ASOTU Unscripted

ASOTU Unscripted

By More Than Cars Media NetworkBusinessEntrepreneurship
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ASOTU Unscripted episodes

  • The Dealership Commercial Is Back | Owen Moon

    Five years ago, dealerships were pouring nearly every advertising dollar into search, social, and digital lead generation. Today, Owen Moon believes one of the biggest opportunities in automotive marketing is hiding in plain sight.

    As consumers spend more time on streaming platforms like Hulu, Peacock, Prime Video, and live sports broadcasts, dealerships have a chance to tell a bigger story than price, payments, and promotions.

    When Owen Moon sold his previous company, FixedOpsDigital, he could have taken a break.

    Instead, he spotted an opportunity.

    As more consumers shifted from traditional television to streaming platforms, Owen noticed that many dealerships were treating connected TV and streaming advertising as little more than a checkbox in their marketing strategy. The audience had moved, but the approach hadn't evolved with it.

    In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Owen shares the story behind Dealer Stream. His goal is simple: help dealerships take advantage of where consumer attention is actually happening today and create advertising that does more than promote monthly specials.

    The conversation explores how streaming television has changed the advertising landscape, why local dealerships now have access to premium placements alongside major national brands, and how audience targeting has become increasingly sophisticated. But according to Owen, technology is only part of the equation. The bigger opportunity lies in storytelling.


    Rather than relying solely on price-driven advertising, Owen believes dealerships should use video to highlight the people, culture, and community involvement that make their stores unique. Customers can find inventory online. They can compare pricing online. What they can't always find is the human side of the dealership experience.


    Owen also reflects on Dealer Stream's rapid growth over the past year, lessons learned while entering a competitive market, and why transparency has become one of the company's core values. For him, the difference between a vendor and a partner often comes down to one thing: being willing to show exactly what's working and what isn't.


    Whether you're a dealer principal, marketer, agency partner, or simply curious about where automotive advertising is heading next, this conversation offers a look at how consumer attention continues to evolve—and how dealerships can evolve with it.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    00:54 – A one-year update on Dealer Stream's growth

    01:56 – Owen Moon's background and the founding of Dealer Stream

    02:35 – Why streaming advertising needed a new approach

    03:32 – Moving beyond "check-the-box" OTT advertising

    04:15 – Audience targeting and the evolution of connected TV

    04:45 – Why transparency matters in dealership marketing

    06:23 – Building trust between agencies, vendors, and dealers

    06:50 – The return of storytelling in automotive advertising

    08:03 – Why dealerships need more than price-and-payment ads

    09:01 – How streaming changed consumer viewing habits

    10:03 – What publishers are demanding from advertisers today

    10:47 – Bringing dealership people and culture into marketing

    12:24 – Lessons learned during Dealer Stream's first year

    13:15 – Building a company through partnership and collaboration

    13:45 – Why Owen believes the best days are still ahead



    Owen Moon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-moon/

    DealerStream: https://dealerstream.com/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    15 min
  • The Tech Stack Is Only Half the Story | Tom McGeachy & Casey Goodnight

    The automotive industry has never had more technology, more data, or more tools at its disposal. Yet some dealerships still struggle to turn those investments into meaningful results.


    According to Tom McGeachy and Casey Goodnight, the answer isn't more software—it's making sure the technology, the people, and the process are all working together.


    For years, dealerships have been told that the next piece of technology will solve their biggest problems.


    A new CRM. A new marketing platform. A new AI tool. A new source of customer data.


    But what happens when all of those systems exist and still don't work together?


    In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Tom McGeachy of automotiveMastermind and Casey Goodnight, E-Commerce Director at Passport Auto Group, discuss the challenge many dealerships are facing as their technology ecosystems continue to grow. The issue isn't a lack of tools—it's creating an environment where those tools communicate effectively and help people do their jobs better.


    Drawing from careers that started on dealership lots and evolved through leadership, marketing, operations, and technology, both guests reflect on how dramatically the industry has changed. Tom remembers being one of the first salespeople in his dealership to use a computer for customer communication, while Casey shares how automotive has evolved from the "stigma era" into an environment increasingly shaped by transparency, trust, and customer expectations.


