I'm A Car Chick

Host Shasta Haddock welcomes back "four-timer" guest Matt Raymond, founder of Bow Tie Auto Solutions, live from the Authenticom booth at NADA 2026. In this high-energy reunion, Matt tackles the biggest misconception in the industry: that you can "set and forget" your BDC. He breaks down why a true partnership beats a standard vendor relationship every time, the importance of "showing up" for your dealers, and how to build a BDC that actually moves the needle on results. Plus, stay tuned for the lowdown on why Matt is trading Facebook for LinkedIn—and where you can find the best dad jokes in automotive.

Host Shasta Haddock welcomes Dimitrius Naylor, the "Equity King" and CEO of Dimitrius Naylor Consulting, to the I’m a Car Chick podcast live from NADA 2026. In this high-velocity episode, Dimitrius breaks down why the service drive is the most underutilized goldmine in the dealership. He dives into the "Service-to-Sales" transition, explaining how to identify high-equity customers and why the "equity" conversation is about more than just a monthly payment—it's about wealth management for the consumer. From fixing broken hand-off processes between fixed ops and sales to the mindset shift required to buy cars effectively from your own backyard, Dimitrius delivers a masterclass in modern dealership profitability. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #DimitriusNaylor #ServiceToSales #EquityMining #FixedOps #AutoRetail #DealerStrategy

Host Shasta Haddock welcomes three-time guest Darrell Steed back to the I’m a Car Chick podcast live from the floor of NADA 2026 in Las Vegas. In this high-energy session, Darrell cuts through the "AI buzz" to address the real reason dealerships fail to execute: a lack of human connection and leadership involvement. He challenges the industry to shift its mindset from "selling cars" to "acquiring customers and vehicles," proving that a dedicated focus on the used car lane is the true engine behind new car growth. From fixing broken implementation processes to mining your own database of 100,000+ customers, Darrell delivers the "meat and potatoes" strategy dealers need to win in 2026. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #DarrellSteed #UsedCarStrategy #CustomerAcquisition #DealersSuccess #AutoIndustry

Host Shasta Haddock is reunited with one of her favorite industry voices, Brooke C. Furniss, live at NADA 2026 in Las Vegas. After a year-long hiatus that left the industry asking "Where is Brooke?", the host of the Facts Not Feelings podcast pulls back the curtain on the reality of content burnout and the intense preparation required to stay at the top of the podcasting game. They discuss Brooke's upcoming relaunch in April, the shift toward "walk and talk" content, and why she’s traded the negative 30-degree weather for a fresh perspective on automotive digital marketing. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of the "content treadmill" or want to know what's next for one of the most "Googlable" women in automotive, this candid conversation is for you. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #BrookeCFurniss #FactsNotFeelings #PodcastLife #AutomotiveMarketing #ContentStrategy

Host Shasta Haddock welcomes Bri Newman, CEO at HR4, to the booth at NADA 2026 for an inspiring conversation on the heartbeat of the dealership: the people. Bri shares her journey from speaking at the Women in Automotive conference to leading operations for a company dedicated to transforming human resources in the car business. They discuss why culture is the ultimate competitive advantage, how to build safe and empowering spaces for first-time speakers and employees, and the "refreshing energy" of industry connections. If you want to understand why your team is your most important asset and how to move from "HR as a headache" to "HR as a growth engine," this episode is for you.

