The Evening Drive

Being great at your job is one thing. Helping an entire team succeed takes a different approach.
Sam Cox and Evan Walters sit down with Cody Bowman, Finance Director at Galleria BMW, to talk about the transition from finance manager to finance director—and why doing everything yourself can hold your team back.
Cody shares lessons from his 12 years with BMW, including:
• Learning to delegate and trust your team
• Putting servant leadership into practice
• Coaching finance managers to listen more closely to customers
• Making fewer, higher-impact decisions
• Being intentional about showing up for family after a long dealership day
We also talk about Cody’s “feet on the ground” approach to starting the morning—and how a mini pig named Preston ended up loose in a BMW sales office. What’s been the hardest part of moving from top performer to leader? Share your experience in the comments. Subscribe to The Evening Drive Podcast for more conversations about dealership life, leadership, and life beyond the showroom. Lock the gate. Start the drive. Win the day.
 
#TheEveningDrive #DealershipLeadership #AutomotiveFinance

Most car salespeople think social media is optional. Javuan Banks proves it is the edge that turns a side hustle into a real automotive brand. If you work in a dealership and want more leads, more money, and more leverage, this episode gives you the playbook.
Sam Cox and co-host Evan Walters sit down with Javuan, the car salesman turned creator who built a massive audience by being himself, not by trying to look polished. From slinging cars at a Nissan store in St. Louis to growing his name on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Javuan breaks down how authenticity, consistency, and smart content can change the game for salespeople.
You will discover:
* Why Javuan says you cannot sell cars the old way in 2026* How he went from a first-month 22-car check to building a personal brand with 1.4 million followers across platforms* The exact first steps he recommends for a new salesperson starting from zero* Why posting every day matters more than having perfect lighting, a fancy camera, or the right haircut* How he uses AI and past content data to create better videos faster* When it is time to build a team, qualify leads, and stop handling everything alone
Sam and Evan also push into the bigger question most salespeople avoid: how do you turn views into actual dollars? 
Javuan explains how social monetization, lead generation, and dealership sales can work together, and why social media is not a shortcut if your craft is weak. It amplifies what is already there. They also hit rapid-fire truths every dealer and salesperson will relate to, including the worst phrase in automotive, whether followers matter, and what actually matters more than chasing views. If you are a salesperson trying to grow your name, a manager trying to modernize your store, or a dealer who knows attention is the new currency, this conversation will hit home. Perfect for anyone ready to build a business inside the business and win the day.
Find Javuan Banks on all platforms at @JavuanBanks.
#wintheday #javuanbanks #socialmedia #automotiveselling #autosalestips #fyp

Success means nothing if you lose yourself while chasing it.
For years, leaders have been taught that doing more, working longer, and never slowing down is the path to winning.
But what if the greatest leaders know when to reset?
In this episode of The Evening Drive, Sam Cox and Evan Walters discuss the power of intentional pauses, protecting your energy, building better routines, and creating success that lasts.
Inspired by lessons from Disney, leadership, business, and personal growth — this conversation challenges the idea that burnout is just part of the journey.
We discuss:
• Why slowing down can actually help you move faster• What Disney teaches us about systems and consistency• Building routines that protect your health and mindset• Why leaders need space to think, reflect, and improve• Creating success without sacrificing family and relationships• How to lead yourself before leading others
The best leaders don’t just build businesses.
They build lives worth living.
Whether you’re a dealer, GM, sales manager, entrepreneur, or someone chasing the next level — this episode is about resetting your mindset and redefining what winning really looks like.
Welcome to The Evening Drive.
LOCK THE GATES. START THE DRIVE. WIN THE DAY.
#TheEveningDrive #Leadership #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #AutomotiveLeadership #SuccessMindset #WorkLifeBalance #WinTheDay

Disruption doesn’t happen by accident.
 
It happens when someone is willing to challenge what has always been done and ask a different question:
 
“What could this become?”
 
