AutoKnerd

The Intent Illusion: Working Digital Ups Without Losing Your Soul

In this episode of AutoKnerd, we dive into the often-misunderstood world of digital leads—the ones that show up from sources like social media and credit sites without clear intent. These leads can feel like a mystery, and working them can quickly turn into a draining guessing game. We explore how to approach them with empathy, strategy, and clarity, offering real-world messaging tips that actually get responses without sounding robotic. Whether you’re getting ghosted on day one or trying to nurture curious clicks into real conversations, this episode gives you the mindset and messaging to handle the chaos of online Ups without losing your soul in the CRM.

EP38 The Fortune’s in the Follow-Up

Most salespeople lose their next five deals the moment their last customer drives away. Why? Because their follow-up is either lazy, robotic… or nonexistent.
 
In this episode of AutoKnerd, we’re digging into one of the most underrated, money-making habits in automotive sales: purposeful follow-up. I’ll show you what bad follow-up sounds like, how to build a rhythm that actually creates trust, and the exact moment you’ve earned the right to ask for repeat and referral business—without sounding desperate.
 
If you’re ready to stop chasing and start farming a business that feeds you year after year… this is the episode.
Like what you hear? Follow AutoKnerd for weekly insights that make the car business more human, profitable, and fun.

EP37 When the Deal Disappears

You did the work. You asked the right questions. You found the perfect car. And they still bought from someone else.
 
In this episode, we break down the kind of rejection that hurts the most—when you do everything right and still lose the deal. Learn why it’s not always your fault, how embarrassment plays into customer ghosting, and what real follow-up with integrity looks like.
 
This one’s for every consultant who gave it their best… and walked away empty-handed.

EP36: You Are Not Your Commission Slip

What happens when the sales board goes blank… and your confidence goes with it?
In this episode, we’re taking aim at one of the most toxic beliefs in the car business:
“You are only as good as your last deal.”
Spoiler alert—you’re not.
This isn’t just another sales training episode. It’s a gut-check.
 
We dive into:
The emotional trap of commission-based identity
Stoic wisdom for surviving a slow month
Why legacy beats leaderboard every time
And how kindness is the KPI no one talks about—but everyone remembers
 
If you’ve ever felt like a failure because your number didn’t measure up—this one’s for you.
You are not your commission slip.
You are your consistency.
Your integrity.
Your ability to care, even when it doesn’t pay.
 
Let’s break the cycle—and build something better.Andrew@AutoKnerd.com

EP35: Rebuilding Yourself – Overcoming Setbacks and Starting Fresh

In this episode of the AutoKnerd Podcast, we dive into the power of reinvention and resilience. Inspired by the remarkable post-WWII transformation of Volkswagen, we explore how even the toughest setbacks—whether in your career, personal life, or business—can become the foundation for a powerful comeback.
 
Through the lens of Volkswagen’s shift from a wartime symbol to a beloved global brand, this episode offers practical insights on how you can reset your mindset, rebuild trust, and move forward with purpose. Whether you’re facing challenges in sales or striving for a personal transformation, this episode will show you how to embrace change, face your struggles, and build the future you want.
 
Tune in for inspiration, actionable advice, and a reminder that no matter how deep the setback, you can always rebuild and move forward.

EP34 How to Deal with Customers You Really Don’t Like

Let’s face it: sometimes, customers can be a lot. Whether they’re rude, demanding, or just plain frustrating, we’ve all encountered those clients who make us want to hit “snooze” on our careers. But here’s the secret—kindness is the best way to survive, thrive, and even maybe win them over.
 
In this episode, we dive into the art of smiling through gritted teeth, keeping your cool, and turning difficult customers into loyal ones—all with a sprinkle of humor and a splash of sarcasm. Spoiler alert: This episode won’t make you like those customers, but it will show you how to handle them like a pro.
 
Plus, we’ll take a stroll through automotive history with examples from Henry Ford and Mercedes-Benz—because who doesn’t want to hear how the masterminds of the past kept their cool while revolutionizing the car industry? (Trust us, it’s better than it sounds.)
 
So, if you’re ready to take your customer service to the next level—without throwing anyone under the bus (yet)—this episode is for you. Grab your coffee, put on your best customer-facing smile, and let’s get into it.

EP33 The Forgotten Future: Steam Cars

Imagine if every morning commute required firing up a boiler, watching a pressure gauge, and possibly losing your eyebrows in a steam-related mishap—sound crazy? Well, it almost happened! This week on AutoKnerd, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully strange and largely forgotten world of steam-powered cars. From Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot’s crash-prone invention to the ridiculously impressive Stanley and Doble steamers, we’ll explore a reality where brass replaced plastic, steam replaced gas, and “waiting for pressure” replaced road rage. Whether you’re selling cutting-edge cars or just nerding out on automotive oddities, this episode offers hilarious insights into how innovation, convenience, and common sense don’t always arrive in the same vehicle. Subscribe now so you don’t miss your weekly dose of automotive madness—and maybe you’ll learn exactly how not to pitch a car that takes 30 minutes to start.

EP32: Atomic Highways, Nuclear Powered Dream Cars

Buckle up, AutoKnerds, because today we’re diving into one of the wildest ideas in automotive history—nuclear-powered cars! That’s right, once upon a time, engineers and dreamers thought the best way to fuel your daily commute was with a miniature nuclear reactor. What could possibly go wrong?
 
In this episode, we’ll explore two of the most infamous attempts at making this atomic fantasy a reality:
☢ The Ford Nucleon – Ford’s 1958 vision of a car powered by a tiny fission reactor (because swapping out uranium cores instead of oil changes sounded fun).
☢ The Simca Fulgur – A French concept car that wasn’t just nuclear-powered but also voice-controlled and autonomous. Basically, it predicted modern tech—just with way more radiation concerns.
 
Along the way, we’ll break down the atomic-age optimism that led to these wild designs, why they ultimately never hit the road, and—most importantly—what sales professionals can learn from these over-promised, under-delivered vehicles. Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that customers don’t love being sold a dream that turns out to be impossible.
 
🔥 Correction Notice: At times during this episode, I mistakenly referred to the Simca Fulgur as the Scima Fulgur. Oops! Consider it an unintended mutation—fitting for an episode about nuclear-powered cars, don’t you think?
 
🚗💥 Don’t miss this one! Like, subscribe, and drop a comment below—what’s the craziest car concept you’ve ever heard of?
Connect at —>Andrew@AutoKnerd.com
#AutoKnerd #NuclearCars #FordNucleon #SimcaFulgur #CrazyCarConcepts #SalesLessonsFromHistory