The walls are closing in on Franchised Retail Auto Dealers as the industry is moving at break-neck velocity toward a new way of doing business. The convergence of economic and social volatility, new entrants like Tesla and Carvana, and the new rules of retail are putting Auto Dealers in a crucible that will either destroy them or refine them.Auto Collabs brings you deep into real-talk conversations with the brightest operators and innovators in the Retail Auto Industry who believe the Dealer network is the single greatest way to serve the transportation needs of communities across the country. The only...
Fri, February 21, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with longtime automotive journalist Brian Armstead to discuss his journey in the industry. With decades of experience writing for major publications like Forbes , US News & World Report , and The Washington Post , plus radio and TV appearances, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge about the automotive world. He shares how his childhood passion for cars led him to become one of the most respected voices in automotive journalism, covering everything from consumer trends to OEM strategies. The conversation also dives into the state of the industry, including the shift away from full EV adoption, the challenges with charging infrastructure, and how manufacturers are adapting to evolving consumer demand. Brian shares insights on dealership dynamics, policy changes, and his favorite EVs on the market today (including a luxury pick you won’t expect!). Plus, he reflects on his work with NAMAD and the importance of diverse representation in the auto industry. If you love cars, industry insights, and great storytelling, this episode is a must-listen! Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro 0:25 Brian’s journey from car enthusiast to top automotive journalist 3:00 Breaking into the industry: Writing, radio, and big breaks 5:39 The dealer connection: How Brian engages with the retail side 6:32 Why manufacturers are pulling back on full EV adoption 7:49 The biggest EV challenges: Infrastructure, insurance, and consumer hesitation 8:25 One in five charging attempts fail—how this impacts adoption 9:33 Brian’s favorite EVs, from the Rolls-Royce Spectre to Hyundai and Chevy 12:10 The impact of NAMAD and diverse leadership in auto retail Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ Brian Armstead is a Freelance Automotive and Lifestyle Journalist https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-armstead-b33110114/ https://muckrack.com/brian-armstead/articles ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one
Thu, February 20, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with John Vincent, Senior Editor and Correspondent for US News & World Report , to discuss the Best Cars for the Money awards. From sedans to SUVs to full-size pickups, John shares how these vehicles are selected based on quality, cost of ownership, and long-term value. He also gives his take on affordability in today’s market and why rising interest rates aren’t as high as they seem in historical context. Beyond rankings, John shares some of his most exciting test drives—including the Lucid Air Sapphire and jumping a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 40 feet in the desert (without breaking anything!). If you’re curious about the best vehicles for your budget, how the industry is adapting to economic shifts, and which cars truly deliver on reliability, this is the episode for you! 0:00 Intro 0:33 John’s pick for the most exciting car he drove this year 2:06 What makes a car the "Best for the Money"? 3:18 Why Hyundai and Kia’s warranties boost their rankings 4:15 Car affordability and how rising interest rates really compare 5:29 Why the Toyota Tacoma won Best Mid-Size Pickup 6:19 Jumping a TRD Pro Tacoma 40 feet in the desert 6:44 The importance of reliability in vehicle rankings Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ John Vincent is the Senior Editor and Correspondent / Vehicle Testing at US News and World Report https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmvincent/ https://www.usnews.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-troublemaker-w-paul-j
Wed, February 19, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with Tate Attia, Brand Manager for Bentley, to discuss what it takes to sell ultra-luxury vehicles to some of the most discerning customers in the world. From the newly unveiled Vanquish to Bentley’s 217 standard paint colors, Tate explains how personalization and relationship-building are key in the high-end automotive space. Tate shares his journey from selling used cars to managing one of the most prestigious brands in the industry, offering insights into how luxury customers think, what they expect, and what mistakes dealers should never make. Plus, he reveals the first car that made him fall in love with the industry (hint: it wasn’t a Bentley!). Whether you’re in automotive sales, a fan of high-end cars, or just love great business insights, this episode is packed with takeaways. Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro 1:01 Tate’s journey from selling used cars to Bentley & Aston Martin 2:06 Why luxury car buying is more about relationships than transactions 3:24 How Bentley customers differ from mainstream buyers 4:52 The level of customization in a Bentley purchase 6:57 The one mistake you can’t make with high-end clients 7:44 Tate’s favorite car growing up: The Mustang obsession 8:43 Final thoughts and a (hopeful) test drive in the Vanquish Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ Tate Attia is the Bentley Brand Manager at Exclusive Automotive Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/7035874482/ https://www.exclusiveautomotivegroup.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='htt
Tue, February 18, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with Adam Marburger, President and CEO of Ascent Dealer Services, to discuss his new book The Servant Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Defined . Adam shares why the traditional approach to finance and insurance (F&I) in dealerships is outdated and how the industry needs a shift toward leadership, trust, and customer-centric service. He explains how F&I professionals can do more than just sell products—they can mentor staff, collaborate with service and sales teams, and ultimately create a better experience for both employees and customers. The conversation also touches on how consumer buying habits have changed, with many customers preferring a mix of online research and in-person transactions. Adam breaks down why F&I needs to evolve to meet these expectations, emphasizing relationship-building over high-pressure sales tactics. With increasing regulatory scrutiny on dealership practices, he argues that retraining, not resisting change, is the way forward. If you’re in automotive retail and want to rethink your approach to F&I, this episode is a must-listen! 0:00 Intro 0:25 Why Adam Marburger wrote The Servant Leading F&I Manager 1:16 F&I training needs to shift from sales-focused to leadership-focused 2:07 How F&I can serve the entire dealership, not just sell products 3:13 Consumers want flexibility: Online research, but in-person connections 3:52 Regulations and policies are responding to past dealership mistakes 4:18 The key to F&I success: Trust and personalized transactions 5:01 F&I leadership can transform dealership culture Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ Adam Marburger is the CEO of Ascent Dealer Services https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! <b
Mon, February 17, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, we sit down with Erin Keating, Executive Analyst and Senior Director of Economics and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, to explore the latest trends shaping the automotive market. Erin breaks down the vast amount of data Cox Automotive gathers—from consumer shopping habits to dealership transactions—and how it informs key industry decisions. She also shares insights on the current state of EV adoption, the impact of executive orders, and the role of tariffs in driving up vehicle costs. From the shifting dynamics of vehicle pricing to the broader economic forces affecting car buyers, Erin provides a comprehensive look at what’s ahead for the industry. We also discuss how regulatory changes, supply chain challenges, and consumer demand are shaping the future of automotive retail. Whether you're a dealer, manufacturer, or simply an industry observer, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the forces influencing the road ahead. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro 0:54 Cox Automotive’s vast data sources reveal key industry insights 2:03 Translating data into actionable insights for manufacturers and dealers 2:52 EV adoption is rising, with one in four vehicles electrified in 2024 4:16 Clarifying the impact of CAFE standards on vehicle pricing 5:42 The hidden effects of tariffs on cars, parts, and dealerships 6:34 How tariffs could drive inflation in vehicle costs 8:02 Looking ahead: Policy, economics, and automotive trends for 2025 Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ Erin Keating is Executive Analyst, Sr. Dir., Economics and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinfkeating/ https://www.coxautoinc.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a q
Fri, February 14, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, Paul J Daly sits down with Adam Marburger—entrepreneur, finance expert, and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—to explore the connections between martial arts, leadership, and personal growth. Adam shares his journey from competing in MMA to building multiple businesses, explaining how the discipline, resilience, and mental toughness learned on the mat have shaped his professional life. He also opens up about being a dedicated "girl dad," revealing how he navigates the challenges of raising daughters, from first jobs to first boyfriends. Beyond the personal stories, Adam offers valuable leadership insights, emphasizing the power of trust, empathy, and one-on-one connections in business. He discusses the importance of understanding employees on a personal level and fostering a culture where people feel valued. Whether you're in business, leadership, or just looking for motivation, Adam’s philosophy on perseverance and relationships will leave you inspired. 0:00 Intro 0:32 Adam Marburger on being a proud "girl dad" 1:48 How Jiu-Jitsu builds discipline and mental toughness 3:53 The surprising business lessons from martial arts 5:38 Balancing leadership and fatherhood 7:49 Building trust and strong company culture in F&I 9:14 How to lead employees who are naturally guarded 10:36 Empathy and trust: The foundation of leadership Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ Adam Marburger is the CEO of Ascent Dealer Services https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <
Thu, February 13, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with John O’Donnell, President and CEO of the Washington Area New Car Dealer Association (WANADA), to discuss how public policy is shaping the future of the automotive industry. John shares insights from Public Policy Day 2025 , where industry leaders, policymakers, and media come together to discuss legislation, EV adoption, and consumer choice. He explains why the shift in U.S. policy under the new administration is focusing more on letting the market decide vehicle preferences rather than pushing aggressive mandates. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of car culture—why younger generations are once again personalizing and loving their vehicles. John shares behind-the-scenes details on the Washington Auto Show, from cutting-edge tech displays to live vehicle art and Star Wars-themed activations. Plus, he dives into why past predictions of declining car ownership and rideshare dominance never came true. If you're passionate about the intersection of policy, culture, and the future of automotive retail, this episode is a must-listen! Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro 1:34 What is Public Policy Day, and why does it matter? 2:58 How disconnected policymakers can be from real-world auto retail 4:48 Shift in U.S. policy: Moving from EV mandates to consumer choice 6:31 The Washington Auto Show: A showcase for innovation and culture 7:34 Car culture is making a comeback among younger generations 9:17 Why past predictions of rideshare dominance and declining car ownership were wrong 10:13 Looking ahead: The future of auto retail and policy discussions Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ John O'Donnell is the President/CEO of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-donnell-a5350413/ https://wanada.org/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email!
Wed, February 12, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, for a deep dive into the global automotive landscape. John shares insights from his recent trip to China, where he witnessed firsthand how their auto industry has leaped ahead in EV production and technology integration. He explains why Chinese consumers are more focused on tech ecosystems than vehicle design, how automakers there have streamlined their operating systems, and why this shift is a wake-up call for the U.S. market. The conversation also tackles the growing regulatory challenges in the U.S., including California’s aggressive push toward EV adoption and the complications of multiple state and federal emissions standards. John breaks down why these policies could create unintended consequences for consumers and dealers alike. If you’re interested in the future of the auto industry, the global competition for dominance, and how policy decisions are shaping the cars of tomorrow, this is a must-listen episode! Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro 1:14 China’s head start on EVs and tech integration 3:35 The future of car buying: Tech first, design second 4:45 Why half of China’s new car buyers are first-time owners 5:19 The rise of “mobile living rooms” in vehicle design 6:14 Automakers shifting toward data-driven business models 7:51 How China’s operating systems are transforming the auto industry 8:49 Overcapacity in China and the global impact on car markets 9:33 California’s aggressive EV mandates and their potential consequences 12:34 The role of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation in shaping policy Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ John Bozzella is the President/CEO of the Alliance For Automotive Innovation https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bozzella/ https://www.autosinnovate.org/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email!
Wed, February 05, 2025
Send us a text During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts. In this episode, we sit down with Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, a former car dealer turned policymaker, to discuss the future of the automotive industry and American manufacturing. Moreno shares his strong belief in the franchise model, highlighting how car dealers serve as a crucial link between automakers and consumers. He emphasizes the importance of listening to dealers who interact with customers daily, using Toyota as an example of a brand that successfully integrates dealer feedback. Moreno also discusses the significance of car ownership in American culture, calling it a symbol of freedom and opportunity. As a senator, Moreno is committed to supporting policies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing and prevent automakers from moving production overseas. He delves into the long-term impact of manufacturing incentives, tariffs, and economic policies that affect workers, dealers, and consumers alike. With a deep passion for cars and a personal connection to the industry—his son is set to become a Mercedes dealer—Moreno is determined to be a strong advocate for the automotive sector in Washington. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 – Intro 0:25 – The franchise model is crucial for the auto industry's success. 1:34 – Listening to dealers is key to understanding consumer demand. 2:39 – Car ownership represents freedom and independence in America. 3:37 – Manufacturing incentives can strengthen the middle class. 4:07 – Buying American-made cars supports jobs and local economies. 6:16 – Automakers should focus on producing what consumers actually want. 6:50 – Government policies should enable, not dictate, market demand. Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen! https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ Bernie Moreno is the Senator for the State of Ohio https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-moreno-4251884/ https://www.moreno.senate.gov/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com<
Wed, January 29, 2025
Send us a text Mergers and acquisitions in auto aren’t just about buying stores—they’re about building legacies, and Dave Cantin is leading the charge. From selling cars straight out of high school to owning and operating one of the largest Hyundai dealerships in the country, Dave has built an empire in the auto industry. Now, as the founder of the Dave Cantin Group, he’s redefining M&A with a strategy that’s about more than just the deal—it’s about about relationships, strategy, and legacy. In this episode, Dave takes us on his journey from a determined 18-year-old to an industry powerhouse, breaking down the evolution of dealership valuations, the growing role of AI in M&A, and why data is the new gold in auto. The crew dives deep into how consolidation is shaping the future of the industry and why dealers need to start thinking of themselves as data companies if they want to maximize their value. Plus, an exclusive look at Dave’s game-changing AI tool, Jump IQ, which is set to revolutionize how dealerships are evaluated and acquired. Buckle up—this one’s a masterclass in the future of automotive M&A. Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:44 – The Determined 18-Year-Old Who Wouldn’t Leave Dave shares how he got his first job in auto sales by refusing to walk away from a dealership that initially ignored him. That persistence turned into a rapid rise through the ranks. 8:01 – The Hustle Mentality in Auto How young, hungry professionals can find massive opportunity in the auto industry—if they bring the right mindset and tenacity. 14:05 – The Wild West of Auto M&A For decades, dealers were negotiating their own deals without proper representation. Dave saw a massive opportunity to bring structure and strategy to dealership acquisitions. 20:31 – The AI Game-Changer: Jump IQ Dave reveals Jump IQ, a cutting-edge AI tool that can instantly evaluate dealerships, predict market shifts, and even analyze how events (like a presidential election) will impact auto sales. 24:34 – The Future of Dealership Valuations Why dealers should be thinking beyond revenue and profit—structuring their data strategy like a tech company could mean unlocking 7-10x multiples in future acquisitions. Dave Cantin is the Founder and CEO of the Dave Cantin Group ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you person
Mon, January 20, 2025
Send us a text AI is a powerful tool, but the human element is still the key ingredient in great customer experiences. Whether it’s selling wine or cars, relationships matter. 🚗🍷 In this episode of Auto Collabs, the crew welcomes Ted Rubin, CEO and Founder of ActivEngage, to talk about the ever-evolving role of AI in automotive retail. Before diving into tech, we take a quick detour through Europe—because when your wife is a sommelier, you don’t just visit France and Italy, you experience them. Ted shares insights on how wine, like the car business, is full of nuance, timing, and expertise that AI has yet to master. From the human element in dealership conversations to the strategic use of AI for efficiency, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s been in the trenches of automotive for decades. The conversation gets deep on how AI can enhance but not replace the personal touch in sales. Ted emphasizes that consumers aren’t just looking for information online—they’re testing the dealership, seeing if they’ll be treated with care. ActivEngage aims to make that first impression count, not by pushing leads, but by building relationships. And just like a well-paired wine and steak, the best sales experiences come from knowing your customer, understanding context, and delivering a tailored approach—something AI isn’t quite ready to do on its own. 🔑 Episode Takeaways: ⏱ 0:00 – Intro with Paul J. Daly, Kyle Mountsier (with a roast of Michael for not showing up). ⏱ 2:42 – Ted Rubin’s European adventure: wine, champagne, and a VIP New Year’s Eve in Paris. ⏱ 5:44 – Can AI replace a sommelier? The answer reveals deeper truths about human interaction. ⏱ 10:01 – Why AI belongs in dealership operations—but not in direct customer conversations (yet). ⏱ 17:15 – Trust in online interactions starts lower today than it did 20 years ago—here’s how to fix it. ⏱ 22:53 – Customers don’t chat for information; they chat to test how they’ll be treated. Ted Rubin is the Founder/CEO of ActivEngage https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-rubin/ https://www.activengage.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email
Mon, January 13, 2025
Send us a text Endurance and innovation go hand in hand, whether you're running races or reshaping automotive data strategies. In this episode of Auto Collabs, the team catches up with Bobby Gaudreau, VP of Sales & Marketing at Activator Dealer Solutions, to discuss his passion for ultra-running and his relentless drive to transform automotive marketing. Bobby reflects on his recent 50-mile race, the Squamish 50, which served as both a personal milestone and a metaphor for his professional journey—both require vision, perseverance, and a clear plan to achieve success. Shifting gears to business, Bobby dives into the evolution of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) in automotive. He explains how Activator is bridging the gap between siloed dealership data and actionable marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of clean data and well-defined outcomes. The conversation touches on the challenges of implementing CDPs effectively, avoiding the pitfalls of past buzzwords like “digital retailing,” and preparing for a future where emotional intelligence takes center stage in customer interactions. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:42 Running the Squamish 50: Bobby shares his experience completing a 50-mile race in British Columbia, an achievement marking his 50th birthday. 5:08 What Makes a True CDP: Bobby outlines the foundational elements of a real CDP, emphasizing data quality and marketing execution. 14:01 Avoiding the "Digital Retailing" Trap: Strategies to ensure CDPs deliver meaningful outcomes rather than becoming another overhyped tech trend. 19:50 Major Advancements in Auto Tech: Bobby highlights how CDPs can unify data silos and drive incremental lift in dealership performance. 24:02 The Future of Work: A discussion on how emotional intelligence and human connection will outweigh technical skills as automation takes over repetitive tasks. Bobby Gaudreau is the VP of Sales & Marketing, GM/Project Owner at Activator Dealer Solutions - A Division of Dominion Dealer Solutions ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:
Thu, January 09, 2025
Send us a text When innovation meets obsession you get: data-driven inventory strategies and… lawn care AI?" Colby Joyner, VP of Growth at Liftkit.io and serial starter of “what’s next,” joins the Auto Collabs crew for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of the automotive industry and where it’s headed. With 2025 shaping up to be a year of recalibration, Colby shares his thoughts on leveraging data for smarter inventory strategies and why dealers need to focus on building a solid foundation during these transitional times. From creating flexibility in merchandising to rethinking how vehicles are marketed across platforms, Colby’s insights highlight the importance of agility in a rapidly evolving space. And if you think that’s all Colby’s been up to, think again. The self-proclaimed lawn care enthusiast reveals a side project that’s as innovative as it is niche: a conversational AI dedicated to solving lawn woes. Whether it's crafting smarter dealer solutions or the perfect turf, Colby brings his signature mix of precision and creativity to every endeavor. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:35 A Year to Build: Colby discusses why 2025 is a pivotal year for the auto industry to focus on preparation and foundational growth for future success. 10:10 Smarter Inventory Strategies: How dealers can leverage predictive analytics and data to optimize their inventory decisions and marketing efforts. 15:25 Platform-Specific Marketing: The importance of tailoring vehicle merchandising to specific third-party platforms for better engagement and ROI. 18:50 Solving the "Coming Soon" Problem: Colby’s take on speeding up photo uploads and improving vehicle presentation to eliminate unappealing placeholders. 22:25 Lawn Care AI, Anyone? Colby unveils his experimental AI that helps homeowners tackle lawn challenges with step-by-step guidance. 28:21 Creative Energy Fuels Innovation: A look at how entrepreneurial spirit drives fresh ideas in automotive and beyond. Colby Joyner is the VP of Growth at LiftKit ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow ou
Fri, December 20, 2024
Send us a text AI may be the future, but Carol Marshall reminds us it’s the human touch that keeps the automotive industry thriving. Carol Marshall, COO of ActivEngage, brings a refreshing blend of wisdom, innovation, and a touch of "grandparent vibes" to this episode of Auto Collabs. As the pioneer of conversational commerce for car dealerships, Carol shares how her team has spent the past 17 years fostering genuine, trust-building interactions between dealers and their customers. From developing AI-powered tools like Theo to enhance—not replace—human interactions, to advocating for a thoughtful integration of technology in customer communication, Carol is on a mission to keep the automotive industry personal, efficient, and data-smart. In this engaging conversation, the crew dives into the nuances of deploying AI in dealership operations, the unique power of a personal touch in service scheduling, and why focusing on relationships—not just leads—drives higher revenue. Carol also explores how ActivEngage’s solutions are evolving to meet the shifting demands of both consumers and dealers, ensuring the human connection stays at the heart of every interaction. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:25 The Grandparents in Automotive Group: Carol’s creative metaphor for industry wisdom and evolving relationships. 6:54 Activating AI: How ActivEngage uses AI as a tool to support—not replace—human agents. 13:55 Centralized Communication: Why integrating multiple touchpoints into a unified experience is crucial for customer satisfaction. 17:58 Personal Service Scheduling Wins: Data shows real conversations increase service show rates and RO revenue. 22:06 Industry Predictions for 2025: Carol’s vision of tighter processes, renewed customer service focus, and balanced AI integration. Carol Marshall is the Chief Operations Officer at ActivEngage ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Trou
Wed, December 18, 2024
Send us a text Why do dealership customers leave bad reviews? Matt Murray of Widewail breaks it down with insights from over 8 million Google reviews—and the answer might surprise you. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of customer feedback. Matt shares how his company transformed millions of unstructured reviews into actionable insights for automotive dealers. The 2024 Voice of The Customer report shows a 20% increase in negative staff-related reviews this year, the conversation centers on why people leave bad reviews and what dealers can do to improve. From the rising complexity of EV sales to the long-tail effects of pandemic-era pricing, Matt highlights the importance of well-trained staff and clear communication in building trust. Plus, the crew explores the psychology behind reviews, the value of people in the dealership experience, and how dealers can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro Banter and Teasers 2:17 Meet Matt Murray of Widewail 5:14 Why Do Customers Leave Bad Reviews? 16:13 Rising Negativity in Staff Interactions 21:52 EV Buyers and Knowledge Gaps 24:56 Aging Vehicles = Higher Service Costs 27:22 Back to Basics: The Importance of Training 28:59 Customers Still Want Human Interaction 30:38 Closing Thoughts and Wrap-Up Matt Murray is the CEO at Widewail ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, August 26, 2024
Send us a text Susanna Cunningham’s automotive journey is all about harmonizing passion with precision. In this episode of Auto Collabs, Susanna Cunningham, the Regional Group Manager at automotiveMastermind, shares her fascinating journey from missing choir practice to becoming a data-driven force in the automotive industry. Susanna talks about how her love for cars started at a young age and evolved into a full-fledged career, emphasizing the importance of data and people in driving success. With nearly two decades of experience, she dives into the pivotal moments that shaped her path and how she now leverages data to help dealerships thrive. Understanding customer demographics is an often-overlooked key to dealership success, and Susanna Cunningham knows it firsthand. In the interview, she highlighted how aligning inventory with the right market can make or break a dealership. Take the example of a Toyota store stocked with high-end Tundras and Sequoias in an area where the median income just doesn't support those price tags—those vehicles sit unsold, eating into profits. But by digging into local census data, Susanna helped the dealership realize they needed to shift their focus to more affordable options or target wealthier zip codes with strategic marketing campaigns. This simple yet powerful adjustment not only moves inventory faster but also builds stronger connections with the community by offering what customers actually need and can afford. It’s this kind of smart, data-driven approach that turns inventory from a costly challenge into a valuable asset. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 05:00 - Susanna’s first encounter with the auto industry at just 15, buying a car at an auction before she even had a license. 09:00 - The surprising power of a portfolio analysis and how it can reveal where dealers might be losing money. 12:04 - The inspiring origin story of automotiveMastermind, starting with a U-Haul and a dream at their first NADA convention. 17:44 - Practical insights on leveraging census data to align inventory with the right market demographics. 20:49 - The importance of mentorship in the auto industry and how Susanna helps dealership staff reach their full potential. Susanna Cunningham is the Regional Group Manager at automotiveMastermind ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! <a href='https://www.
