Car Selling Secrets

Minnesota House Republican Pat Garofolo and Democratic House Ryan Winkler join us to talk politics. These guys are actually aligned on more issues than one would think. We learn the THC gummies legislation passed in the last session under the radar and will be legal tomorrow (July 1) in Minnesota. We also talk about legalization of sports gambling legislation that Pat wrote and almost passed in the last session. Ryan talks about his campaign for Hennepin county attorney and Pat admits that if he was a Hennepin county resident, he'd vote for Ryan. Unfortunately for Ryan's campaign, Pat would also endorse Dr. Jensen. These two are great guests and always worth a listen.  Finally we talk about Tom's announcement that he's leaving the Morning show in December. Doug suggests renaming the podcast "Dougie and the Quitter." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Borne, owner of the world's only floating recording studio stops by to plug his summer concert series and in the meantime, cut a commercial live, on the air for Walser Automotive. We breifly turn to electric cars but spend more time talking about an all original 1956 Hammond B3 organ that hadn't been played in 4 decades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brent Alpert, board member for the Minnesota street rod association, joins us in studio to talk about the 48th annual Back to the Fifties car show, One of the largest in the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Lambert and Mary Velline from the Minnesota Auto Dealer's Association join us in studio to talk about the amazingly successful Twin Cities Auto Show. Final weekend.......hurry, don't wait. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do Ellen DeGeneres, Charlie Sheen and Nick Cage all have in common? They've bought really expensive and rare cars from Bill Ward. Bill and Tom Ryan join us in studio to talk about exceptionally rare and expensive used cars. Tom Also talks with Mike Gelfand about Harper Lee and what a mooch Truman Capote is.  Certainly something for everyone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Hodge podge episode where we talk about physical diseases, Macular degeneration, self-driving cars, Emo Phillips in a Northern Wisconsin casino. In honor of the passing of Gilbert Gottfried, we play some old live KQ Walser sports that nearly ended Doug's radio career.  On the automotive front, we talk about GM and Honda partnering in a sub 30K all electric vehicle, the introduction of the Ford F-150 Lightning and the worlds first trans-gender Traffic report. Never a dull moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An automotive based episode. We debunk fuel saving devices and the conspiracy theories behind murdering scientists that developed carburetors capable of 100 mpg ratings. We talk about wasting money on premium fuel for most cars sold in the us and attempt to delicately explain when ethanol isn't always the best alternative. Lots of callers weighing in on compression ratios etc. and yet another failed attempt to get our GM mechanic friend to call in from Kenosha.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local bluesman Jim Stairs from Squishy Mud joins us in studio. It turns out that Jim, Mike Gelfand and Doug all drove taxis in Minneapolis in the 70's. We share stories of driving drunks around and playing in front of drunk people which seems somewhat appropriate as it's St. Patrick's day. Somehow all three of us survived those halcyon days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technical difficulty day. We start the show talking dieting physiology with three women just starting their own clinic.  Next up, Ukrainian tax breaks for citizens capturing Russian military equipment, Fords 50 billion dollar investment in EV's and Carvana's purchase of Adessa auto auctions. Finally, Doug talks about getting car-jacked in the 70's as a cab driver and we learn that Mike Gelfand also drove for the same company at likely the same time....................more to come about this next week while Mike and Doug will tell cab driving stories..........We are likely why they invented ride-share. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk about the ongoing chip shortage with a listener who's patiently waiting for this new F250 to be built. We also talk about the war in the Ukraine, the possibility of an attack on Chernobyl and how to survive $5.00 per gallon gasoline. Not the most uplifting episode but at least we are topical.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first hour, during The Family, we mostly talked about something other than politics.  Now, on Car Selling Secrets, we're talking politics.  We checked our calendar, and no, it's not opposite day.  Although Doug does talk at length about selling cars in the second half, which is unusual enough that we may have to have February 10th declared as something in the same vein as opposite day.  The day hell froze over, perhaps. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drinking and not driving. A very unusual and up lifting episode guided by many callers who phone in to discuss their struggles with alcoholism. Mike Gelfand talks about the pioneering work he did on the radio decades ago being one of the first people to openly discuss his own mental health struggles.  