    The conversation explores the growing importance of integrated technology, connected customer data, and vendor partnerships that extend beyond software implementation. Casey explains why Passport Auto Group has focused heavily on building a cohesive technology stack, while Tom discusses how collaboration between dealers and vendors can create better products and better outcomes for everyone involved.


    But despite all the talk of AI, automation, and innovation, both guests return to the same conclusion: technology is only part of the equation. Effort still matters. Leadership still matters. Culture still matters.


    The dealerships that succeed won't simply have the most technology. They'll have the people who know how to use it.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    01:04 – First impressions of the ASOTU community

    01:25 – Why AI has everyone's attention right now

    02:20 – Opportunity during periods of industry disruption

    02:40 – Tom McGeachy's journey from lot attendant to dealership leadership

    03:17 – Casey Goodnight's path through dealerships, marketing, and technology

    04:06 – Looking back at two decades of automotive change

    05:08 – From the "stigma era" to the "trust era"

    06:30 – Why Gen Z may view dealerships differently than previous generations

    08:42 – The challenge of disconnected dealership technology

    09:42 – Building a connected and integrated tech stack

    10:51 – Why technology still depends on human execution

    12:08 – Vendor partnerships that create real value

    13:35 – The benefit of outside perspectives and industry collaboration

    15:17 – Why effort still beats technology alone

    15:44 – The Slight Edge: small actions that compound into big results



    Tom McGeachy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcgeachy-4813b396/

    Casey Goodnight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-goodnight-4a304315a/

    automotiveMastermind: https://www.automotivemastermind.com/

    Passport Auto Group: https://www.passportauto.com/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    18 min
  • I Wouldn't Buy a Car From Me | JB Burnett

    Three years ago, JB Burnett stood up in a Ford meeting and said something most dealership leaders would never admit:


    "I wouldn't buy a car from me."


    That uncomfortable realization led him to challenge nearly every assumption about how dealerships operate—and ultimately helped him build one of the first Ford Signature 2.0 stores in the world.


    JB Burnett never planned on a career in automotive.


    At 20 years old, he was waiting tables at a TGI Fridays in Annapolis when a conversation with customers changed the course of his life. Within weeks, he was selling cars. Within a few years, he had moved into F&I. By age 23, he was running his first dealership as a General Manager.


    Today, JB oversees multiple dealerships for the Preston Automotive Group and recently opened one of the world's first Ford Signature 2.0 facilities—a concept designed to rethink what a dealership experience can be.


    In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, JB shares why he became obsessed with innovation after realizing the traditional dealership process wasn't something he would personally enjoy as a customer. Instead of asking how to improve the existing model, he began asking a bigger question: what if the entire experience was designed differently from the ground up?


    The result is a radically different approach to automotive retail. No traditional sales desks. No rows of computers. No customers waiting for hours while paperwork moves from office to office. Instead, customers guide much of their own transaction through digital tools while dealership staff act more like concierges than negotiators.


    JB also discusses the unexpected lessons that came from launching a first-of-its-kind store. Some assumptions proved wrong. New challenges emerged. Teams had to adapt. Leadership had to evolve. But those adjustments ultimately revealed opportunities to improve training, accountability, customer experience, and operational efficiency.


    At its core, this conversation isn't just about technology. It's about challenging long-held assumptions, staying open to change, and creating experiences that customers actually want to return to.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    00:46 – JB's first ASOTUCON experience

    01:31 – From TGI Fridays to the automotive industry

    02:05 – Moving from F&I to General Manager at 23

    02:45 – Leading multiple dealerships with Preston Automotive Group

    03:37 – Why innovation became his biggest focus

    04:06 – Inside the Ford Signature 2.0 dealership concept

    04:35 – Selling cars without desks or traditional workstations

    05:03 – The realization: "I wouldn't buy a car from me"

    06:32 – Expectations versus reality during implementation

    07:22 – How customers responded to the new experience

    08:10 – Building trust through hospitality and transparency

    09:11 – The challenges of creating a blueprint from scratch

    10:42 – How automation changed management responsibilities

    11:18 – Focusing leaders on coaching instead of busy work

    12:02 – Scaling the model across additional dealerships

    13:15 – Why customer-controlled transactions reduce friction

    15:23 – The lesson: today's innovation becomes tomorrow's normal

    JB Burnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jb-burnett-14534626/

    Preston Automotive Group: https://www.prestonmotor.com/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    18 min
  • The Dream Is Real | Rasean Comeaux

    Most people wait until they've earned the right to dream out loud. Rasean Comeaux did the opposite.


