ConnectedPodcast: Recent Episodes
ConnectedPodcast
Dealership advertising is nothing new. But where those ads are being shown and the strategy behind them is always evolving. With new advertising channels and changing customer behaviors, it can be difficult getting your ads in front of the right audience by doing it the way it's always been done. Today, Greg's catching up with Owen Moon, CEO at DealerStream. Owen was on Connected 131 back in 2024 and it was great to hear about his new focus in the industry - connecting dealerships to customers through advertising on popular streaming platforms.In this episode, Greg and Owen discuss:-The value of streaming platforms as advertising opportunities, especially with the growth of that audience. -How to capitalize on a mid-funnel approach, capturing customers before they've made their decision. -Ways dealerships using streaming advertising today are seeing success.If you're looking for ways to increase your dealership visibility and reach, or are just interested in other advertising opportunities, give this conversation a listen! And don't forget that Amplify 2026 is happening on August 10 and 11. The event brings together some of the brightest minds in automotive to share ideas, best practices, and innovations that are shaping the future of the industry. We'd love to have you join us there!
Great ideas don't always come from the boardroom.Sometimes they come from the service lane, the parts department, the accounting office, or the showroom floor. They're the small innovations and best practices that solve real problems and make dealerships run better every day. In this episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Michael Cirillo, founder of The Dealer Playbook and one of the judges for the Automotive Amplifiers Contest, to talk about innovation in automotive retail and why sharing what works matters more than ever.In this episode, you'll hear:-What separates a good idea from a truly impactful innovation in a dealership.-Why sharing best practices helps the entire industry improve and grow.-What excites Michael most about serving as a judge for the Automotive Amplifiers Contest and celebrating the people moving automotive forward.Whether you've submitted an idea, plan to attend Amplify, or simply want to learn how the industry's best operators think about innovation, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.And if you haven't already, make plans to join us at Amplify 2026. The event brings together some of the brightest minds in automotive to share ideas, best practices, and innovations that are shaping the future of the industry.
In this episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Nikhil Kalani, Reynolds' chief information security officer and vice president of information security, to discuss the cybersecurity threats dealerships are facing today and how AI is changing the game for both attackers and defenders.From deepfakes and financial fraud to ransomware and identity protection, Nikhil shares practical advice that every dealership leader should understand.In this episode, you'll hear:-How AI is making fraud attacks faster, cheaper, and more convincing than ever, including deepfake video and voice scams designed to trick employees into transferring funds.-Why identity security, phishing-resistant MFA, password managers, and employee training are becoming critical defenses in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.-How dealerships can build a stronger cybersecurity culture by combining the right technology, processes, and people to stay ahead of modern cyber threats.Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It's a business issue that impacts every employee and every department.Get Connected with Nikhil Kalani!
Today on Connected, Greg catches up with Chris Ponte, parts director at Scranton Chevrolet.Chris won the Impact award in the 2025 Automotive Amplifiers Contest and will return as a judge for the 2026 contest. In every conversation with Chris, his commitment to improving operations at his store is clear. Chris and Greg get into:-How Chris approaches parts as a business, not just a department.-His process for tracking lost sales, which nearly doubled their off-the-shelf fill rate.-Where he sees future opportunities in the parts department.If you’re looking for new ways to capture missed opportunities in your parts department, you should definitely give this one a listen! And if you haven't already, be sure to enter the 2026 Automotive Amplifiers Contest. The deadline to submit is June 22! Every day, forward-thinking dealerships are solving real problems in creative ways, and sharing those ideas helps move the industry forward.reyrey.com/contest
What if your dealership software didn’t just process transactions but actually learned from your business as it runs?For this special episode of Connected, we’re sharing a keynote presentation from AJ McGowan, vice president of research and development at Reynolds, recorded live at our Santa Clara AI Summit.In this session, AJ walks through how AI is evolving inside automotive and what comes next as systems begin to adapt, learn, and improve over time.You'll hear AJ discuss:-How the first two waves of AI are already impacting dealerships.-What agentic AI really means for your store today, from automating decisions to accelerating workflows.-Why the next evolution of software will continuously learn from your dealership and give your team an advantage that compounds over time.If you’re thinking about where your store is headed over the next few years, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Get Connected with AJ McGowan!
On the latest episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Jason Pappas, executive manager at Copeland Chevrolet.These two automotive industry veterans first met when Jason was a service manager and Greg was selling fixed ops products. Jason's curiosity and willingness to dive deep to make the best decisions for the business made him someone Greg always remembered. Now in his role as executive manager, Jason has continued his commitment to curiosity on a larger scale.Jason and Greg discuss:-How Jason gathers insights from customers and employees to drive smarter decisions.-Where a single system and the right AI tools can increase revenue per employee.-What to look for when hiring and developing high-impact talent.Get Connected by checking out this conversation with Jason Pappas!
in relationship building.- Building value in partnerships so you're better working together than apart.If you’re invested in what it takes to build a strong partnership for your business, you should give this conversation a listen!
On the latest episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Marco Zwanenberg, a technician and industry voice who’s helping dealerships rethink how they operate from the service bay up.With decades of experience across Europe and the U.S., Marco brings a perspective that cuts through the noise, especially as dealerships struggle with declining productivity and increasing complexity.Marco and Greg cover:• Why technician productivity is slipping —and what’s actually causing it.• How better verification and communication can save hours in the shop. • Where AI can (and should) play a role in helping technicians work faster and smarter.If you’re serious about improving technician productivity and cutting down wasted time in your shop, this conversation is worth your time!
Building operational efficiency and creating a good experience for employees and customers goes hand in hand. In our industry today, what are some of the ways to drive real progress in these areas?In just five years, the Swickard Auto Group grew from one store to over fifty. For the 200th episode of Connected, Greg Uland sat down with a legend in our industry, Jeff Swickard, dealer principal at Swickard Auto Group, to talk about what's driving growth and what Jeff's dealerships are focusing on.Jeff and Greg discussed:• Real ways Swickard is incorporating AI in their business today.• How Jeff defines and builds a culture of hospitality.• What made Jeff fall in love with the car business. What a great way to mark our 200th episode! Jeff has built a really impressive business and has so much great insight to share. If you’re thinking about scaling your operation or delivering something better for your customers, this is a conversation worth your time.
Corpay diem! The business office is evolving — and payments are at the center of it. From fraud risk to cash flow visibility, the way dealerships manage payments is changing quickly. In this episode of Connected, Catherine Hart of Corpay joins Greg to break down how digital payments are changing dealership operations.Together they cover:•Where fraud risk hides in traditional payment methods. •Why some dealerships are shifting to virtual cards and digital approvals.•How smarter payment workflows can tighten control over cash.
Customer retention and loyalty remain top of mind across the dealership, especially in the service department.On today's Connected, Richard Lupo, fixed ops director at Apple Tree Honda and Acura, returns to talk about how his team is preparing for the next phase of service growth.Rich and Greg go over:•What's on Rich's roadmap for fixed ops in 2026.•The value of transparency in the service drive.•The role of mobile service and loaner programs in expanding service reach.Thank you to Rich for sitting down with us at NADA and being a fantastic dealer partner. If you're focused on growing RO count, expanding your customer base, and building stronger loyalty in your service lane, you should definitely give this conversation a listen.
We’re thrilled to share today's thought-provoking episode with Uli De'Martino of Daily Dealer Live, recorded at NADA!Uli’s unique perspective sheds light on how to navigate the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. In this episode, you’ll discover:• How flexibility and innovation drive success in today's automotive market.• The importance of staying connected and adapting to new trends.• Ways to leverage global experiences to enhance business growth.Get Connected with Uli and integrate these insights to foster growth and adaptability in your business.
Service departments don't get as many at-bats as they used to. With customers visiting less frequently, every service opportunity matters now more than ever.On today's Connected, Greg sits down with Dave Rogers, fixed operations director at Piazza Auto Group, to get his perspective on what it really takes to maximize every visit in today's service drive.Dave and Greg discuss:• How MPIs and videos drive transparency and closing rates. • The importance of recognizing behavioral metrics. • Where AI and service lane technology can unlock real efficiency. If you’re focused on improving technician productivity and increasing service drive profitability, this conversation is worth your time!
and its impact. •How AI is redefining dealership operations.•Strategies for embracing technological change in the automotive sector. This engaging conversation with Todd is a must-listen for automotive professionals aiming to stay competitive. Apply these insights to innovate and future-proof your dealership!
It's another special Friday episode of Connected, recorded live at NADA!Today, Greg's catching up with Paul J Daly, founder and CEO of More Than Cars. If you're not watching Season 2 of their docuseries, The Truth About Car Dealers, you're missing out.In this episode, Paul and Greg discuss:•How to leverage storytelling in building a narrative. •Creating attention and making moments feel big.•How the More Than Cars team is incorporating these ideas in what they're doing daily and The Truth About Car Dealers.Another great conversation with Paul! He and his team are doing such great work highlighting amazing stories from the automotive industry and helping dealers learn how to craft and tell their own.
