Talent versus culture – which matters more when building your dream team? At Lewis Brothers, we've spent decades perfecting the delicate balance between hiring skilled performers and maintaining our unique company culture. In this revealing conversation, we pull back the curtain on how our 79-year family business approaches this challenging aspect of leadership.

We explore how seemingly small traditions like "Cancun Friday" (where everyone dresses in beach attire) create the distinctive atmosphere our customers immediately notice. These cultural touchpoints aren't just fun distractions – they're strategic elements that strengthen team bonds and differentiate us from 3,400 other Ford dealerships. As one customer with decades of automotive industry experience recently told us: "This place is different."

The interview process itself becomes a critical cultural assessment. We share practical techniques for looking beyond rehearsed answers to discover a candidate's true nature – from conducting informal walking interviews to involving existing team members in the hiring process. You'll learn why gut feelings matter and how aptitude tests can reveal personality traits that might otherwise remain hidden until after hiring.

Perhaps most importantly, we address the potential pitfalls of leaning too far in either direction. Hire purely for culture, and you might end up with a team that's fun but inefficient. Focus exclusively on talent, and you risk bringing in high-performers who damage team chemistry. The sweet spot? Finding talented individuals who are "moldable" – open to embracing your culture while enhancing it with their unique contributions.

Whether you're building a business from scratch or looking to strengthen an existing team, these actionable insights will transform how you approach your next hire. Join us for a conversation that goes beyond typical hiring advice to the heart of what makes a workplace truly special.

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!

Surviving and thriving for 79 years in business doesn't happen by accident. The Lewis Brothers pull back the curtain on how they've navigated crossroad moments and pivoted their automotive dealerships to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market.

The episode opens with a powerful revelation - despite running successful dealerships, the Lewis brothers continually evaluate and adjust their business rather than simply repeating what worked yesterday. They share practical strategies for recognizing when change is needed, including stepping away from daily operations to gain perspective. As Matt Lewis explains, "If you don't step away from your business and the day-to-day hustle and bustle, you'll never see it."

Against the backdrop of their recent move to a new state-of-the-art facility, the brothers detail how they've created unique customer experiences to differentiate themselves in an industry where products and pricing are standardized. Their niche innovations range from doubling factory warranties to 10 years/120,000 miles without extra cost, to developing remote service vans that handle recalls at customers' homes or workplaces.

The conversation takes an especially candid turn when the brothers share their business failures - including overstocking $5 million worth of luxury Wagoneers that generated $180,000 in monthly floor plan interest. Rather than hiding their mistakes, they reveal how these moments became pivotal learning opportunities that ultimately strengthened their business.

For business owners struggling with when and how to pivot, this episode delivers actionable frameworks for evaluating your current systems, creating scalable processes before you need them, and fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable providing candid feedback. Whether you're running a family business or managing a growing team, these insights will help you recognize opportunity where others see only challenges.

Ready to transform how you approach business evolution? Listen now and discover why sometimes the most important pivots happen when things seem to be working well.

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!

The toughest tightrope in business might be the one leaders walk every day – balancing authority with connection, demonstrating care without becoming buddies, and growing personally while staying true to core values. This episode dives deep into the art of leadership evolution without losing your edge.

We explore the power of leading by example through our "three-minute rule" – if something needs attention and takes less than three minutes, handle it yourself. Picture this: snow needs clearing, trash needs picking up, or a customer needs assistance. Your willingness to tackle these small tasks speaks volumes without saying a word. However, we also discuss the critical importance of knowing when to step back – because while you could change the oil or rebuild an engine, that's probably not the best use of your leadership time.

The leadership journey becomes increasingly isolating as you climb higher, but that's not necessarily bad. We share practical strategies for maintaining meaningful connections with your team without crossing into territory that undermines your authority. From structured recognition events to thoughtful check-ins, there are ways to demonstrate genuine care without becoming "one of the gang."

