Podcasts about MPI

In this high-energy episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen Suzuki gets brutally honest about one of the biggest mistakes happening inside dealerships right now… slow lead response. This isn't about cheesy auto-responses, outdated templates, or "just checking in" emails that customers ignore. Jen breaks down why speed alone is not enough anymore. Dealers must combine fast response times with engaging, value-based conversations that actually pull customers in emotionally and stop them from shopping everyone else. From real dealership observations to simple but powerful examples, Jen explains why the first five minutes can determine whether your store wins or loses the deal. She challenges salespeople, BDC teams, and leaders to rethink how they approach internet leads, customer engagement, and communication strategy in today's hyper-competitive market. If your team is still responding an hour later with "Is this vehicle still something you're interested in?" this episode might sting a little. But it's the reality of modern automotive retail. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways on lead speed, customer psychology, conversation hooks, trust-building, engagement strategy, and why "professional speed" has become one of the biggest competitive advantages in the car business today.

In this interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Pam Nicoletti — president of the Master Painters Institute (MPI), an AMPP subsidiary — shares updates on MPI's expansion into industrial testing and its recognition (MPI Champion Awards) of paint manufacturers and specialists. Future priorities for the organization include the development of additional industrial standards; promoting QP 9 accreditation for commercial contractors; and opportunities to expand globally. For additional information, check out MPI's recent feature on the nationally syndicated This Old House Radio Hour.

El mercado de ocasión actual es una locura. Los precios están inflados y la mayoría de los compradores se pelean por los mismos modelos: SUVs compactos, híbridos con etiqueta y diseños de vanguardia. Pero en esa pelea por "lo que está de moda", el comprador inteligente tiene una oportunidad de oro. Existe un listado de coches fabricados entre 2014 y 2020 que la gente ignora por desconocimiento o prejuicios estéticos, pero que esconden una ingeniería soberbia. Son los que yo llamo "Diamantes en Bruto". ¿Qué hace a un coche un "Diamante en Bruto"? No se trata de comprar el coche más bonito, sino el mejor construido. Estos modelos suelen haber tenido un único dueño, mantenimientos al día y un precio de derribo porque el mercado los considera "aburridos" o "fuera de tendencia". Sin embargo, bajo el capó esconden motores que son el secreto mejor guardado de los mecánicos. Los 10 elegidos: -Honda Civic (2014-2017): Su diseño "espacial" alejó a muchos, pero su motor 1.6 i-DTEC de 120 CV es una obra maestra del diésel. Sin problemas de cadena y con una fiabilidad electrónica japonesa envidiable. -Hyundai i30 / Kia Ceed (2015-2018): Antes de intentar ser premium, los coreanos hacían compactos honestos con motores atmosféricos (MPI y GDI). Sin turbo hay menos cosas que romper; aguantan el trato duro como pocos. -Mazda 3 (2014-2018): El motor Skyactiv-G 2.0 es una joya. Mazda fue a contracorriente evitando el "downsizing". El resultado es un motor que trabaja relajado, sin carbonilla excesiva y con un consumo en carretera sorprendentemente bajo. -Mitsubishi ASX (2015-2019): Con el motor 1.6 gasolina de la vieja escuela es, sencillamente, un coche para olvidarse de los talleres. Es espartano por dentro, sí, pero mecánicamente es un tanque. -Opel Insignia A (2015-2017): Las berlinas ya no las quiere nadie, y ahí está tu ventaja. Las últimas unidades del Insignia corrigieron todos los fallos de juventud. Un devoramillas cómodo y seguro a precio de saldo. -Seat Toledo / Skoda Rapid (2014-2019): Estética de "coche de abuelo" con inteligencia máxima. Usan componentes probadísimos del Grupo Volkswagen pero sin su complejidad. Espacio gigante y mantenimiento mínimo. -Subaru Forester (2014-2018): El favorito en zonas de montaña. Su tracción total simétrica es de lo mejor del mundo. Si buscas las versiones de gasolina, tienes un todocamino eterno. -Suzuki Vitara (2015-2018): Antes de la micro-hibridación, el 1.6 VVT era un coche ligerísimo. Al pesar tan poco, los componentes de desgaste duran muchísimo más que en sus rivales pesados. -Toyota Avensis (2015-2018): El gran olvidado. Tanto el gasolina 1.8 como el diésel revisado por Toyota están hechos para durar 500.000 kilómetros. Un coche de flota que garantiza mantenimientos escrupulosos. -Volvo V40 (2015-2019): Con los motores propios de 4 cilindros (VEA), es uno de los compactos más seguros y equilibrados jamás fabricados, ahora castigado injustamente por el mercado al dejar de producirse. La visión del ingeniero ¿Por qué estos coches son superiores en el mercado de segunda mano? Por la regla de la madurez tecnológica. Entre 2014 y 2020, mientras algunas marcas experimentaban con soluciones complejas que hoy dan problemas, estos modelos mantuvieron mecánicas probadas. Muchos usan inyección indirecta en gasolina o sistemas de emisiones menos intrusivos, lo que se traduce en menos averías de 800 euros por limpiezas de admisión o fallos de sensores. El Decálogo del Comprador Inteligente Para encontrar estas joyas, hay que seguir estas diez reglas de oro del ingeniero: -Ignora el logo. -Busca el motor "grande" atmosférico. -Huye de las llantas de 19 pulgadas. -Revisa el historial de la marca. -El vendedor particular es clave. -Comprueba la disponibilidad de piezas. -No te asustes por el interior sencillo. -Mira los bajos del coche. -Confía en la simplicidad.

