Why Most Dealerships Struggle With Leadership—and What This GM Did Differently - John Roberts
Keep The Change
In this episode, my guest is John Roberts, General Manager of Roberts Motors in Alton, Illinois. John’s family has been in the car business for over 70 years, and he’s got a perspective that’s not just shaped by longevity—but by deep transformation.
We talk about what it really means to lead people, not just manage them. John shares how he went from being a shy porter who avoided conversation to running a dealership that’s grown over 30% this year. He opens up about the turning points in his career, the hard lessons, and why leadership has nothing to do with titles and everything to do with how you show up for your people.
We also talk about:
- Why telling people what to do doesn’t work (and what actually does)
- The practical changes that helped John and his team boost performance
- What a simple daily check-in can do to shift culture and accountability
- Why humility—not ego—is the real power move in leadership
- And how to recognize when you’re the one who needs to grow
We also dive into some real talk about coaching, feedback, and how those uncomfortable moments—the ones where people doubt you—can fuel your biggest breakthroughs.
If you’re a GM, sales leader, or just someone who wants to lead better and connect more with your team, this one’s worth the time. It’s honest, it’s useful, and you might hear a bit of your own story in John’s.
Take a listen.
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