November 27, 2025
From Corporate to Rural Dealer: What It Takes to Win Today in Every Market | Michael Handwerger, President & Dealer Principal at Alpha One Automotive
Car Dealership Guy PodcastAbout this episode
Today I’m joined by President & Dealer Principal at Alpha One Automotive. We break down his jump from a corporate career into dealership ownership , and why social media became one of his strongest tools for credibility and recruiting. Michael also shares why acquiring rooftops is tougher than ever , how rural stores operate differently from metro dealerships, and what it takes to build a culture that actually performs . His perspective on customer segmentation, profitability expectations, and growth models gives dealers a clear look at the realities of operating in today’s market. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Foureyes - Foureyes fixes what’s underneath —by connecting CRM, inventory, website, and DMS data so it’s clean, connected, and flowing. Then all the stuff you've been stacking on top? It finally works. Collect, connect, and put your data to work – visit @ http://www.foureyes.io to learn more 2. AFSA - Get Revv’d Up for the Ultimate Vehicle Finance Event of 2026 February 3rd to 5th, 2026 | Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. The vehicle finance industry is evolving at breakneck speed. Are you ready to accelerate ahead of the competition? Join hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers at the 2026 American Financial Services Association Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo—the must-attend event where cutting-edge insights, powerful connections, and game-changing strategies converge under one roof. World-Class Keynote speakers who inspire action, and sessions that put vehicle finance insights into overdrive. Secure your spot today @ http://vf-conference.afsaonline.org - The 2026 AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo – Where the Leaders in Vehicle Finance Accelerate to Success. 3. CDG Circles - A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit @ https://cdgcircles.com to learn more. Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:21 How did Michael enter the auto industry? 01:28 Transitioning to dealership ownership how? 05:03 How social media drives professional growth? 08:49 Biggest challenge in rural dealerships? 17:27 Leadership's role in community impact? 24:21 Are rural dealerships still viable? 25:12 Best growth model for rural stores? 27:55 Transitioning to exotic cars: why? 37:48 Future plans for the business? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com