Auto Collabs

David Steinberg returns with the data-driven truth bomb that 88% of your leads might be telling you something you're ignoring—and it's costing you more than sales.

Unpack how robots, data, and AI are quietly transforming the dealership—from the parts department to the showroom floor.

Eric Flow is building a dealership legacy rooted in promises, not just profits—and his take on vendor partnerships and culture is anything but ordinary.

Cindy Allen brings the soul of a musician and the mind of a technologist to one of the auto industry's most quietly transformative companies.

Setting big goals sounds great — but what happens when the hard part hits? Nick Askew shows us how perseverance, creativity, and curiosity can bridge the gap between ambition and reality.

For Erroll Bomar III, selling cars is just the surface—his real drive is inspiring lasting change, one relationship at a time.

Dave Karasick proves that data and flavor both require the right ingredients to succeed.

Mergers and acquisitions in auto aren’t just about buying stores—they’re about building legacies, and Dave Cantin is leading the charge.

AI is a powerful tool, but the human element is still the key ingredient in great customer experiences.

Endurance and innovation go hand in hand, whether you're running races or reshaping automotive data strategies.

When innovation meets obsession you get: data-driven inventory strategies and… lawn care AI?"

AI may be the future, but Carol Marshall reminds us it’s the human touch that keeps the automotive industry thriving.

Why do dealership customers leave bad reviews? Matt Murray of Widewail breaks it down with insights from over 8 million Google reviews—and the answer might surprise you.

Susanna Cunningham’s automotive journey is all about harmonizing passion with precision.

The top rule from this human resources star? Good vibes only.

Remembering faces at events isn't so different understanding a shopper's journey online. They both require seeing and knowing a person.

We welcome back Greg Uland, VP of Marketing for The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, who has the most appearances on the show out of any guest!

Mentorship is a secret weapon in helping teams overcome being average.

Cultivate loyal customers by turning your service drive into fertile ground with Nick Shaffer’s farming strategies.

For dealers and marketers looking to enhance their online presence and drive sales, Daniel Able highlights real-world examples and the tangible benefits of excellent merchandising.

Impel's acquisition of Outsell is supercharging AI-driven marketing and re-thinking the way we buy and sell cars.

Ford's new approach to dealer training merges innovative storytelling with cutting-edge AI to deliver a transformative learning experience.

A faster, more efficient landscape driven by technological advancements and a continuous learning mindset.

From the boardroom to the baseball diamond, some truths transfer surprisingly well.

With the right tech and team, even accounting can be cool.

Explore how dealerships can not only attract Hispanic customers but also integrate Hispanic employees to enrich their business culture.

Is compliance annoying? Sometimes. Stressful? Maybe. Important? Definitely.

A fresh perspective and a bold voice.

Peter Kelso embodies a rare and contagious brand of optimism that permeates every aspect of his professional demeanor.

While AI can streamline operations, it's the human touch that truly nurtures customer loyalty and builds effective business relationships.

It's not that hard to merchandise cars. Just take good pictures.

Hot Take Incoming: The practical over the sensational is key when using AI in marketing.

Diana Lee is a masterclass in leadership and determination, showcasing how personal history and professional challenges forges the leaders revolutionizing retail automotive.

Once you realize you're in a supportive community, you do whatever you can to support that community.

Fixed ops is the real front door.

The automotive industry talks about understanding and leveraging data effectively, but what does that really take?

Hilary Haron’s experiences, from the Capitol’s halls to the dealership floor, offer invaluable lessons on the power of voice, the necessity of change, and the endless potential of paving new paths.

The customer is putting together a puzzle. Do you give them the next piece they need?

Will Guidara has never told this story before.

The first question stunned today's guest.

There's power in showing up, ready to learn.

Trucks stick but brand love shifts.

ICE to hybrid to plug-in hybrid to EV. That's the rational path, according to Brian Maas.

There's opportunity and potential in the EV market, but only if you seek to understand customers and adapt to their needs.

Ever had a session at a conference that completely changed your perspective? Phil did.

The auto industry isn't just about selling cars, it's about creating community and relationships

Erin Richmond highlights how dealerships can leverage their unique strengths to stand out in a crowded market.

A fresh, human-centric approach to success and legacy.

What do you get when a stand-up comedian enters the auto world? Obviously, the answer is David Spisak.

Jeremy Stephens is taking the service lane on the road.

Karen Byrd would rather coach compassion than coach compliance.

Insights, laughs, and a fresh perspective on the future of mobility!

How do you go from being an average car dealer to being a good car dealer? Alan Brown has the key.

Meet a guiding force shaping the next generation of auto industry leaders.

A professor and a pioneer. Meet Alex Lawrence.

From paper to digital... quite literally.

Successful digital marketing starts by asking "What am I marketing and who am I marketing it to?" But it doesn't stop there.

Want to unlock the secret of sales? It's Not About the Product, It's About the Relationship! 🚗 💼

Dive into the vast world of data with Steve White, Founder/CEO of Clarivoy, as he unravels the intricacies of handling 1 billion rows of data every month!