We're thrilled to bring you another insightful episode recorded live from NADA, featuring Brian Pasch, automotive marketing expert and founder of Pasch Group!Brian recently released a report evaluating the current landscape for CRMs in the dealership world. It's titled: Dealership CRMs Must Evolve or Get Left Behind. He joined us at NADA to discuss the transformative trends shaping the automotive industry. In this episode, he and Greg cover essential topics like:•The evolution of CRM to customer engagement platforms. •How CDPs are revolutionizing dealership marketing strategies.•The significance of data hygiene and identity resolution in enhancing sales opportunities.
In today's conversation from the NADA floor, Greg's talking with Kyle Mountsier, COO of More Than Cars.If you have the chance to catch up with Kyle, you can't pass it up. He's got such a great mind for marketing and is so plugged into the automotive industry and where we're headed. He and Greg touch on:• How technology impacts both the consumer and employee experience. • The amazing growth of AI in the last year and where it's headed looking forward.• How he's incorporating AI into his marketing efforts. • The story behind how a missing bracket grew into a community touch point. And if you haven't seen it already, check out season two of the More Than Cars docuseries, The Truth About Car Dealers, that premiered this week. It's always so inspiring to hear stories from dealers doing really great work. @asotu
We're excited to bring you a special episode from the NADA show floor featuring Sam D’Arc, COO of Zeigler Auto Group and host of Daily Dealer Live!In this episode, Greg Uland asks Sam about his unique perspective on the automotive industry and they discuss the key issues Sam sees dealers focusing on today, such as:• The shift from digital retailing to AI as the industry's hot topic. • Encouraging transparency and storytelling within the automotive community.• The evolving role of social media in dealership marketing.
Connected live at NADA 2026!We're kicking off NADA with a special episode featuring Cliff Banks, founder of the Banks Report and AUTOVATE, from the show floor! Greg has a tradition of catching up with Cliff at the show every year to hear his insights on the state of the industry. Together, they break down recent topics and trends and explored what to keep an eye out for in the year ahead, like:-The rise of companies like Waymo and the potential impact on fleet and vehicle ownership levels. -Scout and how states are responding to the direct-to-consumer sales model.-How dealers can be learning to leverage not only AI tools in their business, but also the AI search tools their customers may be using to find them. What a great conversation to kick off NADA! And this is only the start of our episodes from the show. Stay tuned for even more great conversations live from Las Vegas throughout the month!
This week Greg is joined by Adam Gaedke, partner at Freddy Media. He's a longtime automotive retail operator with over two decades of experience in growing dealer groups.Before partnering with Freddy Media, Adam spent 22 years at Van Horn Auto Group, where he played a key role in scaling the organization from a handful of stores to an 18-rooftop operation. Today, he brings that operator’s mindset to helping dealers think differently about growth, leadership, and customer experience.In this episode, Adam shares insight on:-The difference between managers and true operators, and why “intrapreneurship” is critical inside multi-store organizations.-Why the automotive industry underinvests in hospitality and how small, intentional moments can dramatically impact customer experience and profitability.-What it really takes to successfully grow a dealer group and why people and preparation matter.This was a great conversation that blended real-world dealership lessons with a practical, no-nonsense perspective on what separates average operations from exceptional ones.
In this special episode of Connected, Chief Customer Ambassador Dave Bates reflects on retiring from Reynolds and Reynolds after 42 years (15,598 days) with the company.Dave talks with Greg Uland about:-Dave’s philosophy behind Attitude, Effort and Extra (AEX) and the idea of “being a star where you are.”-The story of his interview with Reynolds and how he met his wife Carolyn.-Highlights from his career.-Advice for the industry going forward.Comments about Dave have been rolling in all day. His leadership, warmth, and dedication have inspired associates, strengthened partnerships, and left a lasting mark on everyone he’s worked with. We’re grateful for his guidance and wish him the very best in this next chapter.
As an academic leader in the automotive, aftermarket, and mobility spaces, Northwood is shaping the next generation of our industry. Dr. MacDonald shares his insight on:-How Northwood's unapologetic set of values sets itself and its students apart.-The balance of academics and experience in shaping students coming out of higher education.-How to encourage young people to want to be a part of the automotive industry.It was great getting to hear more about what's going on at Northwood and what's to come for our industry. They are producing some really impressive students that are going to make a big impact in automotive!
On our last Connected of 2025, Greg is joined in the studio by Holly Neeld, Allison Leonard, and Amy Webb from Blood Cancer United, a nonprofit organization that benefits patients with all types of blood cancer.Blood Cancer United has been providing support and advocating for patients for over 75 years. Over that time, they have gained valuable insights, heard memorable stories and put together great events.The three wise women discuss:-The three pillars of service.-Amy's incredible survivor story.-Light the Night and how to get involved. Thank you to Holly, Allison, and Amy for joining us and sharing their stories. Generosity matters all year long, but it feels especially powerful during the holiday season.
about the importance of the physical dealership in a changing automotive retail landscape.Greg and Bill talk through some of the findings of the report and discuss some of the things dealerships have to balance when establishing their branding, like:- The needs of the brand and the function of the dealership.- OEM expectations and unique dealership identity.- How to align branding when showcasing different vehicle models.Bill had some really great insight to share on some aspects of the dealership that may not always be top of mind, but are so important for the customer experience. Get Connected with Bill and enjoy this week's episode!
We're giving thanks!For this special episode of Connected, Greg invited a few of our Reynolds associates to share what they're thankful for this year. Listen in as they reflect on both personal and professional experiences, providing heartfelt insights into their gratitude.Happy Thanksgiving!
On the latest Connected, Greg's speaking with Tim Pohanka, COO at Pohanka Automotive Group.Beyond his work at the dealership, Tim is a part of a new video series, the Tour Detour. On this adventure, Tim and two other dealers, Jason Cole and Chris Lenckosz, are driving used Nissans across the rugged terrain of the American West, testing the limits of the vehicles and their continuously variable transmissions (CVT).Tim and Greg discuss:-Tim's stories from the road. -The Tour Detour as an example of storytelling marketing. -The positive impact this project had on morale for each of the dealerships.Look for new episodes of the Tour Detour every week on YouTube!
This week on Connected, Greg sits down with Todd Smith, CEO of QoreAI, a company focused on the future of the automotive industry.Todd is educating dealers on AI and the direction that we are headed.He and Greg discuss:-The importance of high-quality data to back your AI.-The specific tasks that AI can help with today and the tasks it can tackle tomorrow.-AI as the new user experience and the future of Agentic AI.Todd’s perspective comes from years spent inside dealerships and alongside them, not just selling to them. That experience shapes how he thinks about adoption, culture, and what actually moves the business forward.
This week, Greg gets Connected with Rich Lupo, fixed ops director at Apple Tree Honda and Apple Tree Acura.Rich is constantly sharing his ideas and best practices with the industry, and today he and Greg dive deeper into:-The technician bench program Rich has implemented to help with staffing shortages at their stores.-How to adapt other's best practices to fit your specific needs and be actionable for your business.-What the next era of automotive retail looks like and what businesses we can look at as the model. Rich is always striving to make our industry better. We're so glad he could join the podcast to share what worked for Apple Tree Honda/Acura. Hopefully you're able to take away a tip that can work at your dealership!
It's a brand new episode of Connected! This week, Greg's talking with Yuriy Demidko, chief information officer at DP Fox Ventures.Yuriy has a lot of experience both inside and outside of automotive and that gives him great insight on where the industry is headed.Greg and Yuriy cover:-Yuriy's career path and how he got to where he is today.-The importance of clean data in boosting efficiency and backing AI and the role a CDP plays in that. -The importance of tailoring dashboards to each role. As Yuriy says, the dealer world is evolving so quickly. It's important to understand the technology so you don't fall behind.
This week Greg speaks with Curtis Gardner, master tech at Audi North Houston and founder of Gnarred, a company focused on fixed operations efficiency.Curtis is involved in coaching and mentoring techs to become more efficient, and has developed a passion for saving as much time as he can, down to the second.In this episode, Greg and Curtis cover:-The three biggest things techs can do today to bill more hours.-The advantages embracing the video MPI process can have.-Toolbox organization and it's underrated importance when it comes to tech productivity.Similar to the technology in the cars Curtis is working on, the process needs to improve and become more efficient. We're so glad he could join us on Connected and share his passion.
