In this ASOTU CON 2025 episode, Nick Askew sits down with Danielle Mills Walden from Upstart and Evan Driscoll of Audi Jacksonville to explore how AI-powered financing is transforming dealership operations and expanding customer access. With real-world insights from both the provider and the practitioner, the conversation covers everything from instant approvals and improved profit centers to the ethical implications of AI-driven lending.

Danielle breaks down how Upstart’s technology leverages thousands of data points—beyond just credit scores—to approve more buyers, faster. Evan shares how the software helped his luxury dealership close deals that would have previously been lost, especially among first-time buyers and customers with thin credit files. Together, they make a compelling case for AI as not just a tech upgrade, but a competitive advantage and a tool for financial inclusion.

Learn more about Upstart at https://www.upstart.com/dealers/

Learn more about SpaceAuto at https://space.auto/

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:59 What is Upstart and how it supports dealers

1:55 AI speeds up approvals and eliminates underwriter bottlenecks

3:13 Instant approvals improve customer experience and cash flow

4:16 How AI uses alternative data to approve more buyers

6:07 AI as a tool for inclusion—not discrimination

7:34 Overcoming resistance from dealership staff

9:38 Upstart picks up 5–6 extra deals monthly

10:35 When paychecks grow, minds open

In this ASOTU CON session, Chad Graves of Reunion Marketing joins Nick Askew to explore how AI-generated overviews—like those featured prominently in Google and other search platforms—are fundamentally transforming the customer journey in automotive retail. With search behavior changing rapidly due to the rise of tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Chad unpacks how dealerships must adapt their SEO strategies to stay visible and relevant in a zero-click world.

Learn more about Reunion Marketing at https://reunionmarketing.com/

Learn more about SpaceAuto at https://space.auto/

TIME STAMPS:

Intro

1:01 AI overviews are replacing traditional search listings

2:42 SEO still matters—but it must evolve to remain relevant

3:56 Zero-click answers are reducing organic traffic

5:23 Dealerships must create low-funnel, question-focused content

6:38 Use AI to compare vehicles, answer questions, and drive clicks

7:32 Combine long-tail and local content for broader visibility

8:19 Personalized, high-volume content is the future

9:44 Two blog posts a month won't cut it anymore

In this Session from ASOTU CON 2025, Zac Kinch sits down with Keith Lemer, CEO of WellNet, to explore how reframing healthcare costs can directly enhance company culture. Keith shares real-world examples of transforming healthcare from a dreaded budget line item into a powerful recruitment and retention tool—turning dollars into deeper employee engagement. From guiding employees toward smarter healthcare decisions to implementing innovative savings strategies, Keith illustrates how dealers can take control of one of their largest operating expenses.

The conversation unpacks how companies like Carter Myers Automotive are using healthcare savings to reinvest in their people, even waiving employee premiums. Keith challenges the belief that the healthcare system is broken and instead calls out who it's truly working for. This episode is a must-listen for dealers and business leaders who are ready to connect the dots between culture, cost control, and employee well-being.

Learn more about SpaceAuto at https://space.auto/

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 Intro

0:43 Healthcare is a cultural glue for organizations

1:33 The system works—for those who profit from it

2:16 Same procedure, wildly different costs across locations

3:24 Creative healthcare strategies save businesses millions

4:40 Real case: $3,000 back in employees’ pockets

5:08 Culture wins: referrals, retention, and fewer sick days

8:09 Healthcare with Ritz-Carlton level service