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Want a look behind the curtain of the EV market? Look no further than Jimmy Douglas.

The brain behind Plug takes us on a thrilling journey from his humble beginnings in a Volkswagen service bay to being the CEO of his own groundbreaking company.

Ever wondered about the ins and outs of the EV market? Jimmy, with his hands-on experience at Tesla and his role in Model 3 production, shares his valuable insights into this emerging sector, its challenges, and opportunities.

His savvy for identifying a need in the market led him to create Plug - an online marketplace for the wholesale buying and selling of used electric vehicles. Not your typical platform, Plug stands out with its unique features like data collection from each vehicle before sale, a curated buyer population, and optimized velocity.

Buckle up as we delve into Jimmy's inspiring journey and explore the astounding potential of the EV market and the future of the auto industry.

Jimmy Douglas is the Founder and CEO of Plug.

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Relentless might just sum up Steve Roessler in a single word.

Here's a man whose passion and dedication have seen him traverse the globe for two decades, captivating audiences at dealerships with his innovative insights into the automotive industry.

In our conversation, Steve lets us in on his spontaneous visits to various dealerships, his life on the road, and how he draws from these experiences to inspire change.

From the challenges of road life to wearing the hat of a chief evangelist officer and supporting his daughter's burgeoning music career, Steve's commitment is undeniably inspiring.

Furthermore, we delve into how DriveCentric thrives on user feedback to consistently innovate and enhance their product. As Steve puts it, the lifeline of a successful product is an open line of communication and a keen responsiveness to user needs. So, tune in and get ready to be inspired by Steve's relentless dedication to innovation and his unique journey.

Steve Roessler is the Chief Evangelist Officer for DriveCentric.

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What would happen if you blended the world of banking, software, and the auto industry?

We found out as we sat down with Tony Vigiletti and Shane Bell from Connexion. Tony, an ex-banker, finds his calling at GM, specifically with OnStar, after a serendipitous conversation with an MBA partner.

Shane, on the other hand, treads a different path. With a software background, he lands in the auto industry through a mentor who had extensive knowledge of the retail automotive side. Both of them share their unique journeys, the roles they have grown into, and their perspectives on the auto industry.

Do you know how technology is shaping the auto industry? The second part of our conversation delved into this.

We discussed how telematics, the technology of sending, receiving, and storing information relating to remote objects, can monitor fuel levels, tire pressure, and many more aspects of a vehicle's performance. Shane and Tony shared about how car dealerships can harness this power to enhance customer service and retention.

We also touched upon the potential of mobile apps and push notifications in delivering a more personalized service and maintenance experience. If you're intrigued by the confluence of technology and the auto industry, this episode is a must-listen.

Tony Vigiletti is the VP of Sales for Connexion.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-vigiletti-b366488/
https://connexionltd.com/

Shane Bell is a Senior Account Executive at Connexion.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-bell/

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What if the automotive industry was about more than just cars?

Journey with us from the bustling city of Baltimore to the fascinating intersection of traditional broadcasting and the modern automotive world, as we explore the unique lifestyle offerings that dealerships provide - from car shows and Jeep Week to exhilarating drives in the mountains.

Are you tired of the ambiguity and confusion that typically comes with buying a car? We dive deep into how marketing and process can transform the car buying process into a simpler, more enjoyable experience. The importance of consistent brand messaging, clear pricing, and a focus on customer lifetime value  cannot be overstated.

We also explore the influential role of reviews, especially among the Gen Z demographic, in shaping the customer journey. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will provide you with a fresh perspective on the evolving automotive industry.

Charlie Wineke is an Account Executive at Effectv
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliewineke/
effectv.com

Ryan Dooley is the Owner of Dooley Advertising.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanadooley/
https://dooleyadvertising.com/

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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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