ASOTU Unscripted

On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with John Tomlinson, whose automotive career started with nothing more than instinct and a decision to pull into a dealership parking lot. Frustrated with a job he no longer enjoyed and searching for a new direction, John found himself making an unexpected stop at the dealership where he had purchased his vehicle. He had no appointment, no plan, and no idea that a conversation that day would completely change the course of his life.

John shares the story of leaving the paving industry, learning an entirely new profession, and discovering opportunities he never knew existed. Along the way, he reflects on the managers who took a chance on him, the mentors who helped shape his confidence, and the motivation that comes from building a better future for his wife and young son. More than a story about automotive, this is a conversation about potential, persistence, and what can happen when someone believes in you before you've fully learned to believe in yourself.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:25 Meet John Tomlinson

0:41 First Impressions of ASOTU CON

1:33 Learning From People He Never Expected to Meet

2:11 A Newcomer's Perspective on Automotive

2:19 From Paving Driveways to Searching for Something More

3:30 The Day He Pulled Into the Dealership

4:35 Taking a Chance on an Unlikely Candidate

4:54 Learning How to Connect With People

5:30 The Month That Changed Everything

5:53 Why Automotive Feels Different

6:24 A Company That Invested in His Growth

6:49 Building a Better Future for His Family

7:20 Thinking Beyond the Job Title

7:53 Refusing to Limit What's Possible

8:10 The Power of Showing Up as Yourself

8:47 A Conversation That Started Over Lunch

Follow John Tomlinson at https://www.instagram.com/johngotcars/

Learn more about Sansone Auto Group at https://www.keyportkia.com/

On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with Carla Cosenzi to explore a journey that almost didn't happen. Growing up around her family's dealership, Carla was determined to chart a different path. She studied psychology, planned to pursue a PhD, and envisioned a future far from automotive retail. Then a simple invitation from her father to come home for the summer changed the trajectory of her life.

What followed was a story of finding purpose in an unexpected place. Carla shares how she learned to navigate skepticism, earn credibility on the sales floor, and eventually step into leadership during one of the most challenging periods in automotive history. Along the way, she reflects on the influence of her father, the employees who stood by the company through uncertainty, and the power of mentorship, community, and perseverance. At its heart, this conversation is about legacy, resilience, and the people who help us become who we're meant to be.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:28 Meet Carla Cosenzi

0:54 First Impressions of ASOTU CON

1:26 Growing Up Around the Family Business

1:53 The Summer That Changed Everything

2:09 Falling in Love With Automotive

3:05 Finding Her Place in the Dealership

4:18 Expectations Versus Reality

5:06 Earning Credibility on the Sales Floor

5:49 The Drive to Keep Going

6:40 Why People Keep Her Passion Alive

7:19 Carrying Forward Her Father's Legacy

8:35 Leading a Growing Dealer Group

9:31 Partnership, Family, and Perspective

10:23 Returning to the Business During Difficult Times

11:34 The Employees Who Made the Difference

12:56 Trust, Legacy, and Leadership

13:25 Why Mentorship Matters

14:08 The Power of Community and Connection

14:41 From Me to We

Connect with Carla Cosenzi at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlacosenzi/

Learn more about TommyCar Auto Group at https://www.tommycarauto.com

On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with Erica Bruno for a conversation about legacy, belonging, and the courage to build your own path. Coming from a family deeply rooted in automotive history, Erica grew up surrounded by stories of perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers. Yet her journey into the industry wasn't automatic. It required finding her own voice, embracing who she was, and learning that authenticity can be one of the most powerful advantages a person has.

The conversation explores the influence of her grandfather, Jack Barboza, and her mother, Denise Bruno, both of whom helped shape her perspective on opportunity, resilience, and leadership. Erica also reflects on the personal losses she experienced in 2025 and the community that helped carry her through them. At its heart, this episode is about finding your tribe, trusting yourself, staying open to possibility, and understanding that growth begins when you're willing to look inward before pointing outward.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:40 Meet Erica Bruno

1:04 A First-Time ASOTU CON Experience

1:43 The Story Behind Women of Color Automotive Network

2:26 Expectations Versus Reality

2:50 Learning to Be Yourself on Stage

3:41 Growing Up in an Automotive Legacy

4:32 The Influence of Jack Barboza

5:49 Choosing Automotive Over Broadway

6:19 Becoming Comfortable in Her Own Skin

7:34 The Power of Being Authentically You

8:21 Loss, Grief, and Finding Support

8:50 Discovering Her Tribe

9:42 Three Generations of Resilience

10:08 Why You Have to Stay Open

10:48 Asking for Opportunities

11:02 The Hand Mirror Lesson

11:46 Growth Starts With Looking Inward

Connect with Erica Bruno at https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-bruno/

Learn more about Women of Color Automotive Network at https://www.wocautonetwork.com/

On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with Ed Roberts for a conversation about leadership, trust, and the habits that quietly limit growth. While much of the industry is focused on technology and AI, Ed brings the discussion back to something more fundamental: people. He shares why leaders often become trapped in a cycle of checking boxes, carrying too much themselves, and unintentionally preventing others from growing.

Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Ed explores the difference between being busy and being effective, the importance of empowering others, and why trust has to be given before it can be earned. The conversation also tackles the industry's growing fascination with AI, offering a reminder that no technology can fix a broken process or replace genuine human connection. At its core, this episode is about letting go, developing people, and creating organizations where others are empowered to thrive.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:35 Welcome Ed Roberts

0:49 The Year of the Human and the AI Conversation

1:47 The Problem With Checking Boxes

2:39 Moving Beyond Productivity for Productivity's Sake

3:21 Building Culture Through Trust

3:38 Busy Versus Effective

4:16 The Limits We Create for Ourselves

4:59 Learning to Let Go

5:54 Why Delegation Is Really About Development

6:39 Prioritizing What Matters Most

7:15 Expanding Your Circle of Trust

7:34 Discovering Who Is Truly Engaged

8:10 Leadership Through Curiosity and Connection

8:55 Why AI Won't Fix a Broken Process

9:32 The Technology Paradox in Automotive

10:13 It's a Tool, Not the Tool

Connect with Ed Roberts at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-roberts-00948b36/

Learn more about Bozard Ford Lincoln at https://www.bozardford.com

On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with Ginny Bowden, a fourth-generation dealer whose family's Chevrolet dealership has served its community for more than 111 years. Unlike many dealer operators, Ginny didn't grow up in the business. She built a life of her own, lived in different places, explored different industries, and never expected that automotive retail would become her future. Then a handwritten letter from her father changed everything.

Ginny shares the emotional story of returning home, learning a business that had been in her family for generations, and finding the confidence to lead while honoring the foundation built by those who came before her. The conversation explores family legacy, self-doubt, leadership, change, and the people who make a business worth building. Along the way, Ginny reflects on the responsibility of stewardship, the importance of trusting your instincts, and why the future of automotive remains deeply connected to human relationships.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:33 Meet Ginny Bowden

0:54 First Impressions of ASOTU CON

1:19 A Fourth-Generation Automotive Story

1:55 The Letter That Changed Everything

2:38 Returning Home to Continue a Legacy

3:29 Learning the Business From the Ground Up

4:25 Making a Good Thing Better

5:26 Why People Come Before Process

6:07 Leading Through Change and Uncertainty

7:06 Finding Confidence as a Leader

7:56 Building a Team Around a Shared Vision

8:24 The Opportunities Hidden Inside Automotive

9:07 Why It's Always Been About People

9:50 Lessons From 111 Years of History

10:07 Trusting Your Instincts

10:50 The Power of Confidence and Self-Belief

Connect with Ginny Bowden at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-bowden-65147466/

Learn more about the McClinton Auto Group at https://mcclintonautogroup.com/

In this candid and engaging episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol D. Bomar sits down with Owen Moon—veteran marketer, agency founder, and now co-founder of a new venture in streaming advertising. As lunch buzzes around them, Owen shares his 25-year journey through automotive marketing, from his early days embedded in dealership trenches to building Fix Ops Digital and eventually launching his newest company focused on fraud-free, human-focused streaming campaigns for dealers.Owen explains how streaming advertising is evolving from generic impressions to a premium, people-first approach. He talks strategy, fraud prevention via blockchain-backed DSPs, and how creative quality needs to match the high-value inventory dealerships hold. Learn more about DealerStream at https://dealerstream.com/STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro: Lunch, laughs, and live stage energy1:32 Owen’s 25-year journey in auto marketing begins2:24 Fix Ops Digital scaled to 850 clients before acquisition2:51 New company targets fraud-free streaming ad solutions4:05 30% of streaming ad dollars lost to fraud5:09 Why people over product is the future of dealership messaging6:29 Dealers must rebalance strategy with creative and authenticity7:36 ASOTU tip: “Get uncomfortable for 3 days—introduce yourself!”8:52 Find Dealer Stream via swag bag coffee mug demo link----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What percentage of streaming ad budgets is lost to fraud?How can dealerships prevent streaming ad fraud?What is Owen Moon’s new company in the automotive ad space?Why should dealers invest in better creative for their ads?How does blockchain help with ad verification?What’s the future of OTT advertising in automotive retail?#lovepeoplemorethancars #morethancars #asotu #automotive #autoretail #autoindustry #cardealers #carsales #carculture