The champs are here! This week on Connected, you'll hear the best practice presentations from the winners of our 2025 Automotive Amplifiers Contest.Two weeks ago, the second annual Automotive Amplifiers Contest was held at our Reynolds Retail Summit: Amplify in Dallas, TX. Five finalists presented their best practices live at the event, and our panel of judges selected these two winners:Innovation: Kamir Martínez Díaz, Chief Financial Officer at Pepe Abad Auto in Puerto Rico for her work reducing internal document processing times. Impact: Chris Lasko, Parts Manager from Scranton Chevy in Connecticut for how he has improved the off-the-shelf fill rate at his dealership.A big thank you to all our finalists and judges for participating and making this a really great part of the Amplify event and continuing to remind us how much we can learn from one another in the industry.
Today on Connected Greg's catching up with AJ McGowan, founder of AutoVision and lead developer on Reynolds' new AI assistant, Rey. After the reveal of Rey yesterday at Amplify 2025, AJ sheds some light on the next chapter of AI for Reynolds and beyond.In this episode, Greg and AJ cover:-Rey as an agentic AI that works with your existing tools. -The difference between UI (user interface) and UX (user experience).-How AI will enhance productivity in automotive roles, not replace them.Like AJ says, understanding AI shouldn't require a software engineering degree! It was great to have him break down some of the basics and share more about automotive AI today and into the future.
This week, Greg sits down with two of the most energizing voices in retail automotive: Fred Lennartz and Lou Ramirez, founders of Certified Solutionaries and hosts of the Car Guy Coffee Podcast.These two bring more than just caffeine to the conversation. Their approach to automotive leadership is personal, practical, and rooted in optimism — and it’s refreshing.They cover:-Why forgiveness is the first step toward progress. -What ego-free collaboration looks like in the dealership world.-How to stay energized when the grind gets real. Fred and Lou don't preach buzzwords, instead they share real stories from their careers, dealerships they’ve helped, and their own struggles. They remind us that building culture and lifting people up can be just as important as selling cars.
Today on Connected, it's Russell Richardson, aka Russ Flips Whips!Russell has built a really impressive online presence across platforms, founding RFW Training and establishing himself as an expert at the intersection of automotive and social media. We dive into Russell's background building up his social media success and his advice for any individuals or dealerships trying to build up a presence of their own.Three tips from Russell:1.) Be consistent and authentic when building your personal brand. 2.) Don't overthink it - just start creating and the rest will come together.3.) Strategically align personal and dealership brands to benefit everyone.
Today on Connected, our guest is Brad Gelber, director of marketing at West Herr Auto Group in Buffalo, New York.Brad has an extensive background in marketing and journalism, and is passionate about giving back to the city he grew up in. In this episode, Brad talks about:-Making the most of celebrity partnerships.-The importance of highlighting players as people in brand marketing.-The value of contributing to the community you belong to.
He and Greg explored that and other topics like:-LaFontaine's journey with mobile service so far.-Mobile service as a training tool for new technicians. -Partnering with rental car companies as a mobile service opportunity.
On today's Connected, Elgie Bright returns for a conversation with Greg! Elgie is the chair of the automotive marketing and management program at Northwood University, has an impressive background in the automotive industry, and is dedicated to helping those interested in entering the field.This time around, he and Greg discuss:-The President's Freedom Celebration and International Auto Show at Northwood.-The importance of having strong values and leaning into them.-Relationship building and connection within the industry.
On this episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Nathan Shaver, a dealer at Shaver Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Nathan is a fifth-generation automotive dealer and has a great vision for the industry's growth.It's clear Nathan has a passion for what's new in automotive technology and how it can impact his business. He and Greg touch on this and other interesting topics, including:-How Nathan works to define a clear and concise strategy for his store as a new owner.-Building buy-in with his team and how they prepare to operate more efficiently in this market.-Creating new opportunities by identifying what’s next in automotive technology.
Today on Connected, Greg is joined by Lyle Dizon from AutoVision!Lyle and Greg talk about AutoVision's AI assistant Avery, the innovation driving it forward, and some of the broader momentum building within AutoVision.They get into:-What's new with Avery and how it's evolving.-The exciting things happening at AutoVision.-Broader trends impacting digital retailing and inventory strategies.
On this episode of Connected, host Greg Uland sits down with Inga Maurer, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company. Inga leads McKinsey's work with dealerships, aftermarket players, and OEMs, keeping her very plugged into the automotive ecosystem.She also recently co-authored an article titled "Boosting auto sales productivity: A playbook for excellence," and as soon as Greg read it, he wanted to have her on Connected to pick her brain on the topic of dealership efficiency.Together, the two of them dig into the information in her article and dive deeper into topics like:-AI as a means of boosting productivity and efficiency.-Taking an end-to-end view on customer profitability.-How new tariffs might impact the industry.
On today's Connected, Greg reconnects with Colin Carrasquillo, digital marketing manager at Nielsen Automotive Group. With over a decade of experience, Colin is always at the forefront of what's going on in automotive marketing.Greg and Colin cover:-How to measure success in marketing.-Insights into creating vs. capturing demand and how to direct it to your stores.-The four key elements that make up an impactful Customer Data Platform (CDP).
Today on Connected, Greg chats with Sam D'Arc, COO at Zeigler Auto Group and host of the Industry Spotlight podcast.Sam regularly talks about how important it is to build a consistent culture at a large group like Zeigler with 41 stores and over 2500 employees. When asked how to build that culture, Sam says it breaks down to implementing intentional actions over a long period.Some of his examples are:-Ongoing leadership and development training supporting employees through their whole career.-Leaders regularly sharing the direction and mission of the organization with all employees.-Celebrating successes at every level throughout the dealership.
On this episode of Connected, Greg sits down with the internet's favorite Car Dealership Guy, Yossi Levi! From building an anonymous Twitter presence to transforming his digital persona into a thriving business, Yossi's entrepreneurial journey showcases how authentic industry insights can evolve into a brand with real-world impact.Yossi and Greg dive into an exciting array of topics. Here’s a sneak peek at the highlights:-The beginnings of Car Dealership Guy.-Doubling down on your niche. -What's on the horizon for the industry.
The last of our episodes from NADA 2025 is a conversation with Cliff Banks, founder of the Banks Report and AUTOVATE.Cliff always has really great insight into what's going on in the industry, and he shared a few key things he's keeping an eye on in the next year.He covered:-The future of the direct to consumer model.-The EV market and the impact of incentives.-The growing presence of AI.
This week on Connected, it's the other half of the best duo in automotive: Kyle Mountsier from ASOTU!At NADA, Kyle joined Greg to talk about:•The creation of AutoIndustry.ai.•The 3 primary purposes of AI. •Moving from reactive to proactive as an industry with AI.
On this episode of Connected, Greg talks with Sam Klemet, executive director of the Detroit Auto Show and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association as he comes off of a very successful 2025 auto show!Sam shares details of what went into putting on this year's show and the importance of Detroit to this event in telling the automotive story.He and Greg get into:-The background of the Detroit Auto Show and Sam's first year as executive director.-Social media storytelling bringing the show beyond the attendees.-Standout topics and events from this year's show.
We're releasing another episode from our NADA 2025 series this week and it features two great guests: Ed Roberts from Bozard Ford and Troy Blackwell from Spiffy.Greg talks with Ed and Troy about:• Bozard Ford's thriving mobile service fleet of 41 vans and their expansion strategy.• Spiffy's journey to delivering 3 million mobile services across 400 vans nationwide. • How mobile service drives customer retention, with Bozard achieving 80% retention vs. the 30% industry average.
We got him! The first episode of our live from NADA series features Paul J Daly, founder and CEO of Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU).Greg and Paul discuss:-The process of planning ASOTU CON 2025-Season 1 of More Than Cars on Amazon Prime and Tubi-More Than Cars season 2-Adding Michael Cirillo's "The Dealer Playbook" to ASOTU's media network
This week on Connected, Greg's talking with Mr. NADA himself, Dave Bates, chief customer ambassador here at Reynolds.Dave dropped by the studio to talk about what he's looking forward to at NADA 2025 and share some of his great stories from years past. Some of the topics covered include:-Dave's first NADA story.-The one thing you should see at each booth in the Reynolds village.-Who Dave is most excited to see this year.-The best late night eats in New Orleans.
On today's Connected, Greg talks with Kayla Sheridan, marketing director at TommyCar Auto Group and an Automotive Amplifiers Contest finalist.As a fellow marketer, Greg was really excited to pick Kayla's brain about her experience and how she balances marketing for a group with five different OEMs represented. Kayla shares some of what she does to strengthen and promote their group's messaging:-Advertising across digital and traditional mediums.-A quarterly walk around contest for the sales teams.-Tailoring marketing channels for each of the group's brands.Let us know what you think of the conversation. You can also listen and subscribe now on your favorite streaming platform.
Join Reynolds vice president of marketing Greg Uland for a recap of ten of our most popular conversations from this year!
