SAT #32 - 🙌 Laws of Leadership

Ever notice how your home looks its best just minutes before guests arrive?

That's the Red Carpet Mindset – a commitment to creating an environment brimming with warmth and hospitality.

The entire ASOTU Crew is gearing up with this mindset for ASOTU CON, ensuring every moment we get together is nothing short of welcoming. We encourage you to come with the same preparedness.

With business savvy, leadership insights, extensive industry connections, and a holistic perspective on our industry, we'll only reap the benefits we're ready to seek.

Are you set to hit the ground growing with us?

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Leading The Way With Jeremy Stephens

This week we chatted with Jeremy Stephens, the Fixed Operations Director at the Hiester Automotive Group in North Carolina. Jeremy’s years in the industry give him a unique perspective on leadership, relationships, and what it means to love people more than you love cars.

Thanks for talking with me Jeremy! Let’s start at the beginning, how did you join the industry?

I first got a taste of it back in high school. I was 17 and working at the only full-service gas station in my hometown. To be honest, the traditional classroom wasn't really my scene. I needed something more tactile so I enjoyed the work and followed it into new things over time.

You said before you’ve been in the industry for nearly 30 years. What kept you going?

It’s a blend of passion, the people, and a series of fortunate events. I started as a technician at Bobby Murray Chevrolet. Later, at another dealership, I met John Hester, the used car manager at the time. We clicked instantly. When John opened his store, I was the first technician he brought on board.

As the Fixed Ops Director, how do you foster a genuine relationship with your team? What’s your secret ingredient?

Relationships. I won’t sugarcoat it - I stumbled at the beginning. But then, I found these old VHS tapes of John Maxwell's “21 Laws of Leadership” at the bottom of a messy closet I was cleaning up. It was like the universe guiding me. It propelled me into understanding leadership at a deeper level.

Walking into my shop, I don’t discuss cars or hours. I focus on the lives of the technicians. In fact, my goal this year is to learn the names of all my employees' kids. The thing is, once people know you genuinely care, everything falls into place.

Read the rest of our chat with Jeremy at ASOTU.com.

CONTENT RECAP

The Week in the Rearview

EMAIL RECAP

• Dahl Automotive came together with its community to make a difference in the lives of the hungry. 🥫

• Anderson Mazda of Lincoln went above and beyond to support childhood education. 📚

• Ken Garff Automotive Group lends a helping hand to wildfire victims. 🤲

PODCAST RECAP

🎙️🎧 Check out our latest podcast series, The ASOTU Wheelhouse! This week, we took a deep dive into recent J.D. Power and Cox Automotive reports to separate fact from fiction. Watch episode two here! 👈

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

See You In September!

SOMETHING FUN

Electric Drag Racing Jeep

In a fusion of classic charm and futuristic innovation, Kyle Meziere's 1953 Jeep Willys M38a1 has gone electric! Born into the drag racing world, Kyle leaped into the electric vehicle frontier, fueled by a coworker's jest.

⚡ Quick Specs:

• Horsepower: 280+

• Torque: 7,800+ ft-lbs

• Award: Best SUV at Electrify Showoff 2023, Long Beach, CA

🔧 Behind The Scenes: Kyle wasn't alone in this journey. Family, friends, and fellow car aficionados provided invaluable input, support, and hands-on assistance.

🛣 Looking Ahead: As the wave of custom car building takes an electric turn, trailblazers like Kyle are brightening the path. The automotive future? Electrified, exhilarating, and promising endless potential!