Along the way we learn that the perfect inexpensive car to drive to group therapy is a 2001 Honda Accord V6......as long as you change the timing belt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back after a 6 week hiatus. We discuss Tesla potentially taking the US Luxury Sales crown, bad boys pulling over people in a cop car, Earl Butz as the first victim of the cancel culture, the Presidency of Jimmy Carter and the return of the VW micro-bus.....this time, it's electric. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Car Selling Secrets is back.  Well, kind of.  Doug isn't here.  And we never talk about cars.  But we're calling it Car Selling Secrets, so it still counts.  Also, horses were basically the first kind of car.  The topic is in the same ballpark, at least.  And speaking of ballparks, don't you just hate athletes?  Let's talk about that for a solid half hour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candice Wheeler, star of the KQ morning show is live in the studio while we try to correct the depressing trajectory caused by the first hour. She talks about working on the morning show and the upcoming debut of her Sabbath tribute band. Lots of regulars call in to exchange Christmas greetings. Barely a car was mentioned for the last show of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Winkler and Pat Garofolo return to car selling secrets. Both serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives from the opposite sides of the aisle. We discuss vaccine mandates, the budget surplus, Jewish Space lasers, the travesty of CNN and Fox and the bomb throwers at the federal level in both parties. Even though Pat got busted on the house floor giving Ryan the finger, we model adult behavior. There is hope that the middle can rise up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back after a long Covid fueled brake.  Tom has mostly recovered; Doug is back from travelling and we have a show that deals almost exclusively with cars. Lots of talk of electric cars and we dive into some of the shortcomings of Li-on batteries and Toyota's 13 billion dollar investment in solid state battery technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Jackson-Richter joins us live in studio. Katie is the COO of Cuneo Advertising, a national agency that has worked predominantly in automobile business. We discuss marketing strategies, third party attribution and where she thinks the market is headed. Katie started out in the radio business in Rapid City before following her fella to Minneapolis. She worked briefly at KQ as well as clear channel before joining Cuneo. We also mark the passing of Jimmy Roseen who is a legend among Minnesota car dealers. Jimmy started the original North Star Auto Auction. We also discuss his rather unusual job interview with the late Jack Walser. www.walser.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined in studio by JLO and Steven Collins from Coon Rapids Nissan. Of course we discuss Walser to you as Tom leased his new Nissan Altima that way. We also discuss Steven technically dying during the same operation that Andy Barnard is going through today. On the automotive side, Tesla's market briefly tops one trillion dollars after the 4.2 billion dollar purchase of Tesla 3's by Hertz. Finally we discuss the potential buyer incentives coming for electric vehicle owners but only if the vehicle is union made. www.walser.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boys club episode with Mike Gelfand on the phone. We talk about Tesla's increasing market share and how Doug missed a great stock purchasing opportunity a year ago. Mike tells the story of how his dad sued him when Mike correctly decided that Dad should no longer drive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The all over the map episode. Peter Borne returns to talk about a charity run by a bunch of guys named Mike who are having "Mikes Giving" on Peter's boat. We also compare colonoscopy stories and the dangers of 60's Volkswagens. Ron calls in to relay the story of his brand new Chevrolet truck that had apparently been painted three different colors from the factory. Finally, Mike Gelfand mourns the loss of a ceramic greyhound he won on Wheel of Fortune. No show next week as I'll be working the digital dealer automotive convention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener calls in to tell the tale of the worst car buying and owning experience he's ever had. Sadly, it centered around the old Walser Buick site in Richfield.  Mike Gelfand also joins in with tales of self destructive Chevrolets and driving while blind to donate cars to charity. Doug relays his most recent experience fending of Craig's List scammers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Carter, joins us from Canada to talk about the future of the automobile from Electrics to hydrogen and autonomous vehicles. After a long career with Toyota, he founded Vision Mobility and provides consulting to businesses worldwide about how these products will change the world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Valdez joins us in studio to talk about a rare disease that affects her son and nephew. If you recall the movie 'Lorenzo's Oil it deals with something called ALD. There is a virtual 5K to raise money for research. For more info, go to xoutald.org.  