Podcasts about asotu

Episode #1360: Today we're throwing it back to ASOTU CON and revisiting a few of the quotes that had the biggest impact on the room. Show Notes with links: We might be biased, but we think ASOTU CON featured some of the best keynotes in the industry, a...

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1360: Today we're throwing it back to ASOTU CON and revisiting a few of the quotes that had the biggest impact on the room. Plus, we break down Anthropic's confidential IPO filing and its meteoric rise past OpenAI in valuationWe might be biased, but we think ASOTU CON featured some of the best keynotes in the industry, and today we figured we'd throw it back to just a couple of weeks ago.Brian Benstock: “What you're looking for is right here in the mirror.”Patrick Abad: “Accountability without development is just disappointment with a deadline.”David Spisak: “How did your life differ from that of a rock?”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

I just got back from ASOTU CON. Six to seven hundred people in Hanover, Maryland, and every major outlet in the retail auto industry was there too. Three days of content, connection, and of course, a lot of talk about AI.As I took a few days to digest what just happened, some themes began to emerge.We have a couple of neot signs in our office that have been up for about seven years. One says "Connection Agency." One says "Make It Meaningful." I put those up when I was running my creative agency, Congruent (now called "More Than Cars Creative", long before ASOTU, long before More Than Cars, long before any of this.I walked back in after the event and looked at those signs and thought: "those aged really well."Because everything that was resonating at ASOTU CON, every post people made, every moment people are talking about, it was about the humans. Not the AI summit. Not the tech. The people.Meanwhile, the metaverse didn't age well. Zoom-only workplaces didn't age well. The CDP craze from 24 months ago didn't age well. They didn't age well because they were built on technology as the point, not the human.Now we have AI. Not that AI isn't real and powerful. It is. It does belong on a shelf in our took room,  just not the top shelf.Connection and meaning have been and will always belong the top shelf. That's what gets people out of bed. That's what carries you through hard times. That's what makes someone say "I see what you're building, and I want to be a part of it."Hundreds people showed up to our event not because of the tech we talked about. They showed up because of what we're building together.Pay attention to the humans around you. It's highly likely they'll be around longer than the latest tech. Pursue Clarity, Paul.Connect with me at www.pauljdaly.comCheck out the More Than Cars Movement here. 

Shoot us a Text.In the immediate aftermath of ASOTU CON 2026, Paul, Kyle and Michael break down what just happened in the last 3 days. From the Welcome Reception to the closing keynote of David Spisak, everything was truly centered on the theme of "The Year of the Human." It was a blast, and we'll be back next year!Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.It's day 2, or 3, depending on how you look at it! We're having an amazing time here in Hanover MD.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Breakfast is going, the people are here and Paul, Kyle and Michael chat about their biggest takeaways from Day 0.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Paul, Michael, and Kyle talk about the anticipation for what's about to happen this week on site in Hanover, Maryland. They give their top three things to look forward to and to watch, and they also talk about what it will take for dealers and industry partners to have a successful week, whether they are at the event or not. It's still not too late to join us. Go to ASOTUCON.com to get tickets. If you can't join us, make sure you follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter so that you don't miss a thing. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Today on the show, Paul, Kyle and Chris give a sneak preview of an ASOTU CON Breakfast Session with Damon Lester on the importance of mental health in the auto industry.It's not too late to get tickets: https://www.asotucon.com/ticketsJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Daly, co-founder of ASOTU (alongside Kyle Mountsier), and let me just say… this conversation is fun, real and relevant. We're talking about what the best operators are actually doing right now… And spoiler alert… it's not chasing shiny AI tools or buying the next "magic solution." It's people. It's culture. It's leadership that actually develops other leaders. Because here's the reality… our industry is losing billions to turnover every year, and the stores that are winning? They are obsessing over their people, giving them ownership, building real career paths, and creating environments where teams actually want to stay and grow. And that's exactly what makes ASOTU CON 2026 (May 12–14 in Maryland) different. https://www.asotucon.com This isn't a sit-and-listen conference. This is where ideas get challenged. Where failures get shared (yes… out loud). Where operators, innovators, and leaders actually collaborate. The theme? Year of the Human. Because while everyone's shouting "AI, AI, AI…" The real question is… who's leading the people behind it? If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready for something that actually pushes your thinking, your leadership, and your business forward… You might want to be in that room. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |  https://apple.co/38lmHM1  https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

How many years does it take to record one podcast?Apparently three.Episode 264 is here, and I'll be honest, I wasn't sure this day was going to come. I've been talking about getting back behind the mic for the better part of a year. My team can confirm that. But today I just hit record, and here we are.I started Clarity Compressed in February 2018 as a content series built around a book that genuinely changed how I thought about business. What started as something I made for my 150-dealer client base turned into 263 weekly episodes, guests I had no business landing, and a show I recorded week after week without ever committing to more than the next one.Then I recorded episode 263, signed off, and didn't come back for three years.A lot happened in those three years. ASOTU became the More Than Cars movement. My creative agency congruent got merged into More Than Cars Creative. My son went from 16 to 19 and is now taller than me. More gray in the beard. More wins, more lessons, same energy.The thing I said at the end of episode 263 has stuck with me the whole time: you win or you learn. Jalen Hurts said it after the Eagles lost the Super Bowl. Then he went out and won one. I think about that a lot.The world is also a fundamentally different place than it was in 2022. AI is reshaping what it means to build, to communicate, to have a career. And the more that changes, the more convinced I am that the human stuff, real conversations, real thinking, real connection, is about to become the most valuable thing any of us have.That's what this show is about. I'm not here as an expert. I'm here as a student who's been in the arena long enough to have some things worth saying.Clarity Compressed is back. I'm glad you're here.In this episode:The origin story: a reconditioning company, a book, and 150 dealersWhat happened in the three years between episode 263 and todayThe merging of congruent into More Than Cars CreativeWhy "you win or you learn" has only gotten more trueHow AI is changing what it means to build, communicate, and connectWhy human conversation is about to become more valuableWhat's coming for the show: guests, structured thinking, writing, and moreQuote from this episode: "If you become a student long enough, you might start to sound like an expert, and that's because you've tried things, you've lost, and you've learned."Follow me on:LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljdalyInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/paulthedalyI also host the daily, Automotive State of the Union Podcast (ASOTU)My auto industry media company and creative shop is More Than Cars