What happens when AI enters a dealership… and your employees emotionally resist it? In this powerful episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen dives deep into one of the biggest leadership challenges happening inside dealerships right now: anti-AI culture, fear-based resistance, and the emotional side of organizational change. After training inside dealerships every single week and working with hundreds of managers and employees every month, Jen shares what she's personally witnessing in real time. Employees aren't just resisting technology. Many are scared of becoming irrelevant, overwhelmed by rapid change, or embarrassed they don't fully understand AI while younger employees adopt it faster. As the founder of eDealer Solutions and co-founder of ZukiTalk, Jen brings a rare inside perspective on how leadership messaging, dealership culture, emotional intelligence, and AI adoption are now colliding. This episode is not about AI hype. It's about leadership maturity. Jen breaks down why dealerships cannot shame employees into using AI, but also cannot allow emotional resistance to stop organizational evolution. She explains how dealerships should responsibly discuss AI ethics, customer trust, employee concerns, privacy, communication boundaries, and the future workforce expectations already forming inside the industry. If you're a dealer principal, GM, fixed ops leader, sales manager, service director, or anyone leading people through change, this episode will challenge how you think about culture, adaptability, leadership communication, and the future of automotive retail. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Jen Suzuki breaks down AI in the most real-world, non-Silicon-Valley way possible. No tech jargon. No robot talk. Just honest insight from someone who trains inside dealerships every single week and is watching the automotive industry evolve in real time. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen explains what AI actually is, why so many people are either scared of it or pretending to understand it, and how dealerships are already changing faster than most leaders realize. From service advisors and BDC teams to technicians and managers, she shares what she's personally seeing inside stores across the country as AI begins improving communication, reducing friction, speeding up learning, and exposing weak processes. As the founder of eDealer Solutions and co-founder of ZukiTalk, Jen gives a rare inside perspective on the collision between human connection and technology. This episode is not about replacing people. It's about helping dealership teams become faster learners, better communicators, and more valuable in a rapidly changing world. If you work in automotive retail, leadership, sales, service, or fixed ops, this conversation will challenge the way you think about AI, the future workforce, and what customers actually want from the dealership experience. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

The chief science adviser to the Prime Minister and MPI looks back on his upbringing on a small Irish dairy farm and forward to Fieldays, where agriculture, science and AI will be to the fore at the MPI site. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder of Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate, talks about training and MPI funding, firearms licensing, and DairyNZ cadets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're leading a service department or responsible for fixed ops performance, this is one of those conversations you don't skip. In this episode, I sit down with someone I've known and respected for years, Mitch Kudler, COO of Simms Auto Group… a guy who didn't just study the business, he lived every role in it. From technician to advisor to GM to executive leadership, Mitch brings a perspective that most leaders simply don't have. We dig into what most GMs misunderstand about service, why retention is the real game (not transactions), and the small decisions that quietly cost dealerships millions, like losing tire business or failing to create a real first service experience. Mitch breaks down the importance of transparency, why MPIs and video are still wildly underutilized, and how culture inside your store directly impacts customer trust. This conversation also hits leadership hard, how to unify sales and service, why most managers don't actually understand their numbers, and the simple but powerful act of walking your store and listening. If you want stronger retention, better CSI, and a team that actually works together… this one will stay with you. And personally? This one meant a lot. Mitch is one of those people I've always admired from afar—and every time we talk, I walk away better. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

MPI’s Director On Farm Support talks NZDIA, the upcoming B+LNZ Out the Gate conference, and the two-speed primary sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your write-up is weak… your paycheck is leaking. Period. In this episode, I'm going straight at one of the most overlooked, but most expensive breakdowns in your service department: the quality of your RO write-up. We're talking about the real impact of vague notes, rushed conversations, and missed questions and how they quietly destroy technician productivity, create comebacks, slow down approvals, and chip away at your income. I break down exactly how to level up your write-up process, what questions actually matter, and how to position yourself as the translator between your customer and your technician. This is one of those "simple but not easy" skills that separates average advisors from top earners. Better notes = faster diagnosis, smoother workflow, stronger trust, and more money in your pocket. If you're ready to clean up the chaos and take control of your lane… this is your play. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Video inspections are now standard in dealerships and shops across the country, but most students graduate without ever recording one. In this episode, Warner Jones, Sr. VP at TruVideo, walks instructors and program directors through why inspection video is a must-have skill for today's students, how it closes the communication gap between techs and customers, and how schools can get the industry's leading video platform at no cost.Watch the video recording About the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Warner Jones, TruVideo, wrenchway@truvideo.com Links & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listGet Started with TruVideo's Education Program for SchoolsJoin the ASE Connects CommunityASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & DealersASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free!)Connect with us on social:FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

If you've been in automotive for any amount of time, you already know the name David Kain and in this episode, we're going way beyond the highlight reel. This is a real conversation between two people who've been in the trenches, on stages, inside dealerships, and yes… technically "competitors" for years but never felt like it. We talk about what actually drives performance today (hint: it's not just AI), why most dealerships are still missing the basics, and how the best operators separate themselves through urgency, storytelling, and human connection. David breaks down his concept of "visual voicemail," why speed to lead is still wildly misunderstood, and what's really happening inside top-performing stores versus the ones just getting by. We also get into the truth about AI, where it helps, where it hurts, and why human intelligence still wins deals. If you're leading a team, working internet leads, or trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing market, this episode will challenge how you think about process, follow-up, and leadership. And honestly? It's just fun! Two longtime friends swapping stories, strategies, and a few laughs along the way. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

