🎙️ Veronica Dunford and Shasta Haddock Are Changing the Game for Women in AutomotiveWhat’s holding women back in the auto industry—and who’s doing something about it? In this powerful conversation, Shawn Payne sits down with Veronica Dunford, owner of Women in Automotive, and Shasta Haddock, board member and podcast host, to discuss how this organization is breaking barriers, building leadership, and rewriting the narrative for women in dealerships across the country.Veronica shares how she went from supporter to owner of the Women in Automotive brand and how inclusivity—yes, including men—is part of their strategy for lasting change. Shasta reveals how a literal elevator pitch launched her into leadership and what she’s doing now to run structured, wildly successful regional events. Together, they tackle tough questions about gender, culture, leadership, and the future of the industry.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:30 History of Women in Automotive01:30 Veronica’s journey to ownership02:50 Shasta’s elevator pitch moment04:45 Why Shasta stopped attending—and what brought her back06:15 Fixing disorganized events and creating structure09:25 Veronica’s early sales experience and industry challenges12:00 Lessons from investment banking and entrepreneurship14:30 Gender bias in early dealership experiences15:40 Why hiring women improves compliance and customer experience17:00 The mental barriers women face in applying for leadership roles19:00 The perfectionism trap and internal dialogue21:00 Leadership styles, turnover, and culture22:45 Gender gaps in ownership and the real numbers25:30 What's holding women back? The wrong conversations27:00 Challenging assumptions about work-life balance29:00 Future-focused solutions and real change30:30 Three things every dealership can do today32:00 Mentorship and why inclusion matters34:00 The backlash against including men—and how Veronica responded36:00 Expanding reach through partnerships and social media39:00 Building scholarships and making impact at scale🔗 More About Our Guest**Veronica Dunford** is the owner of Women in Automotive and a longtime advocate for empowering women in the industry.**Shasta Haddock** is a board member of Women in Automotive and co-host of the *Chicks in Charge* podcast, leading initiatives for regional events and leadership development.WORK WITH US☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: [https://goatforreal216.com/contact](https://goatforreal216.com/contact)📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: [https://goatforreal216.com/apple](https://goatforreal216.com/apple)► Follow us on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia](https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia)► Follow us on TikTok: [https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia](https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia)📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: [https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216](https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216)► Follow on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/goatforreal216](https://instagram.com/goatforreal216)💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship\#womeninautomotive #autoindustryleadership #shastahaddock #veronicadunford #dealershipculture #femaleleaders #chicksincharge #automotivemarketing #inclusionmatters #carbusiness #automotivepodcast #leadershipdevelopment #worklifebalance #mentorshipmatters #genderinbusiness #womenleaders

 
🎙️ What if every marketing move you made actually reflected your soul and your vision? In this episode, we talk with Veronica Shasta, a brand consultant, business strategist, and founder of Simply Stand Out, who believes your visuals should align with who you truly are—not just what trends tell you to do.
Veronica shares her approach to branding from the inside out, why business owners feel “off” in their marketing, and how to reconnect with the spark that started it all. This episode is for anyone tired of trying to “look” successful and ready to build a brand that feels right instead.
 
⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:40 Why business owners feel stuck in their visuals01:20 The cost of misaligned branding03:00 How to rediscover your spark04:15 Why a rebrand can save your business06:00 Tools to realign your vision and messaging07:20 What happens when your branding “clicks”08:40 Veronica’s story and how she helps entrepreneurs10:00 Practical tips for a soulful brand refresh12:00 Veronica’s invitation to entrepreneurs ready for change
🔗 More About Our GuestVeronica Shasta is a brand consultant and founder of Simply Stand Out. With a background in design, psychology, and business, she helps entrepreneurs rediscover the heart of their message and express it clearly and confidently. 
WORK WITH US☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: https://goatforreal216.com/contact
📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: https://goatforreal216.com/apple► Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia► Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia
📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216► Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforreal216
💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship
#soulfulbranding #brandstrategy #entrepreneurjourney #simplystandout #veronicashasta #personalbranding #brandingfromwithin #businessalignment #authenticmarketing #goatforreal216 #autosocialgal

🎙️ How do you transform used car listings into lead magnets? In this episode, we sit down with Sanjay Varnwall and David Purgason of Spyne.AI, a revolutionary company using artificial intelligence to take vehicle merchandising to the next level. Whether you're a dealer struggling with low-quality photos or a marketplace looking to standardize your listings, Spyne’s solutions could be the edge you need.🔗 EPISODE LINKS:Spyne AI: https://spyne.aiRequest a Demo: https://spyne.ai/auto⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:35 What is Spyne and why it matters to dealers01:15 Studio-quality images with your phone02:10 The biggest problems in vehicle merchandising03:25 Why poor photos are killing your sales05:00 How Spyne helps marketplaces and independent dealers06:30 AI background replacement and automation08:00 Real-world results and before/after examples09:15 Integration options for dealerships10:00 Spyne’s origin story and automotive focus11:30 What’s next for AI in auto retail13:00 How to try Spyne at your dealership🔗 More About Our GuestSanjay Varnwal is the Co-Founder and CEO of Spyne, an AI startup transforming how vehicles are sold online. An IIT Kharagpur alumnus and former Amazon leader, Sanjay has scaled Spyne to 2,000+ dealerships across 50+ countries, powering over $5B in vehicle listings annually. Backed by $16M from Vertex, Accel, and Storm Ventures, the company has grown 5× in just 15 months. Sanjay is now leading Spyne’s U.S. expansion to tap into the 80K+ auto dealers market with a GenAI-powered retail suite.WORK WITH ME☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: [https://goatforreal216.com/contact](https://goatforreal216.com/contact)📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: [https://goatforreal216.com/apple](https://goatforreal216.com/apple)► Follow us on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia](https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia)► Follow us on TikTok: [https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia](https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia)📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: [https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216](https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216)► Follow on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/goatforreal216](https://instagram.com/goatforreal216)💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship#vehiclemerchandising #automotivedealers #usedcarsales #aiinretail #spyneai #dealershiptools #inventorymarketing #autosalesstrategy #carphotography #autotech #goatforreal216 #autosocialgal

 
🎙️ How do you transform used car listings into lead magnets? In this episode, we sit down with Ayush Agarwal and Ritesh Nandan of Spyne AI, a revolutionary company using artificial intelligence to take vehicle merchandising to the next level. Whether you're a dealer struggling with low-quality photos or a marketplace looking to standardize your listings, Spyne’s solutions could be the edge you need.
Ayush and Ritesh walk us through how Spyne AI creates studio-quality vehicle images using just a smartphone. We dive into how the technology works, what it means for independent dealerships, and why better photos are the most underrated way to boost engagement, trust, and sales.
🔗 EPISODE LINKS:Spyne AI: https://spyne.aiRequest a Demo: https://spyne.ai/auto
⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:35 What is Spyne and why it matters to dealers01:15 Studio-quality images with your phone02:10 The biggest problems in vehicle merchandising03:25 Why poor photos are killing your sales05:00 How Spyne helps marketplaces and independent dealers06:30 AI background replacement and automation08:00 Real-world results and before/after examples09:15 Integration options for dealerships10:00 Spyne’s origin story and automotive focus11:30 What’s next for AI in auto retail13:00 How to try Spyne at your dealership
🔗 More About Our GuestAyush Agarwal is the Co-Founder and CEO of Spyne, and Ritesh Nandan is the Head of Automotive Solutions. Together, they lead a team focused on transforming how dealerships and marketplaces showcase vehicles online. Learn more at https://spyne.ai
WORK WITH ME☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: https://goatforreal216.com/contact
📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: https://goatforreal216.com/apple► Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia► Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia
📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216► Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforreal216
💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship
#vehiclemerchandising #automotivedealers #usedcarsales #aiinretail #spyneai #dealershiptools #inventorymarketing #autosalesstrategy #carphotography #autotech #goatforreal216 #autosocialgal