🎙️ From digital lead strategies to RV living in Miami, dive into auto industry insights with Jarrod Kilway! 🚗☀️

Anecdotes and tactics abound in this chat with Lindsay Ciavattone.

Want a look behind the curtain of the EV market? Look no further than Jimmy Douglas.

Relentless might just sum up Steve Roessler in a single word.

What would happen if you blended the world of banking, software, and the auto industry?

What if the automotive industry was about more than just cars?

Get ready to widen your circle as we explore the power of finding your tribe with our special guest, Matthew Haiken.

What happens when a passionate journalist steps into the high-octane world of the auto industry?

Have you ever had a moment of realization that changed your life forever?

The first rule of sales... is selling yourself.

Have you ever wondered about the journey from being a vendor to retail?

Rock climbing, mortician, automotive photographer. That all tracks for our next guest.

Join us for a riveting ride to the era of the 'Google Dance' with digital veteran Melissa Cartagena.

Struggling to strike a harmonious work-life balance? Ever wished you could disconnect from the whirlwind of everyday life and truly enjoy your vacations?

Have you ever wondered what hospitality, construction, and car sales have in common?

Just imagine having a dream so powerful that you'd risk everything, even mortgage your home and live on a shoestring budget to make it a reality.

Picture this: you're sipping a cup of coffee, flavored by a unique machine, while listening to engaging tunes.

Ever imagined buying a car 100% online?

Ed Roberts is the Chief Operations Officer of Bozard Ford Lincoln.

Chris Adams is the Matrix Operations Director for CarOffer.

Devin Sooley is the Marketing Manager of Capital Auto Group.

Bruce Miller is the Owner of Miller Motors.

Rick Ricart is President and Chief Vision Officer of Ricart Automotive Group

Ron is the Enterprise Sales Director of Stella AI.

What do you get when you mix an automotive marketer, a graffiti artist, and meme expert?

Here is how retail automotive can learn from Amazon.

What do mountain drives have to do with bachelorette parties in downtown Nashville? Plenty, if you’re using them as analogies for the customer experience.

She’s the new interim CEO of National Independent Automobile Dealers Association.

One of the most measured men in automotive.

The winner of the 2022 Automotive News All Star for Fixed Ops Vendor.

The winner of the 2022 Automotive News All Star for Fixed Ops Vendor.

Like eating your own cooking or living in the house you built.

This might be the most we’ve laughed on a podcast.

It’s an Auto Collabs first! We have 2 guests joining us today. Michael Lucki and Matthew Vollmers are NADA Academy Instructors, helping to mold and develop the next generation of dealers. They talk about their experiences in the program, how they’ve seen it change and shift, and what it takes to stay relevant in an ever changing landscape.

There’s a through line here somewhere. Mike Colacchio has gone from minor-league baseball to selling snowboards to Dealer.com to DealerInspire to AutoLeadStar, where’s an advocate for connected data and Customer Data Platforms. He joins us on Auto Collabs and shares his story, plus his vision for the future of data.

A tech person for tech people. Ben Hadley has led an influential journey through automotive. He’s worked with Clarivoy and CreditIQ and helped found Auto Genius. He knows the definitions to all the big words and has a way of communicating almost in parables to bring that heady knowledge down to earth for the layman. And he believes we’re only about 5 years away from a major breakthrough in the way automotive technology works.

He might be the handsomest man in automotive. Durran Cage is someone you want to be around. He oozes kindness and has a genuine passion for people. He pours himself into his work, mentally and emotionally. As a consultant, he sees a lot of what is working and what isn’t working, and is able to speak to dealers out of his own personal experience.

Tom Ryan likes change. And Tom Ryan knows he can navigate through change. He’ll figure it out. He’s been doing it his whole career, and figuring it out over and over again has given him a directness and an optimism that’s infectious. To him, automotive is a simple place: Let the customer buy the way that they want. We talk about that plus a lot more.

From the outside looking in, auto is a curious industry. Whether it's the dealership dialect of tech and service or that dealers bring home a variety of makes and models, retail auto is unique. And once you’re in and you’ve caught the bug, it stays with you. That’s the story of Jason Stein. He traces his journey from newspaperman to Automotive New Retail Forum to where he is today at Flat Six Media. And along the way, he shares insights about the reputation of the industry and the speed of change that it’s experiencing.

When we asked Charlie Chesbrough about the key economic indicators he’s watching… We expected a completely different answer. Charlie, Senior Economist with Cox Automotive, pointed us to consumer-facing indicators. It was a real reality check moment, and a reminder of what this podcast is all about. It’s about getting everyone, from OEMs, dealers, industry partners, to press in and work together for the consumer’s sake. Charlie also tells us about his journey to the automotive industry and what he has coined “the iPhone-ification of automotive.”

You might not understand where Matt Jones starts in a conversation.But you’ll definitely know when he lands his punchline. He is a thoughtful and deep communicator, with analogies and illustrations to help drive his points home. He’s all about looking elsewhere to learn and always expanding what is possible. He’s studied consumer behavior and what’s important to them, and the answers might surprise you.