ASOTU CON Sessions

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Josselyn Boudett and Paul J Daly sit down to chat at ASOTU CON 2022.
Josselyn Boudett is the Founder & CEO of Stella Automotive AI.
Thanks to Effectv for making ASOTU CON Sessions possible!⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!
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Paul J Daly hosts Jim Colon, co-owner of Toyota of Marysville, on the ASOTU CON Sessions by Effectv.
They discuss Jim's unique approach to running a negotiation-free dealership, the benefits of a customer-centric sales model, and how this strategy has attracted a diverse workforce, particularly women. Jim shares insights on the dealership's success, the importance of brand focus, and the potential for growth with innovative practices.
Paul and Jim delve into the transformative impact of a fixed-price sales approach and how it aligns with modern customer preferences. They explore how removing the negotiation process not only enhances customer satisfaction but also creates a more inclusive work environment. Jim highlights the significant increase in female employees at Toyota of Marysville, attributing it to the transparent and straightforward sales model. The discussion also touches on the dealership's exceptional employee retention rates and the strategic focus on brand development, including the implementation of the "one person, one price, one hour" commitment, which has been met with overwhelming positive feedback from customers.
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Jim Colon's automotive industry background.
1:51 - Opening a negotiation-free Toyota store.
2:59 - Ignoring pushback and focusing on customer-centric decisions.
5:01 - Changing the service experience in the dealership.
6:12 - The surprising number of women joining the dealership's staff.
7:52 - Importance of research and experiencing negotiation-free models.
10:30 - High employee retention and loyalty scores.
12:08 - Focusing on brand with "one person, one price, one hour."
Thanks to Effectv for making this episode of ASOTU CON Sessions possible! Learn more about Effect here: https://www.effectv.com/

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In this enlightening episode of ASOTU CON Sessions, Michael Cirillo sits down with Don Hall, President and CEO of the Virginia Auto Dealers Association, to delve into his extensive 45-year career in the automotive industry. Hall shares his insights on the industry's evolution, the importance of adapting to change, and the critical role of employee satisfaction in creating a positive customer experience. Drawing from his own experiences and the principles learned from the Marine Corps, Hall emphasizes the value of empathy, leadership, and maintaining a balance between accountability and understanding.
Hall highlights the necessity of investing in employees' well-being and professional development, advocating for practices that foster a supportive and engaging work environment. Through anecdotes and reflections, he illustrates how a people-first approach can transform dealerships and enhance customer interactions. This conversation offers valuable lessons for industry veterans and newcomers alike, providing a roadmap for nurturing a motivated and loyal workforce while navigating the dynamic landscape of the automotive sector.
0:00 Intro
0:45 Don Hall’s 45-year journey in the automotive industry
3:00 Focusing on people in dealerships
3:30 Creating environments for employee happiness
4:00 Impact of happy employees on customer experience
4:45 Balancing empathy and accountability in leadership
5:30 Hall’s evolution from a strict manager to an empathetic leader
6:15 The role of empathy in negotiations and customer interactions
7:00 Wisdom and patience in seeing real change
8:00 Hall’s advice for young professionals in the industry
Thanks to Effectv for making this episode of ASOTU CON Sessions possible! Learn more about Effect here: https://www.effectv.com/

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In this episode, Paul J Daly speaks with Blanca Arias-Martinez about the unexpected fusion of high-end hospitality and the fast-paced auto auction industry. Blanca shares her unique approach to integrating high-end hospitality into the fast-paced environment of an auto auction, inspired by Will Guidara's concept of "unreasonable hospitality." They discuss the impact of this philosophy on employee engagement, community building, and overall business culture, highlighting innovative practices like book clubs and leadership development programs that have transformed their workplace.
Blanca reveals how her team, drawing on experiences from the restaurant industry, emphasizes adding value to people—both employees and customers—over merely selling cars. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on blending hospitality with the automotive sector, showcasing how intentional leadership and community-focused initiatives can create a thriving, positive work environment.
0:00 Intro
1:30 Emphasizing People Over Cars
2:00 The Unique Culture of Big Valley Auto Auction
2:30 Applying High-End Hospitality in an Auto Auction
3:00 The Impact of Book Clubs on Leadership
3:50 Engaging Employees Through Continuous Learning
4:20 Blanca's Visit to Eleven Madison Park
4:50 Anticipation for Will Guidara’s Keynote
Thanks to Effectv for making this episode of ASOTU CON Sessions possible! Learn more about Effect here: https://www.effectv.com/

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In this ASOTU CON 2024 podcast hosted by Joe Overby, Tony Lucas, General Manager of Casa Autoplex, shares his inspiring journey in the automotive industry. Starting as a porter at a buy-here-pay-here lot, Tony's career has progressed significantly, showcasing his dedication and adaptability. He discusses his transition from Brazil to the United States, learning English, and navigating various roles in the automotive sector, ultimately leading him to his current position at Casa Autoplex.
Tony provides insights into the used car market, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. He reflects on his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the dealership successfully navigated the challenges. Tony also highlights the role of certified pre-owned (CPO) programs and the importance of community-focused initiatives like in-house financing. The session concludes with a personal touch as Tony shares the role of books and movies in his language learning journey, offering a glimpse into the persistence and passion that have driven his success.
0:00 Intro
0:39 Tony's journey from Brazil to the U.S. and starting in automotive.
1:50 Transitioning from porter to sales and beyond.
3:43 Lessons learned as a used car director.
4:45 Impact of COVID-19 on the used car market.
5:31 Role and benefits of certified pre-owned (CPO) programs.
6:48 Overcoming inventory challenges in CPO.
7:53 Value of standalone used car programs.
9:06 Community-focused in-house financing initiatives.
9:22 Personal language learning journey through books and movies.
Thanks to Effectv for making this episode of ASOTU CON Sessions possible! Learn more about Effect here: https://www.effectv.com/

Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/

JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

ASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion