The 100 Marketers Project

In this episode of the 100 Marketers Project, Andrew Street and Matthew Davis sit down with Kate Howell, the Marketing Director for Mullinax Automotive, a group spanning 12 rooftops and 13 stores. Kate discusses her journey of transitioning from a building products agency into automotive and the unique challenge of building an in-house ad agency from the ground up.The conversation dives into the importance of brand identity—specifically Mullinax’s "shiny, happy, simple, easy, fun" philosophy—and how to maintain a distinct look in a market full of cookie-cutter advertising. Kate also shares her perspective on the "power in numbers" when building relationships with OEMs like Ford and her forward-looking goals for 2026, including a major focus on data hygiene and CRM integration.From Building Products to Ford Trucks: Kate’s transition into the auto industry.The Stealth Scale-Up: How Mullinax secretly built an internal agency and replaced their outside providers in just months."Shiny Happy People": Defining and defending a strict brand style guide in a sea of generic ads.The First One-Price Store: Leveraging "no dealer fees" and transparent pricing as a powerful marketing hook.Winning at Reputation: How Mullinax reached the top 10 in the country for review velocity and response.Power in Numbers: Partnering with other dealers to influence OEM technology and dashboards.The 2026 Roadmap: Why data hygiene and DMS cleansing are the next big frontiers for dealership profitability.Ringing the Bell: Why the marketing director’s primary job is to get them to the door and drop them off.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

In this episode of the 100 Marketers Project, we’re joined by Ashley Cavazos and Shaun Kniffin of NCM Associates to unpack what’s really happening inside dealerships today — and what leaders need to pay attention to next.Both Ashley and Shaun bring a unique perspective to the conversation, having previously served as marketing directors inside dealerships, giving them firsthand experience with the day-to-day realities of dealer operations, internal challenges, and performance pressures. Now at NCM, they work closely with dealers across the country, offering a rare blend of practical, in-store experience and high-level operational insight.This episode is a must-listen for dealer principals, GMs, and marketing leaders who want clarity in a noisy market — and practical insight into how the best-performing stores are adapting.Key Topics:What NCM is seeing across dealerships nationwide right nowThe biggest operational challenges holding dealers backWhy performance problems are rarely just a marketing issueThe growing importance of alignment between marketing, sales, and fixed opsHow economic pressure is forcing smarter, more disciplined decision-makingWhere dealers are overspending — and where they should refocusWhy accountability and process matter more than new tacticsThe role of leadership in driving sustainable dealership performanceHow data should be used to guide decisions (not just report results)Common mistakes dealers make when reacting to short-term market shiftsWhat top-performing dealers are doing differently todayAdvice for dealers navigating uncertainty in 2025 and beyondThis episode is a must-listen for dealer principals, GMs, and marketing leaders who want clarity in a noisy market — and practical insight into how the best-performing stores are adapting.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

In this episode of The 100 Marketers Project, we sit down with Adeline Fusco, Marketing Director for Keeler, an eight-dealership automotive group spanning Connecticut and New York.Adeline shares what it’s really like managing marketing across luxury brands like BMW and Genesis, and why people-first, human content has become one of her most powerful growth drivers. From building trust through employee-focused organic social, to running motorsports events, email campaigns with 30%+ open rates, and navigating brand awareness challenges for emerging luxury brands, this conversation is packed with real-world insights.We also dive into:Why organic social is outperforming follower growth metricsHow Keeler uses content to combat declining website traffic and zero-click searchThe role of email marketing in owning your customer baseBalancing brand building vs. lead generationThoughts on AI, authenticity, and why genuine voice still winsWhat Adeline is testing next as the group expands into new marketsIf you’re a marketing leader in automotive (or any industry) looking to create trust, stand out in crowded markets, and make marketing actually work for the business — this episode is for you.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙 Episode 16 — Tyler Stout, Director of Vibes and Chaos Creation at Bob Smith BMW In this episode of the 100 Marketers Project, we sit down with Tyler Stout — the self-proclaimed “Director of Vibes and Chaos Creation” at Bob Smith BMW.Tyler’s career path spans selling cars, Shift Digital, Stream Companies, OEM partnerships, and now leading revenue-driving strategy across sales, service, marketing, and ops at a high-performing BMW & MINI store in Calabasas.In this episode, Tyler breaks down:How dealership marketers should actually think about revenue, not vanity metricsWhy first-party data + CDP is transforming how smart dealers build audiencesHow luxury customers expect a white-glove, human-first experience (and where AI fits in)The biggest differences between agency life vs. dealership lifeThe used-car challenges hitting luxury stores in 2024/2025How he’s using AI tools, predictive analytics, and creative experimentation to drive resultsThe real opportunity dealerships are missing: authentic content and social strategyTyler brings honesty, humor, and a rare 360° perspective — agency, vendor, OEM, and dealership — making this one of the most actionable episodes for marketers and operators looking to grow smarter.