Newsletter + Article Archives

Everything You Need to Know to Be a Successful and Competitive Automotive Dealer in Virginia.

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VADA Live S1:E23 – The Customer-Friendly Car Buying Experience with AutoFi’s Joe St. John

May 30, 2025

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.

EEOC Sues Maryland-Based Dealership with Virginia Operations for Refusing to Accommodate Disabled Employee

May 28, 2025

The following case presents an unfortunate situation that could potentially have been prevented. We are sharing a summary of the case for your review, along with professional recommendations from Program

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VADA Live S1:E20 – Marketing Strategies with Scott Pechstein, Aris Woolfolk, and Michelle Radley

May 22, 2025

What digital strategies are actually delivering results for dealerships in 2025? On this edition of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Michelle Radley of Radley Auto Group, Aris Woolfolk of Aschenbach Automotive Group, and Scott Pechstein of Digital Air Strike to talk lead reactivation, CRM performance, platform shifts, and how to stay competitive on a tight budget. From the impact of AI tools to signs it’s time to adjust your strategy, this conversation offers practical takeaways for teams looking to sharpen their digital approach.

VADA Live S1:E21 – Get to Know Virgil Thornton, Sr., Candidate for VA House of Delegates

May 22, 2025

What inspires a veteran of Virginia’s auto industry and a lifelong community advocate to run for the House of Delegates? On this edition of VADA Live, Jeff Kelley sits down with Virgil Thornton Sr., candidate for the 86th District and a familiar face from decades in Virginia dealerships. They discuss his unique journey from nuclear testing and automotive leadership to his current campaign, the core philosophies like “Kaizen” and “Omotenashi” that guide him, and his vision for his district and the Commonwealth. From his deep experience as a foster parent and NADA Academy graduate to his key priorities of education, healthcare access, and economic development, this conversation offers an insightful look at a pro-business, pro-dealer candidate rooted in service.

VADA Live S1:E22 – Elevating Your Customer Experience with Katie Mares

May 22, 2025

Get ready to elevate your dealership’s customer experience! On this edition of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with bestselling author, TED Talk speaker, and customer experience expert Katie Mares. Katie, a featured speaker at this year’s VADA Convention, will discuss how to make “the now non-negotiable”, what dealers are still getting wrong about creating five-star experiences, and how to better serve the female consumer. Discover insights on why customer experience competition often comes from outside the auto industry, tangible ways to improve your workplace, and the power of leading through decisive action. This conversation offers a sneak peek into Katie’s convention session and practical takeaways for every auto dealer.

Barrie: When do dealerships get a release?

May 20, 2025

Used vehicle sales in Richmond? Don’t skip inspections! Discover why vehicle history reports aren’t enough & how to protect your dealership from fraud claims.

Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: May

May 19, 2025

Virginia’s auto dealers aren’t just selling cars; they’re investing in the Commonwealth. Every month, we’re highlighting the positive impact auto dealers are making in their communities. From charitable giving to

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Selling Cars, Trucks, and Optimism no matter what

May 19, 2025

Tariff uncertainty presents challenges, but I see us adapting with characteristic resilience. We’re guiding customers and will navigate these unpredictable times, just as we always have.

VADA Live S1:E18 – Trends, Tariffs, and Tech with Automotive Venture’s Steve Greenfield

May 14, 2025

What’s hot in the auto market? Steve Greenfield, General Partner at Automotive Ventures dives into trends, tariffs, and tech on this episode of VADA Live. Get Steve’s pulse check on consumer caution, potential sales headwinds, and the impact of affordability challenges facing the industry today.