Full Throttle, a Presidio Podcast

Episode 74: David Hudson - CEO of Hudson Automotive Group

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0500

David Hudson's grandfather opened one Chevrolet store in Providence, Kentucky in 1948. Today Hudson Automotive Group runs just over 60 dealerships across the Southeast — and Hudson says the goal was never a rooftop number.

In Episode 74 of Presidio's Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with the third-generation dealer and CEO for a candid read on where automotive retail actually stands in 2026: what's working, what's tightening, and which technology is worth the money.

Inside this episode:

• Why 2026 has outperformed Hudson's own January budget — and what he got wrong
• The SAAR range he'd "sign up for" for the next twenty years
• The K-shaped economy: why customers are getting approved and still walking away at the payment
• "We like to be on the cutting edge of technology, but not the bleeding edge" — Hudson's filter for vetting the vendors calling every week
• The AI use case with the clearest ROI: how his CFO turned a 3,500-line monthly DMS invoice into found money
• Whether AI truly transforms dealership economics — or just makes us faster at what we already do
• Where friction still lives in the buying process, and why the online-to-showroom handoff is the real gap
• F&I on an iPad at the sales desk: more speed, more transparency, still compliant
• Opportunistic M&A in a flight-to-quality market — and how you "buy the multiple down"
• What Hudson is watching heading into 2027

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro — David Hudson, Hudson Automotive Group
2:40 From one Kentucky Chevy store to 60+ rooftops
4:23 Why tier-2 and tier-3 markets have been the right playbook
5:22 "I was never going to be in the car business"
6:37 The year so far — and the SAAR he'd sign up for
8:45 The K-shaped economy and the payment problem
11:03 Cutting edge, not bleeding edge
12:35 The AI that audited a 3,500-line DMS invoice
16:23 Friction, transparency, and F&I on an iPad
18:58 M&A, valuations, and what could surprise everyone in 2027

Full Throttle is the podcast of The Presidio Group, hosted by Jason Stein.

Subscribe for candid conversations with the dealers, operators and investors shaping automotive retail.

#FullThrottle #AutomotiveRetail #CarDealers #HudsonAutomotive #DealershipM&A #AutoIndustry #ThePresidioGroup

Episode 73: Matt Leone, CEO of DriveCentric

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Full Throttle, Jason sits down with Matt Leone, CEO of DriveCentric, at what he calls a true inflection point for retail automotive — turbulence at the micro and macro level, and the most exciting moment he's seen in nearly 30 years in technology.

Matt makes the case that the CRM shouldn't live only in the sales department. It should be the engagement platform for the entire dealership — sales, service, F&I, the cashier, the BDC — with one centralized customer card and one compliant, responsive voice across every touchpoint.

In this conversation:
- Why most dealership AI is overhyped — and the three flaws that got AI "canceled" in a lot of stores (bolt-ons, too many disconnected tools, and compliance gaps)
- DriveCentric's new Sales-to-Service Agent, powered by Genius AI, that spots trade potential in the service drive and turns repair orders into sales opportunities
- The rollout of autonomous agents across the platform in 2026 — after-hours lead response, proactive database outreach, and retention
- Why "optionality" is the key to building trust and loyalty with today's consumer
- How mobile, portals, and secure PII exchange are changing the way dealers connect
- Why consolidating your tech stack onto one platform can eliminate five or six tools — and actually save money
- What almost everyone still gets wrong about AI: it's not a widget

Matt Leone will be on stage October 14th in Denver at Presidio's 4th Annual Auto Technology Summit — where innovation meets capital. More info at https://thepresidiogroup.com

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:39 Why a CRM should be an engagement platform, not task management
5:16 The 3 flaws in the AI race — and why some tools got canceled
7:30 Inside the new Sales-to-Service Agent
9:43 Autonomous agents & knowing what to hand off
11:57 Hiring Michael Afronti from Salesforce — and why
14:07 The mobile & portal strategy
16:10 What the Service-to-Sales agent does to your pipeline
18:42 One budget line: the argument for DriveCentric
20:58 The one thing people get wrong about AI

🎙️ Full Throttle is a podcast from The Presidio Group.
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping automotive retail.

Chase Fraser: "This Is Seismic" — Inside FM Capital's $240M Bet on Auto Retail's AI Future

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Chase Fraser, Founding & Managing Partner of FM Capital, returns to Full Throttle for his most wide-ranging conversation yet. Fresh off closing Fund Four at ~$240M — oversubscribed by 20% and his largest to date — Chase pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to raise capital in today's market, why the barrier to entry for auto-tech startups has collapsed from $5M to $50K, and the "cleansing" he sees coming for an overcrowded vendor landscape.

He and Jason dig into where the real upside lives (hint: F&I and outbound AI calling), why humanoid robots may cut dealership labor faster than AI itself, and how FM Capital is building 36 of its own internal AI agents to triple the size of the firm without replacing a single person. Plus: the Impel double-down, the RockED bet, the Holman family partnership that unlocked Fund Four, and why Chase now invests in a founder's psychology above almost anything else.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Intro & closing Fund Four at $240M
5:14 Raising in a tough market & the coming vendor shakeout
8:49 What FM Capital looks for: betting on the mid-tier
12:03 Doubling down on Impel & the future of F&I
15:03 Outbound AI, humanoid robots & the dealership of the future
20:18 Building FM Capital's own AI agents & backing founders (RockED)
23:47 Valuations, M&A & what gets a founder to "yes"
27:03 What outsiders get wrong about AI + Presidio Summit (Oct 14, Denver)

🎟️ Join Chase and us at the Presidio Auto Technology Summit — Denver Art Museum, October 14.

Episode 71: Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:00:00 -0500

The easy money is gone. Double-digit front-end gross on new vehicles isn't coming back — so where does dealer profit come from now? In this six-month market checkup, Presidio Group Director of Research Kevin Tynan joins Jason on Full Throttle to break down the pivot every dealer needs to be making right now.

Fresh off four state-association talks in ten days, Kevin lays out the real story behind the headline numbers: why he doesn't want a juiced-up SAR, where average transaction prices are actually headed, why Carvana isn't the used-car threat everyone thinks it is, and the ~55% gross-margin business most dealers are leaving on the table. Plus a clear-eyed take on China's export surge, VW's plant closures, and what it all means for the U.S. market.

If you sell, service, or study cars for a living, this one's a roadmap.

In this episode:
00:00 — Intro
03:07 — Four states in ten days: Kevin's main message to dealers
03:47 — The pivot: peak front-end gross is over, now what?
07:04 — SAR: why "boring" is actually the healthy number
09:46 — Average transaction prices near $49K — and why volume, not pricing, is the drag
11:04 — The used market: 38M units, and why Carvana is a smaller player than you think
14:44 — Fixed ops: the oldest fleet in history and a $6B-per-point opportunity
18:45 — China: 55M units of capacity, the export surge, and the U.S. stance
24:23 — VW plant closures & the political fallout

Key takeaways:
- Grow the other business units or cut expenses — keep more of the gross pool
- Used vehicles are a feeder for F&I and service, not just front-end margin
- Recall/warranty work is quietly distracting dealers from the bigger customer-pay pool
- "Seven out of ten customers who bought from you aren't coming back to your service base"

Every percentage point of parts-and-service market share is worth $6 billion to the dealer base — Kevin explains why that's where the next decade of profit lives.

🔔 Subscribe for more Full Throttle market insights from The Presidio Group.

💬 What's your take on the pivot? Drop a comment below.
#AutoIndustry #CarDealers #AutomotiveNews #PresidioGroup #FullThrottle #KevinTynan #AutoRetail #FixedOps #UsedCars #DealershipProfit

Episode 70: Ujj Nath - Co-Founder & CEO of MyKaarma

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:00:00 -0500

What separates a dealership that customers love from one they avoid? According to Ujj Nath, co-founder and CEO of MyKaarma, it comes down to three things: every interaction must be convenient, transparent, and contextual.

In this episode, host Jason Stein sits down with one of the sharpest minds in automotive retail to unpack why dealers still miss nearly half their inbound calls, how AI is about to transform both the front desk and the back of the shop, and why the best service experiences in the world have nothing to do with cars at all. From a $500 dinner at the Strand House to Amazon's 20-second returns, Ujj reveals the customer-experience playbook every dealer should be stealing — and how fixed-ops departments can win service work back from the independents before 2030.

