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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.

On this episode of Auto Collabs, the crew chops it up with Cindy Allen, CEO of StoneEagle, whose journey through auto, tech, and travel is anything but ordinary. From launching one of the industry's first web-based rating engines to leading a data-driven mission rooted in human connection, Cindy proves that growth and soul can coexist—if you focus on the "and." With infectious energy and a jazz-like approach to business, she shares how her early musical training, a stint in the travel industry, and front-line dealership experience shaped her leadership philosophy.

Whether it's bringing floppy disks to early adopter dealers, decoding data myths, or navigating the complexities of family business dynamics, Cindy keeps it real with insight and humor. The conversation dives deep into the resilience of dealers, the real story told by performance metrics, and the need for curiosity-fueled innovation in today’s fast-moving industry. This one’s got strategy, soul, and a little Italian opera on the side.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro

The crew riffs on the name “StoneEagle” and sets the tone for the episode.

3:02 – From Front Desk to the C-Suite

Cindy talks about how answering phones turned into building a tech-first F&I company.

6:33 – Teaching Dealers the Internet

Floppy disks, AOL, and convincing early adopters—it was the wild west of dealership tech.

10:21 – Falling in Love with the Industry

How resilient people, mentors, and agency culture pulled Cindy in for the long haul.

15:28 – The Power of “And”

Cindy explains how StoneEagle balances scale with soul—and why you have to be intentional about it.

18:43 – What the Data Really Says

Forget the headlines. Cindy unpacks key insights from industry-wide F&I data trends.

22:28 – Travel Secrets and Amex Lore

The hosts push for insider perks from Cindy’s time at American Express. She doesn’t crack.

25:46 – Closing Thoughts

Musicianship, leadership, and why staying curious will always be in style.

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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.

In this vibey and inspiring episode, the crew hangs out with Nick Askew of Space Auto — a man who seems to effortlessly blend tech, music, and entrepreneurial grit. After poking some fun at Nick’s musician-worthy name, the conversation quickly gets real. Nick opens up about a personal challenge he set for himself: recording a song every single day for a month. He reflects on the physical and emotional hurdles he faced and how that endurance translates to running a startup in today’s hyper-accelerated tech landscape. Nick’s insights about perseverance, adaptivity, and commitment make it clear: doing the hard things conditions you to thrive when the stakes are high.

The conversation takes a sharp, fascinating turn into the world of AI and its evolving role in automotive retail. Nick breaks down how we're living in the "baby stages" of AI, what practical steps dealers need to take today, and why curiosity beats waiting for a polished, plug-and-play solution. The team also riffs on how creative minds might have a unique edge when adapting to rapid technological changes. If you’re wondering how to stay relevant — or just stay standing — in the fast-moving future of retail and tech, this episode's your jam.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 — Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

3:50 — Nick shares lessons from committing to record a new song daily for 30 days, emphasizing perseverance and adaptability

6:40 — Why doing hard things daily trains entrepreneurs to survive the inevitable grind of building anything new

10:00 — The real state of AI today: baby steps, not magic wands, and how breaking tasks into small agents creates real progress

14:54 — Practical advice for dealers: get curious, experiment with AI tools now, and learn how to be your own “data brain”

23:42 — Why automotive retail is uniquely positioned to lead in AI application — and how to think of your operations as a series of AI-powered agents

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

In this episode of Auto Collabs, we’re joined by the magnetic Erroll Bomar III—Ford product specialist, NADA Live Stage veteran, and founder of The Change 365. Known for his presence at auto shows and his encyclopedic knowledge of vehicles, Erroll unpacks his journey from early car sales to national events, sharing how relationship-driven selling laid the foundation for his career. His automotive chops are impressive, but what really shines through is his genuine care for people and his belief that emotional connection beats transactional business every time.

The conversation shifts gears to something even deeper: the difference between motivation and inspiration. Erroll drops wisdom about helping people change not just their minds, but their lives—one day at a time. His nonprofit work with The Change365 shows how he's using that ethos to impact men’s physical and mental health. From subtle Ford hacks (hello, nine-volt battery trick) to the reality of loneliness in our digital age, this episode is part car talk, part soul talk—and fully inspiring. Yes, part two is already in the works.

0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

6:08 -Relationship-Driven Roots: Erroll details his start in automotive, selling cars commission-only and learning the power of customer relationships before social media changed the game.

10:25 - From Spokesmodel to Specialist: He walks through the evolution of auto show roles and why deep product knowledge has become non-negotiable for today’s consumers.

11:18 - The 9-Volt Hack: Learn the little-known Ford feature that could unlock your vehicle in a pinch—and why these niche facts matter to brand loyalty.

18:21 - The Change365 and the Power of Inspiration: Erroll explains why he champions inspiration over motivation and how his nonprofit helps men take control of their wellness year-round.

26:33 - It's All About Connection: Whether at an auto show or a dealership, Erroll's mission is to ensure people feel seen, heard, and cared for—because that’s what makes the biggest impact.

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

In this episode of Auto Collabs, the crew catches up with Dave Karasick, Dealer Business Development Manager at Urban Science, and a former chef who knows a thing or two about recipes—both in the kitchen and on the sales floor. Dave shares his unique journey from crafting homemade dishes to crafting dealership processes, highlighting the parallels between culinary quality control and retail auto data strategies. With humor, insight, and just the right amount of sass, he unpacks why understanding customer behavior is more important than just flooding inboxes with cookie-cutter follow-ups.

The real meat of the conversation lies in how dealers can use real-time data to refine their approach, identify high-funnel vs. low-funnel shoppers, and—most importantly—boost engagement without overwhelming their teams. From discussing the top causes of CRM defection to emphasizing the human connection still essential in car buying, Dave blends storytelling with strategy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to move from “checking boxes” to actually moving metal.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

03:26 – Dave’s unexpected career pivot from culinary arts to car sales sets the stage for a unique perspective on process and feedback.

07:47 – Dave discusses how data has become the modern dealership’s “test kitchen,” allowing dealers to identify what’s working and what isn’t.

11:11 – Dealers often overlook their own backyard: Dave emphasizes the power of hyper-local targeting and why conquesting may not always be the answer.

14:36 – Behavioral insights are key: using data to personalize customer engagement rather than relying on generic follow-up strategies.

20:40 – The 8–21 day CRM follow-up window is where dealerships lose the most leads—Dave shares how to transform those moments into conversions.

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During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.

In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with longtime automotive journalist Brian Armstead to discuss his journey in the industry.

With decades of experience writing for major publications like Forbes, US News & World Report, and The Washington Post, plus radio and TV appearances, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge about the automotive world. He shares how his childhood passion for cars led him to become one of the most respected voices in automotive journalism, covering everything from consumer trends to OEM strategies.

The conversation also dives into the state of the industry, including the shift away from full EV adoption, the challenges with charging infrastructure, and how manufacturers are adapting to evolving consumer demand.

Brian shares insights on dealership dynamics, policy changes, and his favorite EVs on the market today (including a luxury pick you won’t expect!). Plus, he reflects on his work with NAMAD and the importance of diverse representation in the auto industry. If you love cars, industry insights, and great storytelling, this episode is a must-listen!

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:25 Brian’s journey from car enthusiast to top automotive journalist

3:00 Breaking into the industry: Writing, radio, and big breaks

5:39 The dealer connection: How Brian engages with the retail side

6:32 Why manufacturers are pulling back on full EV adoption

7:49 The biggest EV challenges: Infrastructure, insurance, and consumer hesitation

8:25 One in five charging attempts fail—how this impacts adoption

9:33 Brian’s favorite EVs, from the Rolls-Royce Spectre to Hyundai and Chevy

12:10 The impact of NAMAD and diverse leadership in auto retail

Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

Brian Armstead is a Freelance Automotive and Lifestyle Journalist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-armstead-b33110114/

https://muckrack.com/brian-armstead/articles

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During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.

In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with John Vincent, Senior Editor and Correspondent for US News & World Report, to discuss the Best Cars for the Money awards.

From sedans to SUVs to full-size pickups, John shares how these vehicles are selected based on quality, cost of ownership, and long-term value. He also gives his take on affordability in today’s market and why rising interest rates aren’t as high as they seem in historical context.

Beyond rankings, John shares some of his most exciting test drives—including the Lucid Air Sapphire and jumping a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 40 feet in the desert (without breaking anything!).

If you’re curious about the best vehicles for your budget, how the industry is adapting to economic shifts, and which cars truly deliver on reliability, this is the episode for you!

0:00 Intro

0:33 John’s pick for the most exciting car he drove this year

2:06 What makes a car the "Best for the Money"?

3:18 Why Hyundai and Kia’s warranties boost their rankings

4:15 Car affordability and how rising interest rates really compare

5:29 Why the Toyota Tacoma won Best Mid-Size Pickup

6:19 Jumping a TRD Pro Tacoma 40 feet in the desert

6:44 The importance of reliability in vehicle rankings

Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

John Vincent is the Senior Editor and Correspondent / Vehicle Testing at US News and World Report

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmvincent/

https://www.usnews.com/

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During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.

In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with Tate Attia, Brand Manager for Bentley, to discuss what it takes to sell ultra-luxury vehicles to some of the most discerning customers in the world.

From the newly unveiled Vanquish to Bentley’s 217 standard paint colors, Tate explains how personalization and relationship-building are key in the high-end automotive space.

Tate shares his journey from selling used cars to managing one of the most prestigious brands in the industry, offering insights into how luxury customers think, what they expect, and what mistakes dealers should never make.

Plus, he reveals the first car that made him fall in love with the industry (hint: it wasn’t a Bentley!). Whether you’re in automotive sales, a fan of high-end cars, or just love great business insights, this episode is packed with takeaways.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

1:01 Tate’s journey from selling used cars to Bentley & Aston Martin

2:06 Why luxury car buying is more about relationships than transactions

3:24 How Bentley customers differ from mainstream buyers

4:52 The level of customization in a Bentley purchase

6:57 The one mistake you can’t make with high-end clients

7:44 Tate’s favorite car growing up: The Mustang obsession

8:43 Final thoughts and a (hopeful) test drive in the Vanquish

Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

Tate Attia is the Bentley Brand Manager at Exclusive Automotive Group

https://www.linkedin.com/in/7035874482/

https://www.exclusiveautomotivegroup.com/

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During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.

In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with Adam Marburger, President and CEO of Ascent Dealer Services, to discuss his new book The Servant Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Defined.

Adam shares why the traditional approach to finance and insurance (F&I) in dealerships is outdated and how the industry needs a shift toward leadership, trust, and customer-centric service. He explains how F&I professionals can do more than just sell products—they can mentor staff, collaborate with service and sales teams, and ultimately create a better experience for both employees and customers.

The conversation also touches on how consumer buying habits have changed, with many customers preferring a mix of online research and in-person transactions. Adam breaks down why F&I needs to evolve to meet these expectations, emphasizing relationship-building over high-pressure sales tactics.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny on dealership practices, he argues that retraining, not resisting change, is the way forward. If you’re in automotive retail and want to rethink your approach to F&I, this episode is a must-listen!

0:00 Intro

0:25 Why Adam Marburger wrote The Servant Leading F&I Manager

1:16 F&I training needs to shift from sales-focused to leadership-focused

2:07 How F&I can serve the entire dealership, not just sell products

3:13 Consumers want flexibility: Online research, but in-person connections

3:52 Regulations and policies are responding to past dealership mistakes

4:18 The key to F&I success: Trust and personalized transactions

5:01 F&I leadership can transform dealership culture

Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

Adam Marburger is the CEO of Ascent Dealer Services

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger/

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During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Keating, Executive Analyst and Senior Director of Economics and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, to explore the latest trends shaping the automotive market.

Erin breaks down the vast amount of data Cox Automotive gathers—from consumer shopping habits to dealership transactions—and how it informs key industry decisions. She also shares insights on the current state of EV adoption, the impact of executive orders, and the role of tariffs in driving up vehicle costs.

From the shifting dynamics of vehicle pricing to the broader economic forces affecting car buyers, Erin provides a comprehensive look at what’s ahead for the industry.

We also discuss how regulatory changes, supply chain challenges, and consumer demand are shaping the future of automotive retail. Whether you're a dealer, manufacturer, or simply an industry observer, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the forces influencing the road ahead.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 Intro

0:54 Cox Automotive’s vast data sources reveal key industry insights

2:03 Translating data into actionable insights for manufacturers and dealers

2:52 EV adoption is rising, with one in four vehicles electrified in 2024

4:16 Clarifying the impact of CAFE standards on vehicle pricing

5:42 The hidden effects of tariffs on cars, parts, and dealerships

6:34 How tariffs could drive inflation in vehicle costs

8:02 Looking ahead: Policy, economics, and automotive trends for 2025

Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

Erin Keating is Executive Analyst, Sr. Dir., Economics and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinfkeating/

https://www.coxautoinc.com/

⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

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During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.

In this episode, Paul J Daly sits down with Adam Marburger—entrepreneur, finance expert, and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—to explore the connections between martial arts, leadership, and personal growth. 

Adam shares his journey from competing in MMA to building multiple businesses, explaining how the discipline, resilience, and mental toughness learned on the mat have shaped his professional life. He also opens up about being a dedicated "girl dad," revealing how he navigates the challenges of raising daughters, from first jobs to first boyfriends.

Beyond the personal stories, Adam offers valuable leadership insights, emphasizing the power of trust, empathy, and one-on-one connections in business. He discusses the importance of understanding employees on a personal level and fostering a culture where people feel valued. Whether you're in business, leadership, or just looking for motivation, Adam’s philosophy on perseverance and relationships will leave you inspired.

0:00 Intro

0:32 Adam Marburger on being a proud "girl dad"

1:48 How Jiu-Jitsu builds discipline and mental toughness

3:53 The surprising business lessons from martial arts

5:38 Balancing leadership and fatherhood

7:49 Building trust and strong company culture in F&I

9:14 How to lead employees who are naturally guarded

10:36 Empathy and trust: The foundation of leadership

Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

Adam Marburger is the CEO of Ascent Dealer Services

https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger/

⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

We have a daily email!

https://www.asotu.com

✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.

🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:

1. The Automotive Troublemaker
2. ASOTU CON Sessions
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