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 Glassd...
Mar 25, 2024•30 min
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 val...
Mar 21, 2024•27 min
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,...
Mar 14, 2024•23 min
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...
Mar 07, 2024•31 min
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, focus...
Feb 29, 2024•22 min
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, ...
Feb 22, 2024•24 min
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 cus...
Feb 15, 2024•26 min
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 ...
Jan 31, 2024•23 min
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, includin...
Jan 29, 2024•25 min
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 D...
Jan 25, 2024•27 min
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 processe...
Jan 18, 2024•28 min
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 main...
Jan 15, 2024•25 min
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 o...
Jan 11, 2024•33 min
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 rec...
Jan 04, 2024•26 min
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 discuss...
Dec 14, 2023•23 min
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 redef...
Dec 07, 2023•24 min
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, w...
Nov 30, 2023•28 min
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 de...
Nov 20, 2023•25 min
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 understandi...
Nov 06, 2023•28 min
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 dat...
Nov 02, 2023•29 min
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 cha...
Oct 30, 2023•26 min
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 conve...
Oct 26, 2023•23 min
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 fo...
Oct 09, 2023•32 min
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 eva...
Oct 05, 2023•27 min
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 o...
Sep 25, 2023•27 min
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 tr...
Sep 23, 2023•25 min
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 Matt...
Sep 22, 2023•30 min
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 ...
Sep 21, 2023•25 min
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...
Sep 20, 2023•23 min
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 wit...
Sep 18, 2023•26 min