🎧 Tune in to hear why “vibes and chaos” might be exactly what your dealership needs.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙 Episode 15 — Nathanael Greklek, Corporate Brand Director at Mohawk Auto GroupIn this episode of 100 Marketers, we sit down with Nathanael Greklek, Corporate Brand Director at Mohawk Auto Group—one of the most creative, progressive, and community-driven dealership groups in the industry.Nathanael shares how he went from delivery specialist to building a full in-house content team responsible for some of the most viral dealership videos on TikTok and beyond. From their “Office-style” series that exploded online, to building a brand that customers trust long before they step foot in the showroom, Nathanael reveals exactly how Mohawk Auto Group has woven social media, storytelling, and community impact into the core of their business.Whether you’re a dealer, marketer, or content creator, this episode dives deep into the real playbook behind dealership branding in 2024—how to create content people actually want to watch, how to scale internal creators, how to turn philanthropic work into a brand amplifier, and how to build a culture where employees genuinely want to participate.If you're looking for actionable insights on social content, dealership brand building, team structure, and the future of automotive marketing, you’re in the right place.📌 Key Subjects Covered in This EpisodeNathanael’s Path to Corporate Brand DirectorHow Mohawk Auto Group Went ViralDoes Social Media Drive Store Traffic?How Social Media Has Changed for DealersBuilding & Scaling an In-House Content TeamCommunity Partnerships & Philanthropy as MarketingThe Four Tiers of Dealership BrandingWhat Dealers Should Do First If They Want to Start ContentHiring the Right Internal CreatorCreativity, Inspiration & Staying FreshBuilding a Culture People Want to Work InLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙 Episode 14 — Kate Downing, COO of Williams Auto GroupIn this episode of 100 Marketers, we sit down with Kate Downing, COO of Williams Auto Group, for a candid look at how modern dealerships are evolving from the inside out.Kate shares her journey from agency-side marketer to dealership COO, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she blends advertising, operations, and customer experience to drive real results across multiple rooftops.We dive into: • How nimble, family-owned groups can outmaneuver large publics • Why in-house marketing still gives dealers a massive edge • What she learned from NCM 20 Groups and Car Dealership Guy’s new COO circle • The real reason third-party platforms perform differently in each market • Her take on AI in auto — what’s hype, what’s actually working • How Williams Auto Group is preparing for their Techion transition • Why process + people + product still win in every department • And the metrics she believes will matter most over the next few yearsIf you’re a dealer leader, marketer, or operator looking for real, practical insights (not theory), this episode delivers.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

In this episode, we sit down with Sivia Sasa, Internet Sales & Marketing Director at Mac Haik Ford Lincoln, for one of the most refreshingly honest conversations in automotive marketing. Sivia breaks down what 30 years in sales — including 18 in auto — have taught him about strategy, culture, vendor relationships, and why most dealers still chase the wrong metrics.Topics we cover in this episode:How Sivia climbed from Internet Manager to Director — and how the role has evolvedWhy holistic marketing beats chasing KPIs or “silver bullet” tacticsThe real ROI behind email to past customers (and why tracking doesn’t show the whole picture)Why buying leads is a desperation play — and what to do insteadThe hidden power of consistent social advertising, even when it’s not on your dealership’s pageHow Mac Haik creates an authentic culture employees love — and why that matters for marketingUsing customer data, loyalty, and cadence-based marketing to drive predictable salesHow to get more value from your vendors (and not get sold fluff)Why video doesn't need big budgets — just real people and a phoneThe truth about Google ads vs. social ads for today’s dealersHow the parts department contributes to dealership stability and brandingWhy “doing everything a little” and “a few things really well” is Sivia's marketing philosophySivia also gives candid takes on branding vs. lead gen, why dealers overlook their best audiences, and how to market effectively even in a tough economy.If you want a no-BS blueprint for running smarter marketing without wasting money — directly from someone who’s lived the role for nearly two decades — this episode is a must-listen.

