Ride-in-Style: A Glimpse into the World of Auto Restyling and Aftermarket Upgrades

The Evolution of a Restyling Business: Rod Bennett's Chrome Enhancements Journey

This episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast, hosted by Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulsen, features an in-depth interview with Rod Bennett of Chrome Enhancements. The discussion covers the unique aspects that set Bennett's business apart in the competitive automotive restyling industry, emphasizing the importance of consistency and relationship-building with dealerships. Bennett shares his journey from starting in the industry in the late '80s, selling hubcaps and trim, to evolving his business through changing trends from chrome to blackout styles. He reflects on his transition from the auto industry to building call centers globally, and eventually returning to his roots in automotive restyling by reviving Chrome Enhancements. The episode touches on Bennett's missed opportunity with Amazon, the challenges faced by the aftermarket automotive industry, including supply chain issues, and the future of automotive restyling. Bennett also discusses his involvement in the SEMA Pro council and the importance of networking within the industry. The conversation concludes with Bennett's outlook on the growth potential of the aftermarket sector and a call to action for involvement and innovation within the automotive community.

0:00 Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 19 Rod Bennett of Chrome Enhancements

00:46 Introduction & Background

24:35 Rod's Toughest Challenges

32:01 What Sets Rod's Business Apart

37:56 How Is The Industry Changing?

48:53 What Excites Rod About His Business?

This episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast features hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulsen welcoming guest Brian Lounsbury from Midway Plus. Brian shares his journey from starting in automotive restyling to developing a revolutionary B2B marketplace software that connects manufacturers directly to buyers, streamlining sales and inventory processes. He discusses the challenges of introducing new technology to an industry accustomed to traditional methods, his determination in entrepreneurship, and his vision for the future of automotive parts distribution. Brian also candidly shares amusing stories from his past, including a humorous encounter with a lookalike and amusing family anecdotes, offering a personal glimpse into the character behind the innovation.

0:00 Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 18 Brian Lounsberry of Midway Plus

00:31 Introduction & Background

24:45 Advice To Younger Self

28:30 Consumer Online Trends

31:27 Toughest Challenges

52:54 Exciting Thing About Business

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com

This episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast features a detailed interview with Joe Cardinal from Auto Action Technologies. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the future of the automotive industry, particularly focusing on electric vehicles and customization opportunities. The hosts, Jesse and Josh, explore Joe's extensive career in automotive restyling, highlighting the importance of adaptation and innovation. Joe shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a family business in the automotive restyling realm, emphasizing the significance of diversification and customer value. He also predicts trends in the industry and offers advice for newcomers. The conversation delves into Auto Action Technologies' focus on fleet services and the potential for growth in this area. The episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, professional advice, and industry analysis, providing a comprehensive look at automotive restyling through the lens of Joe Cardinal's experiences.

00:42 Introduction And Background

11:13 Biggest Challenges In Business

12:44 Trials And Errors

21:40 Dealing With Supply Chain Issues

24:31 Networking And Building Relationships

37:16 Future Industry Trends

50:38 Advice For Newcomers

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com.

In episode 16 of the Ride-In-Style podcast, hosts Jesse and Josh interview Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Products. Their conversation covers Melanie's journey from making cold calls to becoming CEO, the company’s family history and involvement in SEMA, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, how they approach customer service, maintaining the company's quality standards and legacy, and Hellwig's broad set of products. Melanie also shares her experience as a volunteer and part of SEMA’s board of directors and her vision for the future of both Hellwig Products and the industry in general.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:41 Introduction & Background

14:47 Toughest Challenges

20:20 Advice To Younger Self

36:40 Dealing With Customers

38:42 Collaboration Stories

51:16 What excites Melanie?

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com.

In this episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast, hosts Jesse and Josh invite Ralph George Jr. to discuss his experiences in the automotive industry. There's coverage on his journey, challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, progression from wholesale to retail and highest demand products. Ralph emphasizes the importance of customer care, treats listeners to interesting anecdotes and shares his hopeful outlook for the future. With humor sprinkled throughout, the podcast concludes by reminding listeners to subscribe, and directing them to autostylemarketing.com for more expert resources. Shared knowledge in the automotive field is emphasized as a key take-away.

