From Homeless to COO: Ed Roberts on Leadership, Faith, and Becoming the Obvious Choice

Written By Arnold Denah

What happens when a kid who grew up homeless, digging through dumpsters for survival, becomes one of the most respected leaders in the automotive industry?

This episode isn’t just a conversation, it’s a reminder that your past doesn’t get to vote on your future.

On this episode of Keep the Change, I sit down with Ed Roberts, and fair warning…this one goes deep. Real deep.

What we unpack in this episode:

Ed’s story is raw, honest, and powerful, but it’s not just about where he came from. It’s about how he thinks, why he leads the way he does, and what elite leadership actually looks like when it’s done with humility, empathy, and intention.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll hear:

  • How Ed went from sleeping in a car to becoming COO and General Manager of Bozard Ford Lincoln, leading explosive growth in a small-town market

  • The concept of “Mile One” why progress isn’t about giant leaps, but about taking the next achievable step

  • Why great leaders don’t just hold people accountable, they align expectations, earn commitment, and build trust

  • The difference between entitled, co-existing, and opportunistic team members (and how to actually lead each one)

  • Why empathy, one-on-ones, and listening without agenda are no longer optional for leaders

  • How Ed’s book Mile One and his coaching work are creating “starfish moments”—changing lives one person at a time

There’s faith. There’s grit. There’s leadership wisdom you can apply immediately, whether you’re running a dealership, leading a team, or just trying to become a better version of yourself.

This is one of those episodes where you’ll probably pause, rewind, and say, “Man… I needed that.”

If you’ve ever felt underestimated, stuck, or unsure of your next step—this conversation will meet you right where you are and challenge you to move forward.

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Arnold Denah
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Scaling from 150 to 1,000 Cars a Month: The Chris Martinez Leadership Blueprint