🎙 Episode 12 — Brandon Price, Digital Marketing Director at Cavender Auto FamilyIn this episode of 100 Marketers, we sit down with Brandon Price, Digital Marketing Director for the Cavender Auto Family, to unpack how he scaled marketing across twelve brands and seventeen rooftops. Brandon shares his journey from selling cars and working the service drive to leading a fourteen-person in-house marketing team that functions like a full-service agency.Listeners will learn how Cavender Auto approaches dealership acquisitions, integrates new stores into the family, balances branding and lead generation, and innovates vehicle acquisition directly from service drives. Brandon also dives into using AI in marketing and sales, creating engaging social media content, recruiting top talent, and maintaining compliance while driving results.This episode is packed with actionable insights for automotive marketers, dealership leaders, and anyone looking to grow their business through smarter marketing and operational strategies.Key Topics CoveredBrandon’s Career Journey – From dealership sales and service to leading a multi-store marketing team.Scaling Marketing Teams – Building an in-house team of 14 across media buying, creative, social, and digital strategy.Acquisition Playbooks – How Cavender Auto integrates new dealerships efficiently while respecting local markets and OEM requirements.Balancing Branding vs. Lead Generation – Strategies for established markets vs. newly acquired stores.Vehicle Acquisition from Service Drives – Processes, forms, incentives, and proactive outreach to acquire inventory.AI in Marketing and Sales – Using AI tools for CRM follow-ups, website chat, equity mining, and service campaigns.Social Media Strategy – Leveraging organic content and human experiences to drive engagement, recruitment, and community connection.Recruiting Top Talent – How authentic marketing content attracts employees and strengthens workplace culture.Adapting to Market Nuances – Customizing campaigns for different OEMs, communities, and customer behaviors.Looking Ahead – Plans for testing AI, experimenting with software platforms, and refining marketing fundamentals in 2026.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙 Episode 11 — Michael “Mouch” Moushon, Marketing & Technology Director at Jenkins Auto GroupIn this episode of 100 Marketers, we talk with Michael Moushon, known in the industry as “Mouch,” about balancing data, technology, and people inside a fast-growing automotive group. As the Marketing & Technology Director for Jenkins Auto Group, Michael shares how he manages marketing across multiple rooftops, integrates new stores, and builds smarter systems for collaboration, data, and customer experience.He opens up about the realities of being a “one-man band,” how to navigate vendor relationships, and why empowering people at the store level is key to long-term growth.If you’re looking for an authentic look at what it takes to modernize dealership marketing while staying human-first, this conversation is a must-listen.⏱ Key Topics From Store-Level Hustle to Group Leadership: Michael’s path to leading marketing and tech for a 20+ rooftop group The Reality of Wearing 8 Hats: How to stay organized and effective as a one-man marketing department Balancing Brand and Performance Marketing: Building awareness while still driving short-term resultsDealer Growth & Integration Challenges: How Jenkins Auto Group scaled from 16 to 23 franchisesData, CDPs, and AI Adoption: Why clean data is the foundation for automation and personalization Vendor Relationships Done Right: Translating between store goals and vendor execution Empowering Store-Level Teams: The power of collaboration and involving GSMs and internet managers in strategy In-House Innovation: How dealers are building internal tech and marketing teams Culture & Communication: Why accessibility, humility, and helping others still win in this industryLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Episode 10 – Scott Skougard, Marketing Director at Roseville KiaPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode of The 100 Marketers Project, we sit down with Scott Skougard, Marketing Director at Roseville Kia, who’s redefining what it means to run a dealership marketing operation.Scott shares how his store went from 23rd to 1st in their district in just 60 days, and the mindset, training, and unconventional marketing strategies that fueled the turnaround. From hand-coding his own website to prioritizing authentic, person-to-person communication over automation, Scott shows what happens when creativity and curiosity drive dealership success.He also dives into:Building a dealership culture centered around growth and continuous improvementTurning “reject” salespeople into top performersHow hands-on SEO and unique website experiences can dramatically increase leadsBalancing brand-building with immediate sales goalsThe real role of AI in dealership marketing (and why it’s not ready for prime time)The power of human connection—from local newsletters to multilingual marketing and community eventsThis is a must-listen for anyone looking to break away from cookie-cutter OEM marketing and build something truly original.