The Road Ahead

Ray Auto Group

Every person has a story. Every business has a journey. Every road leads somewhere. The Road Ahead brings you behind the wheel of the people and businesses shaping our community. From local entrepreneurs and community leaders to loyal customers with unforgettable stories, each episode uncovers the experiences, challenges, and moments that have defined their journey. Local connections. Real conversations. Welcome to The Road Ahead.

Episodes

  1. Aug 27

    More Than Care Packages: What the USO Really Does for Our Troops | Chris Schmidt

    What does the USO actually do for the men and women who serve our country? On this episode of The Road Ahead, the Scarpellis. sit down with Chris Schmidt, Area Director for the USO, for a conversation about service, sacrifice, military families, and the work happening every day to support service members here at home and around the world. Chris shares his own journey from growing up in a military family and serving in the U.S. Army to eventually leading USO efforts across the region. He explains how the organization supports sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes, military members deployed overseas, families waiting at home, and even service members aboard Navy ships. The conversation also becomes personal as Ray shares how Chris and the military community helped his family honor his mother-in-law, a World War II Army nurse, at her celebration of life. Then, the Scarpellis look back at Ray Auto Group's involvement with Drive for the Troops and the nearly $60,000 the dealership and community have helped raise for the USO over the years. Plus, they close out the episode by breaking down car leasing—how it works, why monthly payments can be lower, mileage options, lease-end choices, and why leasing may make sense for drivers who want more flexibility. The Road Ahead is your no-BS guide to everyday life, brought to you by Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. In this episode -How Chris Schmidt's military upbringing eventually led him to the USO -What the USO actually provides for service members and their families -The sacrifices military families make that civilians may never see -How USO centers are supporting sailors aboard active Navy vessels -Why something as simple as Wi-Fi, a care package, or a welcome-home sign can matter -The USO's canine program and the unexpected impact its dogs can have-Ray's emotional story of honoring his World War II veteran mother-in-law -Why military service often runs through generations of the same family -The nearly 50,000 sailors who pass through Naval Station Great Lakes in a typical year -Ray Auto Group's history with Drive for the Troops -How the dealership and community have helped raise nearly $60,000 for the USO -A straightforward explanation of leasing, mileage allowances, warranties, and lease-end options Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

  2. Aug 13

    Getting to the Big Leagues Is the Easy Part | Randy Wells

    Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Randy Wells joins The Road Ahead to share what life in professional baseball is really like—from long bus rides through the minor leagues to taking the mound at Wrigley Field. Randy tells stories about Lou Piniella, Ryan Dempster, facing Albert Pujols, getting his shot in the majors, and watching the Cubs organization transform around him. But some of his biggest lessons have nothing to do with baseball: accountability, putting in the work, embracing failure, and understanding that getting to the top is one thing—staying there is another. Plus, we look at how Ray Auto Group's Big Play Program has supported local high school athletics and the role sports can play in building lifelong relationships and communities. In This Episode -Randy's journey from the minor leagues to Major League Baseball -What it was really like playing for Lou Piniella -The toughest hitters Randy ever had to face -Why striking out Albert Pujols was especially satisfying -Why Ryan Dempster was Randy's favorite teammate -Why Randy says he actually had more fun in the minor leagues -The grind, friendships, bus rides, and strange ballparks of minor -league baseball -How dramatically Wrigley Field has changed since Randy played there -What it was like being part of the Cubs organization when Theo Epstein arrived -The incredible story of Randy getting called up to the Cubs in his hometown of St. Louis -The advice Randy would give young athletes today -Why success can actually make it easier to forget what made you successful -Randy's transition from professional baseball into everyday working life -How Ray Auto Group's Big Play Program supports local high school athletics Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

  3. Jul 23

    Buying Your First Home? Start Here | Pat Smarto - Lakes Realty Group

    Buying your first home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. This week on The Road Ahead, we're joined by Pat Smarto, broker and owner of Lakes Realty Group, to break down the home buying process, explain what really matters when preparing financially, and share practical advice that can save first-time buyers thousands of dollars. From credit scores and down payments to navigating multiple offers and avoiding common mistakes, Pat offers straightforward guidance for anyone thinking about buying a home. We also discuss why community matters, how Lakes Realty has given back over $300,000 to Homes for Heroes, and why the Chain O'Lakes remains one of Illinois' best-kept secrets. In This Episode: -How the home buying and selling process really works -Financial habits that prepare you to buy a home -Why your credit score matters more than you think -Common mistakes first-time buyers make -How to compare mortgage lenders correctly -Tips for winning in a competitive housing market -Why the "ugliest house on the block" can be your best investment -Giving back through Homes for Heroes and community involvement Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