Along the way we find out that Amanda's son and Tom's grandson are bitter soccer rivals on the mean streets of West Bloomington. We also discover that Amanda works as a parole officer which leads us on a tour of 70's strip clubs in St. Paul, racketeering and the unfortunate end of some of Tom's uncles. Never a dull moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined by Attorney Michael Bryant and auto assembly plant worker Joe from Louisville as we wander through the events of the day including Bronco roof recall and the back log civil cases due to covid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reverend Dana Strande makes her second appearance on car selling secrets. We talk about God and discover that Mellissa was a theology major. Some great conversations that are well worth a listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another rare episode where all we talk about is cars. We discuss Biden's pending announcement of toughened CAFE standards, the rush to domestic battery plant building and the change that theTrump administration's China tariffs may have on US construction and a re-alignment of inventory chains. We also note that the NYC auto show is cancelled due to increases in Covid numbers and howthe 4th wave may or may not affect us. Tire Carver calls in to discuss the environmental impact of Lion battery disposal. All and all a pretty serious episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minnesota State Representative Ryan Winkler makes his 3rd appearance and gets us caught up on the recently ended state legislative session, changes in marijuana laws and why the best presidential run in America was FDR through Kennedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Borne joins us in studio to talk about building the only mobile floating recording studio in the world, the halcyon days of working at KQ, recording commercials with Mick Sterling (who also happens to be in studio).  It's a rollicking conversation that covers boating, music, the importance of faith, and KQRS. He also happens to mention recreating famous cars from the 60's such as the bat mobile. The show flies by and we are already making plans for a live broadcast with an audience on the boat. Bring gas money and a towel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined in studio with Walser's Recruiting Director Ryan Moffitt and General Managers Bret Juedes and Andy Swanson. The whole show really is about selling in the Walser system, what's great about it and why you should join the team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professional comedian Costaki Economopoulos joins us in studio. He's in town doing a week at acme and he stops by to discuss late 70's automotive lovers and what it's like doing live standup after a 15 month hiatus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when your guest cancels at the last minute? Snag Tom's guest from the first hour. Brian Leighton, local rock legend and leader of the G.B. Leighton band joins us. We briefly talk about the world's slowest car, oddly named a Rabbit and then the talk quickly turns to music because, let's face it, music is the only thing cooler than cars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tal Maizels, VP of R&D for Fuse Autotech, joins us from Tel Aviv. We talk about what life in Israel is like, the iron dome missile defense system and why Israel is a hot bed for technology and software development. We also talk about Fuse Autotech's plan to upend the automotive purchase experience in the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South St Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis returns. The city is the home of the Beautiful Wayl car and the Scooby-Doo Mystery mobile. The discussion turns to politics and the value of centrists. We decide that retired radio star Dave Lee would make the perfect gubernatorial candidate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Lambert calls in from the highly successful Twin Cities Auto show at the state fairground. Joe calls in with the latest shutdown news and we discuss day's supply of inventory and the stunning new F-150 Lightning. Oddly, we discuss cars during the entire podcast........it rarely happens. We will not broadcast next week in order to make room for the Tom Barnard Podcast's 2,000th episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Murphy, founder of Soul Asylum and Golden Smog joins us in studio to talk rock music. The discussion turns to local music venues during the 80's and a particular monitor engineer called 'Feed Back Frank'. Turns out Frank is Joe from Loisville's dad. Dan and Doug were step-brothers for a few years in the early 70's and Dan embarasses Doug with stories of being a tall skinny hippy drenched in Patchouli oil. Finally, Dan talks about what it's like to have Prince cover one of his songs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Veline, head of the Twin Cities Auto show joins us to talk about the auto show at the state fair. With a 10,000 daily attendance limit, ride and drives and state fair food and extended hours, this could be the best ever auto show. We also talk about Mary's famous father-in-law, Bobby V. Somehow the conversation turns to Covid vaccine and Doug books Tom an appointment for tomorrow during the show. You never know what's going to happen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk about the chip shortage, skyrocketing used car prices and the dominance of one price dealers in the used car world in the US. GM announces the connection of 60,000 charging stations across the US. Joe calls in to talk about factory shutdowns and product shortages and Officer Dave tries to sell Tom an electric Mustang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Krutsch joins us in studio. Alan was the Marketing Director at Walser many years ago and really is responsible for the start of the live KQ radio spots. He regales us with tales of advertising, drinking expensive wine on Tom's dime and high end audio sales in Bozeman Montana.  