The Rideshare Guy Podcast

In this episode, Harry speaks with Justin Pappan, founder of EV Access, who discusses the inception and growth of his electric vehicle rental service based in Phoenix, Arizona. Three years since its founding, EV Access caters to both visitors and Uber drivers, offering flexible rental options and a focus on customer service. The conversation covers Justin's experiences as a Tesla owner, the operational challenges and strategies of managing an EV fleet, and the company’s future plans, including preparation for autonomous vehicle integration. Justin also delves into the insurance and financial aspects of fleet management, the advantages of Tesla's technology in tracking and maintenance, and innovative marketing tactics. Lastly, he touches on the potential for partnerships and the importance of being prepared for the shift to driverless vehicles.

• EV Access: https://evaccess.io/
• Justin Pappan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-pappan/

• 00:30 Introduction to Justin Pappan and EV Access
• 00:51 Personal Connection and Tesla Experience
• 01:40 Challenges and Solutions in EV Rentals
• 02:34 Business Model and Future Plans
• 03:42 Fleet Details and Market Strategies
• 06:27 Operational Insights and Customer Education
• 17:25 Financial Strategies and Vehicle Partnerships
• 24:47 Advice and Industry Insights
• 26:18 The Challenges of Creating Authentic Content
• 26:45 The Value of Real-World Experience in Online Courses
• 29:06 Navigating the Car Rental Market
• 30:45 Effective Marketing Tactics for Fleet Owners
• 33:51 The Importance of Diversifying Platforms
• 41:17 Tools and Strategies for Fleet Management
• 42:21 Insurance Challenges in the Ride-Share Industry
• 45:57 Preparing for an Autonomous Vehicle Future
• 50:06 Conclusion and Contact Information

• Listen to these podcasts mentioned in the show:
• RSG261: EV Fleet Charging With Bluedot - Martin Hamedani: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/therideshareguy/id/32888257
• RSG139: Ed Walker on Managing Insurance for Shared Mobility Operators: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/therideshareguy/id/15512057

In this episode, Harry interviews Garrett Wood, the founder and CEO of GetScale. Garrett discusses how GetScale uses one-on-one conversations combined with proprietary data and technology to recruit and motivate individuals for gig economy roles. He shares his extensive experience from his time at Uber, where he helped build and scale the first driver recruiting team. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of driver acquisition, onboarding, and conversion, including the importance of motivation and real conversations. Garrett also covers the operational details of GetScale's services and how they enhance recruitment processes for large gig economy businesses.

• Garrett’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettscottwood/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-scale/
• https://www.getscale.com/
• 00:32 Introduction to Garrett Wood and GetScale
• 02:51 Garrett's Journey at Uber
• 05:06 Challenges and Strategies in Driver Recruitment
• 07:43 The Role of Motivation in Driver Conversion
• 12:50 GetScale's Approach to Recruitment
• 19:42 Tactical Insights for Gig Economy Companies
• 34:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Harry interviews Martin Hamadani, Vice President of Partnerships at Blue Dot. Martin discusses his role in leading the commercial and growth efforts for Blue Dot's B2B fleet business, highlighting his extensive experience in scaling startups and business development. They delve into Blue Dot’s solutions for public and home charging for EV fleets, focusing on the integration of various public chargers into a single platform for ease of use. Martin also explains Blue Dot’s value propositions for corporate fleets, gig drivers, and rental companies, emphasizing the importance of a unified EV charging experience. Topics include the benefits and challenges of EV adoption, the impact of Tesla's supercharging network, and strategies for fleet management. Martin concludes by sharing insights on the company's engagement at trade shows and future plans.

• 00:32 Introduction to Martin Hamadani and Blue Dot
• 01:14 The Evolution of Blue Dot's EV Solutions
• 03:53 Addressing Public Charging Challenges
• 06:34 Home Charging Solutions for Fleets
• 9:22 EV Charging for Rideshare Drivers
• 17:06 Tesla vs. Non-Tesla EVs in Fleets
• 22:33 Charging Flexibility and Costs
• 24:21 Fleet Owners and Corporate Partnerships
• 26:47 Exploring Car Sharing and Rentals
• 36:18 Challenges and Best Practices for Fleet EV Adoption
• 40:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Martin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinhamedani/

In this episode Harry speaks with Kathryn Webster. Kathryn is an associate at KKR, a global investment firm investing across private markets in every asset class all over the world. She is also the founder of Together Achieving Dreams Foundation, bridging the gap between potential and possibility for the blind and low vision.