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

Dealers still ask me all the time, "Jen… what leads are the best?" And I always give the same answer… the ones already sitting in your database. In this quick class, I break down the biggest miss I see in dealerships everywhere. Salespeople are told to follow up… call for referrals… make birthday calls… but nobody really teaches them how to do it without feeling like a nuisance. So what happens? They stop. Here's the truth. The money isn't in the first call. It's in the one nobody makes. Follow-up isn't about checking a box. It's about building a career. Staying relevant. Staying human. And yes… staying in the game long enough to actually win. And here's the part that hit me personally. Just yesterday, while bringing my yard back to life after winter, my neighbor stopped by. We got to talking… and I found out he had once been homeless for two years, living out of his Suburban. What changed his life? Selling cars. That's this industry. It changes lives. It gave me everything. And when people ask me why I have so much energy… it's because I'm grateful. Grateful for the people, the opportunities, and the chance to help others find their path in this business. So if you're ready to stop chasing leads and start building a real pipeline… this one's for you. 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

(00:00:00) Intro (00:00:39) Tim shares the origin of Tour Detour (00:01:44) How the idea turned into a viral series (00:05:58) What Tim wanted to achieve from making the show (00:10:52) Fixed ops as the backbone of dealership profitability (00:13:15) The danger of over-quoting and losing customer trust (00:19:14) What Tim's Strategy Looks Like on a Daily Basis (00:25:35) Rethinking service appointments vs. walk-ins (00:31:10) Setting Expectations with Clients (00:33:08) How AI is shaping the future of service communication (00:37:07) Biggest Missed Opportunities in the Service Department (00:44:14) What's next for Tour Detour (00:46:31) Outro Success doesn't always come from following the traditional playbook—sometimes it's built by rethinking the rules, taking risks, and executing with intention.In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, we welcome Tim Pohanka, VP and COO of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai and the creative force behind Tour Detour, the show.Tim brings a unique blend of dealership leadership, innovation, and storytelling—and in this conversation, he breaks down why fixed operations remains one of the most powerful (yet misunderstood) drivers of long-term dealership success.From launching a viral automotive series to redefining how service departments operate, Tim shares how thinking differently—and executing with discipline—can unlock massive growth in both business and brand.This conversation goes far beyond cars and content. It's about leadership, customer experience, process, and why dealerships that embrace transparency, education, and adaptability will win in today's evolving market.This episode will challenge the way you think about fixed ops, service retention, dealership culture, and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded industry.We talk about:The origin and rapid growth of Tour DetourWhy storytelling is transforming dealership marketingHow fixed ops drives consistent, scalable profitabilityThe biggest mistakes service departments make todayWhy over-quoting repairs kills customer trust and revenueHow proper pricing strategy increases repair order acceptanceThe importance of educating—not selling—your customersWhy video MPI and transparency are game changersHow AI can improve communication and service conversionsThe truth about appointments vs. walk-in service modelsWhat it takes to build a multi-generational dealership legacyTim also shares insights on leadership, innovation, and how stepping outside your comfort zone—whether in business or content creation—can create unexpected opportunities.His message is clear: stop treating fixed ops as an afterthought, focus on delivering real value to customers, and build processes that drive both trust and profitability.This is a direct, insightful, and forward-thinking conversation about growth, innovation, and the future of fixed operations in automotive.BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HEREwww.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 Co-Host Charity Dunning as they discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in What the Fixed Ops?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations #dealershipmarketing

Sales teams… this is the moment where deals are won or lost and most don't even realize it. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down one of the biggest mistakes happening in dealerships every single day: quoting price too fast. Customers ask for price. You give it. Conversation over. But what if that one moment is exactly where you lost control of the deal? This episode is all about the mindset shift that separates average reps from top 10% performers. You'll learn how to guide the conversation instead of reacting to it, how to redirect price questions without sounding evasive, and how to build value before ever talking numbers. Because here's the truth… fast answers don't win deals. Better conversations do. If your team is constantly battling price shoppers, losing gross, or struggling to get customers to engage… this is the fix. 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 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.

