TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond – Details, episodes & analysis

Growth rarely shows up wrapped in convenience. Sometimes it looks like discomfort. Sometimes it looks like spending money on yourself when every instinct tells you to put everyone else first.

Tim Cox sits down with April Simmons, Heidi German, and Wendy Cornell for an honest, grounded conversation about what happens when women in automotive finally say “yes” to their own development — and how that single decision quietly changes everything that follows. The discussion unfolds not as a victory lap, but as a reflection on leadership, self-belief, and the courage it takes to step into something new before you feel “ready.”

What stands out most is how growth doesn’t arrive all at once. It shows up in journaling. In accountability. In recognizing the “gap of crap” — the stories we tell ourselves about why we can’t move forward. Heidi and Wendy share their journeys through automotive, leadership, and life, revealing that investing in yourself doesn’t pull you away from others — it actually makes you more capable of serving them. The episode lands on a simple truth: leadership isn’t measured only by what you do, but by what people do because of you.

00:00 – Why great dealerships are built on leadership, not luck

01:39 – Celebrating women who are shaping the future of automotive

03:30 – Saying yes to personal growth before you understand the impact

04:42 – Why most women won’t invest in themselves — and the cost of that

05:23 – Creating scholarships to remove barriers to growth

06:31 – The power of community and accountability partners

08:46 – Choosing yourself when you’ve always put everyone else first

11:04 – Career paths aren’t linear — and that’s a strength

14:00 – Wearing many hats and growing into leadership

17:51 – What truly inspires effective leaders

22:43 – Leadership is measured by what people do because of you

26:55 – Advice to women entering automotive: keep growing, stay curious

29:05 – Identifying what’s holding you back — and how to close the gap

30:54 – Positivity, grace, and breaking goals into manageable steps

Connect with April Simmons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-simmons/

Connect with Heidi German on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-german-53326881/

Connect with Wendy Cornell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornellwendy/

Connect with Tim Cox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cox-29065a7/

Listen to more episodes of Tim Talks at: https://www.carnow.com/timtalks/

In this special episode of Tim Talks, Tim sits down with dealer principal Tim Pohanka to unpack one of the most creative, daring, and downright fun marketing experiments the automotive world has seen in years. Pohanka and two other Nissan dealer principals each bought a sub-$10,000 used Nissan, added minimal modifications, and embarked on a 1,200-mile off-road endurance challenge across Utah’s most brutal terrain — from the Bonneville Salt Flats to Moab, Little Sahara, Cathedral Valley, and more. With more than 150 hours of drone, in-car, and cinematic footage, the “Tour Detour” chronicles not only the punishing journey but also the surprising durability of these inexpensive vehicles, particularly the much-debated Nissan CVT.

What emerges is more than a road trip. It’s a blueprint for modern dealership storytelling: raw, human, adventurous, and anchored in authenticity instead of polished ad scripts. The conversation dives into how this grassroots project reshapes consumer perception, celebrates the joy of the American road trip, and proves that creativity in auto retail still has endless room to grow. It’s part entertainment, part marketing masterclass, and fully a reminder that the car business can — and should — still be fun.

Takeaways
0:00 — Why leadership and creativity still define the best dealerships.
0:50 — $6k Nissans pushed through a 1,200-mile off-road challenge.
1:51 — Moab, Little Sahara, Cathedral Valley, UTV parks, Telluride — some of the harshest environments in America.
2:44 — 150 Hours of cinematic footage to tell a story OEMs can’t.
3:57 — The journey starts at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where Tim’s grandfather once raced
4:38 — Nissan’s CVT has taken heat, but the team intentionally tried to break it… and couldn’t. 
7:14 — A local Utah man keeps his shop open until 11 PM to rescue the crew.
8:01 — A badly timed jump at Swing Arm City launches Tim’s roof rack into the air.
9:12 — Most people can’t afford a $70k Bronco or Rubicon but a $10k adventure car? That’s relatable and inspiring.
10:46 — How storytelling and authenticity outperform today’s noisy, overly polished ads.
12:12 — The Tour Detour clips now help humanize the dealership and show real-world use cases customers trust.
15:45 — After surviving impossible terrain, Tim can hardly part with his Nissan.
17:50 — A Challenge to Dealerships Everywhere: Every store can tell authentic stories that make cars fun again.