Host Shasta Haddock sits down with Brad Parker live at NADA 2026 for a conversation a year in the making. From his roots in the yachting industry to building the "Venmo for peer-to-peer car sales," Brad explains how his latest technology is helping dealers tap into an unlimited source of growth: private seller acquisitions. They discuss why dealers must move beyond auction reliance, the importance of "incentivized" acquisition roles, and how to build a transactional workflow so simple that anyone can run it. If you want to grow a highly profitable inventory lane that your competitors are ignoring, this episode provides the blueprint for buying cars "off the street" faster and safer than ever. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #BradParker #InventoryAcquisition #CarDealers #UsedCarStrategy #AutoTech

Host Shasta Haddock welcomes back industry veteran and leadership expert Glenn Pasch live at NADA 2026 in Las Vegas. In this deep-dive episode, Glenn discusses the impact of his book and new video series, You’re in Charge, Now What?, which helps leaders move beyond generalities to achieve true team alignment. They explore why "asking better questions" is the secret to uncovering the behaviors that drive results and how a lack of clarity is often the biggest hurdle for dealership teams. Glenn shares his philosophy on being a "cheerleader" for others in the industry and provides actionable advice for anyone looking to lead with more intention and empathy. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #GlennPasch #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamAlignment #AutomotiveIndustry #ManagementTips

Host Shasta Haddock catches up with Drew Williams, Creative Director at Authenticom, for an off-the-cuff deep dive into the power of branding in the automotive industry. Live from NADA 2026, Drew shares his journey from a graphic design student to the mastermind behind Authenticom’s recognizable visual identity. They discuss why brand consistency is the "unfair advantage" for dealers and vendors alike, and how intentional design changes the way people perceive and do business. Drew also highlights the importance of authentic company culture, celebrating the recent promotion of team member Michelle and the genuine love the industry has for the people behind the tech. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #Authenticom #BrandingStrategy #CreativeDirector #AutoIndustry #VisualIdentity

Host Shasta Haddock wraps up Day 1 at NADA 2026 with a high-impact conversation featuring Amberly Allen, a true automotive industry trailblazer and the force behind Dealer Merchant Services (DMS) powered by Priority. In this episode, Amberly breaks down the "meat and potatoes" of how dealers can stop leaving money on the table through cash discounting and smarter merchant service strategies. She warns about the serious legal audit ramifications and sales tax compliance issues for dealers trying to DIY their payment processing, emphasizing why a trusted partner is essential to avoid massive fines. Whether you are a dealer principal or a department manager, this episode is a wake-up call on reclaiming your bottom line while staying on the right side of the law. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #AmberlyAllen #MerchantServices #DealerSavings #AutoIndustry #CarDealers

Host Shasta Haddock sits down with Molly Kristick, Vice President of Marketing at TrueCar, live from the Authenticom booth at NADA 2026. Molly shares her incredible journey from selling newspaper ads in "Wheels For You" magazine to leading the marketing strategy for one of the biggest names in digital automotive retail. They discuss the shifting landscape of consumer engagement, the fulfillment of helping car buyers find the right price, and the current "weird game" of LinkedIn networking. Molly dives into how TrueCar frames conversations for consumers and dealers alike, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection over high-pressure "DM pitches" in a digital-first world. #ImACarChick #NADA2026 #MollyKristick #TrueCar #DigitalMarketing #AutoTrends #CarBuying

In this episode of the I'm a Car Chick podcast, host Shasta Haddock welcomes Kelly Ann Sparks-Berger, Amazon Sale Strategist at Dealer eProcess (DEP), for a deep dive into the evolution of digital marketing in the automotive world. Recorded live from NADA 2026, Kelly Ann explains how Amazon's behavioral data is a game-changer for dealers, allowing them to move away from "blanketed" marketing toward a highly targeted, "sniped" strategy that actually reflects how buyers shop online today. They discuss the "creepy but effective" nature of targeted ads, why relying on old social platforms like Facebook Marketplace is a mistake, and how clean data through partnerships like Authenticom is the secret sauce for proving ROI. If you're tired of "vanity metrics" and want to understand how to actually convert digital leads into sold cars, this is a must-watch.

Host Shasta Haddock is joined by Jason Tryfon, CEO of Authenticom, for a high-speed deep dive into the digital infrastructure powering the automotive industry. Live from NADA 2026, Jason reveals how Authenticom has evolved from the industry's "best-kept secret" into the essential backbone for hundreds of vendors. They discuss the critical importance of Data Experience Management (DXM), the "no-brainer" value of the free Dealer Vault tool for data hygiene, and how AI is set to transform 2030 retail by processing data dimensions far beyond human capability. Jason also shares a rare look at his "expert" transition into the CEO role, doubling the business in just 24 months while honoring the legacy of founder Steve Cottrell.

