How can dealerships make car buying faster and more customer-friendly in today’s market? On this episode of VADA Live, Joe St. John, Chief Customer Officer at AutoFi, explores innovative strategies using smart dealership technology to achieve speedier deals and create truly satisfied buyers. He offers expert insights into adapting to the expectations of digitally-savvy consumers, ultimately transforming the sales process through enhanced transparency and a focus on customer experience.
VADA LIVE
VADA Live S1:E24 – 2025 Mid-Year Legal and Legislative Update
On June 5, 2025, VADA’s, Anne Gambardella, Mimi Perka, and outside counsel Barrie Charapp Beaty provided our Mid-Year Legal & Legislative Update to dealers. Listen/Watch and learn all the changes coming July 1, and how VADA is beginning to prepare for the November elections and General Assembly 2026.
VADA Live S1:E38 – Preparing for a world beyond SEO with Reunion Marketing’s Chad Graves
In this VADA Live special, host Dan Carrigan and @Reunionmarketing’s Chad Graves discuss how dealers can get ahead of AI-driven marketing. Chad emphasizes that AI is a supplement, not a replacement, for human interaction and offers a valuable look into how early adopters are using data to become more efficient, serve their customers better, and prepare for a future where buyers may make decisions without even visiting a website.
VADA Live S1:E26 – Pro-Retail Auto Legislation with VADA Legislative & PAC Chair Tim Pohanka
Join Dan Carrigan and Tim Pohanka, VADA’s Legislative Chairman for this special edition of VADA Live from VADA’25. In this episode, Tim offers an exclusive look into the impactful work shaping the legislative landscape for Virginia’s auto dealers, emphasizing how VADA’s direct communication and deep understanding of the industry make all the difference in Richmond. The duo also explores why active participation from every dealer is crucial, serving as a powerful force for collective good. To support the VADA Auto and Truck Dealers PAC, visit https://vadapac.com/
VADA Live S1:E4 – Elevating Customer Experience with Kayla Kody and Jake Sodikoff
In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan dives into one of the most critical drivers of dealership success: customer service. Joining the conversation are Kayla Kody, vice president of Richmond Ford Auto Group, and Jake Sodikoff, president and dealer principal of Steven Nissan and President of HoneyCar, a used vehicle franchise with five locations in Virginia. Together, they share ways to enhance customer experiences, balance technology with a personal touch and tackle challenges unique to the auto industry.
VADA Live S1:E10 – The Future of Automotive Retail with Presidio Group’s Kevin Tynan
In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at the Presidio Group, to discuss the top-of-mind issues facing auto dealers in 2025. They delve into the evolving dynamics of the automotive market, including manufacturer pressures on inventory and sales, the resilience of the franchise model, and the cooling EV market. Kevin shares his insights on maximizing fixed ops revenue, potential shifts in incentives and pricing strategies, and the continuing importance of affordability for consumers. Tune in for this insightful conversation on the future of the automotive industry!
VADA Live S1:E3 – 2025 Legal & Legislative Update w/ Anne Gambardella, Barrie Beaty, and Mimi Perka
Our Annual Legal & Legislative Update in December 2025 offers dealers the latest insights on state legislation along with federal laws you need to know to run your business. The panel was hosted by VADA’s Don Hall, and includes Anne Gambardella, Esq., VADA General Counsel and Executive Vice President; Barrett “Barrie” Charapp Beaty, VADA outside counsel with Charapp & Weiss, LLP; and Mimi Perka, Esq., VADA’s legal and legislative affairs director.
VADA Live S1:E1 – Evolving Market Dynamics with Cox Automotive’s Brian Finkelmeyer
In this episode of VADA LIVE, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Brian Finkelmeyer, Senior Director of Enterprise Insights and Advisory at Cox Automotive, to unpack the latest trends shaping the automotive retail landscape. From the bright spots in vehicle sales to the challenges of rising inventories and affordability concerns, Brian provides a deep dive into the evolving market dynamics. Tune in to explore strategies for dealerships to stay ahead, updates on EV growth projections, and insights into how transparency and innovation are reshaping the customer experience.
VADA Live S1:E5 – Get to know VADA’s General Manager, Bruce McGeorge
In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Bruce McGeorge, VADA’s new general manager, to discuss his impressive journey to VADA. A proud U.S. Naval Academy graduate and retired Marine Corps captain, Bruce brings more than 30 years of expertise in the automotive and logistics industries. From his early exposure to the dealer business to leading innovative solutions at CarMax and ACV Auctions, Bruce shares his insights.
VADA Live S1:E6 – Warranty Reimbursement with Armatus’ Jordan Jankowski and Ryan Hammer
On this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan and an expert panel explore one of the most pressing issues facing Virginia’s franchised dealers: warranty reimbursement. Joined by Anne Gambardella, General Counsel and Executive Vice President of VADA, along with Jordan Jankowski and Ryan Hammer from Armatus Dealer Uplift, the discussion covers the challenges dealers face, insights into navigating warranty processes and the steps VADA is taking, including legislative efforts, to fight for fair compensation for dealers and technicians.