Connect with Tim Pohanka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpohanka/
Watch the Tour Detour: https://thetourdetour.com/

Connect with Tim Cox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cox-29065a7/
Listen to more episodes of Tim Talks at: https://www.carnow.com/timtalks/

Tim sat down with five standout students and Elgie Bright, the heart behind Northwood University’s automotive program. 

Meet Colin, Katrina, Julia, Chase, and Brooke. From global experiences to major internships and career goals, these future leaders share how Northwood empowers them to thrive.

Packed with inspiration, insights, and lessons, this episode shares a front-row seat to the next generation of changemakers.

Connect with Elgie Bright on LinkedIn, and explore Northwood University’s Automotive Marketing & Management program. 

[00:00 – 01:27] Opening Remarks
Tim kicks off the episode by highlighting a recent visit to Northwood University and introduces the episode’s focus on spotlighting outstanding students.

[01:27 – 02:21] Meet Elgie Bright
Tim introduces Elgie Bright, department chair at Northwood and a seasoned automotive leader, praising his dedication to students and the industry.

[02:21 – 04:18] Introducing the Students
Five standout students—Colin, Katrina, Julia, Chase, and Brooke—introduce themselves, their studies, and post-grad plans. 

[04:18 – 06:54] Education Meets Opportunity
The students elaborate on their ambitions, highlighting the dual BBA/MBA track, leadership opportunities, and career plans. 

[06:54 – 08:45] Colin's Passion
Colin shares a compelling vision of his future, including his dream of becoming a trainer and mentor. 

[08:45 – 12:10] The Buffalo Mentality
Colin discusses staying grounded, visualizing long-term success, and charging through adversity like a buffalo. 

[12:10 – 14:55] Katrina’s Experience
Katrina shares her experiences in Sri Lanka and organizing the Northwood Auto Show.

[14:55 – 18:57] Julia’s Ambitions
Julia shares her openness to opportunity, balancing OEM internships and PR roles. 

[18:57 – 21:04] Chase's Journey
Chase describes his transformation from a high school part-timer to a committed automotive professional.

[21:04 – 23:37] Brooke’s Reflections
Brooke reflects on her personal growth, lessons from peers and mentors, and her upcoming full-time role at MEMA.

[23:37 – 25:55] Leadership Defined by Impact
Tim reinforces that great leaders are measured not by what they do, but by their impact on others. He credits Elgie with shaping future leaders.

[25:55 – 27:15] Why Northwood?
Students offer advice to prospective Northwood applicants, emphasizing opportunity, tools, and access.

[27:15 – 32:29] Building Future Leaders Together
Elgie discusses the transformative impact of the university and its industry ties. He emphasizes student potential and thanks Tim for investing time.

[32:29 – 35:35] Final Thoughts
Tim closes with heartfelt encouragement to embrace the present. He encourages listeners to follow the show, support Northwood, and keep learning together.

Tim sits down with Kyle Mountsier, COO and co-founder of ASOTU, to explore the journey from retail automotive to purpose-driven leadership. 

Kyle shares powerful stories of culture transformation, the origins of ASOTU, and how creating an environment where people see the best in themselves can change everything. 

From personal faith to professional breakthroughs, this conversation unpacks what it means to lead with intention, build empowered teams, and reflect the true heart of the automotive industry. 

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn. 

[00:00 – 01:22] Guest Introductions Tim welcomes Kyle back to the podcast, reflecting on Kyle's previous appearance and the journey since leaving retail three and a half years ago. 

