Crossroad Conversations with the Lewis Brothers
Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.
Ep. 63 - They Asked Us EVERYTHING — Unfiltered Leadership Q&A w/ The Lewis Bros
In this special Q&A edition of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers hand the mic to their audience and employees for a candid session of Unfiltered Leadership Questions. From favorite hobbies to leadership lessons, time management, and running a family business, this episode is all about real answers to real questions.
They dive into how patience, trust, and communication shape leadership; how staying humble and surrounding yourself with smarter people creates growth; and why balancing family and business comes down to respect and long-term perspective. The brothers also share stories...
Ep.62 - The Copycat Trap: Why Being Different Is Harder (and Smarter)
In Episode 62 of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers expose the Copycat Trap—how businesses fall behind when they chase trends instead of creating their own path. They unpack why being different is harder—but ultimately smarter—and how originality, not imitation, builds brands that last.
Drawing on real-world stories and analogies, they explore how copying others can feel safe but leads to stagnation, while innovation and cultural authenticity drive long-term success. The discussion highlights why leaders must understand their “why,” stay focused on their unique strengths, and resist the temptation to replica...
Ep.61 - Ego or Instinct: What Really Drives Your Decisions
In Episode 61 of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers dig into one of leadership’s trickiest balancing acts: Ego vs. Instinct. They explore how ego can alert you to an issue—but also create blind spots—and how instinct, shaped by experience, leads to better long-term decisions. The conversation moves from dealership strategy to real-life examples of pride, overconfidence, and humility in business.
They share how unchecked ego can derail teams, why humility keeps confidence from turning into arrogance, and how leaders can channel ego as a positive driver without letting it steer the ship. From footba...
Ep.60 - Noise vs. Signal: How to Tune Out the Leadership Advice That Doesn’t Apply to You
In Episode 60 of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers tackle the advice overload era—where everyone’s an expert, and good leadership means knowing who not to listen to. From TikTok “gurus” to bestselling authors, they break down how to separate signal from noise, evaluate advice for credibility, and align new ideas with your company’s culture and values.
They share stories of wasted training programs, cultural mismatches, and “hype content” that doesn’t survive contact with real business operations. The brothers explain how they filter information as a team, verify sources, and adapt ideas to fit their dealer...
Ep.59 - The Silent Killer of Business: Assumptions
In Episode 59 of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers expose the silent killer of business: assumptions. From assuming employees understand priorities to believing customers know your process, the conversation unpacks how false clarity creates blind spots that stall progress. They share stories of miscommunication, unclear expectations, and unspoken motives—and how leaders can replace assumption with accountability, structure, and clear follow-up.
The brothers reveal how even strong teams fail when leaders assume too much, why clarity and measurable expectations matter, and how understanding what truly motivates people (beyond money) can transform performance. They also explore the cu...
Ep.58 - Leadership Confessions: Our Hardest Lessons Learned
In Episode 58 of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers open up about their toughest leadership lessons and the costly mistakes that shaped who they are today. From the challenges of promoting only from within to learning the balance between kindness and accountability, they share real stories of growth, humility, and resilience. The conversation covers the creation and evolution of the Lewis Guarantee, how emotional decisions can derail progress, and the importance of slowing down, analyzing data, and adjusting instead of abandoning great ideas. The brothers reflect on the difference between managing by fear and leading...
Ep.57 - Breaking the Rules: When Leaders Shouldn't Follow the Playbook
In Episode 57 of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers dive into the art of breaking the rules—not recklessly, but strategically. They explore when “best practices” can become barriers, how to challenge the classic “that’s how we’ve always done it” mindset, and why bold moves often unlock growth and trust. From real dealership examples—like transparent pricing, ditching appointment scheduling, and flexible staffing—to lessons from industries like retail and real estate, the episode reveals how great leaders know when to follow the rules and when to rewrite them. The brothers also unpack the dangers of rec...
Ep.56 - The Slow Death Of Success: How to Spot COMPLACENCY Before It's Too Late
In Episode 56 of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers go after a silent business killer: complacency—“a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.” They explain why complacency is hard to spot while you’re in it, how success often hides stagnation, and how to put guardrails in place before performance slides. The conversation gets tactical: trimming “dead expense” (including payment processing waste), auditing marketing/advertising for fat to cut, demanding duplication of your best customer experience, and addressing influential underperformers first. The through-line: build a culture that stays hungry, measures hones...
