Episode 61: Tom Castriota, Owner and Dealer of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc.

Описание: In this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Tom Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc., for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping the auto retail industry.

Castriota reflects on his year traveling the country — and the world — listening directly to dealers about their biggest concerns, from direct-to-consumer sales and franchise law threats to affordability, tariffs, workforce shortages, and consolidation. He explains why NADA’s role as “the voice of the dealer” has never been more critical, and what it really means to have a seat at the table with policymakers in Washington.

The conversation also dives into the shrinking middle-class buyer, $50,000 transactions, $800 monthly payments, and why the industry can’t reach 18 million annual sales without more affordable vehicles. Plus, Castriota shares personal reflections on leadership, legacy, and what’s next after passing the torch.

🎙️ Topics covered:
Franchise laws vs. direct sales
Dealer consolidation & rural dealer survival
Vehicle affordability & buyer economics
Tariffs, trade policy, and Washington influence
Workforce challenges & future talent pipelines
Leadership, legacy, and what comes next

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⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
3:26 – A year on the road: what dealers are really saying
5:58 – The threat of direct sales & the future of franchise laws
7:44 – “Don’t be afraid”: generational dealers and long-term stability
8:52 – The affordability crisis facing car buyers
11:48 – Tariffs, trade policy, and having a seat at the table
15:00 – Workforce challenges & preparing the next generation
18:46 – Life after leadership: vineyards, drums, and passing the torch