In this must-listen episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, host Sean V. Bradley and co-host L.A. Williams sit down with automotive veteran Jake Hales - Digital Operations Manager for Gee Automotive Group and advisory board member for Digital Dealer. With over 25 years of experience, Jake pulls back the curtain on how dealerships are transforming in the digital age and why this year’s Digital Dealer Conference is a can’t-miss event!
“As an industry we don’t have a technology problem. We have a utilization problem.”
- Sean V. Bradley
You’ll get an inside look at how technology, AI, and digital innovation are reshaping the automotive industry… and why the smartest dealers are the ones investing in their growth, their teams, and their networks. But that’s just the start. Jake also shares how Digital Dealer’s revamped agenda is delivering more value than ever, with sessions designed to sharpen skills, expand connections, and equip attendees with strategies that can change the trajectory of their business!
"The feedback was... we need to have more workshops. Because it's one thing to sit in a classroom and have people preach at you, it's another thing to get with the dealer next to you." - Jake Hales
Ready to unlock your next level in automotive sales and leadership? Register now for the upcoming Digital Dealer Conference and use our exclusive code for 25% off your pass with Code: DealSyn. Don’t miss your chance to be in the room where the future of automotive is being written: https://tinyurl.com/DSDD2025
Key Takeaways:
✅ The automotive industry must overcome its historical underutilization of technology by correctly setting up and managing CRM tools to enhance dealership operations.
✅ The Digital Dealer conference has undergone significant transformations to offer more hands-on workshops and concise, impactful presentations.
✅ Sales managers in particular need to leverage AI to streamline their responsibilities, which now encompass dealing with digital leads and customer interactions.
✅ Networking with industry peers and attending conferences can provide invaluable insights, practical solutions, and personal growth opportunities within the automotive sector.
✅ Embracing a forward-thinking approach with AI integration can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of dealership operations.
About Jake Hales
Jake Hales is a seasoned automotive professional with over 25 years of experience. He has built a notable career spanning roles in retail sales, OEM operations with Toyota, consulting, and software delivery. Currently, Jake is the Digital Operations Manager at Gee Automotive Group, where he oversees digital transformations related to CRM and phone systems for a group of 40 dealerships. In addition, Jake serves on the advisory board for Digital Dealer, where he contributes his expertise to shape the future of automotive conferences.
Maximizing the Potential of CRMs: Harnessing AI, Innovation, and Conferences to Revolutionize the Automotive Industry
Key Takeaways
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The automotive industry is not limited by a lack of technology but by its proper utilization and management.
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The upcoming Digital Dealer conference promises to revitalize and refocus learning and networking opportunities, featuring a new format aimed at more practical engagement.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative possibilities, yet many current solutions overlook critical integrations and real-world dealership problems.
The Underutilization of Automotive CRM Systems
For decades, the automotive industry has struggled not with a lack of technology but with effectively utilizing the technology it already possesses. Sean V. Bradley, a renowned expert in automotive sales, makes no bones about this: "Our industry has never had a deficiency of technology. Our industry has a deficiency to proper utilization." With 90% of all Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems not being set up or managed cor
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