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1285: Today we unpack record negative equity making deals harder to pencil, service and parts lanes regaining momentum as dealers look for profit stability, and a surprising $56B productivity hit caused by generational friction and AI adoption inside modern sales teams.A growing number of buyers are rolling serious negative equity into their next vehicle purchase, creating real challenges for dealers trying to structure deals as lingering pandemic-era pricing continues to ripple through the market.Edmunds reports the average negative equity on trade-ins reached a record $7,214 in Q4, more than $1,000 higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels.29% of new-vehicle buyers with a trade-in are underwater, up four percentage points from a year ago.Nearly 27% of underwater buyers carried at least $10,000 in negative equity, making deal structuring increasingly difficult for dealerships.Brian Maas of the California New Car Dealers Association summed it up: “At some point… even the most creative dealer can't figure out a way to help their customer get into a new car.”Our very own Chris Reeves did a deep dive in this morning's ASOTU daily email on how dealers can talk to customers about negative equity and real ownership cost.After a surprising dip late last year, dealer sentiment around service lanes bounced back in Q1 according to Cox Automotive, even as new-vehicle sales expectations remain flat.The Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index for fixed operations rose to 63 in Q1, up from 61 in Q4.While improved, the score still trails mid-2025 levels of 65 and 66, showing the service business hasn't fully returned to peak optimism.Dealer expectations for future fixed ops opportunities jumped to 69, up five points from last quarter's low.With Cox forecasting flat new-vehicle sales around 16 million in 2026, service lanes may become even more critical for dealer profitability.A new report says generational tension inside sales teams isn't just awkward—it's expensive. A report from SalesLoft and Clari estimates generational conflict between Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Z is costing companies about $56 billion a year in lost productivity as AI adoption reshapes how teams work.Nearly 39% of Gen Z sales reps say they'd rather be managed by AI than a human, while some Boomers say they'd prefer AI over working with Gen Z colleagues.The tension is pushing talent out: 28% of Gen Z reps are job hunting to avoid Boomers, while 19% of Boomers are considering early retirement due to frustrations with Gen Z.Today's show is brought to you by iPacket Value. From accurate MSRP validaJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1277: The Supreme Court narrows emergency tariffs—but most auto duties remain, reshaping pricing and payments. Lamborghini shelves its EV plans in favor of hybrids. And Gen Z is ditching smartphones for iPods, chasing simpler tech in a distracted world.In our ASOTU daily email this morning, the team broke down the recent tariff news and what they mean for dealers. While one layer of trade pressure is gone after the Supreme Court's ruling, most auto-related tariffs affecting dealers and buyers remain in place.The ruling targeted emergency tariffs under IEEPA, not those imposed under Sections 232 and 301—where most auto exposure still sits.Steel and aluminum levies remain active, keeping pressure on parts, repair costs, and supplier pricing.VIN-level data shows uneven price impact: Canada-built vehicles up nearly $4K, Japan-built up ~$3.3K, Germany-built ~$2.8K, and Mexico-built over $1.5K.Pricing is largely baked into 2026 MSRPs, so expect stabilization—not rollbacks. Incentives and allocation will move before stickers do.Bottom line for dealers: focus on payment certainty, availability, and clear next steps—not promises of price drops.Lamborghini is officially backing away from its all-electric ambitions. CEO Stephan Winkelmann says the brand's customers just aren't ready—and going all-in on EVs risks becoming an “expensive hobby.”The Lanzador EV, first shown in 2023, has been quietly canceled after internal debate stretching into late 2025. Instead, by 2030, every Lamborghini will be a plug-in hybrid.Winkelmann says the “acceptance curve” for EVs among Lambo buyers is flattening and “close to zero.”Gen Z is rediscovering the iPod—and not just for the nostalgia. With schools banning connected devices and digital burnout on the rise, Apple's discontinued music player is becoming a low-tech escape hatch from the algorithm-driven chaos of smartphones.Google Trends shows 2025 searches for iPod Classic and Nano up 25% and 20% year-over-year.Refurbished iPod sales have climbed an average of 15.6% annually since 2022, according to Back Market.Students are using iPods as a workaround in phone-restricted schools—offline music without the distraction.The vibe shift? A simpler, distraction-free tech era that “felt more hopeful”—and a reminder that sometimes less tech is more freedom.Today's show is brought to you by ESi-Q. ESi-Q measures employee satisfaction and provides actionable insight into what's driving employee engagement Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Car Guy Coffee Podcast: Coffee Break feat. Paul J Daly Welcome to the Car Guy Coffee Podcast. Kickstart your day the right way  and join us as we tap into the brightest minds and most passionate voices across the automotive world to bring you the education, motivation, and inspiration you need to thrive. From the showroom floor to the service lane, prepare to Upshift and Uplift your perspective.  In this episode we sit down with Paul J. Daly, CEO of ASOTU, to talk about the highly anticipated ASOTUCON event. Paul gives us a sneak peek into the exclusive swag and reveals details about the upcoming "More Than Cars" video series. The group discusses how to navigate industry challenges with a positive mindset, focusing on what's controllable like culture and sales processes. They also highlight some of the incredible speakers and the annual reconditioned car giveaway for a great cause. Plus, listeners can get a special discount on their tickets!

