The Ride-in-Style Podcast

Exploring the Frontiers of Automotive Aftermarket Accessories & Restyling

Dive deep into the world of automotive aftermarket accessories and restyling with the “Ride-in-Style Podcast.” Hosted by Jesse Stoddard, an esteemed expert in digital marketing and promotions, founder of AutoStyle Marketing, and co-hosted by the iconic Josh Poulson, Chair of SEMA Pro and the celebrated 2022-23 SEMA “Person of the Year.” As the owner of Auto Additions Inc. and the pioneering mind behind the Auto Accessories Configurator and Dealer & Restylers Connect Software Services, Josh brings unparalleled knowledge and a pulse on the latest industry trends.

But this isn’t just about us—it’s about YOU, the passionate restylers, innovative installers, and aftermarket aficionados. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just getting your feet wet, our podcast promises to deliver actionable insights, insider secrets, and a fresh perspective on the dynamic world of auto accessories and restyling. In every episode, we bring leading voices to trailblazing technologies and dissect the strategies that propel the industry forward.

Benefit from our combined expertise, strategic partnerships, and deep-rooted passion for all things automotive. If you’re looking to elevate your game, keep abreast of the latest developments, or simply share in our collective love for aftermarket accessories and restyling, the Ride-in-Style Podcast is your ultimate destination.

Join us as we gear up to inspire, inform, and drive the future of automotive restyling!

Episodes Articles & Show Notes

Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 7 Tom Waitzman of DPS Automotive Group & Auto Accessory Configurator

https://youtu.be/-u2s7x2iR2c Episode 7: Tom Waitzman’s Interview 00:00 Hot Takes 00:45 Introduction & Background 12:13 Challenges & Triumphs 42:23 Vision Then & Now 47:55 Evolution & Trends Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series YouTube In the ever-evolving world of automotive restyling and aftermarket accessories, it’s crucial for industry leaders to stay on top of trends and technologies that shape the market. This need for constant innovation and adaptation became the center of conversation during a recent episode of the Ride-in-Style Podcast with Tom Waitzman of DPS Automotive Group and Auto Accessory Configurator.  Introducing Tom Waitzman Tom Waitzman is an industry veteran with extensive experience in automotive restyling. He’s the owner of DPS Automotive Group and the creator of Restyler Connect and Auto Accessories Configurator. Waitzman’s entrepreneurial story provides not just inspiration, but also paints a clear picture of the changing face of automotive restyling. The Journey into Auto Restyling For Waitzman, the passion for cars was sparked at a pretty young age when he fell in love with a Ford Mustang that had pile driver speakers and an Alpine radio. That experience transformed him into a car enthusiast, and he knew that he had found his lifelong calling. He started off as a

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Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 6 John Prosser Automotive Concepts

https://youtu.be/AiRLaXlxf0k Episode 5: John Prosser’s Interview 0:00 Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 6 John Prosser Automotive Concepts 00:34 Welcome to the Ride-in-Style Podcast 00:55 Introducing Guest: John Prosser 02:28 John Prosser’s Journey in the Automotive Industry 06:24 The Evolution of the Restyling Business 07:11 Diversifying Business Ventures 16:18 The Challenges of Starting a New Business 19:05 Managing Employees and Business Growth 21:39 The Importance of Creating Value in Business 27:50 Navigating Supply Chain Issues and Low Dealership Inventory 27:52 Impact of Strike on Inventory and Hiring 28:24 The Importance of Stock Units for Car Dealers 29:19 Predicting the Future of the Automotive Market 29:23 The Rise of Electric Cars and Autonomy 30:01 The Future of Personalization in the Automotive Industry 30:41 The Evolution of Automotive Products 33:27 The Importance of Keeping Up with Trends and Technology 33:55 The Power of Collaboration and Sharing Ideas 38:04 The Birth of the Pro Cup Challenge 46:09 The Tornado Incident: A Near-Death Experience 51:56 Contact Information and Final Thoughts 54:38 Podcast Closing Remarks Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series YouTube It’s not every day you meet a person capable of running six businesses simultaneously while pioneering changes in an ever-evolving industry. John Prosser, the name behind Automotive Concepts

