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

🎙️The Ride-In-Style Podcast: Talking Shop with Ron Leslie, VP of Sales for Katzkin. 🎙️

In this episode of the Ride-In-Style Podcast, hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson have a chat with the Vice President of Sales for Katzkin, Ron Leslie. Ron shares that Katzkin's success lies in their product quality, safety standards, speed and creativity. Citing the multiple processes involved in their custom leather interiors, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining top-notch customer service and meeting demands promptly. Ron also discusses the business's evolution and how recent changes in vehicle customization demands have prompted Katzkin to adapt their strategies and designs, ultimately amplifying their productivity and operational efficiency.

00:00 Hot Takes00:49 Introduction & Background

09:35 Challenges & Triumphs17:00 Evolution & Trends

38:17 Expansion Plans

58:19 Business Strategies & Partnerships

01:02:51 How To Contact Katzkin  

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com.

Journey of a Woman in the Automotive Industry: An Interview with Chelsea Allen

This episode features Chelsea Allen from Crush Customs as guest. Chelsea details her journey in the auto restyling industry, hurdles she encountered being a woman in a predominantly male industry, and how she overcame them. She talks about her transition from her family business to starting Crush Customs, her involvement with SEMA Pro, and her creative approach to addressing supply chain challenges during the COVID pandemic. Chelsea also discusses the future of the industry and the potential opportunities available, particularly in the used car sector and technology upgrades.

00:00 Hot Takes

02:23 Introduction & Background

18:22 Challenges & Triumphs

45:11 Evolution & Trends

🎙️Challenges, Changes and the Future of the Automotive Restyling Industry 🎙️

In this episode of 'Ride-in-Style' podcast, hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulsen engage with Tom Waitzman, owner of DPS Automotive Group and the Restyler Connect and Auto Accessories Configurator, about the challenges, changes, and upcoming trends in the automotive restyling industry. Tom discusses how he transitioned into the industry and shares his experience of running his first shop. He stresses the importance of developing business skills for successful operations and profitability as well as doing the right thing for customer satisfaction. Tom also speaks about the transformation of his shop's service offerings over the years, switching from electronics to a heavy focus on film. Further, he highlights the advantages of their shop management tool 'Restyler Connect' and 'Auto Accessory Configurator' that help solve many business challenges and streamline operations efficiently. Closing his discussion, Tom shares his goal for the future - balancing his business between dealerships, retail, and fleet while continuing to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:45 Introduction & Background

12:13 Challenges & Triumphs

42:23 Vision Then & Now

47:55 Evolution & Trends

Summary

Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 6 John Prosser Automotive Concepts. It's a conversation between hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson with their guest, John Prosser. The discussion revolves around John Prosser's entrepreneurial journey of running multiple businesses in the automotive industry. Prosser discusses the challenges of establishing these ventures, their gradual growth, and how the industry trends affect business operations. He also provides insights into his strategy of reacting to changes in the marketplace and creating value in the restyling industry. Through the conversation, listeners are offered a glimpse into his innovative approach to business, constant pursuit of improvement, and robust knowledge of the auto restyling industry.

Show Notes

Riding the Highways of Automotive Ventures with John Prosser

In this episode of the Ride-in-Style Podcast, hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulsen engage in an enlightening conversation with John Prosser, founder of multiple successful businesses in the automotive industry. John shares his insights on running a business, maintaining the balance between risk and reward, and the evolving nature of the automotive industry. He also shares his formula for building successful companies, emphasizing the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest trends, personalizing offerings to meet customer demands, and diversifying to create multiple profit streams. At the end, Josh and Jesse discuss their personal experiences and insights from their journey in the automotive industry, wrapping up with a look at the sector's future.

0:00 Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 6 John Prosser Automotive Concepts

