VADA's Don Hall sat down for a candid, two-part interview on the threats facing the franchise system–from manufacturers like VW and Scout pushing for direct sales to the new political landscape in Richmond.

In Part 1 Don delivers a message to dealers who think they can coast through 2026:

"Manufacturers have made it clear... they would love to be able to take off certain vehicles and sell them direct. We need to care and we need to get engaged. This is a big deal. It's not going to go away."

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The "Party Crashers" have returned, and the stakes are higher than ever.

To celebrate our one-year anniversary of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan welcomes back our very first guest, Brian Finkelmeyer of Cox Automotive. In this deep dive, Brian analyzes the massive $30 billion tariff impact hitting automakers and explains why the industry is seeing a "perplexing" shift in consumer behavior.

From the normalization of new car inventory to the "bottom valley" of used car acquisitions and the sunsetting of EV incentives, this episode provides the roadmap dealers need for 2026. Brian also breaks down the "Two Americas" economy and how dealers must evolve their service and AI strategies to meet the needs of today's most affluent buyers.

Join Dan Carrigan as he speaks with Emily Marlow Beck, President of Marlow Motor Company and Virginia's 2026 Time Dealer of the Year, for a candid and insightful conversation about leadership and the future of the family-run dealership.

In this interview, Emily shares her unique journey from her legal background as an attorney to her current role as dealer principal. She explains how her father instilled a character-building work ethic from the ground up, and why being prepared to "pivot and go" is the true key to navigating uncertainty and the rapid changes in the corporate world.

Beck emphasizes the philosophy that leaders must "share the credit and hog the blame" to encourage an environment where employees feel safe to admit mistakes and foster true collaboration. She also discusses the vital role of community and culture, explaining how employee-led initiatives like her CARES Committee and the viral 75 Acts of Kindness built a servanthood culture that directly impacts her sales floor and customer relationships.

This is an indispensable guide for dealership leaders focused on operational excellence, ethical culture, and successfully transitioning a family business.