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Peter Kelso embodies a rare and contagious brand of optimism that permeates every aspect of his professional demeanor.

As the VP of Agency Partnerships at FullThrottle.ai, Peter's upbeat and positive approach is not just a personal trait but a strategic tool he leverages to enhance business relationships and customer experiences. His belief in the power of positivity is deeply ingrained, influenced by his parents and refined through personal development over the years. In every interaction, whether on LinkedIn with his positive vibes posts or in high-stakes business meetings, Peter’s optimism acts as a catalyst for reducing friction and fostering a collaborative atmosphere, proving that a sunny outlook can indeed translate to tangible business success.

Peter’s philosophy of positivity not only challenges the prevalent pessimism in the auto industry but also serves as a beacon for better business practices. It perfectly aligns with what we like to say around ASOTU: "Love people more than you love cars."

Here's what we cover:

0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

3:22 - Why Positivity Matters: Peter's Approach on LinkedIn

4:17 - The Roots of Peter's Optimism

6:35 - Creating Content That Resonates

9:07 - The Impact of Positivity on Business Relationships

10:54 - Commerce and Human Connections

13:06 - The Real Impact of Optimism in Leadership

14:28 - Pessimism in the Auto Industry: A Culture Challenge

18:56 - Exciting Developments at FullThrottle.ai

21:00 - The Essential Role of Optimism in Sales and Marketing

Learn more about fullthrottle.ai: https://www.fullthrottle.ai/

Peter Kelso is the VP of Agency Partnership at fullthrottle.ai

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-kelso-19384010/

https://www.fullthrottle.ai/

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1. The Automotive Troublemaker
2. ASOTU CON Sessions
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4. Amplify
5. The ASOTU Wheelhouse hosted by Daniel Govaer

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While AI can streamline operations, it's the human touch that truly nurtures customer loyalty and builds effective business relationships.

In this episode of Auto Collabs, Brad Title, the visionary leader behind Gubagoo, shares his expert insights on the nuanced role of artificial intelligence within the automotive industry and other sectors. As AI continues to evolve, Brad argues for its use as an indispensable tool rather than a standalone solution. He delves into how AI has the potential to revolutionize traditional practices, such as title clerking, by automating complex processes which can save time and reduce human error. However, he also warns of the dangers of relying too heavily on AI, noting that overemphasis can diminish the crucial human element that fosters genuine customer connections and loyalty.

The discussion also touches on the broader implications of AI in job creation and operational efficiency. Brad highlights the transformative power of AI in enhancing customer service and backend operations, yet he maintains a strong stance on the importance of maintaining a balance between automated solutions and personal interactions. By integrating AI thoughtfully into business practices, Brad envisions a future where technology supports and enhances human work, rather than replacing it. Throughout the conversation, examples from his own experience in leading Gubagoo illustrate practical ways businesses can leverage AI to improve efficiency while keeping customer relationships at the heart of their strategy.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 - Intro

1:12 - Why ignoring AI trends is a significant oversight

3:44 - The risks of overemphasizing AI

6:00 - The effect of AI on jobs

11:03 - How AI can inadvertently betray consumer trust

16:27 - Gubagoo's development of new CRM platforms integrating AI

21:57 - Closing remarks

Learn more about Gubagoo: https://www.gubagoo.com/

Brad Title is the Founder, President and CEO at Gubagoo

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🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:

1. The Automotive Troublemaker
2. ASOTU CON Sessions
3. In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
4. Amplify
5. The ASOTU Wheelhouse hosted by Daniel Govaer

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Jimmy's foresight and innovation are not just reshaping his company, but also providing a blueprint for the future of auto retailing.

We sit down for the second time with Jimmy Douglas, the trailblazing Founder and CEO of Plug, to dissect the seismic shifts in automotive technology and dealership dynamics. Jimmy, an ex-Tesla insider, shares his view into the rapidly evolving landscape of EVs and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for franchise dealerships. With a casual and engaging banter reminiscent of a lively tech meetup, our hosts, Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo, delve deep into Jimmy’s journey from launching Plug at ASOTU CON in September 2023 to steering the company through explosive growth in the used EV market.

Jimmy’s anecdotes about the intersection of software and automotive hardware illuminate the conversation, providing a peek into the not-so-distant future where EVs dominate the roads. His comparison of selling used EVs to understanding the complexities of various Android phones captures the essence of the challenges dealers face today. As he recounts the story of his past at Tesla and draws parallels to his current endeavors, Jimmy underscores the necessity for dealers to adapt swiftly to maintain relevance and profitability in this new era.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

3:37 Flying Middle Seats on Spirit Airlines

10:56 A deep dive into the 'software defined vehicle'

16:46 Why Jimmy believed Plug will be the safest platform for acquiring used EV inventory

22:10 An AI-generated image of "Little Jimmy" driving a vintage Chevy in Oregon

25:22 The importance of attending events like ASOTU CON

Learn more about Plug: https://plug.vin/

Jimmy Douglas is the Founder and CEO of Plug.

⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

We have a daily email!

https://www.asotu.com

✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.

🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:

1. The Automotive Troublemaker
2. ASOTU CON Sessions
3. In the Dirt w/ ASOTU
4. Amplify
5. The ASOTU Wheelhouse hosted by Daniel Govaer