[01:22 – 03:12] Visionary Leadership Kyle recounts his transition from dealership life to co-founding ASOTU, sparked by early career experiences and a desire to reshape the industry’s reputation. 

[03:12 – 06:03] Mission-Defining Moments Kyle shares the story of his mentor, Aaron Hill, and the pivotal moments that drove him to pursue automotive as a career with purpose and integrity. 

[06:03 – 07:11] Faith as a Leadership Foundation Tim and Kyle explore how faith and values can inform leadership styles and shape individuals’ missions. 

[07:11 – 10:47] Inside ASOTU Culture Kyle discusses recent milestones, team culture, and how their internal environment encourages personal and professional growth. 

[10:47 – 14:03] Encouragement, Leadership, and Legacy Tim reflects on personal losses and life lessons, highlighting the importance of pouring into others and leading with authenticity. 

[14:03 – 17:37] Empowering Industry Transformation Kyle and Tim discuss how creating empowering environments leads to better outcomes in business and life. 

[17:37 – 23:34] How to Break Mediocrity They dive into the tension between profitability and purpose, sharing real-world examples of high-performing, people-focused dealerships. 

[23:34 – 26:17] Crisis, Resilience, and Opportunity Tim reflects on past industry disruptions, how dealers have adapted, and what separates those who thrive from those who falter. 

[26:17 – 29:33] Living with Intention and Leading with Love Tim and Kyle get philosophical as they discuss fear, faith, and the power of living and leading intentionally and lovingly. 

[29:33 – 31:23] Final Thoughts Kyle and Tim close, encouraging leaders to love their people more than their profits, live fully in the present, and be the impact they want to see. 

In a TimTalks first, Kyle Disher, founder of RevDojo, demonstrates a live, impromptu mystery shop, highlighting the exchange’s strengths and areas to improve. 

Throughout the conversation, Tim and Kyle dive into what’s working—and what’s not—in dealership sales today. We learn what separates average dealerships from the exceptional and how small process improvements can lead to big wins. 

From mystery shopping 7,000+ stores a month to why calendar invites can double your show rate, don’t miss one of the most dynamic trainers in the automotive industry. 

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn and access free RevDojo resources. 

[00:00 – 02:31] Intro & Guest Introduction 

Tim introduces Kyle Disher as one of the most dynamic trainers in the automotive space. 

[02:31 – 05:23] Kyle’s Start 

Kyle shares his journey from Montgomery Ward appliance sales to selling and managing car sales at 19. 

[05:23 – 08:27] The Birth of RevDojo 

Kyle describes how webinar trainings evolved into a platform with mystery shops, recorded webinars, and data insights. 

[08:27 – 10:01] Common Dealer Mistakes 

Kyle identifies three critical mistakes most dealers make and the impact of correcting them. 

[10:01 – 12:36] How to Coach Change 

Tim and Kyle explore dealer leadership buy-in and the importance of following up mystery shops with actionable coaching. 

[12:36 – 17:21] The Value of Inspection 

Kyle shares an example of applying a Formula 1 mindset—careful inspection for incremental gains. 

[17:21 – 23:03] Why Aggressive Follow-up Works 

Kyle reveals most dealers only call twice in five days. He urges listeners to use their tools with urgency. 

[23:03 – 25:03] Turning Missed Opportunities into Wins 

Tim and Kyle explore how weekly mystery shop reviews as sales meetings can drive accountability and performance. 

[25:03 – 27:08] Trustworthy Teams 

Tim and Kyle chat about the importance of building a sales team that you’d trust with your closest family. 

[27:08 – 33:13] LIVE Mystery Shop 

A live cold call to a Chevy dealer in Dallas reveals why even well-meaning salespeople often miss the appointment. 

[33:13 – 36:31] Tools, Templates, and Free Resources for Dealers 

Kyle walks through free resources and processes that help dealers get immediate wins—like calendar invites and call guides. 

