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...
Jan 09, 2025•30 min
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 developi...
Dec 20, 2024•27 min
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 cente...
Dec 18, 2024•32 min
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. W...
Aug 26, 2024•26 min
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...
Aug 19, 2024•26 min
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 ...
Aug 12, 2024•23 min
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, a...
Aug 08, 2024•18 min
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 ...
Aug 05, 2024•29 min
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 importanc...
Aug 01, 2024•26 min
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...
Jul 22, 2024•28 min
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...
Jul 18, 2024•23 min
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 rema...
Jul 15, 2024•26 min
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,...
Jul 08, 2024•23 min
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 ...
Jul 01, 2024•27 min
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 Yo...
Jun 27, 2024•26 min
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 bui...
Jun 20, 2024•29 min
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 anecdo...
Jun 17, 2024•28 min
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 ind...
Jun 13, 2024•25 min
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 in...
May 13, 2024•26 min
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...
May 10, 2024•28 min
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 casu...
May 08, 2024•26 min
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 tangi...
May 06, 2024•26 min
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 foresi...
May 02, 2024•26 min
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...
Apr 29, 2024•29 min
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, challenge...
Apr 25, 2024•28 min
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 ...
Apr 18, 2024•25 min
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 ...
Apr 11, 2024•32 min
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, ...
Apr 08, 2024•28 min
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 automotiv...
Apr 04, 2024•23 min
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 fo...
Apr 03, 2024•40 min
