In this VADA Live AI special, host Dan Carrigan interviews Checkered Flag General Manager Michael Wood about the reality of using AI in the dealership. Michael shares his perspective on how to get past the hype of artificial intelligence, and how to augment employees to enhance them by removing meaningless tasks from their workloads.
VADA Live S1:E12 – Sales & CRM Strategies with NADA Academy Instructor Andy Seidenman
How do dealers keep their sales processes on track in a constantly changing landscape? In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan talks with Andy Seidenman, a 30-year industry veteran and NADA Academy Instructor, about maintaining structure, avoiding “process evaporation” and driving lasting success. Tune in for expert insights on topics like dealership training, CRM strategies, the power of reinforcement in establishing new processes and more.
VADA Live S1: E35 – AI in Fixed Ops with WarrCloud’s Jim Roche
Can AI streamline your dealership’s most complex back-office functions? Jim Roche, CEO of WarrCloud, joins Dan Carrigan to explain how AI-powered automation is boosting profitability and efficiency in fixed operations and warranty claims processing, especially with new Virginia laws protecting dealer compensation as of July 1.
VADA LIVE S1:E36 – How NADA is preparing students for AI with Director Michael Hayes
On this special episode of VADA Live, Host Dan Carrigan sits down with @NADA Academy Director Michael Hayes. The duo takes a deep dive on all things AI in the retail automotive industry, and how NADA Academy is preparing its students for the dealerships of today and tomorrow.
VADA Live S1:E37 – Is AI right for your dealership? With Richmond Ford’s Kayla Kody
Does artificial intelligence have a place in the automotive industry? In this VADA Live special, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Kayla Kody, Vice President at Richmond Ford Auto Group, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of using AI in dealerships. Kayla shares her perspective on how AI can be a powerful “helping hand” to enhance operations and customer experiences, but not a total replacement for the human connection. She also shares the importance of data privacy (if you wouldn’t shout it across the sales floor, don’t input it into ChatGPT!), the most promising applications of AI in both sales and service, and the keys to getting buy-in from your team.
VADA Live S1:E27 – Talking Perspective with H. Carter Myers III
H. Carter Myers III, a 60-year veteran of the auto industry and leader of the century-old Carter Myers dealership group, joins VADA Live to share his unparalleled perspective. Drawing from a career that includes serving as VADA Chair and being named Dealer of the Year, Mr. Myers discusses how to stay on the leading edge of retail auto. He explores the importance of industry associations, the unique tradition of sharing ideas, and the foundational advice on leadership and customer focus that has stood the test of time.
VADA Live S1:E28 – The Importance of Retail Auto in Virginia with Speaker of the House Don Scott
Join Dan Carrigan for an insightful conversation with Virginia’s Speaker of the House, Don Scott. Speaker Scott shares his unique perspective on the vital role the automotive industry plays in the Commonwealth, highlighting how Virginia’s pro-business climate supports over 60,000 strong jobs across sales, service, and fixed operations. He passionately discusses the critical importance of the franchise model in protecting consumers and fostering deep community ties, drawing from his own experiences as both a lawmaker and a car consumer.
VADA Live S1:E25 – Walk and Talk with VADA’25 Convention Speaker Kevin Eastman
Kevin Eastman served as Assistant Coach to Head Coach Doc Rivers for nine years with the Boston Celtics (winning the NBA World Championship) and four years with the Los Angeles Clippers. He also served as Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Clippers. For over 10 years he worked with Nike as the national director of Nike’s skill development programs for elite high school and college players. Through his corporate and sports team speaking (sharing with over 70 audiences/year) and his website (kevineastman.net), Kevin inspires corporate audiences, teams and coaches to be the best they can be in their careers and lives. He is recognized as an engaging and thoughtful speaker speaking to leadership teams, sales teams, and entire organizations as well as one of the best basketball clinicians in the U.S. and internationally.
VADA Live S1:E14 – Enhancing Communication Skills with Page Fehling
Elevate your leadership communication! In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan talks with Page Fehling, covering public speaking, relationships with local media and fostering a positive culture. Plus, hear about Page’s recent car-buying experience, and what impressed this communications expert.
VADA Live S1:E16 – Buyers Order Updates & Lease Order Introduction
For the first time in many years Virginia has completed a comprehensive overhaul of the Buyer’s Order form. The move is designed to provide greater protections for dealers, improve clarity for consumers, and address modern compliance standards. The new forms — including an optional Lease Buyer’s Order — will be issued starting May 1, with no hard deadline for implementation. VADA General Counsel and Executive Vice President Anne Gambardella and our outside counsel Barrie Beaty have recorded a short presentation to walk dealers through the new forms.