Mon, August 19, 2024
Send us a text The top rule from this human resources star? Good vibes only. Bethany Sobczak, Corporate Director of HR at Fitzgerald Auto Mall and 2023 Automotive News 40 Under 40 winner, brings a refreshing perspective to HR in the automotive industry. Her career might have started as car salesperson straight out of high school, but today, Bethany is spearheading Fitzgerald’s transition to a 100% employee-owned company. She leverages her love for cars and people to cultivate a workplace culture that emphasizes transparency, trust, and shared success. In this episode, Bethany dives into the cultural shift that comes with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), the rebranding of HR as a fun and supportive partner rather than just the rule enforcer, and how maintaining an optimistic mindset can transform even the most challenging situations. From her early days selling cars to managing HR for an organization of 4,000+ employees, Bethany shares how she balances the need for policy with a genuine love for people. Her insights into managing egos, encouraging proactive communication, and the importance of maintaining an employee-first culture show practically how to align business goals with employee well-being. Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 04:09 - Bethany shares how her early success in car sales led to a long-lasting passion for the automotive industry. 08:00 - Bethany explains the decision behind Fitzgerald Auto Mall's shift to a 100% employee-owned model and how it's transforming company culture. 10:07 - The cultural shift: How employee ownership has increased accountability and team cohesion across the organization. 13:59 - Bethany discusses how her optimistic approach in HR helps her handle difficult situations and maintain a positive work environment, even when delivering bad news. 15:36 - Rebranding HR: Bethany’s mission to shift the perception of HR from the office “Grim Reaper” to a supportive, strategic partner in the workplace. 17:21 - Bethany highlights why the automotive industry is the best place to be in HR, emphasizing the unique, fun culture that allows HR professionals to be themselves and connect more authentically with employees. 19:00 - Managing egos in the car business: Bethany discusses how to leverage ego positively while maintaining a collaborative environment. 22:03 - Proactive HR: The importance of training and relationship-building to prevent issues before they arise. Bethany Sobczak is the Corporate Director of Human Resources at Fitzgerald Auto Mall ⭐️ Love the
Mon, August 12, 2024
Send us a text Remembering faces at events isn't so different understanding a shopper's journey online. They both require seeing and knowing a person. Tina Cuatto, Director of Product Management at DealerOn, joins the crew to discuss website personalization and its impact on the automotive industry. From her early days as a Public Affairs intern at the Smithsonian to her current role, Tina shares her journey in navigating fast-paced industries and her focus on making technology more human. With a background in journalism and a love for the arts, Tina brings a different perspective to how she helps dealerships create more personalized, intuitive online experiences for their customers. The conversation covers everything from Tina's love for Philly sports to her work with website personalization at DealerOn, where she’s helping to make car shopping more tailored and less invasive. Web personalization involves tailoring online car shopping experiences by showing relevant content and recommendations based on each visitor's behavior and preferences. By making it easier for users to find what they need, this approach not only enhances the user experience but also significantly improves conversion rates. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 5:58 Tina’s background in Public Affairs at the Smithsonian honed her ability to understand and connect with people—skills she now applies in product management. 10:47 Website personalization is about more than just matching products; it's about creating a user experience that feels natural and non-intrusive. 15:02 Early metrics show that personalized content on dealer websites can increase conversion rates by 250%, signaling a significant impact on user engagement. 17:09 Tina emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency in personalization, ensuring that users feel known without feeling stalked. 20:25 Despite initial reservations about entering the auto industry, Tina has found a supportive community and sees opportunities for growth and innovation. Tina Cuatto is the Director of Product Manager at DealerOn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. <br/
Thu, August 08, 2024
Send us a text In this episode of Auto Collabs, we welcome back Greg Uland, VP of Marketing for The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, who has the most appearances on the show out of any guest! Greg dives into the significance of in-person events like the upcoming Amplify event, emphasizing the unparalleled value they bring to the automotive industry. With Reynolds' dedication to fostering innovation, Greg highlights how these gatherings are pivotal for sharing best practices, enhancing processes, and unveiling the latest tools. Paul, Kyle, and Michael engage Greg in a lively discussion about the behind-the-scenes efforts that make events successful and the tangible benefits attendees can expect. From cybersecurity to AI advancements, Greg shares insights into the critical topics that will shape the future of automotive retail. Plus, get a sneak peek into the fun and shenanigans planned for Amplify, ensuring a blend of valuable content and networking opportunities. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:28 Planning and Innovation: Greg talks about the importance of planning in the dealer world versus the industry partner side, highlighting the necessity of strategic events like Amplify. 3:10 The Role of In-Person Events: Greg explains why Reynolds hosts the annual Amplify event, focusing on the benefits of bringing people together to share best practices and hands-on learning. 5:02 Cybersecurity Focus: Greg underscores the significance of cybersecurity in the automotive industry, announcing sessions led by experts including Frank Abagnale of "Catch Me If You Can" fame. 10:57 Efficiency Through AI: Discussing the future of AI in automotive retail, Greg shares how Reynolds' new AI-driven products aim to enhance dealer efficiency and reduce operational costs. 14:14 Event Details and Invitations: Greg provides details on the Amplify event, encouraging dealers and industry partners to register and join the innovative and fun-filled gathering. Greg Uland is VP of Marketing for The Reynolds and Reynolds Company . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https:
Mon, August 05, 2024
Send us a text Mentorship is a secret weapon in helping teams overcome being average. Jack Pearson, Centre Manager at Jaguar Land Rover South Shore, joins the Auto Collabs podcast to share his insights on mentorship, training, and the transformative power of nurturing potential in the automotive industry. Jack's journey from a student-athlete in the UK to a top leader in the U.S. car market reminded us of so many similar stories that run throughout the industry. His passion for fostering talent and his innovative approaches to customer experience are reshaping the way his dealership operates, ensuring every client interaction is memorable and meaningful. In this episode, Jack dives into the importance of mentorship in unlocking potential, recounting stories of how personal connections and deep understanding of individual goals can drive success. He also highlights the evolution of his dealership's approach during the inventory challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. From customized customer experiences to leveraging his own experiences as an athlete, Jack's insights provide a blueprint for achieving excellence in the auto industry. Timestamped Takeaway: 0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 04:32 - Jack's Journey to the U.S.: From a soccer scholarship in Ohio to a successful career in the automotive industry. 09:09 - Mentorship Matters: How deep conversations and understanding individual goals can unlock potential in team members. 17:36 - Customer Experience Excellence: The unique approaches Jaguar Land Rover South Shore employs to create memorable customer experiences. 22:53 - Unreasonable Hospitality: The power of personalized touches in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. 27:08 - A Simple Thank You: The impact of genuine appreciation in customer interactions and the dealership's culture. Jack Pearson is the Centre Manager at Jaguar Land Rover South Shore ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-troublemaker-w-paul-j-daly-
Thu, August 01, 2024
Send us a text Cultivate loyal customers by turning your service drive into fertile ground with Nick Shaffer’s farming strategies. In this episode, the hosts welcome Nick Shaffer, the VP of Sales at TVI-MarketPro3, to discuss innovative approaches to improving customer retention. Shaffer, who recently moved from Northern California to Houston, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career in automotive retail, particularly in fixed operations. The conversation delves into the importance of shifting focus from customer satisfaction to customer retention, likening the process to farming rather than hunting. Shaffer emphasizes the necessity of a cohesive effort across departments and the value of establishing a robust handoff from sales to service. The discussion highlights the groundbreaking approach of integrating mobile service drives into the customer experience. Shaffer shares a compelling story of a Ford dealership that effectively markets its mobile service by displaying it live in the service drive, providing customers a tangible and reassuring experience. This fundamental yet radical approach has proven successful in retaining clients by making the service process transparent and convenient. Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:32 From Northern California to Houston: Nick shares his recent move and how it impacted his mountain biking hobby. 4:32 Extensive Experience in Fixed Ops: Nick discusses his journey in the automotive industry, starting from 2005, and his roles, including being a service manager at Hendrick Automotive Group. 7:15 Shift from Customer Satisfaction to Retention: Nick talks about the industry's pivot from focusing on customer satisfaction to measuring and enhancing customer retention, explaining why it's crucial for business success. 11:25 The Farming vs. Hunting Mentality: The conversation dives into the analogy of treating customer retention like farming, which requires patience and consistency, versus the immediate results-driven hunting approach. 16:02 Mobile Service Drives: A Radical Fundamental: Nick shares a story from ASOTU CON about a Ford dealership successfully integrating mobile service into their customer experience by showcasing it in the service drive. 19:02 The Sales-to-Service Handoff: Nick emphasizes the importance of a smooth handoff from sales to service, which is crucial for retaining customers and ensuring they return for service. Nick Shaffer is the VP of Sales at TVI-MarketPro3 ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave
Mon, July 22, 2024
Send us a text For dealers and marketers looking to enhance their online presence and drive sales, Daniel Able highlights real-world examples and the tangible benefits of excellent merchandising. In this episode of Auto Collabs, the crew chats with Daniel Able, National Sales Manager at CarCutter, about the transformative power of proper vehicle merchandising. Daniel shares his journey from the dealership floor to the vendor side. Amidst laughs and a few unexpected revelations, Daniel emphasizes the critical need for consistency and quality in online vehicle presentations to boost sales and customer satisfaction. The conversation takes a deep dive into the significance of effective vehicle merchandising. Daniel and the hosts discuss how poorly presented vehicle listings can deter potential buyers, drawing a striking comparison to the seamless and visually appealing listings on platforms like Amazon. They emphasize that in the digital age, a dealer’s website is the new front line, and having high-quality, consistent images can significantly impact a customer’s decision-making process. Daniel shares insightful anecdotes and practical strategies for improving merchandising efficiency, such as streamlining the photo-taking process and ensuring every vehicle is showcased at its best. Here's what is covered: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 01:39 Daniel Able Introduction: The hosts introduce Daniel Able, National Sales Manager at CarCutter, and tease some surprising facts about him. 03:02 Daniel’s Volunteer Work: Daniel shares about his volunteer work with a water rescue organization in South Carolina. 05:15 Daniel’s Journey From Dealer To Vendor Partner: Daniel describes his path in the automotive industry, from starting in car sales to transitioning to digital retail and eventually moving to the vendor side with CarCutter. 14:24 Importance of Quality Images: Daniel discusses how vital high-quality, consistent images are for online vehicle listings and compares this to product listings on Amazon. 16:07 The Website Is The New Front Line: The conversation highlights that a dealer’s website is now the new front line and emphasizes the need for speed and efficiency in getting vehicles market-ready online. 22:02 Merchandising Challenges and Solutions: Daniel explains the common challenges dealers face in merchandising and how CarCutter helps streamline the process, ensuring better presentation and faster turnaround. 24:57 Evolution of Merchandising Mindset: The hosts reflect on the evolution from print to digital merchandising in the automotive industry and the ongoing need for dealers to adapt and improve their online presence. Daniel Able is the National Sales Manager at <a href='https://www
Thu, July 18, 2024
Send us a text Impel's acquisition of Outsell is supercharging AI-driven marketing and re-thinking the way we buy and sell cars. In this episode of Auto Collabs, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier chat with Devin Daly, co-founder and CEO of Impel. Devin shares his fascinating journey from Wall Street to transforming the automotive industry through innovative merchandising and marketing solutions. He explains how Impel started by focusing on 360 product visualizations for fashion and later pivoted to the automotive sector, leading to rapid growth and success. Devin also highlights Impel's data-driven approach to personalized marketing, which leverages unique consumer insights to enhance the customer experience and drive conversion rates. A significant highlight of the conversation is Impel's recent $100 million acquisition of Outsell, a move that underscores the company's ambition to become the AI authority in the automotive vertical. Devin reveals that Outsell's extensive 20-year consumer data history, tracking around 70 million American consumers, was a key factor in the acquisition. This rich data set allows Impel to train its AI models on auto-specific use cases, enabling long-tail personalization and more effective marketing strategies. By integrating Outsell's capabilities, Impel aims to deliver even greater value to dealerships and consumers alike, solidifying its position as a leader in automotive AI solutions. Here's what is covered: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 1:32 Devin Daly shares his background and how Impel started. 3:26 The pivot from fashion to automotive merchandising. 6:14 The importance of data in personalized marketing. 9:50 Where Outsell fits into Impel's growth trajectory. 12:53 The value of Outsell's extensive consumer data. 16:08 Impel's structure and commitment to in-person collaboration. Devin Daly is the Co-Founder/CEO of Impel ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/
Mon, July 15, 2024
Send us a text Ford's new approach to dealer training merges innovative storytelling with cutting-edge AI to deliver a transformative learning experience. Abby Vietor, the Head of Ford University, and Kathy Munoz, Manager of Dealer Training & Productivity, share how Ford University aims to revolutionize the traditional training model. Abby's Hollywood and Amazon Web Services background bring a cinematic flair to training content, while Kathy's expertise in coaching ensures a human touch remains at the forefront. In this episode, Abby and Kathy delve into their backgrounds and how they came together to craft a training experience that is both engaging and effective. From Abby’s journey through Hollywood and tech to Kathy’s transition from the legal field to coaching, their diverse experiences provide unique insights into creating content that resonates with dealers. Abby and Kathy cover the challenges of integrating new technologies into dealer training and how their innovative methods address these hurdles. Abby highlights the importance of creating relatable and memorable stories to help dealers understand and convey complex technological features like BlueCruise. Meanwhile, Kathy emphasizes the role of AI in providing continuous, personalized coaching, allowing employees to practice in a safe environment and receive real-time feedback. Together, they aim to make training not only more effective but also more enjoyable, ensuring that dealers are well-equipped to meet the needs of modern customers. Timestamped Takeaways: 03:04 Abby Vietor’s unique career path: From Hollywood to Ford University, blending storytelling with data-driven training. 05:13 Kathy Munoz’s transition from legal to coaching: Board-certified expertise applied to dealer training. 08:47 The power of storytelling in training: Engaging learners by connecting new technologies to relatable experiences. 17:01 AI-enhanced roleplay practice: Safe, private space for dealers to refine their skills with personalized feedback. 20:51 Measuring training impact: Using data to demonstrate the effectiveness of new training methods on dealer performance. Abby Vietor is the Global Director of Dealer Training & Productivity / Head of Ford University at Ford Motor Company Kathy Munoz is the Manager, Dealer Training & Productivity - Coaching & Competencies at Ford Motor Company ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or
Mon, July 08, 2024
Send us a text A faster, more efficient landscape driven by technological advancements and a continuous learning mindset. The dynamic and insightful Keishawn Batts, Head of Customer Success at Upstart, joins Auto Collabs to share his deep knowledge and passion for the automotive industry. Keishawn’s journey from detailing cars at a Porsche dealership to leading a dedicated sales team at Upstart highlights his extensive experience and dedication to automotive finance. Throughout the conversation, Keishawn discusses the unwavering resilience of dealerships in the face of industry challenges such as high-interest rates, technological outages, and evolving consumer expectations. He emphasizes the community-driven nature of the automotive industry, where competitors often come together to navigate tough times. The discussion also delves into the transformative role of AI-powered financing, illustrating how it enhances credit accessibility, reduces biases, and streamlines the car-buying process. Keishawn explains the importance of utilizing digital tools to educate consumers and improve their dealership experience, ultimately making car purchases more affordable and efficient. Keishawn’s enthusiasm is palpable as he shares his optimism for the future of automotive finance. He predicts a faster, more efficient landscape driven by technological advancements and a continuous learning mindset. His insights into the industry's future, coupled with his real-world experience, provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future direction of automotive financing. 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 02:14 Keishawn Batts introduces his extensive career in automotive finance, from detailing cars to leading Upstart's dealer success team. 06:02 The resilience of dealerships in overcoming challenges, such as high-interest rates and technological outages, through community and innovation. 11:59 Exploring AI-powered financing and its benefits, including reducing biases and improving credit accessibility for consumers. 17:19 Predictions for the future of dealership financing and how AI will continue to streamline processes and enhance customer experiences. 20:18 Keishawn's optimism for the industry's future and the ongoing need for technology and process improvements. Keishawn Batts is the Head of Customer Success at Upstart ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank y
Mon, July 01, 2024
Send us a text From the boardroom to the baseball diamond, some truths transfer surprisingly well. In this episode, we sit down with John Fitzpatrick, President/CEO of Force Marketing, who draws fascinating parallels between running a business and coaching his son's travel baseball team. John shares insights on maintaining team morale, managing intense parent involvement, and the critical importance of cheerleading from the sidelines. His experiences in both arenas offer a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and the power of teamwork. John dives into the transformative potential of AI and customer data platforms (CDPs) in the automotive industry, emphasizing the significance of leveraging data for more personalized customer engagement. He highlights the ongoing challenge of ad waste and the necessity of clean data, advocating for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with customers to foster loyalty and long-term success. The conversation seamlessly blends light-hearted anecdotes with profound business insights, making for an engaging and informative episode. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:28 Coaching Intensity: John shares how coaching an 8-year-old travel baseball team involves managing intense parent expectations and maintaining team morale. 5:08 Business Parallels: John discusses the striking similarities between coaching young athletes and leading a business team, emphasizing teamwork, attitude, and grit. 10:23 AI and Marketing: Insights into how AI and customer data platforms (CDPs) are revolutionizing the automotive industry's marketing and customer engagement. 15:19 Data Cleanliness: The critical importance of maintaining clean data to reduce ad waste and improve marketing efficiency. 20:54 Future of Dealerships: The potential for improved data integration and efficiency within dealership groups to enhance customer relationships and business operations. John Fitzpatrick is the President/CEO of Force Marketing https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwfitz/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and fol
Thu, June 27, 2024
Send us a text With the right tech and team, even accounting can be cool. In this episode of Auto Collabs, Laurent Charpentier, CEO of Yooz. shares his fascinating journey from France to Dallas, Texas, bringing a fresh perspective to the typically mundane world of accounting. With a background in computer science and a passion for innovation, Laurent reveals how Yooz is revolutionizing the way auto dealers manage their finances, making processes smoother and more efficient. Laurent dives into Yooz's unique approach, which combines cutting-edge technology with a vibrant company culture symbolized by their iconic flamingos. He explains how Yooz's solutions help dealerships automate their accounts payable processes, freeing up valuable time for staff to focus on more strategic tasks. With insights into the challenges of moving from engineering to an executive role, Laurent highlights the importance of people in building a successful company and how a strong team culture can drive innovation and customer satisfaction. Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 02:08 From France to Texas: Laurent Charpentier shares his journey and why bringing Yooz to the U.S. was a crucial step. 07:25 Company Culture: Laurent talks about the importance of a strong team culture and how Yooz maintains it across continents. 14:22 AP Automation Benefits: Discussion on why automating accounts payable is vital for dealerships and how Yooz makes it seamless. 19:44 Dealer Mindset: Insights into the mindset of dealerships adopting Yooz's platform and the strategic benefits they gain. 23:45 Modernizing Payments: The team discusses the surprising persistence of paper checks in the U.S. and how Yooz is helping dealerships move beyond outdated payment methods. Laurent Charpentier is the CEO at Yooz ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asotu-con-sessions
Thu, June 20, 2024
Send us a text Luis Delgado, CEO of Altura Automotive, joins the Auto Collabs team for an engaging discussion on leveraging the Hispanic market in the automotive industry. Known for his dynamic energy and innovative strategies, Luis reveals how he stumbled into the automotive world and has since become a key figure in Hispanic marketing. From humble beginnings in a Buy Here Pay Here dealership to revolutionizing dealership training programs, Luis shares insights on bridging cultural gaps and building trust with Hispanic customers. In this episode, you'll hear about Luis's journey, the importance of making both pretty and ugly content to capture attention, and the vital role of community in the Hispanic market. The conversation dives deep into strategies for creating engaging, direct-response videos, building effective Facebook campaigns, and fostering self-sufficient sales teams. Join Paul, Kyle, and Michael as they explore how dealerships can not only attract Hispanic customers but also integrate Hispanic employees to enrich their business culture. Watch Luis and Altura's ASOTU CON Mini-Keynote here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBDxmkVYr3E Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 05:35 Entering the Auto Industry - Luis shares how he accidentally found his way into the automotive sector through Patrick from Beaver Toyota, and the impactful role of serving the Hispanic community. 10:20 Building Trust in the Hispanic Market - The conversation highlights the significant gap in servicing Hispanic customers and how dealerships can better cater to this growing market. 18:24 The AAA System - Luis explains his methodology for creating effective marketing content, emphasizing the balance of making videos both pretty and ugly to engage viewers. 21:45 Leveraging Community Power - The team discusses the powerful dynamics of community within the Hispanic culture and how dealerships can benefit from fostering these relationships. 27:35 Future of Hispanic Automotive Market - With 25% of all vehicle sales projected to come from Hispanic buyers by 2025, the team underscores the urgency for dealerships to adapt and embrace this demographic. Luis Delgado is the CEO of Altura Automotive ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ <a href='htt
Mon, June 17, 2024
Send us a text Is compliance annoying? Sometimes. Stressful? Maybe. Important? Definitely. In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Sherryl Nens, the VP of Sales at ComplyAuto, who brings a fresh perspective on compliance in the automotive industry. Sherryl shares her journey from her early days at Jiffy Lube to a remarkable 17-year career at Ford, culminating in her current role where she helps dealerships navigate complex compliance issues. Along the way, she weaves in fascinating anecdotes, from her family's RV adventures to her father's influence in sparking her automotive passion. Sherryl also delves into the intricacies of data privacy and cybersecurity, likening compliance to an unsung superhero like Green Lantern. She emphasizes the importance of protecting dealerships' valuable data and complying with regulations not just for legal reasons but to safeguard their businesses from potential threats. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 04:39 Early Automotive Passion - Sherryl shares how her father nurtured her interest in cars from a young age, giving her an oil wrench for her 13th birthday. 10:12 Ford Motor Company Journey - Sherryl's 17-year stint at Ford, including launching the Ford Fiesta and working under Alan Mulally. 12:00 Compliance Passion - Transitioning to ComplyAuto, Sherryl explains her passion for simplifying complex compliance issues for dealerships. 16:56 Data Privacy & Cybersecurity - The critical role of compliance in protecting dealerships' data from potential breaches and wiretapping claims. 22:13 Consumer Awareness - Discussing the need for better consumer education on data privacy and the surprising trends in cookie consent behaviors. Sherryl Nens is Vice President of Sales at ComplyAuto ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions <a href='https://podcasts.appl
Thu, June 13, 2024
Send us a text A fresh perspective and a bold voice. In this episode of Auto Collabs, Paul, Michael, and Kyle sit down with the inspiring Kaylee Jewert, a 13-year-old making waves in the automotive industry. Kaylee recently wowed audiences at the Women in Automotive conference, where she passionately spoke about the need for more women and young talent in the field. This episode is a delightful mix of Kaylee's insights, her journey into public speaking, and her unique perspective on the auto industry as a young enthusiast. Kaylee shares her experiences growing up around the automotive world, thanks to her parents' careers, and her journey to becoming a speaker at such a young age. Her passion for psychology and marketing shines through as she discusses the importance of introducing young people to the diverse opportunities within the auto industry. From tackling stereotypes to advocating for innovation, Kaylee's enthusiasm and wisdom beyond her years make this a must-listen episode. Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 1:38 Early Inspiration: Kaylee explains how her dad's involvement in the automotive industry inspired her interest and led her to her first speaking engagement at Women in Automotive. 6:04 Passion for Psychology and Marketing: Kaylee discusses her fascination with how companies market products and the psychological aspects of consumer behavior, linking it to her love for the auto industry. 10:38 Becoming a Mentor: Kaylee talks about her plans to become a mentor through the Women in Automotive program, aiming to inspire young talent and change perceptions about careers in the industry. 15:39 Importance of Young Voices: Kaylee emphasizes the value of young perspectives in driving innovation within the auto industry and shares her vision for a more inclusive future. 19:11 Views on Electric Vehicles: Kaylee offers her thoughts on electric vehicles, balancing environmental concerns with the practical benefits of EVs, and shares her dream car: the Tesla Cybertruck. Kaylee Jewert is a 13-year-old middle school student passionate about advocating for the automotive industry. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the
