Looking for conversations that spark ideas and move you forward? Driven to Success gives you an inside look at the leaders shaping the entire aftermarket. Hosts David Wofford and Vic Tarasik dive into real stories, practical strategies, and fresh ideas from standout shop owners, top-performing technicians, distributors, tool innovators, manufacturers, and leaders from key industry associations, plus the unexpected insights that only come from honest, unfiltered conversation. If you’re focused on growing, leading, & staying ahead, this is where the industry’s brightest minds come to talk shop.
For Ryan Samuels, the automotive aftermarket isn’t just a business. It’s a family legacy spanning four generations.
Ryan joins Vic Tarasik and David Wofford to share the story behind Buy Wise Auto Parts, from his great-grandfather’s used-car dealership to his grandfather staring down a showroom full of Studebakers after the manufacturer disappeared, and the hard decisions that ultimately helped build the business Ryan helps lead today.
Along the way, Ryan talks about growing up behind the parts counter, learning from his father and grandfather, being allowed to “fail forward,” building a team that genuinely cares about its customers, and why relationships still matter as much as price and delivery.
It’s a conversation about hard work, family, leadership, resilience, and carrying forward something generations before you sacrificed to build.
And yes, we also find out what a 1978 Cadillac Coupe de Ville can teach a teenager about driving in a New Jersey winter.
Four generations. One legacy. And plenty of lessons from the road.
8 Jul 2026
You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up!
They say the journey is the reward, but sometimes the journey is just plain unbelievable. In this episode of the Driven to Success Podcast, we’re stepping away from the shop floor to share the wild, "you just can't make this up" stories from our recent travels.From the travel issues that tested our patience to the incredible people we met along the way, we’re diving into the human side of being on the road in the automotive industry. It’s a reminder that while the destination matters, the stories—and the connections—are what truly fuel our drive.In this episode, we discuss:The Reality of the Road: Dealing with the travel headaches and hurdles that every industry professional knows all too well.The People Who Make the Industry: Sharing stories about the unique characters and inspiring people we encountered during our travels.Lessons in Resilience: How to keep your drive alive when flight delays, logistics, and life try to slow you down.The Power of Connection: Why the people we meet on the road are often the most valuable part of any trip.About Driven to Success: We’re here to fuel your professional journey with real talk, industry insights, and the stories of the people who make the automotive world move.Don't forget to: ✅ Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights. 💬 What’s your craziest travel story? Let’s hear it in the comments!#TravelStories #AutomotiveIndustry #DrivenToSuccess #Podcast #BusinessTravel #Networking
26 Jun 2026
Growing Sales -Educate and Communicate
David ("Yoda") explains that for a warehouse distributor-who is already investing millions in inventory and infrastructure-the path to growth isn't just about having the parts; it's about the sales team's ability to: Move Beyond "Just Sales": Transition from being seen as "another sales guy" to a sincere partner who adds value through product knowledge. Target the Professional Installer: Effectively communicate why a specific product is the right solution for the technicians fixing cars every day. Leverage Service Center Programs: Use these programs as a competitive advantage to ensure the distributor is the "first call" for a shop. Adapt to Brand Shifts: Understand that market preferences for brands change every decade, and the distributor must educate the market on those shifts to maintain revenue growth.
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