Episode #1392: At the halfway point of 2026, Brian Benstock joins us to unpack the biggest challenges—and biggest opportunities—in retail automotive. From navigating uncertainty and scaling dealership operations to building a culture of trust, it's a candid conversation packed with practical insights for dealers.

Brian Benstock is one of the most respected voices in automotive retail. He's the Vice President and General Manager of Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura in Queens, New York, a longtime dealer principal, and a regular contributor on the future of automotive retail, customer experience, digital transformation, and dealership leadership. He says the auto business is delivering exactly what dealers signed up for: uncertainty. From affordability and tariffs to scaling dealer groups and building trust, his message is simple—focus on what you can control and keep serving customers.

• Benstock describes the first half of the year as "busy, lousy, and great" all at once, citing economic uncertainty, tariffs, global conflicts, and shifting regulations as part of the new normal.

  • As dealer groups grow, he says success comes from operating as an enterprise—replicating best practices across rooftops instead of treating each store as an island.

  • He believes dealership culture is a competitive advantage, arguing that a "culture of trust" drives employee engagement and creates a better customer experience.

  • Benstock says the best operators aren't waiting for conditions to improve—they're staying disciplined, adapting quickly, and focusing on the customer experience instead of chasing headlines.

  • "Affordability matters... We've got three of our most popular vehicles under $300 a month. That's nine bucks a day for some of the best transportation you can buy." — Brian Benstock

00:00 – Intro with Paul J. Daly & Brian Benstock

03:35 – Thinking Like an Enterprise

04:37 – Scaling Culture Across Every Store

11:21 – Why Affordability Still Wins