Ep.55 - Innovation vs. Tradition: Finding the Balance
Summary
 In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers dive into the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation vs. tradition in business. From the rise of EVs and AI tools to maintaining customer trust through authentic connections, they explore how leaders can embrace change without losing the culture and values that built their success.
The conversation breaks down when to lean on tradition, when to push forward with innovation, and how leaders can guide their teams through both resistance and excitement. With real dealership examples, s...
Ep.54 - Time for a Gut Check; How Business Leaders Make Decisions
Summary
 In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers tackle the age-old question: Should business leaders trust their gut, the data, or outside voices when making critical decisions?
They dive into how intuition develops over time, when emotions can cloud judgment, and why balancing facts with instinct is key for effective leadership. Using real-world examples from football play-calling to dealership decision-making during COVID, the brothers break down the risks of relying solely on data, the dangers of emotional gut calls, and the importance of trusted advisors.
From commercial vehicle strategy and Section 179 tax s...
Ep.53 - Brick by Brick: How Dodo Coffee Built a Movement in Arkansas
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers sit down with Isaiah, founder of Dodo Coffee, to explore how a dream, a rundown 600 sq ft building, and an unwavering commitment to clean coffee turned into one of Northwest Arkansas’s fastest-growing coffee brands.
Isaiah shares how he and his wife Sarah moved from Washington to Arkansas, built their first shop “brick by brick,” then lost it to road expansion within a year. Instead of quitting, they pivoted to a coffee trailer and gained even more traction. Along the way, they built a loyal community, learne...
Ep.52 - 52 Weeks of Leadership: Lessons Learned & What’s Next
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers reflect on a year of leadership lessons learned through their podcast. They discuss the importance of self-improvement, the challenges of leadership, and the necessity of building a supportive network. The conversation emphasizes the significance of workplace culture, the need for adaptability in business, and the value of employee retention. The brothers share insights on how to navigate the complexities of leadership while fostering growth and community engagement.
Takeaways
Leadership is about setting the pace for your team.
Taking time for self-improvement multiplies your effectiveness.<...
Ep.51 - Shut up and Listen - 2 ears - 1 mouth - The art of listening as a leader!
Summary
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers delve into the critical role of listening in leadership and business. They explore how understanding employee frustrations, listening with intention, and asking the right questions can lead to better communication and problem-solving. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patience and building trust through active listening, as well as the dangers of always feeling the need to have the answers. The episode also touches on the significance of community feedback and the impact of effective communication on customer expectations and business success.
Takeaways
...
Ep.50 - Real Leadership Q&A: Honest Answers to Tough Business Questions
Summary
In this episode of Crossroads Conversations, the Lewis Brothers discuss the intricacies of running a family business, emphasizing the importance of leadership, community trust, and employee engagement. They share insights on navigating growth, maintaining a strong company culture, and the significance of clear communication and training. The conversation also touches on the challenges of starting a business, the reality of sustaining success, and the need for adaptability in a changing market. Ultimately, the brothers highlight the value of teamwork and the importance of investing in both employees and the business for long-term success.
...
Ep.49 - Burned Out and Still in Charge: The Dark Side of Leading Under Pressure
Summary
In this episode, the Lewis Brothers discuss the challenges of leadership under stress and burnout. They explore the hidden costs of unchecked stress, the importance of delegation, and how to create a supportive culture that fosters emotional resilience. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to manage their stress effectively, reset under pressure, and normalize conversations around stress within their teams. They also highlight the significance of vulnerability in leadership and the tools available to build a stress-resilient culture.
Takeaways
Burnout is a common challenge for leaders.
Recognizing stress is...
Ep.48 - Stop Being So Nice: How Weak Leadership Masquerades as Kindness
Summary
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers discuss the fine line between kindness and weakness in leadership. They emphasize the importance of addressing conflicts directly and the consequences of avoiding tough conversations. The conversation explores how empathy can sometimes lead to enabling poor performance, and the need for leaders to set clear expectations. The episode concludes with insights on leading with clarity and the significance of maintaining a strong company culture.
Takeaways
Top performers will leave if conflicts are not addressed.
