CHANGING LANES
- A Hooks Lincoln Podcast
Episode 7
In this episode of Changing Lanes: The Hooks Playbook, we break down two real Google reviews from the same dealership one 5-star, one completely brutal and what they reveal about what’s really happening behind the scenes.
Kip Hooks, owner of Hooks Lincoln in Fort Worth, TX, explains why a 4.7+ star reputation isn’t built by asking for reviews, it’s built through consistent decisions, strong leadership, and accountability across the entire dealership.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- Why reviews are a lagging indicator of your operation
- How dealership culture shows up in every customer interaction
- The real reason negative reviews happen (it’s not just one mistake)
- Why confidence—not pressure—wins in today’s sales process
- How to turn bad reviews into loyalty and long-term improvement
If you’re a dealer, GM, or operator focused on building trust, improving customer experience, and creating a reputation that compounds over time this is the playbook.
Episode 6
What really drives long-term success in the automotive business?
In this episode, third-generation dealer Kip breaks down why character and not just experience is the foundation of a great dealership. From hiring decisions to leadership standards, he shares how integrity shapes culture, builds trust, and ultimately drives performance.
Kip explains why hiring the right people matters more than resumes, how leadership behavior sets the tone for the entire organization, and why customer experience is the true competitive advantage in today’s market.
You’ll also hear his perspective on:
- The difference between “selling” and guiding customers
- Why service is the backbone of long-term relationships
- How mistakes can reinforce and not damage your values
- What separates short-term wins from a lasting reputation
In an industry that doesn’t always have the best reputation, Kip offers a refreshing take: success is earned, trust is built, and relationships are everything.
Whether you’re in automotive, leading a team, or building a business, this conversation delivers practical insights on how character drives real results.
Episode 5
In this episode of Changing Lanes: The Hooks Playbook, Dealer Principal Kip Hooks welcomes a very special guest — his brother, Kory Hooks — for an open and thoughtful conversation about family, leadership, and the values that continue to define the Hooks name in the automotive industry.
While Kip and Kory each lead their own dealerships today, their journeys began long before individual roles were established. Raised in a multi-generation automotive family, both brothers were shaped by the guidance of their father and grandfather — lessons rooted in integrity, accountability, and putting people before profit.
In this honest discussion, they reflect on growing up in dealerships, navigating expectations tied to a family legacy, and learning how their different personalities and leadership styles have helped shape who they are as leaders today. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how shared values can lead to different — yet complementary — paths.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- How Kip and Kory each found their own direction in the car business
- What it’s really like growing up in a multi-generation dealership family
- How different leadership styles can strengthen a shared legacy
- Common misconceptions about owning and operating a dealership
- Why people-first leadership still matters more than ever
Episode 4
In this episode, Hooks Lincoln Owner Kip Hooks walks through how Hooks Lincoln has completely redefined what modern vehicle service should feel like—and why their entire model centers on one core principle: making car care effortless.
Kip gives a behind-the-scenes look at how these programs were built, how they’ve evolved, and what separates Hooks Lincoln’s approach from the rest of the industry. From staffing and logistics to transparency and customer trust, he breaks down the intentional design behind creating an ownership experience that continues long after the sale.
He also shares insights on:
- How Hooks Lincoln developed its remote service, valet, and pickup/delivery model
- Why true convenience is about care, not shortcuts
- The systems that ensure safety, punctuality, and consistent communication
- Why character-driven team members are non-negotiable
- What the mobile service van can handle onsite—oil changes, recalls, software updates, and more
- How continuous improvement shapes every customer interaction
Episode 3
In this episode, Hooks Lincoln Owner Kip Hooks discusses how his team has transformed the car-buying experience into something truly personal, transparent, and centered on loyalty.
Hooks Lincoln has redefined what it means to buy and own a vehicle. In Changing Lanes: The Hooks Playbook, Kip explains how the single point of contact model turns a standard transaction into a relationship grounded in integrity, empathy, and long-term trust.
He also shares insights on:
- How loyalty and culture guide every decision at Hooks Lincoln
- The story behind the “no printer” rule and eliminating friction from the process
- Redefining luxury through genuine listening and personalization
- Why exceptional service—like valet pickup, mobile maintenance, and proactive care—creates lifelong loyalty
- How a strong, people-first culture empowers the team to “run through walls” for clients
Episode 2
In this episode of Changing Lanes: The Hooks Playbook, Kip Hooks, Owner of Hooks Lincoln, shares heartfelt stories that illustrate how going above and beyond has been part of his family’s legacy for generations. From his grandfather removing a mirror from a brand-new truck to help a stranded traveler hauling horses, to his father changing a student’s flat tire in the rain, to Kip personally driving a family home when their vehicle broke down—each story reflects how true service is rooted in humanity, trust, and integrity.
Kip also reflects on how these timeless values have endured even as technology has reshaped the car-buying and ownership experience. While tools and trends evolve, he explains why the heart of great service—doing the right thing for the right reason—never goes out of style.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a dealership stand out after more than four decades in business, this episode reveals how simple, genuine moments of care can create lasting relationships that span generations.
Episode 1
Welcome to the debut episode of Changing Lanes: The Hooks Playbook — the series where we explore the stories, values, and behind-the-scenes moments that define Hooks Lincoln in Fort Worth, Texas.
In this first episode, Kip Hooks, Dealer Principal and third-generation leader of Hooks Lincoln, shares what sets their dealership apart — and why relationships, not transactions, are at the heart of everything they do. From honoring customers’ time to crafting a boutique ownership experience, Kip reveals how his team continues a 70-year family legacy while embracing a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Kip also dives into:
- Why being a “want” dealership changes everything
- The philosophy behind BIHL: Best Interest of Hooks Lincoln
- Hiring for character over experience
- What luxury really means to today’s car buyers
- How sports, coaching, and culture influence leadership
- Real stories that prove going the extra mile isn’t just talk
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)