In the Passenger's Seat

In this episode of In the Passenger Seat , host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with automotive data and AI expert, Yuriy Demidko, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today: building the right data foundation for effective AI adoption. Yuriy breaks down why clean, structured data is essential for modern dealership operations—and why AI tools can only deliver value when the unde...

Host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with Brian & Jamie Johnson of Crescent Automotive (Aiken, SC) to explore how a family-run store uses smart tech and human-first values to rewrite the playbook. The Johnsons share how they’ve embraced practical technology to simplify operations and put customers first. When introduced to ACV's ClearCar solution, it immediately clicked—simple, transparent,...

Host Matt Mitteldorfer chats with Doug Hadden , ACV’s VP of Field Initiatives, about key takeaways from NIADA 2025 —from emerging trends and real-world dealership insights to how people and technology are redefining the way dealers operate today. Tune in for practical, forward-looking insights on the evolving world of automotive retail.

Ever wonder how dealers win the deal before the customer even asks? In this episode of In the Passenger’s Seat , Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Andrew Sweet, VP of Software Solutions and Randy Barone, VP of Business Development from ACV to unpack ClearCar and ACV MAX —two tools transforming how dealers price, appraise, and acquire inventory. From sharper pricing signals to faster service-lane de...

Recorded live on the NIADA 2025 show floor, "In the Passenger's Seat" host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Chris Taylor , owner of Certified AutoBrokers , to unpack why associations like NIADA are indispensable for independent dealers—credible advocacy, real-time compliance guidance, practical training, problem-solving peer networks, and a vendor marketplace that actually improves m...

At NIADA 2025, "In the Passenger’s Seat" host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with Lawrence Breaud, owner of Autos of Forney, to explore how he’s using the full range of ACV tools to elevate his independent dealership. From ClearCar and Guaranteed Sale to ACV MAX and our digital auction, Lawrence takes an a la carte approach to ACV's platform — and it's paying off. Tune in to hear...

In this episode of In the Passenger’s Seat, host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Charlie Cluss, a key leader in ACV’s Research & Development team. Charlie shares his unique journey from working in the field as a Vehicle Condition Inspector (VCI) at ACV to now building the very technology our VCIs use to inspect and assess vehicles. Matt and Charlie explore how innovation is reshaping wholesal...

In this episode of In the Passenger’s Seat , host Matt Mitteldorfer is joined by John Coles, ACV’s VP of Data Science & Analytics, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the used vehicle market. From pricing pressure to inventory shortages, John unpacks how ACV is helping dealers adapt through powerful machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI-driven tools. Learn how to price with...

In this episode of " In the Passenger’s Seat ," host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Chris Taylor, owner of Certified AutoBrokers in Grand Island, New York, to talk about what it takes to thrive in a market defined by constant change. From shifting wholesale prices to tight inventory, volatility is the name of the game—but Chris shares how a high-performing buying center can be your com...

Join us for a special episode of ACV's "In the Passenger's Seat", recorded live from the show floor at NADA 2025! Host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Andrew Sweet, Vice President of ClearCar, to discuss how ClearCar is revolutionizing the way auto dealers acquire vehicles directly from consumers. In this episode, Matt and Andrew dive into how ClearCar’s cutting-edge technology...

In this episode of "In the Passenger's Seat," host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down at NADA 2025 with Lou Ramirez and Fred Lennartz , the dynamic duo behind the Car Guy Coffee Podcast , which has been brewing inspiration in the automotive industry for five years . Fred and Lou share how their podcast has fueled connections, inspired dealerships, and created a culture of growth. Beyond the...

In this special edition episode recorded live at NADA 2025, host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with ACV Research Engineer, Maggie Donnelly, to discuss the power of AI and technology-driven solutions in the auto industry. Maggie breaks down how ACV is helping dealers streamline operations, make smarter decisions and drive profitability—all through cutting-edge innovation. They also unpack how ACV’s A...