Mon, May 13, 2024
Send us a text Peter Kelso embodies a rare and contagious brand of optimism that permeates every aspect of his professional demeanor. As the VP of Agency Partnerships at FullThrottle.ai, Peter's upbeat and positive approach is not just a personal trait but a strategic tool he leverages to enhance business relationships and customer experiences. His belief in the power of positivity is deeply ingrained, influenced by his parents and refined through personal development over the years. In every interaction, whether on LinkedIn with his positive vibes posts or in high-stakes business meetings, Peter’s optimism acts as a catalyst for reducing friction and fostering a collaborative atmosphere, proving that a sunny outlook can indeed translate to tangible business success. Peter’s philosophy of positivity not only challenges the prevalent pessimism in the auto industry but also serves as a beacon for better business practices. It perfectly aligns with what we like to say around ASOTU: "Love people more than you love cars." Here's what we cover: 0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:22 - Why Positivity Matters: Peter's Approach on LinkedIn 4:17 - The Roots of Peter's Optimism 6:35 - Creating Content That Resonates 9:07 - The Impact of Positivity on Business Relationships 10:54 - Commerce and Human Connections 13:06 - The Real Impact of Optimism in Leadership 14:28 - Pessimism in the Auto Industry: A Culture Challenge 18:56 - Exciting Developments at FullThrottle.ai 21:00 - The Essential Role of Optimism in Sales and Marketing Learn more about fullthrottle.ai: https://www.fullthrottle.ai/ Peter Kelso is the VP of Agency Partnership at fullthrottle.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-kelso-19384010/ https://www.fullthrottle.ai/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-troublemaker-
Fri, May 10, 2024
Send us a text While AI can streamline operations, it's the human touch that truly nurtures customer loyalty and builds effective business relationships. In this episode of Auto Collabs, Brad Title, the visionary leader behind Gubagoo, shares his expert insights on the nuanced role of artificial intelligence within the automotive industry and other sectors. As AI continues to evolve, Brad argues for its use as an indispensable tool rather than a standalone solution. He delves into how AI has the potential to revolutionize traditional practices, such as title clerking, by automating complex processes which can save time and reduce human error. However, he also warns of the dangers of relying too heavily on AI, noting that overemphasis can diminish the crucial human element that fosters genuine customer connections and loyalty. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of AI in job creation and operational efficiency. Brad highlights the transformative power of AI in enhancing customer service and backend operations, yet he maintains a strong stance on the importance of maintaining a balance between automated solutions and personal interactions. By integrating AI thoughtfully into business practices, Brad envisions a future where technology supports and enhances human work, rather than replacing it. Throughout the conversation, examples from his own experience in leading Gubagoo illustrate practical ways businesses can leverage AI to improve efficiency while keeping customer relationships at the heart of their strategy. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 - Intro 1:12 - Why ignoring AI trends is a significant oversight 3:44 - The risks of overemphasizing AI 6:00 - The effect of AI on jobs 11:03 - How AI can inadvertently betray consumer trust 16:27 - Gubagoo's development of new CRM platforms integrating AI 21:57 - Closing remarks Learn more about Gubagoo: https://www.gubagoo.com/ Brad Title is the Founder, President and CEO at Gubagoo ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: </p
Wed, May 08, 2024
Send us a text Jimmy's foresight and innovation are not just reshaping his company, but also providing a blueprint for the future of auto retailing. We sit down for the second time with Jimmy Douglas, the trailblazing Founder and CEO of Plug, to dissect the seismic shifts in automotive technology and dealership dynamics. Jimmy, an ex-Tesla insider, shares his view into the rapidly evolving landscape of EVs and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for franchise dealerships. With a casual and engaging banter reminiscent of a lively tech meetup, our hosts, Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo, delve deep into Jimmy’s journey from launching Plug at ASOTU CON in September 2023 to steering the company through explosive growth in the used EV market. Jimmy’s anecdotes about the intersection of software and automotive hardware illuminate the conversation, providing a peek into the not-so-distant future where EVs dominate the roads. His comparison of selling used EVs to understanding the complexities of various Android phones captures the essence of the challenges dealers face today. As he recounts the story of his past at Tesla and draws parallels to his current endeavors, Jimmy underscores the necessity for dealers to adapt swiftly to maintain relevance and profitability in this new era. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:37 Flying Middle Seats on Spirit Airlines 10:56 A deep dive into the 'software defined vehicle' 16:46 Why Jimmy believed Plug will be the safest platform for acquiring used EV inventory 22:10 An AI-generated image of "Little Jimmy" driving a vintage Chevy in Oregon 25:22 The importance of attending events like ASOTU CON Learn more about Plug: https://plug.vin/ Jimmy Douglas is the Founder and CEO of Plug . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a
Mon, May 06, 2024
Send us a text It's not that hard to merchandise cars. Just take good pictures. Throughout his career, Jason Tropp, the Business Partnerships Manager at CarCutter, has gleaned several vital lessons in the automotive marketing field, emphasizing the power of visual presentation in driving sales and customer engagement. He learned the critical importance of adapting and evolving within marketing roles, transitioning from creative to digital strategies to better connect marketing efforts with tangible sales outcomes. A pivotal realization for Jason was the significant impact that high-quality vehicle images have on the effectiveness of advertising dollars. This insight not only led him to his role at CarCutter but also underscored the broader marketing principle that compelling product presentation is foundational to successful digital advertising. Furthermore, Jason's journey taught him the value of embracing effective technologies and tools that enhance marketing strategies, illustrating the profound effect of authenticity and belief in the products one promotes. His experiences advocate for the integration of marketing at the strategic planning table within automotive businesses, ensuring that marketing voices are not just heard but are influential in shaping business outcomes. Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:03 How Jason got to Portland, Maine 5:26 The value of marketing for an entire organization 11:55 How Jason got to CarCutter 16:04 The connection between proper car merchandising and marketing success 21:49 Believing in the thing you're marketing 25:22 The critical role marketers should play at the strategic planning table Jason Tropp is the Business Partnerships Manager at CarCutter https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontropp/ https://www.car-cutter.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a
Thu, May 02, 2024
Send us a text Hot Take Incoming: The practical over the sensational is key when using AI in marketing. In this lively episode of 'Auto Collabs', we're joined by Kelly Good Stoop, the Regional Vice President at Lotlinx. Kelly shares her journey from being an "army brat" moving across continents to shaping the cutting edge of automotive digital marketing. From her early days selling traditional advertising to spearheading advanced digital strategies, Kelly's story is about adaptability and foresight. The conversation pivots around the fascinating intersection of technology and marketing, with Kelly detailing how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing how dealers connect with customers. Her experiences range from broadcasting to digital platforms, offering a unique perspective on both the challenges and innovations within the automotive space. Timestamped Takeaways 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 4:26: The shift from traditional to digital advertising in automotive 6:29: Embracing digital trends in the auto industry 8:51: Lotlinx's strategic use of data and AI to optimize dealership marketing. 14:58: The influence of Kelly's diverse upbringing 18:55: Kelly's strategies for engaging with new ideas and technologies at industry events Kelly Good Stoop is the Regional Vice President of Lotlinx ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, April 29, 2024
Send us a text Diana Lee is a masterclass in leadership and determination, showcasing how personal history and professional challenges forges the leaders revolutionizing retail automotive. The charismatic Founder and CEO of Constellation is a beacon of passion, aggression, and humility, and she shares her compelling journey from a timid immigrant child in Philadelphia to the powerhouse entrepreneur reshaping the automotive marketing landscape. Diana brings an energy to our podcast that makes you want to jump on your feet and applaud, discussing the unique challenges and triumphs of building a business as an immigrant in the competitive world of American enterprise. Listeners are in for a treat as Diana delves deep into her roots, recounting the struggles of her early days in the U.S. and her initial experiences working in a dealership in the gritty environment of Worcester, Massachusetts. Her stories of survival on the sales floor, where she had to prove her mettle against all odds, and she shares stories of the cast of characters she met, including Don the Pimp and Bobby the Addict. In automotive, Diana found a family that supported each other. So when she started her agency, supporting the auto industry was at the front of her mind. As the auto industry grapples with an increasingly digital-first approach, Diana envisions integrating AI to create a more personalized and efficient customer experience. Constellation is at the forefront of this revolution, developing AI-driven tools that not only enhance how dealerships interact with customers but also how they manage internal operations. Diana's goal is to tailor AI solutions that respect the unique culture of each dealership, thereby ensuring that technology amplifies their strengths rather than undermines the personal touch that defines the automotive selling tradition. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 4:14 - Diana's Recollection of the Dealership in 1989 8:44 - Diana's Immigrant Background 12:18 - How The Dealership Helped Bobby the Addict Get Clean 16:24 - Immigrants Are Filling The Recruitment Gap in Auto 18:43 - The dealership model is better than direct-to-consumer 20:21 - The potential for AI in dealerships 24:41 - The crucial role dealerships play in nurturing talent and giving back to their communities. Diana Lee is the Founder & CEO at Constellation ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! <br/
Thu, April 25, 2024
Send us a text Once you realize you're in a supportive community, you do whatever you can to support that community. This episode features Nick Askew, a man of diverse backgrounds from music to car sales, who is now making waves in the auto retail industry as the Founder and CEO of Space Auto. Nick's journey is a fascinating blend of creative pursuits and entrepreneurial spirit, evidenced by his innovative approach to digital retailing in the automotive sector. His company, Space Auto, challenges traditional sales methods by integrating technology to enhance both customer and dealer experiences, advocating for a more human-centered approach in car sales. Listeners will be captivated by Nick's personal narrative, which includes turning life's unexpected turns into stepping stones for his career. Starting from his early days in a band to an unexpected entry into car sales, and eventually leading to his pioneering work at Space Auto, Nick's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing passion over security. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:07 The meaning of "I Hold Gross" 4:33 From Band To Car Sales 7:01 Why Nick Loves Car Sales 9:31 The Decision To Start Space Auto 22:06 Space Auto's Philosophy and Vision Learn more about Space Auto: https://space.auto/ Nick Askew is the Founder & CEO of Space Auto ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, April 18, 2024
Send us a text Fixed ops is the real front door. Dan Shine, Senior Editor for Automotive News, brings a fresh yet deeply informed perspective to the backbone of automotive retail - fixed operations. With a journalistic journey spanning over two decades, including significant stints in both newspaper and educational sectors, Dan's career path led him unexpectedly into the automotive sphere. His approach combines a rich historical knowledge of Detroit's automotive culture with a pragmatic view of current industry challenges, offering a unique lens on the evolving dynamics of automotive retail. In his down-to-earth demeanor, Dan discusses the essential role that fixed ops play in the financial health of dealerships, contrasting it sharply with the more "showy" sales side of operations. He brings to light the innovative and essential strategies dealerships are implementing to tackle challenges such as customer retention, the introduction of EVs, and the necessary pivot back towards providing comprehensive services including tire sales and windshield repairs. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 0:45 Contrasting Fixed Ops and Sales 3:12 Dan's journey from traditional journalism to automotive 6:39 Starting a new job during the pandemic 14:32 The need for innovative customer retention strategies 18:36 Finding new revenue streams in fixed ops 22:19 Building Customer Loyalty Dan Shine is the Senior Editor at Automotive News ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, April 11, 2024
Send us a text The automotive industry talks about understanding and leveraging data effectively, but what does that really take? On today's episode of Auto Collabs, we chat with Bobby Gaudreau, the VP of Sales & Marketing at Activator Dealer Services. Bobby isn’t just an aficionado of endurance sports, having conquered countless marathons and Iron Mans; he’s also a seasoned pro in steering automotive dealerships towards digital efficiency and sophisticated data management. His journey from the first internet manager handling leads via fax to a pivotal force in leveraging Salesforce for automotive marketing is as fascinating as it is educational. The conversation takes us through the evolution of data management in the automotive space, highlighted by Activator’s innovative approach to integrating a customer data platform (CDP) with traditional marketing strategies to enhance customer engagement and retention. Bobby's extensive experience brings invaluable insights into how big data and smart segmentation can dramatically improve marketing outreach, setting the stage for a discussion that’s as engaging as it is informative. His analogy of a "data refrigerator" packed with disparate data pieces underscores the everyday chaos dealerships navigate and how structured data strategies can turn this around. Learn more about Activator Dealer Services: https://activator.ai/ Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:36 Bobby's Marathon Mindset: How Endurance Sports Influence His Professional Strategies 6:31 Bobby Gaudreau's Journey: From Marathons to Automotive Marketing Mastery 10:09 Integrating Salesforce: Revolutionizing Data Management in Automotive Sales 13:49 Startup Spirit in a Legacy Company: Innovation at Dominion Dealer Services 22:20 Democratizing Data: How Dealers Can Leverage Enterprise-Grade Tech for Marketing Success Bobby Gaudreau is the VP of Sales & Marketing at Activator Dealer Services ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://pod
Mon, April 08, 2024
Send us a text Hilary Haron’s experiences, from the Capitol’s halls to the dealership floor, offer invaluable lessons on the power of voice, the necessity of change, and the endless potential of paving new paths. Hilary shares her rich heritage in the auto world, tracing back to her grandfather's pioneering spirit in the car dealership realm, through to her own ventures into automotive advocacy in Washington DC. As a multigenerational dealer and a mother fueled by the drive for a better future, Hilary’s insights into the complexities of car dealership, the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), and the significant role of women in male-dominated industries are not just inspiring but a clarion call for industry-wide evolution and inclusivity. Hilary’s story of advocacy shines a light on the urgent need for infrastructural readiness for EVs, a reminder that the path to electric mobility is still under construction. From the halls of Capitol Hill to the practical challenges of EV adoption, she unravels the nuanced layers of policy, public perception, and the pivotal shifts necessary within the auto industry. This conversation is a testament to the power of informed advocacy, the importance of diversity in automotive, and the uncharted roads leading to the industry's future. 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 1:59 Hilary's Journey: From Dealership Legacy to Advocacy 4:48 The Impact of Personal Connection in Advocacy 10:24 EV Charging Infrastructure: A Capitol Concern 12:25 "A Road Less Traveled": Highlighting Women's Experiences 17:57 Steps Toward a Diverse Auto Industry 24:08 The Importance of Conversation and Advocacy Hilary Haron is the Host of the A Road Less Traveled Podcast ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions <a href='https://podcasts.apple.c
Thu, April 04, 2024
Send us a text The customer is putting together a puzzle. Do you give them the next piece they need? Andrew Breedlove, Sales Director at iPacket, joins the "Auto Collabs" crew for an engaging conversation about his journey from a sneaker enthusiast working at Foot Locker to a key player in the automotive industry. With a friendly demeanor and a readiness to jump into any role, Andrew embodies the spirit of someone who's always eager to be part of the team. His transition from retail to automotive sales wasn't straightforward. After a stint at a dealership that nearly put him off the industry for good, a family connection gave him a second chance, leading him to fall in love with auto sales and eventually, to iPacket. iPacket's mission is simple but transformative: to bridge the gap between what dealerships try to communicate and what the customer actually receives. By creating a digital evidence manual, iPacket ensures that every customer gets the complete picture, making the car buying process more transparent and efficient. From service receipts to MSRP information, iPacket provides a comprehensive packet of information to help both salespeople and customers. Andrew discusses the importance of this tool in various contexts, from on-site sales to BDCs, emphasizing how it can dramatically improve communication and trust between dealerships and their customers. 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 1:20 Meet Andrew Breedlove: From retail to auto sales, Andrew's unique path to iPacket. 2:36 Auto Industry Insights: Andrew's reluctant start and eventual love for car sales. 7:27 The iPacket Difference: How it bridges the gap between dealerships and customers. 12:09 iPacket in Action: Where it's making the biggest impact in dealerships. 17:35 Expansion into Service: iPacket's new frontier in dealership service and recon. 21:24 The Evolution of Sales Tools: Reflecting on the transition from manual to digital processes. Andrew Breedlove is the Sales Director at iPacket ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas
Wed, April 03, 2024
Send us a text Will Guidara has never told this story before. He’s now world-famous, a New York Times bestseller, and has appeared on talk shows, stages and podcasts. But this is the first time he shares how he and Simon Sinek met and connected, ultimately leading to Simon asking him to write a book, ‘Unreasonable Hospitality.’ He opens up about his belief that anyone, in any profession, can choose to be part of the hospitality industry by prioritizing people with the same zeal often reserved for products. His book serves as a testament to this philosophy, emphasizing the power of prioritizing relationships and the human moments that weave through our professional endeavors. Will is a maestro in the art of making people feel valued beyond the transaction, and applies this to the automotive industry. 🌟 "Every car tells a chapter of your life story," Will muses, highlighting the profound connections between milestones and the vehicles we choose to mark them. In essence, this interview is not just about the cross-pollination of ideas between industries but a clarion call to infuse our work with humanity, creativity, and, most importantly, unreasonable hospitality. Will Guidara masterfully reminds us that at the heart of every transaction, every service, lies the unparalleled power of making people feel truly seen and valued. 0:00 - Introduction to Will Guidara and the Essence of "Unreasonable Hospitality" 0:23 - Will's Philosophy: Making Hospitality a Universal Industry 1:33 - The Significance of Investing in Relationships Over Moments 3:18 - Embracing People Over Product: Will's Mantra for Success 9:25 - The Story Behind Will's Connection with Simon Sinek 22:24 - Challenging Traditional Rules and Empowering Creativity in Hospitality 34:37 - Opportunities for Hospitality in the Automotive Industry: Celebrating Life's Moments Will Guidara built Eleven Madison Park into The #1 Restaurant in the World and is the Bestselling Author of ‘ Unreasonable Hospitality ’ https://www.linkedin.com/in/willguidara/ https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/ #Hospitality #Leadership #Innovation #CustomerService #SuccessStories #Motivation #AutomotiveIndustry #Dealership #WillGuidara #SimonSinek #UnreasonableHospitality #MoreThanCars ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Insta
Mon, March 25, 2024
Send us a text The first question stunned today's guest. But it started an amazing conversation on the auto industry, leadership and what it means to be successful. Auto Collabs welcomes Sam D'Arc, the Chief Operating Officer at Zeigler Auto Group and the host of the Driving Vision Podcast. Sam brings decades of experience to his leadership role in one of the most respected automotive groups across the country. Over time, Zeigler Automotive Group has become the highest rated dealership on Glassdoor. Through a series of personal anecdotes, industry insights, and engaging discussions, listeners will get an inside look at the principles and practices that drive success and satisfaction at Zeigler Auto Group. The conversation takes us on a journey from Sam's early days, where adversity became his unlikely ally, leading him from washing cars at 17 to the C-suite of the automotive industry. His story is a testament to the idea that within the automotive world, opportunity is not just about where you start but how you leverage challenges to fuel your rise. The episode delves into the essence of Zeigler Auto Group's remarkable work culture, emphasizing the unique blend of President & CEO Aaron Zeigler's fearless growth strategies and a profound respect for every employee's role and contribution. This culture not only propels the group's success but also ensures it remains a beacon of work-life balance in the demanding auto industry landscape. Takeaways: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Michael Cirillo 3:53 Sam's journey to becoming the COO of Zeigler Auto Group 8:17 The expansion of Zeigler Auto Group to 78 franchises across four states, highlighting the influence of visionary leadership and the importance of valuing every team member's contribution. 18:28 How Sam and Zeigler incorporate AI into communication 23:49 The biggest threat to personal agency is control by insecure leaders Sam D'Arc is the COO at Zeigler Auto Group and host of the Driving Vision Podcast ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-trouble
Thu, March 21, 2024
Send us a text There's power in showing up, ready to learn. Bill Zadeits is a a pillar in the automotive media landscape and the President of Cherokee Media Group. Zadeits shares his fascinating journey from a young aspiring sportscaster to leading a media group that profoundly influences the automotive industry. With a blend of nostalgia and insights, Bill narrates his transition from radio and TV into the automotive space, emphasizing the evolution of content delivery and the indispensable value of understanding business from a revenue perspective. This episode not only offers a retrospective look at his impressive career but also serves as a beacon for the automotive industry's dynamic nature. His emphasis on continuous learning, adaptation, and the transformative power of personal connections paints a hopeful and exciting future for automotive media and the industry it serves. Takeaways 0:00 : Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 6:55: Bill's initial challenges transitioning from broadcasting to the automotive industry 14:59: The irreplaceable value of in-person interactions 18:08: The future of Cherokee Media Group 20:22: A sneak peek into the upcoming Auto Intel Summit Bill Zadeits is the President of Cherokee Media Group ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, March 14, 2024
Send us a text Trucks stick but brand love shifts. Reynolds and Reynolds released their 2024 Automotive Brand Retention and Defection Report, and VP of Marketing Greg Uland joins the show to break it down. Read the full report here: https://www.reyrey.com/cp/retention-and-defection-2024 Greg, with his unique blend of marketing savvy and operational expertise, breaks down the complex web of customer loyalty and buying behavior in the auto industry. Through the lens of comprehensive data analysis, Greg shares staggering insights into how dealers can navigate the tricky waters of retaining customers, winning over new ones, and the surprising fluidity of brand loyalty among today's car buyers. The conversation isn't just a trove of statistics; it's a lively discussion that ranges from the evolution of brand logos to the unexpected loyalty shifts among truck owners. The team delves into the specifics, like the 43.7% overall brand retention rate, Toyota's stronghold at 60.1%, and the surprising position of Nissan as a prime target for almost every mainstream brand's conquest efforts. 0:00 Intro 2:21 The critical connection between marketing and operations. 4:59 Overall brand retention across the US is a mere 43.7% 9:20 Truck owner loyalty shows a surprising 72.5% likelihood of purchasing another truck, yet brand loyalty within this segment shows significant variation, indicating opportunities for brand switching. 14:38 Greg and the hosts explore the impact of high borrowing costs on dealership strategies, emphasizing the necessity of adapting to a market where new car prices average around $50,000. 19:30 Actionable insights for dealers to refine their marketing and inventory strategies based on changing customer loyalty trends. Greg Uland is VP of Marketing for The Reynolds and Reynolds Company . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troub
Thu, March 07, 2024
Send us a text ICE to hybrid to plug-in hybrid to EV. That's the rational path, according to Brian Maas. Brian Maas is the esteemed President of the California New Car Dealers Association. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and insight into the intricate world of automotive retailing in California, a state renowned for setting the pace in industry trends and regulations. Brian’s expertise shines as he navigates through the conversation, touching on critical issues such as the impact of over-disclosure on consumer transactions and the evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in California. Despite the state's aggressive push towards a 100% zero-emission vehicle sales goal by 2035, Brian articulates the practical hurdles in achieving such targets, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development, consumer choice, and gradual transition strategies from internal combustion engines to hybrid and fully electric vehicles. While the path to innovation and environmental sustainability is critical, Brian reminds us that it requires careful consideration of practicalities, consumer needs, and the collaborative effort of all stakeholders in the automotive ecosystem. 0:00 Intro 4:07 Brian Maas discusses California's leadership in auto retail. 10:48 The breakdown of California dealers and how the California New Car Dealers Association serves their varying needs. 14:51 The "tyranny of over-disclosure" and its impact on the car buying experience. 18:46 Brian's perspective on EV adoption in California and the challenges of transitioning to a fully electric vehicle fleet. 26:52 Reflections on the importance of rational steps towards EV adoption and the role of associations in guiding dealers through changing landscapes. Brian Maas is the President of the California New Car Dealers Association ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asotu-con-se
Thu, February 29, 2024
Send us a text There's opportunity and potential in the EV market, but only if you seek to understand customers and adapt to their needs. This episode of Auto Collabs features a conversation with John Foley, co-founder and President of Recharged. Positioned at the forefront of the used electric vehicle (EV) market, Recharged distinguishes itself by creating an Experience Center that goes beyond traditional sales tactics. The discussion delves into John's innovative approach to selling EVs, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of catering to a market predominantly comprised of first-time EV buyers. John shares insights into the importance of exceeding customer curiosity, not just meeting it. By understanding the specific needs and lifestyles of their customers, Recharged ensures that every buyer is matched with the perfect EV for their life. This commitment to education and personalized service addresses a common concern among potential EV owners: the fear of the unknown. 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:19 Recharged's mission to transform the electric vehicle buying experience. 4:44 90% of Recharged's customers are first-time EV buyers 6:31 Exceeding customer curiosity by deeply understanding their needs and ensuring they're matched with the right EV. 11:26 The challenges and opportunities in the used EV market 16:38 Expanding Recharged's influence 21:11 Reflections on the importance of curiosity in both sales and customer engagement John Foley is the Co-Founder and President at recharged ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, February 22, 2024
