luciano have 80+ years in the car business between them. This week they talk about the one "reward" no dealership would ever put in writing. The van was real. Tommy was real. And on a good Saturday — you went to see him.

🎙️ True Confessions of a Car Guy
New episodes every week.

If you are a car guy or car girl with similar...

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Richard Luciano
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com

Richard Luciano has 42 years in the car business — and a family background you don't ask too many questions about. Born on the East Coast, now living in Las Vegas, Richard is one of the most seasoned voices in the automotive world. Old school instincts. Real experience. A story you haven't heard yet.

In this episode, John and Bagi introduce the newest co-host of True Confessions of a Car Guy...

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Anthony Palermo
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com

Before the apps, before the algorithms — deals were done with a handshake and a stack of titles in the glovebox. John Gavin sits down with his long-time friend Anthony Palermo to talk about the wild west era of wholesale. The characters, the chaos, and the raw instincts it took to survive the back lot in the 80s. These two were there. And they're not holding back.

If you are...

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Bagi
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com
 
In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we break down how top dealers stay profitable during inventory shortages. From protecting gross to creating urgency and selling smarter — this is the real playbook for winning when supply is low.

No cars. No excuses.

If you’re in the car business, this one’s for you. 🚗🔥

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In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Bagi
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com

Units and gross still matter—but they’re no longer the whole story. In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we break down the metrics today’s dealers can’t afford to ignore in the AI era. From lead response time and follow-up consistency to data quality, conversion signals, and where deals are actually being won or lost, we talk about what really moves the needle in modern dealershi...

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In this episode we are joined by Lance Campbell CEO of Zenzio AI
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com
[email protected]

AI isn’t coming for your job… but the dealer down the street using it might be. In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we break down why AI isn’t some Silicon Valley buzzword—it’s the next competitive edge on the lot. From follow-ups that actually happen, to smarter pricing, to knowing which customers are real buyers and which ones are ju...

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In this episode its John and Bagi
Sponsored By:  Zenzio AI
https://www.zenzio.com/

Sales gets the applause, managers get the credit—but F&I cashes the checks. In this episode, we break down why the finance office is the backbone of every successful dealership. War stories, hard truths, and real-world lessons on how F&I saves bad deals, boosts gross, and turns “maybe” into “approved.” Love it or hate it, F&I is the real MVP.


If you are a car guy or car girl with s...

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It’s December on the lot—cold coffee, colder weather, and everyone swearing this is their last deal before Christmas. In this holiday edition of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we take you back to the days when year-end meant no days off, managers living in the tower, and salesmen fighting frostbite for one more signed buyer’s order. From last-minute shoppers to “I gotta talk to Santa” objections, this episode is all about the chaos, comedy, and pure hustle of closing deals when the showroom smells like pine trees and desperation. Grab some...

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In this episode its John and Bagi

Month-end at the dealership: where pencils fly, egos clash, and every ‘almost sold’ car suddenly becomes a miracle. Watch managers sweat, salespeople hustle, and coffee disappear faster than a Suburban in January. In this episode, we laugh through the chaos, the wild deals, and the sheer madness that only happens when the month is about to close.

If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact the show today [email protected]

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Step onto the showroom floor with us for a live Q&A about the car business where the deals are wild, the stories are crazier, and the challenges are all too real. We’re talking to people in the car business past and present: sales pros, managers, finance folks, and anyone who’s lived the grind. From outrageous customer stories to the hurdles dealerships face today, nothing’s off the table. Whether you’re an old-school car dog or just curious about the business, this is your front-row seat to the raw, unfiltered side of...

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Step onto the showroom floor with us for a live Q&A about the car business—where the deals are wild, the stories are crazier, and the challenges are all too real. We’re talking to people in the car business past and present: sales pros, managers, finance folks, and anyone who’s lived the grind. From outrageous customer stories to the hurdles dealerships face today, nothing’s off the table. Whether you’re an old-school car dog or just curious about the business, this is your front-row seat to the raw, unfiltered side of th...

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In this episode we are joined by Tom McGovern

Some deals come together quick… and then there’s this one. In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we tell the tale of a customer who “just had a few questions” and somehow stayed until closing time—three days in a row. It’s the kind of deal that drains your coffee pot, burns your lunch break, and makes you question your career choices—until they finally say “Let’s do it.” If you’ve ever needed a nap after a close, you’re...

