On this special episode of Training Camp, host Adam Marburger shifts the focus from sales strategies to personal and professional growth, joined by two of his closest industry peers: Chris Roberts, Owner of Johnny Roberts Motors, and Tustin Ulrich, General Manager of Roper Kia. As leaders deeply committed to their craft, both guests share how joining mastermind groups, investing in mentorship, and applying consistent daily practices have reshaped not only their businesses but also their lives at home.
“You show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future,” Marburger says, setting the tone for a conversation centered on influence, leadership, and intentional growth.
The turning point
For Ulrich, a speech by Danelle Delgado on The Second Mountain by David Brooks sparked a pivotal moment. The concept centers on the idea that reaching traditional success often leads to an emptiness that requires a second, more meaningful pursuit. That moment prompted him to seek out coaching and deeper mentorship.
“Those little things that are going to have a lasting impact… if I hadn’t made those changes, it’d ripple for generations.” – Tustin Ulrich
Roberts echoed that discomfort often signals growth. After joining a mastermind group, he was forced to confront difficult questions and break through mental barriers. For both men, being surrounded by ambitious, forward-thinking peers created an environment of continuous growth.
The leadership void
While training for sales and F&I is common, all three noted the lack of executive-level coaching.
Despite access to quality sales and F&I training, high-level leadership coaching is still rare in the industry. Ulrich believes this is because coaching seasoned leaders is more complicated, as the results may be less immediately obvious, and seasoned professionals tend to be more skeptical.
Roberts pointed to disengaged leadership as a contributing factor. “You can’t build a culture from a distance. You have to be present.”
Daily training
Both Ulrich and Roberts emphasized daily training as essential.
At Roberts’s store, they have daily meetings with gratitude exercises to build mindset and cohesion.
“I was never a super negative person, but this has now opened my eyes just drastically to see what’s ahead.” – Chris Roberts
Ulrich’s team follows a daily process called LEAD:: Listen, Encourage, Advise, Develop. They also read affirmations aloud and participate in a daily book club. While the goal is not to retain every piece of information, the process builds shared vocabulary and mental alignment, which strengthens communication and teamwork.
Cutting out the noise
The conversation further explores the importance of distancing oneself from toxic influences. Ulrich and Roberts both underline that not every relationship needs to be stopped, but some people, particularly those who are negative or resistant to growth, are better kept at a distance.
Rather than letting those individuals derail progress, both leaders believe in staying focused on those who are committed to personal and professional improvement.
However, the impact of their work isn’t limited to the dealership. Roberts said a focus on gratitude has made him more positive and goal-driven.
Ulrich shared a conversation with his daughter, who recognized the difference between the parent she had as a child and the one he is today. “She said, ‘I’m grateful you grew,’” he recalled. “That’s when I knew the work was worth it.”
Ultimately, both leaders stress that the key to success starts with mindset, accountability, and your circle of influence.