If you run a service drive, manage a dealership, or build the tech behind it, this one's a masterclass in thinking backwards from the customer.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 — Intro
00:48 — Where dealers and customers disconnect
06:13 — Killing friction with the single-number concept
09:31 — Fixed-ops economics: selling labor hours
11:06 — AI that captures the complaint, not just the appointment
14:10 — The technician knowledge graph (back-of-house AI)
17:15 — Seamless omnichannel: carrying context everywhere
19:19 — Why Amazon is the North Star
21:48 — 2030 & beyond: winning back the service bay

🎧 Full Throttle is Presidio's podcast on the cutting edge of automotive retail.

#Automotive #CarDealership #FixedOps #AI #CustomerExperience #MyKaarma #FullThrottle #AutoRetail #DealershipMarketing

Episode 69: Rick Hendrick - Owner, Hendrick MotorsportsChairman and CEO, Hendrick Automotive Group

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:00:00 -0500

He started with one Chevy franchise in a cornfield. Now he runs a $14 billion empire and NASCAR's greatest dynasty.

Rick Hendrick doesn't talk about culture — he builds it. Fifty years in the car business, 40 years in racing, 304 NASCAR Cup Series wins, and a people-first philosophy that has outlasted oil embargoes, 20% interest rates, a financial crisis, and a global pandemic. This is the story of how he did it.

In Episode 69 of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with Rick Hendrick for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to build something that lasts — recorded live at Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte, NC.

🎧 What's inside:
- The COVID decision to pay every employee rather than lay anyone off — and what his CFO told him
- Why employee satisfaction always comes before customer satisfaction
- The cornfield Chevy dealership in Bennettsville, SC that started it all
- How Hendrick Motorsports almost shut down after six races
- Jeff Gordon as Vice Chairman and what he brings to the organization
- The GM Cadillac Formula One engine facility being built on his campus
- Rolling out AI across 135+ stores — from an admitted "old car dog"
- Why the Hendrick family committed to staying private for the next 50 years

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of the automotive industry.

0:00 - Intro
2:54 - The COVID Decision: Paying Every Employee
4:19 - "We're in the People Business"
8:14 - State of the Industry & Rolling Out AI Across 135 Stores
11:20 - The Origin Story: A Cornfield, a Chevy Sign & Linda's Push
13:11 - How Close Hendrick Motorsports Came to Never Existing
17:15 - The Formula One Cadillac Engine Facility Being Built on Campus
19:12 - The Car Collection: 130+ Corvettes & a Lifelong Obsession
20:49 - The Next 50 Years: Why the Hendricks Are Staying Private

#FullThrottle #RickHendrick #HendrickMotorsports #HendrickAutomotiveGroup #NASCAR #ThePresidioGroup #JasonStein #CarDealership #Automotive #Formula1 #CompanyCulture #Leadership

Episode 68: Duncan Aldred - GM Senior VP and President of North America

Tue, 26 May 2026 19:00:00 -0500

What does it take to run the most powerful brand portfolio in American automotive history? Duncan Aldred knows.

As GM's Senior VP and President of North America, Duncan oversees Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC — and he sat down with Jason Stein to break down exactly where the industry is headed, and how GM plans to lead it.

From the real state of EV adoption (the numbers might surprise you) to Cadillac's historic Formula One debut, next-gen full-size truck launches, the jaw-dropping Corvette ZR1, and why GM's biggest superpower has nothing to do with horsepower — this is a rare, unfiltered conversation with one of the most experienced executives in the global auto industry.

Duncan's story is as compelling as the products he oversees — from an internship on the factory floor in Liverpool to running Vauxhall, overseeing 30 European markets, and now leading all of North America for General Motors.
In this episode:

- Why EV adoption has plateaued — and what actually comes next
- How GM is expanding combustion engine capacity while keeping EVs as the "north star"
- The real story behind Cadillac's F1 entry and what it means for the brand
- Super Cruise, OnStar, and the software-defined vehicle revolution
- The Corvette ZR1 — 1,150 hp and a legitimate hypercar killer
- Duncan's leadership philosophy forged across 30+ countries

0:00 – Welcome to Full Throttle
2:52 – GM's Most Diverse Product Portfolio Ever
5:29 – The EV Reality Check: What the Numbers Actually Say
10:00 – GM's Adaptability Superpower (And Why It's Winning)
13:02 – From Factory Floor Intern to President of North America
19:18 – A Leadership Philosophy Built Across 30+ Countries
25:37 – Inside the Brand Portfolio: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick & Cadillac
32:21 – Cadillac's Formula One Moment
29:56 – Super Cruise, OnStar & the Software-Defined Vehicle Future
38:52 – The Corvette ZR1: GM's Hypercar Killer

🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the leaders reshaping the auto industry.

#FullThrottle #GeneralMotors #DuncanAldred #Cadillac #Corvette #Formula1 #EVs #Chevrolet #GMC #Automotive

Episode 67: Adam Chamberlain - CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Adam Chamberlain came back to Mercedes-Benz at the worst possible moment — and that's exactly why he took the job.

After 3.5 years on the retail side at Lithia (the largest dealer group in the US), Adam returned to lead Mercedes-Benz North America on July 1, 2025 — walking into tariffs, Chinese EV pressure, a crowded luxury landscape, and a brand that had slipped to #3 in the US behind BMW and Lexus.

In Episode 67 of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with Adam for a remarkably candid conversation about the comeback plan: 30+ new vehicles by 2029, a path to 400,000 US sales, holding the line on pricing while competitors raise prices, and what he learned about OEM bosses from the other side of the desk.

If you sell cars, run a dealership, or care about where the luxury auto business is headed — this one is essential listening.

🎧 What's inside:
- The 12 listening-tour dinners that shaped his entire 9-month plan
- Why dealers told him Mercedes had "over-complicated" the business
- Lessons from Lithia CEO Brian DeBoer ($9B → $40B)
- The CLA BEV at $55,900 — and why the math finally works
- Tariffs, war rooms, and the case for export credits
- The Chinese EV threat and the level-playing-field problem
- The new S-Class, the electric AMG GT, and the Brad Pitt F1 halo

⏱️ CHAPTERS
0:00 — Intro - Back to Mercedes: The Listening Tour
3:51 — "We Over-Complicated the Business"
5:57 — The Lithia Years & Working for Brian DeBoer
11:31 — Why Return to the OEM Side?
13:09 — The Road to 400,000 US Sales by 2030
16:48 — Powertrain Flexibility: Letting Customers Decide
21:55 — Manufacturing, Tariffs & Holding the Line on Pricing
29:07 — The Chinese EV Threat
32:40 — The New S-Class & the Electric AMG GT
35:51 — F1, Brad Pitt & the Brand Halo

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of the automotive industry.

#FullThrottle #MercedesBenz #AdamChamberlain #JasonStein #AutoIndustry #LuxuryCars #ThePresidioGroup #CarDealers #EV #FormulaOne

Episode 66: George Karolis - President, The Presidio Group

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0500

The dealership business has changed — and it’s not going back.

In this episode of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with George Karolis to break down what’s really happening inside the automotive retail industry.

From post-COVID profit normalization to the rise of fixed operations, AI-driven efficiency, and the evolving M&A landscape — this conversation goes beyond headlines and into what dealers actually need to understand right now.

One of the biggest takeaways?

👉 The industry is shifting from a people-based business supported by technology… to a technology business supported by people.

📊 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why dealership profits are still well above 2019 levels
- The real drivers behind today’s “new normal” profitability
- Why parts & service now dominate profit growth
- How AI and automation are reshaping dealership operations
- The surprising truth about Carvana vs traditional dealers
- Why consolidation is happening slower than expected (and what 2060 has to do with it)
- What’s fueling the surge in dealership buy/sell activity
- Why earnings matter more than multiples in valuations

🚗 The Big Picture
Despite margin compression, the industry has found a sustainable new baseline — driven by smarter operations, stronger fixed ops, and rapidly advancing technology.

But with more buyers than deals, rising competition, and shifting consumer dynamics, the next phase of automotive retail will reward those who adapt fastest.

🎙️ About the Podcast

The Presidio Group’s Podcast Full Throttle features in-depth conversations with the leaders shaping the future of automotive retail.

Episode 65: Scott Gunnell, President of JM&A Group

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0500

The automotive industry is evolving fast—and dealerships are being forced to adapt.

In this episode of The Presidio Group’s Podcast “Full Throttle”, host Jason Stein sits down with Scott Gunnell, President of JM&A Group, to break down how AI, data, and shifting consumer behavior are reshaping the dealership model.

From rising cost pressures to the growing role of automation, Scott shares how dealers can stay competitive—and why leveraging data is no longer optional.

They also dive into JM&A’s latest innovation, Gyde, a new platform designed to transform the F&I process using real-time data, AI-driven insights, and personalized customer experiences.

🚗 What You’ll Learn:
- How AI is changing the dealership experience
- Why dealership margins are under pressure
- The role of data in improving F&I performance
- How personalization (personas) is shaping customer interactions
- What dealers should focus on to improve efficiency and profitability
- Why the auto industry continues to show resilience

⏱ Key Topics Covered:
- Introduction of Gyde (Guiding Your Dealership Experience)
- AI-powered decision making in F&I
- Cost reduction and operational efficiency
- Dealer strategies for navigating margin compression
- Industry outlook and growth projections

🎙 About the Guest:
Scott Gunnell is the President of JM&A Group, a leading provider of F&I products, training, and dealership performance solutions. With decades of experience, Scott is at the forefront of helping dealers adapt to a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

🔔 Subscribe for More:
Stay up to date with the latest insights from automotive leaders, dealers, and industry experts.

#AutomotiveIndustry #CarDealership #AI #FandI #JMAGroup #FullThrottlePodcast #JasonStein #DealerStrategy #AutoIndustry #digitaltransformation

0:00 – Scott Gunnell joins Full Throttle to discuss the future of dealerships, AI, and F&I
0:23 – Dealer optimism, skepticism, and rising curiosity around AI
2:00 – What is Gyde? A new approach to F&I using data, automation, and integration
3:45 – How personalization is changing the dealership experience
5:45 – Reducing the learning curve from 500–600 deals to real-time guidance
7:58 – The strategy behind owning the transaction and continuous iteration
10:20 – FlexCare Drive + investing in the future of automotive talent
14:45 – Where dealers should focus to improve efficiency and profitability
17:40 – Why the auto industry remains strong despite economic pressures

Episode 64: Joseph Agresta Jr., Chair of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Board

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0500

What really happened inside Mercedes-Benz during the last five years of industry upheaval?

In this episode of The Presidio Group’s Podcast Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Joseph Agresta Jr., fresh off a rare three-year term leading the Mercedes-Benz National Dealer Board.

Agresta shares a candid look at what dealers experienced during one of the most turbulent periods in automotive history — from COVID supply chain disruption and EV strategy shifts to margin negotiations, facility investments, and dealer-OEM alignment.

He also weighs in on where the industry is headed next, including electric vehicles vs. hybrids, direct-to-consumer sales models, and how Mercedes plans to regain market share.

In this conversation:
- Why Mercedes may have missed a major growth opportunity
- The reality of the EV transition and Tesla competition
- How dealer profitability has changed since COVID
- Why direct-to-consumer sales may not work for automakers
- The importance of dealer-OEM alignment in today’s market
- What’s next for Mercedes-Benz dealers and luxury auto retail

Agresta also reflects on his family’s 100-year legacy in the automotive business and why he remains bullish on the industry despite rapid change.

If you want an inside look at the relationship between automakers and dealers — and the future of luxury automotive retail — this conversation is a must-listen.

0:00 – Intro
1:41 – Did Mercedes miss a major growth opportunity?
3:09 – Dealer friction, restructuring, and rebuilding transparency
5:00 – Mercedes’ ambitious plan: 400,000 vehicles by 2030
6:49 – Why dealers trust new Mercedes leader Adam Chamberlain
8:23 – Dealer margins, profitability, and the next big negotiation
14:09 – Mercedes EV strategy vs. Tesla and the future of powertrains
18:08 – Why automakers and dealers must win together
21:03 – Direct-to-consumer car sales: myth or real threat?

Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of the automotive industry.

Episode 63: Bill Berman, CEO of Pinewood.AI

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0600

For 25 years, dealership technology has barely changed.

Layered apps. Fragmented systems. Limited productivity gains.

Now Bill Berman — CEO of Pinewood.AI — says that era is over.

In this episode of The Presidio Group’s Podcast “Full Throttle”, host Jason Stein sits down with Berman at NADA in Las Vegas to discuss:
• Why Pinewood isn’t “just another DMS”
• What an embedded AI operating system actually looks like
• The rise of the “digital worker” inside dealerships
• Why most AI in automotive is just another layer — not a solution
• How Pinewood scaled to 4,000+ rooftops globally
• And what it means to launch in North America with Lithia as a strategic partner

Berman shares his journey from leading major retail operations in the U.S. to running a publicly traded automotive tech company on the London Stock Exchange — including signing his CEO contract just weeks before the global shutdown of 2020.

This isn’t about chatbots.
It’s about replacing fragmented systems with a unified automotive intelligence platform built by car people, for car people.

If you’re a dealer principal, operator, or automotive tech executive — this conversation matters.

🎙 Hosted by Jason Stein
🏁 The Presidio Group’s Automotive Industry Podcast

Subscribe for conversations with the leaders shaping the future of retail automotive.

#Automotive #Dealerships #AI #DealerTech #Lithia #NADA #FullThrottle #AutoIndustry

Episode 62: Eddie Stivers, Owner and Dealer Principal of Stivers Automotive

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:00:00 -0600

On this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Eddie Stivers, Owner and Dealer Principal of Stivers Automotive and former Chairman of the Ford Dealer Council, for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, policy, profitability, and the future of the retail auto business.

Fresh off six years on the Ford Dealer Council — including overseeing Ford Pro and Model e during one of the most turbulent periods in automotive history — Eddie shares what it was really like negotiating directly with Ford Motor Company through COVID, electrification mandates, supply-chain chaos, and shifting government policy.

In this wide-ranging interview, Eddie breaks down:
- Why Ford’s dealer–OEM relationship is fundamentally different from other automakers
- What went wrong with forced EV adoption — and why hybrids made more sense
- How dealers are tightening operations and staying profitable despite margin pressure
- The real risks and realities of Chinese automakers and global supply chains
- Why optimism remains a survival trait in the retail car business

This is a candid, experience-driven perspective you don’t often hear — from someone who’s been in the room, made the hard calls, and lived with the consequences.

If you care about the future of auto retail, dealer profitability, OEM strategy, or how policy decisions ripple through the entire industry, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the automotive world.

Episode 61: Tom Castriota, Owner and Dealer of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc.

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Tom Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc., for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping the auto retail industry.

Castriota reflects on his year traveling the country — and the world — listening directly to dealers about their biggest concerns, from direct-to-consumer sales and franchise law threats to affordability, tariffs, workforce shortages, and consolidation. He explains why NADA’s role as “the voice of the dealer” has never been more critical, and what it really means to have a seat at the table with policymakers in Washington.

The conversation also dives into the shrinking middle-class buyer, $50,000 transactions, $800 monthly payments, and why the industry can’t reach 18 million annual sales without more affordable vehicles. Plus, Castriota shares personal reflections on leadership, legacy, and what’s next after passing the torch.

🎙️ Topics covered:
- Franchise laws vs. direct sales
- Dealer consolidation & rural dealer survival
- Vehicle affordability & buyer economics
- Tariffs, trade policy, and Washington influence
- Workforce challenges & future talent pipelines
- Leadership, legacy, and what comes next

📌 Subscribe for more insider conversations with the people shaping the future of the automotive industry.

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
3:26 – A year on the road: what dealers are really saying
5:58 – The threat of direct sales & the future of franchise laws
7:44 – “Don’t be afraid”: generational dealers and long-term stability
8:52 – The affordability crisis facing car buyers
11:48 – Tariffs, trade policy, and having a seat at the table
15:00 – Workforce challenges & preparing the next generation
18:46 – Life after leadership: vineyards, drums, and passing the torch

Episode 60: Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:00:00 -0600

In this return appearance on Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group, for a no-nonsense breakdown of what 2026 really looks like for the U.S. auto industry.

This is not a hype cycle conversation.

Kevin explains why the market is hitting a structural tipping point — where chasing volume starts to destroy pricing, margins, and long-term profitability. With inventories creeping higher, incentives looming, EV strategies under pressure, and fixed ops emerging as the real profit engine, this episode is essential listening for dealer principals, OEM executives, and industry operators planning for the next phase.

🔑 Key topics include:
- Why 15.5–16 million units is the profit ceiling — and why going higher hurts
- Inventory discipline vs. volume-at-all-costs thinking
- What 2019 taught dealers about oversupply — and why 2026 rhymes
- The return of used-vehicle supply and what it means for margins
- EV profitability realities and the growing “now what?” problem for OEMs
- Why six-figure EVs don’t work — and what might
- Fixed ops, F&I, and where AI and automation actually deliver ROI
- The biggest strategic mistake dealers must avoid heading into 2026

Kevin also delivers a clear warning: the era of easy gross is over. The winners in 2026 won’t be the dealers who chase volume — they’ll be the ones who tighten operations, control inventory, and find margin in efficiency.

