In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Paul J Daly sits down with Kielan Whitner of Townsend Nissan to explore what it really means to lead from "eye level." A former Syracuse football player and public accountant, Kielan breaks down how he transitioned into the auto industry and climbed the ranks to General Manager in just seven years. His approach? Lead with empathy, be accessible, and create a dealership culture where personal connection drives professional performance. Kielan shares his philosophy ...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min
In this compelling ASOTU CON session, Paul J Daly sits down with John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, to discuss the evolving role of leadership in the modern auto industry. Bozzella shares his journey from politics to automotive policy, offering a unique lens into how government, innovation, and economic strategy intersect. With decades of experience at Ford, Chrysler, and now leading a critical trade organization, Bozzella unpacks the deep impact the auto...
Jun 25, 2025•11 min
In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Paul J Daly sits down with Glenn Pasch to discuss his latest book, The Road to Sold , and dive deep into the practical realities of online sales process optimization. Glenn, a seasoned operator, consultant, and trainer, explains how the book was born out of a common but frustrating gap between marketing performance and showroom results. With his signature “hands-in-the-dirt” approach, he reveals how disconnects between online lead handling and in-store engagement ...
Jun 24, 2025•11 min
In this fast-paced and thought-provoking conversation recorded live at ASOTU CON 2025, David Spisak sits down with Ben Hadley to explore what he calls “The Age of Compression.” Ben breaks down how innovation cycles, attention spans, and consumer expectations are all accelerating—and why traditional automotive processes are struggling to keep up. This episode dives into the psychological and technological shifts reshaping how businesses must think, build, and serve in an era of instant gratificat...
Jun 23, 2025•18 min
In this thought-provoking ASOTU CON 2025 session, David Spisak of Disruptive Growth Solutions sits down with Daniel Govaer to tackle one of the most pervasive operational issues in automotive retail: shiny object syndrome. With over two decades of experience in retail automotive, Daniel breaks down how impulsively chasing new tech leads to stalled implementations, team confusion, and ultimately, failure to launch. Together, they discuss the critical importance of identifying real problems before...
Jun 20, 2025•14 min
In this playful yet insightful session from ASOTU CON 2025, Arthur Bratton of Holiday Automotive joins Brad Gelber to explore what his young children unknowingly taught him about website user experience (UX) in automotive retail. Drawing inspiration from how his three, five, and seven-year-olds interact with technology, Arthur emphasizes that intuitive, simple design doesn’t just help younger users—it benefits every shopper. From click behavior to visual clarity, this episode breaks down the par...
Jun 19, 2025•11 min
In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Elizabeth Shults of RML Automotive joins Brad Gelber on the podcast stage to unpack one of the most contentious issues facing dealership marketers today: one-size-fits-all mandates from OEMs. Elizabeth shares firsthand how top-down directives—like Stellantis’ recent GMB access requirements—create operational chaos at the dealership level. Drawing on her deep experience with domestic brands, she highlights the disconnect between OEM decision-makers and the day-to-d...
Jun 18, 2025•10 min
In this high-powered ASOTU CON 2025 session, Steve Greenfield moderates a conversation with three top-tier venture capital voices shaping the future of automotive retail: Bill Cariss of Holman Growth Ventures, Chase Fraser of FM Capital, and Brian Donnelly of Autotech Ventures. With decades of operational, investment, and mobility experience between them, these investors unpack what it really takes to attract funding in today's automotive startup ecosystem. The conversation covers everything fro...
Jun 17, 2025•33 min
In this lively ASOTU CON 2025 session, Alex Lawrence of EV Auto returns to the podcast stage with host Elena Ciccotelli to discuss the evolution of his brand, the EV landscape, and how content creation, customer trust, and service infrastructure all play critical roles in EV adoption. Known for his engaging documentary-style social media presence, Alex shares the journey from low-engagement educational videos to viral behind-the-scenes content that built EV Auto into a trusted name. He offers ca...
Jun 16, 2025•12 min
In this ASOTU CON 2025 conversation, Michael Wood of Checkered Flag joins Elena Ciccotelli to explore the current state and future of Jaguar, the complexities of EV retail, and the importance of improving the customer experience in the dealership model. Michael passionately defends Jaguar's return to its roots, pushing boundaries in design and technology while rejecting criticism from purists who misunderstand the brand’s evolution. He sheds light on the realities of franchise laws, using Scout ...
