Steven Bragg has spent decades helping dealership groups navigate growth, profitability, acquisitions, and industry transformation. Five years after his first appearance on the Automotive Talent Show, he returns to discuss how dramatically the automotive landscape has changed—and what's still to come.

From Chinese OEMs and EV adoption to AI, dealership profitability, workforce evolution, and changing customer expectations, this conversation explores the forces reshaping automotive retail and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.

Steven Bragg talks about why dealerships can no longer rely on old playbooks, how operational discipline creates resilience, where future profitability will come from, and why the businesses that embrace change—not resist it—will ultimately outperform the market.

Whether you're a Dealer Principal, automotive executive, or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into navigating one of the most significant periods of change the automotive industry has ever experienced.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
STEVEN BRAGG
linkedin.com/in/stevenrbragg
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitcher-partners/

00:00 The Evolution of the Automotive Industry
02:16 Surprises in Industry Changes
04:59 Consumer Behavior and Vehicle Choices
07:27 The Impact of New Market Entrants
09:45 Challenges for Legacy Brands
12:47 The Role of Emissions Schemes
15:18 Brand Loyalty and Market Dynamics
23:18 The Shift in the EV Market
25:45 Profitability Pressures in the Automotive Industry
28:08 The Importance of Scale and Efficiency
31:37 Navigating Tax Changes and Business Structures
34:25 Talent Acquisition and Industry Changes
40:50 Preparing for Future Challenges in the Automotive Sector
48:21 Final Outro.mp4

Tegan Blockey's automotive journey started with a car care role after putting a career in the police force on hold. Twenty years later, she's leading Bridge Toyota, Gove Toyota, and Lexus of Darwin, building one of the Northern Territory's most respected dealership operations.

In this conversation with Cameron Cresswell, Tegan shares lessons from growing through the industry, leading teams across remote communities, developing future leaders, creating a culture people want to be part of, and adapting to an automotive landscape that continues to evolve.

Tegan Blockey talks about why leadership matters more than management, hiring for attitude over experience, investing in staff, supporting local communities, and creating an environment where people can build long-term careers. She also shares her perspective on the future of automotive retail, changing customer expectations, and the opportunities that come from embracing change.

Whether you're a Dealer Principal, people leader, or someone looking to build a career in automotive, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, culture, customer relationships, and developing great teams that stand the test of time.


🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Tegan Blockey
linkedin.com/in/tegan-b-a8717b162

00:00 Introduction
01:12 How Tegan Started
06:15 "Leading" as a "woman in a man's world"
09:01 Tegan talks about Imposter Syndrome
11:33 Why mentors matter
15:19 Tegan talks about Birdge Toyota and Eagers
22:56 Leaders not managers
25:33 Stereotype in the automotive industry?
30:36 Finding the balance
34:58 Croc as a pet?!
39:39 Age of connectivity
42:03 Outro

Tegan Blockey's automotive career began with a car care role after putting plans to join the police force on hold. More than twenty years later, she's the Dealer Principal of Bridge Toyota, Gove Toyota, and Lexus of Darwin, leading teams across some of Australia's most unique and remote automotive markets.

In this conversation with Cameron Cresswell, Tegan shares her journey through the automotive industry, the lessons she's learned leading teams in the Northern Territory, and how culture, community, and leadership have shaped her approach to building successful dealerships.

Tegan Blockey talks about developing leaders instead of managers, creating a people-first culture, supporting remote communities, hiring for attitude over skill, and why strong relationships remain the foundation of long-term success in automotive retail.

Whether you're a Dealer Principal, department leader, or aspiring automotive professional, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, culture, customer relationships, and building a career without limits in the automotive industry.


🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Tegan Blockey
linkedin.com/in/tegan-b-a8717b162/

00:00 Tegan Blockey's Journey to the Automotive Industry
03:38 Life and Business in Darwin
06:19 Gender Diversity in the Automotive Sector
09:19 Eagers Automotive's Growth and Evolution
12:18 Unique Challenges of Running a Business in the Territory
14:51 Community Engagement and Support in Gove
17:26 Building a Happy Workforce
20:16 Transforming Management into Leadership
22:44 Hiring for Attitude Over Skill
25:18 Connecting with the Community
30:02 Navigating Market Challenges
33:15 Valuable Leadership Lessons
35:43 Final Outro.mp4

Andrew Hillcoat has spent more than 40 years in the automotive industry, building a career that has taken him from apprentice technician in regional Queensland to luxury automotive leadership roles across Australia and the Middle East.

In this conversation with Cameron Cresswell, Andrew shares lessons from every stage of that journey—from launching Maybach and SLR McLaren in the Middle East to helping dealerships across Australia unlock growth, improve performance, and navigate an increasingly competitive market.

Andrew Hillcoat talks about why aftersales remains one of the most overlooked opportunities in automotive retail, the leadership habits that separate great operators from average ones, and how dealerships can uncover significant profit through better process, accountability, and customer retention.

