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

Grab a coffee and join us for a lively chat with Elena Ciccotelli, the charismatic host of the "EVs for Everyone" podcast. In this episode, we delve into the electrifying (pun intended!) world of EVs. Elena lights up the conversation with her sparkling wit and deep EV insights. Kicking off, Paul shares an eye-opener from Elon Musk's biography, revealing Tesla's rollercoaster journey.

Elena, with her unique take on the EV universe, shares inspiring stories and underscores the importance of both education and action in the EV space. She reflects on her journey from Lyft to podcasting, driven by a passion for telling the lesser-known, impactful stories in EVs. We also get into the nitty-gritty of dealer sentiments towards EVs, exploring the mixed feelings in the auto world. Plus, Elena's personal spin on owning a Chevy Bolt EV adds a real-world touch. This episode isn't just talk – it's a lively exchange packed with laughter, insights, and a whole lot of EV love.

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

2:27 Introducing Elena Ciccotelli

5:27 Elena's EV Philosophy

11:20 From Lyft to Podcasting

17:30 Dealers' Perspective on EVs

25:30 The Evolution of EV Adoption

Elena Ciccotelli is the Host of the EVs for Everyone Podcast.

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

We get up close with Alan, the General Manager at Sam Pack's Five Star Chevrolet and a dynamic force in the automotive industry. Known for his infectious energy and innovative leadership, Brown brings an air of excitement and passion to the table. Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo lead the conversation, delving into Brown's unique approach to team meetings, employee recognition, and fostering a positive work culture. Alan shares his monthly celebration rituals, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging employee milestones and performance in a way that's both engaging and rewarding. His method is not just about numbers; it's about people, culture, and breaking the conventional mold of automotive management.

Alan's stories, filled with wisdom and humor, highlight his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a significant figure in the automotive world. His approach to leadership is grounded in mentorship and personal growth, proving that effective management goes beyond financial figures. The episode covers the nuances of balancing data-driven decisions with a people-first approach, emphasizing the significance of mental toughness and consistent communication in driving business success. Listeners will find inspiration in Alan's philosophy of leading by example and his commitment to creating a workplace that people are proud to be part of.

Takeaways:

0:00 - Introduction to the episode with Paul, Kyle, Michael and a mention of ASOTU CON.

2:27 - Alan Brown describes his monthly employee recognition practices, emphasizing celebrations and team spirit.

9:33 Alan discusses the importance of asking oneself, "Would you work for you?" and elaborates on leadership in challenging times.

12:39 The conversation shifts to the balance between pay plans and cultivating a positive workplace culture.

17:29 Alan's upbringing, mentorship experiences, and the impact of these on his leadership style.

22:00 The significance of being a fearless leader and the impact of 'taking turns' in enhancing workplace culture.

Alan Brown is the General Manager at Sam Pack's Five Star Chevrolet

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

Elgie Bright is the charismatic Department Chair of the Automotive Marketing and Management Program at Northwood University. His approach to teaching not only covers the technicalities of the automotive world but also emphasizes the human element - the core of the industry. Elgie's unique perspective offers valuable insights into how the next generation of automotive leaders is being nurtured.

Elgie discusses the balance in Northwood University's student demographics, with an equal mix of dealership legacies and fresh entrants, reflecting the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. He highlights how the university's programs, including their innovative camps for 14-18-year-olds, offer a gateway to diverse career paths within the automotive sector, from traditional dealership roles to exciting positions in startups and tech-focused companies. Moreover, Elgie shares exciting news about Northwood's master's program, emphasizing organizational leadership within the automotive context - a skill crucial for the success of future industry leaders.

Timestamped Takeaways:

• 0:00: Michael Cirillo, Kyle Mountsier and Paul J Daly discuss the unexpected connections between music, late-night food, and automotive insights.
• 2:20: Elgie Bright shares his transition from General Motors to academia, emphasizing the impact of hands-on experience in shaping educational approaches.
• 4:05: The discussion pivots to the challenges and rewards of teaching 18-year-olds, exploring the blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application in automotive education.
• 7:38: Bright delves into the balance of Northwood's business curriculum with its specialized automotive track, offering a unique blend of general business acumen and industry-specific knowledge.
• 11:45: The introduction of Northwood's master's program in organizational leadership with an automotive focus, underscoring the importance of holistic business education in the industry.
• 15:08: A personal touch – Elgie Bright's passion for jazz and the saxophone.
• 19:33: Kyle Mountsier reflects on the significance of Bright's journey and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of automotive professionals.

