Podcasts about MPI

Rassismus hat Folgen für die Gesundheit — psychisch und körperlich. In der neuen Folge von „Ach, Mensch!“ erklärt die Rassismusforscherin Dr. Muna Aikins, warum Diskriminierung ein Gesundheitsrisiko ist und was sich im Gesundheitswesen ändern muss. Hier erfahrt ihr mehr über die Arbeit von Dr. Muna Aikins am MPI für Bildungsforschung. Hier findet ihr mehr Informationen über den Afrozensus 2020. Hier findet ihr das Gutachten für den Verein Decolonize Berlin: „Koloniale Kontinuitäten in der Berliner Medizin und Gesundheitsversorgung“ Hier findet ihr „Die Haut meiner Seele“ von Muna Aikins. ➡️ Artikel zum Nachlesen: https://detektor.fm/gesellschaft/ach-mensch-muna-aikins

In this fourth episode, of RaboTalk Growing our Future's Catchment Catch-Ups series Blake Holgate speaks with Paul Turner from Taranaki Catchment Communities about how farmer-led catchment groups are helping rural communities take practical, locally driven action on water quality, biodiversity and environmental resilience.Paul shares how 18 independent sub-catchment groups across Taranaki are working together to balance on-farm priorities with wider environmental goals, using tools such as 3D Lidar mapping to better understand water flow, identify risk areas and plan effective mitigations like riparian planting, wetlands and detention bunds.Like what you've heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Show Notes:The Farmer-Led Umbrella StructureFormed five years ago to get ahead of complex water quality legislation, TCC acts as the governance and funding vehicle for 18 independent catchment groups. Paul emphasises that the entity remains strictly farmer-led, operating as a politically neutral conduit that translates council compliance rules into practical, stress-free options for the rural sector.Managing the Mountain-to-Sea LandscapeTaranaki features a highly unique geography, with water flowing rapidly from the central maunga across the ring plain and out to the coast. This steep terrain creates short, high-altitude catchments. Rather than attempting a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, TCC accommodates the distinct environmental profiles of local dairy, sheep, and beef producers.Slowing the Movement of On-Farm WaterWith intense weather events driving large, unpredictable volumes of rain across the region, creating permanent environmental mitigations is challenging. TCC focuses on training farmers to naturally slow water paths by utilising extended grass filter strips, deep riparian plantings, constructed wetlands, and strategically placed detention bunds that filter sediment and lower nutrient loadings.Unlocking Spatial Precision with 3D LidarThrough a collaborative project with the regional council and MPI, TCC has made detailed 3D Lidar contour mapping freely available to every landowner in Taranaki. This advanced remote sensing data highlights exact farm topography, ephemeral streams, flood zones, and critical source areas, putting producers well ahead of the freshwater farm planning game.Connecting Native Eco-CorridorsBiodiversity projects achieve far higher community buy-in when they are tied to a collective regional narrative. Paul highlights the Pātea River Catchment Group's massive landscape trapping network, which aims to bring native kiwi back to the local bush. By establishing green pathways alongside active weed and predator control, farmers are actively creating sustainable breeding grounds for vulnerable species like the Australasian bittern.Silos Broken Down Through Regional IntegrationTaranaki's environmental success relies heavily on breaking down institutional silos. An active monthly integration group brings together rural support networks, regional council officers, and major dairy cooperatives to synchronise resources. This collaborative framework ensures training programs are shared efficiently, preventing community fatigue and maximising the return on investment.Final Advice: Capitalise on the Power of the GroupPaul challenges farmers and growers to step out from their individual properties and actively join their local sub-catchment collective. Collective action is inherently empowering, providing isolated producers with shared access to plant funding, spatial data, and regulatory support. By working together within a unified catchment framework, communities can move past isolation, support their peers, and deliver visible environmental improvements across the entire landscape.

Dom talks with Dr Mary van Andel, MPI's Chief Veterinary Officer, about what farmers need to look out for as the front line surveillance for H5N1 avian influenza, what protocols they can follow to mitigate spread and the current state of bird flu in NZ. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Liam Gavin, Director for Gavin’s Apiaries Ltd in Northland, about how industry is bouncing back after a tough few years and how its dealing with oversupply and increasing hive sustainability. They also discuss the establishment of the new Honey & Bees industry group and the increasing demand for NZ honey overseas... And he talks with Dr Mary van Andel, MPI's Chief Veterinary Officer, about what farmers need to look out for as the front line surveillance for H5N1 avian influenza, what protocols they can follow to mitigate spread and the current state of bird flu in NZ. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