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Episode 9 – Matt Like, E-Commerce Director and Marietta Parente, Regional Marketing Director at Morgan Auto GroupPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode of The 100 Marketers Project, we sit down with Matt and Marietta of Morgan Auto Group, one of the largest and fastest-growing dealer groups in the U.S. They share how they’ve scaled marketing and e-commerce across more than 70 rooftops while keeping operations efficient and customer-focused.From navigating acquisitions and rebrands to refining lead management and leveraging AI, Matt and Marietta open up about the real challenges—and wins—behind managing growth at scale.Learn how their teams balance brand building with lead generation, why website speed and form completion rates matter more than ever, and how dealer groups can evolve smarter with each acquisition.🎧 Tune in for a masterclass in dealer marketing, e-commerce strategy, and operational excellence.Topics DiscussedScaling marketing and e-commerce across 70+ dealershipsBest practices for seamless dealership acquisitions and rebrandsWebsite optimization: form completion rates, CTA strategy, and site speedCommunicating effectively with existing customers post-acquisitionBalancing brand building and lead generation spendUsing CDPs (Customer Data Platforms) for smarter targetingTurning CRM and AI tools into sales productivity enginesImportance of manager involvement in lead follow-up and KPIs that matterReducing vendor and script overload for better site performanceBuilding consistency and collaboration between marketing and e-commerce teamsLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Episode 8 – Steve Schmith, Director of Marketing & Strategy at Travers Automotive & RV GroupPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode, Andrew sits down with Steve Schmith, Director of Marketing & Strategy for Travers Automotive & RV Group in St. Louis. With more than 25 years in automotive marketing and data strategy—but only months on the dealer side—Steve shares a unique perspective on what it takes to balance brand, data, and day-to-day dealership demands.Steve talks about:Moving from the vendor/consulting side to the dealer side and how that shift changes decision-makingBuilding a clean data foundation before unleashing AI and marketing automationManaging a martech stack of 10+ partners and creating cross-partner “town halls” to unify effortsThe importance of walking in the customer’s shoes when evaluating ads and user experienceBalancing brand building vs. lead generation when you’re a marketing team of oneUsing reviews and reputation management to drive search visibility and customer trustCreative marketing channels like Saturday Night Drive, their long-running local TV inventory showExperimenting with AI for segmentation and content while protecting customer dataSteve’s blend of big-data insight, hands-on dealership experience, and purpose-driven leadership offers actionable ideas for marketers navigating today’s automotive landscape.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Episode 7 – Brandon Redwine, Digital Marketing & BDC Director at Yokem ToyotaPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode of The 100 Marketers Project, Andrew Street (Dealer OMG) and Matthew Davis (TradePending) sit down with Brandon Redwine, who oversees both digital marketing and BDC at Yokem Toyota in Shreveport, Louisiana.Brandon shares how his team is consistently moving 120–130 units a month despite thin new car inventory, and why running both marketing and BDC gives him a unique edge in turning campaigns into sales. He dives into:How Yokem Toyota leverages a CDP (Fullpath) to unlock new opportunities.Why he believes traditional “lead forms” aren’t as critical as they used to be.His approach to balancing brand-building with immediate sales results.Campaign strategies for driving trades and equity mining with TradePending.The role of AI tools in reporting, creative, and dealership operations.It’s a candid look at how one dealer marketer is blending data, technology, and people to keep business thriving—even when inventory is scarce.Like what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Episode 6 – Joe Brown, Chief Marketing Officer at Frank Leta Automotive GroupPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode of the 100 Marketers Project, Andrew and Matt sit down with Joe Brown, CMO at Frank Leta Automotive Group. Joe shares his journey in automotive marketing, how his team tests new strategies, and why balancing data with gut instincts has driven real success. From evolving websites to experimenting with ad platforms, Joe walks through what’s worked, what hasn’t, and where dealerships should focus next.If you’re a dealership leader or marketer looking to sharpen your edge in automotive advertising, you’ll love Joe’s candid insights and proven strategies.Timestamps:00:02:00 – Joe’s start in automotive marketing and early lessons learned00:08:30 – The role of testing in scaling dealership growth00:16:45 – Data vs. instinct: knowing when to pivot00:25:10 – Biggest challenges dealerships face in today’s market00:32:00 – Joe’s advice to the next generation of automotive marketersLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with 97 more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Episode 5 – Gary Ladue, Marketing Director at Modern Automotive NetworkPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode of The 100 Marketers Project, we sit down with Gary Ladue, Marketing Director at Modern Automotive Network. Gary shares how his team approaches automotive marketing across multiple rooftops, balancing brand consistency with local dealership needs.From his philosophy on vendor partnerships to his take on digital retailing, Gary opens up about the strategies that help Modern Automotive scale while keeping people and relationships at the center. If you’re looking for a candid take on what works in dealership marketing today, this episode delivers.⏱️ Timestamps:⏱ Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Introduction to Gary Ladue and Modern Automotive Network[00:04:00] The evolving role of a marketing director in automotive retail[00:08:00] Balancing group-wide strategy with local dealership execution[00:12:00] Building better vendor relationships and holding partners accountable[00:16:00] Digital retailing: customer expectations vs. dealership realities[00:21:00] The importance of training and communication across stores[00:25:00] Marketing beyond leads — brand trust, community, and retention[00:29:00] Gary’s advice for future automotive marketersLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with 97 more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Brian Ortega, Creative Director at Valley Hi Toyota & KiaPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode of 100 Marketers, we sit down with Brian Ortega, Creative Director for Valley Hi Toyota and Kia, who has built a reputation for blending sharp marketing strategy with laugh-out-loud creativity. Brian shares how he approaches dealership branding, the role of community-driven campaigns, and why thinking outside the box matters more than ever in today’s auto retail landscape.From experimenting with AI tools and evolving creative workflows, to tailoring campaigns for each franchise store, Brian breaks down how dealerships can stand out in a crowded market—and why originality will always beat cookie-cutter content.If you want a behind-the-scenes look at where dealership marketing is headed—and a good laugh—this conversation delivers.👉 See below for some of the hilarious videos Brian has created that put Valley Hi Toyota & Kia on the map.Beware of GasquashCamp Valley HiValley Hi Zombies⏱️ Timestamps:0:01:42 — Exploring SGE & Generative AI0:02:48 — Why Creative is the Thumb-Stopper in Ads0:03:45 — From GoPro Experiments to Storytelling0:04:41 — Balancing Brand Emotion vs. Direct Results0:05:39 — Keeping Content Fresh: Humor & Relatability0:06:40 — Creating Energy in the Dealership Experience0:07:32 — Behind-the-Scenes: Making Video Content Easy0:08:28 — Building Campaign Hubs with Commercial Content0:09:27 — Social Media Metrics vs. Real Business Outcomes0:19:39 — Driving Traffic with Tent Sales & Targeted Pushes0:20:48 — Don’t Hate the Game: Adapting to Market Shifts0:22:02 — Experimenting with AI Image & Video Generation0:23:17 — Overcoming the “I Can’t Do Video” Mindset0:24:40 — What’s Coming Next in Dealer Marketing Trends0:25:52 — From Raw Media to Finished Campaigns0:27:07 — Creative Evolution: Staying Ahead of the Curve0:28:34 — Why Cookie-Cutter Vendor Content Falls Flat0:29:55 — Making Content That No Other Dealer Has0:31:10 — Tailoring Creative to Each Franchise StoreLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with 98 more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Dustin Schuler, Director of Marketing at Bud Clary Auto GroupPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Schuler, who climbed the ranks from dealership intern to Director of Marketing for Bud Clary Auto Group—now overseeing marketing across 14 franchise dealerships, government fleet centers, and retail stores. Dustin shares his journey, the strategies driving their success in used car acquisition, and how his team balances grassroots community branding with the ever-present demand for leads.We dive into his approach to leveraging AI tools like Microsoft Power Automate, ChatGPT, and Google’s VO3 to streamline workflows, personalize campaigns, and cut production costs. Dustin also offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a marketing tech stack, managing a hybrid team, and keeping every profit center aligned.If you want real-world insights on dealership growth, creative marketing, and staying ahead in a tech-driven auto market, this conversation delivers.