VADA Live S2:E16 | "We live on a 30-day cycle" (Convention Preview with Sam D'Arc)
About this episode
Sam D'Arc discusses the need for long-term vision in the automotive industry amidst short-term profitability focus.
Is your dealership so focused on the end of the month that you're missing the massive geopolitical and economic shifts reshaping the auto industry? We caught up with Sam D'Arc, Chief Operating Officer of Zeigler Auto Group and host of the Daily Dealer Live podcast, for an exclusive sneak peek at the operational insights he is bringing to the VADA '26 Convention at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront — where he will be moderating two powerhouse panels featuring experts like Diana Lee, Don Hall, and Jim Fitzpatrick! Register for VADA '26: https://vada.com/convention/ In this bonus "Convention Sneak Peek" episode, Sam warns that the industry's focus on short-term profitability is holding it back. "One of our shortcomings is we live on a 30-day cycle," he explains. Sam breaks down the urgent need for a long-term "Apollo moon landing" vision to compete against Chinese manufacturers, the reality of service department defection, and how to stop "cheating" your consumers in the F&I office. In this episode: The Popularity Contest — Don Hall and VADA are known for their unapologetic advocacy of the franchise system. As Sam notes, "I think there's some associations that collect dues…
People in this episode
Guest: Sam D'Arc
Topics covered
- automotive industry
- long-term strategy
- geopolitical shifts
- profitability
- service department
- franchise system
Keywords
- 30-day cycle
- Apollo moon landing
- geopolitical shifts
- auto industry
- profitability
- service department defection
- F&I office
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Zeigler Auto Group, Daily Dealer Live, VADA
Places: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
More episodes of VADA Live
- VADA Live S2:E18 | "Engagement is the key." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Jim Fitzpatrick)
- VADA Live S2:E17 | "Compliance is a competitive advantage." (VADA '26 Preview with Lauren Bailey)
- VADA Live S2:E15 | "Zero surprises." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Dr. John Coles)
- VADA Live S2:E14 | "F&I profit is hyper-focused." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Joe St. John)
- VADA Live S2:E13 | "We don't sell cars. We build relationships." (Matt Vollmers, NADA Academy)
- VADA Live S2:E12 | "Don't leave dollars on the table." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Jim Roche)
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