In this episode, host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Sam D’Arc, COO of Zeigler Automotive Group, to talk about one of the biggest drivers of long-term success in the dealership world: culture. Sam shares how fostering a workplace that empowers employees, encourages growth and builds loyalty leads to stronger teams and better business outcomes. But that’s not all—Matt and Sam also dive into the f...

In this special episode, host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with ACV's Chief Sales Officer, Mike Waterman, at NADA 2025 to talk about why this year is a game-changer for automotive technology. From data-driven insights to AI-powered solutions, ACV is embracing cutting-edge innovations to help dealers work smarter, faster and more efficiently. But let’s be real—handing off key decisions to AI c...

Live from NADA 2025! In this episode, ACV’s CEO, George Chamoun, sits down with host Matt Mitteldorfer to explore how ACV is tackling the most pressing challenges facing dealers today. From ensuring dealers get the right price on every car, every time, to standardizing the appraisal process and helping dealerships acquire more cars directly from consumers, George shares how ACV’s cutting-edge solu...

The automotive Super Bowl is here— NADA 2025! In this episode, our host, Matt Mitteldorfer, has Mike Waterman hop in the passenger's seat to pull back the curtain on how dealers can stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year of transformation, with dealers leveraging technology like AI to enhance customer experiences, optimize inventory, and drive profitab...

Intrigued by the use of AI in dealerships but unsure where to start? Host, Matt Mitteldorfer, caught up with Dr. John Coles, ACV's Vice President of Data Science & Analytics, and Dr. Phil Schneider, ACV's Sr. Director of Research & Development at Used Car Week 2024 for an insights-packed episode on how AI is going to change the game for dealers in 2025 and beyond.

ACV's CEO, George Chamoun, hops "In the Passenger's Seat" to close out our time at Used Car Week in Scottsdale, Arizona. He and Matt break down the energy and innovation that is the future of the automotive industry, and what's next on the horizon for ACV. Tune in to learn more about the enabling technology dealers can leverage to foster stronger consumer relationships and fuel their inventory man...

Hop "In the Passenger's Seat" today with Matt Hubiak, Swickard Auto Group's Director of Pre-Owned Operations. Host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with Matt Hubiak LIVE at Used Car Week '24 to dive into the importance of customer hospitality and how vital it is to not let operational dysfunction impact your customer transactions and relationships. They also discuss technology integration, and how pr...

Jump "In the Passenger's Seat" today with the President of Cherokee Media Group, Bill Zadeits. Matt sat down with Bill LIVE from Used Car Week '24 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, where the Cherokee Media Group team celebrated 25 years of Used Car Week. Bill and Matt catch up on how much has changed in the last 25 years and why the automotive industry is a special one. Join us on congratulating B...

Hop 'In the Passenger's Seat' with Matt and Keller Chevrolet's General Manager, Dean Jackson, this week where they unpack what it takes to succeed in the automotive industry today. From the importance of fostering meaningful relationships to always telling the truth, Dean, an industry veteran, leaves no stone unturned. You don't want to miss this episode!

Anxious to learn how you can roll with the changes of today's volatile market? ACV's VP of Data Science and Analytics, John Coles, hops In the Passenger's Seat with Matt in this episode to explain what's actually going on in the market right now and how dealers can arm themselves with the right resources to win. 

Wondering how you can get the most accurate appraisals to help boost profits at your dealership? Look no further than ACV MAX. In this episode, you'll hear from Patrick McMullen and Tim Scoutelas on what sets ACV MAX apart from other tools in the market, including AI damage detection capabilities, and robust market data and analytics . You'll hear how critical it is that you have a consist...

Curious how ACV helps our dealer partners score more inventory and, in turn, more profits? Hear it straight from the source! Our partners at Kollective Auto Group, Will and Ali, share how ACV has empowered their team and unlocked a load of new potential across multiple stores.

As Matt says, if you don't know Doug Hadden from ACV, you're living under a rock. Join Matt and Doug for a follow-up conversation to our last episode with Tyler Beresford as we explore more of the features ACV offers dealers to up their wholesale strategy. Curious how to get the most out of buying with ACV and how to maximize your inventory acquisition strategy? Then this is an episode you...