About Tuck the Octopus

Tuck the Octopus uses a simple but familiar problem to explain a very real challenge in dealership operations. Trying to tuck an octopus into bed never really works because there are too many moving parts. In the same way, managing risk, compliance, and accountability inside a dealership can feel overwhelming when systems are incomplete or disconnected. This book breaks that problem down in a way that is practical, relatable, and rooted in real experience.

This is not theory or generic business advice. The examples and lessons come from decades spent inside dealerships, dealing with audits, lawsuits, consent orders, and operational breakdowns that could have been prevented.

The Meaning Behind “Tuck the Octopus”

The octopus represents all the areas of a dealership that demand constant attention. Sales practices, F&I processes, documentation, training, leadership oversight, and compliance controls all act like separate arms pulling in different directions. If one is ignored, it creates exposure everywhere else.

The book explains how to bring structure to that chaos by creating clear systems, consistent oversight, and accountability that actually holds up when tested.

This section works well next to an illustration or graphic showing multiple moving parts.

About the Author: Tom Kline

Tom Kline is a former dealership owner and long-time automotive compliance consultant. The ideas in Tuck the Octopus come directly from his experience managing dealership operations and later reviewing them under regulatory scrutiny. He has seen firsthand how disconnected processes, weak documentation, and lack of oversight create unnecessary risk.

Through his work with dealership leadership teams, Tom has helped identify the same patterns over and over again, issues that are manageable when addressed early but costly when ignored. Tuck the Octopus reflects those real situations, using practical examples to show how structure, accountability, and consistent systems can reduce exposure and protect the business long term.

“Every dealer needs to check out this book to stay ahead of the ever-changing compliance rules.”

Jasen Rice
CEO of Lotpop, Inc.

“What sets Tom apart is his willingness to help others and share information.”

George Nenni
Founder of Generations Digital

“Tom transforms complex subjects like risk, governance, and compliance into engaging narratives, leveraging his creative storytelling approach to captivate his audience. Never before have these stories been told in such a relatable way, making the knowledge imparted memorable and accessible to anyone hoping to improve dealership operations and processes.”

Cimone Jae
Publisher

Dealer Marketing Magazine

“Tom paints a very clear picture in this book of the risks involved in not having a clear, written, enforced and monitored plan within the dealership, along with a very close and detailed look at all insurance coverages and policies… Thank you Tom for clearly sounding the alarm, I hope all automotive retailers are listening.”

John Possumato, Esq.
CEO

DriveItAway (NASDAQ: DWAY)

“I think we all could use a lot more Tom Kline’s in our world.”

Patrick Calpin
RVDA

“Good read. Your usual twisted sense of humor makes boring sh!t a good read.”

Adam Dennis
President

SurgeMetrix

“It’s rare to read a book in which every single chapter offers value. That is the case with Tom Kline’s book, “Tuck the Octopus”. Zany title aside, each chapter contains an independent, well-researched essay offering concrete instruction to make governance, risk and compliance (GRC) improvements to your business – specifically car dealerships. And, Tom uses his sizable wit to make it all interesting. Make no mistake. This book contains lessons for every business. Open to any page and start reading. You will be smarter – and more profitable — for it.”

Jennifer Sanford
Vice-President,

automotiveMastermind