The first car a customer asks about is rarely the one they actually buy. So why do so many salespeople build the entire opportunity around ONE vehicle? A customer calls about a black Tahoe they found online and immediately the salesperson locks in: availability, price, features, photos, incentives and appointment. Meanwhile, that customer may be looking at multiple vehicles and talking to multiple dealerships. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, automotive sales coach and trainer Jen Suzuki breaks down a strategy she calls EXPAND THE BUY. The goal isn't to talk customers out of what they want. It's to learn enough about them that you can help them discover what else might work. Are they committed to that exact trim? That color? That equipment? What actually attracted them to the vehicle? What matters most? What else could potentially fit better? Those questions create something every salesperson needs: ROOM. Room when the vehicle sells. Room when the payment doesn't work. Room when they arrive and don't love the color. Room when another vehicle catches their attention. Room to become their automotive expert instead of the person assigned to one VIN. Jen explains how expanding the buy can create more flexibility, stronger appointments, better vehicle presentations and more opportunities to keep a deal moving. The mindset shift is simple: Stop thinking: "I need to sell them this car." Start thinking: "I need to help them find the RIGHT car." You're not there to match people to inventory. You're there to guide decisions through curiosity, questions and expertise. The first car gets their attention. The right car rolls out the door. 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

What if the thing you think makes you better at selling is actually costing you deals? In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, sales coach and trainer Jen Suzuki breaks down one of the most common habits she sees in dealership training, call recordings, and role plays: salespeople talking too much. A customer walks in and the salesperson immediately starts explaining inventory, incentives, MPG, warranties, pricing, features, colors and specials. It feels productive. It feels like selling. But there's one big problem: you haven't learned anything about the customer yet. The more you talk, the more you guess. I explain why high-performing salespeople don't try to control conversations by filling every second. They lead with curiosity. They ask better questions. They listen for clues. And they're comfortable enough to let silence do some of the work. You'll learn why customers often tell you exactly how to help them, if you give them enough room to talk and why silence after presenting numbers may be one of the most powerful moments in the entire sales process. You'll also hear a simple challenge you can immediately take back to the showroom: after asking a question, wait two seconds longer than feels natural. Because you don't get paid to talk. You get paid to understand. The more you talk, the more you guess. The more you listen, the more you win. When you master that, you stop pushing deals and start guiding decisions. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki brings practical sales, service, leadership and automotive training straight from the dealership floor designed to help automotive professionals grow their skills, confidence and results. 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

What really creates a great leader? It's probably not what you think. In this episode of Dealer Talk, I sit down with Dave Wilson, founder of Preston Automotive Group, to talk about something much bigger than dealerships, profits, or expansion. We talk about the moments nobody sees. The mentors who shaped him. The difficult conversations every leader eventually has to face. Why culture always starts with character. How "show the love" became a core business philosophy. Why humility is a competitive advantage. And why the best leaders never believe they've arrived. Dave shares lessons from buying his first dealership at just 22 years old, making painful hiring decisions, learning from expensive mistakes and building an organization where people genuinely want to stay and grow.  Whether you lead a dealership, a department, or a small team, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with courage, consistency, and compassion. If you're looking for leadership advice that goes beyond business tactics and into the mindset that builds lasting organizations, this episode is one you won't forget. 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

Have you ever made it all the way to the desk only to hear... "I just need to think about it." Most salespeople blame the numbers. The trade. The payment. The manager. But what if the deal was actually lost before you ever sat down? In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked skills in automotive sales—the vehicle walk-around—and why it's far more than pointing out features. Customers already know the specs. They've researched the technology. They've watched the YouTube videos. What they haven't done is imagine how that vehicle fits into their life! You'll learn how to stop giving feature tours and start creating emotional ownership by connecting every benefit to your customer's lifestyle, family, commute, hobbies, and daily routine. Because when customers can picture themselves driving the vehicle...Price becomes a smaller conversation. Objections shrink. Confidence grows. And the desk simply confirms a decision they've already made emotionally. If you've ever wondered why some deals feel effortless while others become a battle, this episode explains exactly why. 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

Mary van Andel, Chief Veterinary Officer at MPI, joins Matt to discuss the implications for vets of the recent arrival of HPAI in New Zealand.  They cover the likely effects on birds ranging from poultry to native wildlife, and the spillover into mammals such as seals, cats and dairy cattle that has been seen in other countries.  There are also some recommendations on what to do if members of the public bring sick wild or domestic birds to vet clinics. Below are links to further information that are mentioned in this episode: NZVA resources: https://nzva.org.nz/clinical-resources/general/hpai Vet Council Guidelines:  https://hub.vetcouncil.org.nz/veterinary-guidance-for-managing-public-presentations-of-sick-or-dead-wild-birds-during-an-hpai-outbreak MPI Information for Veterinarians:  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/bird-flu/information-for-veterinarians MPI video for backyard poultry owners:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaQAfwwN9VU

The primary production committee heard from DOC and MPI this week during a briefing on bird flu. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Most advisors think they need more traffic. They don't. They need stronger conversations. In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the biggest reasons advisors hit an income ceiling and it has nothing to do with your dealership, your manager, or the economy. We'll talk about why some advisors consistently outperform everyone around them, how confidence changes customer decisions, why discounting quietly destroys your paycheck, and the mindset shift that separates order takers from trusted consultants. If you've ever caught yourself rushing through presentations, apologizing for price, avoiding objections, or wondering why someone else is making more money in the same shop... This episode is for you! 20-minutes that could completely change the way you present repairs and the way customers respond. Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. And it pays. ACTUALLY. PERIOD.

