Full Throttle, a Presidio Podcast
The Presidio Group’s Director of Multimedia and Events, Jason Stein, hosts Full Throttle, a podcast that brings together industry leaders to discuss retail trends, innovation and thought-provoking business models. Jason interviews some of the industry’s key personalities and insiders. Full Throttle will be available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Pandora. Tune in to stay ahead of industry news and learn how some companies are thriving in the new automotive landscape.
Full Throttle, a Presidio Podcast
Episode 58: George Karolis - President, The Presidio Group
In Episode 58 of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down in Atlanta with Presidio Group President George Karolis for a deep-dive into one of the hottest dealership M&A markets we’ve ever seen. With 16 transactions closed in the first 10 months of 2025, The Presidio Group has a front-row seat to the momentum, the deals, and the shifting strategies shaping automotive retail.
George breaks down why the second half of 2025 surged, which brands and geographies are most in demand, how sophisticated groups are reshaping their portfolios, and why “relational, not transactional” is the mindset defining industry leaders.
You’ll also hear insights on:
⚡ Rising dealership profitability and the new post-COVID baseline
⚡ Landmark deals involving AutoNation, Group 1, Lithia, and Sewell
⚡ The continued dominance of Toyota, Lexus, and top luxury brands
⚡ The importance of real-world dealer sentiment across 3,000+ rooftops
⚡ How valuation models are evolving with volatility in earnings
⚡ The outlook for 2026—and why the pipeline is already overflowing
Chapters:
00:12 – Market Momentum & Why 2025 Took Off
Election-driven slowdown, post-election surge, renewed dealer confidence, and Presidio’s 16 completed transactions.
02:40 – Landmark Deals & the Seller’s Market
Major transactions with AutoNation, Group 1, Lithia, and Sewell; Toyota/Lexus dominance; brand desirability across luxury, import, and domestic segments.
05:40 – Pipeline Strength, Portfolio Strategy & Human Capital
Why 2026 may double activity, relational vs. transactional approach, portfolio management discipline, and the growing importance of talent & resource allocation.
07:23 – Dealer Sentiment, Industry Risks & Staying Ahead
The significance of Presidio’s dealer survey, market expectations, AI/China disruption concerns, and providing strategic insights beyond buy-sell advisory.
10:10 – Profitability, Valuations & What Really Drives Returns
New post-COVID earnings baseline, fixed-ops strength, volatility across segments, why multiples mislead, revenue multipliers, and looking ahead to Auto Team America at NADA.
If you're a dealer, investor, OEM leader, or just passionate about where automotive retail is headed, this episode is packed with perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
👉 Learn more about The Presidio Group: thepresidiogroup.com
👉 Learn more about AutoTeam America: autoteamerica.com