Today on Connected, Greg sits down with Jeremy Reardon, service production manager at Westside Lexus and Automotive Amplifiers contest winner! Jeremy runs a really impressive service department in Houston with 112 service bays, 78 lifts, and 62 technicians.With around 70 percent of his shop being made up of homegrown technicians, Jeremy's investment in recruiting and training is really apparent.He shares some of his tips for success including:- Training technicians in the BDC to help them learn how to communicate recommendations more effectively.- Investing in not only recruits, but also the people who influence them, like their families and their teachers.- Dedicating your time and being persistent is the key to building recruiting relationships.
On today's Connected, Greg sits down with James Dieli, warranty administrator at Beau Townsend Ford and Automotive Amplifiers contest winner. From serving hotdogs at the dealership as a kid to steering his career in the automotive industry today, James embarked on his journey early and continues to drive forward with passion and dedication.He and Greg discuss a number of topics, including:-The strong connections between the hospitality and automotive industries. -The shift in mindset needed to go paperless. -How to limit difficult conversations with customers.
On today's Connected, Greg sits down with Shawn Concannon, president of TSD Mobility Solutions, a leader in fleet management software Reynolds and Reynolds acquired back in August. Shawn got his start in automotive renting cars right out of college, building a foundation in the industry that eventually led him to TSD.Shawn shared a lot of great insight into these areas of rental and fleet management:-Finishing the service process with transportation.-Knowing which customers to offer loaners to.-Creating an additional profit center through rental operations.
Today on Connected, Greg speaks in studio with two guests: Jean Ings and Katrina Ness. Although Jean and Katrina come from diverse paths—Jean as a talented scriptwriter at Quantum5 and Katrina as an ambitious Junior at Northwood University—they share a remarkable journey ahead: becoming rising stars in the dynamic world of the automotive industry.They cover a number of topics including:-How to capture young talent by showcasing the dynamic and innovative aspects of the auto industry.-The significant impact of internships and real-world projects.-Setting realistic expectations for career advancement, including the necessary steps to achieve growth and success in automotive.
On today's episode of Connected, we're shining a spotlight on the winners of our Automotive Amplifiers Contest!At Reynolds Retail Summit: Amplify 2024, we held a best practices contest to share great ideas across the automotive industry. We highlighted ideas from three different categories: fixed operations, variable operations, and people.In this episode, you'll hear from the three winners.-Variable Operations: Justin Rash, F&I manager at Beau Townsend Ford Lincoln, talks about creating a completely paperless finance and sales process.-People: Jeremy Reardon, service production manager at Westside Lexus, discusses recruiting technicians from local high schools and colleges.-Fixed Operations: James Dieli, warranty administrator at Beau Townsend Ford Lincoln, covers going paperless in service.
In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Greg is joined this week by Brad Holton, founder of Proton Dealership IT.Since starting Proton in 2013, Brad has seen an evolution in the nature of cyberattacks and cybersecurity. He's got a great handle on how cybercrime has changed and what we can all look out for moving forward.Brad and Greg discuss:-When a cyber event happens, how do you make it a 15-minute event and not a 15-day event.-How natural disasters impact security with rises in social engineering efforts.-A checklist of tips to help you prepare your business against an attack.
Today on Connected, Greg talks with Alan Amici, president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), a 501c3 organization with the mission to inform and advise to create a stronger and more viable automotive industry.Alan joined CAR after a 35+ year career with Stellantis. His wealth of experience has given him so much knowledge and insight into what's next for our industry.Alan and Greg discuss:-The future of infotainment and connected car data.-Affordability and profitability conversations surrounding EVs.-Where the US auto industry is headed in terms of volume of new vehicle sales over time.
On today's Connected, Greg sits down with Cheryl Thompson, founder and CEO of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement (also known as CADIA). Cheryl has had a 30+ year career in automotive, primarily working with the Ford Motor Company. Her time in this industry has taught her a lot about leadership, DEI, and the value of automotive careers.Greg and Cheryl discuss:-How to make the automotive industry a destination for career seekers.-How to broaden the talent pool in automotive with people of all backgrounds.-How DEI initiatives have positively impacted the auto industry.
Today's Connected is a big milestone — it's episode 150! Greg sat down with Richard Greene, fixed ops director at Parker Lexus, Parker Cadillac, and Audi Parker to celebrate.Richard started his career in service right out of college, and since then he's worked in just about every role in the department. These experiences have helped Richard create an extremely successful service apprenticeship program.Richard and Greg discuss:-Recruiting and retaining new technicians.-Establishing an apprenticeship program that benefits both new and master techs.-Working with OEMs to increase productivity and build a better experience for customers.
On this extended episode of Connected, host Greg Uland sits down with Steve Greenfield, general partner at Automotive Ventures. Steve has held many roles within the automotive industry and is probably a familiar face for some of you from countless conferences and events.In his current role in the venture capital space, Steve spends a lot of time on current and future struggles impacting dealers and the tools that are being developed to help.Steve and Greg discuss:- How utilizing connected processes and software can enhance dealer and customer experiences.- The process of connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors.- What the next wave of automotive technology looks like.
The FTC estimates that synthetic identity fraud now accounts for 80-85% of all identity fraud. On this episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Frank Toms from Auto Data Direct to talk about what kind of challenges this type of fraud presents for dealers.Frank and Greg discuss everything dealers need to know including:-What constitutes synthetic fraud.-The risk synthetic fraud poses to dealers-Measures for spotting fraud before it occurs.-How to stay educated as fraudulent practices change.
On this episode of Connected, Greg is joined by Dusty Weis, president of Podcamp Media and host of the award-winning Lead Balloon podcast. Dusty has quite the background in media and public relations, and he shared great insight into how dealers can be communicative and transparent with their customers when faced with a PR crisis.Dusty and Greg discuss:-Creating a proactive crisis communication response plan.-Rebuilding customer trust after a crisis like a cyberattack.-Distributing your message through a clear, compelling story.
Today's Connected episode is a little different than what we had planned. Dealerships are some of the most resilient businesses out there, but recent events have left a lot of dealers with understandable concerns about their system's security.Greg is joined in studio by Chris Gologanoff, Sales Director of Communication Services here at Reynolds, to talk about:-How dealers are reacting to their systems being down.-Best practices to keep operations running as smooth as possible.-How, as an industry, we're all helping one another through these tough times.
On today's episode, Greg is joined by Cory Coler, a supervisor on the Product Management team at Reynolds and Reynolds. He handles fixed operations products from the beautiful Reynolds office down in Tampa. They sit down to chat about the influence of different retail experiences on consumers' service expectations, creating a 'no sales pressure' environment, and utilizing technology to build trust. If you're interested in hearing more about what consumers think about the service process, check out the brand new study from GoMoto!
On this episode of Connected, Greg is joined by Mike Martinez, COO of DealerOn. Mike has been working to help provide quality websites to dealerships since the early days, back when many dealers didn't even have a site. And since then, he's been a part of every update to keep up with shifting consumer behaviors.Mike and Greg discuss:-Personalizing the shopping experience for consumers on your website.-Using a "right car, right payment, right now" approach.-Elements of a good SEO strategy.
On this episode of Connected Greg is joined by Sandra Gonzalez, also known as "The Fleet Queen." Sandra is the national government and commercial fleet manager at Peoria Ford out in sunny Arizona.Since 2019, Peoria Ford's government fleet sales have tripled with the help of Sandra and her team. She and Greg chat about:-Establishing your brand in a niche space like the fleet market.-Keeping up with fast-paced growth. -The importance of a solid network and strong communication skills.
On this episode of Connected, Greg is joined by two guests from Automotive Warranty Network Inc. — Jake Trott, the vice president of account management, and Jason Tuck, the sales and marketing manager.Warranty claims work isn't talked about very often, but it can be critical to your bottom line. Jake and Jason sat down to talk about:-Common issues to look for before submitting warranty claims.-What percentage of warranty ROs have some type of issue. -How much money is left on the table or lost in warranty audits.
On today's episode Greg is joined by Glenn Mercer, long-time automotive researcher and the author of the popular blog, Car Charts.Glenn has been a part of the automotive space for decades. Before turning to automotive research and starting his blog, Glenn worked in the automotive consulting space with McKinsey & Company for over 20 years. In this conversation, he offers some great insights and ideas on:-The impact of youth sports on car buying behavior.-Being a retailer vs. being a dealer.-The main problems with a direct-to-consumer model.
The average car deal requires 39 feet of forms, and with regular updates to state and federal regulations, it can be a challenge for many dealerships to keep all those documents up-to-date. On today's episode, Reynolds VP of Marketing Greg Uland is joined by another Greg: Greg Schaeffer, Vice President of Compliance.They discuss some ideas for how dealers can protect themselves by identifying areas in common forms where they're most at risk. Hear their thoughts on:-Best practices for managing your compliance. -How often your forms should be reviewed (and the best time of the year to review them).-Common issues to look for when reviewing documents for risk.
