Alan Ram's Proactive Training Solutions Alternatives: 5 Options Compared (2026)

Searching for alternatives to Alan Ram's Proactive Training Solutions is not a sign that something is wrong with the program — it is a sign that you are thinking carefully about which training format fits your team, your budget, and your goals right now.

Maybe your dealership has been through Proactive Training Solutions and you want to keep building on that foundation. Maybe you are evaluating for the first time and want to understand the full landscape before making a decision. Or maybe you already use one training program and want to know what else you could layer on top of it.

This post gives you a factual, side-by-side look at Proactive Training Solutions and five alternatives — what each one is, who it is best for, what it costs, and where each one fits in a dealership training program. No sales pitch for any single provider. Just the information you need to make a clear-headed decision.

About Alan Ram and Proactive Training Solutions

Alan Ram founded Proactive Training Solutions in the early 2000s after a career in automotive retail. The company has built a long-standing reputation in the industry for dealership-focused sales and phone skills training, with a particular emphasis on BDC (Business Development Center) operations, internet lead handling, and appointment setting.

Proactive Training Solutions is primarily known for instructor-led training delivered through on-site workshops and live phone training sessions. Alan Ram himself has been a frequent presence at industry conferences including NADA and Digital Dealer, and the brand has a recognized following among dealership general managers and sales directors who have been in the industry long enough to have gone through the program firsthand.

The company's training philosophy centers on scripting, structure, and consistent execution — the idea that phone sales skills are teachable and repeatable if reps learn a defined framework and practice it until it becomes automatic.

Best suited for: Dealerships that want structured, script-based phone and internet lead handling training delivered by experienced automotive sales professionals in a live workshop format.

Primary format: On-site workshops, live training events, and phone coaching sessions.

Pricing model: Typically project-based or per-event pricing rather than a monthly subscription. Exact pricing is not publicly listed and varies by scope and engagement type.

Why Dealerships Look for Alternatives

Searching for alan ram alternatives or proactive training solutions alternatives does not mean the program falls short on content. It usually means one of the following practical realities has come up.

Scheduling constraints. On-site and live workshop training requires pulling your team out of selling time. For smaller stores or high-volume periods, that is a real cost. Dealerships with lean teams often need training formats that can happen around selling hours, not instead of them.

Ongoing practice needs. A workshop or on-site event delivers a strong foundation, but skill development requires repetition over time. After an initial training event, many dealerships find themselves looking for a way to keep reps practicing between coaching sessions without placing the full burden of that practice on managers.

Cost structure. Per-event or per-engagement pricing can make sense for large groups or periodic refreshers, but it can feel difficult to budget for consistent, ongoing training. Some dealers want a predictable monthly cost per rep.

Format preference. Not every learning style responds equally to live instructor-led sessions. Some reps retain more from self-paced or technology-assisted practice they can do in smaller chunks throughout the week.

Geographic or staffing limitations. Remote rooftops, franchise groups spread across multiple states, and high-turnover teams all create situations where an on-site trainer cannot be on-site often enough to address the volume of training needed.

None of these are criticisms of the program itself. They are structural realities of running a dealership that shape which training format is most practical at a given point in time.

What to Evaluate When Comparing Automotive Sales Training Programs

Before diving into the specific alternatives, it is worth being clear about what criteria actually matter when comparing automotive sales training programs. Not every program is trying to do the same thing, and comparing them on the wrong criteria leads to poor buying decisions.

1. Format and delivery method. Is this instructor-led, on-demand video, live roleplay, AI-powered practice, or some combination? Format determines when and how your team can access training and how easily you can scale it across your roster.

2. Pricing model and total cost. Per-event, per-user-per-month, subscription, or retainer? Think about what ongoing training for your full team costs annually under each model, not just the entry price.

3. Ongoing versus one-time. Is this a program your team engages with continuously or a workshop they attend once or twice a year? Skill retention typically requires ongoing reinforcement, so one-time events need a follow-up plan.

4. Measurability. Can you track whether reps are improving? Some programs offer analytics, assessments, or performance reporting. Others rely entirely on anecdotal observation. For a sales manager trying to justify training spend, measurability matters.

