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Shane Wilson, the brain behind Connected Dealer Services (CDS), joins the crew to talk about how billions of data points, a deep background in consumer electronics, and a passion for keeping cyclists safe from autonomous vehicles are reshaping dealership service retention strategies.

The conversation kicks off with Shane’s winding path through the automotive tech world—from remote starts to launching a connected solution for dealerships that’s more than just GPS tracking. At the heart of CDS is a bold vision: empower dealers to own retention by equipping them with real-time vehicle health data, mileage tracking, and the ability to campaign directly to customers—all through a dealer-branded app. Shane also dives into the ethical terrain of data privacy, the opportunity for dealers to capitalize on wearables like tires and batteries, and why he thinks fixed ops is finally stepping into the spotlight.

Takeaways

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

2:28 Shane Wilson joins the show and shares his background in auto tech

6:35 Why Connected Dealer Services was born to solve dealership inventory and retention issues

8:17 The breakthrough idea: shifting ownership of retention from customers to dealerships

12:39 Shane addresses privacy concerns and how CDS handles sensitive data

14:14 Hidden service revenue: how tires and batteries open new lanes for profitability

21:56 The next five years: EVs, AI, and 2 billion monthly data points shaping what’s next

Connect with Shane Wilson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebwilson/

Learn more about Connected Dealer Services at https://www.connecteddealerservices.com/

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Adam Marburger redefines F&I leadership with a servant’s heart and a black belt mindset.

In this episode of Auto Collabs, Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier, and Michael Cirillo sit down with Adam Marburger, President and CEO of Ascent Dealer Services, to delve into his unconventional journey through the automotive industry. Starting as a porter, Adam's ascent to a top-tier F&I leader is a testament to his dedication and innovative approach. His new book, The Servant Leading F&I Manager, encapsulates his philosophy of leadership that prioritizes service, collaboration, and purpose.

Adam shares insights on transforming F&I departments into hubs of trust and long-term customer relationships. He emphasizes the importance of early involvement in deals, continuous training, and the adoption of a servant leadership mindset to enhance both customer satisfaction and dealership profitability. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how empathy and accountability can revolutionize the traditional F&I role.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 – Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier, and Michael Cirillo.

1:47 – Adam recounts his accidental entry into the automotive industry and his progression from porter to F&I expert.

4:06 – Discussion on building a massive referral base and the significance of genuine customer connections.

7:27 – Identifying common issues in F&I departments, including lack of process and accountability.

10:04 – The necessity of continuous development and training for managerial staff in dealerships.

15:05 – Exploring the principles of servant leadership and its impact on F&I operations.

Learn more about Adam Marburger:

LinkedIn: Adam Marburger

Company: Ascent Dealer Services

⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

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✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.

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1. Automotive State of the Union
2. ASOTU CON Sessions

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Attention-grabbing creativity, franchise fatigue, and the art of brand-building in the modern age.

Glenn Lundy isn’t just a podcaster or speaker—he’s a professional attention architect who’s been helping auto dealers think differently for years. With thousands of episodes under his belt and a heart for growth (and a growing family, literally), Glenn joins Paul, Kyle, and Michael to riff on why the rules of attention have changed and how creative thinking can outperform a fat ad budget. From Burger King's moldy Whopper to AI-powered robot dogs, this conversation is a masterclass in making people look your way without selling your soul to Facebook ads.

But it’s not just about flash. Glenn gets real about the human side of leadership—especially in an industry filled with third- and fourth-generation owners who might not actually want to grow. They talk about the psychological ceilings we impose on ourselves, the trap of “just enough” success, and why authentic, creative messaging is the dealership's best bet for long-term retention. Oh, and there's a mosquito attack that turns into a branding metaphor. You can’t make this stuff up.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

2:24 Glenn introduces his newest baby—number nine—and how family fuels his hustle

4:01 The ASOTU CON robot dog story: how a cyber-dog turned heads and taught lessons in grabbing attention

6:30 Burger King's moldy Whopper ad and the shift from traditional ads to organic, bold creative

11:18 Glenn and Paul dive deep into the tension between creativity and substance in a noisy digital world

19:02 Why many dealership owners say they want to grow—but secretly don’t

21:36 The dealership mindset trap: silos, financial statements, and being “number one” in tiny ponds

Learn more about Glenn Lundy:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennlundy/
• https://join.800eliteautoclub.com/

⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

We have a daily email!

https://www.asotu.com

✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.

🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:

1. Automotive State of the Union
2. ASOTU CON Sessions