The poultry industry believes it's as prepared as it can be for bird flu. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced legislation requiring anyone with more than 100 birds to have a bird flu prevention and response plan. Mainland Poultry chief executive John McKay told Mike Hosking the industry and farmers have been working closely with MPI, and learnt from countries that have already dealt with the virus. He says you can have the best strategies in the world and still get hit by disease, so having these plans is the best way forward for farmers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just because New Zealand hasn't recorded more bird flu cases, doesn't mean it's time to relax. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced legislation requiring anyone with more than 100 birds to have a bird flu prevention and response plan. This country has two confirmed cases of the globally circulating H5N1 strain in Petone and Carterton. Hoggard told Andrew Dickens MPI has investigated around one-thousand notifications, with no further cases found. But he says if infected birds are reaching New Zealand, they're probably also reaching Antarctica, meaning more cases could arrive in spring. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of bird nerds and nature lovers have been keeping an eye on the bird flu arrival in our country. What can we do, what can't we do and what should we do to keep them as healthy and as safe as we can? Here are some things we can consider, published by Predator Free NZ staff: Image credit: John Bruin We are aware that some migratory birds have always been seen as carriers of that flu - it's quite logical that the skua was first found. It probably indicates that many more of these Antarctic birds are full of flu, especially when they get together in places where we, humans, rarely get to. MPI 0800 80 99 66 to report sick birds Image credit: Alex H Weller Using bird feeders? I am not too convinced that is a good idea. Big flocks of all sorts of birds could cause contaminations, maybe not bird flu, but I have seen a lot of silvereyes with Pox on their feet and faces. Yes, I know that Pox is a different issue with birds, but it simply pays to be careful with large numbers of birds hanging around bird feeders. While there is currently no official recommendation to take down bird feeders, they need frequent cleaning to help protect birds. The disease can spread through saliva on nozzle feeders, so clean them daily by scrubbing with hot water and dishwashing liquid (wear gloves and a mask!).  Open dishes and containers accumulate poop and are high risk. Predator Free recommend stopping their use immediately, which makes total sense. If you are trapping pests with eggs and raw poultry as lures… A big bucket of mayonnaise and a small squeezable container. Raw eggs and bird meat could contribute to the spread of disease. While the risk is very low for now and there is no official recommendation to stop using these lures consider phasing them out for now, especially if you use raw egg as a lure in and around your trap. As an egg alternative, we recommend egg-based mayonnaise, which is pasteurised and therefore doesn't pose the same risks as raw eggs. Image Credit: Predator Free Tamahere Keep cats safe and happy at home Cats seem to be very susceptible to severe illness from Avian Influenza H5N1 and could contract it from exposure to wild birds. Keeping cats safe and happy at home minimises the risk of being exposed to the disease, and it's best for our wildlife too. Oh, and while we are at it, keep your dog on a lead too! Makes sense, don't you think? Image credit: Fiona Taylor MPI: 0800 80 99 66 to report sick birds See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most service advisors assume price is the problem long before the customer ever says it. That's where profit disappears. In this episode, Jen Suzuki challenges one of the biggest habits hurting dealership service departments: discounting before exploring better solutions. Learn why financing should be one of your first "bats" instead of your last resort or never, how immediate discounts quietly destroy your ELR, gross profit and customer confidence and why the best advisors never assume someone can't afford needed repairs. You'll hear practical examples of how to present financing naturally, protect the value of your technicians' work, increase MPI approvals and create conversations that build trust instead of negotiation. If you're serious about becoming a stronger advisor while helping more customers repair their vehicles before small problems become expensive ones, this episode is for you. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Krankhaftes Übergewicht zählt heute zu den größten Gesundheitsproblemen weltweit. Die Erkrankung erhöht das Risiko für Diabetes, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und viele weitere gesundheitliche Probleme. Jens Brüning erforscht die Ursachen und untersucht, wie unser Gehirn den Stoffwechsel steuert. (00:00:47) Opener (00:39:02) Trenner (00:39:54) Closer Hier erfahrt ihr mehr über das Max-Planck-Institut für Stoffwechselforschung in Köln. Hier erfahrt ihr mehr über die Forschung von Prof. Dr. Jens Brüning und seinem Team am MPI für Stoffwechselforschung. ➡️ Artikel zum Nachlesen: https://detektor.fm/wissen/ach-mensch-jens-bruening-adipositas

Krankhaftes Übergewicht zählt heute zu den größten Gesundheitsproblemen weltweit. Die Erkrankung erhöht das Risiko für Diabetes, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und viele weitere gesundheitliche Probleme. Jens Brüning erforscht die Ursachen und untersucht, wie unser Gehirn den Stoffwechsel steuert. (00:00:47) Opener (00:39:02) Trenner (00:39:54) Closer Hier erfahrt ihr mehr über das Max-Planck-Institut für Stoffwechselforschung in Köln. Hier erfahrt ihr mehr über die Forschung von Prof. Dr. Jens Brüning und seinem Team am MPI für Stoffwechselforschung. ➡️ Artikel zum Nachlesen: https://detektor.fm/wissen/ach-mensch-jens-bruening-adipositas