Avoiding conflict can erode workplace culture.
...
Ep.47 - Why Leaders Fail — And What Smart Ones Learn From It
Summary
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers delve into the theme of failure in leadership, emphasizing that failure is not final but rather a stepping stone to success. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and learning from mistakes, highlighting that true leadership is about owning failures and using them as opportunities for growth. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating a culture that embraces learning from failures and the necessity of unpacking failures to prevent them from recurring. Through various anecdotes and examples, the brothers illustrate how leaders can navigate challenges...
Ep.46 - The Cost of Chasing Trends
Summary
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers discuss the complexities of chasing trends in business, particularly in the automotive industry. They explore how to differentiate between real trends and distractions, the hidden costs associated with trend chasing, and the importance of maintaining brand identity while adapting to new market demands. The conversation also touches on customer experience, the significance of the Lewis Guarantee, and the cultural implications of implementing new strategies. Through their insights, they emphasize the need for careful consideration and strategic planning when navigating trends in business.
Takeaways
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Ep. 45 - The Art of Intentional Discomfort: How Leaders Push Themselves and Their Teams to Grow
Summary
In this episode, the Lewis Brothers discuss the importance of leading by example and how leaders can influence their teams to grow by embracing discomfort. They explore the concepts of comfort, growth, and panic zones, emphasizing the need to avoid complacency in business. The conversation highlights strategies for cultivating a growth culture, the significance of self-imposed challenges, and the dynamics of team interactions. The episode concludes with practical advice on nudging teams into productive discomfort to foster growth and innovation.
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Ep.44 - Beyond the First Listen: Unpacking Key Takeaways from Past Episodes
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers reflect on key themes from their previous episodes, focusing on productivity in leadership, the importance of building strong teams, fostering a positive company culture, managing difficult employees, and the significance of effective inventory control. They emphasize the need for leaders to empower their teams, adapt their management styles, and maintain a strong company culture to ensure success in their family business. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the critical aspects of inventory management, emphasizing the importance of treating inventory as cash and making strategic business decisions rather than...
Ep.43 - The Ethical Compass: Navigating Moral Dilemmas in Leadership
In this episode of Crossroads Conversations, the Lewis Brothers discuss the importance of ethics in business, focusing on building trust, defining values, and navigating moral dilemmas. They emphasize the need for clear communication of non-negotiables and the ripple effect of ethical choices on employees and customers. The conversation highlights the significance of long-term thinking and creating a culture of accountability and trust within a business. Through personal anecdotes and examples, they illustrate how ethical leadership can lead to lasting relationships and a positive reputation in the community.
Takeaways
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Ep.42 - Fake It 'Til You Make It: Is This Leadership Mantra Helping or Hurting Your Business?
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers discuss the concept of 'faking it till you make it' in the context of business leadership. They explore the importance of projecting confidence, the fine line between confidence and cockiness, and the potential downsides of deception in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and vulnerability in leadership roles, as well as the significance of building trust within teams. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they provide valuable lessons on navigating change and fostering a positive team culture. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of leadership, authenticity...
EP. 41 - Steering Ahead: The Power of Pro-Active vs Re-Active
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers discuss the critical distinction between proactive and reactive management styles. They share personal anecdotes and lessons learned from their family business, emphasizing the importance of delegation, empowerment, and creating a culture of accountability. The conversation also touches on the significance of being close to the ground to identify early warning signs and the necessity of continuous improvement in processes. The episode concludes with recommendations for resources and a call to action for listeners to apply these insights in their own businesses.
Takeaways
Proactive...
EP. 40 - Evolving with the Community: Rodeo of the Ozark’s Journey w/ Joe Rollins
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers engage with Joe Rollins, president of the Rodeo of the Ozarks, discussing the significance of rodeo in the community, its evolution, and the importance of adapting to change. They explore the diverse audience that the rodeo attracts, the improvements made to facilities, and the dynamics of the board that governs the rodeo. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced when shifting the rodeo dates and the importance of community engagement in ensuring the rodeo's success. This conversation explores the rich traditions and community values surrounding the Rodeo of the...