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1133: Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke joins Paul to talk tariffs, pent-up demand, and why Q3 might be best experienced with a little Abba. It's a data-rich conversation with serious implications for dealers navigating policy shifts, EV adoption, and consumer behavior.ASOTU's coverage of the 45th Annual NAMAD Annual Meeting is brought to you by Connected Dealer Services.Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive, offers a deep dive into today's economic headwinds and consumer sentiment:Tariffs Echo the 1930s: Jonathan compares today's tariffs to policies that sparked the Great Depression, but says their current impact is more of a "roller coaster" than a collapse.Stabilization Surprises: Despite the policy shakeups, consumer spending has rebounded this summer. July auto sales were stronger than expected and August showed continued momentum.7 Million Buyers Still Waiting: Pent-up demand remains real. First-party data from AutoTrader, KBB, and dealer websites shows strong shopping interest, even among buyers still hunting for affordable payments.Best Time in 4 Years to Buy (If You Have Credit): Incentives, leasing deals, and EV discounts make this a prime moment for well-qualified buyers—especially for electrified vehicles.EV Adoption Is Not Slowing Down: July marked the highest market share ever for EVs in the U.S. at 9.1%. EVs are now priced lower than ICE vehicles, and the replacement cycle is kicking in.Electrification Is Inevitable: Jonathan predicts most multi-car households will have at least one EV. He drives a PHEV himself and sees plug-ins as an optimal choice for daily commutes.China May Be the Wildcard: Smoke believes Chinese EVs entering the U.S. market is a matter of when, not if—and that it may be the key to returning to a consistent 17M SAAR.Bonus Track: For Q3, Jonathan's playlist is inspired by ABBA's Gold—think "Money, Money, Money" meets “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” as a soundtrack to the Big Beautiful Bill (BBBBA).Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1132: As we kick off the last day of the NAMAD Annual Meeting, Paul J Daly and Erroll Bomar III reflect on how they've been witnessing dealers lean in on technology in order to stay ahead. Then they're joined by Shane Wilson, CEO of Connected Dealer Services who reminds us that the tech is a great starting point, but it needs to be fed by good data.ASOTU's coverage of the 45th Annual NAMAD Annual Meeting is brought to you by Connected Dealer Services.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1131: Live from Day 2 at the NAMAD Annual Meeting with co-host Erroll Bomar III! We recap our biggest takeaways from the first day of amazing conversations and content, plus look at the record $56.4B that consumers will spend on new vehicles in August.ASOTU's coverage is brought to you by Connected Dealer Services.Show Notes with links:Automotive retail is posting a strong for August, driven by expiring EV incentives and a calendar twist that included Labor Day. Consumers are projected to spend a record $54.6B on new vehicles, as electrified models reached peak share.Total new-vehicle sales projected at 1.48M, up 8.2% YoY; SAAR at 16.1M.EV retail share hits record 12.0%, up from 9.5% last year, driven by incentive pull-forward.Incentive spending restrained at 6.2% of MSRP amid tariff pressure.Average transaction price reaches $44,750; consumer spend hits August record.“The results are unquestionably inflated by shoppers accelerating their electric vehicle purchases to take advantage of Federal EV credits.” – Thomas King, J.D. PowerJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

It all started with a livestream during COVID lockdowns. It's now a major auto industry media and events company, with daily podcasts, community activation, events and more. Ahead of their annual ASOTU Con last month, Automotive State of the Union leaders Paul Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo joined Cherokee Media Group's Joe Overby for a conversation about the origin story behind the company and the process of launching a new media brand and carving their own niche.