When people think about a Service BDC, they usually picture someone answering phones and setting appointments. Emma Cole saw something completely different. When she stepped into one of the largest service departments in the country, there wasn't a blueprint waiting for her. She had to build the department, earn trust with advisors, hire the right people, create new processes, and figure out how to keep a team motivated while making hundreds of calls every day. And she did. In this episode, Emma shares exactly how she built one of the most impressive Service BDC operations I've seen. We talk about finding opportunities that most dealerships overlook, building a team that actually wants to win, handling declined services, keeping advisors and BDC on the same page, and why leadership has to be hands-on when the pressure is on. If you've ever wondered whether a Service BDC can make a real impact on retention, customer experience, and service revenue...this episode will probably change your mind. We cover: How Emma built a Service BDC from the ground up. The lead sources most dealerships never work consistently. Why declined services deserve their own strategy. How to hire people with hustle—not just experience. The biggest mistakes BDC teams make and how to avoid them. Why communication between advisors and BDC can make or break the customer experience. One thing I loved about Emma... She never waited for someone to hand her a process. She built one. 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

The director general of MPI updates the latest on the bird flu after Mainland Poultry, the country’s largest egg supplier, is putting hundreds of thousands of free-range chickens into lockdown following two positive cases last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Primary Industries received 157 notifications of dead or unwell birds on Saturday alone, after bird flu was detected in two wild birds last week. There have been no new confirmed cases of the highly contagious H5N1 strain. Mary van Andel, chief veterinary officer at MPI spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A native hawk in the Wairarapa has been confirmed as the second case of bird flu in New Zealand. The animal was sent to a wildlife hospital after suffering a head injury where the disease was found upon routine testing. Minister of Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard told Heather du Plessis-Allan that they are working with farmers in the region. "From an MPI perspective, we are touching base with all, I think there's about 13, egg producers or poultry producers in the Wairarapa. So, teams getting in contact with all of them just to check, are they confident in their biosecurity measures they've got?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More cases of bird flu seem inevitable here, according to some experts. Our first infection with the globally spreading H5N1 strain has been confirmed in a migratory brown skua, found on Wellington's Petone Beach last Friday. Auckland University Professor Dianne Brunton says it's not even clear if our next likely case will be linked. "New Zealand is kind of in the middle of nowhere, of course, but we are surrounded by seabirds - we're the seabird capital of the world." MPI is asking people to stay vigilant and report any groups of sick or dead wild birds. The illness is a low risk to humans, and our poultry and eggs are safe to eat. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everybody wants to know what the best dealerships are doing differently. So I went straight to someone who sees them every day. In this episode, I sat down with Joel Dalbo, one of NADA's longtime Dealer 20 Group moderators. He spends his days in rooms with some of the highest-performing dealer principals and leadership teams in the country, so I wanted to know... What are they talking about right now? What challenges keep coming up? And what separates the stores that consistently outperform everyone else? What surprised me most was how often the conversation came back to the basics. Hiring the right people. Developing leaders. Executing the plan. Not trying to fix five things at once. We also talked about AI, and Joel shared something I thought was really interesting. The dealers who are winning aren't waiting around to see what happens. They're experimenting, learning from each other, and figuring out how AI fits into their business before someone else figures it out for them. If you're leading a dealership, managing a team, or just trying to build a stronger operation, this conversation is full of practical ideas you can actually use. We cover: The biggest leadership mistakes Joel sees over and over. Why execution beats great ideas every time. How top-performing dealers hire, coach, and keep great people. What Dealer 20 Groups are saying about AI today. The dealership metrics Joel thinks deserve a lot more attention. One thing Joel said really stuck with me... There aren't any magic shortcuts. The dealerships that keep winning are usually the ones that never stop getting better. 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

Paul Goldsmith responds to criticism of so-called move-on bill; MPI's chief vet on H5 bird flu in New Zealand; Matt Doocey on $35m boost for forensic mental health; CEO Interview: Lincoln Agritech's Professor Travis Glare; Pete Monk on starting a legal career in his sixties

Officials are on high alert after the first case of H5 bird flu was confirmed in New Zealand yesterday, after being detected in a sea bird found on Petone Beach in Wellington. MPI's chief veterinary officer Mary van Andel has been at the forefront of the response and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

