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“Innovate Or Evaporate”– How Small Dealer Groups Can Win In Ultra-Competitive Markets | Richard Lupo, Fixed Operations Director at Apple Tree Automotive

Author
Car Dealership Guy
Published
Tue 15 Jul 2025
Episode Link
None

Today I’m joined by Richard Lupo, Fixed Operations Director at Apple Tree Automotive. We dig into why he’s training master techs from the ground up, how streamlining the online service flow drove a 10x jump in appointments, and how Apple Tree goes toe-to-toe with powerhouse neighbors — and more.

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Topics:
00:07 Competing in bigger markets
01:43 How do disasters impact dealerships?
04:09 What inspired Apple Tree?
06:11 Richard Lupo's role at the dealership
07:21 Best growth strategies for dealers today
10:10 How to train technicians effectively
21:55 Biggest auto industry challenges?
34:54 Used car reconditioning standards?
37:58 AI's future in dealerships?

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