In this vibrant and heartfelt ASOTU Unscripted episode, Errol Bomar sits down with Steve Roessler, better known as “Live with Drive.” Steve takes us on a compelling journey from engineering and medical sales to pioneering CRM engagement in the auto industry as Chief Evangelist at DriveCentric. His story is rooted in adaptability, family inspiration, and a relentless belief in the power of people over products.Steve reflects on the founding of the “Live with Drive” movement, the role of authentic communication, and why video, emotion, and positive reactions are transforming how dealerships interact with customers.Learn more about DriveCentric at https://drivecentric.com/STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at   / asotu_morethancars  Join the community on LinkedIn at   / asotu  TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro: Errol meets “Live with Drive” at ASOTU CON0:36 Origin of the ‘Live with Drive’ catchphrase2:58 From medical sales to DriveCentric CRM evangelism5:16 “Wrestlers never give up”—father-daughter motivation mantra7:32 Patient advocacy becomes customer advocacy in auto8:40 “Engagement is king”—pioneering AI and video in CRM11:04 From McDonald's to Chick-fil-A: Changing dealership tone13:02 Positive reactions, not ‘CX’: The new sales measurement---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who is Steve Roessler and what is “Live with Drive”?How does DriveCentric use video and AI in CRM?What is a better alternative to “customer experience” in dealerships?Why is engagement critical in modern auto sales?How can dealerships shift from transactional to relational selling?What does it mean to create “positive reactions” in sales?#lovepeoplemorethancars #morethancars #asotu #automotive #autoretail #autoindustry #cardealers #carsales #carculture

In this energizing edition of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Bill Vaughn, a recently appointed dealership leader only 90 days into his new role. Bill brings a grounded, refreshingly candid perspective to the conversation, sharing his unlikely start in automotive and how learning to prioritize people over process completely transformed his trajectory. From struggling as a salesperson to thriving in finance and leadership, his story reflects the real power of people-first dealership culture.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro and welcome to Bill Vaughn0:45 Why he debated coming to ASOTU Con—and why he’s glad he did1:30 Starting in sales, failing forward, and finding purpose in people3:00 From BDC rep to finance manager in 90 days4:00 Bill’s first 90 days as a new dealership leader5:45 Empowering salespeople with $500 discretion to serve customers7:00 Building a shared vision through trust and involvement-------------------------------------------------------------------What should dealership leaders focus on in their first 90 days?How can you empower salespeople to create better customer experiences?What’s the benefit of discretionary spending for dealership employees?How can dealerships improve trust and autonomy on the sales floor?Why did Bill Vaughn say yes to ASOTU Con 90 days into a new job?What’s a people-first approach to dealership management?How does ASOTU Con differ from traditional auto industry conferences?#lovepeoplemorethancars #morethancars #asotu #automotive #autoretail #autoindustry #cardealers #carsales #carculture

In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Enrique Gago of Gago Brothers Automotive to talk about transformation, resilience, and rediscovering purpose through reinvention. Enrique opens up about how he unexpectedly entered the automotive industry—thanks to a favor for his then-girlfriend (now wife)—and how that moment sparked a journey into entrepreneurship, operations, and customer-centric innovation in his hometown of Ocala, Florida. Now running both an auto repair and tire shop as well as a used car dealership, Enrique shares the principles guiding their growth: transparency, community trust, affordability, and values-first leadership. STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro and welcome to Enrique Gago1:00 From booth support to automotive entrepreneur2:57 Acquiring a 30-year-old repair shop with his brother3:46 Applying lean ops and transparency to build community trust6:00 Attending events to grow, learn, and stay curious7:15 Prioritizing affordability in both service and used cars8:57 When others play defense, Gago Brothers go on offense---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How did Enrique Gago start Gago Brothers Automotive?What does “go on offense” mean in business strategy?How can lean operations transform an auto repair shop?What are best Practices for building trust in the car service industry?Why is now a good time to get into the auto industry?What mindset shifts help small automotive businesses thrive?How can used car dealerships increase affordability and value?#lovepeoplemorethancars #morethancars #asotu #automotive #autoretail #autoindustry #cardealers #carsales #carculture

In this inspiring episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with 23-year-old rising star Gavin Reeves, who shares his rapid ascent through the automotive industry. Starting at just 18 as a porter, Gavin moved through roles in BMW product education, service tech, and sales before landing in a Center Performance role—all driven by his core passion for people over product. His perspective is deeply rooted in creating joyful, memorable experiences for customers, no matter where he is in the dealership.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro from Errol Bomar0:30 Gavin’s first-ever automotive conference experience1:06 Why he values people more than product1:59 Realizing the impact of joyful, family-style service2:36 Journey from porter to product genius to performance lead3:11 His bold vision to scale people-first experiences nationwide3:42 Where to find and connect with Gavin Reeves----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who is Gavin Reeves from Galleria BMW?How can young professionals grow in the automotive industry?What does a Center Performance role in a dealership involve?How do dealerships improve customer experience?What is BMW's product genius program?Why is people over product a winning strategy in auto retail?What’s it like attending your first ASOTU or auto conference?