Dealer Out of Office

Auto Hauler Exchange

Car dealers know how to work hard and play hard. Former NFL linebacker and AHX’s VP of Sales, Frank Zombo, and All-American guy and AHX Sales Director, Jake Berkal, chat with experts and dealers about how they spend their time outside of the office.

Episodes

  1. Jun 15

    Stanley Cup Champion Craig Wolanin: On Grit, Growth, and Life in the NHL

    In this episode of Dealer Out of Office, hosts Jacob Berkal and Frank Zombo are joined by Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL defenseman Craig Wolanin. Drafted 3rd overall in 1985, Wolanin shares a candid look at his unconventional journey from the frozen ponds of Michigan to the height of professional hockey. The conversation dives deep into the mental and physical grit required for a long-term career in the NHL, the impact of mentorship, and the evolution of the game. Now a youth hockey coach, Wolanin also shares his philosophy on player development, emphasizing the importance of being a multi-sport athlete and prioritizing "will over skill". Key Topics Discussed: The Unconventional Path: Why Wolanin quit hockey at age 15 to play baseball and how a high school coach's decision led him back to the ice.Life as a Young Pro: Making the jump to the NHL at 18 and living with a billet family in New Jersey led by a local judge who became a lifelong mentor.NHL’s Physical Era: Stories from the "clutching and grabbing" days, including a memorable (and nose-breaking) encounter with Clark Gillies.The Move to Colorado: Transitioning with the Quebec Nordiques to Denver and the unique experience of winning the Stanley Cup in the Avalanche’s inaugural season.Modern Coaching Wisdom: Advice for parents of young athletes on avoiding burnout, the value of the "late bloomer," and why character always beats talent.

    Stanley Cup Champion Craig Wolanin: On Grit, Growth, and Life in the NHL
  2. Jun 1

    The Detroit Watch Guy — John Shiha on Rolex, Watchmaking & Building a Career at Lucido Fine Jewelry

    John Shiha didn't grow up planning to become one of Michigan's most respected watchmakers. He started at 14 — cleaning cigarette burns off the showcases of a mall jewelry store after his grandfather made him work 13-hour days just to take the job. From there, it was the last high school watch repair program in North America, one of the youngest acceptances ever to the Rolex watchmaking school in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and a cold call to Vince Lucido that turned into a handshake deal and a career. In this episode, Jake Berkal and Frank Zombo sit down with John, now General Manager at Lucido Fine Jewelry, for a wide-ranging conversation on the craft, the business, and the culture of luxury watches. We cover what actually happens during a full Rolex service, why Rolex is designed to be worked on a decade later, the philosophy that you don't own a Patek Philippe — you take care of it for the next generation, why fakes are a hard pass, and how to start a meaningful collection at any price point. Plus John's takeaways from Watches & Wonders: the Rolex 100-year Jubilee dial, Gerald Charles' perpetual calendar, and the value play happening at Grand Seiko. If you've ever wondered what makes a $500 Seiko worth keeping for 50 years, why 904L stainless steel matters, or how an authorized dealer relationship actually works — this one's for you. Big thanks to John for coming on. Visit the team at Lucido Fine Jewelry — Sterling Heights, Rochester, Birmingham, and beyond. www.lucidojewelry.com Follow Dealer Out of Office for new conversations with the people, brands, and craftsmen behind the automotive and luxury worlds.

    The Detroit Watch Guy — John Shiha on Rolex, Watchmaking & Building a Career at Lucido Fine Jewelry

About

Car dealers know how to work hard and play hard. Former NFL linebacker and AHX’s VP of Sales, Frank Zombo, and All-American guy and AHX Sales Director, Jake Berkal, chat with experts and dealers about how they spend their time outside of the office.