I recently attended my first ASOTU CON, and while I expected to discuss business strategies and industry trends, the experience went far beyond that. What stood out most were the meaningful conversations, shared values, and commitment to people that define the heart of the automotive industry.

One of the most compelling presentations came from Troy Duhon, who spoke about how his dealerships were repurposed into food kitchens in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. That initiative has since grown into a long-term mission: feeding thousands daily, building orphanages globally, and launching a substance abuse recovery center with a 61% graduation rate—well above the national average. His work serves as a reminder that dealerships can be platforms for community impact, not just commerce.

We also heard from Patrick Abad, who emphasized that creating a strong company culture isn’t a side project—it’s essential to operational success. His team lives by the phrase “I got you,” which encourages autonomy and fast decision-making to support the customer. The result? Dealerships that resolve issues early in the ownership journey see loyalty rise from 50% to 80%. Patrick also demonstrated his commitment by donating $10,000 during the ASOTU CON charity auction. The funds supported Vehicles for Change, and two families received vehicles onstage—a visible example of industry-led philanthropy.

It was great to see our very own Andrew Breedlove representing iPacket on the panel “Set it and Sell It”, where speakers discussed the role of automation in dealership success. Andrew highlighted how iPacket’s automation tools—like text alerts when a customer opens a packet or automatic price change notifications—help dealers stay responsive without extra manual work. It was a powerful reminder of how the right tech stack can simplify the process and elevate the customer experience. iPacket even got a shoutout from Ryan Rohrman, CEO of Rohrman Automotive Group, as a must-have tool his stores rely on daily.

The closing session, led by Kyle Mountsier, Paul Daly, and Michael Cirillo, focused on their personal journeys in automotive. Kyle’s story resonated with me. Like him, I didn’t plan to enter this field. My entry point wasn’t glamorous—I needed a job, and a dealership was hiring. Over time, I discovered that selling cars was really about building relationships.

In the showroom, I met families shopping for safety, reliability, and opportunity. I began to see how automotive professionals play a role in significant life moments. The industry gave me not only a paycheck but also mentorship, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.

Now, working on the vendor side, I have the opportunity to visit dealerships around the country, build relationships with sales and service teams, and provide tools that help them serve their customers more effectively. This role gives me a broader view of the challenges and opportunities dealerships face—and reinforces why events like ASOTU CON matter.

ASOTU CON isn’t just another industry conference. Yes, you’ll hear about marketing tactics, technology trends, and operational efficiencies. But you’ll also meet professionals who care deeply about what they do—and why they do it. You’ll leave with more than ideas; you’ll leave with connections and a clearer sense of purpose.

If you’re in the automotive space, I highly recommend attending. You’ll gain insights, but more importantly, you’ll gain perspective on what it truly means to serve customers, colleagues, and communities.

Cody Jones, VP of Sales