In this episode of The Evening Drive, we sit down with Josh Mitchell to talk about the mindset behind becoming an automotive disruptor — building something different, pushing against industry norms, adapting through change, and continuing to evolve as a leader.
 
But disruption isn’t just about technology or ideas.
 
It’s about people.
It’s about vision.
It’s about having the courage to build what others don’t see yet.
 
In this conversation, we discuss:
 
• Challenging traditional thinking in automotive  
• The mindset required to innovate  
• Building through uncertainty  
• Lessons learned from wins, setbacks, and growth  
• Why great leaders must constantly evolve  
• Where the automotive industry goes next  
 
Whether you’re a dealer, general manager, sales leader, entrepreneur, or someone committed to growth — this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and change.
 
Welcome to The Evening Drive.
 
LOCK THE GATES. START THE DRIVE. WIN THE DAY.
 
#TheEveningDrive #AutomotiveLeadership #AutomotiveIndustry #Leadership #Innovation #DealershipLife #CarBusiness #EntrepreneurshipSam Cox

Leadership starts long before strategy, process, or results. It starts with mindset. In this episode of The Evening Drive Podcast, we dive deep into what it really means to develop a winning mindset in leadership, business, and life with our special guest, Phil Gill of Tom Gill Chevrolet in Kentucky. We discuss the habits, perspectives, and mental disciplines that separate reactive leaders from intentional ones. This conversation explores:
• Why mindset drives culture
• The difference between reacting and leading
• How elite performers handle adversity
• The role self-awareness plays in leadership
• Building confidence without ego
• Why consistency beats motivation
• The importance of discipline, standards, and intentional thinking
Mindset mastery isn’t about hype. It’s about learning how to lead yourself first so you can lead others effectively. Whether you’re a dealer, GM, sales manager, entrepreneur, or someone striving to grow personally and professionally, this episode is designed to challenge the way you think. Welcome to The Evening Drive. LOCK THE GATES. START THE DRIVE. WIN THE DAY.
https://www.tomgill.com
#Leadership #Mindset #AutomotiveLeadership #PersonalGrowth #TheEveningDrive #LeadershipDevelopment #SuccessMindset #AutomotiveIndustry #DealershipLeadership #BusinessGrowth

AI is changing the automotive industry faster than most dealerships realize. In this episode of The Evening Drive Podcast, we break down what AI actually means for dealership leaders, sales teams, customer experience, operations, and the future of automotive retail. This conversation goes beyond the hype.
 
We discuss:
• How leaders can leverage AI without losing culture
• Why AI should support people — not replace them
• The real opportunities dealers are missing right now
• How top-performing stores are beginning to use AI tools
• The balance between technology and human leadership
• Why adaptation matters more than perfection
The dealerships that learn how to combine people, process, and AI will separate themselves over the next 3–5 years.
This episode is for:
• Dealers
• General Managers
• GSMs
• Sales Managers
• BDC Leaders
• Automotive professionals preparing for the future
Welcome to The Evening Drive Podcast. LOCK THE GATES. START THE DRIVE. WIN THE DAY.
 
#Automotive #AI #DealershipLeadership #AutomotiveIndustry #CarSales #ArtificialIntelligence #DealershipLife #Leadership #AutomotiveNews #TheEveningDrive

What happens when a sixth grader raises his hand and says he wants to be in the car business? In this episode of the Evening Drive podcast, Sam Cox and Evan Walters sit down with Mark Foster to unpack an incredible journey of faith, leadership, culture, and building a dealership the right way. From surviving the chaos of 2008–2009, to taking over a store with only two cars and eight employees, to becoming GMC Dealer of the Year, Mark shares the mindset shifts that transformed his business and his life.
This conversation dives deep into:
Why modern customers don’t need to step foot in a dealership to buy a car
Eliminating toxic “old-school” dealership culture and word tracks
Creating a customer-first experience built on transparency and trust
Leadership lessons on retention, culture, and building people
The powerful role faith and purpose have played in Mark’s journey
Developing future leaders through hands-on cross-department mentorship
Why employee happiness isn’t your responsibility — but opportunity is
This one is packed with perspective shifts for dealership owners, managers, sales professionals, and anyone striving to lead with purpose while growing a winning culture.
Lock the gate. Start the drive. Go win the day. 🚘🔥