This week's episode of Connected is one for the record books. Greg welcomes two in-studio guests for the first time and it's one of the longest conversations we've ever had!Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier from Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU) visited the Reynolds and Reynolds headquarters for the first time to talk about building a macro-brand, creative storytelling, and the role dealerships play within their communities.They also mention their docuseries More Than Cars, which will have a new episode premiering on March 27, and talk about ASOTU CON coming to Baltimore in May!
On this episode of Connected, TrueSpot CEO/Founder Mike Hanna joins Greg in studio to discuss his experience working in a dealership and how the company got started.Watch the entire conversation to hear some of Mike's stories about how tracking down keys can put you in some unexpected places...like digging through a dumpster!
This week's episode of Connected is a bit of a special one. A few weeks ago at NADA, we had 11 great conversations in our booth on the show floor with people from different parts of the automotive industry: dealers, students, influencers, ADA presidents, vendors, and CEOs.Each conversation discussed a new and fun topic from service efficiency to AI, eContracting, and more. In this episode, Greg goes through some of his favorite moments to give you a quick recap of what people were talking about out in Las Vegas.
"For over 125 years dealers have been successful and adapted to every technological change in our industry. Whether it's how vehicles are sold or the technology used in the vehicles, dealers are constantly updating their ability to reach their customers."On this episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association and outgoing ATAE chairman. Brian and his colleagues are responsible for updating the franchise laws that protect dealerships.
On today’s episode, Greg sits down with Jose Mendoza, general manager at San Leandro Honda. With inventory levels beginning to stabilize, Jose offers some great tips for navigating the used vehicle market.Hear his thoughts on:-Selling new vs. used.-Finding profitable inventory.-Pricing to your specific market.
On today's episode, Dan Shine, senior editor of Automotive News, joins Greg in the Connected studio. As a Detroit native and experienced journalist, Dan has great insight into what’s going on in the industry and how’s it being talked about in the media.Get Dan's insight on:-Important topics that aren't being talked about enough.-Subjects to keep an eye out for in the future.-How he identifies the stories and people he covers.
Today on Connected, Greg sits down with Curtis Lewsey, the founder of DealerCards and bestselling author of Appreciation Marketing. Curtis has figured out how dealerships can turn a simple "thank you" into a competitive advantage. Listen as they discuss:-What you can do to increase repeat business.-How to earn customer referrals, not just ask for them.-How to build a lasting customer relationship from the get-go.
It's the last episode of Connected before Christmas and we picked this guest just for you! Greg is joined in studio by Kelly Adkins, director of OEM programs at Reynolds, to talk about getting involved in your community and the joy of giving back. Kelly and her family do a lot of volunteering and she has some great tips for getting started!
Thanksgiving has come and gone but we're thankful for this week's guest, Owen Moon! Owen is the co-founder and CEO of Fixed Ops Digital and he sat down with Greg to talk about how you can use marketing to increase visibility and trust in your service department. Find out how you can make your dealership stand out when customers need proactive maintenance work or reactive vehicle repairs!
On today's episode of Connected, Greg talks with Lee Harkins, president and CEO of M5 Management Services, about the common issues he is seeing impacting dealerships' service operations and what advice he gives to help improve their processes.When it comes down to implementing those improvements in the service drive, there are often two different paths taken - investing in the process or investing in technology and tools. In regards to which he has seen drive more success, Lee shared:"Both have had a big impact. Technology in our business right now has been just over the top from a benefits standpoint to the stores... but they are not going to be as effective without the formal processes to support it."
There are many incredibly talented technicians out there. For the best of the best at Hendrick Automotive Group, there are few achievements as impressive as being invited to participate in the Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown.This week on Connected, Greg sits down with Roger Mesiemore, vice president of fixed operations at Hendrick Automotive Group, to talk about this year's event and why it's important to recognize talented techs.The 22nd annual Engine Builder Showdown takes place November 8-9 on the campus of Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, North Carolina. Watch it live at RacingAmerica.tv and HendrickEBS.com!
Happy National Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Well, we hope it's a happy occasion. This week on Connected, Greg sits down with Ken Wolf, the supervisor of Reynolds' Security Operations Center.While thinking about cyber incidents can be intimidating, Ken was able to talk through some things that can help you protect yourself and your dealership. Things like:-Where you have control when it comes to your data.-The impact of ransomware and cyberattacks.-What you can be doing to keep your data safe.
Today on Connected, Greg sits down with Tim Whalen, service manager at Voss Chevrolet in Dayton, Ohio. Technician turnover continues to be an issue for dealers but at Voss, Tim's only seen two techs move to different roles in the last five years!Watch the full conversation to find out how Tim manages retention in his dealership by asking questions and evaluating why employees might not be satisfied.
Implementing new systems into the dealership can have a huge impact on long term success, but it's not a one-sided process. It takes work from both the vendor and the dealership, each of which has unique insights on what it takes to successfully implement change.On this episode of Connected, Greg talks with Sean Sullivan, general manager at Bill Currie Ford, and Brad Schafer, the founder of ReconTRAC®.Listen to Brad and Sean's takeaways on:-What kind of buy-in is needed to make a successful change.-Who should be included in the decision making process for widescale changes.-What leaders can do to smooth out the transitional period between two systems.
On today's Connected, Greg sits down to talk with Don Graff, owner of Don Graff Automotive Advisors. Don has spent many years on all sides of the industry, giving him so much knowledge to pull from in his current role as a consultant helping dealerships better understand their business and their workforce. During the conversation, Don shares his thoughts on:-How much impact you can actually have on employee retention.-If there's an appropriate level of attrition for a business.-Current and future trends to get the most out of your BDC.Interested in hearing more? Don will be speaking at our retail summit, Amplify, September 25-26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sign up at https://www.reyrey.com/cp/amplify
Let's chat about chat! This week on Connected, Greg welcomes Ashley Yard, director of client success at Gubagoo . Their conversation includes insights into the three layers of chat and lead generation, assistive tech's role in the car buying process, what lies ahead for virtual retailing, and an idea for how you can use ChatGPT's capabilities.
Today, we're looking back on Connected episodes that not only stand the test of time, but cover topics that are incredibly relevant to our changing industry today. Check out conversations with industry experts on:-Customer data platforms and how they can impact dealers-Protecting your dealership against cyberattacks-The evolution of the modern day service lane-How eContracting is changing the F&I department-Using data to strategically price vehicles
He's back! Cliff Banks, founder of the Banks Report and creator of AUTOVATE, makes his return to Connected and joins Greg in studio for the first time! Together, they discuss future opportunities with EVs, recent mergers and acquisition activity, how dealers can continue to provide value, and what connected vehicles might be able to do for drivers someday.
Start your engines and get ready for this week's episode of Connected! Greg's sitting down with Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Doug talks about his lifelong passion for motorsports, shares some behind-the-scenes thoughts on the 100 Days to Indy docuseries, and gives us his personal choice for the best seats at the track!If you're a dealer, Reynolds and Reynolds hopes you can join us at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September for Reynolds Retail Summit: Amplify 2023!Learn more here: https://www.reyrey.com/cp/amplify
This week on Connected, Greg talks with Emily Iberle, partner manager at Uber, and Anthony Montiero, executive vice president of integrated partnerships at Draiver. We recently announced a new integration between the three companies that lets dealers schedule rideshares for customers directly from ERA-IGNITE!
On this week's episode of Connected, Greg's sitting down with AJ McGowan, president and co-founder of AutoVision.They talk about Reynolds' recent acquisition of Autovision, the direction of the used car market, and even some of the features that can impact the value of a used car.
Today's Connected features Jason Stein, CEO and owner of Flat Six Media. Jason was previously the editor for Automotive News and has had a hand in every part of the automotive industry. Because of his expertise in the industry, the conversation dives into some unique areas that make for a interesting episode!
This week on Connected, Greg's sitting down with an old friend: Amberly Montgomery, growth and development manager at Naked Lime Marketing.They talk about Naked Lime's 2023 Brand Retention and Defection Report, Amberly's recent speaking engagements, and the big announcement that Naked Lime will soon be under the Reynolds umbrella.
On this episode of Connected, we talk through accessory selling success with Armando Penales, assistant sales manager at Manhattan Beach Toyota.It comes down to the process they have in place that's making an impact for them.Armando has solidified Manhattan Beach Toyota as a great success story for getting the most out of accessory selling. He talks about why his ownership group is so invested in accessories, which accessories are the most popular, and how he's taken the accessory selling process and made it his own!
For today's episode of Connected, we have the opportunity to hear from Jack Shepp, a recent car buyer, as he walks us through a customer's perspective of buying a car almost entirely online.While managing a cross country move, Jack was in the market for a car. When the dealerships in Arizona didn't have the vehicle he was looking for, he turned to dealerships in his new state of Ohio to find his new truck. The end result? Buying it sight unseen.Jack breaks down every step of his experience and paints the picture for what online car buying really looks like for consumers today. He even shares some tips on how dealers can make the online experience more personal for their customers.
