AutoInsiders with Ray Shefska

Join Ray Shefska as he delves deep into the journey of Erin Witte, the Director of Consumer Protection for the Consumer Federation of America. From her early days as a gas station attendant and navigating her way through college parties to her transformative journey into law school, Erin's path is a testament to resilience and determination.   Discover how Erin transitioned from the courtroom, litigating against predatory business practices, to the halls of Congress, lobbying for consumer rights. Who was the pivotal figure that steered her towards a life of advocacy? And how does she tackle the challenges posed by car dealerships and their often-questionable tactics?   In this engaging 60-minute episode, Erin not only shares her personal and professional journey but also offers insights into how everyday consumers can join the fight for fairer practices  when buying a car.  And she even has a tangible way for listeners to make a difference. Tell NADA: Support the FTC’s Auto Dealer Rule and Stop Ripping Consumers Off with Fake Deals, Hidden Junk Fees, and Misleading Advertising Now! To learn more about Erin's advocacy work and her initiatives, visit the Consumer Federation of America's website consumerfed.org

Join Ray Shefska as he delves deep into the world of automotive finance with Kimberly Kline, a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience across multi-brand dealerships. Kimberly's journey is a captivating tale of resilience, adaptability, and a burning desire to make a difference. From braving hurricane-force winds in a glass showroom to mastering the art of quick meals to serve customers better, her anecdotes from the dealership floor are both enlightening and entertaining. But it's not just about the past. Kimberly's transition from the finance office to consumer advocacy is a testament to her commitment to transparency and fairness in the auto industry. She shares insider insights on reading contracts, understanding back-end financing, and some of the less-than-honest practices she's witnessed. Through her platform, Auto Finance Sense, she aims to shed light on the often-overlooked second part of the deal - the dealership finance office. Her mission? To ensure car buyers navigate this crucial stage with confidence, knowledge, and eyes wide open. Many buyers, under Kimberly's guidance, have left with not just a car but a better understanding of their credit, insights on improving it, and the tools to navigate their auto loan journey. Her innate desire to help has always been evident, and now she gets to channel this passion full-time. Beyond her professional achievements, get a glimpse into Kimberly's personal world. From her love for watercolor illustrations aimed at boosting confidence to her innate ability to tap into the world beyond the veil, her multifaceted personality shines through. Not to forget her role as a proud mom, her love for nature, and her penchant for a good cup of coffee. Tune in for a riveting conversation that blends industry insights with personal stories, painting a holistic picture of a woman on a mission to bring about positive change in the automotive world.

Join Ray Shefska as he dives into the world of cars with a fresh lens, chatting with Kelly Stumpe, popularly known as "Kelly The Car Mom." From starting her career at BMW, being the lone woman in a male-dominated space, to outpacing her peers in sales while they chatted about fantasy football, Kelly's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Ever wondered how a mom views a car differently? Kelly breaks the myth that "new is always best" and shares why new moms don't always need to upgrade to a bigger car. Curious about the practicalities of car storage from a mom's perspective? Like, how many juice boxes can fit in there? Kelly's got you covered.   Find out how Kelly juggles life with three kids under five, being a wife, a YouTube sensation, and the leader of her own company. All this and more in a captivating 60-minute episode. Discover more about Kelly's mission to empower families in their car choices, her personal car favorites, and much more. For a deeper dive into her world, check out her website [TheCarMom.com](http://thecarmom.com) and follow her on [Instagram](http://instagram.com/the_car_mom), [YouTube](http://youtube.com/@TheCarMom), and [Facebook](http://facebook.com/thecarmom). Don't miss her podcast [The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carpool-with-kelly-and-lizz/id1606787270).

Join Ray Shefska on a riveting journey into the heart of automotive data and analytics with Jared Kalfus, the dynamic President of Black Book. From his early days at Enterprise Rent a Car to spearheading innovative projects at CarsDirect.com and Manheim, Jared's ascent in the automotive world is a testament to his passion and expertise. Dive deep as Jared recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his rapid rise at Black Book and the challenges and triumphs of leading a company with a 68-year legacy in a rapidly evolving industry. What does it take to steer a brand like Black Book, known for its precision in vehicle pricing and analytics, into the future? Jared sheds light on this and more. Discover the man behind the title as Jared shares personal anecdotes, including his early career experiences, broadcasting aspirations, leadership style, and vision for Black Book in the digital age. Plus, get a glimpse into Jared's thoughts on the future of automotive data, e-commerce, and the role of digital and how the EV revolution in shaping the industry. For those intrigued by the confluence of data, technology, and the automotive world, this episode promises a blend of insightful conversations, industry revelations, and a personal touch that only Ray and Jared can deliver.