Ride in Style Podcast: Episode 53 with with Dylan Braschler of Dealer Source
When Dylan Braschler told his parents he wanted nothing to do with the dealership industry, he meant it. For nearly two decades, he steered clear of the family business. Then a half-day shadow shift changed everything.
In Episode 53 of the Ride in Style Podcast, Dylan sits down with Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson to talk about joining Dealer Source, earning respect as a second-generation employee, and the lessons he’s learning on the road — from complex lift kit installations to his work on the PRO Select Committee.
This episode follows the earlier conversation with Rick Braschler, Dylan’s father, making this a fitting part two in the Dealer Source story.
The Half-Day That Changed Everything
Dylan joined Dealer Source full-time about two and a half years ago, starting in March 2024. He came in with no intention of staying. After college, he was applying for jobs as a bouncer and a server. His manager, Shelly, challenged him: “Are you doing anything better?”
That was enough to get him through the door for a shadow day. His first impression? Total confusion. Order entry screens filled with pattern numbers like Y2K NO and Y2K NOP. Seat configurations — 40/20/40, 60/40 rear split with armrest — meant nothing to him.
Rather than walk away, Dylan treated it like learning a new language. He took the challenge.
Earning Respect Without the Family Name
Dylan’s mother, Diana, was the owner of Dealer Source. From day one, Dylan made a deliberate choice: he would not trade on that connection.
He told his managers, Shelly and James, to treat him like anyone else. No special treatment. If he deserved to be yelled at, yell. The only request — don’t do it in front of his dad.
He also kept his family ties quiet with customers. Some dealership managers would tell him stories about knowing Diana for twenty years, not realizing they were talking to her son. Dylan would play along, say he’d pass along their regards, and leave it at that.
Within about six months, the technicians, drivers, and fellow reps saw that he was putting in the work. The stigma faded. Dealerships that did know his background told him straight: if you mess up, we’ll tell you. Dylan welcomed that candor.
A Day in the Life of Outside Sales
Dylan’s routine starts the night before. He reviews his Google Calendar for the next day’s route, studying which accounts he’ll visit and what packages might fit.
Mornings begin at the office — an hour to ninety minutes of download with his manager, a check-in with his dad, and preparation. Then he hits the road, visiting dealerships to pull stock units and identify sales opportunities.
The learning curve has been steep. Dylan had to master Zoho CRM integrated with QuickBooks for invoicing, learn the intricacies of ordering leather kits, and expand his product knowledge into new territory: Luxwood, fifth-wheel installations, and lift kits. His approach is straightforward — repetition is the fastest path to proficiency.
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Dylan is candid about mistakes. One standout: a Tommy Gate installation that went sideways because he didn’t inspect behind the van’s wall liner. The result was a misquote — the job required extra bracing he hadn’t accounted for.
He also received feedback about tire sizing that was too aggressive on a vehicle, requiring manual trimming for fitment. The takeaway: always inspect the vehicle thoroughly before committing to a quote or beginning work.
These aren’t embarrassments for Dylan. They’re fuel. Each error sharpens the pre-installation checklist and builds credibility with the shops he serves.
Growing the Business, One New Product at a Time
Dylan is actively pushing Dealer Source’s capabilities forward. His recent success with Tommy Gate installations is a model for how he approaches growth: take a calculated risk on a new product line, learn through doing, and expand from there.
His goal is to keep exploring new categories — even when the initial learning curve costs time and money. The mindset is simple: figure out what’s feasible, then build the capability.
Building a Future on the PRO Select Committee
Dylan’s entry into the PRO Select Committee started at SEMA, where he met Josh Poulson and learned about the council from Hannah. He was told to wait. He didn’t.
Instead, he volunteered for the PRO Cup Challenge and pushed until he secured a spot on the committee. Now he’s focused on growing the Pro Cup Challenge and improving how manufacturers and dealerships coordinate — getting dealerships involved earlier in the process for a more integrated program.
His advice to other young professionals in the industry: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Network actively. Reach out to people who know more than you. Dylan regularly contacts colleagues like Josh Poulson, Colby, and Kevin to pick up insights, believing that accumulated knowledge pays dividends over a long career.
Connect with Dealer Source
Dealer Source maintains an active presence on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, where they share examples of their work. You can also explore their gallery at dealersourceltd.com or reach out to Dylan directly to learn more about what Dealer Source can do for your dealership.