In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we shift the focus to where real dealership growth actually happens, the service lane. This is a straight, no-fluff conversation about customer retention and why it directly impacts your paycheck, your stress level, and your long-term success. We break down the simple but often overlooked behaviors that keep customers coming back, from how you handle the exit to the follow-up that most advisors skip. If you've been treating each visit like a one-time transaction, this episode will challenge you to think bigger and start building relationships that last years, not just repair orders. This episode doesn't just talk about retention, it shows you exactly how to execute it. You'll walk away with simple, high-impact tactics like how to properly set the next appointment before the customer leaves, what to say during the vehicle pickup to create future value, and how a quick next-day follow-up text can dramatically increase return visits. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations, giving consistent updates, and using small personalization touches that make customers remember you. These are the moments that turn one-time visits into long-term relationships and predictable income. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Randy Kobat from LotLinx to break down one of the biggest shifts happening in dealership technology right now. We move past the hype of generic AI tools like ChatGPT and into what actually drives results on the ground. LotGPT is built specifically for dealerships, using real inventory, real market data, and real shopper behavior to deliver precise, actionable insights. We talk about why generic AI often falls short, how data security plays a bigger role than most realize, and what it looks like to treat AI as a true team member with a defined role inside your store. If you want to stop guessing, protect gross, and move inventory smarter, this conversation will change the way you think about AI in your dealership. What's really turning heads is how quickly dealers are adopting this. Over 6,000 dealerships are already using LotGPT, and it's not because it sounds good, it's because it works immediately. Dealers are seeing fast wins like identifying which vehicles are at risk before they age out, reallocating wasted ad spend within minutes, improving VDP performance, and uncovering exactly where the breakdown is between shopper activity and actual sales. Instead of guessing or defaulting to price drops, they're making smarter, more precise decisions that protect gross and move inventory faster. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we're getting real about one of the most important numbers in your service department, the MPI approval rate. This isn't just a metric. It's a mirror. If your approvals are low, it's rarely about price, the customer, or the car. It's almost always about communication. Jen breaks down exactly why customers decline recommended work and what service advisors are missing in their conversations. From rushed calls and weak explanations to overusing technical language that customers don't understand, this episode exposes the everyday habits that quietly kill approvals. But more importantly, it gives you a simple, repeatable way to fix it. You'll learn how to clearly explain the job, the risk, and the reward so customers actually understand what's happening with their vehicle and why it matters now. Because when clarity goes up, approvals go up. Bottom line: You don't need better customers. You need better conversations. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Refugees are often some of the people most vulnerable to climate change. After fleeing armed conflict or persecution, many refugees end up in camps located in rural areas, with few resources and little support. That can leave them vulnerable to floods, storms, extreme heat, or other impacts of climate change. This episode focuses on these impacts, with insights from Ayoo Irene Hellen, a South Sudanese refugee in Uganda and climate advocate. She discusses her own experiences, those of her community, and the value of including refugee voices in planning. Want to dive deeper? Listen to an earlier episode speaking with the UN refugee agency's special advisor on climate action: https://mpichangingclimatechangingmigration.podbean.com/e/no-climate-refugees-but-still-a-role-for-the-un-refugee-agency/  All of MPI's work on climate migration is here: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/topics/climate-change      00:00 Intro  02:45 Climate impacts on refugee settlements in Uganda 09:32 Legal and socioeconomic barriers to climate adaptation 16:52 Exclusion of refugees from climate policy processes 19:21 Refugee-led community resilience strategies 23:11 Climate challenges upon return: The case of South Sudan 27:24 Closing thoughts: co-creation and refugee inclusion

Refugees are often some of the people most vulnerable to climate change. After fleeing armed conflict or persecution, many refugees end up in camps located in rural areas, with few resources and little support. That can leave them vulnerable to floods, storms, extreme heat, or other impacts of climate change. This episode focuses on these impacts, with insights from Ayoo Irene Hellen, a South Sudanese refugee in Uganda and climate advocate. She discusses her own experiences, those of her community, and the value of including refugee voices in planning. Want to dive deeper? Listen to an earlier episode speaking with the UN refugee agency's special advisor on climate action: https://mpichangingclimatechangingmigration.podbean.com/e/no-climate-refugees-but-still-a-role-for-the-un-refugee-agency/  All of MPI's work on climate migration is here: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/topics/climate-change    00:00 Intro  02:45 Climate impacts on refugee settlements in Uganda 09:32 Legal and socioeconomic barriers to climate adaptation 16:52 Exclusion of refugees from climate policy processes 19:21 Refugee-led community resilience strategies 23:11 Climate challenges upon return: The case of South Sudan 27:24 Closing thoughts: co-creation and refugee inclusion

If your store is using AI, or thinking about it, this episode will challenge how you think about process, accountability, and what it really takes to win with modern tools. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we sit down with Seth Poplawski of Auto Lenders, he leads CRM, process, and AI strategy across a rapidly growing dealer group with 11 stores now. Seth has worked every role from sales to BDC to leadership, and now he's overseeing AI execution across 11 rooftops. He breaks down what actually happens when dealerships implement AI and why most fail to get real results. From customizing messaging by lead source to building data-driven cadences and creating a hybrid AI + human workflow, Seth shares exactly how his team is increasing engagement, speeding up response times, and capturing opportunities others miss, especially after hours. This is not theory. This is execution. Bottom line: AI doesn't fix broken processes. It exposes them. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

In the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert there's a particular brand of doomsday prepping going on. Our Changing World visits the Bioeconomy Science Institute to meet some scientists figuring out how to build an army of Samurai Wasps just in case Aotearoa is invaded by Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs.Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Learn more:MPI's website has more detail on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and what to do if you find one.From December 2025 a new biosecurity inflight video about being vigilant is being played to incoming visitors.Our Changing World did a deep dive into the impact BMSB would have on New Zealand, back in 2019. Guests:Dr Gonzalo Avila, Senior Scientist - Biological Control, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science LimitedKarina Santos, Senior Research Associate, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science LimitedDr Scott Sinclair, Manager, Operational Readiness - Plant & Environment, Biosecurity New ZealandGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

James shares a full three-week real-world report on the2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT in Winnipeg. Covering first impressions, city and highway driving, the federal EVAP rebate, the Costco GM rebate, and the big news that Manitoba's provincial EV Rebate Program has been extended in Budget 2026. Plus a summer EV camping trip is in the works.Show notes links: truenorthev.ca | manitobaev.ca |truenorthevpodcast@gmail.com | Facebook: @truenorthev | Manitoba EV Rebate: gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate | Eligible vehicles list: manitoba.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/eligible-vehicles.html | MPI application: evrebate.mpi.mb.ca | Costco GM rebate: costcoauto.ca | Kilowatt Podcast: https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Why has immigration become so politically divisive – and why is it so difficult for governments to design policies that satisfy both public concerns and economic needs? In this episode, MPI's Meghan Benton speaks with Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford and a member of the UK's Migration Advisory Committee. Drawing on insights from her new book, What Is Immigration Policy For?, she explains why immigration policy involves trade-offs between economic, humanitarian, and political goals—and why these tensions often lead to public dissatisfaction. The episode also examines challenges in regulating unauthorized migration and spontaneous asylum flows, the limits of deterrence policies, and decisions around low-wage labor migration.