The road home after a long day hits different… and that’s exactly what this episode of The Evening Drive is all about. 🚗💨
In this special episode, Sam Cox and Evan Walters sit down in Scottsdale, Arizona during the 800% Grit Matters Retreat to reflect on the journey of the podcast so far — the guests, the lessons, the laughs, and the real conversations that matter most. From dealership culture and leadership to family, faith, balance, and business growth, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to win both at work and at home.
Then Evan sits down with special guest Brad Overly — a dealership leader with an incredible story of growth through sales, BDC, finance, and executive leadership. Brad shares hard-earned wisdom on:🔥 Building culture that people can feel🔥 Leading through servant leadership🔥 Balancing family and the demands of the automotive industry🔥 Managing by the numbers, not emotion🔥 Developing teams through accountability and vision🔥 Creative inventory acquisition strategies in today’s market
This episode is packed with authentic conversations, practical dealership insight, and reminders that success means nothing if you lose yourself or your family along the way.
Whether you're in automotive, leadership, sales, or just trying to become a better human being — this one’s for you.
🎙️ Real conversations. Real leadership. Real growth.👊 Welcome to The Evening Drive.
#EveningDrive #800Percent #AutomotiveLeadership #DealershipLife #Leadership #ServantLeadership #CarSales #BDC #FinanceManager #GrowthMindset #FaithFamilyBusiness #CultureMatters #WinTheDay

🚗 The Evening Drive: From the Congo to a Million-Dollar Fashion Empire | The Power of Experience Over Product
What happens when you mix relentless grit, world-class service, and a vision bigger than your environment?
In this episode of The Evening Drive, Sam Cox and Evan Walters sit down with a truly special guest—Albert Lokonga, founder of a rapidly growing luxury fashion brand based right here in Lexington, Kentucky.
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised in Lexington, Albert’s journey is anything but ordinary. From nearly pursuing a career in medicine to building a multimillion-dollar fashion business, his story is packed with powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, sales, and creating unforgettable customer experiences.
🔥 Inside this episode, you’ll discover:
How Albert turned adversity into opportunity—and built from nothing
The real reason most entrepreneurs fail to launch (and how to fix it)
Why experience > product in today’s marketplace
How he scaled from selling suits… to landing $50K+ clients
The moment that almost broke his business—and became his biggest breakthrough
Why relationships, not transactions, are the true key to growth
How YOU can apply these same principles in automotive, sales, or any industry
💡 One of the most powerful takeaways:
“I’m not building wardrobes… I’m building confidence.”
Whether you’re a salesperson, manager, business owner, or just someone chasing something bigger—this episode will challenge the way you think about value, service, and what it really means to win.
📍 Featuring insights straight from Lexington, KY🎯 Perfect for automotive professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders
👉 Buckle up. This one’s different.
Connect with Albert:Search “Albert Couture” or visit his Lexington showroom (appointment only).
If you got value from this episode:👍 Like💬 Comment your biggest takeaway🔁 Share with someone who needs this message
#EveningDrive #Entrepreneurship #SalesMindset #CustomerExperience #LuxuryBrand #GlennLundy #800Percent #WinTheDay

What if changing your life didn’t take a massive overhaul—but just 1% better every day?
In this episode, we sit down with Tustin Ulrich, who went from working 70 hours a week, weighing 460 pounds, and struggling personally… to leading one of the most culture-driven teams in the automotive industry.
We break down:
How small daily habits compound into massive results
Why most leaders fail (and how to avoid it)
The truth about work-life balance in sales
Building wealth outside the dealership
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or like there’s more out there for you—this one’s for you.