AI is everywhere right now. But here's the question that really matters... Why are some dealerships getting great results while others are frustrated and wondering if AI is even worth it? In this episode, I sat down with Kevin, Chief Product Officer at Matador AI, to talk about what actually happens behind the scenes. How do they decide what features to build? What are they seeing across hundreds of dealerships? And what separates the stores that are making AI work from the ones that aren't? One thing really stood out to me... The technology usually isn't the problem. Adoption is. We talked about why AI isn't something you just turn on and hope for the best. It takes partnership, feedback, training, and leaders who are willing to keep improving right along with the technology. I also loved hearing how the Matador team studies real dealership conversations every single day to find friction, improve the product, and help dealers spot opportunities they didn't even know they were missing. If you're thinking about AI, already using it, or trying to figure out why your results aren't where you hoped they'd be, I think you'll get a lot from this conversation. We cover: Why dealerships struggle with AI adoption. How Matador learns from real customer conversations. What successful dealers are doing differently. Where AI is heading next in sales and service. Simple lessons any dealership can use, no matter what AI platform you're running. This is a conversation about building a dealership that's ready for what's next! 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

People hear me teaching every week. They see the energy, the passion, the coaching, and now AI innovation. But they don't always know where it came from. In this special interview, ASOTU Founder & CEO Paul Daly turns the microphone around and asks me the questions I rarely get asked. We talk about how I got started in automotive, why I built eDealer Solutions over two decades ago, what I've learned from training thousands of dealership professionals, and why helping people believe in themselves still matters more to me than any sales process. We also dive into the future of dealership leadership, AI adoption, why old-school sales tactics are losing their effectiveness, and how leaders can stay relevant without losing the human connection that makes this industry so rewarding. I also share the story behind creating ZukiTalk, why consistency matters more than talent, and what continues to motivate me after more than 20 years of coaching dealerships across North America. If you've ever wondered what drives me, why I care so deeply about this industry, or where I believe automotive retail is headed next, this conversation gives you a look behind the scenes. Because at the end of the day... I'm not just passionate about selling more cars. I'm passionate about helping people discover what they're capable of becoming. 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

Blueberry growers have voiced concerns over the prospect of New Zealand relaxing its food import rules following an E.coli outbreak in the US. The outbreak has been linked to a shipment of frozen berries in Chile. The growers fear that MPI changes to berry imports could also bring new pests or diseases onto New Zealand shores. One grower, Dan Peach, says MPI hasn't considered the risks involved in making these changes. "It's not a question of if it's going to happen, it's a matter of when - and how much is tolerable. And that's where risk-based assessments need to be looked at, on a case-by-case basis." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do family offices and ultra-wealthy families use life insurance to build, protect, and transfer wealth for generations? Want to See If Whole Life Insurance Can Improve Your Wealth? Schedule Your Clarity Call Here: https://bttr.ly/bw-yt-aa-clarityIn this BetterWealth episode, Caleb Guilliams sits down with Family Office Expert, Steven Bowles to break down the strategies behind dynasty trusts, estate planning, family banking, liquidity, tax-efficient wealth transfers, and how life insurance can help create lasting multi-generational wealth for 1,000+ years.Connect with Steven Bowles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbowles1/Watch the Interview on Youtube for Visuals - https://youtu.be/wV_sCxxH5EgLearn More About BetterWealth: https://betterwealth.comChapters:Defining the Family Office Structure: (0:01:57 - 0:05:08)Exploration of what constitutes a family office and when it becomes a necessary strategy for high-net-worth individuals.Legacy and Generational Thinking: (0:05:08 - 0:08:06)Insights drawn from ultra-wealthy families, such as the Rockefellers, and the importance of long-term planning horizons.The Strategy of Outsourcing Risk: (0:08:05 - 0:15:53)Analysis of why insurance is utilized as a tool for risk management rather than just a financial commodity.Liquidity and Wealth Preservation: (0:15:53 - 0:27:15)How insurance acts as a buffer against market volatility and provides necessary liquidity at the end of a lifetime.Family Harmony and Planning: (0:27:15 - 0:31:20)The intersection of estate planning, buy-sell agreements, and maintaining family unity through structured wealth transfer.Trust Structures Explained: (0:31:20 - 0:37:16)Understanding the role of irrevocable trusts, dynasty trusts, and the trustee's role in managing policy loans.Premium Finance Analysis: (0:37:16 - 0:42:46)A critical look at premium finance strategies, the risks involved, and the danger of treating insurance as an arbitrage play.Reviewing MPI and Kai-Zen: (0:42:46 - 0:53:56)Discussion on the potential risks of MPI and Kai-Zen.Deep Dive into Dynasty Trusts: (0:53:56 - 1:04:46)How intentionally defective grantor trusts function to remove assets from a taxable estate while providing long-term legacy benefits.Education, Stewardship, and Infinite Banking: (1:04:46 - 1:11:35)How wealthy families prioritize the lifetime education of the next generation to steward inherited wealth effectively.DISCLAIMER: https://bttr.ly/aapolicy*This video is for entertainment purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.Financial Advice Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for education, discussion, and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice or recommendation. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of the information on this channel. Neither host nor guests can be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss incurred by applying any of the information offered.

