In this energizing edition of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Bill Vaughn, a recently appointed dealership leader only 90 days into his new role. Bill brings a grounded, refreshingly candid perspective to the conversation, sharing his unlikely start in automotive and how learning to prioritize people over process completely transformed his trajectory. From struggling as a salesperson to thriving in finance and leadership, his story reflects the real power of people-first dealership culture.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro and welcome to Bill Vaughn0:45 Why he debated coming to ASOTU Con—and why he’s glad he did1:30 Starting in sales, failing forward, and finding purpose in people3:00 From BDC rep to finance manager in 90 days4:00 Bill’s first 90 days as a new dealership leader5:45 Empowering salespeople with $500 discretion to serve customers7:00 Building a shared vision through trust and involvement-------------------------------------------------------------------What should dealership leaders focus on in their first 90 days?How can you empower salespeople to create better customer experiences?What’s the benefit of discretionary spending for dealership employees?How can dealerships improve trust and autonomy on the sales floor?Why did Bill Vaughn say yes to ASOTU Con 90 days into a new job?What’s a people-first approach to dealership management?How does ASOTU Con differ from traditional auto industry conferences?#lovepeoplemorethancars #morethancars #asotu #automotive #autoretail #autoindustry #cardealers #carsales #carculture

In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Enrique Gago of Gago Brothers Automotive to talk about transformation, resilience, and rediscovering purpose through reinvention. Enrique opens up about how he unexpectedly entered the automotive industry—thanks to a favor for his then-girlfriend (now wife)—and how that moment sparked a journey into entrepreneurship, operations, and customer-centric innovation in his hometown of Ocala, Florida. Now running both an auto repair and tire shop as well as a used car dealership, Enrique shares the principles guiding their growth: transparency, community trust, affordability, and values-first leadership. STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro and welcome to Enrique Gago1:00 From booth support to automotive entrepreneur2:57 Acquiring a 30-year-old repair shop with his brother3:46 Applying lean ops and transparency to build community trust6:00 Attending events to grow, learn, and stay curious7:15 Prioritizing affordability in both service and used cars8:57 When others play defense, Gago Brothers go on offense---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How did Enrique Gago start Gago Brothers Automotive?What does “go on offense” mean in business strategy?How can lean operations transform an auto repair shop?What are best Practices for building trust in the car service industry?Why is now a good time to get into the auto industry?What mindset shifts help small automotive businesses thrive?How can used car dealerships increase affordability and value?#lovepeoplemorethancars #morethancars #asotu #automotive #autoretail #autoindustry #cardealers #carsales #carculture

In this inspiring episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with 23-year-old rising star Gavin Reeves, who shares his rapid ascent through the automotive industry. Starting at just 18 as a porter, Gavin moved through roles in BMW product education, service tech, and sales before landing in a Center Performance role—all driven by his core passion for people over product. His perspective is deeply rooted in creating joyful, memorable experiences for customers, no matter where he is in the dealership.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro from Errol Bomar0:30 Gavin’s first-ever automotive conference experience1:06 Why he values people more than product1:59 Realizing the impact of joyful, family-style service2:36 Journey from porter to product genius to performance lead3:11 His bold vision to scale people-first experiences nationwide3:42 Where to find and connect with Gavin Reeves----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who is Gavin Reeves from Galleria BMW?How can young professionals grow in the automotive industry?What does a Center Performance role in a dealership involve?How do dealerships improve customer experience?What is BMW's product genius program?Why is people over product a winning strategy in auto retail?What’s it like attending your first ASOTU or auto conference?

In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Errol Bomar welcomes John Osborne, Executive Manager at Williamsburg Ford, to reflect on 27 years in the automotive industry and the key inflection points that shaped his approach to leadership, customer experience, and innovation. From entering the industry after time in the Army and firefighting school, to pioneering one-price selling and now pushing digital and AI innovation, John's journey is a testament to growth through intentionality.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro from Errol Bomar0:43 Why pricing transparency excites John today1:26 Leveraging AI and texting for better service ops2:13 From Army and firefighting to auto retail in the ‘90s3:31 2007: A career-shifting moment at a one-price Toyota store4:47 Data as a roadmap for growth and training6:25 Predicting faster, more personalized retail experiences8:12 Connect with John Osborne at Carter Myers Automotive--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who is John Osborne at Carter Myers Automotive?How is AI improving communication in automotive service departments?What is one-price selling in car dealerships?What trends are shaping the future of car buying?How do dealerships use data to improve customer experience?What is the role of executive managers in modern auto retail?How can dealerships personalize digital retailing experiences?