5. Fit for your team's specific skill gaps. A BDC-focused program is not the same as a floor sales program. An F&I training program does not train appointment setting skills. Match the program to the actual gap you are trying to close.

6. Implementation burden. How much manager time does this program require to administer? Some programs are built to run themselves with minimal oversight; others require consistent manager involvement to execute well.

7. Compatibility with other programs. The best training ecosystems are not built on one program — they layer complementary tools. Consider whether the program you are evaluating can coexist with programs you already have in place.

Alternative 1: DealSpeak AI

What it is: DealSpeak is an AI-powered voice practice platform built specifically for automotive sales and BDC training. Reps have live voice conversations with an AI customer that simulates real dealership call scenarios — internet lead calls, appointment setting, objection handling, price inquiries, and follow-up calls.

After each practice session, the rep gets structured feedback on their performance. Managers get a dashboard showing each rep's practice volume, scenario history, and performance scores across sessions.

What makes it different: DealSpeak is not an instructor-led training program and does not position itself as one. It is a practice tool — specifically designed to give reps a place to accumulate repetitions between manager-led sessions, live events, or whatever coaching program they are currently running.

The problem DealSpeak solves is the repetition gap. A workshop or coaching call can teach a rep what to do. What it cannot do is give that rep 30 additional practice repetitions per week to make the skill automatic. DealSpeak fills that gap.

Pricing: $30 per user per month.

Best for: Dealerships and BDC teams that want to supplement an existing training program with daily, measurable, low-burden practice. Particularly effective for new hires who need to build call confidence before going live, and for experienced reps who need targeted practice on specific skill gaps.

Time commitment: Flexible. Reps can complete a practice session in 10–15 minutes. The expectation is typically three to five sessions per week, which fits around selling hours.

Measurability: High. Every session is logged with performance data, session history is accessible to managers, and progress over time is trackable.

What it is not: DealSpeak is not a replacement for live coaching, instructor-led workshops, or the kind of relationship-based learning that comes from working with an experienced trainer who can observe your team in person. It is most effective when used alongside a coaching program, not instead of one.

If your team has never had structured automotive sales training and you are trying to choose between starting with a program like Proactive Training Solutions or starting with DealSpeak, the answer is: do the instructor-led training first, then use DealSpeak to reinforce and extend what your team learns. DealSpeak is built for dealerships of all sizes as a daily practice layer, not as a standalone curriculum.

Internal fit with other programs on this list: DealSpeak works well alongside any instructor-led or video-based training program. The practice scenarios can be aligned to whatever framework your team is learning.

Alternative 2: JM&A Group

What it is: JM&A Group is one of the largest F&I (Finance and Insurance) training and product companies in the automotive industry, with roots going back to the mid-20th century. They provide F&I product management, reinsurance solutions, and training programs for dealership finance departments.

Their training focus is primarily on F&I processes — presenting products, building value in the finance office, menu selling, and compliance. They also offer broader dealership consulting in some contexts.

Best for: Dealerships that want structured F&I department training from a provider with deep industry relationships and a product portfolio. JM&A tends to work through dealership franchise relationships and agent networks rather than direct retail sales.

Pricing model: Often bundled with product relationships or agent agreements rather than standalone pricing. Contact JM&A or your agent for specifics.

What it is not: JM&A's training focus is F&I, not front-end sales or BDC phone skills. If you are looking for help with appointment setting, internet lead handling, or floor sales technique, JM&A is not the direct comparison to Proactive Training Solutions.

Alternative 3: Grant Cardone / Cardone University

What it is: Grant Cardone is a sales trainer and entrepreneur with a large online following. Cardone University is his subscription-based online training platform that covers sales mindset, prospecting, follow-up, and closing technique. The content is high-energy, motivationally focused, and delivered through video lessons that reps can access on demand.

The training philosophy emphasizes a high-activity sales mindset — the idea that success in sales comes from outworking the competition, staying persistent, and refusing to accept no as a final answer.