For nearly 30 years, John Inman, CEO McCurley Dealerships has helped lead one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected dealership groups. But this conversation isn't about awards or success stories, it's about what leadership looks like when the industry refuses to stand still. We talk openly about the pressure leaders face as AI reshapes retail, why execution is still harder than strategy, and what separates organizations that adapt from those that get left behind. John shares how his team is evaluating new technology, involving frontline employees in major decisions, improving fixed operations and staying focused on the one thing that never goes out of style: earning customer trust. If you're a dealer principal, executive, manager, or simply someone responsible for leading people through change, this episode offers practical insight. Just honest conversation about what it takes to build stronger teams, make smarter decisions, and keep moving forward in an industry that's evolving faster than ever. Sometimes the biggest competitive advantage isn't finding the next tool. It's building a team that's willing to grow with it. 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

The best salespeople don't win because they know the most features. They win because they understand people. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, we dive into one of the biggest mindset shifts in modern selling: customers don't buy logically... they justify their decisions logically after they've already made an emotional one. We'll explore why facts alone create price shoppers, how emotional connection reduces resistance, why customers never argue with how they feel, and how asking better questions uncovers the real reason they're buying. Whether you're in sales, BDC, service, or leadership, this conversation will challenge how you communicate with customers and help you create more trust, stronger relationships, and more confident decisions. If you've ever heard, "I need to think about it," this episode will help you understand what your customer is really trying to tell you and what to do next. 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

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.

Sudan is experiencing the world's largest displacement crisis, with nearly 14 million people forcibly displaced by civil war, famine, and acute food insecurity. Yet the scale of suffering has not translated into proportionate global attention or funding: the Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan remains only 10 percent funded, leaving a gap of more than $1.4 billion. In this episode of World of Migration, John Thon Majok, Director of MPI's Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative, speaks with Margaret Monyani, Founder and Executive Director of the OLAM Africa Research Institute, about why Sudan's crisis has not been prioritized on the global stage. They discuss the regional spillover effects on neighbors such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt, as well as how foreign aid cuts are compounding the response gap. They also explore what a more effective and coordinated international response would require.

Is your short-term rental truly set up to cash flow, or are you just hoping the market will do the heavy lifting for you? Most hosts look at dynamic pricing as a "set it and forget it" tool, but real revenue strategy requires getting behind the wheel of your data.In this episode, I sit down with Colorado host and revenue strategist Melissa Stewart, the founder of Rev Collective. Melissa scaled from zero to four high-performing mountain cabins in under two years by combining a value-add investment blueprint with a highly intentional, data-driven revenue management strategy.We talk about:Buying distressed mountain properties for maximum negotiating power, doing a full gut rehab to build equity, and leveraging a smart refi to roll into the next deal.Moving past simple bulleted descriptions to craft narrative-driven listing copy that makes guests feel like they are walking through a storybook.What a "healthy" MPI looks like, how to recognize if you are underpriced or overpriced, and why treating dynamic pricing tools like autopilot is a massive mistake.Designing interior and exterior spaces with a strict guest avatar in mind—from luxury robes and sound machines to curated coffee and tea stations.Shifting your mindset around money as energy, shedding old financial stories, and building wealth that creates real opportunities for other women in hospitality.Melissa pulls back the curtain on how her background in accounting and data analysis gave her a unique edge in the short-term rental market. You'll hear how she bridges the gap between high-end hospitality and cold, hard data, and how she built her company specifically to empower women hosts who love the guest experience but feel overwhelmed by numbers and tech.If you are ready to stop guessing on your pricing, master your local pacing, and inject serious intention into your operations, this conversation will completely redefine your approach to revenue. Get ready to stop relying on market luck and start commanding the rates your property deserves.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[01:14] A short introduction about our guests Melissa Stewart and shared her journey from exiting a business to getting into the short-term rental industry[03:06] Melissa reflects on how a background in real estate and a desire for lifestyle-driven wealth building led her and her husband into the world of short-term rentals[05:30] How strategic investing, leveraging equity, and taking bold action helped Melissa scale from one short-term rental property to four in a relatively short time[07:36] Melissa and I dive into how taking on distressed properties, embracing renovation challenges, and viewing obstacles as opportunities helped accelerate equity growth and STR success[12:31] How embracing problems, adapting quickly, and treating short-term rental hosting as a constant problem-solving business is essential for long-term success [14:36] Melissa unpacks how creating intentional five-star guest experiences, strategic branding, and emotionally driven listings became the foundation of cash-flowing STR properties at the top of the market[21:10] Melissa highlights how overlooking listing strategy after investing heavily in a property is a common mistake, and how emotional storytelling and optimization are key to turning beautiful homes into booked STRs[24:54] How STR success depends not just on design, but on operations, pricing, and listing strategy working together to drive higher nightly rates and long-term profitability[28:08] Melissa shares how her passion for entrepreneurship, wealth building, and supporting women in business ultimately led her to launch The Rev Collective[34:16] Melissa's emphasis on active revenue management as a critical profit driver that requires strategy, oversight, and expertise beyond Pricelabs[38:15] Melissa's guidance on using listing optimization, market pacing, and key revenue metrics to make smarter pricing decisions and improve booking performance [43:23] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“Know your obstacles. That way when they come, they're opportunities.”“We cannot leave any stone unturned when it comes to positioning ourselves for getting that booking, these guests have so many options in front of them on the OTAs.”“If you're not operating well, your reviews are not going to be what you need them to be, and you're going to fall to your competition in the marketing.”“Stick to doing things that you're good at and delegate the rest.”“If your ultimate goal is to cash flow to build wealth in this real estate, you know, gig that you've got going, if that's your goal, then revenue management should be your top priority when it comes to running your business, because that's how you make your moneyLet's Connect:Website : www.revcollective.co Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissastewart Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Most AI conversations focus on the technology. This one focuses on the people building it. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Tasso Roumeliotis, Founder & CEO of NUMA AI, for a candid conversation about leadership, change, AI adoption, customer experience and what dealership operators need to understand as artificial intelligence becomes part of daily operations. What fascinated me most wasn't the product. It was learning how an outsider to automotive earned trust inside one of the most operationally complex industries in the world and what dealership leaders can learn from that journey. We discuss: • Why most AI failures are actually adoption failures • The resistance employees feel when AI enters the workplace • How leaders should communicate AI change to their teams • Why understanding the people behind AI matters as much as understanding the technology • The future role of dealership leadership in an AI-driven world • How AI can improve visibility into customer experience and operational performance • Why empathy may become the most valuable human skill in automotive retail • What operators should be thinking about now to prepare for the next few years Whether you're a dealer principal, general manager, fixed ops leader, sales leader, service manager, BDC director, or simply curious about where automotive retail is headed, this episode offers practical insight into the leadership side of AI transformation. Because the future won't be determined by who buys the most AI. It will be determined by who leads people through change the best. Subscribe for weekly conversations focused on leadership, customer experience, AI, sales, service, and dealership growth. 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