Oddly, Alan is the first guest who can't remember exactly what his first car was. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Baseball time and our friend Mike Veeck from the St. Paul Saints joins us to talk about his return to MLB along with the classic story about how he was forced out over 45 years ago. For those not in the know, the Saints are now part of the Twins farm system so expect to see a lot of major league talent at the gorgeous CHS field in downtown St. Paul. We mention cars exactly zero times in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Lambert, President of the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association joins us in studio to talk about Scott's boldest move, booking the Twin Cities Auto Show at the State Fair. As soon as he announced it, the food vendors lined up to participate. With free parking, great food and Covid protocols, this is destined to be a really exciting event. Tickets will be limited to 10,000 per day. For more info, go to; https://twincitiesautoshow.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The April fool's show reunites Tom and Johnny Rock Lassman. Other than blowing up a 77 Mustang II on the Long Island Expressway, not much car content here but for fans of Twin Cities Radio, is an episode not to miss. Tales of program directors gone awry, life on North Lilac drive and the birth (and death) of the Chucker. These guys haven't seen each other in almost a year and a half and there was lots to catch up on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Davis makes his return to Car Selling Secrets. When he was first on, 1 1/2 years ago, he was about to start his sales career at Walser's Porsche Wichita store. He talks about his love for the brand, selling the most expensive car in company history (1.3 Million) and starting his own podcast. Somehow we wind up talking about Eric Eskola and a couple callers phone in to celebrate their recent sobriety. You never know what's going to happen on Car Selling Secrets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Swanson, General Manager at Walser Hyundai, joins us in studio to talk about cars oddly enough including the red hot product. Along the way we discuss our inglorious start in the business when the world was a different place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famous local attorney Michael Bryant joins us in studio. After a few minutes of listening to Tom talk about road rage incidents in Palm Beach at the Breakers Golf course, we get down to discussing the ins and outs of the Derek Chauvin trial, how jury selection works, possible pleas and how Covid has affected the jury system. It's actually very interesting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mysterious case of the disappearing guest. What do you do when the phone goes right to voicemail?  Make stuff up and hope for some interesting callers which is exactly what happens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walser automotive group's Marketing Director Kate Lumsden joins us in the studio. Kate has apparently been car crazy her whole life, drawing cars during school as a little girl. With a degree in graphic design, she happened to answer a blind employment ad and wound up working for the Morries automotive group. She starts to pick on her husband's lifted and loud 20 year old Ram before slips up and reveals she a Wrangler driver who lives out in the country. Not a typical background for automotive marketing but it seems to be going well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, it's the coldest week of the winter so it's a perfect time to talk boats with Dan Chesky from Dan's Southside Marine. We explain to Tom that it's called 'Dock Sailing' not 'Deck sailing. Dan discuses Mercury's new 600 HP V12 outboard that costs 80,000 dollars and can drink three gallons of gas per mile. Tracy Morgan shows up at the end of the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest free episode where we talk about Apple and Hyundai making AV's, Caroll Shelby's AC Cobra selling for 12 million dollars, the ongoing chip shortage hurting production and the jaw-dropping Cadillac Blackwing.... Along the way we hear from Officer Dave and Joe from Louisville, Marvin Gaye and the Beatles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading automotive journalist Cliff Banks joins us to talk about the future of automotive in these changing times including EV's AV's and Hydrogen powered cars. The last 10 minutes inadvertently turned into a commercial for Fuse AutoTech, a software company that will allow a complete digital automotive transaction. For those interested in learning more about the automotive business, I highly recommend subscribing to http://www.thebanksreport.com/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dayna Landgrebe is our guest this week. Dayna has worked in PR and Communications at Walser for 3 years. She talks about the work done creating an interesting and vibrant culture within the company. She is a founder of the 'Women of Walser' and was instrumental in the creation of the 'Drive with Pride' initiative. She's helped build something very different in the automotive space. She talks about her early work in TV news production and a desire to get into radio where she thought the big money was. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.