Best for: Individual salespeople and managers looking for motivational content and broad sales skill development on a self-paced basis. Can be effective for reps who need an energy and mindset shift or who want access to a large library of sales content.

Pricing model: Subscription-based. Multiple tiers are available; individual and team pricing varies.

What it is not: Cardone University is not automotive-specific. The training content applies to sales broadly, which means it does not address automotive-specific processes like the meet-and-greet, the needs analysis walk, the trade-in conversation, or the handoff to the F&I office. Dealers who need automotive-specific scripting and process training will need to supplement accordingly.

Alternative 4: Joe Verde Group

What it is: Joe Verde has been delivering automotive sales training since the 1980s. His company, the Joe Verde Group, offers training programs through a combination of on-site workshops, online courses (JVTN — Joe Verde Training Network), and books. The curriculum covers the full front-end sales process: the meet-and-greet, needs analysis, demonstration, negotiation, and closing.

Verde's training philosophy emphasizes a consultative, non-pressure selling approach and has been influential in shaping how many dealerships think about the sales process. His online training network gives reps access to structured courses they can work through at their own pace.

Best for: Dealerships that want a comprehensive, automotive-specific curriculum covering the full sales process, with options for both online and in-person delivery. Particularly well-established among franchise dealers who have used his materials for years.

Pricing model: JVTN is subscription-based for online access. On-site workshops are priced separately. Contact the Joe Verde Group for current pricing.

What it is not: Verde's training is primarily floor sales and process focused. If BDC and phone skills are your primary gap, you may need to supplement with BDC-specific training.

Alternative 5: NADA Academy and In-Manufacturer Training

What it is: The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) offers professional development programs through NADA Academy — a well-regarded curriculum for dealership managers, including a multi-week residential program covering all aspects of dealership operations.

In addition, most OEM manufacturers (Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc.) provide brand-specific training programs for their franchise dealers, covering product knowledge, brand sales processes, and certification requirements. These programs vary significantly by manufacturer but are typically available at no cost to franchise dealers as part of the dealer agreement.

Best for: NADA Academy is best for managers and future managers who want a comprehensive dealership operations education. OEM training is best for product knowledge and brand compliance, and it is available to franchise dealers at no additional cost.

Pricing model: NADA Academy programs involve tuition and typically travel and lodging costs. OEM training is generally included with franchise relationship.

What it is not: Neither NADA Academy nor OEM training is a substitute for front-line sales skill training. NADA Academy is focused on management-level education, and OEM training covers brand knowledge rather than sales technique. Both are valuable components of a complete training ecosystem rather than standalone solutions for rep-level skill development.

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Proactive Training Solutions	DealSpeak AI	JM&A Group	Cardone University	Joe Verde Group	NADA Academy / OEM
Format	Instructor-led workshops, live phone coaching	AI voice practice, on-demand	F&I consulting + training	Online video, self-paced	Online + on-site workshops	Residential programs, online modules
Pricing model	Per-event / project-based	$30/user/month	Bundled with product relationships	Subscription (multiple tiers)	Subscription (JVTN) + per-event	Tuition (NADA); free (OEM)
Best for	BDC phone skills, internet lead handling	Daily practice reinforcement, new hire ramp	F&I department training	Sales mindset, broad skill library	Full front-end sales process	Management education; brand knowledge
Time commitment	Intensive (workshop days, on-site)	Flexible (10–15 min sessions)	Varies	Self-paced	Self-paced + workshop days	Multi-week (NADA); varies (OEM)
Measurability	Manager observation, call review	Dashboard, session logs, scores	Varies	Course completion tracking	Course completion tracking	Assessment-based (NADA)
Automotive-specific	Yes — deep automotive focus	Yes — built for automotive	Yes — F&I specific	No — general sales	Yes — deep automotive focus	Yes — management + brand specific
Ongoing vs. one-time	Primarily periodic events	Ongoing daily practice	Ongoing	Ongoing subscription	Ongoing subscription	Primarily periodic

How to Choose: A Decision Framework

The right choice among these automotive sales training programs depends on what specific problem you are trying to solve right now.