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Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 5 Colby McLaughlin of Trim Illusion

https://youtu.be/1U_cWh5kMm8 Episode 5: Colby McLaughlin’s Interview 00:00 Hot Takes 00:58 Introduction & Background 16:08 Challenges & Triumphs 23:20 Evolution & Trends 33:47 Unique Selling Proposition & Memorable Moments 41:57 Business Strategies & Partnerships 46:15 Handling Challenges & Interactions 49:33 Advice & Forward-Thinking 54:39 Final Takeaways & Recommendations Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series YouTube Every car enthusiast dreams of having their vehicle mirror their character and lifestyle. That’s where automotive restyling comes into play, embodying a unique blend of art, passion, and mechanical innovation as such, I recently had the honor of sitting down with an industry pioneer, Coli McLaughlin of Trim Illusion. A Meeting of Car Aficionados Colby McLaughlin is the president and managing partner at Trim Illusion and Land-to-Sky Holdings, a SEMA board member, and chair of SEMA PRO. He joined us on our Ride-in-Style Podcast’s fifth episode, where we delved into his journey in the automotive restyling industry and his insight into its future trajectory. Starting as a Benevolent Gearhead As a young man who loved cars and sought innovation, Colby’s journey started with his passion for automotive design. His experience building prototypes for big automotive companies like Ford and Lincoln allowed him to understand the technicalities behind customizing

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Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 4 Ian Lehn of BOOSTane Octane Engineering

https://youtu.be/2x-oXiPOZdg Episode 4: Ian Lehn’s Interview 00:00 Hot Takes 00:53 Introduction and Background 07:55 Challenges & Triumphs 15:24 Evolution & Trends 21:38 Unique Selling Proposition & Memorable Moments 25:31 Business Strategies & Partnerships 28:38 Handling Challenges & Interactions 29:24 Advice & Forward-Thinking 32:19 Final Takeaways & Recommendations 32:27 Starting a Business in the Racing Industry 32:43 Living the Business: A Personal Anecdote 34:21 The Importance of Immersion in Your Business 38:57 Navigating the Economy and Supply Chain Issues 43:21 The Evolution of the Industry and Future Trends 49:09 Staying Up-to-Date with Latest Trends and Technologies 52:05 The Ghostbusters Poster Story: A Fun Interlude 55:23 Final Thoughts and Appreciation Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series YouTube With the dynamic automotive industry continually changing, staying relevant and establishing a brand in this competitive landscape can be challenging. Recently, the Ride-In-Style podcast, hosted by Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson, had the pleasure of interviewing Ian Lehn of BOOSTane Octane Engineering for an exclusive insight into his journey in the automotive industry. Ian’s Introduction to the Industry Ian began his journey into the automotive industry with a deep passion for cars and racing. This passion led to his involvement in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE),

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Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 3 Joey Johnston of Tops and Trends

https://youtu.be/7YnoJReWvbc Episode 3: Joey Johnston’s Interview 00:54 Introduction & Background 17:35 Challenges & Triumphs 32:03 Evolution & Trends 40:56 Unique Selling Proposition Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series Welcome back to another highlight from the Ride-in-Style Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson sit down with Joey Johnston, owner of Tops and Trends, to dive deep into his journey through the auto restyling world. From humble beginnings to leading a multi-location powerhouse, Joey shares valuable lessons, industry insights, and the heart behind his family business. A Legacy Built on Passion and Perseverance Joey Johnston grew up in the world of cars, watching his father, a mechanical engineer, transform vehicles long before it was trendy. Although Joey initially pursued a career in finance, it didn’t take long for him to return to his roots and officially join the family business in the mid-90s. Founded in 1977 by Joey’s father, Tops and Trends began with a simple dream—and a lot of hard work. Inspired by the trends he saw on the West Coast, Joe Johnston Sr. introduced the sunroof craze to the East Coast, even going as far as stacking twelve sunroofs into a tiny Honda Civic to kickstart the

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Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 2 Josh Poulson of Auto Additions Part Deux

https://youtu.be/giMGo8IpS88?si=NukD4wNFqMdLe9yG Episode 2: Josh Poulson’s Interview 00:00 Ride-in-Style: Episode 2 Josh Poulson Interview Deux 00:00 Hot Takes 01:06 Intro 01:20 Recap of Episode 1 01:52 Advice for someone just starting in the auto restyling industry 08:17 If you could change one thing about the auto restyling industry 11:27 The next big project or goal you’re excited about for your business 15:08 One thing you’d do differently 17:59 Tip of the Week 19:57 SEMA 27:52 What’s next for this podcast? Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Series In the latest episode of the Ride-in-Style Podcast, host Jesse Stoddard sits down once again with industry leader Josh Poulson of Auto Additions. In this powerful follow-up conversation, Josh shares the hard-won lessons that have helped him build a thriving, long-lasting business in the competitive world of auto restyling. Whether you’re running a tint shop, diving into paint protection film (PPF), or considering a new service, this episode is packed with battle-tested strategies to help you succeed. Steady Growth Beats Speed: Master the “Neighbor’s Lawn” Principle Josh kicks off with a simple but crucial analogy: Don’t try to mow your neighbor’s lawn if your own yard isn’t in order.In other words, focus on growing at a

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If you are in the aftermarket automotive industry, we want to hear your story. Contact us to see if you are a good fit for our show and to schedule a time.

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