If you’re responsible for profit, planning, or performance in the auto business, this episode is required viewing.

🎧 Subscribe to Full Throttle for unfiltered insights from the people shaping the automotive industry.

3:32 – Why 2026 Is a Tipping Point for the Auto Market
6:13 – The 16 Million Unit Ceiling: Where Pricing Breaks Down
8:40 – Lessons from 2019: Oversupply, Incentives, and Margin Erosion
10:28 – Overcapacity, Incentives, and the Inevitable Reckoning
12:28 – Used Cars Return: Off-Lease Supply and Margin Pressure
14:30 – EV Reality Check: Profitability, Write-Downs, and “Now What?”
19:06 – Fixed Ops, Technicians, and the Real Profit Bottleneck
22:07 – AI, Automation, and Where Dealers Actually See ROI in 2026
24:53 – The #1 Strategic Mistake Dealers Must Avoid in 2026

#FullThrottlePodcast #AutomotiveIndustry #AutoDealers #CarDealerships #EVs #FixedOps #FandI #AutoRetail #JasonStein #KevinTynan #PresidioGroup

Episode 59: Jay Vijayan - Founder and CEO of Tekion Corp.

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Jay Vijayan, Founder & CEO of Tekion, to unpack how AI, data, and platform thinking are reshaping the future of automotive retail.

Jay brings a rare perspective—having built enterprise systems at Tesla, invested in dozens of technology companies, and now leading one of the fastest-scaling automotive software platforms in the industry. From simplifying fragmented dealer systems to deploying AI with measurable ROI, Jay explains why technology only matters if it delivers real value.

The conversation dives into:

Why automotive retail has accumulated decades of complexity—and how to unwind it
How Tekion approaches AI differently, with ROI dashboards and real-world impact
The biggest challenge in scaling dealer technology: change management, not software
Lessons from onboarding thousands of rooftops and working with major dealer groups
Data ownership, security, and responsible AI in a post-CDK world
Why productivity—not headcount—is the real promise of AI in auto retail
Jay’s vision for the next 10 years of automotive software and dealer operations

Jay also draws a powerful parallel between today’s AI moment and Netflix’s transition from DVDs to streaming—explaining how dealers will gradually shift from traditional UI-driven systems to AI agents that work in natural language.

This is a must-watch conversation for:

Dealer principals and operators
Automotive technology founders and investors
Anyone thinking seriously about AI beyond the hype

📌 Full Throttle brings you unfiltered conversations with the leaders shaping the future of mobility, retail, and technology.

0:00 – Why automotive retail became so complex (and why simplification matters)
7:09 – Tech founder and investor: how Jay evaluates technology, teams, and ROI
9:18 – Scaling Tekion: thousands of rooftops, real growth, and onboarding challenges
10:04 – The hardest part of scaling dealer tech: change management, not software
14:53 – How Tekion uses AI internally—plus why ChatGPT is restricted inside the company
18:10 – Data ownership, security, and responsible AI in automotive retail
27:40 – Why AI can finally improve dealer productivity without increasing costs

Episode 58: George Karolis - President, The Presidio Group

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0600

In Episode 58 of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down in Atlanta with Presidio Group President George Karolis for a deep-dive into one of the hottest dealership M&A markets we’ve ever seen. With 16 transactions closed in the first 10 months of 2025, The Presidio Group has a front-row seat to the momentum, the deals, and the shifting strategies shaping automotive retail.

George breaks down why the second half of 2025 surged, which brands and geographies are most in demand, how sophisticated groups are reshaping their portfolios, and why “relational, not transactional” is the mindset defining industry leaders.

You’ll also hear insights on:
⚡ Rising dealership profitability and the new post-COVID baseline
⚡ Landmark deals involving AutoNation, Group 1, Lithia, and Sewell
⚡ The continued dominance of Toyota, Lexus, and top luxury brands
⚡ The importance of real-world dealer sentiment across 3,000+ rooftops
⚡ How valuation models are evolving with volatility in earnings
⚡ The outlook for 2026—and why the pipeline is already overflowing

Chapters:
00:12 – Market Momentum & Why 2025 Took Off
Election-driven slowdown, post-election surge, renewed dealer confidence, and Presidio’s 16 completed transactions.

02:40 – Landmark Deals & the Seller’s Market
Major transactions with AutoNation, Group 1, Lithia, and Sewell; Toyota/Lexus dominance; brand desirability across luxury, import, and domestic segments.

05:40 – Pipeline Strength, Portfolio Strategy & Human Capital
Why 2026 may double activity, relational vs. transactional approach, portfolio management discipline, and the growing importance of talent & resource allocation.

07:23 – Dealer Sentiment, Industry Risks & Staying Ahead
The significance of Presidio’s dealer survey, market expectations, AI/China disruption concerns, and providing strategic insights beyond buy-sell advisory.

10:10 – Profitability, Valuations & What Really Drives Returns
New post-COVID earnings baseline, fixed-ops strength, volatility across segments, why multiples mislead, revenue multipliers, and looking ahead to Auto Team America at NADA.

If you're a dealer, investor, OEM leader, or just passionate about where automotive retail is headed, this episode is packed with perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

👉 Learn more about The Presidio Group: thepresidiogroup.com
👉 Learn more about AutoTeam America: autoteamerica.com

Episode 57: Fan Jin, Director & General Manager of Amazon Autos

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0600

Amazon is changing the way cars are bought and sold. In this episode of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with Fan Jin, Global Director of Amazon Autos, to talk about how Amazon is building a dealer-centric marketplace that aims to make car buying more transparent, flexible, and convenient than ever before.

Fan explains why Amazon entered the automotive space, how the Hyundai pilot shaped the launch, what customers are asking for, and why dealers who lean in can unlock new customer acquisition, lower sales costs, and long-term service loyalty.

This conversation covers:
- Why Amazon believes car buying is ready for change
- How Amazon Autos works with, not against, dealerships
- The role of data and customer insights in the purchase journey
- Lessons learned from Hyundai dealers and OEM partners
- Where Amazon is heading next in automotive retail

If you work in automotive retail, marketing, tech, or OEM strategy, this episode gives a clear perspective on where the market is moving and why the next phase of digital retail will be built with the dealer in mind.

Listen. Learn. Shift gears.

0:00 – Intro
1:58 – Why Amazon Entered the Automotive Space & Building an Online Car-Buying Experience Customers Actually Want
9:02 – Lessons From the Hyundai Launch & Dealer Integration
12:46 – What OEMs Need: Data, Visibility & Customer Journey Insight
15:53 – The Business Model: Advertising Power + Marketplace Access
19:33 – How Amazon Uses Audience & Behavioral Data to Predict Demand & Slowing Down Checkout Speed
27:29 – The Future of Amazon Autos & Why Dealers Should Lean In
30:22 – Which Dealers Will Succeed With This Model (and Which Won’t)

Episode 56: Andrew Gilleland, Toyota Motor North America’s Senior VP of Automotive Operations

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:00:00 -0500

What happens when hard work, humility, and a love of cars collide?
Toyota Motor North America’s Senior VP of Automotive Operations, Andrew Gilleland, joins Jason Stein to share his remarkable rise from teaching skiing in Colorado to becoming one of Toyota’s top leaders.

In this episode of Full Throttle, Andrew reveals how a random encounter on a chairlift launched his career — and why the mindset of “be great every day” still guides him today. He explains what makes Toyota different: a 50-to-100-year outlook, authentic relationships with dealers, and a culture grounded in accountability, Kaizen, and long-term trust.

In this conversation:
• How a ski-lift conversation led to 30+ years at Toyota
• Imposter syndrome, early struggles & a relentless work ethic
• Toyota’s long-game philosophy: “We get paid on decades”
• The dealer network that refuses to be fooled
• Why you learn more from losing than winning

Andrew’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, culture, and the business of cars.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with automotive leaders, innovators & racing icons.

▶️ Full interview available now.

00:00 – Intro
2:45 – How a chance encounter on a Colorado mountain launched Andrew Gilleland’s 30-year career at Toyota.
6:55 – The mindset that fueled his rise through the ranks — effort and attitude over titles.
8:08 – Why Toyota doesn’t chase trends — and how its 50-year vision drives hybrids, EVs, and ICE together.
10:58 – Inside Toyota’s unique dealer culture, built on trust, authenticity, and over-communication.
18:13 – Tariffs, pricing, and the fight to keep new cars within reach for everyday buyers.

