Auto Collabs

The walls are closing in on Franchised Retail Auto Dealers as the industry is moving at break-neck velocity toward a new way of doing business. The convergence of economic and social volatility, new entrants like Tesla and Carvana, and the new rules of retail are putting Auto Dealers in a crucible that will either destroy them or refine them.Auto Collabs brings you deep into real-talk conversations with the brightest operators and innovators in the Retail Auto Industry who believe the Dealer network is the single greatest way to serve the transportation needs of communities across the country. The only way Retail Auto Dealers and Industry Partners will survive is by committing to innovate together, so let’s get started. Welcome to Auto Collabs. // Auto Collabs is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn more at https://www.asotu.com

Contributors

Host

Kyle Mountsier

Kyle has been implementing operational excellence in dealerships and dealer groups since 2009. His unique ability to connect people and processes has made him a trusted advisor to Dealer Principals, GMs, Marketing Directors, and Auto Industry Vendors. He has taught thousands via his workshops and keynotes at national automotive conferences and was recently featured in the print edition of Automotive News for his innovative work as Marketing Director for the Nelson Automotive Group. In early 2021, Kyle started the Automotive Pitch Tank on the Clubhouse app which continues to pair the most innovative automotive vendors with the most innovative Auto Dealers. Kyle is the Co-Founder of Contagious Auto, host of Contagious Podcast, and Co-Founder of Auto Genius.

Host

Michael Cirillo

Michael Cirillo started The Dealer Playbook podcast in 2014 after observing that many dealers were feeling stuck in the old way of doing things amidst rapid change and evolving consumer demands. As a response (and a creative outlet), Michael began to explore what it means to create a thriving career and life within the retail auto industry.

Whether he’s live on stage at international events or behind the microphone on the top-rated podcast The Dealer Playbook, Michael is at his best when he’s inspiring others. With a passion for creative thinking and a growth mindset, Michael draws from his experience as the CEO of FlexDealer, author, and acclaimed speaker to help businesses develop goal-oriented marketing strategies - and then sail right past them.

Host

Paul J Daly

Paul J Daly created the Automotive State of the Union in response to the chaos and fear of the COVID shutdown in early 2020 with the founding belief that “When Dealers Band Together, No Crisis Can Win.” He’s the Founder and CEO of Congruent, a full-service creative marketing agency that specializes in retail automotive. In 2019 he released “The Automotive Manifesto: How Brand Connection Can Save Retail Automotive” which received high praise from leaders inside and outside the industry. The startup Paul founded in 2003 was acquired by Dent Wizard International in 2018 enabling Paul to pivot his focus to serving and empowering other organizations to grow and thrive. His weekly Clarity Compressed Podcast has featured guests such as marketing master Gary Vaynerchuk, Carvana CEO Ernie Garcia, NYT bestseller and Storybrand CEO Donald Miller, and more.