On this episode of Connected, Greg was joined by Andy Runyan and Forrest Pace from Brightline Insurance for a timely conversation that dives into all things cybersecurity. The idea of cyber insurance started in the 2000s when large corporations were being targeted. However, since the pandemic, activity in cyberattacks against smaller businesses, especially dealerships, have increased. Forrest had a great analogy stating "it's like your blind side tackle, you don't think about it until you get sacked." That's why professional IT help is critical to the security and integrity of your business.
What do you do when faced with a problem that doesn't have a solution? If you're Elliot Silk, service director at Suntrup Automotive, you design and develop the solution yourself!If you remember last fall, Hyundai and Kia vehicles were experiencing notable theft issues due to a software malfunction. Unfortunately for Elliot, St. Louis was one of the top five cities in the U.S. where this malfunction turned crime was at its peak. His dealer group alone was dealing with the repercussions of 30-40 break-ins a week! When faced with a problem that didn't have an immediate solution, Elliot created one himself.Learn more about this anti-theft solution and Elliot's entrepreneurial spirit by watching this week's Connected!https://visdevices.com/
On today's episode of Connected, Jenell Ross, dealer principal at Bob Ross Auto Group, joins Greg in studio to talk about her path to being a successful minority dealer, her favorite part of working in the industry, and everything in-between!
"We can tell them what everyone else is working on so they can see how their role, and their life, and their work fits in the greater whole."On this episode of Connected, Greg is joined by the co-hosts of the Daily Drive podcast, producer Kellen Walker and Jaime Butters, Executive Editor of Automotive News.With extensive backgrounds in broadcast, journalism, and automotive, they've had the unique opportunity of sharing B2B news in our complex industry. Jaime touched on the importance of informing a broad audience – engineers, retailers, marketers, designers, and so many more – to connect and strengthen the automotive ecosystem.
“We aren’t using technology to replace relationships, but rather to maximize them.”On this week's Connected, Greg's talking with John Carpenter, General Manager at Joe Ball GMC. They talk about how to infuse a human touch into the car buying experience with newer generations. From looking at your audience from a high level to the benefits of artificial intelligence, what does the future of customer engagement look like?
At NADA, Reynolds and Reynolds will be unveiling a new brand and logo! That doesn't happen very often, so we're pulling out all the stops for this episode of Connected. Greg's guest is Reynolds President Chris Walsh! Chris talks about the decision to rebrand, why this is the perfect time to do it, and what else people can expect to see in Dallas this week.
With NADA 2023 fast approaching, we can think of no better person to interview than this week's guest: Chairman of Pohanka Automotive Group and incoming NADA Chairman Geoff Pohanka!Geoff and Greg chat about some of the biggest issues dealers are facing right now and discuss why they're excited about this year's show.
Today's episode of Connected features Shannon Robertson, Executive Director of The Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals. Our discussion is about all things compliance when it comes to your protecting dealership. AFIP trainings are very beneficial to preventing "bad behaviors" in your dealership.
Today's guest on Connected is Kelly Stumpe, who's also known as The Car Mom! Kelly co-hosts the Carpool Podcast and helps her followers on Instagram and YouTube navigate the car buying process.With experience selling cars and becoming an industry influencer at the height of the pandemic, Kelly's niche is focusing on helping first-time, young, or women car buyers through the car buying experience. Her approach is all about the four E's – educate, empower, entertain, and engage. Through her growing platform, she's been able to interact with and bring value to her audience, and she emphasized how dealerships can take this same approach when it comes to their customers and their sales process.Carpool Podcast: https://www.thecarmomofficial.com/the-car-pool-podcastCar Mom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_car_mom/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCarMom
This week's guest is Shawn Leibold, Director of Industry Relations here at Reynolds. Shawn's experience in creating community outreach events and sponsorships spans past the automotive industry. He brings great knowledge as to why it's important to build relationships with your community and how dealers can create impactful events to drive outreach. Enjoy listening to Shawn's many stories from the different events he's helped put on and attended!
If you've ever attended a Fixed Ops Roundtable event, you'll definitely recognize this week's guest! We're talking with Ted Ings, Executive Director of the Center for Performance Improvement and host of the Fixed Ops Roundtable. Ted talks about his 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, shares some stories from past events, and the charity focus of this year's Fixed Ops Roundtable.
Is your dealership looking for a way to create value, generate profit, and help customers with low credit scores? This week's guest is Paul Sansone Jr, owner of Sansone Jr's 66 Automall and co-founder of Dealer Controlled Leasing. Paul recently won the Best Idea Contest at the 2022 DrivingSales Executive Summit. In this episode, Paul talks about the origin of Dealer Controlled Leasing and how it works!
"It all boils down to one acronym, BRT: build relationships of trust. Without relationships, we're nothing. Without desire to serve and empower others, we get nowhere."This week on Connected, Greg's chatting with Michael Cirillo, CEO of FlexDealer and host of The Dealer Playbook podcast.
We have another great guest on this week's Connected! Greg is joined in studio by Brian Pasch for an insightful episode that touches on several important topics: cybersecurity, Google Analytics 4, connected retailing, and the upcoming Modern Retailing Conference.
It's the 100th episode of Connected! We've come a long way from recording episode one in Greg's basement and we have a fantastic guest to celebrate the occasion. Greg is joined by Susan Givens, publisher of AutoSuccess Magazine, for a conversation about the evolution of media consumption, what AutoSuccess has in store for 2023, and how dealers can provide value by sharing quality information. Listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!
We're raising a little trouble on this week's Connected! Greg is joined by Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier from Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU) and The Automotive Troublemaker podcast. Together, they discuss their upcoming ASOTU CON event and the importance of collaborating within the automotive industry.
We have another first this week! John Keohane, vice president of operations at Temecula Valley Buick GMC, has never appeared on a podcast before but he joins Greg for a wide-ranging conversation. They discuss dealership CRMs, supply and demand, virtual retailing, how to transition online buyers once they arrive in store, and the future of the automotive industry.
"If you don't have a security focus in your dealership, you've got to get one quickly."
Today's guest on Connected is Brad Holton, founder of Proton Technologies. He and Greg discuss the top 3 cybersecurity concerns for dealers, the upcoming FTC Safeguards rule amendments deadline, and how Proton can help.
Providing an omnichannel experience is all about being able to help a customer no matter where they are. So how can you apply that concept to your service department? This week's guest, Mike Murray from GoMoto, shares his insights and offers advice for dealers who want to transform the customer experience at their store.
How can dealers stay on top of recalls? How do you know what's out there, where to focus, and how to attack them? This week, Greg is joined by the CEO of Recall Masters, Scott Alan, to shed some light on the topic!
Tired of all the extra work associated with paperwork? This week on Connected, Greg's talking about eContracting with a special guest--Maxine Olson from Volkswagen Credit. They discuss the ins and outs of eContracting and how it can benefit dealers, consumers, and lenders!
Are bad habits slowing down the reconditioning process at your dealership? This week, Brad Schafer returns to the podcast to discuss how automation can improve efficiency, increase productivity, and get vehicles front line ready faster.
"As much as I like selling cars, I believe we're here for more than just making money."
This episode of Connected features an interview with Peter Boulware of Peter Boulware Toyota. Peter talks about how he got into the automotive industry, his football career, and why the concept of giving back to the community is so important.
How can dealers provide an omnichannel experience in their service drives? The dealerships having the most success are the ones who pair kiosks/technology with their service advisors. Todd Marcelle, founder of GoMoto, joins Connected this week to discuss how service advisors and kiosks can work together.
Dealers everywhere continue to be impacted by inventory shortages. This week's episode of Connected features an interview with Clint McLaren, General Manager at Wiesner of Huntsville, who talks about how his dealership has been acquiring vehicles and handling remote transactions.
What's the latest on the chip shortage? How will electric vehicles affect dealerships? Is the relationship between dealers, OEMs, and consumers changing as more technology is added to vehicles? We caught up with Cliff Banks, founder of The Banks Report, to discuss all of these questions and more in this episode of Connected!
"Doing the right thing by consumers turns out to be a very profitable thing for dealers."
This week on Connected, Sean Reyes from Recall Masters returns for part two of his conversation about vehicle recalls.
Is there a recall crisis on the horizon? This week on Connected, Greg sits down with Sean Reyes from Recall Masters for the first episode of a two-part conversation. They discuss why this could be the perfect time for dealers to change how they approach handling recalls.
This week on Connected, we're pulling out all the stops. Greg welcomes a trio of special guests to talk about Retail Anywhere, the current state of the industry, and where Reynolds is headed.
Featuring: -Chief Customer Ambassador Dave Bates -Reynolds President Chris Walsh -Senior VP of Marketing Kasi Edwards
"Identity theft is not a joke!" -Dwight Schrute
Dwight is right. But there's a new threat to worry about: synthetic fraud. Greg sat down with Ken Hill from 700Credit to discuss how dealers can protect themselves.
Where is Reynolds and Reynolds headed in 2022?
This week on Connected, Greg is joined by the perfect guest to answer that question: new Reynolds president Chris Walsh. Chris talks about what we're doing to improve relationships with dealers, plans to expand our footprint, and how we're working to make our customers more profitable.
Having an inconsistent F&I process can cause a host of problems that ripple throughout the entire dealership. This week on Connected, Greg talks with F&I Solutions Manager Adam Bealert about how dealers can stay compliant, profitable, and reputable.
Whether it's the clothes you wear, the burrito you order, or the car you drive, everybody has different preferences. This week on Connected, Greg talks with Reynolds consultant Marc Ewens about the growing trend of vehicle customization and how dealers can present accessories to their customers!
It's a Connected clip show! Podcast producers Matt and Andrew take a look back at some of the best moments from 2021. Featuring clips from:
Episode 56 with Jerrod Hoskins of Naked Lime Episode 65 with Steve Strickland from Hendrick Automotive Group Episode 69 with Brad Title from Gubagoo Episode 74 with Reynolds Customer Ambassador Dave Bates
How will the latest Google update affect your website? Are third-party cookies crumbling? What can you do to help your dealership rise to the top? On this week's Connected, we're talking with our guest Julie Rinehart from Naked Lime about changes Google has made this year and what they mean for your business.
As a result of the pandemic, many dealers rapidly adopted to new technology. On this week's Connected, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chris Walsh returns to discuss where dealers have been proactive in innovating and where there's still room for improvement.
Do you want to learn some best practices that will improve things in your accounting department? Then don't miss this week's Connected! Greg sits down with guest Dylan Schober to talk about how dealerships can benefit from updating their processes.
Inventory is tight for dealerships right now, but should you still be advertising? Yes! But you have to consider who you're marketing to, where to reach them, and what message will resonate. This week on Connected, we're talking about my generation (and all of them) with Jordan Eechaute-Lopez from Naked Lime Marketing.
What parts of the car buying process do customers find valuable? Reynolds and Reynolds recently released a new report that looks at consumer buying preferences and we're excited to welcome Kasi Edwards, senior vice president of marketing, back to the podcast to discuss it!
Download the report and more at reyrey.com/study
It's a doubleheader on this week's Connected! We're talking about reconditioning and how dealers can get vehicles front-line ready faster with two special guests: Brad Schafer from ReconTRAC and Anthony Monteiro from DRAIVER. Dealers are facing several challenges when it comes to reconditioning and the pandemic has only made things worse. Find out what forward thinking dealerships are doing to adapt to the situation.
https://home.recontrac.com/ https://www.draiver.com/
How do you foster lifelong relationships in the automotive industry and build trust? Being old helps, according to this week's guest. Reynolds and Reynolds Chief Customer Ambassador Dave Bates returns to Connected to discuss his 38 years with the company and what he's been hearing from dealers while on the road.
It's nice to see your business mentioned on the news...unless it's for a data breach. They can cause a major financial loss and do irreparable damage to customer trust. On this episode of Connected, we're talking with Scott Frieszell, director of networking hardware and software support at Reynolds, about how dealers can protect customer data and themselves.
The first rule for getting customers to pay online is making them aware that you offer online payment options. This week on Connected, Jessica talks with Reynolds BDC Sales Manager Emily Weikert about how you can encourage customers to try a new way to pay for service!
What kind of impact does eContracting have on dealers, consumers, and lenders? We found just the person to ask. On this week's Connected, we're talking with Mike Urrutia, executive vice president at GM Financial, about the benefits of going paperless in F&I.
On this week's episode of Connected, we're sitting down with Jason Sideris, Vice President of Fixed Operations Product Management here at Reynolds and Reynolds, to talk about the changing landscape in service. He discusses:
• The current state of service vs. what customers actually want. • What a digital hybrid experience is and why you should adopt it. • Practical ways to meet consumers' changing demands.
Last month, we welcomed Gubagoo to the Reynolds and Reynolds family. This week, Gubagoo CEO and founder Brad Title joins Jessica on Connected! They discuss the company's past, the current status of blended/hybrid buying experiences, and the future of online retailing.
"We've gotten our cycle time down to two days, which is just unheard of in the industry. And it's legitimate. It really is that efficient at this point." Watch this week's episode to find out how Voss Chevrolet is achieving such an amazing cycle time and don't forget to subscribe to Connected!
What do you get when you don't communicate with service customers the way they prefer? To quote this week's guest, "A lot of mad people." We sat down with Luke Jones, service manager at Mitchell Buick GMC, to discuss how a Retail Anywhere approach has completely transformed his CSI score.
“As a dealer, you don’t really impact what car a customer wants to buy, but you can certainly impact where they buy it based on your reputation.” This week on Connected, we sit down with Chris Ventura from Naked Lime Marketing to discuss why reputation management is so important for dealerships.
Hendrick Automotive Group had 26 stores named to the Automotive News Best Dealerships to Work For list in 2020. What does it take to earn such an honor? We sit down with Steve Strickland, executive general manager at Hendrick Lexus Charleston, and try to find out the secret on this week's episode of Connected!
It's a Connected reunion show! Our first host Greg Uland is back to reflect on the last 12 months, how the automotive industry responded to the pandemic, and what Reynolds is doing today to prepare your dealership for continued success.
Does your reconditioning process need to be fixed? Would you be able to tell if it did? This week, we're talking with Brad Schafer, director of ReconTRAC®, about why reconditioning is especially important for dealerships right now.
From the classroom to the showroom! On this week's episode of Connected, we're talking with Elgie Bright, associate professor and department chair of the Automotive Marketing and Management Program at Northwood University. Elgie chats with Jessica about the special relationship between Reynolds and Northwood and how the university prepares students to work in the automotive industry.
Are you there for your customers when it's most convenient for them or most convenient for you? Jessie O'Brien, sales director at GoMoto, argues that it's time for the golden rule to evolve. Businesses need to treat consumers the way they want to be treated.
On this week's episode of Connected, we're talkin' tech talent with co-founder and president of WrenchWay Jay Goninen. Why is there a shortage of service technicians and how can dealerships attract and retain talented employees in the service drive?
Are you marketing to customers that have shown interest in your dealership or unknowingly passing them to the competition like a hot potato? We're talking about remarketing in this week's episode of Connected. Don't let anyone else steal your lunch that you prepared.
If someone were asked to describe a successful salesperson, which five habits would they list first? On this week's Connected, area vice president of sales Peter Sidwell joins the podcast to discuss the traits and qualities needed to flourish in a dealership!
As Herm Edwards famously said, "You play to win the game." So what does winning look like for a dealership? In the latest episode of Connected, Reynolds VP Kasi Edwards boils it down to three key pieces: your people, your processes, and your technology.
How do you get customers who say, "Not today," back in your bay? We're talking about recommended work and declined services on the first Connected episode of the new year!
The topic of today's podcast is change management. And, no, we're not talking about having enough quarters for laundry day. Find out why developing a strategy for implementing new tools is so important and how you can help your employees adapt to new technology.
Despite how you feel about the accuracy of your local meteorologist, forecasting is an important part of setting yourself up for success in the new year. Find out how to set the right goals and develop a plan to reach those goals in 2021 by listening to this week's episode of Connected with our guest, Reynolds business consultant Skip Scott!
Investing in accessories? In this economy? This week's guest says, "Yes!" Find out why this could be the perfect time to focus on accessories, why you should establish a separate department, and how to grow your accessory business into a lucrative profit center.
Latin may be a dead language, but the status quo is a very real threat to your dealership. Find out how hesitating to move away from manual processes could be preventing you from reaching your goals in the latest episode of Connected!
It's the question on everybody's mind when they launch a new digital marketing strategy--when will I start seeing results? To find out when campaigns will start to bear fruit, we naturally turned to our friends at Naked Lime. Set yourself up for success by listening to this week's episode with account manager Travis Hafer!
Looking to kick things up a notch in your sales department? We've got 9 steps to help you get there. Learn how to capture, keep, and nurture sales leads in episode 50 of Connected!
Are you ready for 2021? Some people may consider 2020 a year to forget, but don't forget about end-of-year processes in the accounting office. Listen to this week's episode of Connected to learn how to work smarter not harder by being proactive and using the right tools/resources!
Ta-dum Besides how to kill a few hours, what lessons can dealers learn from Netflix? Binge watch the latest episode of Connected to find out!
Let's get digital! Dave Bowling, presentation specialist at Reynolds and Reynolds, joins the podcast this week to discuss the new technologies dealerships are adopting within their service departments.
