https://youtu.be/w-7hGbSWwOg?si=daP0dwmIGExqYMgg Episode 16 Melanie White of Helwig 00:00 Hot Takes 00:41 Introduction & Background 14:47 Toughest Challenges 20:20 Advice To Younger Self 36:40 Dealing With Customers 38:42 Collaboration Stories 51:16 What excites Melanie? Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series YouTube The automotive aftermarket industry is a dynamic space filled with innovative individuals and companies pushing boundaries and creating waves. In the heart of all this innovation and effort lies leaders like Melanie White of Hellwig. Her unique journey from cold calling to holding the helm at Helwig brings a refreshing perspective on navigating the ebbs and flows of automotive restyling. A Multi-Generational Driver of Success Melanie White, the fourth-generation leader at Hellwig, illustrates that dedication, hard work, and a love for the industry can propel both a family business and the restyling market as a whole forward. As her family’s business shifted from passenger cars’ leaf springs to trucks and beyond, Melanie’s adaptability has driven Hellwig’s steady growth. Her journey started with cold-calling and meandered through different roles until she found herself at the helm as CEO. The lessons amassed from each phase of her journey enrich her leadership approach. Relationship with Customers: The Core of the Business Over the years,

https://youtu.be/hXENts2xJpQ?si=kFBUYTzpPSulnU7U Episode 15: Ralph Jorge Jr. 00:00 Hot Takes 13:28 Advice To Younger Self 19:10 Ralph’s Toughest Challenges 24:09 What Sets Ralph Apart? 46:56 Handling Customers 57:15 What Excites Ralph Now 01:00:13 Work Life Balance Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series YouTube Navigating the Automotive Industry with Ralph Jorge Jr., Owner and Operator at Specialty Automotive Treatments Welcome to the ‘Ride-In-Style Podcast’ brought to you by AutoStyle Marketing. Our show dives deep into the rapidly changing world of automotive restyling. Get ready to buckle up with Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson, as they discuss the latest trends, industry insights, and hot topics with automotive businesses’ leading lights. In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Ralph Jorge Jr., a dynamic operator in the automotive industry known for running one of the top automotive reselling businesses, the Specialty Automotive Treatments (SAT). When the Going Gets Tough Ralph shed light on his company’s resilience, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. As a business, SAT had to face some unprecedented obstacles. For the first time ever, Ralph had to let go of his staff for a lack of work. But despite the challenges, the company bounced back, illustrating the tenacity

Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 14 Zane Clark of SEMA Welcome to the Ride-in-Style Podcast, where we bring you the latest insights and stories from industry professionals in the automotive world. In this episode, we have the honor of interviewing Zane Clark, the prominent figure behind SEMA. In this blog post, we will delve into the conversation between Zane Clark and our host, Jesse Stoddard, as they discuss Zane’s journey and invaluable advice for newcomers in the industry. Zane Clark’s Journey: Zane Clark, an industry veteran with extensive expertise and knowledge, shares his insights on what it takes to succeed in the competitive automotive industry. When asked about what he would tell his younger self just starting out in this industry, Zane’s response was enlightening. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and building strong relationships. Perseverance: According to Zane, perseverance is the key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. He advises young professionals to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on their dreams. Zane’s own journey in the industry is a testament to the power of perseverance. Adaptability: Zane believes that adaptability is crucial in an industry that is constantly evolving. He encourages young professionals to embrace change, stay

How to Thrive in the Evolving Realm of Automotive Restyling: A Discussion with Eric Holmes of Eastman Episode 15: Eric Holmes 00:00 Hot Takes 00:32 Introduction & Background Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series YouTube Through the Looking Glass At the core of every efficient and innovative audio and video editing process is a well-crafted, checked, and revised script which effectively conveys the intended message. In this article, we’ll dive into a recent conversation from the “Ride in Style” podcast, between the hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson, and their special guest – Eric Holmes of Eastman, a force to reckon with in the automotive restyling universe.  Throughout the engaging discussion, they covered everything from how Eric transitioned from working in a shop to dealing in the corporate world, learnings from his Marine Corps experience, easy tinning and traditional go-to-market strategies in the restyling market, not to mention, changes in the automotive paint protection business landscape. The Transition from Tent to Corporate Holmes divulged the intriguing details of how he transitioned from an installation expert to a significant player in the Eastman corporate world.  Having started out an account manager in the late ’90s, his rise through the ranks is a

https://youtu.be/W0T0zSC6Aqg?si=kEcD8tUIHOgdTK0s In a recent episode of the Ride-In-Style podcast, hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson had the pleasure of interviewing Henry and Courtney Pahlke, the dynamic duo behind Top Coverage. This family-run business has been a pillar in the automotive restyling industry for decades, and their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to customer service. In this blog post, we will delve into the highlights of their conversation and explore the journey of Top Coverage. Chapter 1: A Legacy Begins Henry Pahlke, the founder of Top Coverage, shared with the hosts how the business started humbly in his friend’s garage. What began as an experiment with installing vinyl tops on cars soon evolved into a thriving enterprise. As Henry and his team gained traction, their services expanded to include pinstriping, side moldings, and simulated convertible tops. The passion for restyling and attention to detail quickly became synonymous with Top Coverage. Chapter 2: The Evolution of Top Coverage As the years went by, Top Coverage continued to adapt to the changing demands of the market. They transitioned from vinyl tops to sunroofs, becoming a leading buyer of STO and Hollandia products. The introduction of their signature two-stage sunroof

The Art of Unraveling a Value-Added Business: Insights from Kevin Gillis, Integrity Customs It’s no secret that successful businesses in the restyling industry are not drawn from just products and services; there is much more behind the scenes. One key factor is consistently adding value to customer relationships – a characteristic that sets Integrity Customs apart in the restyling industry.  In a recent episode of the Ride-In-Style Podcast, Kevin Gillis, the radiating heartbeat of Integrity Customs, elucidated the principles that sustain this unique company, shared his thoughts on the learning curve in the business, and offered essential tips for navigating the current industry landscape. The Beauty of Being Value-Added Maintaining consistency in a business can be challenging, let alone guaranteeing consistency in how businesses respond to customers. Nevertheless, Kevin emphasized this as a critical step in winning the market. Integrity Customs, for instance, emphasizes customer interaction, service delivery, and overall consistency. This commitment to consistency is evident in their shining reputation. Commitment to Customer Experience There’s a unique ambition that drives Integrity Customs. Unlike most businesses fixated on the need to sell products, Integrity Customs is devoted to the complete customer experience. They emphasize respect, honesty, and consistency, three pillars