🎙️ When you're in the car business, compliance and data protection aren't just best practices—they're survival tactics. In this episode, Shawn “GoatForReal216” Payne sits down with Bob Lettis of 700Credit, a company powering over 22,000 dealerships with game-changing credit data and fraud protection tools. Bob breaks down why compliance is your competitive edge, how fraudsters are getting smarter, and what tools you must have in place to protect your dealership in 2025.From seamless integrations to lead-generating web apps and paperless deal jackets, Bob gives you the inside scoop on the hottest tools in the business—and even shares his journey in the auto industry. If you want to protect your store, increase ROI, and stay ahead of the compliance curve, this episode is for you.🔗 EPISODE LINKS:700Credit: https://700credit.com⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:35 Why compliance matters more than ever01:20 How 700Credit integrates with your software stack02:50 The origin and explosive growth of 700Credit04:00 What independent dealers get wrong about compliance05:00 Why fraud is the #1 threat in 202506:30 QuickScan: The ID fraud prevention tool dealers love07:35 The story behind Bob Lettis’ 22-year auto journey08:45 What makes 700Credit’s team stand out09:45 Free trials that prove the tech works10:50 The biggest challenge facing independent dealers12:05 Why good data is the foundation of great deals13:00 The #1 lead-gen tool dealers should be using14:00 How dealers can test this tech risk-free15:00 Where to find Bob Lettis and 700Credit🔗 More About Our GuestBob Lettis is Vice President at 700Credit, where he leads initiatives in credit data, compliance, and fraud prevention. With over two decades of industry experience, he’s helped thousands of dealers strengthen their compliance game and improve deal accuracy. Learn more at https://700credit.comWORK WITH ME☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: https://goatforreal216.com/contact📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: https://goatforreal216.com/apple► Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia► Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216► Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforreal216💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship#carbusiness #700credit #fraudprevention #dealershipmarketing #compliancematters #autodealerlife #leadgeneration #softpulls #creditdata #niada2025 #goatforreal216 #autosocialgal #independentdealers #autodealertraining

 
🎙️ When you're in the car business, compliance and data protection aren't just best practices—they're survival tactics. In this episode, Shawn “GoatForReal216” Payne sits down with Bob Lettis of 700Credit, a company powering over 22,000 dealerships with game-changing credit data and fraud protection tools. Bob breaks down why compliance is your competitive edge, how fraudsters are getting smarter, and what tools you must have in place to protect your dealership in 2025.
From seamless integrations to lead-generating web apps and paperless deal jackets, Bob gives you the inside scoop on the hottest tools in the business—and even shares his journey in the auto industry. If you want to protect your store, increase ROI, and stay ahead of the compliance curve, this episode is for you.
🔗 EPISODE LINKS:700Credit: https://700credit.com
 
⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:35 Why compliance matters more than ever01:20 How 700Credit integrates with your software stack02:50 The origin and explosive growth of 700Credit04:00 What independent dealers get wrong about compliance05:00 Why fraud is the #1 threat in 202506:30 QuickScan: The ID fraud prevention tool dealers love07:35 The story behind Bob Lettis’ 22-year auto journey08:45 What makes 700Credit’s team stand out09:45 Free trials that prove the tech works10:50 The biggest challenge facing independent dealers12:05 Why good data is the foundation of great deals13:00 The #1 lead-gen tool dealers should be using14:00 How dealers can test this tech risk-free15:00 Where to find Bob Lettis and 700Credit
 
🔗 More About Our GuestBob Lettis is Vice President at 700Credit, where he leads initiatives in credit data, compliance, and fraud prevention. With over two decades of industry experience, he’s helped thousands of dealers strengthen their compliance game and improve deal accuracy. Learn more at https://700credit.com
 
WORK WITH ME
☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: https://goatforreal216.com/contact
📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: https://goatforreal216.com/apple► Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia► Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia
📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216► Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforreal216
 
💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship
#carbusiness #700credit #fraudprevention #dealershipmarketing #compliancematters #autodealerlife #leadgeneration #softpulls #creditdata #niada2025 #goatforreal216 #autosocialgal #independentdealers #autodealertraining

 
🎙️ In this episode, we’re breaking down the myths around car dealerships and spotlighting the leaders who are changing the game from the inside out. If you've ever walked into a dealership feeling like you're on guard, this conversation will flip the script.
We’re joined by Todd Mullen, Vice President of Operations and Managing Partner at Montrose Auto Group. He gives us a candid look at dealership life—from putting out daily fires to pushing culture shifts in an industry often resistant to change. If you're in the auto space, you’ll want to hear how Montrose is making leadership, transparency, and social media work for them.
 