Tim sits down with Kyle Mountsier, COO and co-founder of ASOTU, to explore the journey from retail automotive to purpose-driven leadership. Kyle shares powerful stories of culture transformation, the origins of ASOTU, and how creating an environment where people see the best in themselves can change everything. From personal faith to professional breakthroughs, this conversation unpacks what it means to lead with intention, build empowered teams, and reflect the true heart of the automotive industry. Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn. [00:00 – 01:22] Guest Introductions Tim welcomes Kyle back to the podcast, reflecting on Kyle's previous appearance and the journey since leaving retail three and a half years ago. [01:22 – 03:12] Visionary Leadership Kyle recounts his transition from dealership life to co-founding ASOTU, sparked by early career experiences and a desire to reshape the industry's reputation. [03:12 – 06:03] Mission-Defining Moments Kyle shares the story of his mentor, Aaron Hill, and the pivotal moments that drove him to pursue automotive as a career with purpose and integrity. [06:03 – 07:11] Faith as a Leadership Foundation Tim and Kyle explore how faith and values can inform leadership styles and shape individuals' missions. [07:11 – 10:47] Inside ASOTU Culture Kyle discusses recent milestones, team culture, and how their internal environment encourages personal and professional growth. [10:47 – 14:03] Encouragement, Leadership, and Legacy Tim reflects on personal losses and life lessons, highlighting the importance of pouring into others and leading with authenticity. [14:03 – 17:37] Empowering Industry Transformation Kyle and Tim discuss how creating empowering environments leads to better outcomes in business and life. [17:37 – 23:34] How to Break Mediocrity They dive into the tension between profitability and purpose, sharing real-world examples of high-performing, people-focused dealerships. [23:34 – 26:17] Crisis, Resilience, and Opportunity Tim reflects on past industry disruptions, how dealers have adapted, and what separates those who thrive from those who falter. [26:17 – 29:33] Living with Intention and Leading with Love Tim and Kyle get philosophical as they discuss fear, faith, and the power of living and leading intentionally and lovingly. [29:33 – 31:23] Final Thoughts Kyle and Tim close, encouraging leaders to love their people more than their profits, live fully in the present, and be the impact they want to see. 

Kyle Mountsier of ASOTU talks about what we've learned in nearly 20 years of digital process tracking, demographic modeling and advertising...and what we haven't!Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

Shoot us a Text.We're live from Friday morning at ASOTU CON.Last night, we closed with a keynote that shared our stories of how we got into the industry, and encouraged the industry to go and be leaders in their stores and communities.THANK YOU to everyone who came up to us and shared your story, and shared your hope for the future.This industry is built different.See you Monday!Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Paul J Daly shares a story about a group called "Vehicles for Change"  and how they inspired him!Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

Shoot us a Text.Welcome to Day 2 at ASOTU CON!Paul, Kyle and Michael recap Day 1 and talk about some of the things they've overheard on the show floor and on stages.Day 2 is shaping up to be amazing! See you tomorrow!Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Kyle Mountsier explains the difference between ASOTU Con and every other automotive trade show. Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

Shoot us a Text.Paul, Kyle and Michael hit the Content Corner to record a quick show before ASOTU CON 2025 kicks off officially. Follow all the action on social media!Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1043: We're coming to you live from ASOTU CON 25! Today we're diving into Volkswagen and Uber's plan to launch ID. Buzz robotaxis by 2026, TikTok's surprising power in driving car sales, and what it all means for the future of mobility and marketing. Show Notes with links:Volkswagen and Uber are teaming up to bring self-driving ID. Buzz microbuses to U.S. streets. Testing starts this year, with full-scale deployment in Los Angeles by 2026.The electric, retro-styled ID. Buzz will serve as the vehicle for Uber's upcoming autonomous ride-hail service.Human-supervised testing begins in 2025, with LA as the launch city and national rollout planned.VW's MOIA subsidiary will handle the autonomous tech and platform integration.The deal aligns with VW's push into urban mobility and Uber's interest in expanding robotaxi options.“Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility,” said VW's Christian Senger.TikTok's latest whitepaper dives deep into how the platform influences car buying decisions, debunking the myth that it's just for dances and pranks. With affluent users and a cultural grip, TikTok is revving its engine as a legit force in automotive marketing.TikTok drives 9.4% of all digital-driven inquiries despite a smaller ad spend.Outperforms other digital channels with 90% higher ROI vs. online video and 12% better than other digital platforms.Full-funnel campaigns see 14% more inquiries and 62% better efficiency with longer, balanced spends.TikTok's cultural influence makes or breaks brand equity, especially post-sale.“A brand's failure to fulfill its promises in this post-purchase phase can hurt brand equity seven times more than a positive encounter can benefit it.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

We are joined by Paul J. Daly and Kyle Mountsier, who are spilling ALL of the tea about ASOTU Con 2025 and why YOU should join them Tuesday, May 13th in Baltimore!What sets ASOTU Con apart from other industry events?What does it mean to "Love People More Than You Love Cars"?How do they feel economic changes in the US will affect the industry?Get Tickets: https://www.asotucon.com/tickets Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

Paul J. Daly talks about the events that led him to begin what would eventually become ASOTU.Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

Shoot us a Text.Today Paul is the last man standing in the studio as the entire crew is on their way to ASOTU CON 2025. He sets the stage of what to expect over the next week and tells you how to be a part of the event even if you can't be there this year. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

This week on Connected, it's the other half of the best duo in automotive: Kyle Mountsier from ASOTU! At NADA, Kyle joined Greg to talk about: • The creation of AutoIndustry.ai. • The 3 primary purposes of AI. • Moving from reactive to proactive as an industry with AI.

