The Evening Drive

theeveningdrive
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The Evening Drive is the podcast you listen to on the way home. Hosted by Sam Cox and Evan Walters, two automotive veterans turned coaches, the show is built for leaders, parents, and professionals who want real conversations about work, life, leadership, and growth—without the fluff. Automotive at the core, but human at heart, The Evening Drive helps you decompress, reset your mindset, and walk through the door at home better than you walked out. Lock the gates. Start the drive. Win the day.

  1. Jun 10

    The Mindset Behind Disrupting Automotive with guest Josh Mitchell | The Evening Drive

    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

    34 min

  2. May 28

    Mindset Mastery: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything | The Evening Drive

    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

    33 min

  3. May 20

    Unlocking AI Potential in Automotive Leadership | The Evening Drive Podcast

    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

    30 min

  4. May 13

    From 2 Cars to GMC Dealer of the Year with Mark Foster | The Evening Drive

    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. 🚘🔥

    27 min

  5. May 6

    Balancing Leadership and Family with Brad Overly | The Evening Drive

    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

    29 min

  6. Apr 24

    Why Building Relationships and Experience Matter

    🚗 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

    37 min

  7. Apr 15

    The 1% Effect with Guest Tustin Ulrich

    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.

    25 min

  8. Apr 8

    The Evening Drive with Special Guest Jon Blakely

    What’s up, everybody — welcome back to The Evening Drive. In this episode, Evan Walters and Sam Cox sit down with special guest John Blakely — a high-level dealership leader running multiple stores and leading teams to #1 performance in their market. This conversation goes deep into what’s actually working right now in the car business — not theory, not fluff — but real, in-the-trenches leadership and execution. 🔥 Inside this episode: Why relationships still beat technology (even in the AI era) The truth about consistent process vs. perfect process How to implement accountability without killing culture The real role of AI in dealerships today (and where people get it wrong) What it takes to go from the floor to running multiple stores How top leaders maintain the underdog mentality — even at #1 The biggest frustration (and opportunity) in today’s used car market Why building your personal brand outside the dealership is non-negotiable 💡 One of the biggest takeaways: Success isn’t about motivation — it’s about discipline, consistency, and showing up when it’s hard. Whether you’re in automotive, sales, leadership, or just trying to level up in life — this episode is packed with real talk, real strategies, and real perspective. 👉 Hit play, take notes, and as always… Win the day.

    26 min
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About

The Evening Drive is the podcast you listen to on the way home. Hosted by Sam Cox and Evan Walters, two automotive veterans turned coaches, the show is built for leaders, parents, and professionals who want real conversations about work, life, leadership, and growth—without the fluff. Automotive at the core, but human at heart, The Evening Drive helps you decompress, reset your mindset, and walk through the door at home better than you walked out. Lock the gates. Start the drive. Win the day.

Information

  • Creator
    theeveningdrive
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Evening Drive