117 episodes
Auto Collabs ASOTU Podcasts
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- Business
The walls are closing in on Franchised Retail Auto Dealers as the industry is moving at break-neck velocity toward a new way of doing business. The convergence of economic and social volatility, new entrants like Tesla and Carvana, and the new rules of retail are putting Auto Dealers in a crucible that will either destroy them or refine them.Auto Collabs brings you deep into real-talk conversations with the brightest operators and innovators in the Retail Auto Industry who believe the Dealer network is the single greatest way to serve the transportation needs of communities across the country. The only way Retail Auto Dealers and Industry Partners will survive is by committing to innovate together, so let’s get started. Welcome to Auto Collabs. // Auto Collabs is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn more at https://www.asotu.com
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AI Is a Tool, Not a Solution with Brad Title | Auto Collabs
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While AI can streamline operations, it's the human touch that truly nurtures customer loyalty and builds effective business relationships.
In this episode of Auto Collabs, Brad Title, the visionary leader behind Gubagoo, shares his expert insights on the nuanced role of artificial intelligence within the automotive industry and other sectors. As AI continues to evolve, Brad argues for its use as an indispensable tool rather than a standalone solution. He delves into how AI has the potential to revolutionize traditional practices, such as title clerking, by automating complex processes which can save time and reduce human error. However, he also warns of the dangers of relying too heavily on AI, noting that overemphasis can diminish the crucial human element that fosters genuine customer connections and loyalty.
The discussion also touches on the broader implications of AI in job creation and operational efficiency. Brad highlights the transformative power of AI in enhancing customer service and backend operations, yet he maintains a strong stance on the importance of maintaining a balance between automated solutions and personal interactions. By integrating AI thoughtfully into business practices, Brad envisions a future where technology supports and enhances human work, rather than replacing it. Throughout the conversation, examples from his own experience in leading Gubagoo illustrate practical ways businesses can leverage AI to improve efficiency while keeping customer relationships at the heart of their strategy.
Timestamped Takeaways:
0:00 - Intro
1:12 - Why ignoring AI trends is a significant oversight
3:44 - The risks of overemphasizing AI
6:00 - The effect of AI on jobs
11:03 - How AI can inadvertently betray consumer trust
16:27 - Gubagoo's development of new CRM platforms integrating AI
21:57 - Closing remarks
Learn more about Gubagoo: https://www.gubagoo.com/
Brad Title is the Founder, President and CEO at Gubagoo
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Learning To Drive in 2039 with Jimmy Douglas
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Jimmy's foresight and innovation are not just reshaping his company, but also providing a blueprint for the future of auto retailing.
We sit down for the second time with Jimmy Douglas, the trailblazing Founder and CEO of Plug, to dissect the seismic shifts in automotive technology and dealership dynamics. Jimmy, an ex-Tesla insider, shares his view into the rapidly evolving landscape of EVs and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for franchise dealerships. With a casual and engaging banter reminiscent of a lively tech meetup, our hosts, Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo, delve deep into Jimmy’s journey from launching Plug at ASOTU CON in September 2023 to steering the company through explosive growth in the used EV market.
Jimmy’s anecdotes about the intersection of software and automotive hardware illuminate the conversation, providing a peek into the not-so-distant future where EVs dominate the roads. His comparison of selling used EVs to understanding the complexities of various Android phones captures the essence of the challenges dealers face today. As he recounts the story of his past at Tesla and draws parallels to his current endeavors, Jimmy underscores the necessity for dealers to adapt swiftly to maintain relevance and profitability in this new era.
Timestamped Takeaways:
0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
3:37 Flying Middle Seats on Spirit Airlines
10:56 A deep dive into the 'software defined vehicle'
16:46 Why Jimmy believed Plug will be the safest platform for acquiring used EV inventory
22:10 An AI-generated image of "Little Jimmy" driving a vintage Chevy in Oregon
25:22 The importance of attending events like ASOTU CON
Learn more about Plug: https://plug.vin/
Jimmy Douglas is the Founder and CEO of Plug.
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Just Take Good Pictures of The Cars with Jason Tropp
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It's not that hard to merchandise cars. Just take good pictures.
Throughout his career, Jason Tropp, the Business Partnerships Manager at CarCutter, has gleaned several vital lessons in the automotive marketing field, emphasizing the power of visual presentation in driving sales and customer engagement. He learned the critical importance of adapting and evolving within marketing roles, transitioning from creative to digital strategies to better connect marketing efforts with tangible sales outcomes.
A pivotal realization for Jason was the significant impact that high-quality vehicle images have on the effectiveness of advertising dollars. This insight not only led him to his role at CarCutter but also underscored the broader marketing principle that compelling product presentation is foundational to successful digital advertising.
Furthermore, Jason's journey taught him the value of embracing effective technologies and tools that enhance marketing strategies, illustrating the profound effect of authenticity and belief in the products one promotes. His experiences advocate for the integration of marketing at the strategic planning table within automotive businesses, ensuring that marketing voices are not just heard but are influential in shaping business outcomes.