Whether you're a Dealer Principal, Service Manager, sales leader, or simply passionate about the automotive industry, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who has seen the business from every angle.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Andrew Hillcoat
linkedin.com/in/andrew-hillcoat-1ba23139

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Toowoomba to the Automotive Industry
02:26 Automotive is an Inviting Industry
03:36 Navigating the Luxury Automotive Landscape
06:29 Experiences in the Middle East: A Unique Perspective
10:14 Transitioning Back to Australia: Lessons Learned
12:04 The Importance of After Sales in Automotive
14:53 Maximizing Profitability: Strategies for Success
18:00 Driving Performance: Key Metrics and Insights
20:56 Integrating Sales and Service Departments
22:24 Accountability in Sales and Service
24:15 The Role of Mentorship in Business
25:07 Addressing Underperformance in Dealerships
27:07 Maximizing Productivity and Efficiency
28:26 Rethinking Non-Productive Staff
30:17 The Impact of AI on Dealership Operations
33:19 The Future of AI in the Automotive Industry
35:22 Communication is Always a People's Job
38:32 Evolving Roles of Dealership Management
41:18 Navigating Industry Changes and Challenges
44:46 The Importance of Leadership Optics
47:36 Building Credibility and First Impressions
49:45 Maintaining a Positive Leadership Presence
49:59 Final Outro

From an aspiring footy player to leading one of Queensland's most recognised automotive groups, Mark Beitz shares the lessons learned from 25 years of growth, change, and reinvention.

We discuss succession planning, AI and "digital employees", navigating market uncertainty, empowering future leaders, and why community-driven dealerships still have a place in the future of automotive retail.

A fascinating conversation on leadership, technology, people, and building a business that lasts.

Full episode out now.

#AutomotiveIndustry #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Dealership #AI #FamilyBusiness #AutomotiveRetail #Podcast

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

automotivetalent.com.au

🎤 Guest:
Mark Beitz
linkedin.com/in/mark-beitz-6716ba8

Bartons.net.au

The automotive industry is changing faster than ever.

From the rise of Chinese brands and EV adoption, to AI in dealerships and shifting customer behaviour — Mike Costello shares what’s really happening behind the scenes of the Australian automotive market.

A sharp conversation on data, retail evolution, technology, brand loyalty, and where the industry is headed next.

Full episode out now.

#AutomotiveIndustry #Podcast #EV #Dealership #AutomotiveNews #AI #ElectricVehicles #Cars


🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Mike Costello
linkedin.com/in/mike-costello-cox-automotive/

In this weeks episode of the podcast, Cameron catches up with Steven Bragg, one of the great minds of the automotive industry in Australia.

They chat about attracting the next generation of automotive people, EV’s and Mobility, the Agency model, and a potential game-changer that no one is talking about.

Listen 🎧 and Subscribe 🤝 where you get your Podcasts not to miss a future episode, subscribe below not to miss future episodes.👇🏻

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-automotive-talent-show/id1515126641

Google - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMmY3ZTU2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6oyEIYOaoLxxZX0ciRyEMY

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/automotive-talent

You can connect with Steve on:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrbragg/

Website - www.pitcher.com.au

Email - [email protected]

Phone - +61 437 445 200

If you would like more information on anything discussed, or simply to make an appointment with us, you can do so by clicking this link - bit.ly/2S1wjzz

All conversations with you are in the strictest of confidence.

In this weeks episode of the podcast, Cameron catches up with Jeff Hunter, one of the best exponents of using his social media channels to build both his brand and his dealerships brand.

They chat about putting the ‘social’ into social media, building your brand, and much more. Check it out!

Listen 🎧 and Subscribe 🤝 where you get your Podcasts not to miss a future episode, subscribe below not to miss future episodes.👇🏻

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-automotive-talent-show/id1515126641

Google - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMmY3ZTU2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6oyEIYOaoLxxZX0ciRyEMY

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/automotive-talent

You can connect with Jeff on:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/generalmotorsjeff/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeffhunterprousechev

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/generalmotorsjeff

If you would like more information on anything discussed, or simply to make an appointment with us, you can do so by clicking this link - bit.ly/2S1wjzz

In this weeks episode of the podcast, Cameron catches up with Jason Harris, Head of the StrategyMob, and specialist in the digital dealership space, amongst other things!

They chat about getting tricked into joining the car industry, building brands on social media not selling, and much more. Check it out!

You can connect with Jason on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/strategywithjason/

To check out StrategyMob website here - https://www.strategymob.com/

If you would like more information on anything discussed, or simply to make an appointment with us, you can do so by clicking this link - bit.ly/2S1wjzz

All conversations with you are in the strictest of confidence.

In this weeks episode of the podcast, Cameron catches up with Herb Anderson, host of the Dealer Talk Podcast and specialist in the digital dealership space, ensuring best practices for his clients.

They chat about all things digital in the modern dealership from all the keys pillars, driving effective digital traffic not necessarily volume, and being social on social media, not just making commercials. Check it out!

You can connect with Herb on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/herb-r-anderson-mba%F0%9F%8E%99-503546b/

To check out how Herb and his team can assist you, please check out their website here - http://dealertalk.biz/

If you would like more information on anything discussed, or simply to make an appointment with us, you can do so by clicking this link - bit.ly/2S1wjzz

All conversations with you are in the strictest of confidence.