Send us a text Ever had a session at a conference that completely changed your perspective? Phil did. In this lively episode of Auto Collabs, Paul, Kyle and Michael are joined by the charismatic Phil Gill, General Sales Manager at Tom Gill Chevrolet. Known for his impeccable sense of style and sharp business acumen, Phil shares his journey from working at TJX Corporate to steering the wheel at Tom Gill Chevrolet. The conversation touches on the nuances of customer lifetime value, team dynamics, and innovative dealership practices. Phil's story is a testament to the power of cross-industry learning and the importance of understanding every facet of your business, from front-line sales to the intricacies of accounting. At ASOTU CON 2023, Phil sat in on a session that changed his view on customer lifecycle management, and he went back and worked with a tech vendor to make those changes. Phil delves into his transformative initiatives at Tom Gill Chevrolet. He highlights the critical interplay between different departments, emphasizing a unified approach to dealership management that prioritizes overall store profitability. Phil's innovative strategies, like customer membership programs, showcase his commitment to enhancing customer retention and experience. This episode is not just a peek into Phil's world but a blueprint for cultivating a thriving automotive dealership in a competitive market. 0:00 Intro and Paul's backward hat 1:17 Phil Gill's introduction and impact 4:01 Phil's return to automotive and first roles 9:55 Department synergy and profitability 13:21 Customer lifetime value and new programs 18:12 Phil on customer loyalty and retention Phil Gill is the GSM at Tom Gill Chevrolet ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asotu-con-sessions/id1646639769'
Thu, February 15, 2024
Send us a text Michael's story is a testament to adaptability and vision, starting with his educational background in Political Science and Economics from the University of Louisville. This episode takes us through his diverse career journey, showcasing how his unique experiences and skills have culminated in a revolutionary approach to car sales and customer experience. Michael opens up about his early career, starting with timeshare sales in Virginia Beach, which honed his sales skills and customer engagement abilities. He then moved to New York City, venturing into orthopedic surgical sales, which added another layer of complexity and learning to his sales expertise. However, his passion for people and sales eventually led him back to Virginia, where he embarked on a career in the automotive industry. His journey within Checkered Flag Auto Group is a narrative of growth and leadership, from being a sales associate to taking on the role of General Manager. Michael Wood's narrative is not just about selling cars; it's a broader vision of creating a community around car ownership, where experiences and relationships are as important as the transaction itself. His innovative approach and leadership philosophy are reshaping the auto retail industry, making it more customer-centric and transparent. 0:00 Intro 2:39 Michael's Path to Auto Sales 5:02 Role Transition 8:58 Experience-Based Strategy 10:32 Expanding Customer Touchpoints 14:57 Sustainable Sales Approach 20:28 Leadership Focus in 2024 Michael Wood is a General Manager at Checkered Flag Auto Group . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Wed, January 31, 2024
Send us a text Erin Richmond highlights how dealerships can leverage their unique strengths to stand out in a crowded market. Erin, the Chief Revenue Officer of sMedia, blends of industry insights and digital marketing prowess, rooted in a childhood surrounded by the hum of a dealership's body shop and a career path that wound its way through Enterprise Rent-A-Car and AutoTrader. She paints a vivid picture of her journey, from experiencing the seismic shift from print to digital advertising, to her strategic moves within the automotive marketing space. Erin's passion for integrating marketing efforts with dealership operations shines through, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of automotive marketing. The conversation takes a deep dive into the current state of automotive marketing, touching on the challenges and opportunities facing dealerships in today's evolving landscape. Erin discusses the delicate balance of advertising spend in a post-pandemic market, emphasizing the importance of brand building alongside inventory promotion. She offers candid, actionable insights on creating a consistent customer experience, both digitally and in the physical dealership space. 0:00 - Introduction and Background 1:59 - Erin's Automotive Roots 3:32 - Transition to Digital Marketing 11:27 - Advertising Challenges in Automotive 14:15 - Brand Advertising in Dealerships 17:07 - Authenticity in Digital Marketing 20:54 - Overlooked Aspects of Dealership Services Erin Richmond is the Chief Revenue Officer at sMedia ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, January 29, 2024
Send us a text A fresh, human-centric approach to success and legacy. The journey of Troy Duhon, the President at Premier Automotive is nothing short of remarkable, beginning as a porter washing cars at age 13 and evolving into a successful car salesman, a journey shaped significantly by his father's struggles and transformation. His narrative is not just about selling cars; it’s about creating a legacy that transcends the automotive business. Troy shares poignant moments from his life, including his father's battle with alcoholism and eventual redemption, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on business and life. His story takes a dramatic turn with Hurricane Katrina, where he faced immense challenges but emerged with a renewed purpose. Emphasizing the importance of 'profit with a purpose,' Troy has integrated his business success with philanthropic endeavors through his foundation, Giving Hope. This foundation feeds thousands daily and builds orphanages worldwide, illustrating how businesses can profoundly impact local and global communities. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Troy's Early Career and Father's Influence 7:00 - Overcoming Challenges Post-Hurricane Katrina 11:20 - Blending Business with Philanthropy 18:01 - Envisioning a Legacy Beyond Business 21:39 - Closing Thoughts: Business as a Vehicle for Change Troy Duhon is the President at Premier Automotive . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, January 25, 2024
Send us a text What do you get when a stand-up comedian enters the auto world? Obviously, the answer is David Spisak. The President/CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions is a jack-of-all-trades. His journey from stand-up comedy to the automotive industry is unique. David brings a depth of knowledge about the industry, not just at the dealership level but its undercurrents too – from Capitol Hill to OEM factors. Recently, David and the team at Disruptive Growth Solutions hosted a livestream called Disruptive Forces, over 8 hours of content on EVs and what dealers can do to be prepared. Learn more here. David shares his perspective on EVs in the automotive industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they present for dealers. He stresses the importance of adapting quickly, investing in knowledge, and providing exceptional customer experiences. The conversation also delves into the implications of the growing EV market, the need for dealers to be proactive rather than reactive, and the critical timeframe dealers have to adjust to these changes. 0:00 - Intro & David Spisak's Stand-up Comedy Days 3:19 - The Disruptive Forces Live Stream 7:28 - Dealership Challenges with EVs 9:46 - Urgency for Dealers in EV Transition 16:19 - Investing in People and Dealership Operations 20:24 - Reflections on the Conversation David Spisak is the President/CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, January 18, 2024
Send us a text Jeremy Stephens is taking the service lane on the road. Jeremy, who started as a technician and climbed up to a leadership position, shares his passion for leading and empowering his team. The conversation takes an interesting turn as they dive into the nuts and bolts of remote automotive servicing. This innovative concept, still new in the industry, is unpacked in detail, discussing the daily operations, challenges in scheduling, and the use of technology in streamlining processes. The episode doesn't shy away from speculating about the future of automotive servicing. The team discusses over-the-air technological solutions and how customer service experiences are continuously evolving in this sector. Jeremy's narrative is a compelling example of adaptability, innovation, and recognizing opportunities in challenges. 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:19 From technician to service director 6:10 Servant leadership 101 11:12 Understanding remote service 15:36 Planning and communication in remote service 20:02 The future of auto service 22:02 Reflections on innovation, leadership, and customer-first service trends. Jeremy Stephens is the Remote Service Director at Bozard Ford Lincoln. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, January 15, 2024
Send us a text Karen Byrd would rather coach compassion than coach compliance. In this 'Auto Collabs' episode, Karen Byrd, GM at Colonial VW Subaru, unveils her unique leadership style, pivoting from compliance-driven to compassion-led management. Byrd discusses her evolution during the pandemic, emphasizing self-growth and adaptability. In true 'Love People More Than Cars' fashion, she focuses on empathy, listening, and understanding to drive her team forward. Her insights for 2024 include maintaining an open mindset and embracing change. Karen's approach is a breath of fresh air in the automotive industry marked by intense sales pressure. She emphasizes leading with empathy and unconditional love, crucial in today's dynamic market. Her journey from a rigid, plan-based mindset to one that values personal connection and emotional intelligence offers invaluable lessons for leaders in any field. Byrd's story is a testament to the power of transformative leadership and its impact on both personal and organizational success. 0:00 Introduction with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:55 Karen Byrd's approach to 2024 4:18 Removing mental silos to avoid being blindsided by unexpected events 7:57 The pandemic as a time of self-rebirth 11:59 Practical advice for leaderss on learning and listening 17:02 Moving from a compliance-focused approach to one centered on compassion 22:28 Wrap-up and takeaways with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo Karen Byrd is the GM at Colonial VW Subaru ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, January 11, 2024
Send us a text Insights, laughs, and a fresh perspective on the future of mobility! Grab a coffee and join us for a lively chat with Elena Ciccotelli, the charismatic host of the "EVs for Everyone" podcast. In this episode, we delve into the electrifying (pun intended!) world of EVs. Elena lights up the conversation with her sparkling wit and deep EV insights. Kicking off, Paul shares an eye-opener from Elon Musk's biography, revealing Tesla's rollercoaster journey. Elena, with her unique take on the EV universe, shares inspiring stories and underscores the importance of both education and action in the EV space. She reflects on her journey from Lyft to podcasting, driven by a passion for telling the lesser-known, impactful stories in EVs. We also get into the nitty-gritty of dealer sentiments towards EVs, exploring the mixed feelings in the auto world. Plus, Elena's personal spin on owning a Chevy Bolt EV adds a real-world touch. This episode isn't just talk – it's a lively exchange packed with laughter, insights, and a whole lot of EV love. 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 2:27 Introducing Elena Ciccotelli 5:27 Elena's EV Philosophy 11:20 From Lyft to Podcasting 17:30 Dealers' Perspective on EVs 25:30 The Evolution of EV Adoption Elena Ciccotelli is the Host of the EVs for Everyone Podcast . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, January 04, 2024
Send us a text How do you go from being an average car dealer to being a good car dealer? Alan Brown has the key. We get up close with Alan, the General Manager at Sam Pack's Five Star Chevrolet and a dynamic force in the automotive industry. Known for his infectious energy and innovative leadership, Brown brings an air of excitement and passion to the table. Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo lead the conversation, delving into Brown's unique approach to team meetings, employee recognition, and fostering a positive work culture. Alan shares his monthly celebration rituals, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging employee milestones and performance in a way that's both engaging and rewarding. His method is not just about numbers; it's about people, culture, and breaking the conventional mold of automotive management. Alan's stories, filled with wisdom and humor, highlight his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a significant figure in the automotive world. His approach to leadership is grounded in mentorship and personal growth, proving that effective management goes beyond financial figures. The episode covers the nuances of balancing data-driven decisions with a people-first approach, emphasizing the significance of mental toughness and consistent communication in driving business success. Listeners will find inspiration in Alan's philosophy of leading by example and his commitment to creating a workplace that people are proud to be part of. Takeaways: 0:00 - Introduction to the episode with Paul, Kyle, Michael and a mention of ASOTU CON. 2:27 - Alan Brown describes his monthly employee recognition practices, emphasizing celebrations and team spirit. 9:33 Alan discusses the importance of asking oneself, "Would you work for you?" and elaborates on leadership in challenging times. 12:39 The conversation shifts to the balance between pay plans and cultivating a positive workplace culture. 17:29 Alan's upbringing, mentorship experiences, and the impact of these on his leadership style. 22:00 The significance of being a fearless leader and the impact of 'taking turns' in enhancing workplace culture. Alan Brown is the General Manager at Sam Pack's Five Star Chevrolet ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read
Thu, December 14, 2023
Send us a text Meet a guiding force shaping the next generation of auto industry leaders. Elgie Bright is the charismatic Department Chair of the Automotive Marketing and Management Program at Northwood University. His approach to teaching not only covers the technicalities of the automotive world but also emphasizes the human element - the core of the industry. Elgie's unique perspective offers valuable insights into how the next generation of automotive leaders is being nurtured. Elgie discusses the balance in Northwood University's student demographics, with an equal mix of dealership legacies and fresh entrants, reflecting the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. He highlights how the university's programs, including their innovative camps for 14-18-year-olds, offer a gateway to diverse career paths within the automotive sector, from traditional dealership roles to exciting positions in startups and tech-focused companies. Moreover, Elgie shares exciting news about Northwood's master's program, emphasizing organizational leadership within the automotive context - a skill crucial for the success of future industry leaders. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00: Michael Cirillo, Kyle Mountsier and Paul J Daly discuss the unexpected connections between music, late-night food, and automotive insights. 2:20: Elgie Bright shares his transition from General Motors to academia, emphasizing the impact of hands-on experience in shaping educational approaches. 4:05: The discussion pivots to the challenges and rewards of teaching 18-year-olds, exploring the blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application in automotive education. 7:38: Bright delves into the balance of Northwood's business curriculum with its specialized automotive track, offering a unique blend of general business acumen and industry-specific knowledge. 11:45: The introduction of Northwood's master's program in organizational leadership with an automotive focus, underscoring the importance of holistic business education in the industry. 15:08: A personal touch – Elgie Bright's passion for jazz and the saxophone. 19:33: Kyle Mountsier reflects on the significance of Bright's journey and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of automotive professionals. Elgie Bright is the Department Chair of the Automotive Marketing and Management Program at Northwood University . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider i
Thu, December 07, 2023
Send us a text A professor and a pioneer. Meet Alex Lawrence. In this episode of Auto Collabs, we sit down with Alex Lawrence, CEO of EV Auto, to explore his journey and impact in the electric vehicle (EV) world. From his early days detailing cars to leading a groundbreaking EV dealership, Alex's story is a blend of passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. He shares insights into the allure of electric vehicles, their technological advancements, and his vision for EV Auto, which is redefining the EV retail experience. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 - Kyle Mountsier's amusing hat switch sets a relaxed tone for the podcast. 4:15 - Alex Lawrence recounts his initial business ventures, highlighting his enduring passion for automobiles. 11:09 - Alex discusses what makes EVs exciting, emphasizing their rapid acceleration and cutting-edge tech. 17:47 - Alex explains EVcars.com's transformation into a private seller platform and introduces EV Auto. 20:11 - The conversation shifts to the rapid growth and success of EV Auto, showcasing Alex's ambitious plan for a national chain of EV-exclusive dealerships. 22:55 - The hosts reflect on Alex's flexible business strategy and his casual approach to pivoting, contrasting this with traditional industry norms. Alex Lawrence is the CEO of EV Auto . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, November 30, 2023
Send us a text From paper to digital... quite literally. Listen in to this engaging conversation with Greg Uland from Reynolds and Reynolds on this episode of Auto Collabs. We're delving into the digital transformation of the auto industry, discussing everything from traditional processes to modern digital strategies. Greg shares valuable insights on enhancing customer experiences and the dynamics of the used car market. Did You Know? Reynolds has an interesting background in paper production, which adds a unique perspective to their automotive journey. Plus, Greg brings firsthand experiences from the auto parts sector that are as enlightening as they are essential. Our Favorite Moments 0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 1:40 - Discover Greg Uland's journey into automotive marketing. 4:37 - Explore the shift to digital in car sales. 8:14 - Uncover insights from the parts department. 11:22 - Learn about data-driven approaches to customer service. 14:03 - Look into Reynolds' digital advancements. 17:20 - Examine trends in the used car market. 23:17 - The unexpected environmental impact of car deal paperwork. Greg Uland is VP of Marketing for The Reynolds and Reynolds Company . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, November 20, 2023
Send us a text Successful digital marketing starts by asking "What am I marketing and who am I marketing it to?" But it doesn't stop there. With a rich history in the industry, Steve DeWitt of automotiveMastermind shares his unique perspective on the transformation of automotive retail, focusing on data-driven strategies and customer-centric approaches. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the importance of understanding consumer behavior to leveraging technology for more effective dealership management. Steve's journey, from his early days questioning the establishment of an internet department to his current role in shaping sales strategies, offers valuable lessons. The episode is peppered with anecdotes from Steve's career, highlighting the shift in industry practices and the increasing relevance of data in understanding and catering to customer needs. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the automotive sales sector, as well as Steve's philosophy on empowering employees and fostering a culture of innovation. Takeaways: 0:00: Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Jordan Cox 02:17: Steve's introduction to the auto industry in the 90s and the early discussions around internet departments. 06:21: Challenges of traditional leadership styles in automotive and the need for innovative management approaches. 07:25: Steve's transition from dealership management to the software and vendor side of the automotive industry. 12:05: The growing necessity for integrating various communication platforms in the automotive industry. 14:34: Misconceptions dealers have about data privacy and customer expectations. 18:03: The importance of understanding the 'why', 'how', and 'when' of customer communication in automotive sales. 19:03: Strategies for leveraging dynamic data over static DMS and CRM data for better customer engagement. 22:08: The critical role of empowering team members in achieving business success. 23:41: The connection between team development and effective data integration for improved customer service. Steve DeWitt is the VP of Sales for automotiveMastermind ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ <a href='
Mon, November 06, 2023
Send us a text Want to unlock the secret of sales? It's Not About the Product, It's About the Relationship! 🚗 💼 Today, we get into it with Will McGinnis, Director of Sales for fullthrottle.ai, as he unravels the intricacies of building genuine relationships in the automotive industry. From the evolution of digital marketing to the importance of understanding your customer's unique needs, Will emphasizes that the key to successful sales isn't about pushing a product, but about truly understanding and helping your customer. In this episode, the hosts and Will share a few laughs, reminisce about the early days of automotive websites, and discuss the challenges of the current market economy. Will's journey from selling flashy websites in 2008 to leading a sales team in 2023 offers valuable insights for anyone in sales or in automotive. Plus, don't miss out on the hilarious debate about "Black Shirt Tuesday" and the importance of wardrobe choices in sales! Takeaways: 0:00 - A light-hearted start and the importance of podcast intros. 1:20 - Delving into Will's history in the automotive industry. 2:09 - The essence of a sales professional: Presence vs. Arrogance. 4:32 - A trip down memory lane: The wild west of automotive websites in 2008. 6:37 - Will's journey outside and back into the automotive industry. 10:23 - The challenge of attribution in marketing and the importance of first-party data. 15:20 - The evolution of the marketing funnel and the importance of post-sale relationships. 18:59 - The Challenger sales model: Making it about the customer's business. 24:58 - Wrapping up with key takeaways and the essence of relationship-building in sales. Will McGinnis is the Director of Sales at fullthrottle.ai ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asotu-con-se
Thu, November 02, 2023
Send us a text Dive into the vast world of data with Steve White, Founder/CEO of Clarivoy, as he unravels the intricacies of handling 1 billion rows of data every month! In this episode, Paul Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with Steve White, the data maestro behind Clarivoy, to discuss the ever-evolving digital landscape in the automotive industry. Steve shares his journey from selling banner ads to becoming a pioneer in automotive search marketing, emphasizing the importance of first-party data and the challenges of the impending cookieless future. In a lighter vein, the trio also delves into fun anecdotes about hair maintenance for the bald and the serendipitous story of how Steve's book recommendation led to a significant event at ASOTU CON. This episode is a blend of insightful data discussions and delightful banter, making it a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the digital shifts in the automotive world. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:00 - Paul and Michael's humorous banter about hair maintenance. 1:48 - Introduction to Steve White and his expertise in data. 3:04 - Steve's entry into the auto industry and his early ventures. 5:02 - The transition from selling banner ads to deep tech in auto. 9:12 - The importance of first-party data and the challenges of a cookieless future. 15:46 - Actionable steps for dealers to prepare for the digital shifts. 20:44 - Steve's excitement about data collaboration and partnership opportunities. 22:34 - The serendipitous story of how Steve's book recommendation led to a significant event at ASOTU CON. Steve White is the CEO and Founder of Clarivoy . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-dirt-with-asotu/id16521066
Mon, October 30, 2023
Send us a text 🎙️ From digital lead strategies to RV living in Miami, dive into auto industry insights with Jarrod Kilway! 🚗☀️ Join us as we navigate the automotive digital landscape with Jarrod Kilway. From the nuances of after-hours lead generation to the intricacies of automotive CRM systems, we're revving up the conversation. Plus, get a glimpse into Jarrod's unique Miami RV lifestyle and how it intertwines with dealership dynamics and customer engagement. It's like your morning coffee chat, but turbocharged with dealership operations, automotive marketing, and a sprinkle of personal tales. Timestamped Takeaways: 0:44 - Sound testing and its unexpected link to automotive sales. 1:04 - Dealership operations and the disruptors making waves. 1:56 - Jarrod's take on automotive branding, and why white t-shirts matter. 2:58 - Miami RV life: How dealership mobility meets personal passion. 6:38 - The tech tools driving today's automotive industry. 13:55 - Digital lead generation: The future of auto sales? 16:52 - AI in automotive: Beyond the showroom. 20:49 - Konect's vision for the future of automotive CRM systems. Gear up for a blend of industry insights, digital marketing strategies, and fun anecdotes. 🎧☕️ Jarrod Kilway is the COO of Konect.ai ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, October 26, 2023
Send us a text Anecdotes and tactics abound in this chat with Lindsay Ciavattone. She has a treasure trove of stories from her time at a Pontiac Oldsmobile dealership. She'll walk us through some memorable moments, like the time she had to sell a Pontiac Aztec with quite a few miles on it. Lindsay also has this unique method for remembering names, which involves a touch of melody. It's these little insights that make her journey in the auto industry so intriguing. As we move forward in our conversation, we'll delve deeper into the nuances of finding that sweet spot between work and personal life, especially in the fast-paced world of cars. We'll also discuss the innovative approach of the West Herr Group, where they've come up with a system allowing employees to collaborate and work just three days a week. For those curious about the auto industry, we'll shed light on the accessibility of the field and the varied paths to success. So, settle in for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Lindsay, where we explore the many facets of the auto world. Lindsay Ciavattone is the Director of Dealer Relations at CarGurus . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, October 09, 2023
Send us a text Want a look behind the curtain of the EV market? Look no further than Jimmy Douglas. The brain behind Plug takes us on a thrilling journey from his humble beginnings in a Volkswagen service bay to being the CEO of his own groundbreaking company. Ever wondered about the ins and outs of the EV market? Jimmy, with his hands-on experience at Tesla and his role in Model 3 production, shares his valuable insights into this emerging sector, its challenges, and opportunities. His savvy for identifying a need in the market led him to create Plug - an online marketplace for the wholesale buying and selling of used electric vehicles. Not your typical platform, Plug stands out with its unique features like data collection from each vehicle before sale, a curated buyer population, and optimized velocity. Buckle up as we delve into Jimmy's inspiring journey and explore the astounding potential of the EV market and the future of the auto industry. Jimmy Douglas is the Founder and CEO of Plug . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, October 05, 2023
Send us a text Relentless might just sum up Steve Roessler in a single word. Here's a man whose passion and dedication have seen him traverse the globe for two decades, captivating audiences at dealerships with his innovative insights into the automotive industry. In our conversation, Steve lets us in on his spontaneous visits to various dealerships, his life on the road, and how he draws from these experiences to inspire change. From the challenges of road life to wearing the hat of a chief evangelist officer and supporting his daughter's burgeoning music career, Steve's commitment is undeniably inspiring. Furthermore, we delve into how DriveCentric thrives on user feedback to consistently innovate and enhance their product. As Steve puts it, the lifeline of a successful product is an open line of communication and a keen responsiveness to user needs. So, tune in and get ready to be inspired by Steve's relentless dedication to innovation and his unique journey. Steve Roessler is the Chief Evangelist Officer for DriveCentric . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, September 25, 2023