    When he entered automotive after a successful career in retail leadership, he told people exactly where he was going: General Manager in five years, dealer in ten. The reaction wasn't always encouraging—but the declaration changed everything.



    Before entering automotive, Rasean Comeaux spent two decades leading teams in traditional retail. When he eventually made the jump into the car business, he arrived with a clear vision for where he wanted to go—and a willingness to bet on himself.


    In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Rasean shares the mindset that helped shape his career, from his first days selling cars to the leadership path he intentionally built for himself. Rather than focusing on titles, recognition, or short-term wins, he became obsessed with mastering the process in front of him. First, becoming a great salesperson. Then becoming a great leader. Then learning how to develop others.


    Throughout the conversation, Rasean reflects on the difference between being good and being great. While many professionals eventually become competent in their role, he argues that the biggest challenge isn't learning the basics—it's maintaining the discipline, accountability, and humility required to continue growing after you've already found success.


    He also explores the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and accountability. Some lessons come from manuals and training programs, but many of the most valuable lessons live inside the experience of the people around us. According to Rasean, growth accelerates when we're willing to ask questions, learn from top performers, and invite others to hold us accountable to the goals we've set for ourselves.


    The conversation closes with a challenge for dealership leaders: invest in your people. Not just the newest employees, but the leaders already inside your organization. Because when leaders stop growing, organizations often stop growing with them.


    Whether you're new to automotive or decades into your career, this episode is a reminder that ambition is valuable, but disciplined focus is what turns vision into reality.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    00:51 – First impressions of the ASOTU community

    01:34 – Leaving traditional retail for the automotive industry

    02:07 – Why people are the real talent in every business

    02:30 – Starting in car sales with a long-term vision

    03:46 – Expectation versus experience in automotive retail

    04:06 – What it takes to become a dealership leader

    05:00 – Why process matters more than immediate results

    06:17 – The biggest leap: going from good to great

    07:17 – Looking inward instead of comparing yourself to others

    08:00 – Building a leadership process and career strategy

    08:52 – How collaboration creates accountability

    09:47 – Being coachable and receptive to feedback

    10:53 – Learning from top performers inside your organization

    12:08 – "The dream is real" and why belief matters

    12:45 – Investing in leadership development inside dealerships



    Rasean Comeaux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raseancomeaux/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    15 min
  • Your Best Salesperson Isn't the Problem | Jay Ku

    When Jay Ku raced professionally, he learned a lesson that still shapes how he thinks about teams today: when the road turns uphill, the strongest rider doesn't always lead.


    That same principle applies inside a dealership. In this conversation, Jay explains why technology alone won't create better outcomes, why most dealerships are overlooking their biggest opportunity, and why helping every employee reach their potential may be the ultimate competitive advantage.


    Jay Ku has spent his career helping organizations close the gap between where people are today and what's possible tomorrow.


    Before entering automotive, Jay competed as a professional cyclist, racing during the Lance Armstrong era and learning firsthand how elite teams succeed. Today, as the founder of HeyGreenlight, he's applying many of those same lessons to dealership operations, sales performance, and customer engagement.


    In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Jay shares why he believes artificial intelligence should be viewed as an amplifier of human potential rather than a replacement for it. While much of the industry is focused on automation, AI agents, and efficiency gains, Jay argues that the dealerships that win will be the ones that use technology to help people perform at their highest level.


    The conversation explores one of the biggest challenges dealerships face when a lead arrives: they often know very little about the person behind the inquiry. Without context, sales teams default to generic outreach and struggle to build meaningful connections. Jay explains how understanding customer motivations, communication preferences, and personal circumstances can create stronger relationships, improve trust, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for both customers and dealerships.