Perhaps most importantly, we emphasize that "everyone wins when the leader gets better." Like the lumberjack who stops to sharpen his axe while others keep hacking away with dull blades, the most effective leaders prioritize their own growth and development. Through podcasts, books, mentors, or online resources, leaders who continuously learn bring fresh insights and renewed energy to their organizations.

Ready to evolve as a leader without compromising your authority or authenticity? This conversation provides the roadmap for your next steps in leadership development.

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!

Where's the line between having a voice and protecting your business? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the complex world of business neutrality and knowing when to speak up or stay silent on controversial issues.

We examine the real-world consequences of taking political stands through the cautionary tale of Bud Light, whose controversial position cost them a staggering $1.4 billion and impacted countless employees throughout their supply chain. It's a powerful reminder that business decisions create ripple effects far beyond the boardroom.

The conversation isn't about abandoning your values – it's about understanding that your responsibility as a business owner extends to your employees, customers, and community. We share practical filters to run decisions through: Will this increase or decrease my business? Does it help those around me? Do I have control over this issue?

We also explore the authenticity trap in social media trends, revealing why following your core values will always serve you better than chasing viral moments. With the sobering statistic that only 3% of businesses reach the fourth generation (and 45% fail in their first five years), we emphasize focusing on fundamentals rather than fleeting controversies.

Whether you're managing multi-generational teams or navigating today's polarized landscape, this episode provides actionable wisdom for building a business that welcomes all customers while staying true to your mission. Your business's longevity may depend on knowing when strategic silence speaks volumes.

Want more insights on running a successful family business? Subscribe now and join our community of forward-thinking business leaders who understand that sometimes, the most courageous decision is knowing when not to speak.

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!

What's the difference between working hard and working connected? We learned this lesson the hard way – spending years with our "plow in the ground" before discovering the exponential power of strategic networking.

In this candid conversation we reveal how we transformed from heads-down workers who never left the dealership into connected business leaders whose network built our automotive empire. We share practical strategies for networking as an introvert, selecting the right events to attend, and leveraging the "know you, like you, trust you" principle to build relationships that generate business for decades.

We don't hold back on our early mistakes, including Shelby's admission that "getting started is the hardest part" and Matt's regret about burning bridges with potential partners. Our vulnerability creates a masterclass in proximity power – showing how we secured multi-million dollar deals for our new dealership construction through relationships developed at chamber events, charity functions, and community involvement.

You'll learn our tactical approach to "speed dating" at networking events (and how to escape conversations that aren't valuable), why we bought ice cream for 250 construction workers in 100-degree heat, and our counter-intuitive strategy for winning back customers who bought vehicles from competitors.

Whether you're a business owner looking to expand your influence or a professional wanting to advance your career, this episode delivers actionable insights about creating connections that last. We prove that true networking isn't about collecting business cards – it's about planting trees that will provide shade for generations to come.

Ready to transform your approach to business relationships? Listen now and discover how to build a network that works even when you don't.

Take a passenger seat inside Lewis Automotive's biggest sales event of the year – the Ultimate Challenge. What began as a $20,000 vehicle discount has now escalated to an unprecedented $25,000 off select models as the team races toward their 555-vehicle goal with just six working days remaining. They've already hit 81.6% of that target, and the energy is electric.

What makes this event truly special isn't just the price slashing – it's the comprehensive approach to creating value at every turn. Finance managers have challenged 26 lending partners to provide automatic rate reductions of up to 2.5 percentage points below their already competitive rates. Some manufacturers are offering 0% financing options, while Ford's 90-day no-payment program allows customers to pocket their March, April, and May car payments – potentially saving thousands.

The atmosphere resembles a month-long festival rather than traditional car shopping. Food trucks, bouncy houses, petting zoos, and special events create an environment where families want to spend time regardless of their vehicle needs. Sales professionals share remarkable stories of helping customers who thought they couldn't afford to trade up, finding creative solutions through manufacturer incentives, trade assistance, and customized financing packages.