Jun 16, 2025•10 min
In this dynamic ASOTU CON 2025 session, Austin Conroy sits down with Joe Castelino of American Motors Group to unpack a bold and strategic approach to rethinking service operations in response to changing market forces—including tariffs, EV adoption, and used car surges. Joe outlines how his team is right-sizing their fixed ops strategy by looking at every process from technician dispatching to digital parts ordering, and from internship-based technician development to a dedicated EV service cen...
Jun 13, 2025•11 min
In this inspiring ASOTU CON 2025 session, Austin Conroy sits down with Richard Lupo of Apple Tree Honda to discuss a revolutionary approach to solving one of the industry's biggest challenges: technician and service advisor shortages. Richard shares how his dealership has implemented a forward-thinking talent development program, transforming their hiring practices from reactive to strategic. By replacing the traditional "lube tech" role with entry-level technician career paths, Apple Tree has c...
Jun 13, 2025•11 min
In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Ed Roberts of Bozard Ford Lincoln joins host Austin Conroy on stage to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of automotive retail: customer convenience during the ownership journey. Ed challenges the industry’s traditional approach to fixed ops, pointing out the stark contrast between the high-touch sales process and the often neglected service experience. He emphasizes the need to stop interrogating customers during scheduling and start welcoming them with o...
Jun 12, 2025•12 min
In this Session, Kyle Mountsier sits down with automotive industry icon David Kain to unpack his evolving role at NCM Associates and the powerful impact of Vendor 20 Groups. With decades of experience advocating for dealer success, David shares why it's more important than ever to foster genuine partnerships between vendors and dealerships. His insights highlight a fresh approach to collaboration that breaks down long-standing walls in the auto industry. David offers compelling anecdotes from re...
Jun 11, 2025•14 min
In this engaging ASOTU CON 2025 session, hosts Kyle Mountsier and Paul J Daly sit down with Michael Lucki of Riverhead Mazda and two distinguished international guests: Ricardo Conesa and Pedro Sala from Spain’s Top Auto Group. They dive into the current state of the Spanish auto market, spotlighting the rise of Chinese automakers, rapid tech adoption, and the similarities dealers share across borders. Michael reflects on his unique global journey, from Spain to NADA, and now to his own dealersh...
Jun 11, 2025•8 min
In this forward-looking ASOTU CON 2025 session, Kyle Mountsier sits down with Arianne Walker from Amazon Autos and two standout students from Northwood University, Chase Southwick and Hanna Wood, to explore the evolving automotive landscape through the lens of the next generation. From fresh insights into customer experience to the rising role of digital fluency and social media savvy, this episode highlights the vital importance of welcoming new voices into the industry. The discussion spans pe...
Jun 10, 2025•11 min
In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Nick Askew dives into the intricate world of inventory optimization with Derek Hansen and Patrick Janes of Cox Automotive. As industry veterans and leaders at one of automotive's most data-rich organizations, they explore how AI-powered insights and digital tools are helping dealer groups solve one of their most persistent challenges: getting the right car to the right store at the right time. The conversation reveals how Cox Auto, through solutions like vAuto, is...
Jun 09, 2025•9 min
In this ASOTU CON 2025 episode, Nick Askew sits down with Danielle Mills Walden from Upstart and Evan Driscoll of Audi Jacksonville to explore how AI-powered financing is transforming dealership operations and expanding customer access. With real-world insights from both the provider and the practitioner, the conversation covers everything from instant approvals and improved profit centers to the ethical implications of AI-driven lending. Danielle breaks down how Upstart’s technology leverages t...
Jun 06, 2025•12 min
In this ASOTU CON session, Chad Graves of Reunion Marketing joins Nick Askew to explore how AI-generated overviews—like those featured prominently in Google and other search platforms—are fundamentally transforming the customer journey in automotive retail. With search behavior changing rapidly due to the rise of tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Chad unpacks how dealerships must adapt their SEO strategies to stay visible and relevant in a zero-click world. Learn more about Reunion Marketi...
Jun 05, 2025•11 min
In this Session from ASOTU CON 2025, Zac Kinch sits down with Keith Lemer, CEO of WellNet, to explore how reframing healthcare costs can directly enhance company culture. Keith shares real-world examples of transforming healthcare from a dreaded budget line item into a powerful recruitment and retention tool—turning dollars into deeper employee engagement. From guiding employees toward smarter healthcare decisions to implementing innovative savings strategies, Keith illustrates how dealers can t...