#FullThrottlePodcast #JasonStein #AndrewGilleland #Toyota #Leadership #AutomotiveIndustry #WorkEthic #BusinessStrategy #CarCulture #Motivation #BeGreatEveryDay #ToyotaDealers #LongTermThinking #Kaizen

Episode 55: Vince Sheehy, President of Sheehy Auto Stores

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:00:00 -0500

From a five-year Subaru project to cutting-edge AI in auto retail — Vince Sheehy is steering Sheehy Auto Stores into the future.

In this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Vince Sheehy, President of Sheehy Auto Stores, one of the largest privately held dealership groups in the Mid-Atlantic. Vince shares an insider’s look at what it takes to expand a 30-rooftop business while navigating affordability challenges, soaring vehicle prices, and rapidly evolving technology.

You’ll hear about:
🚗 The five-year journey to launch a state-of-the-art Subaru dealership in Springfield, Virginia
🔧 Why fixed operations (service & parts) are the biggest growth opportunity in automotive retail
🤖 How Sheehy is using artificial intelligence to streamline operations, improve communication, and strengthen customer experience
💡 Lessons from Amazon’s frictionless model — and where human interaction still matters most
📈 The future of used-car acquisition, M&A strategy, and staying competitive with disruptors like Carvana & CarMax
⚡ The challenges and opportunities ahead as inflation and affordability reshape the industry

0:00 – Intro
2:20 – A five-year journey to open a new Subaru dealership in Springfield, VA
3:53 – Fixed operations as the biggest growth opportunity in auto retail
6:01 – The state of the auto industry: affordability, inventory, and used car trends
8:31 – How Sheehy Auto Stores is leveraging AI to transform dealership operations
14:31 – Technology & training: balancing innovation with human touch
18:07 – Expansion strategy, M&A outlook, and preparing for industry headwinds

If you’re passionate about auto retail, dealership growth, or emerging technology, this episode delivers valuable insights straight from one of the industry’s most experienced leaders.

Episode 54: Ryan LaFontaine, CEO of LaFontaine Automotive Group

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0500

Ryan shares how he balances rapid expansion with family values, why 95% of his promotions come from within, and what it really takes to preserve a people-first culture while scaling across brands and markets. He also dives into:

🚗 Betting on brands like Mitsubishi & Infiniti for long-term growth⚡ The EV transition, tax incentives, and what consumers really want🤖 The role of AI & tech in service, sales, and customer experience🛠 How LaFontaine invests in technicians — with some earning $300K+ a year🏈 His passion for Detroit football and why he became a Lions superfan on ESPN

Whether you’re in the automotive industry, leading a fast-growing business, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at dealership leadership at scale, this conversation is packed with lessons on culture, technology, and the future of mobility.

🔔 Subscribe to Full Throttle with Jason Stein for more conversations with leaders driving the future of the auto industry.
#FullThrottle #RyanLaFontaine #AutomotiveIndustry #JasonStein #Leadership

⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
2:27 – How LaFontaine Automotive scaled to 43 dealerships while protecting culture and DNA.
5:01 – Why Ryan personally interviews most hires and how the “Family Deal” training works.
8:27 – Why he doubled down on Mitsubishi and Infiniti — and his long-term brand philosophy.
12:23 – Integrating technology, AI, and CRM tools to enhance the customer journey.
17:12 – How tariffs and the $7,500 EV tax credit are shaping sales strategies.
18:47 – Why LaFontaine techs can make $300K+ and the future of skilled trades.
21:08 – Ryan’s ESPN cameo and passion for the Lions.

🔗 Connect with The Presidio Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/
🌐 Learn more at: https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 53: Kasi Edwards, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Reynolds and Reynolds

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with Kasi Edwards, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Reynolds and Reynolds, to discuss the future of automotive retail. From the challenges of fragmented technology systems to the opportunities of AI, robotics, and data-driven growth, Kasi shares how Reynolds is working to make dealerships more efficient, profitable, and future-ready.

They explore why a unified data layer is critical for AI success, how dealers can truly benefit from technology when guided by the right support, and where the next big opportunities lie for innovation and acquisitions. Kasi also reflects on the daily realities dealers face, the optimism that defines the retail environment, and what it means to have legends like Roger Penske recognize Reynolds’ contributions.

If you’re interested in the intersection of technology, retail, and the automotive industry’s transformation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

3:09 – Spark AI and the power of a unified data layer
7:51 – Becoming stewards of technology, not just sellers
9:46 – Reynolds’ growth through acquisitions and new markets
12:14 – Robotics in the dealership: parts delivery robots in action
13:35 – A redefining age in automotive retail
18:06 – Roger Penske calls out Reynolds & Kasi Edwards by name

Episode 52: David Hult, Asbury Automotive Group's President and CEO

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0500

Asbury Automotive Group President & CEO David Hult joins Jason Stein on Full Throttle, presented by The Presidio Group, to discuss one of the year’s biggest automotive retail stories — the $1.4 billion acquisition of Herb Chambers Companies.

In this candid conversation, David shares what it took to close the deal after four years of discussions, how it fits into Asbury’s luxury growth strategy, and his long-term vision for the company. He also weighs in on the future of ICE vs. EV sales, the shifting economic environment, and where he sees the M&A market heading next.

Whether you’re in the automotive industry or just fascinated by high-stakes business moves, this episode offers a rare insider’s look into one of the most strategic acquisitions in dealership history.

⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 – How a 30-year friendship led to a $1.4B acquisition
2:56 – Integrating Herb Chambers’ culture while protecting its legacy
4:31 – Expanding Asbury’s luxury portfolio with Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes, and more
7:14 – Navigating today’s market: tariffs, EV tax credits, and shifting consumer demand
12:43 – EV investments, ICE resurgence, and the next 7–10 years of auto retail
14:25 – The future of dealership M&A and why private ownership still dominates

🔗 Connect with The Presidio Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

🌐 Learn more at: https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 51: Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group, for a revealing look under the hood of the automotive industry's most pressing shifts.

Kevin breaks down the latest dealership performance benchmarks and uncovers the real drivers of profit in today’s post-inventory-reset landscape. From shrinking margins in new vehicle sales to the rising importance of fixed ops and used cars, this is an unfiltered dive into the data behind the headlines.

He also tackles the elephant in the showroom: affordability. Why it’s not coming back—especially from domestic OEMs—and why dealers need to rethink brand portfolio strategy if they’re still waiting for entry-level vehicles to return.

And in a striking warning few are discussing, Kevin explores the tech drain—how the massive R&D push into EVs may be leaving the average vehicle behind, and what that means for innovation moving forward.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome

02:43 – Fixed Ops & Used Cars Lead the Way

05:53 – The Revenue Pool Paradox

07:48 – Truck Dominance & Pricing Limits

8:53 – The End of Entry-Level Cars

14:02 – Why Dealers Must Rethink Their Brands

16:01 – The EV Tech Drain

🎧 Don’t miss this data-packed, no-nonsense conversation about the future of the auto industry.

🔗 Connect with The Presidio Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

🌐 Learn more at: https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 50: Matt Bowers, President, Founder & Chairman of Matt Bowers Auto Group

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0500

🎉 Full Throttle Episode 50 | Inside the Auto Industry with Matt Bowers of Matt Bowers Auto Group

In this milestone 50th episode of Full Throttle, we sit down with Matt Bowers—President, Founder & Chairman of Matt Bowers Auto Group—for an unfiltered conversation on today’s auto retail landscape.

We dive into:

📈 Matt’s take on the 2025 market so far
🧠 His viral “Market Observations” on LinkedIn
🚗 Why buy-sell activity is slowing down
🤝 A behind-the-scenes look at a Texas dealership deal
⚠️ How inexperienced entrants during COVID are impacting the industry
This episode is packed with sharp insights and real-world examples from one of the most dynamic voices in automotive retail.

🔗 Follow The Presidio Group:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 Website

📌 Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:52 - Business trends in early 2025
6:19 - “Market Observations” breakdown
10:15 - Buy-sell slowdown explained
14:31 - Texas dealership deal story
18:27 - New players entering post-COVID

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 for more expert insights from the auto industry.

Episode 49: Jeff Brown, President of Hendrick Automotive Group

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0500

In this powerful episode of Full Throttle, Presidio Managing Director and host Jason Stein sits down with Jeff Brown, President of Hendrick Automotive Group, to explore the personal journey, strategic vision, and people-first leadership that now drive the nation’s largest privately held automotive retail organization.