The Director General of MPI updates us on how the Middle East crisis is affecting the primary sector. Plus, we talk fruit flies and pesky hornets!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could make more money every day without writing one extra car? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I break down a metric many service advisors overlook: hours per RO. Hours per RO is the average number of labor hours sold on each repair order. A small increase can dramatically impact technician productivity, shop efficiency, and your paycheck. In this episode we cover: • What hours per RO means • Why rushing write-ups lowers production • How better presentations increase approvals • Why small services stacked together drive profit You don't need more traffic or more appointments. You just need to slow down, be thorough, and capture the opportunity already in front of you. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Nearly 28 million U.S. residents, more than half of whom are U.S. citizens, reported limited proficiency in English as of 2023. How government agencies at all levels communicate with multilingual publics can have significant consequences for public safety and emergency responses, access to public information and services, community well-being, and the overall effectiveness of government programs.   Amid a shifting landscape, with the Trump administration enshrining English as the official language and dismantling language access initiatives across federal agencies, the work of state and local governments in this area over the past two decades is taking on even greater relevance.     While longstanding federal civil-rights requirements to provide language access remain in place, the changes coming out of Washington in this policy area have created uncertainty and confusion.    This webinar from MPI's National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, which has long mapped the language access policy landscape, exploreS the role of state and local policies in today's rapidly changing national policy context. Experts assess opportunities for state and local stakeholders to support and expand their language access policies and programs. The webinar accompanies the release of the report, New Frameworks for Language Access: Tracking the Expansion & Features of State & Local Laws & Policies.   Speakers include: Ana Paula Noguez Mercado, State Language Access Manager, Office of New Americans, New Jersey Department of Human Services Michael Mulé, Civil-rights attorney / language access expert Jodie Stanley, International Support and Language Access Coordinator, Human Rights Department, City of Greensboro, NC Jacob Hofstetter, Policy Analyst, National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, MPI www.migrationpolicy.org

If you're exhausted at the end of the day but your paycheck doesn't reflect the effort, this episode explains exactly why. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I'm kicking off a brand new service department performance series focused on helping service advisors and fixed ops leaders understand the metrics that actually drive income. Today we're digging into one of the most important numbers in the service lane: Gross Profit Per Repair Order Many advisors judge their day by how busy they were, how many cars they wrote, how fast the line moved, or how chaotic the desk became. But busy does not always mean profitable. Two advisors can see the exact same vehicles in the same day and produce dramatically different results simply because of how they approach the opportunity in front of them. In this episode, I break down: • What gross per RO actually means and why it matters • Why being "busy" can sometimes hide lost income opportunities • The mindset shift from order taker to consultant • How small maintenance services can stack into serious profitability • Why assuming customers won't buy is one of the biggest mistakes advisors make • How rushing through MPIs and conversations creates hidden profit leaks Most importantly, we talk about the shift service advisors must make: Stop asking "How fast can I move this car?" Start asking "How complete can I be?" Because the opportunity isn't something you have to chase. The customer already drove it into your service lane. If you're a service advisor, service manager, or fixed ops leader who wants your team to increase profitability while improving the customer experience, this episode is a powerful place to start. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Our guest today is FDNY Lieutenant Mike O'Connell, a 10-year member of the Department. Before being promoted, he served as a firefighter with Engine 202 and Ladder 102 in Brooklyn. Mike is a graduate of St. John's University and is a member of both the MPI and Leadership Under Fire teams.

