Auto Collabs
The walls are closing in on Franchised Retail Auto Dealers as the industry is moving at break-neck velocity toward a new way of doing business. The convergence of economic and social volatility, new entrants like Tesla and Carvana, and the new rules of retail are putting Auto Dealers in a crucible that will either destroy them or refine them.Auto Collabs brings you deep into real-talk conversations with the brightest operators and innovators in the Retail Auto Industry who believe the Dealer network is the single greatest way to serve the transportation needs of communities across the country. The only way Retail Auto Dealers and Industry Partners will survive is by committing to innovate together, so let’s get started. Welcome to Auto Collabs. // Auto Collabs is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn more at https://www.asotu.com
Auto Collabs
The Art of the Fight: Applying Martial Arts to Leadership and Success with Adam Marburger | Public Policy Day 2025
During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.
In this episode, Paul J Daly sits down with Adam Marburger—entrepreneur, finance expert, and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—to explore the connections between martial arts, leadership, and personal growth.
Adam shares his journey from competing in MMA to building multiple businesses, explaining how the discipline, resilience, and mental toughness learned on the mat have shaped his professional life. He also opens up about being a dedicated "girl dad," revealing how he navigates the challenges of raising daughters, from first jobs to first boyfriends.
Beyond the personal stories, Adam offers valuable leadership insights, emphasizing the power of trust, empathy, and one-on-one connections in business. He discusses the importance of understanding employees on a personal level and fostering a culture where people feel valued. Whether you're in business, leadership, or just looking for motivation, Adam’s philosophy on perseverance and relationships will leave you inspired.
0:00 Intro
0:32 Adam Marburger on being a proud "girl dad"
1:48 How Jiu-Jitsu builds discipline and mental toughness
3:53 The surprising business lessons from martial arts
5:38 Balancing leadership and fatherhood
7:49 Building trust and strong company culture in F&I
9:14 How to lead employees who are naturally guarded
10:36 Empathy and trust: The foundation of leadership
Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!
https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/
Adam Marburger is the CEO of Ascent Dealer Services
https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger/
⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!
We have a daily email!
✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.
🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:
