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

Drawing on the wisdom of Seth Godin’s “Find the Others” principle, Matthew takes us on a journey through the lens of his own experiences.

This episode is a fascinating dive into these microcosms that exist within our larger society, offering a fresh perspective on belonging.

Fasten your seatbelts as we accelerate into the vibrant world of automotive retail with Matthew. From the electrifying rise of EVs to the transformation of traditional car sales, our conversation navigates the exciting shifts in the retail landscape. Matthew opens up about the early challenges of the electric vehicle market, sharing unique insights into the evolution of digital and in-person sales. If you're looking to understand the industry’s trajectory or just itching for a behind-the-scenes look, this conversation has got you covered.

As we shift gears, Matthew shares his thoughts on alternate retail spaces like malls and their potential to tap into different customer demographics. We discuss the evolution of the automotive industry to cater to tech-savvy consumers and the changes retail spaces are undergoing to accommodate this shift.

Hear Matthew's perspective on the future of dealerships, the success of smaller floor plans and mall locations, and how retail spaces are adapting to the changing landscape of the automotive industry. So strap in, and join us on this thrilling ride with Matthew Haiken!

Matthew Haiken is the Retailer Principal at Prestige Collection Auto Group.

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

We got a chance to find out in our lively chat with Jamie Butters, Executive Editor of Automotive News. Jamie's journey from journalism school to the editor's chair is nothing short of fascinating.

With beginnings at the Cedar Rapids Gazette and a detour through finance in Kentucky, he found himself at the bustling business desk of the Lexington Herald-Leader and then the Detroit Free Press and Bloomberg. Today, he's reshaping automotive journalism with his maker, sell, and thinking team approach at Automotive News.

Ever wondered about the rigorous process and unseen aspects of the industry that impact coverage? Jamie offers enlightening insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of journalism and the importance of maintaining fairness and accuracy in reporting.

We also delve into hot topics like the UAW strike and its implications for automakers, dealers, union workers, and OEMs. From his first auto story to discovering the mind-blowing Tokyo Motor Show in 1997, Jamie's journey is a thrilling ride you won't want to miss. Buckle up as we explore the world of automotive journalism with Jamie Butters.

Jamie Butters is the Executive Editor at Automotive News.

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

Our guest today, Hoss Devine, has a compelling story about losing 201 pounds and reshaping his outlook on food, life, and business. This transformation doesn't stop at the personal level, though - Haas believes it can drive innovation and growth within the automotive industry.

We also delve into the powerful role of perspective in leadership strategies. Shifting mindsets can lead to personal and professional growth and we discuss how guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery can help drive this shift. An interesting concept to examine is the idea that "the pain of doing it has to be greater than the pain of not doing it".

Stay tuned to find out how this intriguing idea can be applied to both business and personal success. This is an episode packed with insightful discussions and thought-provoking ideas. Don't miss it!

Hoss Devine is the CEO of Automotive Innovations

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

 Join us as we chat with Art Dessein, who stumbled upon a unique 360-degree view tech that revolutionized product images for merchant sites like eBay.

The twist in the tale - this technology swiftly found its way into the auto industry, all thanks to a serendipitous meeting with a New Jersey Honda dealership. The tech now effectively generates a full view of cars, dramatically enhancing online customer experience.

Our conversation with Art takes an intriguing turn as we discuss the challenges of scaling a sales team. We delve into the nitty-gritty of creating efficient processes for photographing cars and the immense impact of speedy uploads on the website. You see, it's not just about capturing images, it's about momentum. Imagine getting a 360-degree view of a car onto a website in just 15 minutes! Now that's a game-changer.

We also explore the art of selling yourself, an innate skill Art masterfully executes to deepen customer relationships. So buckle up as we zoom into the world of first impressions, sales, and the fascinating tech transforming auto merchandising.

Art Dessein is the VP of Enterprise at Impel.

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

Andrew Diffenderfer, the mastermind behind Foundation Direct, pulls back the curtain on this transition.

Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, reminiscing about Columbia House subscriptions and multi-disc CD changers, and discussing the roots of vendors and dealers in the industry. Andrew's rich experiences have not only shaped Foundation Direct but also allowed him to foster deep and enduring relationships within the industry.

Are the intricacies of data standardization and its role in facilitating successful collaboration between website providers and dealerships something you're keen to learn about? This episode dives into this critical topic, highlighting the complexities that mixed brand stores present and how to navigate these challenges.

An interesting life analogy from Michael's father-in-law also comes into play. Further, we pull back the veil on Andrew's recent foray into dealership ownership alongside Brian Benstock.

Discover how this shift has influenced Foundation Direct and how comprehending the daily obstacles dealerships face can lead to a more robust vendor-dealer relationship. Let's gear up for a conversation that's both illuminating and engaging!

Andrew Diffenderfer is the Founder and CEO of Foundation Direct.

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Rock climbing, mortician, automotive photographer.

That all tracks for our next guest.

Today, we navigate the exhilarating journey of Peter Duffy, whose transition from rock climbing to automotive photography is as gripping as it is inspiring. We'll unravel the symbolism behind his iconic photo of Half Dome from Yosemite, a reflection of his life's journey, and delve into his early days in automotive, where weathered keys and boxes served as his trusty companions. Peter's career path into the automotive industry is one marked with unexpected detours, each one offering valuable lessons and insights.

But it doesn't stop there! We'll venture into his entrepreneurial journey in automotive marketing and brand development, revealing his fearless approach to risk-taking and his undying passion for photography. Together, we'll dissect the creative process behind those iconic cowboy videos and examine the audience's response to their commercials. We'll also discuss the fine line that separates fun from professionalism when creating compelling narratives. Prepare to laugh, learn, and be inspired in this lively conversation with Peter Duffy.

Peter Duffy is the CEO/Founder of Dealer Image Pro.

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Join us for a riveting ride to the era of the 'Google Dance' with digital veteran Melissa Cartagena. Expect to be enlightened by Melissa's candid revelations about her early career, where SEO and web ranking were quite different than they are today. She offers a unique perspective on AutoNation's low-key approach, including their commitment to being present at nearly every industry event. Melissa's rich experience across various sectors sets the stage for an engaging conversation, intricately weaving her past experiences with present strategies.

When Melissa made the leap to the auto industry in 2014, she didn't just switch jobs, she engineered a paradigm shift. This episode uncovers how she adapted her digital expertise to a completely new context and successfully onboarded a team with digital backgrounds in the automotive realm. Melissa opens up about how she mentors her team using industry events like SMX and Programmatic IO to broaden their horizon. This episode is rife with insights about the automotive industry and its relationship with digital experience. Get ready for a wide-ranging and fascinating discussion!

Melissa Cartagena is the Head of Digital Advertising at AutoNation.

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Struggling to strike a harmonious work-life balance? Ever wished you could disconnect from the whirlwind of everyday life and truly enjoy your vacations? Don't miss our chat with seasoned auto industry entrepreneur, Danny Zaslavsky. He'll be sharing personal and professional insights, giving us an intimate look into his approach towards achieving equilibrium. With his advice on disconnecting from the everyday grind and staying present in the moment, this episode will help you find that much-needed balance in your life.

Looking to transform your dealership into a dealer group? Danny will be revealing how technology can be a game-changer in this scenario. He’ll also touch on the profound impact of intention in shaping the landscape of the auto industry. From anecdotes about his personal life to inspirational thoughts about his parents' influence on his sense of purpose, this conversation with Danny is packed with wisdom, humor, and valuable lessons. If you’re seeking a fresh perspective on being mindful and intentional in both personal and professional spheres, this is a must-listen episode.

Danny Zaslavsky is the Co-Founder and Managing Parter of VINCUE and the Dealer Principal at Country Hill Motors.

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

Join us for a dynamic chat with our guest, Evan Riley from FlickFusion. Buckle up and prepare to explore the quirky differences between Texas and Canadian grass, and get ready for a quick trip down personal grooming lane as Evan shares his hilarious NADA ear-shaving mishap.

 It's all in a day's work for Evan. We'll follow his journey from humble beginnings to landing a job at a Chevy dealership. Along the way, we'll debunk the bald sales director theory and discover how this misconception could actually be working in their favor. Plus, we'll chat about the game-changing role of ASOTU CON for auto collaborations.

From the impact of inventory videos on the car buying experience to the psychology of camera-shyness, we're tackling it all in this episode. Listen up as Evan shares a transformative story of a salesperson who dared to be different, embraced video, and skyrocketed to the top. Finally, we'll talk about the magic that happens when you're brave enough to take risks in the auto industry and the priceless lessons that come from turning blunders into triumphs. Get ready for a ride you won't forget!

Evan Riley is the Sales Director of FlickFusion.
Come meet them at ASOTU CON! Get more information by visiting https://www.asotucon.com/

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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.

This episode's guest, Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, took that bold leap and is now reaping the rewards with a waitlist for tickets nearly hitting 900,000! Tune in to hear his inspiring journey of grit, determination, and a love for Banana Ball that overcame naysayers and doubts.

But it's not all about baseball. Jesse's retail acumen shines as he shares the process of creating a memorable retail experience. Drawing inspiration from Walt Disney, he has managed to create an engaging and unique entertainment experience for all age groups.

We tackle the importance of retail, how to smoothen out friction points, and eliminate frustrations to enhance customer experience. We also explore how his innovative thinking and transformative strategies can be applied to other industries like automotive retail. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened and challenged to rethink the way you approach your business and your dreams.

Want to hear more from Jesse? He'll be live at ASOTU CON, you can see the agenda and get tickets by visiting www.asotucon.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!

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. Automotive State of the Union
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