[36:31 – 37:46] Closing Thoughts 

Tim wraps with a reminder that no one is smarter than everyone—and implementation is everything. 

In the latest episode of TimTalks, Glenn Pasch joins Tim to discuss his new book, “The Road to Sold,” the evolution of digital retailing, and how leadership drives lasting change in automotive. 

From his journey into the industry to powerful lessons in process and customer experience, this is a must-watch for anyone in automotive. 

Connect with Glenn on LinkedIn, and order “The Road to Sold” today. 

[00:00–01:34] Intro & Guest Introduction Tim opens the episode and introduces leadership coach and automotive expert Glenn Pasch. 

[01:35–06:27] Glenn’s Journey into Automotive Glenn recounts his start in hospitality and acting, how his brother Brian introduced him to digital marketing, and their eventual partnership in founding PCG. 

[06:28–09:11] How Glenn Met Tim Tim shares a memory of how PCG recognized CarNow early on, giving them a platform at NADA before they had a booth. 

[09:12–14:02] Thinking Outside the Box Glenn explains how PCG’s vendor research reports became an unexpected marketing tool and a trusted resource for dealers and vendors. 

[14:03–16:30] Launching “The Road to Sold” Glenn introduces his new book, inspired by conversations with Tim. The book emphasizes the need for conversations, not just leads, to drive digital retail success. 

[16:31–18:29] Why Conversation Matters The discussion shifts to how most dealerships chase leads rather than serve people, and why it’s time to evolve the digital sales process. 

[18:30–22:26] Treating Online Customers Like In-Person Guests Glenn advocates for mirroring in-store service online and eliminating friction to meet customer expectations. 

[22:27–23:02] Leadership's Role in Change They reflect on how leadership determines whether process changes succeed or fail—and why consistency and accountability are key. 

[23:03–25:47] From Training to Execution Glenn details the difference between dealerships that talk about change and those that live it daily. 

[25:48–29:34] Breaking Old Habits & Market Myths Tim and Glenn debunk excuses like “my market is different” and challenge leaders to rethink credit assumptions and embrace process consistency. 

[29:35–31:29] Adopting Tech with Intentionality They discuss how technology like AI should be thoughtfully implemented, and that customers want faster—not necessarily fully digital—car buying experiences. 

[31:30–34:36] Closing Thoughts Tim and Glenn wrap up with leadership insights and encourage listeners to evaluate their own commitment to process improvement. 

Ben Hadley, CEO & co-founder of Auto Genius, joined Tim for the latest episode of “Tim Talks: Leadership and Beyond.” From building a brand that can’t be measured by metrics to empowering teams with creativity and purpose, don’t miss the dynamic conversation on driving success. 

Ben shares his journey through tech, leadership, and launching game-changing strategies. Discover how community, culture, and long-term thinking are reshaping the future of automotive retail. 

Connect with Ben on LinkedIn, and follow Auto Genius. 

[00:00–01:12] Welcoming Ben Tim welcomes guest Ben Hadley, praising his expertise in automotive software and leadership. 

[01:13–02:11] Ben & Auto Genius Ben humbly reflects on the name of his company, Auto Genius, crediting his co-founders as the true geniuses. 

[02:12–06:14] Ben’s Automotive Journey Ben shares his unconventional path into automotive tech. Initially rejected by Dealer.com, he persisted until landing a sales role and rising to Director of Sales. 

[06:15–07:51] Ben’s Entrepreneurial Journey He details his journey helping scale companies and learning from industry trends before launching his own consulting firm. 

[07:52–13:21] Flipping the Script  Ben explains how building a community of top automotive marketers preceded the creation of his product—flipping the typical “product-market-fit” approach. 

[13:22–16:34] Supporting Marketing Departments Tim and Ben highlight the under-resourced dealership marketing departments, leading to the founding idea behind Auto Genius—solving problems like slow websites. 

[16:35–18:08] Metrics Aren’t the Full Story Ben criticizes the industry's over-reliance on short-term metrics and urges leaders to focus on long-term value and customer happiness. 