• 0:00 Intros
• 3:48 How should riders refer to blind passengers?
• 5:33 What is it like calling a ride as a blind person?
• 12:09 How should service animals be referred to?
• 16:58 What questions can you ask regarding service dogs?
• 22:37 What should a driver do if they are scared of dogs?
• 28:11 What does Kathryn think of fake service dogs?

Links/references from the show:

• Kathryn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryncornellwebster/
• Lyft’s Anti-Discrimination Policies: https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/115012923767-Anti-Discrimination-Policies
• Lyft’s Service Animal Policy: https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/115013080048-Service-animal-policy
• Downloadable Policy Copy Service Animal FAQ and Policy: https://assets.ctfassets.net/ecaxsf5u3xse/37rxua7DcxdyiAPFyVNN2s/3acbe37181e66fe3744f98ef1d3853c2/Service_Animal_Policy.pdf
• 3-Minute How-To Service Animals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SppA9cmanfY
• Service Animal Hotline: 1-844-554-1297 for direct phone support

In this episode Harry speaks with Maria. Maria is the VP/MG of Gig at Getaround, the world's leading connected carsharing platform, on a mission toward empowering people to carshare everywhere.

• Maria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-briskman-ba7802138/
• 0:00
• 1:30 What is the joint between Getaround and HyreCar?
• 7:49 How can this partnership benefit drivers?
• 10:11 What markets is this available in?
• 14:57 What has Maria observed about successful drivers?
• 21:00 What’s it like to be a renter or an owner?
• 23:40 What are some new things coming?
• 27:00 Are renters or owners more in demand?

In this episode Harry speaks with Nikhil Goel. Nikhil is the Chief Commercial Officer of Archer. Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Nikhil is also the co-founder of Uber Elevate, which will bring aerial rideshare to a large scale.

• 0:00 Intros
• 4:40 What was the inflection point for aerial rideshare?
• 11:10 What is the main advantage for aerial travel?
• 19:45 How can the price be reduced?
• 23:00 How far away is mass adoption?
• 31:55 What are some of the challenges?
• 34:40 Will aerial rideshare benefit everyone?

Links:

• Nikhil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngoel1/
• Archer: www.archer.com
• Uber Elevate: https://www.uber.com/us/en/elevate/vision/

In this episode Harry speaks with Jose Carlos Aguilar. Jose is the Director of Operations at MI NAVE. MI NAVE has the best vehicles to work with all Mobility Apps such as DiDi, UBER, Cabify and many more.

• MI NAVE: https://www.nave.mx/
• Jose Carlos - Director of Operations at MI NAVE Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josecarlosaguilarb/

• 0:00 Intros
• 2:30 What is rideshare like outside the US?
• 6:25 Why is Latin America exciting for Uber?
• 10:00 How do take rates compare?
• 13:15 How is it different for drivers?
• 21:10 Why is Brazil a good market?
• 23:49 How does InDrive fit into the market?
• 26:51 How does a cash economy affect the industry?
• 30:50 How does the negotiation model work?
• 37:37 What does Jose think of regulations?

In this episode Harry speaks with Tomer Kashi. Tomer is the CEO of VOOM: VOOM is an InsurTech pioneer, crafting cutting-edge, usage-based insurance solutions for the future of mobility.

• Tomer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomer-kashi/
• Voom: https://www.voominsurance.com
• 0:00 Intros
• 2:20 What is VOOM?
• 7:30 What makes VOOM unique?
• 11:00 How does insurance work with Uber?
• 12:29 What is it like launching in new states?
• 14:00 How is VOOM priced?
• 15:55 What is VOOM's ideal customer?
• 21:51 What makes a safe rideshare driver?
• 24:32 How would Tomer like the industry to change?

This episode is from a panel about DeliverZero from Curbivore 2024. DeliverZero delivers food to your door in reusable containers that are returned and reused.

• 0:00 Intro
• 3:36 Panel
• 8:05 Why doesn't DeliverZero use its own couriers?
• 12:22 What inspired DeliverZero?
• 20:24 How are the containers returned?

https://www.deliverzero.com/

In this episode Harry talks with Jonah Bliss. Jonah is the founder of Curbivore. Curbivore was created out of a shared passion to help technologists, restaurateurs, retailers, local governments, and interested individuals navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic economy. Their hope is that by bringing together all sides of the table, theory can foster a productive dialogue that helps create more equitable and sustainable cities, communities, startups and small businesses.

• 0:00 Intros 1:25 What is the Curbivore event? 8:40 What will be going on this year? 18:50 How can you attend?
• Curbivore: https://curbivore.co/ Jonah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonahbliss/