In this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Errol Bomar welcomes John Osborne, Executive Manager at Williamsburg Ford, to reflect on 27 years in the automotive industry and the key inflection points that shaped his approach to leadership, customer experience, and innovation. From entering the industry after time in the Army and firefighting school, to pioneering one-price selling and now pushing digital and AI innovation, John's journey is a testament to growth through intentionality.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro from Errol Bomar0:43 Why pricing transparency excites John today1:26 Leveraging AI and texting for better service ops2:13 From Army and firefighting to auto retail in the ‘90s3:31 2007: A career-shifting moment at a one-price Toyota store4:47 Data as a roadmap for growth and training6:25 Predicting faster, more personalized retail experiences8:12 Connect with John Osborne at Carter Myers Automotive--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who is John Osborne at Carter Myers Automotive?How is AI improving communication in automotive service departments?What is one-price selling in car dealerships?What trends are shaping the future of car buying?How do dealerships use data to improve customer experience?What is the role of executive managers in modern auto retail?How can dealerships personalize digital retailing experiences?

In this heartfelt episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar welcomes back Judi Anderson—attending her fourth consecutive ASOTUCON—to explore the personal journey that led her to become a pillar of customer experience in the automotive space. From roller-skating carhop to corporate marketer to a role built just for her, Judy shares how empathy, purpose, and people-first thinking transformed her career and brought her to Carter Myers Automotive.Judi’s story is a testament to rediscovery. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, she re-entered the workforce and eventually landed a position that didn’t yet exist—but was created because she was the right fit. STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro from Errol Bomar0:50 Judi’s fourth ASOTUCON and why she keeps returning2:35 From hospitality to communications to auto marketing3:49 Re-entering the workforce after 15 years raising daughters5:45 Discovery of a customer experience role built just for her7:58 Why emotional intelligence is her greatest strength9:16 The moment Judi realized she loved people more than product11:14 How understanding employees leads to better customer outcomes-------------------------------------------------------------------Who is Judi Anderson at Carter Myers Automotive?How can emotional intelligence impact customer experience in auto retail?What is it like to return to work after 15 years away?How do dealerships create people-first cultures?Why is empathy a superpower in the workplace?What roles exist in auto that focus on experience, not sales?How can you turn passion into a job without a listing?

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Landon Garside, a former high school drumline teacher turned automotive professional and now marketing strategist. Landon shares how personal transitions—including a divorce and career burnout—led him into the automotive industry by what seemed like chance. But a decade-old positive buying experience at a dealership planted the seed, and a people-centered mindset ultimately propelled him forward. From sales to marketing, Landon's journey is all about doing what's right—even when it isn’t profitable in the moment.STAY CONNECTED WITH ASOTU:Sign up for the ASOTU Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/Watch the docu-series “More Than Cars” at https://www.morethancars.tvFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/asotu_morethancars/Join the community on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Intro1:01 Landon's entry into automotive after burnout and divorce2:16 Buying experience inspired dealership job application3:37 A pivot back into sales after leaving briefly4:52 Putting people over profit—literally sent a customer elsewhere5:50 “She bought her next three cars from me.”6:55 Marketing shift after dealership merchandising vacancy7:24 Strategies that helped dominate market share----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How did Landon Garside transition from sales to marketing in automotive?Why is empathy a strength in car sales and dealership leadership?What’s an example of putting customers first in the automotive industry?How do TikTok and social media boost dealership market share?Why does understanding people matter more than product knowledge in sales?How can storytelling lead to career success in auto retail?What makes ASOTU different from other automotive events?