Today's Connected episode is a little different than what we had planned. Dealerships are some of the most resilient businesses out there, but recent events have left a lot of dealers with understandable concerns about their system's security.

Greg is joined in studio by Chris Gologanoff, Sales Director of Communication Services here at Reynolds, to talk about:

-How dealers are reacting to their systems being down.
-Best practices to keep operations running as smooth as possible.
-How, as an industry, we're all helping one another through these tough times.

Connected Podcast Episode 146: Dealership Resiliency

On this episode of Connected, Greg is joined by Dusty Weis, president of Podcamp Media and host of the award-winning Lead Balloon podcast. Dusty has quite the background in media and public relations, and he shared great insight into how dealers can be communicative and transparent with their customers when faced with a PR crisis.

Dusty and Greg discuss:

-Creating a proactive crisis communication response plan.
-Rebuilding customer trust after a crisis like a cyberattack.
-Distributing your message through a clear, compelling story.

Listen to the Lead Balloon Podcast!

https://www.podcampmedia.com/leadballoon

Connected Podcast Episode 147: Creating a Crisis Communications Plan

The FTC estimates that synthetic identity fraud now accounts for 80-85% of all identity fraud. On this episode of Connected, Greg sits down with Frank Toms from Auto Data Direct to talk about what kind of challenges this type of fraud presents for dealers.

Frank and Greg discuss everything dealers need to know including:

-What constitutes synthetic fraud.
-The risk synthetic fraud poses to dealers
-Measures for spotting fraud before it occurs.
-How to stay educated as fraudulent practices change.

Connected Podcast Episode 148: Staying Ahead of Synthetic Fraud

On this extended episode of Connected, host Greg Uland sits down with Steve Greenfield, general partner at Automotive Ventures.  Steve has held many roles within the automotive industry and is probably a familiar face for some of you from countless conferences and events.In his current role in the venture capital space, Steve spends a lot of time on current and future struggles impacting dealers and the tools that are being developed to help.

Steve and Greg discuss:

- How utilizing connected processes and software can enhance dealer and customer experiences.
- The process of connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors.
- What the next wave of automotive technology looks like.

Connected Podcast Episode 149: Investing in Automotive

Today's Connected is a big milestone — it's episode 150! Greg sat down with Richard Greene, fixed ops director at Parker Lexus, Parker Cadillac, and Audi Little Rock to celebrate.

Richard started his career in service right out of college, and since then he's worked in just about every role in the department. These experiences have helped Richard create an extremely successful service apprenticeship program.

Richard and Greg discuss:

-Recruiting and retaining new technicians.
-Establishing an apprenticeship program that benefits both new and master techs.
-Working with OEMs to increase productivity and build a better experience for customers.

Connected Podcast Episode 150: Establishing Programs and Partnerships

On today's Connected, Greg sits down with Cheryl Thompson, founder and CEO of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement (also known as CADIA). 

Cheryl has had a 30+ year career in automotive, primarily working with the Ford Motor Company. Her time in this industry has taught her a lot about leadership, DEI, and the value of automotive careers.

Greg and Cheryl discuss:

-How to make the automotive industry a destination for career seekers.
-How to broaden the talent pool in automotive with people of all backgrounds.
-How DEI initiatives have positively impacted the auto industry.

Connected Podcast Episode 151: Broadening and Advancing the Talent in Automotive

Today on Connected, Greg talks with Alan Amici, president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), a 501c3 organization with the mission to inform and advise to create a stronger and more viable automotive industry.

Alan joined CAR after a 35+ year career with Stellantis. His wealth of experience has given him so much knowledge and insight into what's next for our industry.

Alan and Greg discuss:

-The future of infotainment and connected car data.
-Affordability and profitability conversations surrounding EVs.
-Where the US auto industry is headed in terms of volume of new vehicle sales over time.

Connected Podcast Episode 152: Industry Transition Insights

In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Greg is joined this week by Brad Holton, founder of Proton Dealership IT.

Since starting Proton in 2013, Brad has seen an evolution in the nature of cyberattacks and cybersecurity. He's got a great handle on how cybercrime has changed and what we can all look out for moving forward.

Brad and Greg discuss:

-When a cyber event happens, how do you make it a 15-minute event and not a 15-day event.
-How natural disasters impact security with rises in social engineering efforts.
-A checklist of tips to help you prepare your business against an attack.

Connected Podcast Episode 153: Protecting From Changing Cyber Threats ft. Brad Holton

On today's episode of Connected, we're shining a spotlight on the winners of our Automotive Amplifiers Contest!

At Reynolds Retail Summit: Amplify 2024, we held a best practices contest to share great ideas across the automotive industry. We highlighted ideas from three different categories: fixed operations, variable operations, and people.

In this episode, you'll hear from the three winners.

-Variable Operations: Justin Rash, F&I manager at Beau Townsend Ford Lincoln, talks about creating a completely paperless finance and sales process.

-People: Jeremy Reardon, service production manager at Westside Lexus, discusses recruiting technicians from local high schools and colleges.

-Fixed Operations: James Dieli, warranty administrator at Beau Townsend Ford Lincoln, covers going paperless in service.

Connected Podcast Episode 154: Best Practices from Automotive Amplifiers

Today on Connected, Greg speaks in studio with two guests: Jean Ings and Katrina Ness. Although Jean and Katrina come from diverse paths—Jean as a talented scriptwriter at Quantum5 and Katrina as an ambitious Junior at Northwood University—they share a remarkable journey ahead: becoming rising stars in the dynamic world of the automotive industry.

They cover a number of topics including:

-How to capture young talent by showcasing the dynamic and innovative aspects of the auto industry.
-The significant impact of internships and real-world projects.
-Setting realistic expectations for career advancement, including the necessary steps to achieve growth and success in automotive.

Connected Podcast Episode 151: Broadening and Advancing the Talent in Automotive

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