Send us a text What would happen if you blended the world of banking, software, and the auto industry? We found out as we sat down with Tony Vigiletti and Shane Bell from Connexion. Tony, an ex-banker, finds his calling at GM, specifically with OnStar, after a serendipitous conversation with an MBA partner. Shane, on the other hand, treads a different path. With a software background, he lands in the auto industry through a mentor who had extensive knowledge of the retail automotive side. Both of them share their unique journeys, the roles they have grown into, and their perspectives on the auto industry. Do you know how technology is shaping the auto industry? The second part of our conversation delved into this. We discussed how telematics, the technology of sending, receiving, and storing information relating to remote objects, can monitor fuel levels, tire pressure, and many more aspects of a vehicle's performance. Shane and Tony shared about how car dealerships can harness this power to enhance customer service and retention. We also touched upon the potential of mobile apps and push notifications in delivering a more personalized service and maintenance experience. If you're intrigued by the confluence of technology and the auto industry, this episode is a must-listen. Tony Vigiletti is the VP of Sales for Connexion . https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-vigiletti-b366488/ https://connexionltd.com/ Shane Bell is a Senior Account Executive at Connexion. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-bell/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Sat, September 23, 2023
Send us a text What if the automotive industry was about more than just cars? Journey with us from the bustling city of Baltimore to the fascinating intersection of traditional broadcasting and the modern automotive world, as we explore the unique lifestyle offerings that dealerships provide - from car shows and Jeep Week to exhilarating drives in the mountains. Are you tired of the ambiguity and confusion that typically comes with buying a car? We dive deep into how marketing and process can transform the car buying process into a simpler, more enjoyable experience. The importance of consistent brand messaging, clear pricing, and a focus on customer lifetime value cannot be overstated. We also explore the influential role of reviews, especially among the Gen Z demographic, in shaping the customer journey. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will provide you with a fresh perspective on the evolving automotive industry. Charlie Wineke is an Account Executive at Effectv https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliewineke/ effectv.com Ryan Dooley is the Owner of Dooley Advertising. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanadooley/ https://dooleyadvertising.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Fri, September 22, 2023
Send us a text Get ready to widen your circle as we explore the power of finding your tribe with our special guest, Matthew Haiken. Drawing on the wisdom of Seth Godin’s “Find the Others” principle, Matthew takes us on a journey through the lens of his own experiences. This episode is a fascinating dive into these microcosms that exist within our larger society, offering a fresh perspective on belonging. Fasten your seatbelts as we accelerate into the vibrant world of automotive retail with Matthew. From the electrifying rise of EVs to the transformation of traditional car sales, our conversation navigates the exciting shifts in the retail landscape. Matthew opens up about the early challenges of the electric vehicle market, sharing unique insights into the evolution of digital and in-person sales. If you're looking to understand the industry’s trajectory or just itching for a behind-the-scenes look, this conversation has got you covered. As we shift gears, Matthew shares his thoughts on alternate retail spaces like malls and their potential to tap into different customer demographics. We discuss the evolution of the automotive industry to cater to tech-savvy consumers and the changes retail spaces are undergoing to accommodate this shift. Hear Matthew's perspective on the future of dealerships, the success of smaller floor plans and mall locations, and how retail spaces are adapting to the changing landscape of the automotive industry. So strap in, and join us on this thrilling ride with Matthew Haiken! Matthew Haiken is the Retailer Principal at Prestige Collection Auto Group . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, September 21, 2023
Send us a text What happens when a passionate journalist steps into the high-octane world of the auto industry? We got a chance to find out in our lively chat with Jamie Butters, Executive Editor of Automotive News. Jamie's journey from journalism school to the editor's chair is nothing short of fascinating. With beginnings at the Cedar Rapids Gazette and a detour through finance in Kentucky, he found himself at the bustling business desk of the Lexington Herald-Leader and then the Detroit Free Press and Bloomberg. Today, he's reshaping automotive journalism with his maker, sell, and thinking team approach at Automotive News. Ever wondered about the rigorous process and unseen aspects of the industry that impact coverage? Jamie offers enlightening insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of journalism and the importance of maintaining fairness and accuracy in reporting. We also delve into hot topics like the UAW strike and its implications for automakers, dealers, union workers, and OEMs. From his first auto story to discovering the mind-blowing Tokyo Motor Show in 1997, Jamie's journey is a thrilling ride you won't want to miss. Buckle up as we explore the world of automotive journalism with Jamie Butters. Jamie Butters is the Executive Editor at Automotive News . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Wed, September 20, 2023
Send us a text Have you ever had a moment of realization that changed your life forever? Our guest today, Hoss Devine, has a compelling story about losing 201 pounds and reshaping his outlook on food, life, and business. This transformation doesn't stop at the personal level, though - Haas believes it can drive innovation and growth within the automotive industry. We also delve into the powerful role of perspective in leadership strategies. Shifting mindsets can lead to personal and professional growth and we discuss how guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery can help drive this shift. An interesting concept to examine is the idea that "the pain of doing it has to be greater than the pain of not doing it". Stay tuned to find out how this intriguing idea can be applied to both business and personal success. This is an episode packed with insightful discussions and thought-provoking ideas. Don't miss it! Hoss Devine is the CEO of Automotive Innovations ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, September 18, 2023
Send us a text The first rule of sales... is selling yourself. Join us as we chat with Art Dessein, who stumbled upon a unique 360-degree view tech that revolutionized product images for merchant sites like eBay. The twist in the tale - this technology swiftly found its way into the auto industry, all thanks to a serendipitous meeting with a New Jersey Honda dealership. The tech now effectively generates a full view of cars, dramatically enhancing online customer experience. Our conversation with Art takes an intriguing turn as we discuss the challenges of scaling a sales team. We delve into the nitty-gritty of creating efficient processes for photographing cars and the immense impact of speedy uploads on the website. You see, it's not just about capturing images, it's about momentum. Imagine getting a 360-degree view of a car onto a website in just 15 minutes! Now that's a game-changer. We also explore the art of selling yourself, an innate skill Art masterfully executes to deepen customer relationships. So buckle up as we zoom into the world of first impressions, sales, and the fascinating tech transforming auto merchandising. Art Dessein is the VP of Enterprise at Impel . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Fri, September 15, 2023
Send us a text Have you ever wondered about the journey from being a vendor to retail? Andrew Diffenderfer, the mastermind behind Foundation Direct, pulls back the curtain on this transition. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, reminiscing about Columbia House subscriptions and multi-disc CD changers, and discussing the roots of vendors and dealers in the industry. Andrew's rich experiences have not only shaped Foundation Direct but also allowed him to foster deep and enduring relationships within the industry. Are the intricacies of data standardization and its role in facilitating successful collaboration between website providers and dealerships something you're keen to learn about? This episode dives into this critical topic, highlighting the complexities that mixed brand stores present and how to navigate these challenges. An interesting life analogy from Michael's father-in-law also comes into play. Further, we pull back the veil on Andrew's recent foray into dealership ownership alongside Brian Benstock. Discover how this shift has influenced Foundation Direct and how comprehending the daily obstacles dealerships face can lead to a more robust vendor-dealer relationship. Let's gear up for a conversation that's both illuminating and engaging! Andrew Diffenderfer is the Founder and CEO of Foundation Direct. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, September 14, 2023
Send us a text Rock climbing, mortician, automotive photographer. That all tracks for our next guest. Today, we navigate the exhilarating journey of Peter Duffy, whose transition from rock climbing to automotive photography is as gripping as it is inspiring. We'll unravel the symbolism behind his iconic photo of Half Dome from Yosemite, a reflection of his life's journey, and delve into his early days in automotive, where weathered keys and boxes served as his trusty companions. Peter's career path into the automotive industry is one marked with unexpected detours, each one offering valuable lessons and insights. But it doesn't stop there! We'll venture into his entrepreneurial journey in automotive marketing and brand development, revealing his fearless approach to risk-taking and his undying passion for photography. Together, we'll dissect the creative process behind those iconic cowboy videos and examine the audience's response to their commercials. We'll also discuss the fine line that separates fun from professionalism when creating compelling narratives. Prepare to laugh, learn, and be inspired in this lively conversation with Peter Duffy. Peter Duffy is the CEO/Founder of Dealer Image Pro . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Wed, September 13, 2023
Send us a text Join us for a riveting ride to the era of the 'Google Dance' with digital veteran Melissa Cartagena. Expect to be enlightened by Melissa's candid revelations about her early career, where SEO and web ranking were quite different than they are today. She offers a unique perspective on AutoNation's low-key approach, including their commitment to being present at nearly every industry event. Melissa's rich experience across various sectors sets the stage for an engaging conversation, intricately weaving her past experiences with present strategies. When Melissa made the leap to the auto industry in 2014, she didn't just switch jobs, she engineered a paradigm shift. This episode uncovers how she adapted her digital expertise to a completely new context and successfully onboarded a team with digital backgrounds in the automotive realm. Melissa opens up about how she mentors her team using industry events like SMX and Programmatic IO to broaden their horizon. This episode is rife with insights about the automotive industry and its relationship with digital experience. Get ready for a wide-ranging and fascinating discussion! Melissa Cartagena is the Head of Digital Advertising at AutoNation . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, September 11, 2023
Send us a text Struggling to strike a harmonious work-life balance? Ever wished you could disconnect from the whirlwind of everyday life and truly enjoy your vacations? Don't miss our chat with seasoned auto industry entrepreneur, Danny Zaslavsky. He'll be sharing personal and professional insights, giving us an intimate look into his approach towards achieving equilibrium. With his advice on disconnecting from the everyday grind and staying present in the moment, this episode will help you find that much-needed balance in your life. Looking to transform your dealership into a dealer group? Danny will be revealing how technology can be a game-changer in this scenario. He’ll also touch on the profound impact of intention in shaping the landscape of the auto industry. From anecdotes about his personal life to inspirational thoughts about his parents' influence on his sense of purpose, this conversation with Danny is packed with wisdom, humor, and valuable lessons. If you’re seeking a fresh perspective on being mindful and intentional in both personal and professional spheres, this is a must-listen episode. Danny Zaslavsky is the Co-Founder and Managing Parter of VINCUE and the Dealer Principal at Country Hill Motors. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, August 31, 2023
Send us a text Have you ever wondered what hospitality, construction, and car sales have in common? Join us for a dynamic chat with our guest, Evan Riley from FlickFusion. Buckle up and prepare to explore the quirky differences between Texas and Canadian grass, and get ready for a quick trip down personal grooming lane as Evan shares his hilarious NADA ear-shaving mishap. It's all in a day's work for Evan. We'll follow his journey from humble beginnings to landing a job at a Chevy dealership. Along the way, we'll debunk the bald sales director theory and discover how this misconception could actually be working in their favor. Plus, we'll chat about the game-changing role of ASOTU CON for auto collaborations. From the impact of inventory videos on the car buying experience to the psychology of camera-shyness, we're tackling it all in this episode. Listen up as Evan shares a transformative story of a salesperson who dared to be different, embraced video, and skyrocketed to the top. Finally, we'll talk about the magic that happens when you're brave enough to take risks in the auto industry and the priceless lessons that come from turning blunders into triumphs. Get ready for a ride you won't forget! Evan Riley is the Sales Director of FlickFusion . Come meet them at ASOTU CON! Get more information by visiting https://www.asotucon.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Wed, August 30, 2023
Send us a text Just imagine having a dream so powerful that you'd risk everything, even mortgage your home and live on a shoestring budget to make it a reality. This episode's guest, Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, took that bold leap and is now reaping the rewards with a waitlist for tickets nearly hitting 900,000! Tune in to hear his inspiring journey of grit, determination, and a love for Banana Ball that overcame naysayers and doubts. But it's not all about baseball. Jesse's retail acumen shines as he shares the process of creating a memorable retail experience. Drawing inspiration from Walt Disney, he has managed to create an engaging and unique entertainment experience for all age groups. We tackle the importance of retail, how to smoothen out friction points, and eliminate frustrations to enhance customer experience. We also explore how his innovative thinking and transformative strategies can be applied to other industries like automotive retail. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened and challenged to rethink the way you approach your business and your dreams. Want to hear more from Jesse? He'll be live at ASOTU CON, you can see the agenda and get tickets by visiting www.asotucon.com ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, August 28, 2023
Send us a text Picture this: you're sipping a cup of coffee, flavored by a unique machine, while listening to engaging tunes. That's just a small taste of what our guest, Steve Laureys, immerses himself in daily. This episode invites you on a journey through Steve's experiences in the automotive industry, complete with his attendance at countless auto conferences and a rich collection of lanyards to prove it. Ready to learn how to gain more while spending less? We're taking a deep dive into the evolution of marketing with a specific focus on behavior analysis. We'll reveal how companies are leveraging data from various sources to create individual customer profiles, resulting in a significant enhancement in sales. Additionally, we'll shine a spotlight on the fundamental aspects of marketing for dealerships such as phone and internet services. We'll guide you on tracking success through phone calls and internet leads and discuss how the pandemic has necessitated adjustments in marketing budgets and sales follow-up processes. It's time to tune in and transform your understanding of modern marketing strategies! ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, August 24, 2023
Send us a text Ever imagined buying a car 100% online? Lucas Neiderer, the Director of Marketing for the Dolan Group, takes us on a fascinating journey through their unique remote purchase teams and buying centers where this could be your reality. Unleashing innovative marketing strategies, Lucas elaborates on his team's ability to push the boundaries, bolstered by the trust they've earned from their owners to explore fresh and exciting ideas. Prepare to be inspired by their nimble approach to marketing, which opens up new channels to challenge the status quo. In a world where data reigns supreme, creativity still has a place, and Lucas puts this theory to the test. Discover how to leverage data-driven creativity to forge a deeper connection with your customers, creating lifestyle-inspired content that truly resonates. Lucas offers a fresh perspective on measuring campaign success and tying it back to the overall cost of car sales. To top it all off, he shares his belief that great marketing should be so seamless and authentic, it doesn't feel like traditional advertising at all. Get ready to rethink your marketing strategies with this enlightening episode! ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Mon, August 21, 2023
Send us a text Could you ever imagine making a daily commute from the Poconos to New Jersey just to pursue a career in the automotive industry? That's the story of Felicia Rey, who climbed the ranks from cashier to service advisor and beyond, all in the name of her passion. This episode has us chatting with Felicia about her fascinating journey, filled with unique challenges and triumphs. She offers an insider's view on the automotive industry and takes us through her days in different roles, offering a chance to learn from her wealth of experience. We also dive into a heartwarming discussion about professional success with Felicia. Ever imagine the thrill of winning an award? Well, Felicia gives us a firsthand account of that experience and more. She shares her novel approach to customer service, emphasizing the importance she places on building relationships with customers. We also get to explore her role as Service Manager and Owner Loyalty Manager at a Nissan store, and how she impacts her staff and customers. Plus, you don't want to miss her aspirations within the industry, including her goal to attend the NADA Academy in honor of her mentor. Get ready to be inspired by Felicia's unique perspective on the automotive industry. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, June 29, 2023
Send us a text With a story that's both compelling and inspiring, we sit down with author and seasoned leader, Ed Roberts, whose journey from non-writer to author of leadership book "Mile One: An Endless Journey to Effective Leadership" is truly an interesting one. He gives us a sneak peek into the 'Mile One' concept from his book--the idea that each new mile is a fresh opportunity on an unending journey, a strategy that helps break down big, looming goals into achievable steps. Moving on, you'll hear Ed's riveting narrative about scaling a business from 50 to a whopping 700 cars a month. He walks us through the challenges encountered and how fostering a culture of continuous improvement played a pivotal role in that success. We also delve into deep conversations about approachability and empowerment in leadership. Listen as Ed emphasizes the importance of team members owning their mistakes and the traits that make leaders more approachable. We round off with insights from Ed's book, "Mile One", and discuss its potential impact on the world. Get ready to be inspired as we navigate this engaging conversation filled with enlightening Confucius sayings and captivating Jedi Mind Tricks that make Ed an exemplary leader. Ed Roberts is the Chief Operations Officer of Bozard Ford Lincoln . Learn more about " Mile One: An Endless Journey to Effective Leadership " ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Thu, June 08, 2023
Send us a text Ever wondered how car dealerships make informed decisions when purchasing cars? Join us as we chat with Chris Adams, Matrix Operations Director at Car Offer, who provides valuable insights into the fascinating world of car market analytics. Discover how Chris's team helps dealerships predict buyer preferences and stay ahead of market trends, even down to the most popular car colors! Not only do we dive deep into car market analytics, but we also get to know Chris's background and his experiences in the automotive industry. We'll discuss the best food in Peru, the top Asian cuisine in Dallas, and how Car Offer partners with dealerships to scale up their services. If you're curious about the intricacies of the car market and love a good food chat, you won't want to miss this episode with Chris Adams from Car Offer! Chris Adams is the Matrix Operations Director for CarOffer . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Tue, June 06, 2023
Send us a text What happens when you combine a thrilling 2000 km electric vehicle adventure with the rugged beauty of Newfoundland? You get the captivating journey of our guest, Devin Sooley, a talented Canadian automotive marketer who recently embarked on a mini tour of Canada in a Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV. We sit down with Devin as he shares the incredible details of his three-day expedition, including how he and his team relied on EV charging points and managed to create an impressive array of content for their video series in just 72 hours. But that's not all! We also dive into Devin's creative process and strategies behind crafting engaging automotive content that keeps followers hooked. From using polls, comments, and group chats to leveraging TikTok for growing a dealership's social media presence, Devin reveals the key to his success in managing the Norris the Mini Instagram page and why creating a character out of Norris has resonated with audiences. Don't miss this exciting and informative conversation with Devin Sooley, where you'll not only get a glimpse into the world of EV adventures, but also learn valuable insights on creating content that truly connects with your audience. Devin Sooley is the Marketing Manager of Capital Auto Group . Follow Norris the Mini . ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Wed, May 31, 2023
Send us a text What if you could create a workplace culture where employees were not only valued, but truly cared for? Dive into the world of automotive leader Bruce Miller, as he shares his journey from sales to becoming his own boss, and how his experiences of being misunderstood and mistreated in the past have shaped his approach to management. With a focus on non-transactional relationships, Bruce emphasizes the importance of building a strong, supportive team culture and treating employees with the respect and care they deserve. Discover Bruce's "all gas, no breaks" mentality as he shares the importance of balancing work and personal connections within the business environment. From taking his team to Pelicans games to helping employees when they're in need, Bruce's approach to leadership is all about going beyond the transactional and building meaningful relationships. Don't miss this insightful conversation with a true disruptor in the automotive world. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Fri, May 26, 2023
Send us a text The first repeat guest on Auto Collabs. Of course we mean the one and only Rick Ricart, President and Chief Vision Officer of Ricart Automotive Group. Every time we get the chance to talk with Rick, the conversation is packed with insights, and today is no different. We touch on the challenges of the EV market, negative equity woes, trends in the showroom, and the all-important power of training. Key takeaways from this episode: 1️⃣ EV Conundrum: Navigating the EV market is akin to driving on a winding road. The team explores the complex dynamics of infrastructure, communication patterns, and regional variations, making it difficult to predict the industry's direction. The hype surrounding EVs has outpaced the actual market demand, leading to a mismatch between expectations and reality. 2️⃣ Thrill of the Drive: The crew delves into the allure of high-performance vehicles and the passion of die-hard Harley-Davidson riders. They discuss the reluctance of some enthusiasts to trade their roaring engines for silent EVs. The joy of shifting gears, feeling the power, and embracing the traditional driving experience is an integral part of their automotive lifestyle. 3️⃣ Negative Equity Drag Race: Negative equity emerges as a major challenge in the auto industry. With soaring vehicle prices and longer loan terms, customers find themselves trapped in a race against negative equity. The team emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in addressing this issue head-on. Key Moments: 📕 Intro (0:00) with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo. 📕 The Inventory Balancing Act (7:24): Rick Ricart shares the struggles of aligning market demand with current inventory. The team discusses the contrast between states like California, Florida, and Texas, where EVs thrive, and other regions where the market is yet to catch up. 📕 The Hype vs. Hope Showdown (09:55): The team delves into the hype surrounding EVs and its impact on the industry. They examine the influence of stock market excitement and the rise of Tesla, emphasizing the importance of separating hype from reality. 📕 Affordability Speed Bumps (21:21): The team addresses the affordability challenge faced by customers in today's automotive landscape. They highlight the rising negative equity rates and the impact of high vehicle prices on monthly payments. Connect with Rick Ricart on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickricart/ Learn more about Ricart Automotive - https://www.ricart.com/ ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us
Thu, May 18, 2023
Send us a text We threw some hard questions around. And Ron Smith aced them all. Ron is the Enterprise Sales Director of Stella AI, a fully AI telephone answering system for dealerships, and joins the show after winning a recent month of Pitch Tank. We learned a lot about Ron's background, what dealers and vendors really dislike about each other, and have a lot of laughs. Here's what we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 3:41 Ron and Stella AI won a recent month of Pitch Tank, and Ron shares how they literally changed the pitch with 30 minutes before the competition, and it's now the pitch their whole team uses. 6:35 Ron's journey to Stella AI started 20 years ago when he worked at his dad's dealership. Since then, he's worked at dealerships and automotive tech partners, able to see both sides. 9:34 We ask Ron to put his dealer hat back on and share the most annoying thing a vendor can do when they're pitching. He responds with one word: "Talk." Everyone has a good laugh. 14:59 In the spirit of growing empathy, we flip the question and ask what's the most annoying thing a dealer can during a pitch process. Ron talks about how getting stuck in a gray area without a solid 'Yes' or 'No' is really hard. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Ron Smith (904) 738-4011 on LinkedIn Hear the Stella AI Difference ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so
Tue, May 16, 2023
Send us a text What do you get when you mix an automotive marketer, a graffiti artist, and meme expert? Jordan Cox, obviously. He's energetic, always smiling and full of ideas. In fact, he just won the Best Idea Award at David Kain's Clients and Friends Digital Success Workshop for his work on Gates Car Talk, a podcast produced inside of the dealership. Jordan joins to the show to talk about what challenges he's solving, how to tell better stories and seeing people blossom. Here's what we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo 6:19 Jordan describes Gates Car Talk , an interview/news/information podcast that he created for their dealership. They use it to share employee's stories and to keep up on current news. 8:20 Don't feel like today's strategy needs to be for the rest of your life. Jordan talks about how different seasons of the podcast have had very different feels. 10:02 The team at Gates actually promoted the podcast to customers by putting it on the VDP with the Why Buy? photos. 15:42 A recent problem that Jordan solved was getting SMS conversations to go to the correct store and department within that store. He describes how he worked the problem and the results they've seen. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Jordan Cox on LinkedIn Listen to Gates Car Talk ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review her
Wed, March 01, 2023
Send us a text Here is how retail automotive can learn from Amazon. While Ben Ayed worked at Amazon, he learned that the customer was number one, and so even though they had over 1 million phone calls a day, every single call was answered. Fast forward to when Ben noticed a 72% drop rate in customer booking on Xtime, he was ready to answer the call and come up with a solution. He’s an entrepreneur, an inventor and his company Autoservice.ai was the first winner of our Pitch Tank tournament. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:44 Ben talks about living in Silicon Valley, and how to identify and approach the tech leaders to help get your idea and company to the next level. 9:30 Ben casually drops into the conversation that he holds over 50 patents, including one for 2-factor authentication. 14:45 After taking a job at Xtime, Ben noticed that they had a 72% drop rate in customer booking, so he set out to fix that. The end result was Autoservice.AI. 19:45 “Robots for retail” is how Ben describes the goal of AutoService.AI. Robots give you scalability and the ability to have a close to 100% Service Level Agreement with a customer. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Ben Ayed on LinkedIn Learn more about Autoservice.AI ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! <a href='https://www.