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In this episode we are joined by Glen Connor

Step back in time to the untamed golden era of car dealerships—when the engines were loud, the deals were fast, and the showroom smelled like gasoline, cigars, and aftershave. Wild West on the Dealership Floor, we share the raw, unfiltered stories from a time when classic cars ruled the lot, the coffee was spiked, and salesmen lit up in the office while closing six deals before lunch.

If you miss the rumble of a big block and remember when bu...

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In this episode we are joined by Larry Malitz an insurance professional. 
Before fax machines and compliance departments ruined the fun, insurance binders in the ’80s were a dealership's side hustle goldmine. In this episode, we’re talking backroom deals, mysterious premiums, and how some sales guys couldn’t spell "deductible" but sure knew how to mark one up. Buckle up for binder tricks, policy pranks, and stories that’ll make your modern-day F&I manager cry.


If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact t...

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 A no-BS ride back to the finance desks of the 1980s car business. This show dives into the high-octane world of dealership F&I when interest rates were wild, deals were done on cocktail napkins, and every customer was “a laydown if you worked it right.” Join us for stories of rate bumps, payment packing, repo roulette, and the kind of finance managers who lit cigars with credit apps. If you were there, you’ll laugh. If you weren’t, buckle up.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the $216 million lawsuit filed by the FTC against auto industry figure James Douvas. What led to one of the biggest consumer protection cases in recent memory? We break down the allegations, the reactions from the car business community, and what this case could mean for dealers across the country. If you're in the car business—or ever bought a car—this one hits close to home.


If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact the show today confessionsofacarguy@gmai...

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In this episode we are joined by Tim Mathisen—whose journey started as a young man in the car business. From the showroom floor to launching his own company, Tim shares how the lessons he learned in sales, service, and hustle helped him build Fruition Supply. If you've ever wondered where a career in the car biz can take you, this episode is for you.


If you are a car guy or car girl with similar experiences, contact the show today [email protected]

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In this episode, we dive deep into the $216 million lawsuit filed by the FTC against auto industry figure James Douvas. What led to one of the biggest consumer protection cases in recent memory? We break down the allegations, the reactions from the car business community, and what this case could mean for dealers across the country. If you're in the car business—or ever bought a car—this one hits close to home.

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In this episode, we hang out with Frank Gavin — a service writer who’s been in the dealership game for over 12 years. He’s done a bit of everything, from sales to finance, and brings some great stories and solid insights from life on the drive.

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In this episode, we explore the CARS Rule, its recent legal challenges, and the significant effects it is having on the automotive industry. We discuss how the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to regulate auto retail practices were halted by the Fifth Circuit Court in early 2025, sparing dealers from costly compliance requirements. We also examine the broader impact of this development on car sales, pricing transparency, and dealer-consumer relationships amid ongoing regulatory and market changes.

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In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we continue our coverage of the Jimmy Douvas case, spotlighting the increasing public support surrounding his situation. We also report on a significant vote in Congress that could shape the future of gas-powered vehicle sales across the country.

Have a story of your own from the car world? Reach out to us at [email protected].

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Welcome to EP001, our fist show. Today we introduce ourselves to the world and also talk about an important legal case concerning dealers, The Jimmy Douvas story.  We also have a few laughs and share some crazy stories

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The podcast will officially launch May 1, 2025. Here is a sneak peak

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This show is about a time gone by of how it was really like to work  in the car business. This show is not about how to get a great deal on a new car, or tips and tricks for car dealers to use to maximize profits.

The Host of the show is John Gavin,  a car guy with over 40 years of experience in the car business, its time to step back and reflect on those fun and crazy times. 

The show is produced by Bagi, a car guy him...

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This show is about a time gone by of how it was really like to work  in the car business. This show is not about how to get a great deal on a new car, or tips and tricks for car dealers to use to maximize profits.

The Host of the show is John Gavin,  a car guy with over 40 years of experience in the car business, its time to step back and reflect on those fun and crazy times. 

The show is produced by Bagi, a car guy him...