After a successful tenure as CEO of Ally Financial, Jeff took “the call he’d always said he’d answer” from Rick Hendrick himself. Now leading a $13.6 billion automotive powerhouse with over 11,000 teammates and 132 franchises, Jeff shares insights on:
- Why the move to Hendrick was more than just a career change
- The cultural alignment and servant leadership model that defines the Hendrick organization
- Growth strategies, acquisitions, and the future of auto retail
- How AI, data, and digital tools are shaping customer experience
- Navigating affordability, credit trends, and inventory in today’s market
- Why culture is a living, breathing force that must be nurtured daily

📍 Chapters
0:00 – Intro: The Call That Changed Everything
Jason Stein introduces Jeff Brown’s career path and his transition to Hendrick Automotive Group.
2:20 – Becoming a Dealer: Jeff Brown’s Cultural Fit at Hendrick
Jeff shares how his philosophy aligned with Rick Hendrick’s and why the transition felt natural.
4:55 – Leadership & Legacy: Why Hendrick Was the Right Move
The story behind the phone call from Mr. Hendrick and the long-term vision that drew Jeff in.
7:50 – AI, Data & The Future of Auto Retail
How Hendrick Automotive is leveraging technology and artificial intelligence across its stores.
12:20 – Economic Insights: Inventory, Interest Rates & Affordability
Jeff discusses credit trends, consumer behavior, and Hendrick’s inventory strategy in today’s market.
17:15 – Culture at Hendrick: People First, Always
A deep dive into the servant leadership model and daily practices that power Hendrick’s culture.

From racetracks to boardrooms, Jeff’s story is one of humility, hustle, and high-performance leadership. Whether you're in the automotive space or simply passionate about great leadership, this episode delivers valuable takeaways from one of the industry's most respected voices.

Learn more at: https://www.thepresidiogroup.com
🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with industry leaders in auto retail and innovation.
📺 Full library available on our channel.

#HendrickAutomotive #JeffBrown #AutoRetail #FullThrottlePodcast #JasonStein #AutomotiveLeadership #CarIndustry #RickHendrick #AIinAuto #DealerLeadership #PresidioGroup #CultureDrivenLeadership #AutoDealerGrowth #DigitalRetailing #MotorsportsLeadership

Episode 48: Matt Nuffort, Director at Amazon Autos

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0500

For our 48th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Matt Nuffort, Director at Amazon Autos. Topics of discussion include why Amazon is getting into the automotive retail space, partnering with dealers and the benefits coming from that, their plans for expanding and enhancing operations for the future, and much more!

0:00 Intro

2:55 - What drew Amazon to the automotive retail space

5:01 - Gaining customers’ trust understanding the complexities of buying/selling cars & customer preferences

9:39 - Opening a new channel for dealers to sell cars to a broader range of customers / Not direct to consumer

11:51 - Benefits dealers are seeing from partnering with Amazon

13:48 - How Amazon Autos may expand and enhance for customers and dealers in the future

16:47 - What success may look like for them a year from now

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 47: Jimmy Douglas, Founder & CEO of Plug

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:00 -0500

For our 47th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Jimmy Douglas, Founder & CEO of Plug. Topics of discussion include what Plug is and what they do for the used EV market, his background at Tesla and working with Elon Musk, why dealers should be working with his company, and much more!

0:00 Intro

2:46 - How uncertainty & volatility in EV market is affecting Plug

4:45 - Plug’s business plan

9:23 - Statistics of who’s buying used EVs

11:36 - Background with Tesla & his takeaways from working there

21:06 - Why work with Plug?

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 46: Roger Penske, Chairman of Penske Corporation

Tue, 20 May 2025 22:00:00 -0500

In Episode 46 of Full Throttle, we sit down with Roger Penske, Chairman of Penske Corporation.
In this conversation, Roger shares stories about the influence of his father, Jay Penske, how he acquired his first dealership, the current landscape of auto retail, and—of course—his legendary involvement in racing.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes!

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
4:46 – Jay Penske’s Influence
10:36 – Buying His First Dealership
17:23 – "Mr. Opportunity"
23:53 – The Current State of Auto Retailing
30:38 – Racing and Legacy

🔗 Connect with The Presidio Group:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/
Website: https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 45: Michael Dunne, CEO of ZoZo Go & President of Dunne & Company Ltd.

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0500

For our 45th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Michael Dunne, President of Dunne & Company Ltd. & CEO of ZoZo Go. Topics of discussion include why and how China is dominating the global auto market, when Chinese cars might be finally sold in the US and Canada, popular Chinese car brands being sold across the world, and much more!

0:00 Intro

4:08 - Popularity and acceptance of Chinese auto all over the world, except US and Canada

6:52 - China not only dominating global EV market, but global auto market as a whole

7:54 - Will China sell cars to US & Canada?

13:05 - China’s way in is affordability and surprisingly high quality cars

14:46 - How good BYD cars are and why they’re so successful

16:57 - China’s long term vision, “state capitalism”, and how China got to where they’re at now

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 44: Mike Stanton, NADA President & CEO

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0500

For our 44th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Mike Stanton, NADA President and CEO. Topics of discussion include NADA’s letter to VW about reconsidering Scout’s distribution plan, proving the value of dealers in a third party study, where the NADA stands on tariffs and mandates, and much more!

0:00 Intro
2:27 - NADA’s letter to VW & why Scout wants to do direct-to-consumer distribution
7:37 - Proving the value of dealers through a third party study
12:54 - Importance of customer focus & other potential dealer disruptors
15:29 - Where NADA stands with tariffs and mandates

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 43: Senator Bernie Moreno

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0500

In the 43rd episode of Full Throttle, we’re joined by U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno for an in-depth discussion on President Trump's recent tariff announcements made on April 2nd. Don’t miss this timely conversation on trade policy and its potential impact on the U.S. economy.

0:00 Intro
2:26 The News of the Week
6:21 Senator Moreno’s Recently Drafted Bill
9:09 The Effect on Dealers
11:03 A “Tariff Pandemic”

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 42: Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0500

For our 42nd episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group. Topics of discussion include discussion of what he calls “The Tariff Pandemic”, implications and what to expect from the current tariff situation, how this could be another reset for the automotive industry, and much more!

0:00 Intro

2:28 - The “Tariff Pandemic”

5:29 - The challenges facing affordability

9:04 - What’s going to happen at the dealer level?

12:50 - Another great reset for the automotive industry

15:50 - Taking advantage of the current situation as a dealer and what to realistically expect

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 41: Eric Flow, COO at Flow Automotive Companies

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 22:00:00 -0500

For our 41st episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Eric Flow, COO at Flow Automotive Companies. Topics of discussion include what 2025 is looking like for them, strategies for making things easier for the customer, perspectives and the current state of EVs, and much more!

0:00 Intro

3:08 - What 2025 is looking like & finishing strong in 2024

7:52 - How the market has changed from pre-COVID times to now & getting back to basics

15:54 - Evolution of strategies for meeting customers halfway

22:10 - Current state & perspectives on EVs

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 40: Jay Vijayan, Founder and CEO of Tekion

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

For our 40th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Jay Vijayan, Founder and CEO of Tekion. Topics of discussion include the current state of DMS, Tekion's plans for deploying capital that they have acquired, Tekion's legal battles with CDK, and much more!

0:00 Intro
4:53 The state of DMS today
8:36 The road to fulfilling Tekion’s vision
12:40 Product implementation
18:21 The legal battle with CDK

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 39: Paul Walser, CEO of Walser Automotive Group

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0600

For our 39th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Paul Walser. Topics of discussion include how dealers and OEMs are navigating regulatory uncertainty, Paul's attitude toward growth, the current state of affordability, and much more!

0:00 Intro
2:45 Interview begins
7:46 OEMs navigating uncertainty
11:40 If you're not growing you're dying
14:44 Affordability
17:53 EVs

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 38: Rich Sands, CEO of Stella Automotive AI

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0600

For our 38th episode, we are joined by Rich Sands, CEO of Stella Automotive AI. Topics of discussion include how customers feel about interacting with AI, where Stella AI is going, some of the large partnerships that Stella AI is now involved in, and much more.

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 37: Corina Diehl, CEO of Diehl Automotive Group

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 21:00:00 -0600

For our 37th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Corina Diehl, CEO of Diehl automotive group. Topics of discussion include Corina's exciting start to the new year, a look back on 2024, and much more!

