Southtowne uses Podium’s AI BDC, powered by OpenAI, to close 68% more sales with real-time, accurate messages.

When Andrew Reagan, Director of E-Commerce at Southtown Auto, saw 4,000 to 4,500 monthly leads flooding in across two rooftops—with only six people to handle them—he knew they needed a better system.

“You do the math,” he says. “It’s impossible…and speed is our biggest weapon when it comes to engaging customers,” Andrew explains.

That’s where Podium’s AI BDC came in, powered by OpenAI’s continually updated large language model. Nicknamed “Jerry” (later “Linda”), this AI BDC responds within seconds, no matter how many leads are incoming. “It’s probably cut our time-to-lead in half, if not more,” Andrew reports. Andrew trusts “Linda” because she relies on OpenAI’s vast, real-time data. Unlike competitors who have built static repositories of data to train their AI, Podium’s AI doesn’t rely on an outdated database but stays informed on everything from vehicle specs to local weather, thanks to OpenAI’s latest models.

One of Andrew’s favorite examples is how smoothly the AI adapted during a severe winter storm. After the dealership shortened hours, the AI instantly relayed updates, even providing weather details. “It tapped into local weather,” Andrew notes. “Then it used our updated sales hours…we published that we were actually not open.” 

Competitors often build narrowly trained AI that can’t pivot as quickly without major manual updates, but OpenAI’s global model continually evolves on its own.

For Southtown Auto, the results have been transformative. Andrew’s Hyundai dealership soared from about 150 cars a month to 252, thanks in part to the AI’s ability to engage leads and schedule appointments instantly. “A lot of times, the AI ends up setting the appointment,” he says.

Instead of scrambling to handle repetitive questions, the human team can step in only when deals are hot and they are actually needed.

The best part? Customers love it. Many don’t realize they’re talking to AI at all. “They’re like, ‘Where’s Linda? She’s got to be around here somewhere!’” Andrew says, laughing. This seamless, human-like experience quickly establishes trust. “Linda’s much more versed on the car,” Andrew points out, often pulling information faster than a person could Google it.

Andrew calls Podium’s AI “the best rep” he’s ever had—one that never sleeps, never eats, and can handle a hundred conversations simultaneously. “She can do 100 to 200 times the work my individual reps can do,” Andrew says, “without any complaining for that.”

Most crucially, Andrew highlights why OpenAI’s globally trained model offers a major advantage for small businesses. It’s easy to deploy, scales instantly, and stays up to date without the need for complicated custom training. “People don’t usually want to work with a car dealership,” Andrew admits, but when you respond right away and deliver the answers they need, customers are more likely to stick around.

In the end, Podium’s AI—built on OpenAI’s dynamic, real-time model—has given Southtown Auto a powerful new edge. Andrew has seen firsthand how cutting response times, personalizing conversations, and delivering accurate information on the fly can double sales and create happier customers. And for any small business drowning in leads, that’s a win that speaks for itself.