On todays show, the legendary Carlos Hidalgo. If you want to hear an example of an American dream, you need to hear this podcast. A respected, well-known dealer, a car guy to the bone, Carlos is the CEO of Fifth Wave Automotive. Carlos has owned multiple dealers, been President of the Minority Dealers Association, a leader in the automotive dealer industry. What a story Carlos has, from selling vegetables at the age of 14 in the streets of California to getting his first selling job, to working his way to owning a dealership. This all takes place at Sam’s Grill, the second oldest restaurant in San Francisco and what a place it is! Food, History, and surprises. Get ready!

00:53 🍽️ Carlos Hidalgo's favorite place, Sam's Grill in San Francisco, has a rich history dating back to 1867 and offers a unique dining experience.
02:14 🌄 Carlos Hidalgo's favorite place in the world is Lake Tahoe, particularly North Lake Tahoe, for its serene and relaxing atmosphere.
04:13 🏖️ Carlos Hidalgo's ideal vacation involves unplugging and doing absolutely nothing, embracing relaxation without any plans.
05:42 🥩 Los Ranchos in Nicaragua is Carlos Hidalgo's favorite restaurant globally, known for its incredible steakhouse experience and impeccable service.
06:46 🚗 Carlos Hidalgo's favorite car is the Dodge Demon 1970, customized with every option, showing his passion for cars.
08:19 💼 Carlos Hidalgo's career in the automotive industry began when he needed a job, starting with selling vegetables and progressing to a salesperson role at a Dodge dealership.
14:33 🧼 Carlos Hidalgo emphasizes the importance of maintaining a meticulous and orderly environment in his dealership, focusing on customer experience down to small details.
15:04 🛠️ Carlos Hidalgo's journey from salesperson to closer to F&I (Finance & Insurance) to sales manager highlights his relentless work ethic and adaptability within the automotive industry.
17:59 📝 Carlos Hidalgo maintains a personal touch in his business dealings, from handwritten notes to providing a high-quality customer experience, despite changes in technology and business practices.
21:42 🔍 Carlos Hidalgo reflects on changes in the automotive industry, particularly the shift away from one-on-one relationships with manufacturers, which were more personalized and direct in the past.
22:23 📈 Carlos Hidalgo discusses the challenges of adapting to market changes, such as transitioning from gas cars to electric cars.
25:45 💼 Carlos Hidalgo offers advice for success in the automotive business: save money, dedicate focused work hours, and visualize goals.
28:20 🤝 When hiring, Carlos emphasizes the importance of professional appearance and recruits candidates who show initiative and ambition.