[18:09–21:18] The ROI of Culture They discuss how true dealership leadership means empowering employees, not just enforcing metrics. Great leaders create culture, not control. 

[21:19–23:36] The Waggle Dance Ben uses a bee analogy to illustrate how allowing experimentation leads to breakthroughs. 

[23:37–27:06] Why Build Local They explore how car dealers can build local brand equity where identity goes beyond metrics. 

[27:07–30:31] There’s No Metric for Brand Tim recaps Ben’s powerful takeaway: Your brand does not have a metric. Creating meaningful customer and employee experiences builds brand loyalty that numbers can’t always capture. 

In this episode, Tim sits down with Danny Zaslavsky to explore personal resilience, leadership, and innovation in the automotive world. From growing up as a Ukrainian immigrant to building a tech-driven dealership and co-founding VINCUE, Danny shares how purpose and culture have guided his journey. 

Connect with Danny on LinkedIn. 

[00:00–01:03] Welcome Danny 

Tim introduces Danny Zaslavsky, founder of VINCUE, setting the stage for a conversation on leadership, innovation, and growth in automotive. 

[01:04–02:27] VINCUE’s Rise 

Danny’s presence at industry events like NADA is highlighted, leading to a deeper dive into his personal story and the birth of VINCUE. 

[02:27–04:13] Early Lessons 

Danny recounts growing up in Kansas City, learning English, and being raised in a close family. 

[04:13–06:07] Entering the Business 

His dad moved from shoe repair to car sales, and by 14, Danny was selling cars, discovering a love for business and technology. 

[06:07–07:49] Early Innovation 

Danny recalls how a young tech whiz built them software that evolved into VinSolutions—an early moment that shaped his future. 

[07:49–12:03] Scaling Challenges 

After his father’s stroke, Danny had to take over. This challenge became the spark that led to VINCUE’s formation. 

[12:03–14:08] Turning Loss into Leadership 

Personal loss deepened Danny’s drive to build something meaningful, turning pain into purpose. 

[14:08–15:28] Vision and Innovation 

He reflects on how adversity fuels innovation and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your vision. 

[15:28–18:25] Traits of Success 

Tim and Danny discuss how top dealer groups lead with humility, consistency, and servant leadership. 

[18:25–20:33] CarNow x VINCUE 

They explain why VINCUE and CarNow partnered: to simplify workflows and better align with today’s connected consumer journey. 

[20:33–22:08] Reducing Overload 

The two reflect on how the integration aims to streamline the experience for both staff and shoppers. 

[22:08–24:15] Removing Ego 

Danny shares how VINCUE delivers consistent, data-backed appraisals, eliminating guesswork and ego. 

[24:15–26:24] Leveraging AI 

VINCUE’s platform adapts to each dealership’s market strengths, using machine learning to optimize pricing and inventory flow. 

[26:24–30:11] Aligning for Growth 

Danny emphasizes the power of aligning service and sales, helping customers while improving internal dealership collaboration. 

[30:11–31:56] Staying Innovative 

Danny shares how staying hands-on keeps him innovative, crediting Tim’s leadership as inspiration. 

[31:56–33:19] Closing Thoughts 

The episode ends with a message of gratitude and resilience, reminding us that we get better together, one day at a time. 

In this episode of “TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond.” Tim welcomes Michael Speigl, dealer principal of We Auto and industry leader. They dive into what makes great leadership, how to build a winning culture, and the power of mentorship in business. 

Michael shares insights on how his dealerships thrive by focusing on people, community, and core values, while Tim highlights key lessons on gratitude, growth, and success. 

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn. 

Subscribe & Listen: carnow.com/timtalks 

[00:00–02:11] Welcome & Guest Introduction 

Tim introduces Mike Spiegel praising his leadership and intelligence. Mike shares his enthusiasm for joining the show. 

