VADA Live S1:E19 – Get Ready for July 1 with Armatus Dealer Uplift’s Jordan and Ryan

Big changes are coming for Virginia auto dealers on July 1! Host Dan Carrigan discusses the new warranty recall and reimbursement law with VADA’s General Counsel Anne Gambardella, alongside Jordan Jankowski (COO) and Ryan Hammer (Operations Director) from VADA Program Partner Armatus Dealer Uplift. The panel covers critical steps dealers should take now to prepare for the deadline, specific changes impacting diagnostic time and rental car reimbursement, common submission mistakes to avoid, and valuable insights gained from national experience. Understand this vital legislation, achieved through dedicated VADA advocacy, to ensure your dealership benefits fully.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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/