Elgie Bright is the Department Chair of the Automotive Marketing and Management Program at Northwood University.

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A professor and a pioneer. Meet Alex Lawrence.

In this episode of Auto Collabs, we sit down with Alex Lawrence, CEO of EV Auto, to explore his journey and impact in the electric vehicle (EV) world. From his early days detailing cars to leading a groundbreaking EV dealership, Alex's story is a blend of passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. He shares insights into the allure of electric vehicles, their technological advancements, and his vision for EV Auto, which is redefining the EV retail experience.

Timestamped Takeaways:

• 0:00 - Kyle Mountsier's amusing hat switch sets a relaxed tone for the podcast.
• 4:15 - Alex Lawrence recounts his initial business ventures, highlighting his enduring passion for automobiles.
• 11:09 - Alex discusses what makes EVs exciting, emphasizing their rapid acceleration and cutting-edge tech.
• 17:47 - Alex explains EVcars.com's transformation into a private seller platform and introduces EV Auto.
• 20:11 - The conversation shifts to the rapid growth and success of EV Auto, showcasing Alex's ambitious plan for a national chain of EV-exclusive dealerships.
• 22:55 - The hosts reflect on Alex's flexible business strategy and his casual approach to pivoting, contrasting this with traditional industry norms.

Alex Lawrence is the CEO of EV Auto.

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From paper to digital... quite literally.

Listen in to this engaging conversation with Greg Uland from Reynolds and Reynolds on this episode of Auto Collabs. We're delving into the digital transformation of the auto industry, discussing everything from traditional processes to modern digital strategies. Greg shares valuable insights on enhancing customer experiences and the dynamics of the used car market.

Did You Know? Reynolds has an interesting background in paper production, which adds a unique perspective to their automotive journey. Plus, Greg brings firsthand experiences from the auto parts sector that are as enlightening as they are essential.

Our Favorite Moments

• 0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
• 1:40 - Discover Greg Uland's journey into automotive marketing.
• 4:37 - Explore the shift to digital in car sales.
• 8:14 - Uncover insights from the parts department.
• 11:22 - Learn about data-driven approaches to customer service.
• 14:03 - Look into Reynolds' digital advancements.
• 17:20 - Examine trends in the used car market.
• 23:17 - The unexpected environmental impact of car deal paperwork.

Greg Uland is VP of Marketing for The Reynolds and Reynolds Company.

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

With a rich history in the industry, Steve DeWitt of automotiveMastermind shares his unique perspective on the transformation of automotive retail, focusing on data-driven strategies and customer-centric approaches. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the importance of understanding consumer behavior to leveraging technology for more effective dealership management.

Steve's journey, from his early days questioning the establishment of an internet department to his current role in shaping sales strategies, offers valuable lessons. The episode is peppered with anecdotes from Steve's career, highlighting the shift in industry practices and the increasing relevance of data in understanding and catering to customer needs. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the automotive sales sector, as well as Steve's philosophy on empowering employees and fostering a culture of innovation.

Takeaways:

• 0:00: Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Jordan Cox
• 02:17: Steve's introduction to the auto industry in the 90s and the early discussions around internet departments.
• 06:21: Challenges of traditional leadership styles in automotive and the need for innovative management approaches.
• 07:25: Steve's transition from dealership management to the software and vendor side of the automotive industry.
• 12:05: The growing necessity for integrating various communication platforms in the automotive industry.
• 14:34: Misconceptions dealers have about data privacy and customer expectations.
• 18:03: The importance of understanding the 'why', 'how', and 'when' of customer communication in automotive sales.
• 19:03: Strategies for leveraging dynamic data over static DMS and CRM data for better customer engagement.
• 22:08: The critical role of empowering team members in achieving business success.
• 23:41: The connection between team development and effective data integration for improved customer service.

Steve DeWitt is the VP of Sales for automotiveMastermind

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

Today, we get into it with Will McGinnis, Director of Sales for fullthrottle.ai, as he unravels the intricacies of building genuine relationships in the automotive industry. From the evolution of digital marketing to the importance of understanding your customer's unique needs, Will emphasizes that the key to successful sales isn't about pushing a product, but about truly understanding and helping your customer.