If your primary gap is BDC and phone skills: Start with a structured phone training program — Proactive Training Solutions has a strong track record in this area. Then add a daily practice layer like DealSpeak to maintain and reinforce those skills between coaching sessions.

If your primary gap is F&I performance: JM&A Group is purpose-built for this and has deep product and training infrastructure in F&I.

If you need a full front-end sales curriculum: Joe Verde's JVTN provides a comprehensive, automotive-specific online curriculum that works well as a foundation for new hire training and ongoing skill development.

If you need motivational content or a large general sales video library: Cardone University covers broad sales principles at a reasonable subscription cost, but you will need to layer automotive-specific process training on top of it.

If you are a franchise dealer with untapped OEM resources: Start by auditing what training your manufacturer provides. Many dealers do not fully utilize the free or low-cost training available through their franchise relationship before spending on third-party programs.

If you want to add daily measurable practice without replacing anything: DealSpeak is designed to run alongside whatever program you already have. It does not require switching away from anything — it fills the repetition gap that every other format leaves open.

The best training programs are not monolithic. Most high-performing dealership training ecosystems combine a structured curriculum (live or online) with ongoing practice tools and regular manager coaching. Choosing one program does not mean you cannot use others. The question is which combination addresses your actual skill gaps without creating more administrative burden than your team can sustain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DealSpeak a replacement for Alan Ram's Proactive Training Solutions?

No — and it is not trying to be. Proactive Training Solutions provides instructor-led training by experienced automotive trainers who bring curriculum, scripts, and a live coaching relationship. DealSpeak provides AI-powered voice practice so reps can accumulate repetitions between sessions. They serve different functions in a training program and can work well together.

Can I use multiple training programs at the same time?

Yes, and most high-performing dealerships do. A common combination is a structured curriculum (live workshops or online courses) plus a daily practice layer plus manager-led coaching. Each element does something the others cannot. The key is being clear about which program is responsible for which part of the training program.

How do I know if a training program is working?

Track the metrics that connect to the skill being trained. For phone and BDC training, watch appointment set rate, contact rate, and show rate. For floor sales training, watch write-up rate and closing percentage. For F&I training, watch PVR and product penetration. If those metrics do not move after 60–90 days, either the training is not being applied or it is not addressing the right skill gap.

What is the most cost-effective training option for a small dealership?

For a small store with limited budget, start with any free OEM training available through your franchise relationship, then consider a low-cost monthly subscription like DealSpeak ($30/user/month) for ongoing practice. Save instructor-led workshops for specific gaps where you need expert curriculum rather than practice volume.

How often should a dealership revisit its training program choices?

At minimum, once per year — ideally tied to a performance review of your training KPIs. Dealerships change (staff turnover, new vehicles, market shifts), and the training program that fit two years ago may not fit today. The best approach is to define what you want training to accomplish, measure whether it is accomplishing it, and adjust the mix accordingly.

The Bottom Line on Proactive Training Solutions Alternatives

Alan Ram's Proactive Training Solutions has earned its reputation in automotive sales training through years of focused work on the skills that move the needle in BDC and phone-based selling. For dealerships that want structured, expert-led phone skills training, it remains a credible option worth evaluating.

The alternatives on this list are not better or worse in an absolute sense — they are different in ways that matter depending on your team's specific situation. JM&A is the right conversation if F&I is your gap. Joe Verde is worth exploring if you want a comprehensive front-end curriculum. Cardone University adds motivational and mindset content at a low subscription cost. NADA Academy is a serious investment in management development.

DealSpeak fits a different role: daily, measurable, low-cost voice practice that runs alongside whatever program you are already using. If your team receives great training but then goes weeks between practice sessions, that is the gap DealSpeak addresses.

If you are already using a structured training program and want to see what it looks like when your reps practice every day instead of once a month, try DealSpeak's free trial alongside whatever program you are currently running. No replacement required.

For a broader view of the best automotive sales training companies in 2026 — including programs not covered in this post — that guide covers the full landscape with the same factual, format-first approach.