0:00 Intro
5:25 Corina’s Year in 2024
11:55 What do Brands Need to do?
16:13 What Happened with Stellantis in 2024
21:15 Reflecting on Corina’s 20 Years in the Industry

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 36: Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:00:00 -0600

For our 36th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group. Topics of discussion include what we can look forward to in 2025 as well as what to look out for, Amazon entering into the auto industry, and much more. Tune in now and don't forget to like the video and subscribe!

0:00 Intro
3:32 Concerns for 2025
8:20 A Scary Statistic
11:39 The Future of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2025
17:10 Amazon in the Auto Industry

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 35: Don Hicks, President and CEO of Shortline Auto Group

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:00:00 -0600

For our 35th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Don Hicks, President and CEO of Shortline Auto Group. Topics of discussion include the future of EVs and biofuels, the threats to the franchise dealership model, China's position in the automobile market, and much more. Tune in now and don't forget to subscribe!

Intro: 0:00
5:34 Propulsion alternatives for everyone
9:21 The election results and EV regulation
19:03 Barbarians at the gate
22:45 The affordability issue
25:45 How China is changing the automotive landscape

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 34: Kendall Rawls, Director of Development, The Rawls Group

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:00:00 -0600

Presidio Multimedia and Events Director Jason Stein interviews Kendall Rawls of the Rawls Group to discuss succession from a more approachable perspective. How to tackle the tough topics with a bit more grace? Kendall shares the Rawls story.

0:00 Intro
2:53 The Genesis of Dr. Merlot
6:30 Dr. Merlot at NADA
9:20 Making Succession more Palatable
15:03 The Most Common Succession Mistake
19:54 seekingsuccession.com

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 33: Automotive Researcher Glenn Mercer

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Presidio Multimedia and Events Director Jason Stein interviews retail industry expert Glenn Mercer, to discuss industry disruption, the direct-to-consumer model and the future of the retail industry.

0:00 Intro
2:14 A History of Disruptors
14:55 Glenn’s Predictions from 7 Years Ago
16:43 Existential Threats to the Traditional Dealership Model
21:55 Can China Change the Industry in America?
24:47 A Demand Based System
27:17 The Upcoming NADA Show

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 32: Mack McLarty, Chairman of McLarty Associates

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0500

For our 32nd episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Mack McLarty, Chairman of McLarty Associates. Topics of discussion include climate change, the upcoming election, the state of the automotive retail world, and much more. Tune in and don't forget to subscribe to Full Throttle!

0:00 Intro
4:40 Climate Change
8:04 Is the United States a Leader or a Lagger?
10:02 The Upcoming Election’s Impact on EVs
18:10 The State of the Auto Retail World
22:32 Mack’s Lessons from Prominent People
30:08 Mack’s Top 3 Projects

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 31: Presidio’s Managing Director, Keith Style

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Tune in now to Full Throttle: The meeting point for automotive retail and technology.

Presidio Multimedia and Events Director Jason Stein interviews Presidio’s Managing Director, Keith Style, to discuss the upcoming Presidio Auto Technology Summit. We talk speakers, themes and trends ahead of the Oct. 23 event in Denver.

Tune in every month for insights from the insiders.

Full Throttle, a Presidio Group podcast, is where you'll find meaningful conversations with thought leaders who make news.

https://thepresidiogroup.com/podcast/

Episode 30: Larry Zinn, Executive General Manager at Warren Henry Auto Group

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Tune in now for Episode 30: Jason Stein interviews Warren Henry Auto Group’s Executive General Manager and third-generation leader, Larry Zinn, about the challenges of the current retail market, as well as Warren Henry’s desire to innovate and invest in technology.

0:00 Intro
5:31 Interest Rates and Dealership Operations
10:02 Dealing with the CDK Outage
14:40 Warren Henry’s Current Approach to M&A
17:30 What Larry is Anticipating for the End of the Year

Tune in every month for insights from the insiders.
Full Throttle, a Presidio Group podcast, is where you'll find meaningful conversations with thought leaders who make news.

Episode 29: Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Tune in now for Episode 29: Jason Stein interviews Kevin Tynan, Presidio’s Director of Research, to talk about the challenges facing automakers and dealers. From inventory to truck dependance to EVs and transaction pricing – there is much to discuss on the roadway to a final quarter of 2024.

0:00 Intro
3:53 The 4 Buckets of Pain
9:18 Truck Mix Shift
14:14 Overflowing EV Inventory
16:50 Affordability

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 28: Chris Walsh, President of Reynolds and Reynolds

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Tune in now for Episode 28: Jason Stein interviews Chris Walsh, President of Reynolds & Reynolds, to discuss the latest in cybersecurity and the aftermath of the recent industry-rattling moment.

We also talk AI, productivity and dealers unlocking the ability to do more with less. Chris Walsh has been with Reynolds for more than 35 years, holding various leadership roles in business development, operations, quality control, sales, marketing, and support.

0:00 Intro
4:14 Big Picture Lessons from the Cyber Attack
8:50 Opportunities in the aftermath
13:38 Low-hanging fruit areas for AI
17:53 Looking forward to the Reynolds and Reynolds Dealer Summit

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 27: Sandy Schwartz, CEO of Cox Family Office

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Tune in now for Season 2, episode 7: Jason Stein interviews Sandy Schwartz, CEO, Cox Family Office, to talk about an illustrious 40-year career at Cox, as well as his view on lessons learned -- and lessons that could be applied for all entrepreneurs and innovators.

0:00 Intro
5:00 How Sandy ended up with Cox
7:45 Sandy invented Automotive Tech
14:35 Sandy's advice to entrepreneurs
18:50 What Sandy learned during his career at Cox
21:53 Challenges and opportunities for the industry

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 26: Rob Cochran, President & CEO, #1 Cochran

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Full Throttle Season 2, episode 6, where Jason Stein interviews Rob Cochran, President & CEO of #1 Cochran. Topics of discussion include inventory, interest rates, how to avoid cyber attacks in the future, and much more!

0:00 Intro
2:28 The CDK Situation
5:16 Rethinking Contingency
10:28 Interest Rates and the Auto Industry
14:00 Disruptive Risks for Dealers
19:24 China

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 25: Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500

For our 25th Episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive. Topics of discussion include the recent CDK shutdown and its impact on dealers, consumer demand for automobiles, the Fed and rate cuts, EVs, and much more.

0:00 Intro
2:38 The CDK Shutdown
5:15 Dealer Resiliency
7:10 Consumer Demand has been Sluggish
12:10 Pent Up Demand
13:12 Rate Cuts
17:05 The Impact of EVs on Pricing
21:46 China’s Impact on the US Auto Industry

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 24: Champ Rawls, Partner & Succession Advisor at The Rawls Group

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

For our 24th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Champ Rawls, Partner & Succession Advisor at The Rawls Group. Topics of discussion include the state of the auto industry, handling family dynamics in business, key metrics for succession, and much more.

0:00 Intro
2:40 Champ's Macro View on the Automotive Industry
8:04 What People Underestimate about Succession
10:32 Handling Family Dynamics
13:25 Key Metrics and Considerations
16:52 Future Investments that Dealers Should Consider

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 23: Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -0500

For our 23rd episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Topics of discussion include Dimitris's experience in the American market, how the market is changing, the company's desirability rankings in Presidio's recent quarterly report, and much more!

0:00 Intro
5:17 How the American Market is Changing
11:39 The Digital Transformation
14:16 Desirability
16:59 Mercedes-Benz' Dealer Partners

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 22: Tony Rimas, Vice President of Global Revenue at XPEL

Fri, 17 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500

For our second episode in our second season of Full Throttle, we are joined by Tony Rimas, Vice President of Global Revenue at XPEL. Topics of discussion include Tony's history with Chase Fraser and FM Capital, aftermarket opportunities, XPEL's impact on dealerships, the growth of the company and a future that is global.

0:00 Intro
3:09 Tony's History with FM Capital
5:25 What Does XPEL Do?
9:03 How XPEL works with Dealers
11:40 The State of the Industry from a Private Equity Perspective

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 21: Pearl Percy, Chief Corporate Development Officer at JM Family Enterprises

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

For our 21st episode of Full Throttle we are joined by Pearl Percy, Chief Corporate Development Officer at JM Family Enterprises. Topics of discussions include her history working for several major brands outside of the auto industry, what brought her to the auto industry, and some of the technologies that her and her team are working to implement at JM Family Enterprises. Subscribe and don't miss our upcoming automotive industry interviews!