Managers… this one is for you. I sat down with Jimmy Vargas, GSM at Paradise Chevrolet and this isn't just a conversation… this is someone I'm actively in the trenches with right now. I'm working directly with Jimmy and his sales team on their phone process, listening to calls together, coaching in real time, and using the tools inside CallRevu to actually develop his people. And that's the difference. He's not just pulling reports. He's not just tracking calls. He's investing in his team. Jimmy is setting the bar, giving his team a modern, relevant process to win on the phones, and then backing it up with real accountability using the data. One of the most powerful things he's doing right now? He's using CallRevu's keyword alert feature to instantly flag calls when something doesn't go the way the customer expected. So instead of finding out a day later… or never… He and his managers are notified immediately. That means they can jump in, coach the situation, follow up fast and in many cases, save the deal. We're reviewing recorded calls. We're tightening conversations. We're making sure nothing slips through the cracks. Because when you actually listen… you find everything. This episode breaks down his blueprint. It's simple, doable, and built for real dealership life. If you want more appointments, stronger performance, and a real return on the calls you're already paying for… This is where it starts. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Dealership advertising is entering a completely new era and AI is at the center of it. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen sits down with Jarett Bellucci, a two-time Emmy Award-winning director and filmmaker and the founder of Bellucci Productions. Jarett has created commercial work for major brands like Cadillac, BMW, and Forbes, and now he's helping businesses, including car dealerships, leverage AI to produce cinematic-quality commercials without the massive production budgets. Together they break down how AI is changing the way commercials are created, why storytelling matters more than ever in automotive advertising, and how dealerships can stand out in a sea of look-alike ads. Jarett explains how AI tools are unlocking creativity, allowing brands to build characters, craft stories, and produce visually stunning content faster and more affordably than ever before. But the real advantage isn't just the technology. It's the message behind it. If you want your dealership marketing to stop blending in and start connecting emotionally with buyers, this conversation will open your eyes to what's possible. This episode covers: • Why most dealership commercials fail to connect • How AI is lowering production costs while raising creative potential • The power of storytelling in automotive advertising • How dealers can build monthly "drip branding" campaigns • Why the future of AI advertising still depends on human creativity AI may be the toolbut the idea and the story are still what wins!  Bellucciproductions.com Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Fortran. Eine Sprache von 1957. Und trotzdem taucht sie im TIOBE Index plötzlich auf Platz 12 auf. Zufall, Messfehler oder ein echtes Comeback in High Performance Computing? Wenn du Fortran bisher in die Schublade Legacy und Lochkarten gesteckt hast, wird diese Episode deine Perspektive ziemlich sicher verschieben.In dieser Interviewfolge nehmen wir Fortran auseinander, aber fair. Mit dabei ist Martin Diehl, Professor an der KU Leuven, Materialwissenschaftler und Open-Source-Contributor. Wir klären, warum Fortran für wissenschaftliches Rechnen gebaut wurde, warum Performance und Memory Layout bis heute zählen und weshalb du bei NumPy und SciPy oft indirekt Fortran-Code nutzt. Dazu geht es um Modern Fortran, Rückwärtskompatibilität, Module, Typensystem, Tooling, den Fortran Package Manager FPM sowie neue Compiler wie Flang und L Fortran auf LLVM-Basis.Zum Abschluss wird es HPC konkret. OpenMP für Shared Memory, MPI für Distributed Memory und als Fortran-Spezialität Co Arrays – quasi Shared-Memory-Feelings im Cluster. Wenn du wissen willst, ob Fortran Teil des Problems oder der Lösung im Two-Language-Dilemma ist, dann hör rein.Bonus: Naming is hard, aber F minus minus war schon eine Ansage.Unsere aktuellen Werbepartner findest du auf https://engineeringkiosk.dev/partnersDas schnelle Feedback zur Episode:

Send a textOn this week's episode of Grease The Wheels, Uncle jimmy starts in on a series that is addressing the technician shortage. Throughout the history of media that has included cars, mechanics (and their modern iteration of technicians) have been unduly vilified as grifters, cheats, and scumbags. While there are some bad actors in the field, the same can be said for literally other occupation on earth (most notably, the ones that actually deal with the customers and complete the transactions in our industry!) We challenge this notion in it's entirety, as many of the technicians that we know and love, especially the ones that listen to this podcast, are some of the best people that we have ever met. So how do we go about changing this societal view on an entire profession - media. While this media might not be a good example! But between the small screen in a customers pocket that is showing them a perfect video MPI on their vehicle, to larger scale scripted media, we are working to change customers perspective of the fixed operations department, one interaction at a time. Also Uncle Jimmy quotes last week's episode write up! This Episode of Grease the Wheels is brought to you in partnership with Surfwrench Digital! For more on Video MPI Training Visit https://www.surfwrench.com/video-mpi-training-landing/ to learn more. Video MPI Training built in the shop, by your Uncle Jimmy. Use code “GTW” for 50% off your training access!  

Flat rate has been debated for decades in service departments, but what if the real issue isn't the pay structure at all? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Joe Minns, Corporate Fixed Ops Director at Dennis & Co Auto Group, who brings 34 years of real dealership experience to the conversation. Joe has seen just about everything in service operations, from dirt-floor shops to high-tech 80-bay service departments. Today he oversees fixed operations for Dennis & Co's growing network of dealerships, and he shares one powerful perspective that many leaders overlook: Flat rate doesn't fail… culture does. We dive deep into the real reasons technicians struggle to flag hours and why so many service departments unintentionally waste the most valuable resource they have, technician time. Joe breaks down the operational leaks that quietly drain productivity, the cultural shifts required to protect technician efficiency, and why leaders must rethink how dispatch, advisors, and managers support the shop. We also talk about: • Why technicians are the true revenue engine of fixed operations • How small moments of lost technician time cost dealerships thousands • Why many service departments unknowingly rig the system against their own techs • The leadership shift required to fix flat rate culture • How service advisors, dispatchers, and managers must align to protect technician productivity • Why career pathing is critical to solving the technician shortage If you're a service director, fixed ops leader, or dealership executive trying to improve technician retention, shop productivity, and labor performance, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Because at the end of the day, great service leaders don't just manage the shop, they protect the people who power it. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