00:34 Welcome to the Ride-in-Style Podcast

00:55 Introducing Guest: John Prosser

02:28 John Prosser's Journey in the Automotive Industry

06:24 The Evolution of the Restyling Business

07:11 Diversifying Business Ventures

16:18 The Challenges of Starting a New Business

19:05 Managing Employees and Business Growth

21:39 The Importance of Creating Value in Business

27:50 Navigating Supply Chain Issues and Low Dealership Inventory

27:52 Impact of Strike on Inventory and Hiring

28:24 The Importance of Stock Units for Car Dealers

29:19 Predicting the Future of the Automotive Market

29:23 The Rise of Electric Cars and Autonomy

30:01 The Future of Personalization in the Automotive Industry

30:41 The Evolution of Automotive Products

33:27 The Importance of Keeping Up with Trends and Technology

33:55 The Power of Collaboration and Sharing Ideas

38:04 The Birth of the Pro Cup Challenge

46:09 The Tornado Incident: A Near-Death Experience

51:56 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

54:38 Podcast Closing Remarks

Summary

Episode 5 of the Ride-in-Style Podcast focuses on an interview with Colby McLaughlin, the president and managing partner at Trim Illusion and Land to Sky Holdings. Colby discusses his personal journey into the auto restyling industry, where he started working in the OEM prototype segment before transitioning fully to the aftermarket. He also talks about the evolution of his business, Trim Illusion, now a leading solution for Chrome-deletes. Colby shares insight into industry trends, challenges faced by the company, and his approach to customer relations and business marketing. He also discusses his leadership role on the SEMA PRO board and advises those looking to enter the industry.

Show Notes

Navigating the Evolution of the Auto Restyling Industry with Colby McLaughlin

In the episode, hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulsen interview Colby McLaughlin, the president of Trim Illusion and a SEMA board member. McLaughlin, who started his career in the auto restyling industry in an OEM prototype build company, shares his journey to becoming a leader in the aftermarket space. He discusses the importance of industry trends in shaping the work of professional restylers, the challenges posed by the pandemic on supply chains and regional legislations, the significance of networking in the industry, and how Trim Illusion's products provide efficient solutions for Chrome-delete issues. He also emphasizes the value of reading and continuous learning in personal and career growth.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:58 Introduction & Background

16:08 Challenges & Triumphs

23:20 Evolution & Trends

33:47 Unique Selling Proposition & Memorable Moments

41:57 Business Strategies & Partnerships

46:15 Handling Challenges & Interactions

49:33 Advice & Forward-Thinking

54:39 Final Takeaways & Recommendations

Guest Bio:

Colby McLaughlin is President and Managing Partner for Trim Illusion and Land to Sky Holdings. He also serves as a Board member on the SEMA PAC, SEMA Cares, and his term as Chair of SEMA PRO. Colby started his career in the OEM prototype segment, working on notable builds like the Chevrolet Volt, Ford SuperChief, Lincoln MKZ, MKR, and many others. After seven years in the OEM space, he returned to his passion in the aftermarket as the National Sales Manager of a direct-to-dealer distributor, Chrome Enhancements. Trim Illusion was a growing product line for Chrome Enhancements as Chrome-delete requests increased. Colby started his position at Trim Illusion in 2018. He is now the premier solution for Chrome-deletes, including snap-on grilles, overlay window sill trim, snap-on door handles, wheel skins, and other exterior products. Outside of business, he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his two dogs and vacationing in the Caribbean with his wife, where they look to one day retire.

Learn more at https://autostylemarketing.com.

Riding in Style with BOOSTane Founder Ian Lehn

The Ride-in-Style podcast delves into the journey of Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane Octane Engineering and SEMA Past Chair. His early ventures into business are discussed, starting with watermelon farming before creating a race fuel. This fuel additive enables the engine to perform at a high-octane level. Lehn also discusses his inclusion in SEMA’s Launchpad competition, where he garnered significant recognition. The rapid changes that the automotive industry has experienced and the industry's future direction are also explored. Listeners understand how Lehn navigates the evolving global economy and supply chain issues impacting his sector.

00:00 Hot Takes

00:53 Introduction and Background

07:55 Challenges & Triumphs

15:24 Evolution & Trends

21:38 Unique Selling Proposition & Memorable Moments

25:31 Business Strategies & Partnerships

28:38 Handling Challenges & Interactions

29:24 Advice & Forward-Thinking

32:19 Final Takeaways & Recommendations

32:27 Starting a Business in the Racing Industry

32:43 Living the Business: A Personal Anecdote

34:21 The Importance of Immersion in Your Business

38:57 Navigating the Economy and Supply Chain Issues

43:21 The Evolution of the Industry and Future Trends

49:09 Staying Up-to-Date with Latest Trends and Technologies

52:05 The Ghostbusters Poster Story: A Fun Interlude

55:23 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

🎙️ Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 3 Joey Johnston of Tops and Trends 🎙️

Get ready for an exciting ride with the second episode of the Ride-in-Style Podcast! Listen to the exclusive interview with Josh Poulson, the owner of Auto Additions, who shares valuable advice for newcomers in the auto restyling industry. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism and reveals his next big project to expand into new markets. Tune in now for an insightful and informative episode. Visit https://autostylemarketing.com to learn more.

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