Shoot us a Text.Today, Paul and Kyle are joined on the show by Head Writer Chris Reeves and they look just about 90 days into the future, actually 86, because we're looking ahead to ASOTU CON and talking about what people can expect.We make a comparison to ASOTU CON and memes and talk about some of the content and concepts we're planning on covering in the sessions.You can find more information and get your tickets by visiting asotucon.comHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.On this Saturday before the Super Bowl, we're talking about the More Than Cars Super Bowl Charity Smack Down.The auto industry is getting competitive, but this time, it's not about sales—it's about football and charity. ASOTU and a team of industry partners are turning the Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl showdown into a friendly (but fierce) wager for Vehicles for Change, an organization that trains formerly incarcerated individuals as ASE-certified techs and provides free cars to those in need.How it works: Go to ASOTU.Com/superbowl  - Pick a team, pledge a donation—and if your team loses, you donate.Winners get bragging rights for a year, but donating even if you win makes you even cooler. Trash talk is encouraged (but keep it classy).Industry leaders, including Danny Zaslavsky, Paul Anton Faletti Jr., and Brandiss Drummer, Paul and David Regn are putting their pride on the line with jersey bets and chants.Thanks to Steve Greenfield, Automotive Ventures, NCM Associates, VINCUE, Stream Companies and Vehicles for Change for helping bring all this together really quicklyHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.It's the Friday before the Big Game, and with Paul and Elena Ciccotelli hosting, that means we're wearing green. Today, we're covering the Super Bowl Charity Smackdown to support Vehicles for Change and welcome some special guests to talk about it. Plus, we take a look at Ram's upcoming Super Bowl ad.Show Notes with links:The auto industry is getting competitive, but this time, it's not about sales—it's about football and charity. ASOTU and a team of industry partners are turning the Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl showdown into a friendly (but fierce) wager for Vehicles for Change, an organization that trains formerly incarcerated individuals as ASE-certified techs and provides free cars to those in need.How it works: Go to ASOTU.Com/superbowl  - Pick a team, pledge a donation—and if your team loses, you donate.Winners get bragging rights for a year, but donating even if you win makes you even cooler. Trash talk is encouraged (but keep it classy).Industry leaders, including Danny Zaslavsky, Paul Anton Faletti Jr., and Brandiss Drummer, Paul and David Regn are putting their pride on the line with jersey bets and chants.Thanks to Steve Greenfield, Automotive Ventures, NCM Associates, VINCUE, Stream Companies and Vehicles for Change for helping bring all this together really quicklyStellantis is the only automaker with a Super Bowl ad this year, and they're going big with Ram with a modern twist on “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” starring Glen Powell.Directed by David Leitch ("Deadpool 2," "John Wick"), the ad blends humor, action, and adventure.Powell tests out the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, Ram 2500 Rebel, and Ram 1500 RHO, picking the one that's “just right” for the job.The spot features fire-breathing dragons, volcano jumps, and a little bedtime storytelling.Stellantis says the message is about power of choice—gas, hybrid, or electric, depending on your needs.Ram is also releasing merch inspired by the ad, including plush dragons, T-shirts, and even dragon-wing hot sauce.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Today, we're coming to you from the Podcast Stage at Public Policy Day, recapping what we heard from Senators, industry experts and more.ASOTU took over the Main Stage with Adam Marburger of Ascent Dealer Services, Jim Ganther of Mosaic Compliance Solutions and Thomas Castriota, Chairman of NADA to talk about how dealers are solving problems for consumers.Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our coverage possible. Watch for all the interviews to hit our social channels this next week.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

We got him! The first episode of our live from NADA series features Paul J Daly, founder and CEO of Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Greg and Paul discuss: -The process of planning ASOTU CON 2025 -Season 1 of More Than Cars on Amazon Prime and Tubi -More Than Cars season 2 -Adding Michael Cirillo's "The Dealer Playbook" to ASOTU's media network

Shoot us a Text.We're rolling into the big conversations at the 2025 Public Policy Day, where industry leaders and lawmakers shape the future of auto. Plus, CVS is testing a new app feature to unlock products, and Tesla inches toward unsupervised self-driving—though Elon says don't get too excited just yet. Show Notes with links:The press stage is set at ready to go at the 2025 Public Policy Day hosted by WANADA. The 2025 Public Policy Day at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show on January 30 features key industry leaders and policymakers. The day kicks off with a networking lunch, followed by opening remarks from John O'Donnell and a keynote discussion with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Devon Haynie (U.S. News & World Report).Highlights include vehicle reveals from Stellantis (Dodge Charger Daytona, Jeep Wagoneer S) and Nissan (2025 Murano), plus an Aston Martin Vanquish presentation by Bouch Siaf. A fireside chat features Todd Inman (NTSB) and Dave Shepardson (Reuters), while Alex Kwanten presents the Best Cars for the Money Awards.Industry roundtables cover consumer insights (featuring Thomas Castriota, Paul J Daly) and tax/trade policy (Jennifer Safavian, Cody Lusk, Bill Long). The event closes with Michael Cottone (Volvo) and John Bozzella (Alliance for Automotive Innovation).The day concludes with an exclusive Sneak Peek Reception of the Auto Show, presented by Events DC.Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla has initiated "unsupervised self-driving" at its Fremont factory. However, this development is currently limited to vehicles autonomously navigating within the factory premises.Tesla released a video showing cars driving themselves from the production line to loading docks without human intervention.This internal application covers a 1.2-mile route on private factory roads at low speeds.Musk has previously set ambitious timelines for unsupervised self-driving, including a driverless cross-country trip by 2018, which have not been met.The current implementation is a step forward but remains far from the full autonomous driving capabilities promised to consumers.Musk's latest projection targets unsupervised self-driving in California and Texas by the second quarter of 2025.CVS is piloting a new feature in its app that allows customers to unlock anti-theft cabinets themselves, aiming to enhance the shopping experience.The feature is currently being tested in three New York City stores.To use it, customers must be logged into the CVS app, connected to the store's Wi-Fi, and have Bluetooth enabled.This initiative addresses customer frustration with locked cabinets, which, while deterring theft, often inconvenience shoppers.CVS plans to expand the test to 10 to 15 additional stores, including locations on the West Coast."People really, really dislike locked cabinets," said Tilak Mandadi, executive vice president at CVS Health.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.It's wheels up to New Orleans for the ASOTU Crew. On this NADA Show Eve, we're giving you the official preview of where we'll be and how to track us down. Plus, we talk about NADA pushing back against OEMs who have decided to sell direct and how you can get a Tesla Model Y for under $40,000.Show Notes with links:What Is A Must Attend?The ASOTU First Stop PartyASOTU on the NADA Live StageStop by the ASOTU booth #8059Watch for the new More Than Cars Season 1 Trailer around the ShowNADA will make an Official Statements on VW/Scout and Sony/HondaFollowing the franchise meetings for Volkswagen and Honda at NADA Show in New Orleans NADA President and CEO Mike Stanton will be available to talk to the press about these manufacturers' recent announcements to attempt the direct sales model to retail sell the Scout and Sony vehicles.Tesla is offering steep discounts on its Long Range AWD Model Y, with prices dipping below $40,000 after the $7,500 federal tax credit—a rare price point for an AWD electric SUV.Tesla's inventory Model Y now starts at $39,490, undercutting the build-to-order price.Leasing deals have dropped to $329/month, lower than the usual $399/month.The discounts apply to the 2020 Model Y, as Tesla prepares for the Juniper refresh next year.Tax credit uncertainty looms with the new Trump administration, potentially affecting future EV incentives.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.It's the last weekend before Christmas, so we discuss Christmas traditions around the ASOTU halls with writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada.Then, we discuss how car-dealer Herb Chambers donated $100 Million to Massachusetts General Hospital for a new state-of-the-art cancer care facility.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Send us a textWhy 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 Teasers2:17 Meet Matt Murray of Widewail5:14 Why Do Customers Leave Bad Reviews?16:13 Rising Negativity in Staff Interactions21:52 EV Buyers and Knowledge Gaps24:56 Aging Vehicles = Higher Service Costs27:22 Back to Basics: The Importance of Training28:59 Customers Still Want Human Interaction30:38 Closing Thoughts and Wrap-UpMatt 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.