Tue, January 24, 2023
Send us a text What do mountain drives have to do with bachelorette parties in downtown Nashville? Plenty, if you’re using them as analogies for the customer experience. Alan Krutsch joins the show, complete with a black baseball cap to fit in. Alan is the type of guy who you can talk to about the same topic for 3 hours without getting bored. He’s the Director of Marketing & Industry Relations at FUSE Autotech and is always able to take a question and zoom out to consider all the implications. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:31 Early in the interview, Alan shares how he’s feeling uncomfortable, and then in an automotive podcast award-winning performance, reveals a black baseball hat. And like that, the comfort is restored! 5:26 What is Alan watching? He’s interested in Chinese manufacturers entering the US market and the effect it will have on it. He recalls when Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda came to the US, in spite of naysayers who didn’t believe they’d be successful. 10:21 When it comes to advice, Alan goes back to basic principles of the automotive industry. For him, the 2 pillars are efficiency and customer experience. 21:52 After comparing the automotive shopping experience to general retail, Alan wraps up the interview by suggesting that putting the customer more in control of the buying process will help them to feel more confident and make the experience better. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Alan Krutsch on LinkedIn Learn more about Fuse AutoTech ⭐️
Thu, January 19, 2023
Send us a text She’s the new interim CEO of National Independent Automobile Dealers Association. Melanie Wilson didn’t choose automotive, but she’s here! We caught up with her to talk about why she now loves the industry, what NIADA offers to its members and the world at large, and how car dealers are super resilient. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:16 Melanie begins by talking about how she didn’t pick automotive. Automotive picked her. She shares about her first conversation with Steve Jordan, how they are both characters and how he convinced her to join him full-time. 9:12 It takes resiliency to be in the car business. Melanie loves that in the midst of people thinking about getting out of the industry, the real car dealers are the ones who are out there believing they’re going to crush it. 12:53 NIADA has a huge variety in its over 14,000 member dealers. Everywhere from 4-5 cars per month all the way up to Carmax. 21:29 Melanie is working to communicate NIADA to the masses, helping consumers to understand what the NIADA brand is and what it offers to them. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Melanie Wilson on LinkedIn Learn more about NIADA ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-t
Mon, January 16, 2023
Send us a text One of the most measured men in automotive. Santosh Viswanathan is not only an auto dealer, but also the legislative chairman of the Delaware Auto Dealers Association. Delaware is currently considering outlawing the sale of ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles in the state by 2035. It’s an issue that many states are considering, but have significant ramifications for dealers and customers alike. Santosh joins the show to discuss the pros and cons of the regulations and why he thinks that the market should be the one making the decision. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:51 What does the legislative branch of the Delaware Auto Dealers’ Association do? They weigh in and support the Delaware government as they institute laws and fees around the sale and operation of vehicles in the state. 8:53 Santosh says that the market is never wrong. He points to the rollout of hybrids and how the market rejected hybrids when they first came out. But in time, the market embraced hybrids. His concern is that rules and regulations shouldn’t force the market in one direction that the general public may not embrace or be able to afford. 16:27 “The conditions on the ground should dictate what’s happening in the marketplace.” Delaware is considering adopting California’s regulations that outlaw the sale of ICE (internal combustion engines) by 2035. Santosh thinks that the market and the manufacturers should be the ones dictating that change rather than the government. 24:08 Santosh encourages every dealer to be involved in their state’s Automobile Dealers’ Association, so that the conversation can happen there. Then dealers won’t be put in a position of being reactive. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU <
Mon, November 28, 2022
Send us a text The winner of the 2022 Automotive News All Star for Fixed Ops Vendor. Amir Hever and UVeye have been growing leaps and bounds. The company was originally founded as a homeland security solution for scanning cars for potential threats. But they realized there were a lot more applications than that. Amir joins the guys to talk about where UVeye is growing, helping ease a technician shortage, and what an Automotive News award actually looks like. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:49 UVeye started when Amir noticed that humans were laying down to do security checks under vehicles, and although the company started by checking for explosives and modifications, they realized they were seeing a lot more leaks than explosives. 7:00 UVeye began selling to dealerships in 2020, and realized that they’re able to help technicians focus more on fixing issues than diagnosing them. 14:13 Automotive News picked UVeye as the All-Star for its Fixed Ops Vendor award. Amir talks about what that means for the company. 20:33 Amir talks about his background and how he and his brother built UVeye from the ground up. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Amir Hever on LinkedIn Learn about UVeye ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Si
Wed, November 16, 2022
Send us a text Like eating your own cooking or living in the house you built. A tech company that is using its product regularly is going to understand what the end user faces and make sure that it works well. So when DriveCentric started, they used their CRM product as their CRM. Steve Roessler, DriveCentric’s Chief Evangelist Officer joins Auto Collabs to talk about how we can rethink CRMs and how to communicate with today’s generation in a way that they want to be communicated to. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 5:15 Like so many others, Steve’s journey to automotive wasn’t a straight line. He started in engineering, and then moved to medical. One day, his neighbor asked him to look at a CRM that he was working on. The CRM was DriveCentric. 9:12 DriveCentric started by using DriveCentric as its CRM. Kyle and Steve talk about the pros and cons of this approach. 19:06 What can auto learn from dating apps? Steve lays it out. 22:48 Kyle and Steve discuss how B2C sales can look a lot more like B2B sales. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Steve Roessler on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like an
Thu, November 03, 2022
Send us a text This might be the most we’ve laughed on a podcast. Normally, Auto Collabs is hosted by Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo, but during a special in-person recording in Atlanta, Paul and Kyle turned the tables on Cirillo, interviewing him. It almost doesn’t need to be said, but what followed was full of laughs, Cirillo’s amazing word pictures and a lot more insight into the Real MC. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier. 2:10 The interview starts with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier explaining a new podcast that ASOTU just launched called “In The Dirt,” which of course, Cirillo makes fun of them about. 4:57 Michael talks about how for the last 60 years, Cirillos have generated their own revenue. He then tells a story about how his dad started a phone book company. 12:59 The tech and marketing business that Michael had its start in 2006-2010. Michael shares how it came about and grew into what it is today. 19:18 Bring about meaningful change is actually going to take hard work, but doing that work will scale into something amazing. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. <br
Thu, October 13, 2022
Send us a text It’s an Auto Collabs first! We have 2 guests joining us today. Michael Lucki and Matthew Vollmers are NADA Academy Instructors, helping to mold and develop the next generation of dealers. They talk about their experiences in the program, how they’ve seen it change and shift, and what it takes to stay relevant in an ever changing landscape. Michael Lucki also spoke at ASOTU CON during the Managing Profitability During an Inventory Shortage panel in the Sales and Culture room. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 5:33 Michael and Matthew talk about the diversity they’ve seen in NADA Academy students, and how the size of the classes has grown over the years. 16:42 Staying relevant is important to Michael and Matthew, and they are constantly working to improve their content. One of the advantages of the NADA Academy is that any graduate can retake any of the classes any time for free. 18:51 There are 3 buckets to help you think about the future, according to Michael, Awareness, Preparedness and Act Now. “So in my mind, there's three buckets, there are things that you have to be aware of that might be coming in the future. But you don't have to do anything about it right now. There are things to prepare for, that you have to have a strategy on that are already happening around you, or that you want to be the leader on. And those are things that you need to be strategizing with your management team, usually maybe a quarter or a half a year ahead of time. And then there's the last bucket, which are things that you have to act on right now. Otherwise, you are missing the boat or we're getting left behind. So in our class, I like our students to write down everything we're going to cover. There's going to be some things in the awareness bucket, there's going to be some things in the preparedness bucket and there's gonna be some things in the act now bucket.” 26:58 What’s going to be the most important skill going forward, according to Matthew? Learning how to unlearn and relearn things. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: <a href='https://podcasts.appl
Tue, October 11, 2022
Send us a text There’s a through line here somewhere. Mike Colacchio has gone from minor-league baseball to selling snowboards to Dealer.com to DealerInspire to AutoLeadStar, where’s an advocate for connected data and Customer Data Platforms. He joins us on Auto Collabs and shares his story, plus his vision for the future of data. Mike also spoke at ASOTU CON on “Our Data Has An Automotive Problem.” Get access to the entire Marketing/Tech room today! What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 2:51 Mike started off as a minor-league baseball player working for snowboard company Burton in the offseason. He got a call to come work at Dealer.com while taking batting practice. 8:55 From Dealer.com, Mike went to Dealer Inspire and now AutoLeadStar. He talks about some of the innovative things that those companies have been doing. 13:07 Dealers are sitting on a lot of data, but the challenge is being able to unlock and connect all that data. 22:14 Mike gives us an example of how a Customer Data Platform (CDP) would work when all the data is connected. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Mike Colacchio on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker
Thu, October 06, 2022
Send us a text A tech person for tech people. Ben Hadley has led an influential journey through automotive. He’s worked with Clarivoy and CreditIQ and helped found Auto Genius. He knows the definitions to all the big words and has a way of communicating almost in parables to bring that heady knowledge down to earth for the layman. And he believes we’re only about 5 years away from a major breakthrough in the way automotive technology works. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:23 Ben, Paul and Kyle talk about the challenge of raising little ones, as they all have children aged 2 and under. 9:42 Equipping a tech product’s end users, in other words, the people at the dealership who use it. It is like creating the Jarvis to the Iron Man suit for the salespeople to execute faster. 14:39 Ben Hadley helped found Auto Genius, along with Kyle Mountsier and Kevin Gervais. Ben and Kyle walk through that founding and why they chose “Market, product, fit” rather than “Product, market, fit.” 22:43 The data in automotive is disconnected, and one of the things Ben is passionate about is finding a way to help everything talk to each other, so it can be connected. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Ben Hadley on LinkedIn Learn about Auto Genius ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-
Tue, October 04, 2022
Send us a text He might be the handsomest man in automotive. Durran Cage is someone you want to be around. He oozes kindness and has a genuine passion for people. He pours himself into his work, mentally and emotionally. As a consultant, he sees a lot of what is working and what isn’t working, and is able to speak to dealers out of his own personal experience. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:30 Durran shares about the 3 phases of his journey through retail automotive, from selling cars, to the digital transformation and then putting that all together. 6:56 During Cash For Clunkers in 2008, Durran and his team had the innovative idea of purchasing a domain with the words “cash for clunkers” in it. The site provided information and then directed customers back to the dealership. 14:46 Clear communication of the process is an area where Durran sees dealerships drop the ball. The process should be simple and explainable. Durran says that his 3rd grade son should be able to understand it. 18:59 Durran teaches out of his personal pain because there’s been times when he hasn’t had his priorities right. But they’ve been learning experiences that he is now able to share with others. “Now I do chase positivity, family, friendship, and things of that nature. Because that's really what's important at the end of the day, man. Automotive is great and stuff, but at the end of the day, it's all about us just connecting with one another and helping each other out. That's what helps us enjoy life.” ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Durran Cage on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ <b
Thu, September 29, 2022
Send us a text Tom Ryan likes change. And Tom Ryan knows he can navigate through change. He’ll figure it out. He’s been doing it his whole career, and figuring it out over and over again has given him a directness and an optimism that’s infectious. To him, automotive is a simple place: Let the customer buy the way that they want. We talk about that plus a lot more. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 2:53 Paul and Kyle both share stories about the first time they met Tom, and the conversation pivots to Lululemon’s history and pregnant pauses in conversation. 8:38 Tom traces his journey through automotive, from working his way up through the Walser Automotive Group to having a falling out and reconciliation with Paul Walser to founding and launching FUSE Autotech. 19:18 There’s only one north, in Tom’s mind, and the goal should be always moving towards that north. For Tom, that means transparency and honesty. 25:19 The reason that there are 3rd party vendors in automotive is because the customer hasn’t been able to buy the way they want to, according to Tom. He’s excited for the changes that are going to come to retail automotive because it means that the good dealers who are helping customers will rise to the top and succeed. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Tom Ryan on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-trou
Tue, September 27, 2022
Send us a text From the outside looking in, auto is a curious industry. Whether it's the dealership dialect of tech and service or that dealers bring home a variety of makes and models, retail auto is unique. And once you’re in and you’ve caught the bug, it stays with you. That’s the story of Jason Stein. He traces his journey from newspaperman to Automotive New Retail Forum to where he is today at Flat Six Media. And along the way, he shares insights about the reputation of the industry and the speed of change that it’s experiencing. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:17 Jason worked as a sports writer in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He covered the Indianapolis Colts, Notre Dame and Indiana University. Eventually he started a car column because there was nothing about cars in the newspaper he worked for. 11:16 The last 2 years have been more impactful than the previous 20 years, according to Jason, in the way dealers have had to shift and grow. “The last two years have shown that the changes can be even more remarkable than we imagined, not necessarily in a bad way. And actually, the value of the American car dealer is greater than ever. I would argue against the direct selling method, but they've learned to become just better direct sellers in general. And they've learned to connect with their communities in a better way and a deeper way. They've learned how to provide service in a way that maybe they didn't realize before. And you know, now they're more successful than ever.” 14:38 Car dealers have a similar reputation to dentists, for whatever reason. Jason talks about the strides dealers have made to change that reputation and what more they need to be doing. 20:03 The transition to EV is an opportunity for the car dealers to show their value to the consumer. Jason argues that most local shops will not be equipped to service EVs and it will be up to the dealers to be prepared and ready to service those vehicles. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with J<
Fri, September 23, 2022
Send us a text When we asked Charlie Chesbrough about the key economic indicators he’s watching… We expected a completely different answer. Charlie, Senior Economist with Cox Automotive, pointed us to consumer-facing indicators. It was a real reality check moment, and a reminder of what this podcast is all about. It’s about getting everyone, from OEMs, dealers, industry partners, to press in and work together for the consumer’s sake. Charlie also tells us about his journey to the automotive industry and what he has coined “the iPhone-ification of automotive.” What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:48 Charlie’s first job out of college was as a floor trader at the Chicago Board of Trade. He shares how it was everything you see in the movies, a phone headset on his head and a lot of yelling. 8:59 The iPhone-ification of automotive has become more and more prominent in the last few years, as manufacturers deliver over-the-air updates and changes to existing models to make them more appealing to customers. 13:42 The most important economic indicators are the ones that inform consumer sentiment. Charlie says to watch gas prices and interest rates. “We've seen consumer cost confidence has fallen dramatically over the last few months as people get really concerned about inflation. And one thing we know about the US economy is nothing makes people feel worse than seeing high prices at the gas pump that just kills the American consumer. They hate it. It's right in their face every day.” 23:40 Another key indicator that Charlie is watching is the percentage of leasing in retail activity. Before March of 2020, leases accounted for 30% of retail activity. In June of 2022, that number was down to 17%. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Charlie Chesbrough on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider includ
Tue, September 20, 2022
Send us a text You might not understand where Matt Jones starts in a conversation. But you’ll definitely know when he lands his punchline. He is a thoughtful and deep communicator, with analogies and illustrations to help drive his points home. He’s all about looking elsewhere to learn and always expanding what is possible. He’s studied consumer behavior and what’s important to them, and the answers might surprise you. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:10 Matt takes us into the deep end right from the start by talking about his football career and the importance of using every resource you can find. Of course, he relates it to back to cars. 11:58 Understanding what is possible is important to breaking your own barriers. Matt tells about the salesman in his store who sold 100 cars a month and how that was a barrier that he didn’t break until he got more perspective. 16:34 According to the data Matt sees, we need to meet customers where they are. That means adopting an “and” mindset. Letting digital retailing AND brick and mortar AND social media all work together rather than viewing them in competition with each other. 21:52 Is price the biggest thing that matters to consumers? Matt argues that it's important, but not as important as how the customer is treated in a store. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Matt Jones on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us
Fri, September 16, 2022
Send us a text Here’s some numbers for you: 16 rooftops. 25,000 cars. $1 billion in sales. 15 photographers. 3 full-time web developers. 3 graphic designers. And another handful of people handling CRM, data analytics, social media, paid search and more. This is the team that Nathan Hollenbeck leads at Del Grande Dealer Group. He joins us on Auto Collabs to share his story and the things that are working at DGDG. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 5:09 Nathan is a motorhead through and through. He talks about working on cars with his dad and what his favorite car of all-time is. 6:47 Nathan traces his journey in and out of auto in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis. 15:52 Moving from an agency to doing things internally can be hard, and Nathan talks about those challenges. 24:37 We close the interview by talking about some of the things that Nathan and DGDG are working on in the next 12 months. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Nathan Hollenbeck on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Tue, September 13, 2022
Send us a text Mergers and acquisitions. You’re seeing it more and more in the automotive industry. In 2021, there were over 750 of them. Alan Haig represents some of these dealers during their recent sales, and so has insights into the state of the industry. He sees the way that the public groups are building for the future and has thoughts on how the local dealers can respond and compete. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 2:35 In 2021, public companies purchased 260 stores for $9 billion. Private dealers bought 491 stores, maybe spending more than the public companies. 5:09 Alan talks about the trend of the public groups acquiring more stores and the bricks and clicks strategy. He thinks that local groups should start planning now how they can grow to compete in 5 years. 11:34 OEMs historically have a lot of control over the location of their stores, and Alan talks about the breakdown of how it works. 18:03 Alan sees a bigger benefit in acquiring that simply cash flow. He sees the massive influx of talent that can happen when acquiring a store or a group. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Alan Haig on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sess
Mon, September 12, 2022
Send us a text A natural storyteller. When your family has been in the automotive industry for decades, you’ve seen some things and have some story. Rick Ricart joins the guys to talk about his family’s legacy, how cars and driving are cool again, and NIL deals with Ohio State football. Plus he tells some great stories from his time in the automotive industry. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 5:20 Ricart Automotive has always learned into troublemaking, from when Rick’s grandfather and founder of the company was called an instigator by Automotive New in 1961 to how Rick’s father would write jingles based off of popular songs in the ‘80s and run them as ads until they received a cease and desist letter. 6:46 Rick realized he wanted to be a car dealer when he worked for his dad selling cars one summer during college. That began his journey to where he is today. 12:35 Many people know Rick’s uncle, Rhett Ricart, who was chairman of NADA in 2020. Rick shares an Uncle Rhett story about borrowing one of his cars. 24:15 The NIL (name, image, likeness) rules for college athletes are something that Ricart Automotive takes part in. Rick talks about early adoption and how they saw marketing returns because of that. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Rick Ricart on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-troublemaker-w-paul-j-daly-
Sat, September 10, 2022
Send us a text Everything in the automotive industry is about providing a great customer experience. And someone who really understands customer experience is John Clavadetscher of Outsell. He’s spent years studying consumer shopping trends and how retail is categorizing and marketing to the individual customer. There’s a lot packed into this interview, from helping to grow Cars.com to the “automotive itch.” What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:45 “The expectations you have outside of automotive frame your expectations within automotive.” John starts with a truth bomb that the guys have to stop and process. 6:23 John talks about the importance of a personalized experience between a retailer and a customer. “One is, you know, 76% of customers really want to be engaged by the retailer in a one to one customized personalized way. Now, I'm sure that makes sense to this group and to the listeners, but was actually to me was even more fascinating is that close to 81%, or even greater number of people actually have a negative perception of the brand, when they get treated in a very one to many, or when they don't get treated in a personalized way.” 14:03 Auto can be incredibly addictive, and even after leaving the retail automotive industry, John found himself gravitating towards his auto friends. The itch never really left him, and so he came back to help the industry start learning how to have one to one conversations. 20:30 Outsell is a customer data and engagement platform that’s working to build unified customer IDs. It’s a system that has allowed the consumer packaged goods sector to shift over $100 billion dollars annually. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with John Clavadetscher on LinkedIn Learn about Outsell ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! C
Sat, September 10, 2022
Send us a text How do you respond to a bad customer experience? Some of us would write a review, or vent about it to our friends and family. But not Slawek Potasz. He’d design a robot to fix the problem. And that’s exactly what he did when he created CarScanner, a photographic robot that replaces a photo booth. From Poland to Canada to Syracuse, NY, Slawek shares his outside perspective on America and the automotive industry. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:50 Somewhat ironically, CarScanner and Slawek have a presence in Syracuse, NY, where ASOTU is headquartered. Syracuse hosts a Genius Accelerator for robotic tech companies, and CarScanner is a part of that accelerator. 6:40 The idea for CarScanner started because of a poor car rental experience in Tel Aviv where Slawek was accused of damages to his rental. And so he said, “Shouldn’t there be a better way to do car inspections than with a pen and paper?” 9:12 Slawek is from Poland and he compares the automotive industry between America and his home country. 19:53 CarScanner is a robot that’s deployable in 5 minutes that will do a 360 capture of any vehicle in two and a half minutes, with background removal. It removes the need for a dealership to have a photo booth or a trained employee. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Slawek Potasz on LinkedIn Learn about CarScanner ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and fo
Fri, September 09, 2022
Send us a text Connection matters. And ActivEngage is all about making a connection, through their chat platform to their TikTok accounts. Carol Marshall, their COO, found her first dealership job as a GSM, coming right from retail. She joins us to talk about acronyms, conversation and what today’s customers are looking for when they shop. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:09 Paul and Kyle both remember the first time they learned about ActivEngage’s TikTok account, and particularly a TikTok about the different kinds of people you encounter at automotive conferences . 8:13 Carol was hired right out of retail to be the General Sales Manager of a used car dealership. She talks about what she learned from that experience. 13:28 Listen. Acknowledge. Understand. Guide. Have fun. 24:35 ActivEngage is a product based around real human interactions. All of their chats happen with real human beings and they aren’t scripted. The goal is for the interactions to be as conversational as possible, but this wouldn’t happen without the human element. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Carol Marshall on LinkedIn Learn about Activengage ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.c
Fri, September 09, 2022
Send us a text Without Ryan Osten, there might not be an Automotive State of the Union. That’s right. Paul and Kyle were introduced in a marketing room hosted by Gubagoo’s former marketing director, hired by none other than Ryan Osten. Ryan shares the unique ways that Gubagoo is solving problems, and reflects on how chance encounters really can change the trajectory. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:56 Gubagoo is all about building inclusion and community. Ryan shares how in 2020, they created a virtual escape room for all of their customers where the goal was to escape the year 2020. 8:00 Seemingly chance events can have massive impacts on your life. Ryan tells the story of Gubagoo and how it started with his father at a shoeshine in the ‘70’s. 12:16 Ryan talks about the evolution of dealership website chat tools and the 3 big leaps he’s seen happen over time. 22:39 Some problems require solutions across the entire stack. Ryan and Gubagoo are trying to bring full solutions to those problems. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Ryan Osten on LinkedIn Learn about Gubagoo ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON
Thu, September 08, 2022
Send us a text Dan Moore helps us come back down to earth. It’s easy to get caught up in the world of reports, gut feelings and keeping up with the Joneses. But Dan Moore of Vistadash has a way of seeing through the buzzwords and talking about what actually matters. Be prepared for metaphors, laughs and great insights into the world of business intelligence. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 7:58 Having been through several acquisitions, Dan talks about the different ways that his company has had to navigate them. 11:03 Dan thinks that Vistadash can be the biggest business intelligence platform in automotive. He talks about the difference between knowing the score and watching the game film. 15:32 For most companies, data works best for you when there is a human element, according to Dan. We’re still a ways off from a truly effective AI because the data volume isn’t there. 22:28 The three prongs of selling cars are the product, marketing, and the people and process. Making sure that you have the right mix of those three things is a key that Dan talks about. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Dan Moore on LinkedIn Learn about Vistadash ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcas
Wed, September 07, 2022
Send us a text Some people have seen it from both sides. Anthony Jingoli of Effectv is one of them. When he started working for Comcast over 20 years ago, cable television was the disrupter. But then as digital and streaming exploded, cable TV was the one being disrupted. Now, through changing the perspective and evolving, television advertising is moving back to the disrupter spot. Today’s interview covers targeting specific segments, audiences and geography, the power of a story based brand, and continuing to learn from those around you. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:12 Anthony, a Philly native, shares the one thing he would tell people coming to ASOTU CON to go out of their way to experience while in town. 9:08 Having worked in television for over 20 years, Anthony has seen cable go from being a disruptor in the advertising industry to the one being disrupted. He talks about how Comcast has had to learn to adapt with the digital explosion. 15:03 Although the method of delivery has changed, advertising hasn’t. At its core, it's still about storytelling. “It's sight, sound, motion, you're telling a story. And that doesn't change, and you're using video to tell the story. Now, there's much more sophisticated ways to target that story to different audiences. But good storytelling is good storytelling, a good show produced in 1980, for broadcast TV is still a good show, it still, you know, tells great stories.” 20:53 Anthony preaches the power of advertising to tell the story of your brand, not just to sell cars. He shares some of the ways that dealers are doing that in today’s market. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Anthony Jingoli on LinkedIn Learn about Effectv ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram hand