    Jay also discusses how personality alignment, communication styles, and customer insights can help dealerships create more effective matches between customers and salespeople. Rather than treating every lead the same, he believes the future lies in helping teams understand who they're talking to before the conversation even begins.


    Throughout the discussion, one theme remains consistent: technology works best when it helps people connect. Whether it's AI, sales processes, or team development, the goal isn't replacing the human element—it's making it stronger.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    00:46 – Jay Ku's first ASOTUCON experience

    01:09 – Why innovative dealers are drawn to community

    01:41 – From professional cycling to automotive technology

    02:30 – Using AI as an amplifier, not a replacement

    03:33 – The guitar amplifier analogy for artificial intelligence

    05:24 – Why people succeed when they're set up for success

    06:08 – The dealership challenge nobody talks about enough

    06:45 – Why knowing the customer changes everything

    07:45 – How Signal builds customer intelligence in seconds

    08:10 – The role of Wingman in customer engagement

    09:21 – Matching communication styles between customers and salespeople

    10:47 – Building trust before discussing price

    11:42 – The cycling lesson every dealership leader should hear

    12:43 – Why your team determines the success of your technology


    Jay Ku: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayku/

    HeyGreenlight: https://heygreenlight.com/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    15 min
  • The Problem with the Dealership “Frankenstack” | Earl Brown

    After working with more than 100 dealerships over two decades, Earl Brown has seen plenty of changes in automotive retail. Surprisingly, one of the biggest dealer frustrations hasn't changed much at all.


    In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Earl shares why disconnected technology, vendor overload, and fragmented customer experiences continue to challenge dealerships—and why the solution may be less about adding new tools and more about listening, simplifying, and staying focused on people.


    One of the biggest challenges he sees today is what he calls the "Frankenstack": a growing collection of disconnected software tools, vendors, logins, reports, and systems that demand attention but don't always work together. While every new platform promises efficiency, dealerships often find themselves spending more time managing technology than serving customers.


    In this conversation from ASOTUCON 2026, Earl explains why technology itself isn't the problem. The real issue is fragmentation. When systems don't communicate, customer information gets lost, processes become repetitive, and the customer experience suffers. What should be a connected journey often becomes a series of disconnected touchpoints.


    At the same time, Earl remains optimistic about the future of automotive retail. Despite changing technology, shifting customer expectations, and increasing operational complexity, he believes dealerships continue to excel at the thing that matters most: building relationships. The best operators stay connected to their communities, listen carefully to their customers, and never lose sight of the human side of the business.


    Throughout the conversation, Earl shares practical advice for dealers looking to simplify their operations, improve customer retention, and better understand the technology ecosystem surrounding their stores. His message is straightforward: before chasing the next solution, take time to understand the systems you already have and whether they're helping or hurting the customer experience.


    Because at the end of the day, customers don't care how many tools a dealership uses. They care whether the experience feels connected.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    01:20 – Earl Brown's path into the automotive industry

    02:31 – What 100 dealerships taught him about retail automotive

    02:50 – Defining the dealership "Frankenstack"

    04:48 – Why more technology doesn't always solve the problem

    05:34 – Auditing your technology stack and vendor ecosystem

    07:22 – What keeps Earl excited about automotive retail

    07:42 – Why car people are still the industry's greatest strength

    09:22 – Listening as a competitive advantage

    10:50 – What dealers say is keeping them up at night

    11:02 – How disconnected systems create customer experience gaps

    12:15 – Why retention and loyalty drive long-term success

    13:04 – The human side of technology and customer relationships


    Earl Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-brown-771a4453/

    Solera: https://www.solera.com/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    15 min
  • Turning Dealership Data Into Better Decisions | John Ellis

    John Ellis spent nearly three decades helping dealers navigate inventory, operations, and market shifts before realizing that the industry's biggest challenge wasn't a lack of data—it was knowing what to do with it.


    In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, John shares how a consulting project born during the COVID inventory crisis evolved into Agile Auto, a platform designed to help dealers make smarter inventory decisions, communicate strategy more effectively, and turn information into action.


    Sometimes the best ideas don't start with a business plan—they start with a spreadsheet.