Join host Shasta Haddock for a high-stakes episode of the I’m a Car Chick podcast , live from the Authenticom booth at NADA 2026. In this candid sit-down, NADA President Mike Stanton and Authenticom Founder Steve Cottrell pull no punches regarding the future of the automotive industry. Stanton reveals why he is "pissed" about misguided direct-to-consumer sales efforts and details how NADA is utilizing its legal defense fund to litigate and protect the franchise dealer model. The conversation also dives deep into DealerVault , the collaborative solution designed to keep dealer data secure and compliant. From celebrating legislative wins against FTC overreach to Steve Cottrell’s emotional reflection on stepping aside as CEO , this episode explores why "the basics" of data hygiene and trusted partnerships are the most important tools for innovation. Whether it's fighting for the dealer model or navigating the "new currency" of data , this is a must-watch for any automotive professional looking to win in 2026.

In this episode of I’m a Car Chick, Shasta sits down with Kristin Kolodge, Vice President and Head of Auto Benchmarking and Mobility Development at J.D. Power — a woman whose work quite literally shapes the global automotive industry. Kristin oversees the world’s most influential vehicle quality and customer experience studies, including the Initial Quality Study (IQS), APEAL, VDS, and TXI, along with J.D. Power’s future mobility research. If you’ve ever seen a commercial where a manufacturer bragged about “J.D. Power Awards”… yep. That’s her world. Together, we unpack the why behind the data — and what dealerships, OEMs, consumers, and even EV skeptics need to know. In this episode, we dive into: ● How Kristin went from mechanical engineering to running global benchmarking at J.D. Power ● What today’s vehicle quality landscape actually looks like (and what’s changing fast) ● Why customer expectations are rising faster than manufacturers can keep up ● The difference between initial quality, long-term dependability, and tech experience ● The truth about EV satisfaction, charging frustrations, and adoption roadblocks ● Practical insights for dealers on improving customer trust and communication ● How future mobility trends will reshape the car biz over the next decade This episode is the ultimate blend of data, strategy, consumer psychology, and real-world dealership impact — told through the lens of one of the most influential women in the automotive industry. Connect with Kristin Kolodge on LinkedIn: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-kolodge/ Kristin Kolodge Vice President & Head of Auto Benchmarking and Mobility Development, J.D. Power Kristin Kolodge leads all global vehicle quality research at J.D. Power, including the industry-defining Initial Quality Study (IQS), APEAL Study, Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), and Tech Experience Index (TXI). She also oversees mobility development initiatives, creating future-focused solutions for OEMs navigating the evolving landscape of electrification, autonomy, safety, and consumer behavior. Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Michigan. Her work influences manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers worldwide — shaping decisions across product development, quality improvement, and customer experience. Subscribe to I’m a Car Chick on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify — and leave a review to support women’s voices in the car biz.

In Part 2 of Shasta’s conversation with Gayle Rogers of The Atomic Agency, they go from theory to step-by-step execution. If Part 1 was the why, this is the how. Gayle walks through exactly how he uses long-form video, AI, and a simple system to help businesses create consistent, local, authority-building content without needing a full production team. In this episode, they cover: ● The tech stack Gayle recommends for recording and repurposing content (hello, Riverside) ● How to turn one conversation into transcripts, topics, and a full content calendar ● Using tools like ChatGPT to pull out brand pillars, personas, and StoryBrand-style messaging ● Why unscripted, conversational videos often outperform stiff, teleprompter content ● How dealers can build a searchable library of video and image assets (cars, features, people) ● SEO lessons from naming his company “The Atomic Agency” and outranking massive competitors ● Why you can’t wait for “perfect” content — you just need to start ● The surprising power of personal posts (fantasy football, anyone?) and human moments in building your brand Part 2 is a practical masterclass in content and authority-building for dealerships, vendors, and anyone trying to stand out online without burning out.