Tue, September 06, 2022
Send us a text 7 hours online before they visit a showroom. CARS.com has a lot of consumer data, and is seeing many trends and disconnects in the automotive industry. CEO Alex Vetter joined us on Auto Collabs to talk about the digital customer experience, trust reservoirs and giving power back to the small business owner. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:29 Alex and CARS have a philosophy of “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” They use this mantra to promote collaboration and innovation, something that Alex sees across the entire industry. “Share points are usually won through teamwork and collaboration. And so it's a big cultural tenant we have inside our company, but I think it's important for the industry. I mean, I think what I love about dealers is that you know, they're competitors by day but they're partners through and through. They want to learn from each other. They want to share what's working. And they know that innovation has to always happen in order to keep relevant and current in the business.” 9:12 Are regular Metaverse vehicle purchases coming? Maybe eventually, but right now, Alex sees consumers spending much more time in digital spaces than physical spaces. 12:40 Don’t believe the negative hype surrounding dealers. CARS.com has 10 million customer reviews through DealerRater showing dealers are doing a phenomenal job in sales and service. 23:33 Customers are searching for trust reservoirs, areas where they can get objective data and reviews. Alex thinks we need to embrace these trust reservoirs and see them as a part of the process. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Alex Vetter on LinkedIn Learn about CARS.com ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can
Fri, September 02, 2022
Send us a text There are a lot of excuses for why a company doesn’t invest in social media. Nathanael Greklek has a counter for every single one of them. As the Chief Digital Branding Leader for Mohawk Auto Group, Nathanael has built an organic social media presence that gets millions of impressions a month. They’re able to track sales back to those impressions, and are a machine of content creation, averaging 500 pieces of content per month. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:36 Nathanael started off as a delivery specialist, and at that point, the social media strategy was posting delivery photos. He had an idea, pitched it to the team, and a new position was created for him. 8:20 Anything that Mohawk sponsors, they send a team to capture video and photos. Nathanael shares how this has helped them connect to causes in their community. 13:27 Over time, Nathanael and his team have been able to build such a solid brand that it has gotten over 2 million organic impressions in a month, allowing them to cut down on paid social media. 16:39 Nathanael walks through how he would start a branding campaign like Mohawk has, including where to find someone, what equipment they need and the first strategy they should use. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Nathanael Greklek on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotiv
Fri, September 02, 2022
Send us a text If there was an Oscar for dealership commercials… Brian Ortega would probably have one. He’s the Creative Director at Valley-Hi Toyota, home to some of the most creative commercials in the industry. The team creates a new story-based 30 second commercial every month, with Brian as one of the star actors. It’s been successful in building Valley-Hi’s brand and ingraining them deep into their community. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:05 Brian grew up making videos with any camera he could get his hands on. That led him to film school at UC Santa Barbara. 10:35 When Valley-Hi Toyota started making commercials, it was just their GM Todd Stokes in front of the camera. Brian would direct him occasionally, and someone suggested that Brian and Todd do them together. This was the start of Brian’s car commercial career. 15:44 Every month, the team brainstorms and creates a new 30 second commercial with over-the-top memorable characters. This commercial becomes the focus of all the content for the month for Valley-Hi. 27:11 Brian has cached all of his commercials, behind the scenes footage and outtakes at https://brianjortega.com/ for your viewing pleasure. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Brian Ortega on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-troublemaker-w-paul-j-dal
Thu, September 01, 2022
Send us a text A digital retail perspective. Doug Miller has helped some significant brands make big digital transitions. Ever heard of Ticketmaster? Doug was there when they sold their first ticket online. What about Expedia? They started by faxing orders to hotels. So when it comes to the automotive industry, an industry that Doug started in, he’s confident about the digital/physical hybrid future. He’s the President and Chief Commercial Officer of CARS.com, and we are grateful to be able to spend time with him on Auto Collabs. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:29 Doug was part of the team that originally helped launch CARS.com in 1997. Somehow, the official history starts in 1998, but Doug was there with Alex Vetter when it all began. 11:20 CARS.com has done the legwork of building a marketing platform that puts advertisers in front of customers looking to buy vehicles. Plus, they’ve analyzed the flow and experience of a dealership and built digital tools that can be tailored to individual dealers. Doug is somewhat baffled why more dealers don’t learn from how CARS has operated or take advantage of their tools. 16:41 Doug values connection over credit. He says we spend too much time worrying about attribution and not enough time making all of the tools work together, for both the dealers’ and consumers’ benefit. 21:35 Expedia started by taking orders and then faxing them to the hotel. Ticketmaster used to be 100% in person at a box office. Both of them connected into the digital space over time. Doug thinks that the automotive industry is going to work a little differently. “I think that the digital transformation of automotive is still going on. But for all the right reasons, right?. The the dealership experience for the consumer matched together with digital is the future is that hybrid of being able to do things digitally, then move locally and actually physically be with this car, get the service that you want on that car, test drive that car, have that relationship with your local dealer, but also then be able to move seamlessly back digital that that's the platform that CARS is investing in to help dealers to get to and and and that it's also I think why Automotive is going to take a little longer because it is by definition more hybrid.” ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of <
Thu, September 01, 2022
Send us a text The computer on the Starship Enterprise that crew members could talk to. R2-D2. Jarvis. Science fiction has been showing us AI and digital assistants for years. And Josselyn Boudett and the team at Stella Automotive AI are bringing them to life. Stella is a phone answering AI that books service appointments while helping customers get loaners or talk to specific employees. It’s unlike anything on the market today. Josselyn explains how Stella came to be and how digital voice assistants will become more prevalent in the future. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:59 Josselyn’s company, Telepathy Labs, isn’t specifically automotive focused, but it has a lot of background in automotive. The voice team’s background was building onboard speaking systems for cars in the early 2000s. 6:52 Stella AI started off talking about parts for heavy machinery. But then Josselyn took Stella to NADA and everyone started asking if it would work on a dealership phone system. 12:47 Stella is a true artificial intelligence. Most of the telephone systems that we have are IVR systems, or Interactive Voice Response. Paul and Josselyn talk about the differences between IVR and AI. 21:01 Josselyn thinks there will come a time when you won’t need a keyboard anymore. Instead, you’ll use a digital voice assistant. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Josselyn Boudett on LinkedIn Learn about Stella Automotive AI ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotiv
Wed, August 31, 2022
Send us a text Transportation is freedom. Mike Darrow, President and CEO of TrueCar, recognizes that automotive can often live in the space between supply and demand, where a dealership is looking to purchase cars in order to meet the needs of customers. And TrueCar has a lot of experience in that position. This conversation jumps around a bit, from the chip shortage to serving dealers to serving consumers to tracking the shopping journey to building community. The threads that tie it together are that transportation is freedom, and the car business cares about people. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 6:11 Mike Darrow has been in the industry for 40 years, and so he’s seen a lot, and knows that retail automotive is up for whatever challenge might be thrown at it. “I've certainly seen a lot of these cycles, you know, come through the industry, and they tend to be a bit of a roller coaster. You know, I've seen high interest rates and low interest rates and high inventory levels and low inventory levels and big incentives and no incentives. And it's just, you know, the industry is amazingly responsive. And that's the thing I like about dealers is, they're such entrepreneurial people that they just adjust to what's going on in the marketplace.” 10:24 TrueCar conducts a lot of consumer surveys, and they’ve found that 65% of their respondents would be willing to do the majority or all of their car shopping experience online. 15:29 About 50% of TrueCar shoppers want to trade in their current vehicle when purchasing, so TrueCar has worked to integrate that into the deal-building step of the sales process. 18:57 Mike is looking outside of the automotive industry for inspiration. Companies like Expedia, Amazon and Grubhub have changed the way consumers shop, and Mike thinks those principles can apply in the automotive industry. 23:23 The car business cares about people, and TrueCar does this specifically with veterans. Mike lays out some of the ways that they support veterans find their transportation freedom. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-coll<
Wed, August 31, 2022
Send us a text Do you have someone in your organization that touches every department? For DeNooyer Automotive Family, that person is Erin Sparks. As the marketing director, she has a lot on her plate and a lot of tabs open on her computer. But she makes it her responsibility to read reviews, walk the service lane, check in on the BDC team and more. She does all of this to break down barriers and bring the teams together, all as she tells the story of the dealership. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 5:44 Erin’s early years were spent around cars, because her father was a certified master technician. 12:46 When Erin entered the dealerships she works for, they were heavily focused on an OEM-based message. Erin has worked to change that to a dealership story-based message. “In the last, you know, three years or so is, every time we go into a change, or we look at doing something different, especially in marketing. My question is like, what's the story? What do you want people to know? And please don't tell me that you want to tell them that wiper blades are 19.99, because that's cool. And like, also a good message. But that can't be the only message. So because a lot of what I have always seen is that everything is price related, everything is offer related. And while there's a time and a place for that, it should be like 80 20 80% story 20% offer.” 15:00 DeNooyer Automotive Family is trying to do mobile service, but it’s not without its hiccups. Erin throws out some examples that their team is trying to work through, like software update recalls in low cell service locations. 21:19 Erin views her job in marketing to keep digging in every department to help better tell the story of the dealership and bring the team together as one. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Erin Sparks on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one se
Tue, August 30, 2022
Send us a text Building a product strategy based on target audience. AutoLeadStar is playing the long game. They are developing products to address the entire industry, not just the needs of one or two dealers. And that means they are focused and innovative. Ilana Shabtay is the Director of Marketing for this Israel-based tech company and she joins the Auto Collabs crew for a thoughtful conversation. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 2:52 AutoLeadStar is based in Israel, but most of the dealers they serve are in the United States. Ilana talks about how they send team members to the States to learn what the retail auto industry is like in America. 7:20 As far as new features go in a tech product, it can be easy to focus on what the customer wants. But Ilana sees her team working to advance things that help the whole industry solve issues. 12:15 AutoLeadStar is doing quarterly product launches for new innovative features. Ilana realizes this has positioned them well to continue innovating. 19:56 Tech companies in automotive can have a tendency to try to be all things at the same time. Like Michael Cirillo says, “They’re a shoe, trying to be a hat and a raincoat.” Ilana says it’s OK if they go that direction, as long as the data is communicating and integrated with other systems. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Ilana Shabtay on LinkedIn Learn about AutoLeadStar ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop cult
Tue, August 30, 2022
Send us a text A marketer turned developer now marketing a marketing tool. After working in the industry for several years, Jeff Gonzales saw a need for dealers to quickly be able to do their own marketing and ad campaigns. The tool that he developed, AET Automotive, incorporates all of the compliances that dealers face with their marketing. A punk rock vibe, some crazy stories and some insight into the future of marketing made for a fun interview. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 7:35 One of Jeff’s big concerns joining the automotive industry was whether they would take his advice or respond with, “This is the way we’ve always done it.” 10:01 Jeff thinks that automotive marketing is generally behind the rest of retail marketing. Right now, TikTok is the new Facebook. Dealers are slow to adopt, but Jeff thinks that it’s a great new opportunity. 17:02 AET’s platform is all about empowering the dealer to be able to do their own creative effectively and easily. 24:04 The interview wraps up by Jeff tying his journey to automotive to his love of action sports, something he’s starting to pass on to his daughter. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Jeff Gonzales on LinkedIn Learn about AET Automotive ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-automotive-troublemaker-w-paul-j-daly-and
Mon, August 29, 2022
Send us a text Sometimes you meet someone for the first time on a Zoom call. This was the experience interviewing Sarah Carter of Upstart Auto Retail. Sarah has 20 years of experience in the industry, and she has a good perspective on the intersection of digital and physical, from the way leads are handled to how other countries are ahead of the US digitally. Plus, Cirillo considers skiing, and Paul learns what push/pull integration is. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 11:00 Purpose and a drive to always do the right thing are two of Sarah’s values, and also values of Upstart. 13:23 The auto community is unique. Sarah believes that she started feeling more a part of it when she started viewing it as something she could add value to. 24:56 Paul learns what a push/pull integration is, in 2 simple sentences 28:13 The adoption of completing a purchase entirely online is increasing. It’s doubled over the last year and is now at 20%. Sarah thinks we’ll see that continue to grow, especially as younger generations start to buy more cars. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Sarah Carter on LinkedIn Learn about Upstart Auto Retail ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcas
Mon, August 29, 2022
Send us a text Auto is BIG. You never know where a conversation with Darren Doane will go, but it will keep you thinking long afterwards. Darren is a director, first of music videos and now of documentaries. He’s been around many types of business and sees things from outside of the automotive industry. And he is impressed with how big auto is. That makes it able to try things in a way that other industries can’t. Today’s conversation talks about scrap metal, Newsies and yes, how Michael Cirillo is Seth Rogen’s doppelgänger. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:55 The interview gets off to a strange start, with Cirillo making a Newsies reference and Darren revealing that he actually was an extra in Newsies. 9:56 “Let’s try it.” Darren’s perspective of the retail automotive industry is that it has guts and drive, and the ability to be a little wild and just go for it. 16:50 Darren relates retail auto to another business, metal recycling. Both industries are big and see the world as a massive play box. They’re not afraid to make big changes and try new things. 26:29 Metal recycling is a critical part of everything. Darren shares that 70% of all steel comes from recycled metal. The guys take this zoom-out moment to remember that retail auto is so much bigger than just selling cars. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Darren Doane on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: <a href='htt
Fri, August 26, 2022
Send us a text Steven Apicella is a man on a mission. He’s out to influence the automotive industry and specifically the way that F&I has worked in the past. You can hear the passion in his voice, how much he cares for both the dealer and the customer. His company, Strategic DX - Your Dealer Experience, consolidates and tracks your third-party offerings in a way that keeps the customer connected to the dealership. Steven talks about his experience coming up in the automotive world and what sparks him to create change. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:39 Paul and Steven realize they share similarities because they both started out in PDR (Paintless Dent Repair), and have both moved into other automotive spaces from there. 8:03 One day on a job, Steven started to realize that there was a huge disconnect between what’s being sold as an F&I product and how it’s actually being administered. 14:57 The disconnect between sales and service in automotive is something that Steven realizes is going to result in a poor customer experience until those gaps are filled. “I don't think everything's broken in our industry. I'm not that guy. I think there's a lot of great things happening in our industry. Amen. But there are disconnected parts. And one of the disconnected parts is a really critical vacancy, which is, the distance between sales and service is, as an industry, we can refine the hell out of all the sales processes. And we do and we should, and we can refine the hell out of all the service processes. And we do and we should, but until you could correct that gap in between, we're always going to get what we get. Yeah. And that's what we're focused on is how do you take a one time transaction and turn it into a lifetime relationship, everybody desires it, but the industry has lacked processes to be able to fulfill it.” 17:48 What is the real mission? Is it to sell cars or to create lifelong relationships? Steven has an idea: Start a “Why Return Here” campaign. “Is it our mission to only sell a car and maybe an F&I product or to also earn a recurring customer? And there's not a person in our industry that wouldn't say the latter is desired. But that's not what we're earning right now. We're really good at selling cars, whether we have inventory or not. But we're not really great at retaining customers thereafter. And I believe part of it is every single dealership has a “Why buy here” proposition. Every single one. How many executed a “Why return here” proposition? That's part of the vacancy that exists right now.” ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one <
Fri, August 26, 2022
Send us a text Unboxing, ride alongs and cars in the community. There’s a sort of punk rock aura around Jeff Revilla. His first business was a skate shop where he was buying ad words on Overture. Then he joined Smail Auto Group, where he monetized their Youtube channels and got their videos seen all over the internet. All of this while not looking like every other car dealer out there. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 6:09 Jeff sort of fell into digital marketing. He started doing it because it was part of running his business, but not because he was looking to do digital marketing. It wasn’t until after he sold his skate shop that he realized his marketing skills. 11:41 Smail Auto Group focuses on video series that highlight customer use of the vehicle. And that’s been successful, seeing 400k-500k views a month. 15:33 Jeff and his team have been so successful on Youtube that they’ve qualified for monetization. They are able to take that money and pour it back into their team. 25:23 There are a lot of other industries where you can get marketing and content ideas. Jeff loves going to conferences where he can think about things from a non-automotive perspective. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — e ven one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Jeff Revilla on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublema
Thu, August 25, 2022
Send us a text Chad Graves knows marketing. He began in the marketing department of a dealership group before leaving with members of that team to start Reunion Marketing. Now, Reunion works with dealers to lift the gates of transparency, break down the silos, and formulate an entire dealership strategy. Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo find out that Chad knows that to look for from the moment he steps foot into a dealership, and also has a good handle of what SEO is and how it works. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:55 The history of Reunion Marketing began when many of the founders of Reunion began working together in a 20 person marketing department for a large dealer group. 10:57 Having worked in a dealership, Chad knows what to look for now when he walks into one for the first time. He shares what he sees and how it translates to the customer. 15:08 What is SEO or Search Engine Optimization? Chad breaks it down for the people in the back. 23:44 SEO can take a long time to develop, and Chad recommends giving yourself 4 months before you start measuring results. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Chad Graves on LinkedIn Learn about Reunion Marketing ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automoti
Thu, August 25, 2022
Send us a text We can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the future. But Michael Johnson has a sneak peek. Part of this is because he lives in Australia, several hours ahead of us in the US. The other part is that dealers in Australia have been experiencing things that are relatively new or not even on the horizon for those of us in North America. Inventory issues and the agency model are normal in Australia, and Michael shares his insight from the industry partner side. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 13:00 The transparency around forecasted gross is something that SalesLogs helps maintain. It has checks and balances for when projected costs aren’t lining up, so you don’t get to the end of a month and have less gross than you anticipated. 15:47 The inventory issues we’re facing in America aren’t new to Australia. Australia doesn’t have local manufacturing, so car orders were already taking 3-4 months to fulfill, even pre-pandemic. 22:47 As if you needed more incentive to come to ASOTU CON, Michael is bringing Tim Tams, which are apparently scrumptious chocolate biscuits. 24:43 Australia has already started to see OEMs move to an agency model, and Michael talks about the issues facing dealers under that model. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Michael Johnson on LinkedIn Learn about SalesLogs ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:
Wed, August 24, 2022
Send us a text Everything’s bigger in Texas. Including Classic Chevrolet’s buy center in an 80x30ft tent. Eric Hall is the Internet Director for Classic Chevrolet, and he talks about staying on top as one of the largest volume dealers in the nation, the challenges and success of looking at a buy center in a different way, and what he sees for retail automotive in the next 6 months. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:59 Eric talks about becoming President of his NADA class. 11:47 Classic Chevrolet is a high producing store. Depending on who you ask, it’s one of the biggest GM stores in the nation. Eric tries to clear up where Classic sits in the list of top GM dealers. 18:10 Classic Chevrolet’s tent buy center has become so popular that other dealers are sending their customers to it for appraisals. 24:07 Eric is looking 6 months ahead and thinking about Christmas, but from a people perspective, not a sales perspective. “ And keep in mind, coming in six months, we'll be going into the end of the year, so holiday time, keeping your people aware, keeping your people happy but you know, obviously holidays are a rough time for a lot of people and sometimes we forget about those. So you know being top of mind with your teammates and just being present for your people in general.” ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Eric Hall on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts
Wed, August 24, 2022
Send us a text Some people always bring the sermon. Tim Cox is one of them. He is the co-founder of CarNow, and has so many thoughts for the automotive industry. But what’s special about Tim is that he is genuine all the time and you can hear his heart when he is speaking. Kyle Mountsier and Paul J Daly spend time talking about the history of CarNow, how someone on the team has to be right, integrity, and some things that are coming in 2023 that dealers need to be ready for. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 6:10 CarNow went the first 6 months without a URL and the first 7 years without any marketing personnel. Tim talks about how if you do the work and pour into the people around you, good things will happen. 10:25 With success can come an ego that says you’ll always be successful. Tim reminds us to be humble, and make sure that we aren’t riding on our past coattails. 13:52 Tim builds on the idea of humility by talking about integrity, and making sure you’re the same person no matter where you are or who you’re interacting with. 17:28 Right now, about 70% of people who buy online still want to go to the dealership. A lot of that is because the technology isn’t smooth yet. But that is changing, and Tim believes that in the next year, the online purchasing process will have a whole new look and feel. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Tim Cox on LinkedIn Learn about CarNow ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop cultur
Tue, August 23, 2022
Send us a text A 50 year veteran. Tommy Gibbs has been selling cars longer than Paul, Kyle or Michael have been alive. What made him such an effective operator and what makes him a great consultant now is his emphasis on the basics. You might not get the latest flashy trick play from Tommy, but it will be effective if you work at it and get good at it. Plus, there are plenty of football analogies along the way. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:51 Tommy shares the story of how he’s moved through the industry, along with the good and bad times he’s experienced. 11:08 Exercise good common sense, stay true to the core principles, don’t get too caught up in what’s happening in the world at large, and you’ll always do well, according to Tommy. “If you have these core disciplines, and you stay focused on the right process and do the right things all the time, you always win in this business, no matter what happens in the cycle, I hear people talking about a recession is coming or our inventory is short, and I go, who cares? I mean, I really don't, I don't think you should really care if you're doing the right things that you should be doing. Because if your inventory is being handled correctly, if you don't have a lot of aged units, or any aged units for that matter, if you don't let that happen to you right now, when times are good. It's not going to matter what happens to the value of cars, because you're always operating in today's market. You're not dealing with inventory from yesterday, so to speak.” 12:31 Tommy and the guys unpack the comparison of a dealership to a football team. 20:12 The pain of discipline is making sure you’re staying on top of inventory, the pain of regret is what happens when you don’t exercise discipline. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Tommy Gibbs and sign up for his email ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sen
Tue, August 23, 2022
Send us a text Your background informs your now. That’s what Colby Joyner has experienced, going from the auto industry to the Air Force, to being an air traffic controller, to a massage therapist and then back into the auto industry both on the dealer and partner sides. It’s allowed him to see things in a different light and helped him as he organizes and automates processes. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 5:50 Colby started selling cars when he was 18, then went off, did a whole lot of other things and found his way back to the industry years later. 14:54 Situational change increases resiliency. 18:08 Learning the stories of your team makes you a better team member and a better team as a whole. “The more that you get deeper than surface level on this on this, you know, I'm the GSM, or I'm a sales manager, or I'm a finance manager, if you go below that, right, and you get to know people and actually become friendly with them and understand who they are, you're able to learn a lot more about life and everything outside of automotive, which makes you better in automotive. And that's the interesting thing about automotive is it's where this hodgepodge of people, you know, that come from so many different and various backgrounds, and the more that you communicate, the better that we all are.” 27:27 Currently, Colby is working on Konect.ai, an automation that working in the background without the dealer having to check it or interact with it. It works in concert with the team, freeing them up to focus on the human side of business. “And so if you were able to automate portions of that process, you free up the human being to be a human being, and engage in relationship style sales. And so our job is to create that lift of engagement, that lift of opportunities coming into the store, and being able to actually speak with a salesperson one on one. And that's where you're gonna get that, that higher brand and or dealer loyalty, when you get that situated.” ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 <a href='https://www
Mon, August 22, 2022
Send us a text Parts guy. Service Advisor. Parts and Service Director. Fixed Ops Director. General Manager. These are all parts of Brian Singh’s retail automotive experience. He’s used all that knowledge to bridge the gap between different departments and help them overcome their pain points. Now, he leads evrdrive, a customer experience that he hopes will change the way people buy cars. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:23 Brian traces his journey from a parts guy to General Manager. 10:55 As Brian got promoted, he started bridging the gap of Fixed Ops vs. Variable Ops. Because it’s not about picking sides as a boss, it’s about the customer. “And so I think it's realizing it's not about picking sides, there's no enemy or hero in this. It's all about the customer. And it's all about those pain points that exist within that, if we can drop the ego out of the way, and not think that our particular job is more important than anyone else's and realize that there's a customer on the other end of it. I think when you're able to continually remind your employees and folks of that, they start to realize, okay, let me pump the brakes a little bit.” 19:05 evrdrive is a new initiative that Brian leads. It’s all about creating customer experience centers that look different from the traditional showroom. 23:55 In the end, Brian is all about making the automotive retail experience as normal as any other shopping experience. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Brian Singh on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a