The companies that win at scale don't become more corporate. They become more human.  Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating an environment where people can succeed. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Dan Clara, newly appointed CEO of Asbury Automotive Group and one of the most respected operators in our industry. After nearly 24 years with the same organization, Dan shares what it really takes to scale a company without losing culture, accountability, employee loyalty or customer trust. We talk about career paths, employee ownership, retention, onboarding, training, leadership accessibility and why communication may be the most underrated skill in automotive retail today. Dan also shares lessons learned from leading through acquisitions, implementing technology at scale and navigating AI without losing sight of the human experience. One of my favorite takeaways was simple but powerful: People create the experience. Technology can make us more efficient, but leadership is still about building trust, developing talent and staying connected to the people doing the work every day. If you're a dealer principal, GM, fixed ops leader, sales manager, service director, advisor, or anyone looking to grow your leadership impact, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from someone who has spent decades rising through the ranks and helping build one of the largest automotive groups in the country! And his final advice might be the most important leadership lesson of all: Stay uncomfortable. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Today, we have the great pleasure of speaking with Cleo Battle, the President and CEO of Louisville Tourism and the new Chair of the International Board of MPI! Cleo is an amazing person! He joins us today to share his inspiring journey and dive into what matters most for tourism and why every seat counts. We hope you enjoy listening to today's captivating conversation with Cleo Battle! Cleo Battle Biography: Cleo Battle, a hospitality industry veteran of nearly 35 years, currently serves as President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. Before coming to Louisville, he spent 12 years as Vice President of Sales & Services of the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau in Richmond, VA. He held the positions of Director of Sales and Sales Manager at the Richmond CVB. Battle began his hospitality career in the hotel industry by working for Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, and Sheraton Hotels. Battle is a native of Denver and a graduate of Metropolitan State University in Denver with a bachelor's degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. He earned his Master's of Business Administration in 1997 from Averett University in Virginia. He is both a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and Certified Association Sales Executive (CASE). Battle's most recent industry recognition includes the Events Industry Council 2020 Social Impact award winner, Business First Louisville's inaugural Power 50 as well as The Courier-Journal's 12 People to Watch in 2021. Battle currently serves on the Meeting Planners International Board of Directors, the Kentucky Derby Museum Board of Directors, the Louisville Sports Commission Executive Board, the LRAA Board, the Kentucky State Fair Board, the Louisville Zoo Foundation Board, the Funds for the Arts Board, and the Board of the Northeast YMCA of Louisville. He is the Past Chair of Destination & Travel Foundation, Destination International Sales & Services Committee, and the Virginia State University Hospitality Department Advisory Board. Cleo's journey Cleo was a college track-and-field athlete. In his third year, he tore a leg muscle. He was still undecided about what he would major in at the time. So he spoke to a school counselor, and she suggested hotel restaurant management. He signed up for the course, started taking classes, and began working as an intern in a hotel. Hotel work came naturally to him, and he worked in many different positions. Then he got hired into the management training program for Promise Hotels, and his career took off! How athletics set Cleo up for success Learning how to run hurdles gave Cleo adaptability and flexibility. He also learned many other skills from athletics that he needed to grow and become successful in his career. A strong team Cleo truly understands the importance of having a strong team! He learned that you cannot do everything by yourself in business and that you are only as good as the people around you. His old boss from Richmond, Virginia, taught him that the key to any successful endeavor lies in hiring well. He used to tell Cleo to hire well, provide good resources, and then get the hell out of the way!  Trust Trust is an essential ingredient for teamwork. People do much better when they work in a professional space where constructive criticism is valued, they can be honest about their thoughts, and they know that their opinions will be respected, regardless of what the leaders ultimately decide. Every seat matters At staff meetings, Cleo always tells his organization's members that every seat matters. He wants them to understand that regardless of whether they are the Director of Sales, a marketing manager, or an administrative assistant, their seat in the organization still matters! Enabling people Whenever there is new subject matter, Cleo enables his team by inviting them to share their thoughts and opinions and offer ideas. Cleo's current position Even though his current position as President and CEO of Louisville Tourism involves a lot of legislative work and more talk about politics than about customers, Cleo still feels it is vital to stay true to the core mission of Louisville Tourism and to bring visitors to the community. MPI Since the first of January, Cleo has been the Chair of MPI and serves on the International Board of Directors. He insists that his team has a growth mindset rather than a recovery mindset. The cost of doing business has changed. Since the pandemic, the cost of doing business has changed. So a lot of work has to be done on the industry brand to help those outside it see its value, what is being done, why it is important, and how the industry impacts people's lives. Getting more people to join the industry Cleo points out that hotels, convention centers, museums and attractions, restaurants, and airports cannot work from home. So the industry will need to figure out the right balance between automated and personal services, going forward. He believes the industry must invest in its brand to make more people aware of why it is such an exciting industry to join. Appreciation and acknowledgment Cleo believes that openly acknowledging his staff members and appreciating their work is the best way to encourage them to provide customers with the best service! Connect with Eric On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Cleo Battle On LinkedIn Louisville Tourism MPI Books mentioned: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

