How to speak freely about topics no one wants to talk about

Shoot us a Text.It’s officially Christmas Week and we’re ramping up the holiday spirit as we talk about some of the the ways that big ideas have made their way to the top of the charts. This includes a major acquisition, a feature on our friends at Automotive Ventures, and top rated chef serving dealership customers as the VIPs. Show Notes with links:After announcing the landmark deal back in September, Asbury Automotive Group has completed its acquisition of Jim Koons Automotive Companies, the 9th largest privately held group in the country including 20 dealerships, 29 franchises, six collision centers and a high volume Toyota dealerships for $1.2BAsbury president and CEO David Hult said in a news release. “Jim Koons’ passion for the car business, as well as his enthusiastic leadership of his group, is evident at every level of the Koons organization.”Jim Koons bought the group from his brother John about 50 years ago. John Koons got a job as a car salesman in 1939As that same entrepreneurial spirit carries forward, more and more Dealers are being brought together to invest their own money in the future of the industry through start-up tech innovation.Automotive Ventures and FM Capital are attracting millions of dollars of Dealer investment into mobility tech across various industriesBoth firms have a history of successful investments, with FM Capital managing $300 million across funds and Automotive Ventures focusing on seed-stage and dealership technology investments.The firms see opportunity in the current market, where startup valuations have normalized following a period of inflated worth."This could be one of the most profitable periods for [venture capital]," says Chase Fraser of FM Capital, highlighting the potential in current valuations.Sarasota Ford is now offering both Michelin tires and a Michelin-starred dining experience as they recently launched Le Mans Kitchen, exclusively for its customers. The initiative by Matt Buchanan of Buchanan Automotive Group aims to enhance dealership loyalty. The dealership already includes a movie theater and relaxation area.The 38 seat restaurant replaced the dealership’s cafe following a 9 month renovation projectExecutive chef Jose Martinez owns Maison Blanche previously had an award-winning restaurant in Paris, and owns a highly rated restaurant on Longboat KeyIn a statement, Martinez said "I told him this was a crazy idea, but that I am up for the challenge."From the AN article: "We have created a space that will completely immerse people," said Mirza Velic, the dealership's chief experience officer. "When you walk inside Le Mans Kitchen, it's like being transported out of a car dealership and into another place and time in the French countryside."Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet 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

Luttsy joins the podcast from the World Expo in Dubai as the organisers of the Paris Olympic Games reveal they will be copying his idea and have the athletes travel down the city's river on a flotilla of boats at the Opening Ceremony. Plus the establishment of a new Olympic committee brings a new excitement to #committeeechat. Follow @towardthegames on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As public relations manager at $2 billion asset Texas Trust Credit Union in Arlington, Texas, Toni Nichols loves highlighting the work the credit union does on behalf of members through storytelling, social media, and creative campaigns that ingrain Texas Trust into people’s consciousness.Case in point: a credit union space within a 6,000-seat theater that looks like a record shop, complete with credit union-themed t-shirts, album covers, posters, and a jukebox. She shares how Vought Records came about, her approach to public relations, how she comes up with new ideas, advice for aspiring PR leaders, and more.

Celebrate with me 100 episodes of Essentially You! In this episode, I'll share with you an open letter to my team and give you insights into how we are working hard to maintain momentum and see what is right in each other and the company we love to serve. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you with 100 big weekly ideas.