Ep. 39 - Unleash Your Team's Power - The Buy-In Blueprint
In this episode of Crossroads Conversations, the Lewis Brothers discuss the critical role of vision and buy-in in leadership. They emphasize the importance of effectively communicating a vision to the team and fostering participation and ownership among team members. The conversation explores strategies for creating buy-in, including the formation of focus groups and the significance of involving key players in the decision-making process. The episode highlights the necessity of clear communication and the impact of team dynamics on the success of business initiatives. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the critical aspects of leadership, focusing on the importance...
Ep. 38 - Accountability Culture: Creating a Team That Takes Ownership
In this episode, the Lewis Brothers discuss the emotional attachment business owners have to their companies and the importance of checking those emotions at the door when dealing with customer complaints. They emphasize the need for an accountability culture within teams, defining clear expectations, and leading by example. The conversation also covers the significance of building a culture of ownership among employees and the role of feedback in continuous improvement. This conversation delves into the intricacies of customer service, employee accountability, and fostering a positive workplace culture. The speakers emphasize the importance of allowing customers to express their emotions...
Ep. 37 - Numbers Don't Lie - Using Data to supercharge your Business
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers delve into the importance of understanding competition in business. They discuss strategies for analyzing the competitive landscape, building relationships with competitors, and leveraging customer insights for growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to study their competition, learn from local market trends, and create strategic advantages through competitive intelligence. The episode also highlights the significance of customer experience and the importance of quantifying business promises to build trust and long-term relationships. In this episode, the speakers discuss the complexities of customer experience, innovative strategies for trade assistance, and...
Ep. 36 - Automate, Elevate, or Alienate? What AI Means for Your Business in 2025
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers dive deep into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of small business. As technology rapidly transforms how companies operate, they highlight the critical balance between embracing automation for efficiency and preserving the human touch in customer interactions.
The discussion explores a range of AI tools and platforms that small business owners can leverage to streamline operations, enhance communication, and reduce costs. From chatbots for customer support to AI-driven analytics<...
Ep.35 - Playing to Win: Leveraging Competitive Intelligence for Growth
In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers delve into the importance of understanding competition in business. They discuss strategies for analyzing the competitive landscape, building relationships with competitors, and leveraging customer insights for growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to study their competition, learn from local market trends, and create strategic advantages through competitive intelligence. The episode also highlights the significance of customer experience and the importance of quantifying business promises to build trust and long-term relationships. In this episode, the speakers discuss the complexities of customer experience, innovative strategies for trade assistance, and the...
Ep. 34 - Beyond the Sale: Mastering the Operational Side of Your Business
Ever feel like you're sprinting on a hamster wheel in your business—working harder but not moving forward? You're likely caught in the production trap that prevents true business growth.
The Lewis Brothers tackle a critical turning point every entrepreneur faces: the shift from production to operations. Drawing from their 79-year family business journey, they reveal how being caught in day-to-day tasks creates a ceiling for your success and quality of life. The solution? You must "fire your old self" to reach new levels.
This isn't about abandoning what made you successful—it's about creating capa...
Ep. 33 - Hiring for Talent vs. Culture: The Lewis Brothers' Approach
Talent versus culture – which matters more when building your dream team? At Lewis Brothers, we've spent decades perfecting the delicate balance between hiring skilled performers and maintaining our unique company culture. In this revealing conversation, we pull back the curtain on how our 79-year family business approaches this challenging aspect of leadership.
We explore how seemingly small traditions like "Cancun Friday" (where everyone dresses in beach attire) create the distinctive atmosphere our customers immediately notice. These cultural touchpoints aren't just fun distractions – they're strategic elements that strengthen team bonds and differentiate us from 3,400 other Ford dealerships. As one...
Ep. 32 - Pivoting Your Business for Future Success
Surviving and thriving for 79 years in business doesn't happen by accident. The Lewis Brothers pull back the curtain on how they've navigated crossroad moments and pivoted their automotive dealerships to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market.
The episode opens with a powerful revelation - despite running successful dealerships, the Lewis brothers continually evaluate and adjust their business rather than simply repeating what worked yesterday. They share practical strategies for recognizing when change is needed, including stepping away from daily operations to gain perspective. As Matt Lewis explains, "If you don't step away from your business and...
Ep. 31 - Increase the Leader Inside of You
The toughest tightrope in business might be the one leaders walk every day – balancing authority with connection, demonstrating care without becoming buddies, and growing personally while staying true to core values. This episode dives deep into the art of leadership evolution without losing your edge.