In this episode of I’m a Car Chick, Shasta sits down with Gayle Rogers, founder of The Atomic Agency, to talk about what real marketing looks like for dealerships in 2025 and beyond. Gayle has worn all the hats — agency, OEM, and in-dealership marketing — and he breaks down how those experiences shaped his approach to helping stores stop “doing ads” and start actually showing up in their communities. In Part 1, we talk about: ● How Gayle got his start in automotive at J. Walter Thompson in Detroit ● What he learned moving between OEM, agency, and dealership roles ● Why you’ll never outspend the big players, but you can out-local them ● A real estate case study that led to his philosophy on local content and interviews ● How dealers can become the local experts instead of just the place that sells cars ● Using community-focused content (not “look at us” charity posts) to build trust ● Where AI fits in — and why it still needs a human face in front of it This episode is packed with practical ideas for dealers, marketers, and vendors who want to move beyond generic ads and build real relationships with the people they serve.

In this inspiring episode of I’m a Car Chick, Shasta sits down with Dara Koenig — author, coach, speaker, and all-around champion for women chasing purpose and growth. Dara’s career has spanned every corner of empowerment — from corporate marketing and recruiting to launching a nonprofit uplifting women, career coaching, and publishing her devotional series. Through every chapter, her focus has remained the same: helping others rise. Together, Shasta and Dara talk about: ●Turning purpose into impact 💡 ●The importance of women supporting women ●What it means to “be the change” in business and in life ●How social media can be used as a force for connection and positivity ●Lessons Dara has learned as an author, coach, and creator Dara’s passion for people shines through every word — and her reminder that fulfillment comes from helping others will leave you inspired long after the episode ends. Guest Bio: Dara Koenig Author | Coach | Social Media Maven Coach, author, and speaker Dara Koenig is dedicated to empowering others and helping fellow women reach their goals. For as long as she can remember, Dara has been focused on people—spending the better part of her career helping others. From working with large-scale companies to market their services, hiring employees for their dream jobs, launching a nonprofit to uplift women, career coaching, and publishing a devotional series, Dara has worked in every facet of helping others reach new heights and wouldn’t have it any other way. The more people she’s helping, the more fulfilled Dara feels. Bringing people together is her passion, and making them happier than they were when they arrived is her mission. Living by the saying “be the change you want to see in the world,” Dara strives to help others view life through that same empowering lens.

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What happens when a Wall Street finance pro jumps into the world of automotive tech? 🚗💡 In this episode of the I’m a Car Chick Podcast, host Shasta Haddock sits down with Lauren Langston, President & CEO of Tekmetric, to talk about leadership, innovation, and how technology is reshaping the auto repair industry. From startup strategy and AI to technician burnout and independent shop growth, Lauren shares her journey from investing in software to leading a company that’s changing the game for repair shops everywhere. If you’re passionate about tech, business, or cars — this one’s a must-listen. 🔧🔥

In Part 2 of Shasta’s conversation with Tracey Fields, Chief Experience Officer at Premier Automotive Group, we explore a defining chapter in both her career and the company’s history: Hurricane Katrina. Tracey shares her firsthand experience of how Katrina impacted New Orleans, the community, and Premier Auto Group—and the leadership lessons that emerged in the aftermath. Nearly 30 years into her career, she reflects on how the business has evolved and how resilience shaped her perspective on growth, culture, and service. We cover: ● What Katrina taught her about crisis leadership and recovery 🌊 ● The impact on the automotive community in New Orleans ● How Premier rebuilt stronger and more community-focused ● The shifts she’s seen in the car business over three decades This powerful episode is about more than cars—it’s about resilience, leadership under pressure, and the importance of building organizations that can withstand change.