On The Drive

🎙️In this episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence, we dive into the question everyone in automotive is starting to ask: Is it real or is it AI? 🤔

Thuy from MIA joins us to talk about how their true conversational AI is transforming dealership sales and service—especially in BDCs and campus-store environments. MIA is not decision-tree based like so many others. It listens, responds, and engages like a real person—holding full c...

🎧 Some people close deals. Others change the game entirely. In this episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence, meet the powerhouse behind some of the nation’s most successful dealership transformations—Linda Barnette.

From high-stakes sales training rooms to the strategic table of mergers and acquisitions, and all the way to the concrete foundation of new dealership builds, Linda’s career has spanned it all. But ask her the real ...

🎙️In this episode of On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence, I chat with the amazing Katy Wolda about the DISC personality model—a powerful tool that helps you connect better with customers and teammates, whether you're managing up, down, or across the service drive. 🚗🛠️

Originally developed by psychologist William Moulton Marston (who also created Wonder Woman! 🦸‍♀️), DISC breaks down personalities into four main types:

• D – D...

Dave Rodgers returns to talk about the double-edged sword of chasing metrics. While goals are critical for training and maintaining team performance, too much focus on the numbers can lead to shortcuts, misaligned priorities, and bad behavior. Together, we explore how reports should guide your attention—not define your success. Just like in football, the game is often won in inches. Tune in for real talk on balance, leadership, and...

This week on On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence, we sit down with Christy Cartaya, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management at The Collection in Miami. Christy shares her unexpected journey from the fast-paced world of marketing into the elite tier of automotive retail—where brands like Ferrari, Audi, Porsche, and McLaren are part of her daily landscape.

What started as a twist of fate turned into a remarkable career, and toda...

From fried wires (thanks, neighborhood squirrels 🐿️) to those “oops” repairs that don’t quite fit the warranty box, Cindy and Dave break down when dealerships step up—even if the coverage technically doesn’t.

Whether it’s a split bill, a friendly favor, or a behind-the-scenes push from your advisor, this episode reminds us that a loyal customer, a good attitude, and a weird accident can still earn you some love.

🔧 Under the Hood Th...

In this unforgettable true story, Cindy takes us back to her early 20s, working in a high-end automotive accessory shop where cash was common, characters were colorful, and one day… danger walked through the door.

When three suspicious men entered the store and tension filled the air, Cindy’s instincts kicked in. No transaction. No words. Just the weight of a moment — and a single code word: “Pineapple.” It wasn’t just a safe word. ...

In this fun, fast-paced episode of On The Drive, I sit down with my good friend, fellow Delray Beach neighbor, and fellow podcaster Carolina Rush—a woman who’s bought over 20 cars and has the stories to prove it.

We chat about the real-deal relationship between customers and service advisors, the value of kindness, and how just saying thank you can be the best tip of all. Carolina shares a hilarious and eye-opening moment at a Jeep ...

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...