In this episode, the hosts and Will share a few laughs, reminisce about the early days of automotive websites, and discuss the challenges of the current market economy. Will's journey from selling flashy websites in 2008 to leading a sales team in 2023 offers valuable insights for anyone in sales or in automotive. Plus, don't miss out on the hilarious debate about "Black Shirt Tuesday" and the importance of wardrobe choices in sales!

Takeaways:

• 0:00 - A light-hearted start and the importance of podcast intros.
• 1:20 - Delving into Will's history in the automotive industry.
• 2:09 - The essence of a sales professional: Presence vs. Arrogance.
• 4:32 - A trip down memory lane: The wild west of automotive websites in 2008.
• 6:37 - Will's journey outside and back into the automotive industry.
• 10:23 - The challenge of attribution in marketing and the importance of first-party data.
• 15:20 - The evolution of the marketing funnel and the importance of post-sale relationships.
• 18:59 - The Challenger sales model: Making it about the customer's business.
• 24:58 - Wrapping up with key takeaways and the essence of relationship-building in sales.

Will McGinnis is the Director of Sales at fullthrottle.ai

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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!

In this episode, Paul Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with Steve White, the data maestro behind Clarivoy, to discuss the ever-evolving digital landscape in the automotive industry. Steve shares his journey from selling banner ads to becoming a pioneer in automotive search marketing, emphasizing the importance of first-party data and the challenges of the impending cookieless future.

In a lighter vein, the trio also delves into fun anecdotes about hair maintenance for the bald and the serendipitous story of how Steve's book recommendation led to a significant event at ASOTU CON. This episode is a blend of insightful data discussions and delightful banter, making it a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the digital shifts in the automotive world.

Timestamped Takeaways:

• 0:00 - Paul and Michael's humorous banter about hair maintenance.
• 1:48 - Introduction to Steve White and his expertise in data.
• 3:04 - Steve's entry into the auto industry and his early ventures.
• 5:02 - The transition from selling banner ads to deep tech in auto.
• 9:12 - The importance of first-party data and the challenges of a cookieless future.
• 15:46 - Actionable steps for dealers to prepare for the digital shifts.
• 20:44 - Steve's excitement about data collaboration and partnership opportunities.
• 22:34 - The serendipitous story of how Steve's book recommendation led to a significant event at ASOTU CON.

Steve White is the CEO and Founder of Clarivoy.

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

Join us as we navigate the automotive digital landscape with Jarrod Kilway. From the nuances of after-hours lead generation to the intricacies of automotive CRM systems, we're revving up the conversation. Plus, get a glimpse into Jarrod's unique Miami RV lifestyle and how it intertwines with dealership dynamics and customer engagement. It's like your morning coffee chat, but turbocharged with dealership operations, automotive marketing, and a sprinkle of personal tales.

Timestamped Takeaways:

• 0:44 - Sound testing and its unexpected link to automotive sales.
• 1:04 - Dealership operations and the disruptors making waves.
• 1:56 - Jarrod's take on automotive branding, and why white t-shirts matter.
• 2:58 - Miami RV life: How dealership mobility meets personal passion.
• 6:38 - The tech tools driving today's automotive industry.
• 13:55 - Digital lead generation: The future of auto sales?
• 16:52 - AI in automotive: Beyond the showroom.
• 20:49 - Konect's vision for the future of automotive CRM systems.

Gear up for a blend of industry insights, digital marketing strategies, and fun anecdotes. 🎧☕️

Jarrod Kilway is the COO of Konect.ai

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Anecdotes and tactics abound in this chat with Lindsay Ciavattone.

She has a treasure trove of stories from her time at a Pontiac Oldsmobile dealership. She'll walk us through some memorable moments, like the time she had to sell a Pontiac Aztec with quite a few miles on it. 

Lindsay also has this unique method for remembering names, which involves a touch of melody. It's these little insights that make her journey in the auto industry so intriguing.

As we move forward in our conversation, we'll delve deeper into the nuances of finding that sweet spot between work and personal life, especially in the fast-paced world of cars. We'll also discuss the innovative approach of the West Herr Group, where they've come up with a system allowing employees to collaborate and work just three days a week.

For those curious about the auto industry, we'll shed light on the accessibility of the field and the varied paths to success.

So, settle in for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Lindsay, where we explore the many facets of the auto world.

Lindsay Ciavattone is the Director of Dealer Relations at CarGurus.

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