We talk about MPI’s emergency preparedness events starting today, and ask who was the smartest person in the room last night at the Zanda McDonald Awards?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a lot of communication flying out of dealerships every single day and text messaging is often the fastest way to reach a customer. But if your messages look like everyone else's, they're going to be treated like everyone else's. "Just checking in" and "any questions?" isn't follow-up… it's noise. In this episode, Jen shares a creative tactic she's been using in her own follow-ups that's getting responses and turning heads! AI-generated images built directly from CRM notes and customer conversations. Instead of sending another plain text, Jen shows how you can create a visual message that proves you were paying attention. The customer's name, the vehicle they liked, details about their family, their interests, even a little humor, all layered into a custom image that feels personal and memorable. It's not about fancy graphics. It's about showing customers that you remember them and care about their situation. Jen explains how she started using these AI images in her own outreach, how the responses led her to start teaching the technique in her sales classes, and how teams are now using it as a fun internal contest to drive replies from customers. If your follow-up messages are getting ignored, the problem might not be the message, it might be the format.  This episode will show you how to change that! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

AI isn't something managers can delegate. It's something they have to demonstrate. In this episode, Jen talks about one of the biggest leadership shifts happening inside dealerships right now: leaders becoming the model of how to use AI, not just the ones telling everyone else to use it. Your team isn't going to adopt tools because of a memo or a mandate. They adopt them because they see their leader using them in real life, in meetings, during problem-solving, when building customer messaging, or when creating new sales ideas. Jen shares how managers can introduce tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok and others inside regular team meetings so people learn naturally instead of feeling forced. When leaders use AI openly, asking questions, testing ideas, building scripts... it shows the team how to think differently and stay relevant in a fast-changing industry. The message is simple: People don't follow mandates. They follow models. If you want your team to evolve, they have to watch you do it first!   Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

20 seconds. That's all it takes to separate average dealerships from memorable ones. Customers don't remember your CRM. They don't remember your process map. They remember effort. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down why short, 20-second personalized videos are one of the most powerful follow-up tools in modern dealerships — in both sales and service. Not five minutes. Not perfect lighting. Not corporate scripts. Just 20 seconds of clarity that says: "I was thinking about you." Jen explains how replacing traditional texts and voicemails with quick, candid videos builds obligation, increases engagement, and showcases your humanity. She shares simple scripts, real-world examples, and ways managers can turn this into a fun, competitive in-store activity. You'll learn: • Why video follow-up increases memorability • How to structure a powerful 20-second message • What to say when confirming appointments • How to stand apart from competitors instantly • How to coach your team to execute without overthinking Perfection isn't the goal. Presence is. Because 20 seconds today beats zero seconds tomorrow, every single time. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Great ideas don't fail in dealerships because they're bad. They fail because no one installs the behavior fast enough. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down a simple, high-energy methodology to help leaders stop "motivating" and start installing execution inside their stores. Most dealerships don't have a training problem — they have an execution problem. Processes get rolled out. Energy fades. Thirty days later, nothing sticks. Jen shares her proven meeting framework — used at NADA Academy and in high-performing stores — to compress action, build accountability, and make learning fun and sustainable. You'll learn how to: • Pick one behavior and install it fast • Teach a technique in under 20 seconds • Use real examples to drive discussion • Create immediate execution through activity • Run contests that build visibility and accountability • Shortlist, vote, and let the team own the win This is about turning meetings into movement. Not speeches. Not theater. Behavior change. If you're a GM, GSM, Fixed Ops Director, Sales Manager, or Service Manager who's tired of initiatives fading out — this episode gives you a repeatable structure to make things stick. Momentum doesn't come from motivation. It comes from movement. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

An expert says time is ticking for MPI to eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet before the Autumn breeding season. Phil Lester, Professor of Biology at Victoria University of Wellington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The first five minutes of a service visit can make or break everything that follows. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful moments in fixed ops: the service check-in. This isn't about speed. It's not about numbers. It's not even about selling. It's about trust. Jen calls the check-in one of the two sacred moments in every service visit and if you miss it, nothing else matters. From reviving the dying walkaround to turning rushed transactions into relationship opportunities, she shares real-world principles advisors and managers can immediately apply to boost MPI approvals, retention, and long-term revenue. You'll learn how to: • Turn the walkaround into "walk-in education" • Build trust before the inspection ever begins • Use simple human connection to reduce defensiveness later • Create operational impact by improving the first five minutes • Coach presence, tone, and professionalism — not just process When customers feel educated early, they're less defensive later. And when they trust you? They buy. They return. They ask for you. This episode is a must-listen for Service Advisors, Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and GMs who want to boost service revenue without pushing harder, just caring smarter. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

If your service managers and advisors can't explain Effective Labor Rate in one sentence, money is leaking out of your shop every single day. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down the most misunderstood yet most powerful performance metric in the service department: ELR (Effective Labor Rate). While advisors often track CSI, gross, and hours per RO, ELR quietly tells the real story of how the shop is performing, how advisors get paid, and how profitable the operation truly is. Jen simplifies what ELR actually is (and what it's not), why it matters more than the posted labor rate, and how everyday advisor behaviors like discounting, incomplete presentations, weak explanations, and missed opportunities directly drag it down. This episode connects the dots between ELR and advisor income, shop absorption, and leadership discipline. Jen also outlines practical coaching strategies for service managers, including daily visibility, advisor-level tracking, role-play, discount accountability, and how to celebrate ELR wins so strong behaviors get repeated. ELR isn't a scary accounting term. It's a performance mirror. If you understand it, you can influence it. If you can influence it, you can control profitability. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

This one was different, we recorded an in-person (we are both within minutes of each other in CO!)  episode in a studio (yes, the kind rappers use

There are two sacred moments in every service visit and if you miss them, nothing else matters. In this episode of Dealer Talk, Jen Suzuki breaks down the most overlooked, most powerful moment in the service lane: the check-in. This isn't about speed. It's not about scripts, numbers, or reports. And it's definitely not about rushing customers through like a transaction. Jen shares what she's seeing on dealership drives across the country: walk-arounds disappearing, advisors glued to iPads, low energy, rushed tones and customers quietly losing trust. You'll learn why the check-in is where trust is either built or broken, how a proper walk-around isn't an upsell but an education, and why customer involvement early makes approvals easier later. From eye contact and body language to flashlight moments under the hood, this episode dives into the small, human details that drive retention, loyalty and long-term relationships. If you're a service advisor or manager who wants better inspections, smoother MPI conversations, stronger surveys, and customers who come back asking for you, this episode is required listening. Because when customers feel seen and heard, everything else gets easier.