Nov. 22, 2024 | Jeep, Hyundai new hybrid plans; ASOTU show filming second season by Automotive News

Shoot us a Text.It's a busy week around the ASOTU halls as we're in Florida for MRC and then Virginia for MTC. Today we're covering how Carvana is scaling its capacity through the ADESA auction network, how Teslas topped a study on the most fatal cars on the road and the tech hiring slowdown.AnnouncementUpcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar on Friday November 22nd at 2PM: Essential Techniques for Digital Merchandising Success with our friends at CarCutter. Daniel Able and Brian Free, former VP of Digital Marketing at Autonation will be guestsMRC Nov 16-17 — CMA MTC Shoot Nov 18-20Show Notes with links:Carvana is reimagining its operations through strategic integrations of the ADESA auction network, emphasizing vertical integration and expansion.The used car retailer has converted 3 ADESA sites into multifunctional hubs in 2024, with plans for a 6th site by year-end and introduced Carli, a vehicle tracking system optimizing reconditioning and inventory management.Carvana has increased retail gross profit per vehicle to $3,497 in Q3 2024, up 30% year over year.CEO Ernie Garcia highlights the company's capacity for processing 3 million vehicles annually with minimal capital expenditure."Adding capacity without significant time or expense — that's the key to efficient growth," says Christina Keiser, Carvana EVP of Strategy.A recent iSeeCars study revealed that Tesla vehicles had the highest fatal crash rates among automakers in the U.S., raising questions about how they were driven and their design.Teslas led with 5.6 deaths per billion miles driven, double the industry average of 2.8. Kia (5.5) and Buick (4.8) followed as other high-fatality automakers.The Tesla Model Y recorded a 10.6 fatal crash rate, nearly five times the SUV average, while the Model S rate was twice the average at 5.8.Despite these figures, Teslas scored highly in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests.Analyst Karl Brauer linked the high rates to driver behavior: “The biggest contributor to occupant safety is avoiding a crash...and the biggest factor in crash avoidance is driver behavior.”The post-pandemic hiring landscape reveals a sharp slowdown in tech roles, with oversupply, automation, and changing priorities leaving many professionals facing a white-collar recession.White-collar roles like IT, engineering, and marketing fell 20%-32% from 2018-2024AI tools, like ChatGPT, have enhanced productivity, reducing the need for new hires in roles such as coding, where efficiency has skyrocketed.Sectors like healthcare bucked the trend, increasing hiring by 10% to address burnout and staffing shortages, while social services remained stable.Job openings now receive an average of 222 applications—nearly three times as many as at the end of 2021, overwhelming companies and making it harder for candidates to stand out.Job searches are taking longer, averagingHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Happy Saturday! Nathan and Chris host the show today to recap the ASOTU team's time in Austin, TX this week and then share some of the good we're seeing in the auto industry.Park Place Dealerships donates $100,000 in small grant giveaways to local charities. The charities are submitted by employees and community members and in a couple of weeks the Irvine, TX community will learn who has won the grant awards.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Michael Cirillo is the CEO of FlexDealer, a dynamic marketing agency dedicated to revolutionizing the way car dealerships attract leads and enhance marketing ROI by utilizing innovative SEO strategies and targeted digital advertisements. Under his leadership, FlexDealer has distinguished itself by becoming an official partner of Toyota Canada. Michael is deeply involved in the automotive community as the Chief of Staff at ASOTU and the host of The Dealer Playbook, a top-rated automotive podcast that offers invaluable insights into the industry. In this episode… Have you ever considered how the deepest of lows could pave the way to the most inspiring highs? How can a journey overshadowed by doubt and depression lead to a thriving business that radiates trust and expansiveness? Michael Cirillo shares his transformative journey from battling depression and suicidal thoughts to becoming a pivotal figure in the automotive market through digital innovation. Unlike traditional marketing agencies that offer a one-size-fits-all solution, FlexDealer distinguishes itself by offering tailored strategies that consider the unique challenges and opportunities of each auto dealer. This approach, combined with a dedication to building long-term relationships based on trust and value, has enabled FlexDealer to maintain decade-long partnerships with clients, emphasizing the power of adapting and evolving in a fast-paced digital world. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Michael Cirillo, CEO of FlexDealer and host of The Dealer Playbook podcast, to talk about overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieve success. Michael's personal journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of gratitude, the importance of seeking help during difficult times, and the transformation that can occur when you align your professional endeavors with a deeper purpose. His insights into the automotive industry and the evolution of digital marketing strategies offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners in any sector.