Most impressive is how Lewis has transformed their approach to this high-pressure sales period. Unlike previous years where hitting ambitious goals meant working every day of the month, leadership made a conscious decision not to require anyone to work on their days off – while setting an even higher sales target. The result? A team that's energized, creative, and fully committed to the challenge.

With fresh inventory arriving daily – 240 new vehicles added in just the past week – the selection continues to evolve right through the final days. As the salespeople emphasize: don't wait until it's over; when these deals are gone, they're gone. Visit any Lewis Automotive location before the Ultimate Challenge concludes or catch their live Saturday sales meeting on Facebook to see the latest arrivals and final specials.

The energy is electric halfway through the Ultimate Challenge at Lewis Automotive Group, where the ambitious goal of 555 vehicles sold in March has already hit the 327 mark. This isn't business as usual—it's a complete transformation of how deals are approved, with the Lewis Brothers signing off on transactions that would typically be declined.

"Some of those deals they brought to my office... I don't even hardly look up at them," Matt Lewis explains, describing how they're approving deals sometimes thousands below cost to maintain momentum. This radical approach creates extraordinary buying opportunities, including $20,000 off new vehicles, up to $5,000 over Kelly Blue Book for trades, and an automatic 2.5% interest rate reduction across all financing.

The podcast reveals the fascinating inner workings of this high-octane sales event through conversations with longtime employees who help newcomers understand the unique culture. Service Director Tre Forgusen shares special promotions like $50 off oil changes every Wednesday and buy-three-get-one-free tire deals, while Finance veteran Justin describes personally calling banks to secure better terms rather than letting computers make all decisions.

Most captivating is how the dealership motivates their team beyond commission—custom socks created a "feeding frenzy" among salespeople, with six racing to close the final deal that would earn the last pair. Other incentives include Stanley cups, electronics, and kayaks, creating an atmosphere of friendly competition and celebration. The Lewis brothers emphasize that their success comes from focusing on helping employees achieve their goals rather than setting personal targets.

Ready to experience the Ultimate Challenge yourself? Follow Lewis Automotive Group on social media to catch daily specials and newly-acquired trade-ins before they appear online. With over 100 fresh pre-owned vehicles added weekly, there's something for everyone—but only if you act quickly!

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!

Step inside the energetic world of Lewis Automotive's Ultimate Challenge, where the excitement and culture on the showroom floor directly impact the customer experience. Broadcasting live from the Bronco showroom, the Lewis Brothers—Matt, Shelby, and Taylor—are giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what makes their annual March sales event so special.

The numbers tell part of the story: by Day 11, they've already moved 179 vehicles toward their goal of 555. But the real magic lies in how this momentum transforms both the dealership atmosphere and the deals customers can access. Multiple team members share how the Ultimate Challenge leverages the sheer volume of business to secure better financing terms from banks and credit unions—advantages simply unavailable during normal months.

"In 2020, with the pandemic and limited vehicle availability, many people got into situations they didn't want to be in," explains Anthony Rowers, one sales professional. "This undoes most of that." With discounts up to $20,000, interest rates as low as 0%, and no payments for 90 days, the event creates opportunities for customers to escape unfavorable financial situations while upgrading to newer vehicles.

The Lewis team's willingness to think outside the box appears in their "crazy trades" approach—accepting everything from farm animals to household items to make deals happen. As Taylor puts it, "It's old school horse trading," finding solutions rather than roadblocks when negotiating comes to an impasse.

Beyond the deals, the atmosphere itself becomes a celebration with taco trucks, coffee bars, race car simulators, and even axe throwing in the parking lot. The professionals who've been through multiple Ultimate Challenges—some dating back to 1999—describe how the infectious energy creates a different kind of car buying experience where customers genuinely enjoy the process.

Whether you're in the market for a new vehicle or simply curious about what makes Lewis Automotive's culture unique, stop by any of their locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, or Farmington to experience the Ultimate Challenge firsthand. As we say at Lewis: "555 must be sold, no matter what it takes."