Ep 27 How a Former Tesla & Uber Innovator is Bringing AI to Local Small Businesses

How AI Is Revolutionizing Main Street: Zeb Dawson on Sales, Marketing & Small Business GrowthWhat if your small business had an inside sales rep who never missed a call, booked jobs 24/7, followed up with every lead, and talked to customers exactly the way you would? In this episode of Locally Owned, I sit down with Zeb Dawson, founder of Happy Path Marketing, to explore how AI technology is transforming Main Street businesses.Zeb shares his journey from working at Tesla, Uber, and Motional to launching AI-powered tools that help local businesses grow, automate, and thrive. We discuss: ✅ How AI can answer calls, book appointments, and qualify leads ✅ Why follow-up automation is the key to more sales ✅ The danger of DIY thinking in small business marketing ✅ Building “trust bridges” with customers using technology ✅ Lessons from big tech that every small business owner can useIf you’re a local business owner looking to scale, systematize, and grow with AI, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways.00:00 – AI Sales Rep That Never Sleeps – Zeb’s vision for Main Street businesses using AI to handle calls, bookings, and follow-ups. 02:00 – Early Entrepreneurial Journey – From rock tumblers to PC repair: how Zeb’s curiosity shaped his career. 12:30 – Lessons from Tesla & Uber – What big tech taught him about scaling, leadership, and customer service. 28:30 – Building Trust Bridges – Why relationships + AI are the future of small business growth. 46:00 – Happy Path Marketing & AI CRM – How Zeb helps small business owners automate follow-ups and never miss a lead.