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Mergers and acquisitions in auto aren’t just about buying stores—they’re about building legacies, and Dave Cantin is leading the charge.

From selling cars straight out of high school to owning and operating one of the largest Hyundai dealerships in the country, Dave has built an empire in the auto industry. Now, as the founder of the Dave Cantin Group, he’s redefining M&A with a strategy that’s about more than just the deal—it’s about about relationships, strategy, and legacy.

In this episode, Dave takes us on his journey from a determined 18-year-old to an industry powerhouse, breaking down the evolution of dealership valuations, the growing role of AI in M&A, and why data is the new gold in auto. The crew dives deep into how consolidation is shaping the future of the industry and why dealers need to start thinking of themselves as data companies if they want to maximize their value. Plus, an exclusive look at Dave’s game-changing AI tool, Jump IQ, which is set to revolutionize how dealerships are evaluated and acquired.

Buckle up—this one’s a masterclass in the future of automotive M&A.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

3:44 – The Determined 18-Year-Old Who Wouldn’t Leave

Dave shares how he got his first job in auto sales by refusing to walk away from a dealership that initially ignored him. That persistence turned into a rapid rise through the ranks.

8:01 – The Hustle Mentality in Auto

How young, hungry professionals can find massive opportunity in the auto industry—if they bring the right mindset and tenacity.

14:05 – The Wild West of Auto M&A

For decades, dealers were negotiating their own deals without proper representation. Dave saw a massive opportunity to bring structure and strategy to dealership acquisitions.

20:31 – The AI Game-Changer: Jump IQ

Dave reveals Jump IQ, a cutting-edge AI tool that can instantly evaluate dealerships, predict market shifts, and even analyze how events (like a presidential election) will impact auto sales.

24:34 – The Future of Dealership Valuations

Why dealers should be thinking beyond revenue and profit—structuring their data strategy like a tech company could mean unlocking 7-10x multiples in future acquisitions.

Dave Cantin is the Founder and CEO of the Dave Cantin Group

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AI is a powerful tool, but the human element is still the key ingredient in great customer experiences.

Whether it’s selling wine or cars, relationships matter. 🚗🍷

In this episode of Auto Collabs, the crew welcomes Ted Rubin, CEO and Founder of ActivEngage, to talk about the ever-evolving role of AI in automotive retail.

Before diving into tech, we take a quick detour through Europe—because when your wife is a sommelier, you don’t just visit France and Italy, you experience them. Ted shares insights on how wine, like the car business, is full of nuance, timing, and expertise that AI has yet to master. From the human element in dealership conversations to the strategic use of AI for efficiency, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s been in the trenches of automotive for decades.

The conversation gets deep on how AI can enhance but not replace the personal touch in sales. Ted emphasizes that consumers aren’t just looking for information online—they’re testing the dealership, seeing if they’ll be treated with care. ActivEngage aims to make that first impression count, not by pushing leads, but by building relationships. And just like a well-paired wine and steak, the best sales experiences come from knowing your customer, understanding context, and delivering a tailored approach—something AI isn’t quite ready to do on its own.

🔑 Episode Takeaways:

⏱ 0:00 – Intro with Paul J. Daly, Kyle Mountsier (with a roast of Michael for not showing up).

⏱ 2:42 – Ted Rubin’s European adventure: wine, champagne, and a VIP New Year’s Eve in Paris.

⏱ 5:44 – Can AI replace a sommelier? The answer reveals deeper truths about human interaction.

⏱ 10:01 – Why AI belongs in dealership operations—but not in direct customer conversations (yet).

⏱ 17:15 – Trust in online interactions starts lower today than it did 20 years ago—here’s how to fix it.

⏱ 22:53 – Customers don’t chat for information; they chat to test how they’ll be treated.

Ted Rubin is the Founder/CEO of ActivEngage

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-rubin/

https://www.activengage.com/

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Endurance and innovation go hand in hand, whether you're running races or reshaping automotive data strategies.

In this episode of Auto Collabs, the team catches up with Bobby Gaudreau, VP of Sales & Marketing at Activator Dealer Solutions, to discuss his passion for ultra-running and his relentless drive to transform automotive marketing. Bobby reflects on his recent 50-mile race, the Squamish 50, which served as both a personal milestone and a metaphor for his professional journey—both require vision, perseverance, and a clear plan to achieve success.

Shifting gears to business, Bobby dives into the evolution of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) in automotive. He explains how Activator is bridging the gap between siloed dealership data and actionable marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of clean data and well-defined outcomes. The conversation touches on the challenges of implementing CDPs effectively, avoiding the pitfalls of past buzzwords like “digital retailing,” and preparing for a future where emotional intelligence takes center stage in customer interactions.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

2:42 Running the Squamish 50: Bobby shares his experience completing a 50-mile race in British Columbia, an achievement marking his 50th birthday.

5:08 What Makes a True CDP: Bobby outlines the foundational elements of a real CDP, emphasizing data quality and marketing execution.

14:01 Avoiding the "Digital Retailing" Trap: Strategies to ensure CDPs deliver meaningful outcomes rather than becoming another overhyped tech trend.

19:50 Major Advancements in Auto Tech: Bobby highlights how CDPs can unify data silos and drive incremental lift in dealership performance.

24:02 The Future of Work: A discussion on how emotional intelligence and human connection will outweigh technical skills as automation takes over repetitive tasks.

Bobby Gaudreau is the VP of Sales & Marketing, GM/Project Owner at Activator Dealer Solutions - A Division of Dominion Dealer Solutions

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🎧 Like and follow our other podcasts:

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