🚗 Cracking the Code

🚙 Weekly Recap, Popular Pods, and 3 Stages of LinkedIn Mastery

July 26, 2025

Around here, we talk a lot about what real leadership looks like. How it synchronizes the row and steers and ship. It’s a job with lot of responsibility, and a lot of people relying on you.

Around here, we talk a lot about leadership. The real kind. The kind that synchronizes the rowers and steers the ship from the front. It isn’t just a title, it’s responsibility.

It often gets framed in big-picture terms like culture, vision, and team dynamics. And yes, all of that matters. But a post from our friend Michael L. Wood brought it back to something simple. Great leaders don’t lead from a distance. They lead by example.

Whether it’s wiping down the workbench or handling checks, nothing is above or beneath the kind of leadership that truly builds trust.

Keep Pushing Back,
-Paul, Kyle, Chris, and Kristi

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Reading time: 4 mins

ICYMI

The Week in the Rearview

Tenor

The Daily Pushback Email

  • On Monday, Rivian went big with a $6B factory in Georgia while OpenAI’s new ChatGPT upgrade started running full-blown tasks from a single prompt. Meanwhile, West Herr dished out ice cream, produce, and real community care in Buffalo. 🍦
     

  • Then on Tuesday, we took a look at Tesla’s retro diner with robots and roller skates, and Ford’s Bronco EV (though no U.S. release in sight). Franchised dealers saw a 22% jump in profits, and OpenAI’s newest tool turned GPT into a full-blown taskmaster with agents, and one shopper’s Reddit saga across five dealerships sparked some tough questions. 🛼
     

  • On Wednesday, GM’s profits took a hit, dropping 35% thanks to $1.1B in tariffs, though they’re still pushing forward with hybrid and EV plans. Dealers are shifting away from auctions, with private-party sourcing expected to hit 40% by year’s end. Tesla wrapped up its DTC battle in Louisiana, possibly opening the door for more EV challengers. And Cavender Auto reminded us what leadership looks like after rallying a team of 100 to support flood recovery in Texas. 💯
     

  • On Thursday, attention was everything. Meme stocks surged, dealers shifted from auctions to private-party sourcing, and GM climbed to number two in EV sales despite a $1.1B tariff hit. Plus, a Georgia court case exposed how AI tools are moving faster than the legal system, reminding us that focus isn’t optional. It’s essential. 🧐
     

  • Finally it was Friday. Tesla and Hyundai both posted earnings drops, automakers consider ditching stop-start tech, and a Gallup poll revealed a lack of learning time drives turnover. Meanwhile, auto legend and arts lover Fred Martin gifted $500K and two Steinway pianos to Lake Erie College. 🎹 

PODCASTS

Auto Collabs

Nick Askew of Space Auto is back with us on Auto Collabs, this time sharing some uncomfortable truths: most dealers already have what they need.

In this episode, Nick shares how he built an AI system that can design, launch, and manage entire companies. He explains why knowing your own data and understanding how your tech stack fits together is no longer optional. It’s how you stay competitive.

Unscripted

Bill Vaughn didn’t plan on a career in auto, but 90 days into running his own store, it’s clear he’s right where he belongs.

In this episode of Unscripted, host Errol Bomar talks with Bill about what changed everything—from struggling in sales to thriving in finance and leadership. Bill shares how learning to put people first shaped his growth and how he’s now empowering his own team to lead with trust and care.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Paul J Daly Cracks the Code

He’s done it, folks! Paul broke LinkedIn’s algorithm.

Or…maybe it broke him.

Either way, he made a video unpacking the whole emotional journey, and honestly, it’s probably the most relatable thing you’ll watch today.

😎 What We’re…

👀 Watching: Happy Gilmore 2
The story is kinda meh and it’s held up mostly by nostalgia and cameos, but if you’re a fan of the Sandman it’s definitely worth a watch.

📚 Reading: Be Yourself at Work by Claude Silver
So technically we aren’t reading this one yet because it won’t be released until October, but we. can’t. wait! If it’s even a fraction as powerful as her speech at ASOTU CON 2025, we’re in for a real treat.

🎧 Listening To: Potion by Djo
Pronounced “Joe,” Djo is a pseudonym for Joe Kerry (AKA Steve from the Netflix hit series, Stranger Things). It’s giving 70’s energy with dreamy, modern vibes that we really dig.

🤤 Eating: Hot Pot
Pay extra for DIY soup? Yes please!

🥊 Quick Hits

Thanks for sticking around to the end, pal, and have a happy weekend!

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