  4. Jul 9

    The Secret Behind Long-Term Business Success with Mike Hara

    What separates successful investors and business owners from everyone else?In this episode of The Road Ahead, we sit down with longtime entrepreneur and investor Mike Hara to discuss what he's learned after building and selling a business that spanned nearly five decades. Mike shares why he believes people matter more than products, how he evaluates investments, why he avoids hype-driven opportunities, and what creates lasting success in both business and real estate. Plus, The Scarpelli's discuss how those same leadership principles have shaped the culture at Ray Auto Group and why building the right team has been one of the company's greatest competitive In This Episode: -Mike Hara's journey from entrepreneur to investor -The biggest mistakes new investors make -Why people are more important than products -Lessons from building a 47-year business -Investing in real estate vs. startups -Why consistency creates successful companies -Building a workplace people never want to leave -The importance of company culture -How Ray Auto Group develops long-term employees -Creating exceptional customer experiences Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

  5. Jun 25

    The Truth About the Bears, the New Stadium & Ben Johnson | with Adam Hoge

    What does it really take to cover one of the NFL's most talked-about franchises? In this episode of The Road Ahead, We welcome longtime Chicago Bears reporter Adam Hoge for an inside look at sports journalism, the evolution of media, coaching culture, balancing family with a demanding career, and what Bears fans can expect from the future of the franchise. Adam also shares his thoughts on Ben Johnson's leadership, the Bears stadium debate, and why authenticity has been the key to building loyal audiences. Later in the episode, Ray Chevrolet dives into one of its newest customer conveniences: Mobile Service. Learn how certified technicians can perform many maintenance and repair services at your home or workplace, saving you valuable time while keeping your vehicle running at its best. Whether you're a Bears fan, a business owner, or simply looking for smarter ways to maintain your vehicle, this episode has something for everyone. In This Episode:-Adam Hoge's journey through Chicago sports media-What it's really like covering the Bears every day-Ben Johnson's leadership and team culture-The Bears' stadium debate explained-Balancing career, coaching, and family-Building trust with an audience through authenticity-How Ray Chevrolet's Mobile Service works-Fleet maintenance and business applications-Why mobile service saves customers time and money Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

  6. Jun 11

    What Makes Fox Lake Special? A Conversation with Mayor Donny Schmit

    In the very first episode of The Road Ahead, the Scarpelli's sit down with Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit to discuss leadership, community, and what it takes to build a town people are proud to call home. Donny shares how a lifetime of volunteering led him to public service, the vision behind Fox Lake's award-winning lakefront redevelopment, lessons he's learned from 14 years as mayor, and why collaboration is the key to successful leadership. After the interview, we discuss a question many people ask: Why use a car dealership? From long-term relationships and service support to transparency and accountability, we explain why dealerships offer far more than just a place to buy a vehicle. Whether you're interested in local leadership, community growth, or making smarter decisions about your vehicle, this episode is packed with insights. In This Episode: -How Donny Schmidt became Mayor of Fox Lake -The transformation of Fox Lake's lakefront park -Why volunteering strengthens communities -Leadership lessons from managing a growing village -The future vision for Fox Lake -Why businesses matter to local communities -Why using a dealership is about more than buying a car -The importance of service, training, and customer relationships -What it takes to become a six-time Dealer of the Year ______________________________________________________ Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

  7. Trailer

    The Road Ahead - Official Trailer 1

    Every person has a story. Every business has a journey. Every road leads somewhere. The Road Ahead brings you behind the wheel of the people and businesses shaping our community. From local entrepreneurs and community leaders to loyal customers with unforgettable stories, each episode uncovers the experiences, challenges, and moments that have defined their journey. Local connections. Real conversations. Welcome to The Road Ahead.

Trailer

About

Every person has a story. Every business has a journey. Every road leads somewhere. The Road Ahead brings you behind the wheel of the people and businesses shaping our community. From local entrepreneurs and community leaders to loyal customers with unforgettable stories, each episode uncovers the experiences, challenges, and moments that have defined their journey. Local connections. Real conversations. Welcome to The Road Ahead.

Information

  • Creator
    Ray Auto Group
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ray Auto Group
  • Show Website
    The Road Ahead