Jun 04, 2025•10 min
In this ASOTU CON Session recorded live at ASOTU CON 2025, Zac Kinch sits down with Greg Uland, VP of Marketing at Reynolds and Reynolds, to unpack the real-world impact of goal setting inside dealership operations and corporate teams. Greg brings clarity to how effective goal setting aligns every team member—from senior leadership to frontline staff—toward a common mission. Through dealership-specific examples and lessons from Reynolds and Reynolds’ own practices, Greg breaks down the importanc...
Jun 03, 2025•11 min
Send us a textIn this inspiring ASOTU CON session, Danny Zaslavsky hosts Erikka Tiffani Wells, General Manager at Walser Automotive Group, on the ASOTU CON podcast stage. Erikka shares her journey of rising through the automotive industry, discussing the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to a single point of contact and negotiation-free sales model at Walser. She passionately explains how this approach has transformed customer experiences by prioritizing transparency and convenience.Er...
Jun 25, 2024•11 min
Send us a textIn this insightful ASOTU CON session, Danny Zaslavsky hosts Austin Beaver, a rising star in the automotive industry, on the ASOTU CON podcast stage. Austin shares his journey of growing up in a car dealership family, his early experiences in the dealership, and his transition from studying accounting to becoming a controller and now preparing to lead a new Mazda store. They delve into the evolution of car buying preferences, emphasizing the importance of providing a frictionless...
Jun 24, 2024•11 min
Send us a textIn this dynamic ASOTU CON session, Glenn Lundy converses with Jonathan Dawson, renowned Coach and Trainer at Sellchology, about building the next generation of the automotive industry. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of maintaining relational selling over purely transactional methods, cautioning against innovation for innovation's sake. They explore the delicate balance between leveraging modern tools like Amazon and maintaining traditional, personal interactions with custome...
Jun 24, 2024•14 min
Send us a textIn this engaging ASOTU CON session, Glenn Lundy interviews Kayla Kody, Vice President at Richmond Ford Auto Group, delving into the future of the automotive industry. Kayla shares insights on the importance of training and development, innovative changes in sales processes, and the impact of technology on service departments. They discuss the critical role of change management and the significance of breaking down silos within dealerships to foster a cohesive and efficient work ...
Jun 21, 2024•14 min
Send us a textIn this lively episode of ASOTU CON Sessions by Effectv, Glenn Lundy hosts an inspiring discussion with Todd Caputo, founder of Todd Caputo Consulting, and a dynamic group of students from Northwood University: Noah Koss, Breanne Pratley, Hanna Wood, and Zak McLeod. They explore the unique role Northwood University plays in shaping the next generation of automotive leaders. Todd Caputo shares his initiative to bring Northwood students to ASOTU CON, highlighting the importance of...
Jun 21, 2024•14 min
Send us a textIn this episode of ASOTU CON Sessions, Glenn Pasch engages in a compelling conversation with AJ McGowan, co-founder and president of AutoVision. AJ delves into the advanced data science behind AutoVision’s platform, highlighting its capabilities in inventory management and marketing strategy enhancement. The discussion focuses on how AutoVision leverages data to provide dealers with precise insights, enabling them to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and inventor...
Jun 20, 2024•12 min
Send us a textIn this episode of ASOTU CON Sessions, Glenn Pasch sits down with Anthony Jingoli, Senior Director of Automotive Strategy and Partnerships for Effectv and Brendan Jackson from Effectv to explore the intricacies of content strategy and the evolution of targeted advertising. Anthony and Brendan shed light on the confusion surrounding OTT, addressable advertising, and the overall TV ecosystem, providing clarity on how these elements fit into a comprehensive marketing strategy.The d...
Jun 20, 2024•12 min
Send us a textIn this insightful episode of ASOTU CON Sessions, Glenn Pasch sits down with Brad Gelber, Digital Media and Content Marketing Manager at West Herr Automotive. Brad shares valuable strategies on organizing and optimizing content marketing in the automotive industry. He delves into the challenges faced by small marketing teams, the importance of using tools like Monday.com for workflow management, and the significance of authentic, people-centered content.Brad also provides practi...
Jun 19, 2024•14 min
Send us a textIn this insightful episode of ASOTU CON Sessions, Joe Overby interviews Darrell Steed, president of SmartWolf Consulting. Steed shares the fascinating origin of his company’s name, inspired by his reputation as a fixer in the auto industry, akin to Winston Wolf from "Pulp Fiction." The conversation delves into Steed's journey from a used car director to a consultant, highlighting the critical lessons he’s learned in dealership operations and his mission to help dealers optimize ...
Jun 19, 2024•12 min