We explore the power of leading by example through our "three-minute rule" – if something needs attention and takes less than three minutes, handle it yourself. Picture this: snow needs clearing, trash needs picking up, or a customer needs assistance. Your willingness to tackle these small tasks speaks volumes without saying a word. Howe...
Ep. 30 - Business and Buzz: Engage or Neutral
Where's the line between having a voice and protecting your business? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the complex world of business neutrality and knowing when to speak up or stay silent on controversial issues.
We examine the real-world consequences of taking political stands through the cautionary tale of Bud Light, whose controversial position cost them a staggering $1.4 billion and impacted countless employees throughout their supply chain. It's a powerful reminder that business decisions create ripple effects far beyond the boardroom.
The conversation isn't about abandoning your values – it's about understanding that your responsibility as...
Ep. 29 - How to Build Business Connections That Last
What's the difference between working hard and working connected? We learned this lesson the hard way – spending years with our "plow in the ground" before discovering the exponential power of strategic networking.Â
In this candid conversation we reveal how we transformed from heads-down workers who never left the dealership into connected business leaders whose network built our automotive empire. We share practical strategies for networking as an introvert, selecting the right events to attend, and leveraging the "know you, like you, trust you" principle to build relationships that generate business for decades.
We don't hold bac...
Ep. 28 - The Ultimate Challenge: $25K Off & Festive Fun
Take a passenger seat inside Lewis Automotive's biggest sales event of the year – the Ultimate Challenge. What began as a $20,000 vehicle discount has now escalated to an unprecedented $25,000 off select models as the team races toward their 555-vehicle goal with just six working days remaining. They've already hit 81.6% of that target, and the energy is electric.
What makes this event truly special isn't just the price slashing – it's the comprehensive approach to creating value at every turn. Finance managers have challenged 26 lending partners to provide automatic rate reductions of up to 2.5 percentage points below their already competitive rate...
Ep. 27 - The Ultimate Challenge: Week 3 Going Strong!
The energy is electric halfway through the Ultimate Challenge at Lewis Automotive Group, where the ambitious goal of 555 vehicles sold in March has already hit the 327 mark. This isn't business as usual—it's a complete transformation of how deals are approved, with the Lewis Brothers signing off on transactions that would typically be declined.
"Some of those deals they brought to my office... I don't even hardly look up at them," Matt Lewis explains, describing how they're approving deals sometimes thousands below cost to maintain momentum. This radical approach creates extraordinary buying opportunities, including $20,000 off new vehicles, up...
Ep. 26 - Ultimate Challenge: Not Just An Idea
Step inside the energetic world of Lewis Automotive's Ultimate Challenge, where the excitement and culture on the showroom floor directly impact the customer experience. Broadcasting live from the Bronco showroom, the Lewis Brothers—Matt, Shelby, and Taylor—are giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what makes their annual March sales event so special.
The numbers tell part of the story: by Day 11, they've already moved 179 vehicles toward their goal of 555. But the real magic lies in how this momentum transforms both the dealership atmosphere and the deals customers can access. Multiple team members share how the Ultimate Chal...
Ep. 25 - How We Sell 555 Cars in 31 Days
Join us for an exciting journey as the Lewis Brothers unravel the essence of creating an engaging and dynamic sales environment through the Ultimate Challenge! We dive deep into how high levels of excitement within a dealership translate into superior customer experiences, where every interaction feels authentic. This episode aggregates compelling insights that demonstrate how excited employees can engage customers in a way that naturally leads to sales while fostering a sense of community around your brand.Â
We explore various marketing approaches adopted to promote the Ultimate Challenge, sharing the nuances of making customers feel valued through s...
Ep. 24 - Habits That Fuel Success
Unlock the secrets to building powerful habits that can skyrocket your business success with the Lewis Brothers. We explore how daily routines can make or break your leadership potential, drawing from personal insights and the current automotive landscape during truck month. Discover the subtle ways in which your morning clarity can set the stage for a productive day, and why letting go of unnecessary attachments—like excess inventory—can lead to better team dynamics and improved decision-making.Â
As we navigate the complexities of time management and proactive planning, we take cues from experts like Alex Hormozi on align...
