Keep The Change
You can transform your dealership from the inside out, and Bart Nollenberger will show you how. “Keep The Change” is your go-to podcast for leadership growth in the automotive world—and there’s a reason leaders across the country swear by Bart’s coaching. His hands-on, proven approach has helped managers and owners just like you create lasting, meaningful change in their dealerships, and in every episode, he’s sharing his personal breakthroughs, field-tested strategies, and inspiring success stories, so you can do the same.
If you’re new here, you’re exactly where you need to be. Each episode of “Keep The Change” will empower you to develop stronger leadership skills, build a winning culture, and stay ahead in a fiercely competitive market. Ready to go beyond sales training and actually transform how your dealership operates? Join Bart and keep the change you’ve worked so hard to create.
Keep The Change
Why Most Dealerships Struggle With Leadership—and What This GM Did Differently - John Roberts
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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