You did the work. You asked the right questions. You found the perfect car. And they still bought from someone else.

In this episode, we break down the kind of rejection that hurts the most—when you do everything right and still lose the deal. Learn why it’s not always your fault, how embarrassment plays into customer ghosting, and what real follow-up with integrity looks like.

This one’s for every consultant who gave it their best… and walked away empty-handed.

What happens when the sales board goes blank… and your confidence goes with it?

In this episode, we’re taking aim at one of the most toxic beliefs in the car business:

“You are only as good as your last deal.”

Spoiler alert—you’re not.

This isn’t just another sales training episode. It’s a gut-check.

We dive into:

If you’ve ever felt like a failure because your number didn’t measure up—this one’s for you.

You are not your commission slip.

You are your consistency.

Your integrity.

Your ability to care, even when it doesn’t pay.

Let’s break the cycle—and build something better.

In this episode of the AutoKnerd Podcast, we dive into the power of reinvention and resilience. Inspired by the remarkable post-WWII transformation of Volkswagen, we explore how even the toughest setbacks—whether in your career, personal life, or business—can become the foundation for a powerful comeback.

Through the lens of Volkswagen’s shift from a wartime symbol to a beloved global brand, this episode offers practical insights on how you can reset your mindset, rebuild trust, and move forward with purpose. Whether you’re facing challenges in sales or striving for a personal transformation, this episode will show you how to embrace change, face your struggles, and build the future you want.

Tune in for inspiration, actionable advice, and a reminder that no matter how deep the setback, you can always rebuild and move forward.

Let’s face it: sometimes, customers can be a lot. Whether they’re rude, demanding, or just plain frustrating, we’ve all encountered those clients who make us want to hit “snooze” on our careers. But here’s the secret—kindness is the best way to survive, thrive, and even maybe win them over.

In this episode, we dive into the art of smiling through gritted teeth, keeping your cool, and turning difficult customers into loyal ones—all with a sprinkle of humor and a splash of sarcasm. Spoiler alert: This episode won’t make you like those customers, but it will show you how to handle them like a pro.

Plus, we’ll take a stroll through automotive history with examples from Henry Ford and Mercedes-Benz—because who doesn’t want to hear how the masterminds of the past kept their cool while revolutionizing the car industry? (Trust us, it’s better than it sounds.)

So, if you’re ready to take your customer service to the next level—without throwing anyone under the bus (yet)—this episode is for you. Grab your coffee, put on your best customer-facing smile, and let’s get into it.

Imagine if every morning commute required firing up a boiler, watching a pressure gauge, and possibly losing your eyebrows in a steam-related mishap—sound crazy? Well, it almost happened! This week on AutoKnerd, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully strange and largely forgotten world of steam-powered cars. From Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot’s crash-prone invention to the ridiculously impressive Stanley and Doble steamers, we’ll explore a reality where brass replaced plastic, steam replaced gas, and “waiting for pressure” replaced road rage. Whether you’re selling cutting-edge cars or just nerding out on automotive oddities, this episode offers hilarious insights into how innovation, convenience, and common sense don’t always arrive in the same vehicle. Subscribe now so you don’t miss your weekly dose of automotive madness—and maybe you’ll learn exactly how not to pitch a car that takes 30 minutes to start.

Buckle up, AutoKnerds, because today we’re diving into one of the wildest ideas in automotive history—nuclear-powered cars! That’s right, once upon a time, engineers and dreamers thought the best way to fuel your daily commute was with a miniature nuclear reactor. What could possibly go wrong?

In this episode, we’ll explore two of the most infamous attempts at making this atomic fantasy a reality:

☢ The Ford Nucleon – Ford’s 1958 vision of a car powered by a tiny fission reactor (because swapping out uranium cores instead of oil changes sounded fun).

☢ The Simca Fulgur – A French concept car that wasn’t just nuclear-powered but also voice-controlled and autonomous. Basically, it predicted modern tech—just with way more radiation concerns.