00:00 Hot Takes

13:28 Advice To Younger Self

19:10 Ralph's Toughest Challenges

24:09 What Sets Ralph Apart?

46:56 Handling Customers

57:15 What Excites Ralph Now

01:00:13 Work Life Balance

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com.

In this episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast, Jesse and Josh sit down with Zane Clark, the Vice President of SEMA. Clark shares his journey from his start in the automotive industry with Prestige Products to his current role in SEMA, discussing how he navigates challenges and changing trends in the industry. He stresses on the importance of passion, hustle, and adaptability in this sector. Clark also dives into the history of SEMA, outlining its evolution and the major role it plays in the automotive aftermarket industry. Towards the end, he reflects on the future of the industry as technology evolves, the importance of youth engagement, and the impacts of altering perceptions about automotive jobs.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:29 Introduction & Background

12:43 Advice For Younger Self

23:02 Toughest Challenges

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com.

In this episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast, Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulsen welcome guest Eric Holmes of Eastman, a well-known company in the automotive restyling industry. Eric traces his journey from an auto window tinter to a successful corporate member of Eastman, following its acquisition of his previous company, CIA. They discuss the challenges and tricks of the trade within the industry, from customer relationships with car dealerships to the nuances of the window tint business. Eric shares his insights on the growing popularity of Paint Protection Film (PPF) and how it's revolutionised the industry, offering lucrative opportunities for installers and restylers. They also delve into Eric's experiences on the SEMA Select Committee and how being part of such forums adds value to industry stakeholders by fostering learning and collaboration. Towards the end, Eric talks about the future of the industry, challenges that may arise and how dealerships can differentiate themselves.

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com

🎙️ Ride-In-Style Podcast: Episode 12 - An Inside Look at the Automotive Restyling Business Through the Eyes of Henry and Courtney Palki🎙️

In this episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast, hosts Jesse and Josh invite Henry and Courtney Palki from Top Coverage to discuss their journey in the automotive restyling industry. Starting with vinyl tops and pinstriping in the '70s, Top Coverage has evolved to become one of the industry's leading automotive restyling shops. The father-daughter duo touches on the early days of their business, how they adapted during the economic recession in 2008, and the best advice they've given and received about running a business. Courtney ends the discussion by highlighting the importance of adopting new technologies while maintaining the core principles of customer service and honesty. This episode sheds light on the past, present, and future of automotive restyling, with invaluable insights into running a family business in this industry.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:36 Introduction & Background

13:08 Advice For Courtney

15:50 Courtney Joins Business

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com

🎙️Integrity and Consistency: Navigating the Automotive Restyling World with Kevin Gillis

In this episode of the Ride-In-Style Podcast, hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulsen welcome guest Kevin Gillis from Integrity Customs. As an industry veteran, Kevin recalls his early years in automotive restyling, starting from a computer programming role to transforming his craft into a passion-driven career. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, honesty, and adding value to their dealership partners beyond just offering products. Kevin shares the great pride he felt when a car they worked on was featured at the SEMA show. Furthermore, he urges other restylers to invest time back into the industry and continue to learn and adapt amidst the constantly changing market. He also shares some insight into the philanthropic ventures he's engaged in and the role of volunteering and education in his life and career.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:33 Introduction & Background

07:01 Challenges & Triumphs

26:28 Evolution & Trends

44:45 Unique Selling Proposition & Memorable Moments

59:58 Advice & Forward-Thinking

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com

🎙️A Ride-In-Style Episode Featuring Kyle Fickler 🎙️

This episode of the Ride-In-Style Podcast features Kyle Fickler of ProCharger. His passion for racing and automotive mechanics started in his youth, and he believes strongly in the power of networking within the industry. In the interview, Kyle shares his journey in the automotive industry, including his start in business and his experiences with Aeromotive and Weld Racing. He discusses his experience as a board member of SEMA and the challenges he has faced in his career. Kyle underlines the importance of innovation and understanding regulations in overcoming industry obstacles.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:34 Introduction & Background

25:17 Challenges & Triumps

43:59 Evolution & Trends

51:59 Advice & Forward-Thinking

58:25 Final Takeaways & Recommendations

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com.