While tariffs dominate the headlines and stir anxiety across the automotive industry, the best operators know that real growth comes from mastering the controllables. In this high-impact episode of Automotive Alchemy, automotive veteran and Dealer Alchemist CRO, John McAdams, brings three decades of front-line experience to the table to talk about what dealers can still control—regardless of market disruptions.

With the spotlight on resilience and strategy, this episode dives deep into the profit centers that remain fully within a dealership's command: used inventory, fixed operations, and website conversion. The conversation covers tactical insights into sourcing vehicles smarter and faster, improving service retention, preventing customer defection, and converting more of the traffic dealerships are already earning—organically and through paid efforts.

Beyond best practices, the episode also delivers perspective. John discusses the dealer sentiment he's hearing on the ground—fatigue, frustration, and determination—and offers grounded advice on how to stay focused, sharpen your operations, and avoid overreacting when the industry throws its next punch.

Whether you're trying to adapt your go-to-market strategy or just need a reminder of what really drives sustainable growth, this episode is packed with clarity, confidence, and dealer-tested wisdom. Because when chaos is loud, control becomes your competitive edge.

Subscribe for more real-world insights from experts helping dealers grow smarter every day. Learn more at www.dealeralchemist.com

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Podcast Directed and Produced by: www.hiredgunsagency.com

In this episode of Automotive Alchemy, John McAdams, Chief Revenue Officer at Dealer Alchemist and a 30-year automotive industry veteran, dives into one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) drivers of consumer behavior—online reviews. Whether you’re a single-point store or a publicly traded dealer group, your online reputation is no longer a side note—it’s a make-or-break factor in dealership growth.

John shares practical, battle-tested insights from both retail and vendor perspectives, including:

• Why reviews now rival personal recommendations in consumer trust.
• How a few bad reviews (or a lack of new ones) can derail sales and service retention.
• The Four Seasons approach to responding to feedback—what to say, what NOT to say, and how to elevate every customer touchpoint.
• The three metrics every dealer should track: response rate, review growth rate, and sentiment analysis.
• How AI is helping (and sometimes hurting) reputation efforts.
• Why Fixed Ops is your biggest untapped opportunity for positive reviews.

If your online reputation feels more dumpster fire than five-star, this episode offers a clear starting point and a strategic path forward. With John’s sharp advice and deep experience, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to turn customer reviews into a true growth engine for your dealership.

Subscribe for more real-world insights from experts helping dealers grow smarter every day. Learn more at www.dealeralchemist.com

Follow Us:

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Podcast Directed and Produced by: www.hiredgunsagency.com

The evolution of dealership websites has reshaped automotive retail, yet one fundamental truth remains—conversion is the key to success. In this episode of Automotive Alchemy, John McAdams, Chief Revenue Officer at Dealer Alchemist, brings decades of experience from both the dealership and vendor sides to break down the state of dealer websites, digital strategies, and the critical factors that drive real results.

John shares his journey from running dealership operations—including turning around struggling stores—to leading digital strategies that fuel sustainable growth. He dives into the biggest mistakes dealers make with their websites, why conversion rates are often ignored, and how to leverage technology to create a competitive edge. The conversation covers everything from the role of AI in marketing to the importance of balancing fixed and variable operations in a dealership’s growth strategy.

If you're looking for unfiltered insights on website performance, lead generation, and the future of automotive digital retailing, this episode delivers. Whether you're a dealer principal, GM, or marketing professional, you’ll walk away with actionable takeaways to optimize your dealership’s online presence and drive measurable success.

Subscribe for more real-world insights from experts helping dealers grow smarter every day. Learn more at www.dealeralchemist.com

Follow Us:

www.LinkedIn.com/company/dealer-alchemist/

www.youtube.com/@dealeralchemist7330

www.facebook.com/dealeralchemist/

Podcast Directed and Produced by: www.hiredgunsagency.com