Along the way, we’ll break down the atomic-age optimism that led to these wild designs, why they ultimately never hit the road, and—most importantly—what sales professionals can learn from these over-promised, under-delivered vehicles. Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that customers don’t love being sold a dream that turns out to be impossible.

🔥 Correction Notice: At times during this episode, I mistakenly referred to the Simca Fulgur as the Scima Fulgur. Oops! Consider it an unintended mutation—fitting for an episode about nuclear-powered cars, don’t you think?

🚗💥 Don’t miss this one! Like, subscribe, and drop a comment below—what’s the craziest car concept you’ve ever heard of?

#AutoKnerd #NuclearCars #FordNucleon #SimcaFulgur #CrazyCarConcepts #SalesLessonsFromHistory

The DeLorean DMC-12 wasn’t just a car—it was a vision of the future. Stainless steel body? Check. Gull-wing doors? Check. A marketing campaign that made it the must-have ride of the early ‘80s? Absolutely. So how did this dream machine turn into one of the biggest automotive flops of all time?

In this episode of AutoKnerd, we take a deep dive into the story of John DeLorean, his revolutionary car, and the moment the world lost faith in his brand. From Hollywood hype (Back to the Future, anyone?) to corporate chaos, we explore the key sales and branding lessons behind this cautionary tale. And of course, we sprinkle in some Ready Player One vibes and a few ‘80s pop culture nods for good measure.

If you love automotive history, sales psychology, and learning from the past, this one’s for you! 🚗⚡

#DeLorean #DMC12 #JohnDeLorean #SalesFails #MarketingLessons #BackToTheFuture #AutoHistory #CarSales #LostFaith #AutoKnerdPodcast

🚨 EVs are in trouble… but what if there was a better way? 🚨

For years, we’ve been told that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are the future, but let’s be real—range anxiety, charging infrastructure headaches, and high costs have left many buyers pumping the brakes on full EV adoption.

Enter the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)—the game-changer that combines the efficiency of electric driving with the reliability of a gas backup. No range anxiety. No long charging waits. Just seamless electrified driving.

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into:

If you think EVs are the only way forward, you might want to buckle up—because the rise of EREVs is just getting started.

What if I told you that the fastest way to bigger commissions... is to stop chasing commissions? Sounds crazy, right? But here’s the kicker—it actually works.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why leading with kindness, empathy, and real human connectionisn’t just good karma—it’s good business. I’ve got stats to prove it, stories to back it up, and a simple shift you can make today that will change the way customers see you forever.

Think you know what it takes to win in sales? Think again.

Hit play and find out why the best salespeople aren’t the ones pushing the hardest… they’re the ones who care the most. 🎙🔥

In this episode, I sit down with David Hirschfeld from Tekyz.inc to explore how AI is transforming the sales process. We discuss how AI can enhance CRM systems, streamline daily tasks, and give sales professionals a competitive edge. Whether you're in sales management or on the front lines, this conversation will show you how to leverage AI for efficiency and better customer relationships. Don't miss it!

mash subscribe! 

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David’s Bio

David Hirschfeld is a 35-year software development veteran with a unique perspective on startups, technological innovation and business growth. A former physics student from UCLA, David's career spans leadership roles at tech giants like Computer Associates, Texas Instruments, Intel, and Motorola, before launching his first startup—which grew to 800 customers across 22 countries and was successfully sold in 2000.

Since founding Tekyz Inc. in 2007, David has emerged as a strategic advisor specializing in AI-driven workflow transformation for scaleups and in the design & development of startups. Having collaborated with over 70 startups, he developed the Launch 1st Method—a systematic approach that minimizes risks and accelerates software company success with reduced reliance on investor funding.

David's expertise bridges cutting-edge AI technologies, workflow optimization, and startup ecosystem dynamics. When not transforming business strategies, he enjoys woodworking, golfing, and drawing leadership insights from his experience raising four successful sons.