On The Drive

In this episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence, I sit down with automotive expert Dave Rogers to bust some of the most common maintenance myths. We dive into why earlier is better when it comes to service intervals—and how pushing it too far can cost you more in the long run.

We break down the conventional vs synthetic oil debate, including how some synthetic oils are thinner than cooking oil (yep, you read that right). What ab...

In this week's episode, we sit down with Cate Ojala from Tekion, a relatively new DMS solution making waves in the automotive space. Cate isn’t just another software rep—she’s a seasoned pro with deep roots in fixed operations, and it shows in how she connects with dealers on a real level.

We dive into her bold approach to dealership sales, from AI-powered research on ownership and systems to her favorite strategy—the classic s...

In another powerful episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence, we’re hitting the gas on one of the most vital—and often overlooked—factors in dealership success: culture.

Joining Cindy is the inspiring Amy Davis, founder of Rise Above Life Coach, as they dig deep into what it really means to build and sustain a high-performance team environment. From the front lines of the service drive to the corner office, they explore the impor...

In this high-octane episode, Cindy Lawrence reunites with her longtime mentor, industry icon, Steve Shaw. What starts as a nostalgic ride down memory lane turns into a masterclass on the "Pass or Fail" philosophy—Steve’s game-changing approach to customer communication, sales integrity, and turning gray areas into green lights. 

From overcoming objections to ditching those fuzzy "recommendations" in favor of clea...

This week, inspired by a powerful group discussion assembled by Dave Foy, I took to the microphone to reflect on my journey in the automotive industry. While I’ve been fortunate to work alongside supportive leaders who mentored and shaped my career, not every experience has been smooth.

In this episode, I share a few memorable stories of moments when customers pushed back—those challenging encounters that taught me just as much as t...

In this high-energy episode, Cindy reconnects with longtime friend and industry force Katy Wolda—a woman who went from selling sunglasses at a car wash to dominating the sales floor in a male-driven industry.

Katy breaks down what it really takes to succeed in automotive and beyond. Whether you're performing your craft, prospecting for the next opportunity, or perfecting your craft through training, she reminds us there are no ...

This one’s a shoutout, a call to action, a desperate plea—whatever you want to call it—I need a guest! Someone who’s lived the wild, weird, and wonderful life on the service drive. If you’ve ever been a service advisor, manager, parts guru, collision tech, or anyone who’s survived a dealership with your sanity mostly intact… I’m talkin’ to you.

Podcast salespeople are out here clawing their way onto every mic they can find, but in t...

Reposting one of our favorite episodes of On The Drive! Cindy Lawrence and Producer Janine take a deep dive into the world of tire tread—why it matters for safety, your wallet, and lease agreements. Whether you're prepping for a lease turn-in or just want to stay safe on the road, this episode has all the expert insights you need. Tune in as we break down tread patterns, traction, and the true value of good tires.

Joi...

 Welcome back to On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence — coming to you live from an airport tarmac in Denver, Colorado! In this candid, late-night episode, Cindy reflects on a week spent with Mercedes-Benz of Littleton and dives deep into something every driver will face but never expects: windshield replacements.

From surprising high-demand windshield repairs in Colorado to the hidden secrets of factory vs. aftermarket glass, Cindy shar...

What happens when you blend leadership, resilience, and a touch of gratitude? You get a roadmap for success that drives both business and personal growth. In this dynamic conversation, Cindy Lawrence sits down with the remarkable Jeannie Rytelbach to discuss the power of trust, branding, and human connection in the high-stakes world of automotive.

From the unexpected lessons of a frustrating customer encounter to the strategic brill...

In this episode of On The Drive, host Cindy Lawrence welcomes Erica Bruno from Recall Masters for an in-depth discussion on vehicle recalls and the vital role they play in consumer safety. With a family legacy rooted in the automotive industry, Erica shares her fascinating journey—from growing up surrounded by dealerships to becoming a leader in recall management and customer service.

Join us as we explore how recalls impact dealers...

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a service department into a well-oiled machine? Meet Jordan Hughes, the powerhouse service manager at Dwayne Lane CDJR, who climbed the ranks from advisor to boss—and she’s here to share how she did it!

In this episode of On The Drive, host Cindy Lawrence dives into Jordan’s leadership playbook, her dynamic partnership with shop foreman Bill (aka the “Dad” of the shop), and how they’re transforming ...

Ever wonder how a $3 bumper sticker could spark an unforgettable friendship? In this episode of On The Drive, Cindy Lawrence shares the heartwarming (and slightly nerve-wracking) story of Mrs. M, a devoted client who trusted Cindy with her beloved Mercedes—only to find herself caught in the middle of the ultimate Valentine’s Day surprise. From a sneaky service delay to a dream G-Wagon reveal, Cindy takes us on a ride filled with lo...

Too often, training in the automotive industry feels like a one-and-done event—information is shared, but nothing really changes. In this episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence, we break down why "telling ain’t training" and what it really takes to make learning stick.

Cindy sits down with Kyle Newsom, co-founder of Visperio, to explore the biggest challenges dealerships face in training service advisors and how to ov...

On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence presents an inspiring episode featuring Mindy Williams, Service Manager at CMA Colonial Subaru. From juggling the roles of wife and mother while pursuing her college degree to mastering the complexities of the automotive industry, Mindy exemplifies resilience and innovation.

With a team that’s nearly overstaffed—a rarity in service departments—Mindy has cultivated an environment where apprentices gro...

Join Cindy Lawrence and Cindy Sarver as they dive into the challenges of dealing with abandoned special-order parts, backorders, and discontinued items in the automotive world. It’s a chaotic landscape where the reasons you pay deposits on special orders become all too clear.

In this episode, we explore how service and parts departments navigate the fallout from post-COVID supply chain issues, along with the funny (and sometimes fru...

Welcome to “Live and On the Drive,” where we explore the dynamic intersections of business, culture, and innovation. Today, we’re thrilled to have Beth from Carter Myers Automotive—an industry leader with 24 locations across three states, supporting 18 OEMs. Beth’s here to share CMA’s unique approach to recruiting the next generation of cultural and customer-focused advocates, all while transforming lives and moving relationships f...

Join Cindy Lawrence and Cindy Sarver with On The Drive as they dive into the fascinating world of dealership amenities. From bottled water branded with luxury logos to unexpected perks like in-house movie theaters and complimentar

Buckle up as Cindy Lawrence and Cindy Sarver take you on a hilarious and eye-opening journey through the unexpected luxury wonderland of dealership amenities!  From custom-label bottled water with a side o...

Get ready to hit the gas on part two of our conversation with fan-favorite Brian Trigalet from Wynns! Hosts Cindy Lawrence and Ann Griffith dive into the game-changing world of Video Multipoint Inspections (MPI) and their impact on trust, transparency, and efficiency in the automotive industry.

Join us as we explore the debate over who should talk maintenance—technicians or advisors—and how Video MPI is bridging the communication ga...