    After nearly 30 years in automotive, including leadership roles at Cox Automotive, ADP, and Gulf States Toyota, John Ellis saw a problem emerge during the inventory disruptions of the COVID era. Dealers were making critical decisions with incomplete information, outdated processes, and limited visibility into what was coming next.


    What began as a consulting effort soon became something bigger.


    Working alongside dealer partners, John helped develop a framework for managing inventory more strategically. The first version lived in spreadsheets. The next became software. Eventually, that software evolved into Agile Auto, a platform designed to help dealerships move beyond gut instinct and reactive decision-making toward a more consistent, data-driven approach.


    Joined by dealer partners JR and Rob Dell, the conversation explores the realities of building technology for automotive retail. John shares how the team initially assumed dealers would immediately understand the value of what they had built—only to learn that listening was more important than launching. That lesson reshaped the company's approach and ultimately led to broader adoption.


    The discussion also highlights an important truth about dealership technology: data alone isn't enough. The real challenge is making information accessible to the people responsible for acting on it. For high-performing operators like Rob Dell, the value wasn't simply seeing more data—it was creating a way for entire teams to understand it, align around it, and execute more effectively.


    Whether you're managing inventory, evaluating automotive technology, or leading a dealership team, this episode is a reminder that the best solutions often come from curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    00:59 – John Ellis's 28-year automotive journey

    02:10 – Why John left corporate automotive to start a company

    02:56 – From consulting services to software development

    03:19 – Expectation vs. reality when launching a startup

    04:19 – The spreadsheet that became a software platform

    06:24 – Scaling dealership technology beyond a single rooftop

    07:24 – Using AI and predictive inventory intelligence

    08:45 – Buying inventory for future demand, not today's needs

    09:33 – How data helps dealers get off the inventory roller coaster

    11:25 – Rob Dell on translating analytics into action

    13:40 – Creating team buy-in through better visibility

    16:17 – John's leadership lesson: stay curious

    17:00 – Technology, strategy, and understanding your business model


    John Ellis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ellis-9754bb4/

    JR Toothman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jr-toothman-a5446751/

    Agile Auto: https://www.agileauto.io/

    Rob Dell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-dell-952816b/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    19 min
  • Growing Through Every Seat in the Dealership | Ben St. Ours | Carter Myers Automotive

    Ben St. Ours didn't start his automotive career in the manager's office. He started washing cars at 14 years old after a chance encounter with a dealer changed the course of his life.


    Twenty-six years later, after growing through nearly every seat in the dealership, Ben reflects on the lessons that shaped his journey—from focusing on today's job to developing the next generation of automotive leaders.


    Sometimes the most important career decisions happen long before we realize it.


    For Ben St. Ours, that moment came at 13 years old during a trip to the Florida Keys. While spending a week with a successful dealer and his family, Ben asked a simple question: "What do you do for a living?" The answer sparked a vision that would shape the next 26 years of his life.


    In this ASOTU Unscripted conversation recorded at ASOTUCON 2026, Ben shares the story of how that experience led him to the automotive industry, where he started washing cars at 14 and worked his way through sales, finance, management, and dealership leadership. Today, he serves as General Manager and Managing Partner at CMA's Valley Honda and General Manager at CMA's Valley Volkswagen.


    What stands out most isn't the titles or milestones—it's the mindset. Throughout his career, Ben stayed focused on mastering the job in front of him instead of chasing future rewards. Whether cleaning cars, selling vehicles, or leading teams, his philosophy remained the same: be great at today's work and let tomorrow take care of itself.


    The conversation also explores what success looks like after you've achieved many of the goals you set for yourself. For Ben, the answer isn't found in personal accomplishments. It's found in helping others grow. His current mission is to develop future leaders within Carter Myers Automotive and create opportunities for people to go even further than he has.