[02:11–05:12] Early Days of CarNow 

Tim recounts how Mike Spiegel played a pivotal role in evaluating CarNow’s early technology, providing key feedback that helped shape its direction. 

[05:12–08:24] Leadership, Culture & Core Values 

Discussing the energy and leadership needed for success, Mike emphasizes the importance of culture and guiding principles in his dealerships. 

[08:24–12:19] We Auto’s Mission & Involvement 

Mike shares the mission of We Auto. He highlights their We Auto University and their extensive charity work. 

[12:19–16:23] Creating a Purpose-Driven Workplace 

Tim and Mike discuss how giving back to the community strengthens workplace culture, making employees feel part of something bigger. 

[16:23–20:38] Leadership Development & Mentorship 

Reflecting on their experiences, Tim and Mike stress the importance of mentorship in leadership. They discuss how coaching future leaders, such as Patrick Abad at Beaver Toyota, ensures sustainable success. 

[20:38–26:23] Growth, Recognition & Employee Development 

Mike shares how We Auto’s core values are integrated into daily operations, emphasizing clear career growth and employee recognition. 

[26:23–34:47] The Mindset for Success 

Tim explains his daily practice of gratitude and reflection, urging leaders to focus on serving others, continuous learning, and self-improvement. 

[34:47–37:32] Closing Thoughts 

Tim and Mike reflect on leadership lessons, encouraging listeners to focus on growth and community impact. 

Unlock elite sales success! Jonathan Dawson joins Tim Cox for an inspiring conversation. Jonathan shares game-changing insights from his 25-year journey in the automotive industry. A 24-time NADA speaker, co-founder of the Pinnacle Society, and president of Sellchology Sales Training, Jonathan dives deep into the mindset, strategies, and leadership principles that separate top performers from the rest.

In this episode, discover how raising your standards can transform your business and why belief systems drive behaviors. Jonathan breaks down his SOW Principle—Systems, Opportunities, and Work Ethic—that fuels elite sales success.

Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn and Facebook.

 [00:00–02:02] Introduction & Welcome Jonathan joins the show, sharing his excitement about being part of a platform that influences hearts, minds, and lives. 

[03:00–03:58] Celebrating 25 Years in the Industry Jonathan reflects on his 25-year journey in the car business and the honor of being a 24-time NADA speaker. 

[03:58–04:45] Pinnacle Training Center and Society Introduction to the Pinnacle Training Center in Atlanta and the Pinnacle Society, a mastermind group for elite sales performers co-founded with Frank Trinity and Ali Reda. 

[05:19–06:13] Record-Breaking Sales Achievements Highlighting Ali Reda’s world record of selling 1,582 cars in a year and the mindset behind creating a supportive space for high performers. 

[10:23–11:37] Leadership, Standards, and Accountability A candid discussion on leadership failures, fear of accountability, and why raising standards is critical for dealership success. 

[12:14–13:45] Mission 22: Redefining Sales Goals Jonathan explains Mission 22, a strategy advocating for a minimum of 22 car sales per person per month, challenging dealerships to raise their baseline. 

[16:16–17:15] Breaking Limiting Beliefs Drawing parallels with breaking the four-minute mile, Jonathan discusses how shifting beliefs can unlock new levels of performance. 

[18:08–21:14] Three Pillars of Sales Success 

Jonathan outlines the three pillars of sales success he calls the SOW principle: systems, opportunities, and work ethic. 

[24:11–25:20] Shifting Mindsets How changing beliefs and embracing new strategies helped sales professionals achieve record-breaking numbers. 

[28:32–30:04] Hunger and Humility Jonathan shares the two essential traits for success: the drive for more and the willingness to keep learning. 

[30:04–31:01] Breaking Through Mediocrity Exploring the dangers of complacent middle management and the importance of leadership that embraces risk and innovation. 

[31:22–32:16] Closing Thoughts Jonathan closes by emphasizing that leaders must remain hungry for growth and humble enough to embrace continuous improvement.