„Einige Unbelehrbare, darunter natürlich auch ich, waren mit dem freiwilligen Gang in die Gefangenschaft nicht einverstanden, nahmen uns die passenden Waffen aus dem Haufen (ich zwei Eihandgranaten, eine Pistole und mehrere gefüllte Ladestreifen einer MPi, die das gleiche Kaliber hatte) und wir zogen eigene Wege, um uns, wie wir uns verständigt hatten, nach Berlin durchzuschlagen.“InWeiterlesen

This is a very simple strategy that is overlooked all the time! You will mprove your ELR at same time. If you're discounting before offering financing, you're doing it backwards. In this episode, Jen Suzuki tackles one of the biggest profit leaks happening in service departments every day. Advisors hear a repair total, feel a little customer hesitation, and immediately start shaving dollars off the repair order. The problem? Most customers aren't saying no because of the total cost. They're reacting to the immediate out-of-pocket impact. Jen breaks down why discounting weakens value, lowers ELR, reduces gross profit, and trains customers to negotiate every future visit. More importantly, she shares a simple mindset shift that helps advisors protect the repair, protect the technician and create more opportunities for customers to say yes. You'll learn how to present financing naturally, why payment options change the conversation, and how top advisors use flexibility instead of discounts to increase approvals, improve hours per RO, and build more trust. If you want stronger MPI approval rates, higher gross profit, and more confidence presenting recommendations, this episode is 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 |

Josh Arnold, Recon Lead Technician at Austin Subaru, is back on the podcast for another honest conversation about life in the trade. He opens up about mentoring apprentices from scratch, what it really took to turn around a struggling recon department, and how public speaking and MPI video have pushed him to grow in ways he didn't expect. Watch the video recordingAbout the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Josh Arnold, Austin Subaru, Connect with Josh on LinkedInLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listJoin 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

Big critter news out this morning, a suspected scorpion has been found in a bathroom in an Auckland home. The arachnid has since died, and MPI has collected it for further study. To find out if we should be worried, Jesse is joined by Te Papa curator of invertebrates Phil Sirvid.

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 do AI data centers have to do with leadership in car dealerships? A lot more than most people realize. In this thought-provoking episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down one of the biggest conversations shaping the future of business, AI infrastructure, and leadership… in plain English. No tech jargon. No fear tactics. Just real-world perspective from someone actively training inside dealerships every single week while building AI tools for the automotive industry herself. Jen explains what AI data centers actually are, why the world is suddenly talking about them, and why dealership leaders should care about infrastructure, energy usage, AI adoption, and the future workforce. She tackles the fear, misinformation, and online hysteria surrounding AI while helping leaders think more critically and responsibly about where technology is heading. As founder of eDealer Solutions and co-founder of ZukiTalk, Jen connects the dots between AI infrastructure, dealership operations, customer communication, employee adaptability, productivity, and leadership responsibility. This episode is ultimately about perspective. Every major technological shift in history required infrastructure expansion, and AI is no different. The leaders who stay curious, adaptable, and informed will be far better positioned than the ones operating from fear or misinformation. If you're in automotive retail, leadership, fixed ops, sales, service, or simply trying to understand what AI actually means for society and business, this episode delivers a practical and balanced conversation about the future already unfolding around us. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

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 |

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 |

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 |

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 |