🔗 EPISODE LINKS:https://goatforreal216.com/fixyourcredithttps://goatforreal216.com/creditrepair
 
🏆 THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:Sky Blue Credit Repair – Fix your credit score without lifting a finger: https://goatforreal216.com/skyblue
 
⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:40 Meet Todd Mullen, VP at Montrose Auto Group04:50 From wholesaling to operations: how it all started07:20 Culture, customer service, and washing the occasional car10:30 Legacy leadership and the vision of Mike Thompson Sr.13:15 Why customers still misunderstand dealerships15:30 The powersports perspective: making it fun again17:05 Social media as the great equalizer20:00 Transparency, trust, and re-educating the buyer23:00 The real numbers: dealership profit explained26:00 Why Montrose bet big on social media (and won)29:00 What every dealer needs to know about content32:00 This generation of buyers doesn’t hesitate to post
 
▶️ Watch this interview on YouTube
https://goatforreal216.com/35
 
🔗 More About Our GuestTodd Mullen is the Vice President of Operations and Managing Partner at Montrose Auto Group, one of the most respected automotive dealer groups in Northeast Ohio. Learn more: https://montrosegroup.com
 
WORK WITH US☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: https://goatforreal216.com/contact
 
📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: https://goatforreal216.com/apple► Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia► Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia
 
📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216► Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforreal216
 
📲 Follow INA► Instagram: https://instagram.com/autosocialgal► TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@autosocialgal
 
💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship
 
#carindustrytransformation #dealershipleadership #montroseautogroup #todmullen #everyonehatescarsalesmen #goatforreal216 #autosocialgal #moderncardealership #autoleadership #carbuyingtransparency #usedcardealers #dealershipculture #socialmediaforcarbusiness #clevelanddealers #veteranownedbusiness #carindustryinsights #autopodcast #cardsalescoach #automotivemarketing #powerofsmm

What does it take to thrive as an independent auto dealer in a rapidly changing industry? In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Martin, CEO of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), to explore the real stories, challenges, and opportunities facing dealers today. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious about the future of used car sales, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and reveal what’s really happening behind the scenes.Jeff Martin shares his unique perspective on leadership, community, and the power of networking at the NIADA Convention and Expo 2025. If you want to know how top dealers are adapting, what’s new at this year’s event, and why the independent dealer community is stronger than ever, you won’t want to miss this episode.🔗 EPISODE LINKS:- NIADA 2025 Registration page: https://goatforreal216.com/niada- Learn more about the NIADA: https://www.niada.com🏆 THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:SkyBlue Credit – Credit Repair for Dealers & Customers: https://goatforreal216.com/skyblue⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro 00:36 Meet the hosts: Shawn Payne & Ina Coveney 02:31 Introducing Jeff Martin, CEO of NIADA 03:31 What to expect at the NIADA Convention & Expo 2025 06:33 Why networking at the convention matters 09:18 The power of the expo floor & vendor innovation 10:39 How the industry is changing post-COVID 11:37 First-time attendees & building community 13:01 Keynote speakers and what excites Jeff Martin 14:04 The challenge of uniting independent thinkers 15:21 Bold predictions for the used car industry 17:50 Social media’s impact on independent dealers 20:06 Dispelling myths about used car dealers 23:45 Giving back & community involvement 25:13 Jeff Martin’s dinner table question 27:03 How to register for NIADA Convention and Expo 2025 28:29 Final thoughts and goodbyes➡️ GO TO EPISODE #33 FOR PART 1 OF THIS INTERVIEW https://goatforreal216.com/33🔗 More About Our Guest Jeff Martin, CEO of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA). Jeff leads the largest association for independent auto dealers in the U.S., focusing on advocacy, education, and community-building. - Learn more: https://www.niada.comWORK WITH US☎️ Contact us about Social Media Training and Coaching: https://goatforreal216.com/contact📲 Follow our GOATFORREALMEDIA channels► Subscribe for more interviews: https://goatforreal216.com/apple► Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforrealmedia► Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforrealmedia📲 Follow the GOAT► Follow @goatforreal216 on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goatforreal216► Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/goatforreal216📲 Follow INA► Instagram: https://instagram.com/autosocialgal► TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@autosocialgal💬 What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like this video if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly insights into the auto industry and entrepreneurship#NIADA2025 #UsedCarIndustry #AutoDealers #JeffMartin #NIADAConvention #CarSales #IndependentDealers #AutomotiveLeadership #Networking #AutoExpo #DealershipSuccess #GoatForRealMedia #ShawnPayne #InaCoveney #AutoIndustryInsights