Send us a Text Message.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 Cirillo05:00 - 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! 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.

Shoot us a Text.It's a great Friday to be in the car business as the ASOTU crew braves the trip home from a week of being on the ground with Dealers, OEMS, and Industry Partners at two separate events. Today we're talking about some service lane trade data, a potential interest rate cut, and the pumpkin spice sign of the times. Show Notes with links:A new survey reveals that most dealerships aren't leveraging the service drive as a source of quality used vehicles by discussing trade-in options.60% of mass-market customers weren't asked about their vehicle's trade-in value during their service visit and 61% for luxury customers.Only 24% of mass-market and 23% of luxury customers had trade-in conversations.Daymond John on the three ways you interact with customers: “You can acquire, upsell,  or make them buy more frequently.”The Fed is widely expected to cut interest rates soon, but the big question is how much relief will come. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will address inflation and potential rate cuts in his upcoming speech at Jackson Hole today.The Fed has kept rates high since 2022 to cool inflation, but the market anticipates a rate cut in September, with a good chance for a 25-basis-point cut and a smaller chance of a 50-basis-point cut.Powell remains data-driven, cautioning against cutting rates too soon to avoid reigniting inflation."This is not what an overheating economy looks like," says Fed's Austan Goolsbee, signaling a shift in economic conditions.The ever-divisive Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, arriving earlier than ever this year, as Starbucks released its fall menu yesterday, sparking both joy and outrage.The pumpkin spice latte has been a fall favorite since its debut in 2003, with 20 million sold annually.Social media is buzzing with both excitement and frustration over the early release.A 2022 study shows 55% of online pumpkin spice posts are positive, with 8% negative.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.It's a busy week around the ASOTU-verse as we've got people traveling in all different directions. Today, we're talking about a new study showing a significant drop in dealership profitability, look at how Carter Myers is ahead of the curve on employee healthcare, and look inside a casket that feels like a Cybertruck.Show Notes with links:U.S. franchised dealerships experienced a significant 33.4% drop in average pretax profit during the first half of 2024, reflecting a broader trend of shrinking profitability in retail auto.According to a year over year dealership performance benchmark report from Presidio Group and NCM Associates that looked at 3900 franchised dealers, the average U.S. dealership sold 410 new vehicles (down 1.4%) and 364 used vehicles (flat from last year) in the first half of 2024.Front end gross profit per new vehicle dropped 32.9% to $2,408, used vehicle profit fell 22.9% to $1,404, with total revenue per store down 3.4% to $40 million.This marks a 50% reduction from peak profitability in 2021.Variable gross profit has fallen 32% since 2022, while personnel expenses only dropped 6%.Overall dealer sentiment is positive with over half of the survey dealers expecting profits to rise in the next 12 months."We're surprised that the typical dealership hasn't adjusted its spending and variable costs as quickly and appropriately as it should have given the decline in profitability over the last two years," George Karolis, president of Presidio Group, said in a statement. "This is a time when dealers must be nimble and adjust quickly to the industry's changing circumstances, and many of them have not."Carter Myers Automotive in Virginia, widely known for their ESOP, has found a novel way to manage escalating health care costs by adopting a self-funded insurance plan, with potential premium holidays if year-end surpluses are achieved.Employees are encouraged to make cost-effective health care choices, with any savings going back to offset future premiums.CMA experienced no premium increases for the first two years and provided two premium holidays, each lasting about 3 months, an average savings of $900/householdFocus groups and surveys helped shape the plan, ensuring buy-in from employees.Liza Borches, CEO of CMA shared, “The benefit of an ESOP is that you share the responsibility. As we were looking at some of our benefit plans, we said, 'How do we apply the same philosophy to other areas of our business?' "Titan Casket borrows from Tesla's playbook by creating a bulletproof casket complete with vegan leather, with a design that looks oddly similar to Tesla's Cybertruck.The HyperCasket is available for $9,999 on pre-order with delivery starting in Q4 of this year.To keep design affiliation clear, their website states “Titan's Hypercasket is not affiliated with or endorsed by Tesla, Inc., or Elon Musk. Design similarities are for creative expression only and do not imply aHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Send us a Text Message.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 Takeaways0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo04:09 - 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 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.