Jeff Risner, Co-Founder of the Appraisal Lane, returns to the Connected podcast! A lot has changed with the used car market since his last appearance in April. Find out how supply and demand have fluctuated over the last few months and how you can keep your inventory wheels spinning!
Does prescreening have your preapproval? It should! Find out how introducing credit prescreening early in the sales and service process can have a huge impact on dealership profit and customer satisfaction by watching this week’s episode of Connected!
Have you been treating your ad accounts like a rotisserie chicken? You can’t just set it and forget it. Find out what paid search experts look for and how to tell if you're throwing money away every month!
Is the onboarding process at your dealership more “All aboard!” or “Man overboard!” If it’s the latter, watch this week’s episode for tips on how to set expectations for your new employees and put them in a position to succeed.
If you want to sell more cars, should you be looking into data mining or equity mining? Yes! Reynolds and Reynolds product planning manager Hayley Holmes explains how combining data and equity mining with a predictive analytics engine forms a recipe for success in the latest episode of Connected.
Think about the best retail experience you’ve had lately. Now compare it to the experience of being a customer at your dealership. How do you stack up? In this week’s episode of Connected, Reynolds account manager Noah Rice talks with Jessica about how dealers can meet consumer expectations and make things easier for their customers.
Protecting your assets has never been more important. Watch the latest episode of Connected to learn tips on how to identify and prevent theft from happening at your dealership from Reynolds product planning manager, Gary Reinhardt.
Are you meeting the growing consumer demand for online car-buying opportunities? Watch the latest episode of Connected to learn the best tips and strategies for selling online from Bill Cullen, General Manager at Joseph Volkswagen of Cincinnati.
Give your dealership a competitive advantage by enhancing your customers’ virtual experience. Watch the latest episode of Connected to learn tips on creating videos in each department from director of Reynolds Consulting Services, Carl Bennett.
Are you loading your shop with potential for upsells? This week’s podcast features Cory Coler, fixed ops product planning manager at Reynolds and Reynolds, and he talks about best practices for online appointment scheduling. Check out the episode now!
This week’s podcast features Scott Frieszell, director of network services at Reynolds and Reynolds. He covers network optimization and security as dealers shift to digital solutions and remote work. Check out the episode now!
Our guest on this week’s podcast is Therese Baker, director of corporate events marketing at Reynolds and Reynolds. She covers the state of industry events and what the future holds for conferences and trade-shows. Check out the episode now!
On this week’s podcast, we speak with Susan DeSantis, marketing director for KeyTrak, about the risks associated with improper key management and how to bolster your dealership’s security and productivity with a key management system.
On this week’s podcast, we’re speaking with Tim Palms, general manager at BMW of Honolulu, about how adding smart kiosks to his service department has helped streamline the check-in process and stay ahead of the curve and their competition.
On this week’s podcast, Jessica sits down with Tom Salzman, sales director with Naked Lime Marketing, to talk through using market and impression share to gauge success in a time where MoM and YoY reporting have become unreliable.
If you’ve ever had a bad phone experience, this episode of Connected is for you! Listen to Geoff Mercurio, communications specialist at Reynolds and Reynolds, talk about a frustrating experience he had calling a dealership as a consumer and how to improve your phone process so it doesn’t happen to your customers.
Douglas Wells, general manager at Ray Catena Mercedes-Benz of Edison, is making it simple and safe for customers to explore vehicles at the dealership in person. Check out our newest Connected Podcast episode where Doug shares his strategy.
How should you communicate with your customers right now—is it by phone, email, or text? Check out our newest Connected Podcast episode where we talk with Matthew Clark, manager of consulting services at Reynolds and Reynolds, about the best strategies to use when reaching out to customers.
Looking for ideas on how you can help out your community right now? Check out our newest Connected Podcast episode. We talk with Alice Elliott, administrator of the Associate Foundation at Reynolds and Reynolds, about how dealers can best serve their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A new episode of the Connected Podcast is here! In episode 27, we’re talking with Rudy Nieto, enterprise and OEM sales vice president at Reynolds and Reynolds, about how dealership groups and manufacturers are preparing to address pent-up demand as states begin to re-open.
In this episode, Lance Alverson, sales vice president in the Midwest at Reynolds and Reynolds details current dealer sentiment and expectations as state economies make decisions on re-opening the economy.
In this episode, Ryan Zwerneman, Sales Director for Naked Lime Marketing, talks about how dealerships can look at patterns in the stock market to optimize their marketing strategies going forward.
Check out today’s episode of the Connected Podcast where Willie Daughters, senior vice president of customer service and support, discusses our online training. Learn about continued training opportunities as well as new offerings in response to COVID-19. Watch now!
A new episode of the Connected Podcast is here! In episode 23, we talk about several ways to manage your staffing process and strategy as business begins to pick back up. Watch now!
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Craig Lawson, sales director at Naked Lime Marketing, discusses what the market will look like post-COVID-19, and how dealerships can prepare their marketing strategy.
Start preparing to flip the open sign on for your dealership. Arthur Newell, senior director of software utilization at Reynolds and Reynolds, shares tips on how to do just that in this episode of Connected.
On today’s episode of Connected, we feature Jared Klein, Sales Director at Naked Lime Marketing. He gives tips on how to think about your dealership’s marketing strategy as Covid-19 restrictions start to lessen.
Check out the next episode of the Connected Podcast! Today, we sit down with Jon Strawsburg to discuss best practices for approaching online retailing –handling the trade, conducting the signing ceremony, and more!
Episode 18 of the Connected Podcast is here! In this episode, Jody Huff, Vice President of Telephony and Communications, talks about several ways to manage your phone traffic during a shifting retail environment. Watch now!
In this episode of our video podcast, Connected, we talk with Gary Reinhardt, senior product planning manager, about where to look to improve your cash flow position. Check it out!
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Amberly Montgomery, Operations Manager for Naked Lime Marketing, talks about how dealerships can utilize thoughtful social media strategies to effectively communicate with their communities while practicing social distancing.
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Ross McArthur, sales director at Naked Lime Marketing, talks about recent changes to automotive search trends and how to adjust your strategy.
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds' podcast, Connected. This episode is about the different things you can be doing to keep your employees and customers safe. Jerry Kirwan, senior vice president and general manager of Reynolds Document Services, discusses different personal hygiene and protection products for the dealership.
In episode 13 of Reynolds’ Connected Podcast, Todd Marcelle, CEO at GoMoto, provides tips on greeting customers and keeping service drives sanitary during the pandemic.
Tune in for another episode of Connected, featuring Naked Lime Marketing. In this episode, Steve Henning, Senior Director of Operations, highlights how to shift your content marketing to build relationships with your customers in this environment.
In this episode of our new video podcast series, Connected, Jeff Risner, CEO of The Appraisal Lane, talks about the current state of vehicle valuation, how to engage car buyers online, and what you can do to overcome an industry shift in transactional data. Don’t miss it!
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Jay Harper, Director of Product Planning at Naked Lime Marketing, discusses how dealerships can better utilize their websites to show customers they are there for them in this time.
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Hayley Holmes, Product Planning Manager at Reynolds and Reynolds, discusses how to approach mining the service drive to help sustain front-end profitability.
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. This episode is about how your dealership employees can work from home. Scott Worthington, director of product planning at Reynolds and Reynolds, gives tips on maintenance opportunities you can do remotely.
On episode 7 of Connected we talked with Brad Highland, Director of Digital Marketing at Naked Lime Marketing, about the importance of marketing service as an essential business operation. Brad also offers a few best practices for communicating with service customers during this time.
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Dave Bates, vice president of customer support at Reynolds and Reynolds details what customers can expect from Reynolds during this pandemic. Reynolds is committed to helping our customers navigate the business during this crisis.
On this episode of Connected, we’ll hear from Naked Lime Vice President and General Manager, Chris Walsh. He'll address operational changes Naked Lime has made to continue to effectively serve our clients, and how dealerships can do the same to stay connected to their customers.
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Ed Pontis, director of product planning for CRM and variable operations solutions at Reynolds and Reynolds, discusses how you, your sales team, your BDC team, and service team can take advantage of your CRM to help your dealership through this unprecedented time.
On this episode of Connected, we’ll hear from the Vice President of Sales for Naked Lime Marketing, Josh Allen. He'll address your top automotive marketing concerns and give tips for creating a marketing strategy that meets the needs of your dealership's specific circumstances.
Welcome to Reynolds and Reynolds’ podcast, Connected. In this episode, Jason Sideris, vice president of fixed operations product planning at Reynolds and Reynolds discusses how to keep fixed ops running productively while upholding the CDC’s guidelines.
Check out the Connected Podcast! In the first episode, Kasi Edwards, vice president of marketing, gives an introduction to this new series, including what to expect in coming episodes.