#443 - ✂️ Snips and Whips

TOGETHER WITH

Everyone needs a good riddle to start the day sometimes. For times like that, wegotchu:

I belong to you but others use me more often than you do. What am I?

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, & Chris

DEALERS

Vroomin’ and Groomin’ at Strickland’s Stratford Toyota

Last month, Strickland’s Stratford Toyota and Rosso Barber-O Shop in Ontario joined forces to create some buzz for their local food bank, House of Blessing.

Over a weekend, Strickland’s transformed their dealership into a trendy oasis, offering chic haircuts and suave beard trims in exchange for donations to the nonprofit. Over 160 eager patrons were treated to the grooming talents of new-to-town, Rosso Villamil, as well as savory barbecued treats.

Together, the dynamic duo raised an impressive $750 for the cause, and House of Blessing executive director Eva Hayes was incredibly grateful.

“The summer’s a really difficult time for us because lots of people are in vacation mode and they’re thinking about other things, but the need doesn’t stop regardless of what time of year it is,” she said. “This really helps us our give to families and to help support those children in the summer.”

Telling it like it is — 100% sure we love this initiative. Not 100% sure we’d let a barber give us a trim while wearing sunglasses. 😎

AUTOMOTIVE

Considering Commercial BEV Fleets?

As the world shifts towards a greener future, the transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is gaining traction. While the conversation predominantly revolves around personal use, the commercial sector poses many of its own unique challenges.

Here are six essential considerations for commercial fleet owners venturing into the BEV landscape:

🧐 Power and Planning —

• Evaluate the number of shifts, total miles driven, and charging availability. BEVs excel in fleets with limited daily usage and opportune charging times.

• Fine-tune your schedule to ensure charging opportunities align seamlessly with downtime.

🧐 Best Fit —

• Match the nature of work and equipment demands with the capabilities of the BEV.

• For example, transporting heavy auxiliary equipment may pose challenges, whereas non-emergency medical services could be suitable options.

🧐 Geography and Weather —

• Factor in weather-related challenges and extreme temperature conditions.

• Severe cold can impact range and battery efficiency, while extreme heat can accelerate degradation.

🧐 Dependability —

• Distinguish between fleets requiring 100% uptime and those with more flexible operations (i.e. emergency and utility fleets must operate reliably, even in adverse weather conditions).

• Evaluate the implications of downtime and maintenance during a BEV transition.

🧐 Size Matters —

• Larger organizations have the advantage of experimenting with a portion of their fleet whereas smaller fleets face additional hurdles in terms of cost, planning, insurance, and marketing.

• Gauge the feasibility of a BEV transition based on fleet size and resources.

🧐 Availability —

• Carefully evaluate the growing variety of BEV options in addition to their relevant tax credits.

• Capitalize on current vehicle availability while also considering long-term supply and support.

Telling it like it is — Just like most things, trying something new can be difficult and scary, but careful consideration and planning will set you up for success.

TOGETHER WITH SLACK

The Power of Communication

Rome wasn't built in a day, sure, but did the Romans have Slack? 🤔

We thought not...

Communication is key to getting (and keeping) your team on the same page. Slack offers organized conversations, easy-to-control permissions, and built-in tools like reminders, voice/video calls, and app integration.

It is reliable and customizable in all the ways you need. Build your empire with Slack today!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Join us on September 25-27th in Baltimore for ASOTU CON 2023! 🤗

It’s your chance to unlock ideas and inspire better operators within your company as you hear from and interact with some of the sharpest minds in automotive and beyond.

🎟️ Don’t wait — get your tickets here! 🎟️

CULTURE

Nom Nom News

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has followed the FDA in granting approval for lab-grown chicken. Californian companies, Upside Foods and Good Meat, were recently given the green light by the agencies after passing all of the federal inspections required for selling their meat and poultry products. While initially launching in limited quantities only to restaurant partners, this milestone marks a significant step for the development of cell-cultivated meats and paves the way for lab-grown foods to eventually reach your grocery shelves. 🧫🍗🛒

McDonald's favorite purple pal is being celebrated with a limited-time birthday meal of his very own. Grimace’s birthday meal includes a Big Mac or 10-piece McNuggets, fries, and a special shake featuring a berry and vanilla flavor (and also turns it Grimace’s signature shade of deep lavender). 🥤🍟🍔

NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo decided to satisfy his insatiable sweet tooth by doing what any of us would — heavily investing in a candy company. This month the basketball star became a major stakeholder in the Canadian brand, Candy Funhouse. In a short YouTube video, he shared his immense love for American sweets when he first came to the US and he’s excited to bring that same joy to fellow candy-lovers. 🍬🍫🍭

Telling it like it is — On a scale from “Ah, Heck Yeah!” to “Oh, Heck No!,” how interested are you to try lab-grown meat? Hit reply and let us know!

Quick Hits

• Porsche is celebrating their 75th anniversary with limited-edition Xbox consoles and controllers. 🎮

• Pharell Williams received a standing ovation after presenting his debut collection as Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director. 👏

• The teaser trailer for Sofia Coppola’s latest biopic “Priscilla” is out now. 🎥

History

• 1934: John Dillinger is informally named America's first Public Enemy Number One. 🚨

• 1940: The very first Dairy Queen opens in Joliet, Illinois. 🍦

• 1944: 32nd US President Franklin Roosevelt signs "GI Bill of Rights." 📜

• 1984: Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Airways commences operations with a flight from Gatwick to Newark. 🛫

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