Send us a Text Message.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 Cirillo5:58 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.

Shoot us a Text.Welcome to Wednesday! Paul's in Moscow (not Russia), Kyle's in Nashville as we talk about coastal dealers' facing skyrocketing insurance premiums. We also talk about EV's topping the Manheim auction charts, as well as humanoid robots spotted at a BMW plant…working.Show Notes with linksCoastal automotive dealers are facing skyrocketing insurance costs which have nearly doubled due to higher frequency and severity of storms, with wind coverage charges tripling in some areas from Miami to Galveston, Texas.Troy Duhon, friend of ASOTU and owner of Premier Automotive in New Orleans, formed his own insurance company, Prestige Insurance, to provide wind and hail damage coverage for his dealerships. He also installed generators in each of his stores.Chris Poulos, owner of West Point Lincoln in Houston, focuses on securing lot items and relocating vehicles to protected areas, but knows that high deductibles often hinder how much insurance can help. “In incidences [similar to Beryl], insurance — unless you sustain significant damage with significant flooding — is not going to really help you offset any of the cost involved in getting up and running."Tom and Anita Castriota, owners of Castriota Chevrolet in Hudson, Florida, are able to move hundreds of vehicles to 10 acres of higher ground behind their dealership and have installed windows that can withstand 140mph winds.Ted Smith, president of FADA, says that this time of year, pushing out information to help dealers minimize risk becomes a huge focus. “Standard operating procedure in Florida is to be ready, to take every storm very seriously and, most importantly, protect lives — but protect the inventory, as well.”For the first time ever, an EV topped the monthly best-seller list for Manheim.In June, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 was Manheim's No. 1 seller and the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt ranked as No. 3.The top 5 best-selling EVs at all auctions according to AuctionNet were; 2021 Tesla Model Y, 2023 Model 3, 2021 Model 3, 2023 Chevy Bolt, 2021 Model 3 (maybe a trim difference?)This milestone reflects the growing presence of EVs in the wholesale market.Manheim saw over 21,000 EV sales in Q2, marking a 108% YoY growth and in the first half of 2024, EV sales are up 97% with over half sold units (57%) are Teslas"Electrics command a 2.1% share of Manheim sales, up from 1% a year ago," said Jeremy Robb, Cox Automotive.Robotics startup Figure released a video last week showing its 01 humanoid robot performing tasks at a BMW car plant.The 01 robot demonstrated moving multiple components onto a jig with placement tolerances claimed to be less than a centimeter,, showcasing its potential to handle repetitive, low-skill tasks.The robot uses neural networks to learn tasks and can work in human-designed spaces without requiring costly factory redesigns. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both signed agreements with robotics startups to Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Today we have ASOTU writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada in the studio to dissect this LinkedIn post from the CMO of the West Herr Auto Group, Matt Lasher. Matt has one of the most creative and savvy marketing departments in the country. That means there is no shortage of ideas. Matt outlined how to get keep some level of order while the best ideas to the top and building a culture that isn't afraid to share them. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.We hope you're as ready for this week as we are as we say ‘hello' to the new Automotive News 40 Under 40 honorees. We also talk about the buzz over Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar and also the new Gen Z social media app. (We knew you wanted one more) Show Notes with links:It's that time of year again as we get our first look at the Automotive News' 13th annual  40 Under 40 class, showcasing the industry's brightest and most dedicated leaders. This year's honorees include both lifelong industry participants and those who discovered their passion for automotive retail later in life. There are more than a few friends of ASOTU as well as some fresh faces.Shoutout to ASOTU Friends: Gregg Ciocca Jr, Katie Gatusso Duncan, Gray Scott, The list includes 16 women and 24 men with an average age of 34.7 yearsThe oldest are 39: Brandon Collins, Ashley Garzone, Ashley Mabery, Nathan Meckley, Caitlin Roberts, Gray ScottThe youngest are 27: Ethan Bushong, a Managing Partner, and Kielan Whitner, a GMThe EV landscape is buzzing with some notable news from some of the highest profile players, Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar this week:Tesla's Cybertruck might be the best-selling electric pickup in the US, with recall data suggesting 8,000-9,000 units delivered in Q2, surpassing Ford's 7,902 F-150 Lightnings and GM's combined 5,125 EV pickups.Despite the lack of model-specific sales data from Tesla, the Cybertruck's ramped-up production and pent-up demand position it to lead the market, although competition from GM's Silverado EV is growing.Rivian surpassed its Q2 2024 delivery forecasts with 13,790 vehicles, maintaining its annual goal of 57,000 units and aiming for per-vehicle profitability by Q4 2024 through cost reductions and regulatory credits.Volvo plans to reduce its stake in Polestar from 48.3% to 18%, following Polestar's significant financial losses in 2023, including a net loss of $1.17 billion and a decrease in revenue and gross profit.Just when you were getting used to TikTok, and maybe even Threads, there is a new, Gen Z social media app topping out the download charts. Introducing Noplace, a fresh app founded by 27 year old serial entrepreneur, Tiffany Zhong, to be more like MySpace aiming to bring back the essence of social media before algorithms and ads took over. Noplace connects users based on "stars” or common interests, offering features like pinning top friends and a friends-only feed, and amassed 500,000 users on its waiting list through viral TikToks.The app is text based and encourages users to take a ‘stream of consciousnHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email