    This episode is a reminder that careers are rarely built through shortcuts. They're built one opportunity, one relationship, and one day at a time.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    00:00 – Live from ASOTUCON 2026

    01:09 – Meet Ben St. Ours and his role at CMA

    01:44 – The Florida Keys trip that sparked an automotive career

    02:57 – Deciding at 13 to work in the car business

    03:14 – Starting at a dealership washing cars at age 14

    04:20 – Why inspiring people matters more than material success

    05:14 – Family influence, ambition, and finding your own path

    06:24 – Focusing on today's job instead of tomorrow's rewards

    07:24 – Growing through sales, finance, and dealership leadership

    08:03 – Developing the next generation of automotive leaders

    09:21 – Success through helping others grow

    09:33 – The lesson: focus on the day, not the yacht



    Ben St. Ours: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-st-ours-79a696b5/

    Carter Myers Automotive (CMA): https://cartermyersautomotive.com/

    Learn more about ASOTU CON: https://www.asotucon.com/

    More Than Cars: https://www.morethancars.com

    Subscribe to ASOTU: https://daily.asotu.com/

    11 min
  • Building Communities, Not Just Dealerships

    On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with Linda Nguyen for a conversation about purpose, community, and the unexpected ways different passions can come together. After spending decades working across automotive retail, real estate, finance, and dealership development, Linda found herself focused on a bigger question: how can the spaces we build improve the lives of the people who use them?


    Linda shares how her work now centers on helping dealers unlock the full potential of their real estate while creating developments that serve both businesses and communities. From housing and mixed-use projects to wellness and customer experience, she explores the connection between thoughtful planning and quality of life. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of patience, execution, and finding meaningful work that aligns with a deeper purpose. At its heart, this conversation is about creating places where people can live, work, connect, and thrive.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    0:00 Intro

    0:32 Meet Linda Nguyen

    0:49 First Impressions of ASOTU CON

    1:21 A Career That Started in Automotive Litigation

    1:35 Moving Into Retail, Real Estate, and Finance

    1:58 The Vision Behind LTN Property Partners

    2:12 Helping Dealers Maximize Their Real Estate

    2:35 Building Communities Around Dealerships

    3:28 Quality of Life and the Human Experience

    4:11 Why Execution Matters More Than Ideas

    4:53 When Two Worlds Collide

    5:18 Lessons From Owning a StretchLab Franchise

    5:46 Creating Spaces That Matter

    6:37 Finding the Connection Between Passion and Purpose

    7:18 Looking for More Meaningful Work

    8:03 The Challenge of Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    8:24 Building Places Where People Can Connect

    8:59 Purpose, Community, and Long-Term Impact


    Connect with Linda Nguyen at https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-nguyen-cre/

    11 min
  • Learning The Language Of Auto

    On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with Kate Howell to talk about unexpected career turns, lifelong learning, and the opportunities that emerge when you're willing to say yes to something unfamiliar. After spending years focused on family and building a successful career outside automotive, Kate never imagined she'd find herself helping shape strategy for a dealership group. Then a recruiter's call arrived at exactly the right time.


    Kate shares what it was like entering an industry with its own language, culture, and complexities, and how curiosity helped her navigate the steep learning curve. The conversation explores the growing importance of data, collaboration, and execution in modern automotive retail, while also highlighting one of the industry's most overlooked strengths: a community of people willing to share ideas, learn from one another, and move the business forward together. At its core, this is a story about embracing the unknown and discovering opportunity where you least expect it.


    Timestamped Takeaways

    0:00 Intro

    0:33 Meet Kate Howell

    0:39 A First ASOTU CON Experience

    0:47 What Caught Her Attention at the Event

    1:07 Returning to Work After Thirteen Years at Home

    1:26 The Recruiter Call She Almost Ignored

    1:46 Finding Her Way Into Automotive

    1:58 Learning an Entirely New Industry

    2:33 Discovering Automotive's Hidden Complexity

    3:12 The Data Challenge Facing Dealerships

    3:30 Building a Better Data Foundation

    3:51 Why Control of Data Matters

    4:10 Understanding Customers Before They Walk In

    4:51 Cleaning Up the Data Problem

    5:11 The Biggest Surprise About Automotive

    5:31 Why Community Matters in This Industry

    6:02 The Difference Between Tools and Execution

    6:23 The Secret Power Is How You Execute


    Connect with Kate Howell at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-owings-howell/

    8 min

About ASOTU Unscripted

From the publisher's feed

In this dynamic and impromptu podcast, the ASOTU team brings you real-world, real-time interviews and intel with Dealers and Industry Leaders across the U.S. Meet the Automotive movers and shakers…

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