Timestamped Takeaways
0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
3:03 How Jason got to Portland, Maine
5:26 The value of marketing for an entire organization
11:55 How Jason got to CarCutter
16:04 The connection between proper car merchandising and marketing success
21:49 Believing in the thing you're marketing
25:22 The critical role marketers should play at the strategic planning table
Jason Tropp is the Business Partnerships Manager at CarCutter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontropp/
https://www.car-cutter.com/
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The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Amplify The ASOTU Wheelhouse hosted by Daniel Govaer -
The Highest Level of Intelligence with Kelly Good Stoop
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Hot Take Incoming: The practical over the sensational is key when using AI in marketing.
In this lively episode of 'Auto Collabs', we're joined by Kelly Good Stoop, the Regional Vice President at Lotlinx. Kelly shares her journey from being an "army brat" moving across continents to shaping the cutting edge of automotive digital marketing. From her early days selling traditional advertising to spearheading advanced digital strategies, Kelly's story is about adaptability and foresight.
The conversation pivots around the fascinating intersection of technology and marketing, with Kelly detailing how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing how dealers connect with customers. Her experiences range from broadcasting to digital platforms, offering a unique perspective on both the challenges and innovations within the automotive space.
Timestamped Takeaways
0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
4:26: The shift from traditional to digital advertising in automotive
6:29: Embracing digital trends in the auto industry
8:51: Lotlinx's strategic use of data and AI to optimize dealership marketing.
14:58: The influence of Kelly's diverse upbringing
18:55: Kelly's strategies for engaging with new ideas and technologies at industry events
Kelly Good Stoop is the Regional Vice President of Lotlinx
⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!
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✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.
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The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Amplify The ASOTU Wheelhouse hosted by Daniel Govaer -
Passion, Aggression, Humility with Diana Lee of Constellation
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Diana Lee is a masterclass in leadership and determination, showcasing how personal history and professional challenges forges the leaders revolutionizing retail automotive.
The charismatic Founder and CEO of Constellation is a beacon of passion, aggression, and humility, and she shares her compelling journey from a timid immigrant child in Philadelphia to the powerhouse entrepreneur reshaping the automotive marketing landscape. Diana brings an energy to our podcast that makes you want to jump on your feet and applaud, discussing the unique challenges and triumphs of building a business as an immigrant in the competitive world of American enterprise.
Listeners are in for a treat as Diana delves deep into her roots, recounting the struggles of her early days in the U.S. and her initial experiences working in a dealership in the gritty environment of Worcester, Massachusetts. Her stories of survival on the sales floor, where she had to prove her mettle against all odds, and she shares stories of the cast of characters she met, including Don the Pimp and Bobby the Addict. In automotive, Diana found a family that supported each other. So when she started her agency, supporting the auto industry was at the front of her mind.
As the auto industry grapples with an increasingly digital-first approach, Diana envisions integrating AI to create a more personalized and efficient customer experience. Constellation is at the forefront of this revolution, developing AI-driven tools that not only enhance how dealerships interact with customers but also how they manage internal operations. Diana's goal is to tailor AI solutions that respect the unique culture of each dealership, thereby ensuring that technology amplifies their strengths rather than undermines the personal touch that defines the automotive selling tradition.
Timestamped Takeaways:
0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
4:14 - Diana's Recollection of the Dealership in 1989
8:44 - Diana's Immigrant Background
12:18 - How The Dealership Helped Bobby the Addict Get Clean
16:24 - Immigrants Are Filling The Recruitment Gap in Auto
18:43 - The dealership model is better than direct-to-consumer
20:21 - The potential for AI in dealerships
24:41 - The crucial role dealerships play in nurturing talent and giving back to their communities.
Diana Lee is the Founder & CEO at
⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!
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For The Sake of Retail Auto with Nick Askew
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Once you realize you're in a supportive community, you do whatever you can to support that community.
This episode features Nick Askew, a man of diverse backgrounds from music to car sales, who is now making waves in the auto retail industry as the Founder and CEO of Space Auto. Nick's journey is a fascinating blend of creative pursuits and entrepreneurial spirit, evidenced by his innovative approach to digital retailing in the automotive sector. His company, Space Auto, challenges traditional sales methods by integrating technology to enhance both customer and dealer experiences, advocating for a more human-centered approach in car sales.
Listeners will be captivated by Nick's personal narrative, which includes turning life's unexpected turns into stepping stones for his career. Starting from his early days in a band to an unexpected entry into car sales, and eventually leading to his pioneering work at Space Auto, Nick's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing passion over security.
Timestamped Takeaways:
0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
2:07 The meaning of "I Hold Gross"
4:33 From Band To Car Sales
7:01 Why Nick Loves Car Sales
9:31 The Decision To Start Space Auto
22:06 Space Auto's Philosophy and Vision
Learn more about Space Auto: https://space.auto/
Nick Askew is the Founder & CEO of Space Auto
⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!
We have a daily email!
https://www.asotu.com
✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.
🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:
The Automotive Troublemaker ASOTU CON Sessions In the Dirt w/ ASOTU Amplify The ASOTU Wheelhouse hosted by Daniel Govaer
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