The People Side of Automotive

Mandy Deveau
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Dealerships don’t succeed on products alone; they succeed on people. The People Side of Automotive podcast brings candid conversations about leadership, culture, and the human dynamics shaping today’s dealerships. From retention and recognition to influence and communication, we unpack the soft skills and strategies that turn average teams into high-performing ones. Hosted by Mandy Deveau, the show spotlights voices from across the industry, GMs, HR leaders, and frontline employees, sharing how they create workplaces where people want to stay, grow, and win. Follow us for insights, episodes, and stories that prove the future of automotive is people-driven.

Episodes

  1. 10/23/2025

    The Technician Crisis: Why We Can’t Recruit or Retain the Talent We Need

    Summary In this episode of the People's Side of Automotive, host Mandy DeVoe and guest Chris Simpkins discuss the pressing issues surrounding the technician shortage in the automotive industry. They explore the factors contributing to this crisis, including outdated pay structures, the decline of apprenticeship programs, and the disconnect between dealership management and technician needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mentorship and creating a supportive environment for new technicians to thrive, as well as the need for dealership leaders to recognize the value of their technicians in order to retain talent and ensure the industry's future. Takeaways The technician shortage is a critical issue in the automotive industry. Even if all current students graduated, we would still face a shortage. The apprenticeship model is crucial for technician development. Many new technicians are not receiving proper mentorship. Dealerships are making record profits, but not sharing with technicians. The culture in many shops is pushing good technicians out. Leadership plays a vital role in technician retention. Technicians need to feel valued and respected in their roles. The automotive industry lacks a standardized apprenticeship program. Collaboration between dealerships and educators is essential for improvement. Addressing the Technician Shortage Reviving the Apprenticeship Model "The shortage is no longer a prediction." "He treated us like a team every day." "I'd love to chat with you again." Chapters 00:00 The Technician Shortage Crisis 01:06 Understanding the Technician Experience 05:45 The Importance of Apprenticeships 10:37 The Disconnect in Dealership Management 16:42 Leadership and Team Dynamics 22:26 Preparing the Next Generation of Technicians

  2. 10/15/2025

    From Receptionist to Service Leader: Betting on Yourself in Automotive

    Keywords automotive industry, leadership, women in business, career growth, service management, gender dynamics, workplace culture, mentorship, confidence, respect Summary In this conversation, the speaker shares her journey from a receptionist to an assistant service manager in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of leadership, gender dynamics, and personal growth. She discusses the contrasting leadership styles she experienced, the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male industry, and the significance of building relationships and a positive workplace culture. The conversation emphasizes the value of authenticity, confidence, and attitude in leadership roles. Takeaways Transitioning from receptionist to assistant service manager is possible with the right opportunities. Strong leadership can significantly impact personal growth and confidence. Different leadership styles can complement each other in a workplace. Women can lead effectively in predominantly male industries by embracing their unique styles. Building relationships with staff fosters trust and teamwork. Confidence can be bolstered by reminding oneself of their experience and capabilities. Earning respect from seasoned technicians requires patience and understanding. Creating a welcoming culture is essential for retaining female employees in the automotive industry. A positive attitude is crucial for success in any role. Mentorship and support can empower women to pursue leadership positions. Sound bites "It took me a long time to accept it." "Building relationships is key to teamwork." "You can train anyone to do anything." Chapters 00:00 From Receptionist to Assistant Service Manager 03:00 The Impact of Leadership Styles 05:50 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Automotive Industry 08:36 Building Confidence and Earning Respect 11:40 Creating a Welcoming Culture for Women 14:41 The Importance of Attitude in Leadership

  3. 09/30/2025

    Devin Kaulback on Leadership, Recognition, and Retention at Subaru of Niagara

    In this episode, Mandy Deveau sits down with Devin Kaulback, General Manager at Subaru of Niagara, to explore what makes his dealership an award-winning workplace. They discuss how recognition, community involvement, and a positive attitude fuel team morale and retention. Devin shares practical insights on breaking down silos, empowering employees, and leading with both data and approachability, lessons any dealership or leader can put into practice.

  • 3 Episodes

About

Dealerships don’t succeed on products alone; they succeed on people. The People Side of Automotive podcast brings candid conversations about leadership, culture, and the human dynamics shaping today’s dealerships. From retention and recognition to influence and communication, we unpack the soft skills and strategies that turn average teams into high-performing ones. Hosted by Mandy Deveau, the show spotlights voices from across the industry, GMs, HR leaders, and frontline employees, sharing how they create workplaces where people want to stay, grow, and win. Follow us for insights, episodes, and stories that prove the future of automotive is people-driven.

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