In this heartfelt episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar welcomes back Judi Anderson—attending her fourth consecutive ASOTUCON—to explore the personal journey that led her to become a pillar of customer experience in the automotive space. From roller-skating carhop to corporate marketer to a role built just for her, Judy shares how empathy, purpose, and people-first thinking transformed her career and brought her to Carter Myers Automotive.Judi’s story is a testament to rediscovery. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, she re-entered the workforce and eventually landed a position that didn’t yet exist—but was created because she was the right fit. STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro from Errol Bomar0:50 Judi’s fourth ASOTUCON and why she keeps returning2:35 From hospitality to communications to auto marketing3:49 Re-entering the workforce after 15 years raising daughters5:45 Discovery of a customer experience role built just for her7:58 Why emotional intelligence is her greatest strength9:16 The moment Judi realized she loved people more than product11:14 How understanding employees leads to better customer outcomes-------------------------------------------------------------------Who is Judi Anderson at Carter Myers Automotive?How can emotional intelligence impact customer experience in auto retail?What is it like to return to work after 15 years away?How do dealerships create people-first cultures?Why is empathy a superpower in the workplace?What roles exist in auto that focus on experience, not sales?How can you turn passion into a job without a listing?

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Landon Garside, a former high school drumline teacher turned automotive professional and now marketing strategist. Landon shares how personal transitions—including a divorce and career burnout—led him into the automotive industry by what seemed like chance. But a decade-old positive buying experience at a dealership planted the seed, and a people-centered mindset ultimately propelled him forward. From sales to marketing, Landon's journey is all about doing what's right—even when it isn’t profitable in the moment.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro1:01 Landon's entry into automotive after burnout and divorce2:16 Buying experience inspired dealership job application3:37 A pivot back into sales after leaving briefly4:52 Putting people over profit—literally sent a customer elsewhere5:50 “She bought her next three cars from me.”6:55 Marketing shift after dealership merchandising vacancy7:24 Strategies that helped dominate market share----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How did Landon Garside transition from sales to marketing in automotive?Why is empathy a strength in car sales and dealership leadership?What’s an example of putting customers first in the automotive industry?How do TikTok and social media boost dealership market share?Why does understanding people matter more than product knowledge in sales?How can storytelling lead to career success in auto retail?What makes ASOTU different from other automotive events?

In this heartfelt and unscripted episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Lou Cannata, a second-generation dealer principal and founder of Level 5 Leadership Coaching & Consulting. Lou shares the deeply personal and professional journey that shaped his leadership—starting from cleaning bathrooms in his family’s dealership to stepping into ownership in its 49th year. Lou’s passion for people, rooted in a legacy of service from his immigrant parents, radiates throughout the conversation as he reflects on the true meaning of success and the power of purpose-driven leadership.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro0:28 Lou Cannata joins ASOTUCON Unscripted stage1:35 Took over family dealership in its 49th year2:06 Started from the bottom—cleaning bathrooms to leadership3:21 Passion for people rooted in early childhood experiences5:00 Facing grief and health challenges shifted his perspective6:41 Redefined success as making people smile daily7:58 Launch of Level 5 Leadership Coaching & Consulting--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What is Level 5 Leadership Coaching & Consulting by Lou Cannata?How did Lou Cannata take over his family’s car dealership?How do personal challenges shape leadership perspective?What does it mean to redefine success as a business owner?How can entrepreneurs lead with purpose instead of profit?What’s the ASOTU Unscripted podcast about?How does growing up in a family business shape leadership values?

In this high-energy episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Nolan Armpriester, a second-generation automotive leader and Director of Operations with over two decades of industry experience. From his early days growing up in the dealership—literally using the shop as daycare—to overseeing an ambitious mobile service operation, Nolan shares his story with candor and clarity. This conversation is a tribute to longevity in the industry, evolving leadership, and building people-first service models in a traditionally product-driven space.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro0:21 Nolan joins ASOTU Unscripted live at ASOTUCON1:04 Grew up in the shop—dealership was his daycare1:33 Career path: from porter to Director of Operations2:57 Industry shift to mobile and guest-first experiences3:50 24,000 mobile service appointments in one year6:14 Goal: 30,000 appointments and 50 technicians by year’s end7:11 Mobile ops split into three tiers: entry to heavy repair--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who is Nolan Arm Prester and what is his role in the auto industry?How do mobile service appointments work at dealerships?What’s driving the rise of mobile auto repair in 2025?How can dealerships scale operations to hit 30,000 service appointments?What roles exist in dealership operations from entry-level to director?What makes ASOTUCON different from NADA and other auto conventions?How can dealerships attract and train new mobile technicians?