0:00 Intro
2:35 Pearl's History
6:12 The Core Mission at JM Family
9:00 JM Family and New Technology
13:04 Is the Auto Industry Lagging?

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Full Throttle Pop-Up Podcast with George Karolis: Presidio's Q4 2023 Quarterly Report

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Welcome to a special edition of Full Throttle and our first "Pop-Up" episode. The Presidio Group recently released their 4th Quarter 2023 Quarterly Report, and who better than to break it down than Presidio's own President, George Karolis. He is our guest today on the first Pop-Up episode of Full Throttle.

0:00 Intro
1:55 The Great Normalization Continues
3:45 Presidio's Partnership with NCM
7:42 The Dealer Direction Survey
10:29 Brand Desirability Rankings
11:36 M&A

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 20: Chase Fraser, Managing Partner at Fraser McCombs Capital

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0500

For our 20th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Chase Fraser, Managing Partner at Fraser McCombs Capital. Topics of discussion include Chase's history with Red McCombs, pattern recognition, Fraser McCombs' fourth fundraise, and more. Subscribe and don't miss our upcoming automotive industry interviews!

0:00 Intro
3:05 Chase's History with Red McCombs
7:19 The Previous 3 Funds
11:55 Pattern Recognition
15:04 Why Dealer Technology

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 19: RunBuggy CEO, Kevin Malik

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0600

For our 19th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Kevin Malik, CEO of RunBuggy. Topics of discussion include how the idea for RunBuggy came about, whether or not RunBuggy is a revolutionary idea, where RunBuggy will go from here, and much more. Subscribe and don't miss our upcoming automotive industry interviews!

0:00 Intro
3:00 Kevin's Background and Experience
6:30 The Problem that RunBuggy Has Fixed
10:31 The Largest Challenge in Kevin's Role
16:12 How is RunBuggy Embracing AI
19:33 What's Next for RunBuggy

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 18: WarrCloud Founder and CEO, Jim Roche

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0600

For our 18th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by WarrCloud Founder and CEO, Jim Roche. Topics of discussion include how Jim came up with the idea for WarrCloud, the process of creating the company, and much more. Subscribe and don't miss our upcoming automotive industry interviews!

0:00 Intro
4:56 What WarrCloud Does
10:23 The Unexpected Aspects of the WarrCloud Journey
14:29 How Can Dealer's Ensure that Vehicles are Safe
18:08 WarrCloud's Quarterback

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 17: Jeremy Beaver, CEO of the Del Grande Dealer Group

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

For our 17th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Jeremy Beaver, CEO of the Del Grande Dealer Group (DGDG) in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Topics of discussion include EV demand in the Bay Area, changes in the market over the past year, and much more. Subscribe and don't miss our future automotive industry interviews!

0:00 Intro
3:03 An Assessment of 2023 in the Auto Industry
5:00 Electric Vehicle Demand in the Bay Area
8:00 Demand for Gasoline Vehicles
11:52 The Decrease in Dealership Profits in 2023
16:33 Lessons and Opportunities Post-Covid

Episode 16: Liza Borches, President and CEO of Carter Myers Automotive

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600

For our 16th episode of Full Throttle we are joined by Liza Borches, President and CEO of Carter Myers Automotive.

Topics of discussion include the exponential growth of Carter Myers automotive, Liza's view on electrification, our need for more voices for the dealer on the national level, and much more. Tune in and don't forget to subscribe!

Episode 15: Rita Case, President and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Tune in now for Episode 15: Jason Stein interviews Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group to talk about the current state of the automotive retail market, marketing and more.

0:00 Intro
5:00 Rick Case's Goal to be #1 in Everything
7:40 The State of the Automotive Industry
12:30 Rita's Views on Electrification
20:20 Buyer or Seller?

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 14: Spiffy CEO Scot Wingo

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0500

For our 14th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Spiffy CEO Scot Wingo. Topics of discussion range from the rise of digital services, the importance of convenience, and how Scot transitioned from e-commerce to the consumer convenience space in automotive.

0:00 Intro
3:30 Scot's Background
9:54 From a Carwash to a Different Type of Idea
14:24 Meeting the Customer Where they Are
18:55 Spiffy's Growth
21:10 Creating New Ideas of Ownership

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 13: Mark McLarty, Founder and CEO of McLarty Automotive Group

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0500

For our 13th episode of Full Throttle we are joined by Mark McLarty, Founder and CEO of McLarty Automotive group. Topics of discussion include Mark's time working in China and Brazil, the differences in culture and the automotive industry in those places, and much more!

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 12: Stephen Dietrich, Partner at Holland & Knight LLP

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0500

For our 12th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by Stephen Dietrich, partner at Holland & Knight LLP. Topics of discussion include Stephen's thoughts on the state of the industry, how technology changes are affecting dealerships, what's going on in the buy / sell market, and much more. Tune in, like the video, and subscribe so you don't miss our upcoming automotive industry podcast episodes!

Episode 11: John Bergstrom, Founder and Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0500

For our 11th episode of Full Throttle, we are joined by John Bergstrom, Founder and Chairman of Bergstrom Automotive. Topics of discussion include the state of the automotive industry, how COVID impacted the focus at Bergstrom Automotive, and much more. Tune in and don't forget to subscribe for our upcoming automotive industry podcasts!

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 10: President and CEO of Asbury Automotive Group, David Hult

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 18:00:00 -0500

For Episode 10 of Full Throttle, we are joined by Asbury Automotive Group's President and CEO, David Hult. Topics of discussion include the state of the automotive industry, Asbury's Carvana experiment, Asbury's priority list for the second half of 2023, and much more. Tune in and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on our upcoming episodes featuring a variety of top automotive industry experts!

Check out The Presidio Group on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-presidio-group-llc/

And The Presidio Group's Website - https://thepresidiogroup.com

Episode 9: President and CEO of NCM Associates, Paul Faletti

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0500

For Episode 9 of Full Throttle, Jason interviews Paul Faletti, President and CEO of NCM Associates, who talks about the trends and direction of the industry as we head into the second half of 2023. Paul gives his overview based on the discussions and learnings within NCM’s dealer, training and OEM groups.

Episode 8: All about AI with Stella AI Founder Josselyn Boudett

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Presidio media advisor and SiriusXM host Jason Stein interviews Josselyn Boudett, founder and chairman of Stella AI, about the future of artificial intelligence in the retail space. What are the opportunities and advantages to AI and where is this world headed? There are many questions; today Josselyn offers her own view of today and a fascinating tomorrow.

Episode 7: Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week, host Jason Stein talks with Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley about digitization and AI, improving the vehicle transaction process, and much more. Tune in and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our next interview on this platform.

Episode 6: JM&A President Scott Gunnell on the Future of Finance, Insurance and Tech

Mon, 15 May 2023 17:00:00 -0500

In this sixth episode of Presidio’s Podcast, Full Throttle, Presidio host Jason Stein interviews JM&A President Scott Gunnell about the future of finance and insurance as well as the changing role of the consumer in the auto retail marketplace.

Episode 5: Group 1 CEO Daryl Kenningham

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this fifth episode of Presidio’s Podcast, Full Throttle, Presidio host Jason Stein interviews Daryl Kenningham, CEO of Group 1 Automotive, who discusses EV infrastructure investments, the growing role of AI and other tech in dealerships, and finding the next acquisition targets for one of the largest publicly traded auto groups.

Episode 4: Damian Mills: Traversing new market forces

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this fourth episode of Presidio’s Podcast, Full Throttle, Damian Mills, CEO of Mills Automotive Group, talks with host Jason Stein about the current state of the retail industry, the effect of rising interest rates and the future of buy-sell activity for the Mills Group and the market in general.

Episode 3: Bill Cariss: Navigating the Road to a Tech Future

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600

In this third episode of Presidio’s Podcast, Full Throttle, Bill Cariss President and CEO of Holman Strategic Ventures, talks with host Jason Stein about the role technology will play in the future of retail and how Holman is cracking the code on where the next revolution will, or could, occur.

Episode 2: Don Flow: Charting the Future of Retail

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0600

In this second episode of Presidio’s Podcast Full Throttle, automotive retail innovator Don Flow talks with host Jason Stein about his view of the future of automotive retail – from inventory management to facilities to the future of OEM relations and the velocity of the buy-sell market sector.

Episode 1: Mike Maroone: Entrepreneur, Investor, Retailer

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0600

In this inaugural episode of Presidio’s Podcast Full Throttle, automotive retail legend Mike Maroone sits down with host Jason Stein to talk about the state of the industry, ponders issues around affordability and talks about the buy-sell market heading into 2023.