What’s it really like growing up in a family-run car dealership? In this episode, we sit down with sibling duo Carly Steet Mathias and Joe Steet Jr. at Steet Toyota to talk about legacy, leadership, and what it means to carry the torch for a business that’s been a community staple for decades. From early memories cleaning cars to navigating the evolving world of automotive sales, these two have seen it all — and they’re doing it their way.

They share what makes the Steet culture so unique. We also dig into how they’ve adapted through industry-wide curveballs, what the future of car buying looks like, and why being family-owned still matters more than ever.

In this episode:

• How they’ve kept the family business thriving across generations
• Why treating employees like family isn’t just talk—it’s how they operate
• Surviving the COVID car shortage and staying true to their values
• Why community involvement isn’t marketing—it’s just who they are
• What’s ahead for hybrids, EVs, and the future of the dealership experience

---
Show Markers:
(0:00) - Carrying on the Family Legacy
(2:05) - Was There Ever Another Path?
(3:45) - Carly's Husband Story
(6:30) - Working For Steet & Culture
(10:15) - Changes in the Industry
(14:20) - Partnership Between Two Families
(17:25) - Our Community
(19:00) - Generosity & Getting Involved
(21:45) - Future of the Automotive Industry
(24:30) - Next Iteration of EVs
(27:35) - How is the Retailer Affected by Changes?
(28:50) - Memorable Customer Stories
(30:40) - Growing Up on TV
(34:05) - Advice For Family Businesses
(35:10) - Rapid Fire Questions


---
Steet Ponte Auto Group's Links
Website - https://www.steetponteautogroup.com
Steet Toyota FB - https://www.facebook.com/SteetToyota
Steet Toyota IG - https://www.instagram.com/steettoyota

---
Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - [email protected]
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com