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
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 and several other innovative businesses in the automotive industry is one such persona. His remarkable journey, full of risks, challenges, and enduring solutions, enables us to explore the future of the automotive industry, particularly automotive restyling.
Navigating Uncertainties: The Launch of Automotive Concepts
John Prosser began his entrepreneurial journey much like other aspiring business owners, filled with uncertainty yet determined to succeed. Breaking tradition, he ventured into the automotive business, specifically automotive restyling. Life hit him with the reality of the business world – the pain, stress, and the non-stop questions like: “Why did I do this?” Yet, every time he questioned himself, it reiterated he was on the right track.
Pre-Face: The Rise of Multiple Ventures
It didn’t stop there. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start several other businesses – Drive Appeal, a group of car dealer lots; Apcor, a financing company; and even a bank dedicated to car loans – epitomizing the power of business diversification. Yet John was cautious not to confuse diversification with dilution. Every business he started or acquired was carefully thought out for its potential to provide value to customers while boosting profitability.
Diversification went further as John started manufacturing grand solutions in the automotive industry. Champion Auto Systems, a manufacturing company in his portfolio, offers heated and massage seats and has eventually diversified into sunroof production.
Adapting to Market Trends: The Evolution in Automotive Restyling
The market shift in the automotive industry didn’t blur John’s vision. Noticing how vehicles evolved over the years and how customer preferences shifted, John understood that automobiles were more than just a means of transport. They became an expression of personal style, fortifying the importance of restyling in the auto market.
As the industry moved towards electric cars and autonomous driving, John saw a significant opportunity for customization. Whether it was upholstered leather interiors, ceramic coating, or personalized wraps, each offered a chance for car enthusiasts to make a statement and for businessmen like John to provide added value.
Building Communities and Masterminds: Restylers United
Beyond businesses, John is active in industry-specific communities like Restylers United – a group that brings together restylers from across the globe to foster shared knowledge and growth. Such platforms act as sounding boards for new ideas, business strategies, and market trends, contributing significantly to the industry’s dynamism.
Resilience Through Challenges
To say John Prosser’s venture in the automotive business has been a smooth ride would far from the truth. Like any other business owner, he has encountered his fair share of roadblocks. But his advice to budding entrepreneurs is to ‘stay in the process, stay in the pain, moving through it till you reach the promised land – a working, functional, profitable business’ serves as a testament to his resilient spirit.
Conclusion
John Prosser’s business journey presents a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship – innovative, diversified, yet rooted in delivering value to the customer. His practices provide valuable insights to navigate the stormy seas of business and emerge victoriously. His exemplary contribution to the automotive industry inspires many other entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts who aspire to make a difference in their respective fields.
With his relentless spirit and commitment to creating value, John demonstrates that the sound of engines revving and wheels hitting the tarmac is much more than just noise – it’s the soundtrack to the perpetual journey of business evolution.