AI isn't here to replace service advisors, it's here to protect what they do best. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen speaks directly to service leaders navigating the overwhelming wave of new AI tools flooding the automotive space. While the industry is being told to move faster, adopt more, and automate everything, Jen challenges leaders to slow down and ask a more important question: Is this technology protecting human connection or eroding it? Service advisors sit at the center of the customer experience, yet their role has been stretched beyond sustainable human limits. Between check-ins, walk-arounds, technician communication, approvals, loaners, follow-ups, explanations, CSI pressure, and emotional labor, advisors are maxed out and piling on more systems isn't innovation. It's overload. Jen shares real-world observations from working in service departments over the past year, including her experience building AI to assist with one very specific task: MPI approval calls. What became clear is that when advisors are freed from repetitive, draining work, approvals move faster, technicians wait less, shops flow better, and advisors can be present where they matter most with customers. This episode reframes AI's role in service: not as the hero, but as the quiet support system working in the background so advisors can lead with trust, clarity, and confidence. Because the future of service isn't human or AI, it's human + AI, used wisely. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Jessica Colan, who leads one of the biggest BDC departments in the country and works in the #2 Kia store in the nation. I've known Jessica for more than a decade and trained her team for years and what makes her different is simple: she doesn't chase shiny toolsshe tests them against real processes until they perform. We talk about what's actually working with AI inside a high-performing dealership BDC—specifically how Jessica has used Matador AI hands-on for the last two years to revive stagnant leads, re-engage "ghosted" customers and target low-hanging fruit without wasting human time on dead ends. Jessica breaks down her "sacred" strategies: Building custom workflows and sequences by lead source (Trader, Sam's Club, etc.) Training the AI to sound like your store—not generic dealership spam Setting up human alerts so the team tags in fast when AI hits a boundary Running CSV-based campaigns (loyalty, lease maturity, unsold visits) with the right staffing so replies don't overwhelm the team Using AI-driven engagement to turn "closed" opportunities into open, actionable leads—and pushing hot conversations into the CRM for history Pairing engagement with quick, targeted video from product specialists (30–40 seconds, not a full walkaround) once the customer shows real intent This is a real-world look at the truth most dealers are learning the hard way: AI tools don't work without a human behind them. You have to train it, guide it, and integrate it into your process because the goal isn't to automate relationships…it's to protect them. If you're a GM, BDC director, sales leader, or operator trying to revive leads and stop wasting time, you'll want to hear exactly how a top Kia store is using AI to create speed, engagement, and competitive advantage. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

This episode is all about the kind of AI dealers actually need not another shiny chatbot, but a real assistant built inside the DMS and grounded in real dealership data, real workflows, and real accountability. I'm joined by AJ McGowan, VP of Research & Development at Reynolds and Reynolds and co-founder of AutoVision, to talk about Reynolds' newest reveal: Rey, a tailored AI assistant integrated directly into the Reynolds ecosystem. We get super practical on how leaders, managers, and frontline teams could use Ray day-to-day: Service teams asking real-time status questions without leaving the bay Used car managers making smarter auction decisions by cross-referencing market intelligence with store performance Multi-store operators pulling up-to-the-second answers mid-meeting (instead of printing reports that are outdated the next morning) Teams using Ray to learn Reynolds tools, message each other, and even connect with Reynolds support with context already included Bottom line: the dealer's job isn't to use software, it's to take care of customers. Rey is designed to remove friction, reduce report-chasing, and help dealerships make faster, more confident decisions using the data they already own. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Kerri Wise, Chief Marketing Officer at LotLinx, to unpack one of the biggest problems I've seen after decades of training sales teams: wasted time chasing the wrong leads while real opportunities sit right under our noses. Kerri brings a rare perspective, deep automotive experience from brands like TrueCar and Edmunds, paired with a clear understanding of how AI and machine learning can actually support dealership operations, not complicate them. We dive into LotLinx's newest product, Revive, launching at the NADA Show, which helps dealers reclaim "closed-lost" leads that sales teams have already moved on from but shoppers haven't. The data may surprise you: nearly 20% of those leads return to the dealership website within 45 days, often unnoticed. This conversation covers: Why most follow-up strategies waste salesperson time How AI identifies high-intent shoppers the moment they re-engage The difference between top-of-funnel noise and bottom-of-funnel gold Why AI adoption fails without human execution How dealerships can give their teams time, focus, and humanity back We also talk about what LotLinx is unveiling at NADA—including one of the biggest giveaways the automotive industry has ever seen. A $148,000 prize and let's just say Jetson 1, aerial vehicle that for anyone else is a 2 year waitlist! If you're a dealer, GM, sales leader, or operator thinking seriously about efficiency, AI, and profitability in a tightening market—this episode is a must-listen.