⏱️ Timestamps:00:04 – Show intro & mission00:09 – Hosts introduce the podcast & automotive marketing focus00:15 – Host introductions00:17 – Why this podcast exists00:22 – Sharing insights for retail auto marketers00:30 – Dustin’s career journey: intern → Marketing Director00:34 – Managing multiple dealerships & staff00:39 – Fleet, retail, and group responsibilities00:45 – Using AI and leading a hybrid team00:51 – Organizing profit centers & processes01:16 – Guest introduction: Dustin Schuler01:20 – Overview of Bud Clary Auto Group (14 franchises)01:24 – Breakdown of fleet, retail, and service operations02:29 – Leveraging video content & past resources05:10 – Strategies in used car acquisition07:40 – Grassroots community branding vs lead generation10:05 – Building a marketing tech stack13:15 – Microsoft Power Automate for workflow automation15:45 – Using ChatGPT in dealership marketing18:20 – Google’s VO3 for personalization & cost savings21:05 – Managing and motivating a hybrid marketing team23:30 – Keeping profit centers aligned across the group26:55 – AI’s evolution in automotive marketing27:47 – Challenges and skepticism around AI adoption28:20 – Connecting with peers in marketing & AI29:30 – Closing thoughts & takeawaysLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with 97 more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙️ Episode 2 – Alex Gauthier, Director of Marketing at Heuberger SubaruPodcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (DealerOMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending)Guest: Alex Gauthier, Director of Marketing at Heuberger SubaruIn Episode 2 of The 100 Marketers Project, Andrew Street and Matthew Davis talk with Alex Gauthier, the Director of Marketing at Heuberger Subaru—one of the highest volume Subaru dealerships in the U.S. Alex shares what it’s like being one of the only marketers going through the NADA Academy, how he’s reigniting old-school channels like email and text with smart targeting and AI, and why owning first-party data is now mission-critical for dealers. From creative branding insights to the tools that actually make a difference, this is a must-listen for retail auto marketers who want to level up.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why we're interviewing 100 automotive marketers 01:45 – Meet Alex: His role and why Heuberger Subaru stays independent 04:10 – What it’s like being a marketer at NADA Academy 07:30 – Data vs. intuition: Knowing when to trust your gut 09:55 – Brand vs. demand: How Heuberger balances both 14:20 – Subaru’s national branding and community expectations 17:10 – The month-end chaos: How marketing handles pressure 19:45 – Tools in the marketing tech stack 21:30 – Connecting advertising to real sales with first-party data 25:40 – Why targeting is the real key to great ads 28:00 – How AI is saving Alex hours—and helping him rebuild a VW van 35:20 – The power of AI in summarizing insights and scaling personalization 39:10 – What’s working: SMS and email that beat salespeople's response rates 44:00 – Lessons from high-performing email marketing 47:15 – Knowing your customer isn’t you: Avoiding marketer bias 50:10 – Owning vs. renting your data in automotive 55:00 – The future: Activating small, high-intent audiences at scale 58:00 – Closing thoughts: Be the dealer doing something differentLike what you hear?Subscribe and follow along as we talk with 98 more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail. Think you got what it takes to be a guest? Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out into the world!

🎙 Episode 1 – Tyler Rauch, Marketing Director at Superior Automotive Group Podcast: The 100 Marketers ProjectHosts: Andrew Street (Dealer OMG), Matthew Davis (TradePending) Guest: Tyler Rauch, Marketing Director at Superior Automotive GroupIn the premiere episode of The 100 Marketers Project, we sit down with Tyler Rauch—Marketing Director at Superior Automotive Group—to explore how he’s scaled strategy across 16 rooftops, built out an in-house creative team, and cut through vendor buzzwords to focus on what actually moves the needle.From OEM politics to barbecue sponsorships, Tyler brings a refreshingly honest look at what it really takes to run marketing for a fast-growing group—and why he believes automotive marketing should be treated more like a speedboat than a cruise ship.⏱ Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Meet the Hosts & Mission of the Show 01:00 – Tyler’s Role at Superior + Rapid Growth Across Markets 02:30 – Corporate OEM Background: Ford, Chrysler, and Consulting 05:45 – Budget Blind Spots & Auditing Ad Spend the Right Way 07:30 – The Problem with Buzzwords (Especially SEO) 10:00 – The Myth of “Turnkey” Marketing Programs 13:00 – Building a Marketing Team from the Ground Up 15:45 – Managing Social Media Across 16 Rooftops 18:10 – Balancing Brand vs. Performance Marketing 21:00 – Can OEMs Ever Support Grassroots Marketing? 23:30 – Favorite OEMs to Work With Right Now 25:00 – Tech Stack Talk: How Many Tools Are Too Many? 28:00 – Cutting Through the Noise: 13 Vendors Down to 5 30:00 – Most Rewarding Part of the Job: Freedom to Innovate 32:30 – Building Brand Pride in the Local Community 34:00 – Where to Follow Tyler & Superior Automotive Group🔗 Like what you hear? Subscribe and follow along as we talk with 99 more brilliant marketing minds shaping the future of automotive retail.Think you got what it takes to be a guest?Contact Ashley: [email protected] and lets get your opinion out to the world!