Mon, August 22, 2022
Send us a text Ron Duan. What does a kid from Kyle Mountsier’s freshman tennis team have to do with the Social Dilemma documentary? Apparently a lot, if you ask Dr. Nicole Lipkin. She spends time with Paul, Kyle and Michael talking them through the mental health issues facing our world, or if we’re being honest, the issues we all are facing. Nothing’s off the table, from mental agility, to social comparison, to the emotional contagions. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 9:29 Dr. Nicole Lipkin understands group dynamics, meaning that she studies how people relate to each other, and she’s found that if we understand our own internal workings, it will help us relate to those around us. “And so when I'm doing this work, it's not about like, follow these five steps to be a really great leader or have a really great team or have a great culture. It's about getting what's going inside here. Get what's going inside your team a little bit, understand a little bit about human dynamics and group dynamics, so we can all maneuver a little bit better. And when we group together, it's awesome, man, when we step on each other's feet, the world's not over. If we could learn to groove a little bit better, and know that like, it's all about being flexible and open and getting it and understanding our own internal workings like we wouldn't be fighting so much.” 13:33 For some reason, we’ve minimized mental health, but Dr. Nicole Lipkin recognizes that mental health is what gives us our ability to do everything else. “We minimize the mental stuff. Because we don't see it. It's not tangible. Like we think about mental health, we think about mental wellness, we, you know, we think about the guy on the side of the street, freaking out screaming, talking to himself. We don't think about us on our every day, you know, our everyday work in life, but the reality is, mental health and mental wellness and flexibility, mental flexibility and agility. Like, that's how you're productive. That's how you wake up in the morning and get motivated to get out of bed.” 26:53 What is an emotional contagion? “You smile, I smile, you frown, I frown, we mimic one another. And it can happen in our electronic communication, it can happen in our face to face communication. This is one of the reasons why you know we are having global contagion right now from the pandemic like this is one of the reasons why we're seeing a rise in road rage, a rise in domestic violence, crazy fights on airplanes, like all of that stuff.” 30:10 Dr. Nicole Lipkin talked about finding your identity, and recognizing that it might not be the same for everyone. For some people, it’s 18 hour work days. For others it’s looking forwar<
Bonus · Sat, August 20, 2022
Send us a text We're several episodes into Auto Collabs, and Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo met in Philadelphia to do some recording. Here's what we talk about in today's quick episode: - Beard Regimen - What we've learned so far from our guests - What's the most important conversation happening in automotive? - Love people more than you love cars ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
Fri, August 19, 2022
Send us a text On the go. Where Matt Lasher goes, the insights follow. So when you have the chance to interview him, you take it, even if it means recording in a car on the way to NYC. Paul J Daly and Matt talk about the trends they’re seeing for the industry plus how marketing has changed for West Herr. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 4:36 Don’t believe the headlines. The sky isn’t falling for the automotive industry, according to Matt. Large groups like West Herr are doing well and getting stronger. 9:25 West Herr currently has 10,000 sold orders waiting on delivery. Matt doesn’t think that the current inventory shortage is going to be the new normal. Instead, he believes eventually incentives and rebates will come back. 13:29 Paul and Matt spend some time chatting about EV chargers and all of the energy that they consume, potentially posing challenges as EV adoption becomes more widespread. 18:03 As West Herr grows, the way it markets itself changes. Matt says in some ways they’re operating more like a single rooftop and in others, thinking about how they can restructure and diversify. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 Connect with Matt Lasher on LinkedIn ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas
Thu, August 18, 2022
Send us a text Carter Myers Automotive has been around for 98 years, meaning they lived through the Spanish Flu of 1918. Liza Borches hasn’t seen all of that, but as the 3rd generation President and CEO of CMA, she knows the stories of the company. She knows the joys and the pains. And she has led the organization through growth and culture shift, overcoming her own ideas about retail auto and even some misogyny from those in her organization. Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly, and Kyle Mountsier ask her about an opportunity at General Mills, Honda’s 3 Joys, and why groups are asking CMA to acquire them. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 I ntro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 7:59 Coming out of college, Liza didn’t want to work for the family business. She took a job with American Honda because it sounded like fun to live in Southern California. But that job showed her a whole new side of retail automotive. “I started really seeing the difference that those leaders and dealership associates were making in their communities, I saw a different side of the business than I had grown up with. I grew up just seeing my dad working 24/7 some challenging times with our business almost going under a lot of stress and to be honest, he just wasn't around. So I just needed to see a different perspective on the business. And then I got to come home and see it through the lens that my dad was able to share with me more as an adult than versus when I was a kid.” 14:04 For Carter Myers Automotive, company culture is about influencing the whole person, not just that person at work. “Tom Doll shared at the Subaru meeting a couple of weeks ago, and he said, ''We don't just want to be good business people. We want to be good people in business.” And I think at CMA, that's something that we've always focused on. We don't want to just create and pour into and invest in our team to be good business people. We also want to help them be good people in business. And I think that reflects back to encouraging our team to bring their whole self to work, not just their work self, and how do we help them grow both personally and professionally, that it has to be investing in them as a human being and not just an as an a team member of CMA.” 19:43 Liza’s grandfather gave the company its fiscal responsibility, her father gave it an aggressive growth desire, and Liza herself brought the company its soul. She learned how to build a great culture at a single store and then began scaling it to the other stores in the group with the help of some amazing general managers. 27:15 Michael Cirillo makes an observation that in some ways, the automotive industry is really one big family business. Liza adds to that by talking about the fear of failing in a family <
Wed, August 17, 2022
Send us a text Glenn Pasch has seen a lot. Now he works directly with dealerships to build structure and processes. He views the world as a puzzle to be solved for the customer’s sake, and believes that as you ask the right questions and design the right roles, everything will click into place. The more guardrails you have, the faster you can run, and the better you can perform. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. 3:48 According to Glenn, asking the right questions makes you a better leader. “I think that a lot of people get stuck in the classroom. So think of it that way. You're stuck in listening to a podcast, or you read a book and you get stuck with a bunch of ideas that are written down. And if you're not asking the right questions of okay, well, what do I do with this information or this data, then it just sits there. And then, you know, people get frustrated that nothing's changing. And so I think that the essence of a good leader is not to tell people what to do. It's to ask them the question, so they end up finding the path I want them to go on. But they find the path themselves. And so my best trait, or I think one of the best traits of good leaders is asking questions that you may already know the answer to, but it's not my idea. It's yours.” 9:44 Retail automotive is a personality driven business. But we can fall into the false belief that a great personality outweighs structure. Glenn understands personality on top of structure lets a person execute more quickly. 20:42 Glenn talks about building job descriptions and duties so that someone else can fulfill that role if needed, especially when they’re promoted. He says that too often we write job descriptions based around a person currently in the position. 23:48 Kyle compares this type of collaboration and structure to jazz music, and how all the musicians have to understand each other and where they are in the song. It’s intricate, but it's next-level music. It’s the same in the dealership where there is structure and understanding. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. Connect with Glenn Pasch on LinkedIn 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: <a href='https://podcasts
Tue, August 16, 2022
Send us a text Brian Kramer is in a whole new ballgame. After spending years on the dealership side, he has joined Cars.com as their EVP and GM of Accu-Trade. Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier talk to Brian about this transition, and the issues that he’s now experienced on both sides. They also touch on haircuts, lead fatigue and pitch slapping. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael, Paul and Kyle 10:05 The schedule of the industry partner and the dealer, and their priorities, don’t always line up. Brian realized this when he was on the other side of phone calls he had been receiving as a dealer. 13:57 Brian thinks that vendors need to stop “pitch slapping” dealers by piling new widgets and tools. 21:52 Brian also sees a need for dealers to stop “pitch slapping” consumers by trying to sell them something when they really aren’t interested. 25:40 Ultimately, Cars.com, like Automotive State of the Union, is for the dealer. Brian talks about how Alex Vetter has centered Cars around arming the rebels and pushing back. “I'll tell you, there's a lot of people there that are working in the same direction, to really transform this industry, I mean, Alex Vetter has put this north star out there of really empowering dealers for all the disruption that's happening to be like a safe haven to be able to sit there and just be arming them with as many tools as possible to hang with any disrupter that comes into the space, and make it easier and simpler so that they don't have to do an insane amount of work to do it.” ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. Connect with Brian Kramer on LinkedIn Learn about how Cars.com empowers dealers 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! <a href='https://www.a
Mon, August 15, 2022
Send us a text If you give Scott Simons your phone number, he will text you at least once a year. Everything is about relationships for Scott, and he has a lot of them. His college roommate from Sri Lanka, Grant Cardone and the other 6000 contacts in his phone. Relationship is the way that Scott sells cars, and the way he teaches his team to sell. It’s like having 233 people on your marketing team. Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier spend time learning about this system and hearing how much Scott cares for people. What we talk about in this episode: 0:00 Intro with Michael Cirillo, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 6:04 Scott talks about how a formative life experience made him want to own a car dealership. “And I remember one day, I saw a guy with really nice clothes drive a really nice car, and I said, What's that guy do? And they're like, he sells cars. And I'm like, damn, I'd like to drive a nice car like that, or wear nice clothes like that. Okay, so then they're like, then I started finding out that the, you know, to enter the auto industry, you know, pretty much you anybody can enter, and anybody could go sell cars. So I said, Damn, it sounds like me. So anyway, I went to college, got my master's degree, and said, I'd like to own a car dealership one day.” 12:43 Transactional vs relational. Scott and his team track relational sales, meaning sales not made from traditional leads, but by the personal brand of team members. Almost 50% of cars they sell are relational sales. “I want to build relationships to where when we first started tracking your relationships sales, relationships sales means that Kyle brought Paul in and bought a vehicle, he brought in that lead. So we started tracking transactional versus relationship. And if you're transactional, we want to turn you into a relationship where you don't shop with anybody else. So we first started tracking that. And before we started training, we were 5% relational. Now we're 45%. So that means almost one out of every two cars we sell is generated through social media, by the sales rep, not by the dealer. My goal is to get it close to 100%. Not even have to advertise at all. That's my goal.” 14:06 Scott goes in-depth on relational sales and explains how a normal day works, and how every employee is a part of it. The process is so smooth, they usually have the cars sold on social media before they get on the dealership website. 25:40 It wasn’t always this way. Scott tells a story about one of the darkest seasons in his life, and what it took to make him who he is today. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagr<
Fri, August 12, 2022
Send us a text Not only is David Long a strategic operator, he is proving that it’s possible to both lift and empower others while providing the structure and accountability required to grow. Also, he has the best hugs, according to Michael Cirillo. Michael, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier listen to David’s insights on building up the culture of an organization, and keeping it laser focused on its goals. What we cover in this episode: 0:00 Intro 6:38 David talks about how a conversation with his daughter was the starting point for the Pandemic of Positivity. Kyle and David reminisce about the early days and getting it off the ground. 14:40 Every week, David hosts a weekly Zoom call where he brings in speakers to talk to his team, and this has been having ripple effects to the friends and family of his employees. “I got a screenshot Friday from somebody that works in our accounting office and it was a message from her daughter, who doesn't even work with us. And the speaker that we had, which happened to be a Navy Seal, the speaker that we had on Wednesday, because I send out the recording as well. “It not only impacted me but it impacted my family.” And this is her screenshot sharing with me the impact that Navy SEAL had on the circle of influence in her life. So, you know, maybe it's not for everybody, but I think there's people in the recesses of their own mind that may say they don't like it, but are listening to it afterwards, or joining. And they pick one thing out, and they go home and share it at home, with their, with their loved ones. And that, for me, is what it's all about.” 21:34 At Hansel Auto Group, there are clearly defined goals and structure. Every team knows where they’re headed and what hill is next to be taken. David thinks that people prefer systems of accountability. “Every department is laser focused on their top three, right? There's not 30 things that we're running around trying to do. There's, there's three and then there's one hill that we're willing to die on in the next 30 days. Right? Each department has their own hill. And once we take a hill, we're not giving that hill back. We're finding the next hill while we keep that plot of land. Does that make sense? Make no mistake, in the world of great culture, and love and warm embraces, we don't get what we want. We get what we tolerate, right? Make no mistake, that there is still structure. There's discipline, there's accountability. And I actually think that people would prefer to live and work in that environment than to live and work in the environment where it's the flavor of the week, flavor of the day.” 25:21 David has opened 59 buy centers, and talks about how he hires outside of automotive to fill those positions. Give him an hour with a barista who wants to lear<
Thu, August 11, 2022
Send us a text “How’s your family?” This is the essence of Todd Caputo, our guest today on Auto Collabs. Todd is the definition of loyal and caring. And on top of that, he’s a really skilled operator. He sold his 4 dealerships, but before that, his dealerships retailed 6000-6500 vehicles annually of which 5500 were used car sales. Paul J Daly and Todd spend time talking about what Todd is up to now, and some of the trends he’s tracking for the future. What we cover in this episode: 0:00 Intro 4:04 Todd talks about navigating the pandemic and being set up to pivot quickly, but ultimately how a meeting with Sonic Automotive led him to sell. 12:05 The condition of cars that Todd is seeing at auction are worrisome. He has several suggestions about how to improve condition and sellability. 17:25 There are 2 schools of thought when it comes to appraising vehicles. One is to spit out an exact value and the other is to give a range of value. Todd thinks that regardless of which option you use, there should be a way for customers to upload their own pictures of their car. 23:17 Our interview with Todd wraps up by looking to the future, and specifically, EVs. Todd owns 3 Teslas, and knows the challenge of servicing these vehicles. He talks about how dealers can prepare to be a part of the service network as more and more vehicles go electric. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. Connect with Todd Caputo on LinkedIn 🎧 Like and follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/auto-collabs/id1635647407 https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qeu2gxvNYaXbR95lGBRNq?si=664f1140ef8e4417 ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email
Wed, August 10, 2022
Send us a text It may not be sexy, but it has a lot of heart. One might say that inventory management and how we procure, merchandise, and make inventory accessible to the consumer is what keeps the heart of today’s digital dealership beating. Danny Zaslavsky , the DP/GM and Country Hill Motors and Managing Partner at VINCUE joins to share his unique vantage point about how efficient inventory management systems can lead to an elevated customer experience. What we cover in this episode: 0:00 Intro 2:18 Danny shares the origin story about how his software company, VinCue, got started. Looking back it seems like a logical progression of meeting the right people at the right time, but Danny admits that you never quite know what life is preparing you for in the micro moments of the journey. 6:10 After immigrating from the Ukraine to The United States, Danny’s father opened a shoe repair business down the street from what would soon be their family’s dealership. A pioneer in his own right, and with an immigrant entrepreneur’s spirit, Danny shares that his dad found innovated ways to procure inventory for the store that was years ahead of their competitors. 14:33 Kyle points out that in order to solve inventory management problems requires several different handshakes to work effectively. Often dealers are utilizing several platforms in order to accomplish their inventory management and merchandising. Danny explains a little about how VinCue is solving real inventory related problems for car dealers. With a nod to industry pioneers, such as Dale Pollak, Danny explains that he is seeking to take inventory management to a whole new level. 20:04 Danny’s experience as a dealership owner as well as technology vendor allows him to see both sides of the industry from a unique perspective. The one consistent element is that we are trying to create an improved customer experience. When it comes to the auto industry there are many factors that contribute to a heightened CX, but they are sold as separated things, like websites and digital retailing tools, as an example. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. <a href='https://www.linkedin.co
Tue, August 09, 2022
Send us a text Have we been looking at CRMs all wrong? Jasen Rice, our guest on Auto Collabs, thinks so. Jasen is a veteran of the industry. He was selling 100% online at a time when AOL was still mailing Internet CD-ROMs to homes. Consequently, he’s helped launch Digital Dealer, vAuto and much more. In his conversation with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier, he dives deep into CRMs, conversion rates and a new way of thinking about leads. What we cover in this episode: 4:00 Jasen started working in the industry in 1997 and was selling exclusively online by 1998. He shows the guys his Microsoft CarPoint Certification from back in the days. 18:13 CRMs aren’t looking at the right metrics. Jasen blows up some of the ways that CRMs use age of vehicle and age of lead in ways that simply don’t make sense. 24:37 In Jasen’s mind, the Used Car Manager and Internet Director are the same person. “The Used Car Manager needs to be your Internet Director. They need to understand every lead and be just as responsible. I pull it up all the time. I said, “Guys, what would you do if a customer was in your showroom for 10 minutes and no one said ‘hi’? You would throw a chair through the window. But here's five leads that no one's called for 14 days, 10 days and 8 days. What do you do about that?” 27:10 The power of switches. “A lot of times when you get a fresh car, we price it up 104-105%. We wait for photos to get done. So of course, we're not getting much activity on this car. But I'm showing dealers, you got a three day old car that you're at 105%. Fair enough, but you have no leads, but you got 10 switches, you got 10 Other people right now that you could call. They are interested in the segment in this price range, they don't need to know you're 105%. That Escape sold, will they take this Jeep Liberty? And even though it's 105%, it's still within their segment in their price point. So it's like your best salesman that sees the nice trade that came in yesterday, and he's on the phone with five people and he has it sold before it goes to the service department. Right? That's what you need to be doing with this too. There's opportunities here without having a race to the bottom and waiting till the pictures are done to get some eyeballs on this car.” Listen to the full episode for more insights and context from our conversation with Jasen Rice ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email
Mon, August 08, 2022
Send us a text Energy. That is what Glenn Lundy brings to life, whether it’s consulting with the 800% Elite Automotive Club, hosting Breakfast with Champions or calling Michael Cirillo out of the blue to interview him. Michael, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier were reminded by Glenn that doing great things requires change, and change means someone is going to quit or be fired. But taking steps today will make your business great down the road, and Glenn believes that’s achievable for everyone. What we discuss in this episode: 8:58 Glenn talked about his start in the industry and how he got promoted because of sales results, but not because he knew how to lead people. We talked about putting the right people in the right place to help you succeed. 11:21 Glenn believes that you should learn a new skill to pass it on, not just to be good at something yourself. 13:37 Leadership means getting in the trenches with your team and being involved. “Just be involved. And when your people see that you're involved, they don't want to disappoint you, they don’t want to let you down and they'll ultimately shine in the different areas. And it helps you as a leader to be able to get people in the right seats when you're in the room learning the same things.” 28:04 We wrapped up by talking about how you need more than a 30 day plan. Glenn thinks that the biggest issue in the automotive industry is that you can’t reinvent the wheel or make big moves in 30 days. He encouraged us to have more vision. “Give yourself some runway, have a three year plan, have a five year plan, have a 10 year plan and start deciding right now to invest today to get the results three years from now, five years from now, and 10 years from now.” Listen to the full episode for more insights and context from our conversation with Glenn Lundy. ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. Connect with Glenn Lundy Connect with the 800% Elite Automotive Club ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We
Fri, August 05, 2022
Send us a text Every hero has an origin story. Understand the origin story and you understand the hero. Steve Greenfield has spent more than 20 years of his professional career in automotive industry leadership roles and today, he is an authoritative voice when it comes to automotive technology and the innovators that are revolutionizing our space. Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier had so many questions for Steve that they actually ran out of time, but that’s how it goes when you’re talking to a hero. What we discuss in this episode: 03:35 - It will come as no surprise that Steve’s entrance into the automotive industry wasn’t exactly intentional. He found himself unemployable with an undergrad degree when after some time, a friend from high school told him about an auto auction that was hiring for a technology manager. “So I get a call one night and he says, Steve, they're looking to hire a technology manager. I'm like, what is that? I'm like, oh, you're gonna be selling software to car dealers. I'm like, why am I qualified for that? He goes, no, I really think this is gonna be a good rule for you. You should come in. So I went in and, you know, didn't know what to expect and, you know, I remember distinctly driving out there. I was like, you know, how do used cars get on dealers lots? That's what consumed me for the 45 minutes on the way out there. And I was like, I, I would've bet anything at that point, a hundred percent of cars came onto dealers. Lots as trades. Yeah. I knew nothing about the whole wholesale mechanisms and wholesale auction industry. So I get out there. It's like the biggest auction in Canada. It's like, Top five in, in Manheim's footprint. So it's like 400, 400 acres of that's a real operation. It's a real operation, 400 acres. And I'm like, wow, look at this place. Where are these cars coming from? Where, why are they here? And I, I walk in and, you know, uh, negotiate with, uh, with the, the, uh, general manager who also was the previous owner before Manheim bottom.” 06:59 - It was working for the auto auction that taught Steve a lot about the economics of the car business. 10:46 - Steve recounts his experience working alongside Dale Pollak and overseeing the acquisition of vAuto. He learned directly from Dale how to build a demand system and what value that brings to an organization. 12:31 - Today Steve works with a group of dealer investors who search out solutions so that they can be funded. Paul inquires about the common thread that Steve sees across the solutions that he is vetting. Listen to the full episode for more insights and context from our conversation with Steve Greenfield ⭐️ Lo<
Thu, August 04, 2022
Send us a text Today’s guest is an accountant turned executive turned dealer. Damon Lester leads NAMAD’s (National Association of Minority Auto Dealers) mission to increase equitable access and meaningful opportunities for minority entrepreneurs and employees across the automotive industry. Our conversation reminded us to get in the dirt and work, and that automotive encompasses everything. What we discuss with Damon Lester: 03:03 - Damon is unique because he both understands the “dirt and the grind” of the industry. As an accountant who has worked 20 years with NAMAD (National Association of Minority Auto Dealers), Damon has vast experience spanning the industry, and as a recent new dealership owner, he knows what it takes to make the retail side of the business thrive. 05:53 - Damon shares about the journey leading up to owning his store, Nissan of Bowie. He’s not looking at this as a quick investment opportunity. He was willing to put in the work to achieve ownership, and sees this as a track he can follow for decades. “I’ve said this a couple of times… retail automotive is the best kept industry out there. There are a variety of opportunities, whether it’s at the OEM level manufacturing, at the retail level — it encompasses everything that is ‘American’. It’s not going away.” 07:36 - Damon explains that alongside the opportunity within the industry, it’s a great way to make a difference in the communities in which dealers operate. 13:52 - When asked about what advice he’d offer to new potential dealers of minority, Damon says, “You definitely gotta come in here humble. A lot of people come in without humility or the gratitude of appreciating this opportunity. There are a finite number of people that are really blessed to have this opportunity and so, I’m grateful of being in the store and working with my folks every day and working with NAMAD as well.” 19:04 - While OEMs are publicly announcing their commitment to increase the number of minority dealer owners, Damon suggests that we can still do better. Damon also notes that those who are interested in ownership can’t cherry pick the opportunities. Listen to the full episode for more insights and context from our conversation with Damon Lester! ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/d
Thu, July 28, 2022
Send us a text Today's guest is a NYT Bestselling Author, the Co-Founder of Square, the Chairman of the St Louis Federal Reserve, and a Professional Glass Blower. That’s not all either. Jim McKelvey is one of the most purebred entrepreneurs we’ve ever met, and he’s here to help us tell ourselves the truth about innovation, entrepreneurship, and how to stack your laptop on laundry baskets for a zoom call. What we discuss with Jim McKelvey: 00:25 - Paul recounts how he was introduced to Jim’s book, “The Innovation Stack,” and how it completely changed his perspective on entrepreneurship. Jim offers a realistic and hope filled look at entrepreneurship by creating a space where it’s normal to fail often and learn from one’s mistakes — a stark contrast to the beaming “checklist” culture that has been perpetuated online. 04:31 - Jim immediately disarms any nerves Paul, Kyle, and Michael might’ve had prior to the interview by joining from a remote cabin in Wisconsin. “Total disclosure, this is the bedroom ‘cuz it’s the quietest room in the house and I’ve got my laptop stacked on laundry baskets.” 05:28 - Jim offers his thoughts about everything that’s happening inside the retail automobile industry from his vantage point as an “outsider.” “It’s really interesting. You’ve got some direct sales models that are breaking up dealerships, cars are lasting longer, so service is becoming a greater profit component than sales. The used car market is crazy. One of my friends runs Enterprise, so I get to hear about buying cars by the tens of thousands, and it’s nuts!” 08:40 - In addition to being the founder of Square, Jim is also involved deeply in the economist side of small businesses and the role they play in the economy. As the Chair of the St. Louis Federal Reserve, Jim has a unique vantage point into economic drivers and what possible impacts there may be across several industries, including automotive. He explains that automotive is a great leading indicator for the rest of the economy, albeit skewed by the last two years of the pandemic. “Does the chip shortage sort of mess up that indicator? If we could get the car, we’d buy the car, but we can’t get the car so we’re going to satisfy ourselves with something else.” 11:54 - Is it even possible to create a predictable business formula when the last two years have provided a skewed outlook on the market? “It's driving predictable business people. Crazy. Like if you're used to following a formula and that formula's been working for 25 years, the last thing you want is what we've just lived through. And we're what we're gonna go live through. Like, it's, it's just so much change. And what I talk about a lot in the book is th<
Wed, July 20, 2022
Send us a text Hosts Michael Cirillo, Kyle Mountsier, and Paul J Daly tell the story of how they came to create this podcast and why they believe it is critical for there to be more collaboration in the Retail Auto community between not only Dealers and Industry Partners, but also OEM's and Consumers. And there's also a joke or two...or three or four... ⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture. 🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts: The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
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