In this episode of Changing Lanes: The Hooks Playbook, Kip Hooks, Owner of Hooks Lincoln in Fort Worth, Texas, sits down to discuss a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight in the automotive industry — but drives everything behind the scenes: character.
Dealerships often focus on process, pricing, inventory, and performance. But as Kip explains, none of it works without the right people. And the right people are defined first and foremost by character.
From hiring decisions to leadership standards, from the sales floor to the service drive, Kip shares why integrity is the true competitive advantage — and why doing the right thing when nobody’s watching still matters more than ever.
As a third-generation dealer, Kip reflects on how legacy, leadership, and customer experience are all rooted in a simple principle: your word is your bond. He explains why he hires for character over experience, how culture follows leadership, and why long-term trust will always outperform short-term wins.
The conversation also explores how character shows up in real dealership moments — handling mistakes, guiding customers instead of “selling” them, building lasting relationships, and creating an environment where people want to return, not because they have to, but because they trust the experience.
This episode isn’t just for dealers. It’s for anyone who believes how you do business matters just as much as what you do.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why character is doing the right thing when nobody’s watching
- Why hiring for character matters more than hiring for skill
- How leadership behavior shapes culture
- Why service is the backbone of long-term customer trust
- How mistakes become opportunities to reinforce values
- Why relationships, not transactions, drive real success
- What truly makes a great dealership
If you believe integrity still matters in business — this episode is for you.
Subscribe to Changing Lanes: The Hooks Playbook wherever you get your podcasts and follow along for more conversations on leadership, legacy, and building a business the right way.
Stop by Hooks Lincoln in Fort Worth, Texas
Visit us online: www.hookslincoln.com
Find us on Google: Hooks GBP
Follow Kip Hooks: www.linkedin.com/in/kip-hooks-6723046a/
Podcast Directed and Produced by: www.hiredgunsagency.com