Elgie Bright on Equipping the Next Generation of Dealers

Amplify - A retail automotive podcast by Reuters Events and ASOTU

Elgie Bright is the Automotive Department Chair of Northwood University.

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode of the "Amplify" podcast, Paul Daly and Kyle Mountsier interview Elgie Bright, the Automotive Department Chair of Northwood University. They discuss the role of Northwood University in the automotive industry, the career opportunities for students, and the attitudes and work ethic of the incoming generation. They also highlight the success of Northwood University graduates and the wide range of career paths available in the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Northwood University is a business school with a premier automotive marketing and management program.
2. Students at Northwood University receive a four-year degree (BBA) in automotive marketing or management, along with other business courses.
3. Students come to Northwood University from dealer families or discover the school through its renowned student-run auto show.
4. Graduates from Northwood University find opportunities in retail automotive, corporate positions, startups, and various vendors in the automotive industry.
5. Northwood University is intentional about telling its story and creating awareness about the career options available in the automotive industry.
6. Automotive offers a wide range of career paths, including sales, service, technology, manufacturing, business management, accounting, finance, aftermarket marketing, and racing.
7. The incoming generation of students is enthusiastic, tech-savvy, and motivated to be the best versions of themselves in the workplace.
8. Northwood University graduates are sought after by major dealer groups, OEMs, and companies in the automotive space.
9. The career fair at Northwood University attracts 120 automotive companies looking to hire their talented students.

Timestamps:

[02:40] Northwood University's presence at the NIADA conference and its focus on used car and remarketing.

[06:25] The significance of the aftermarket in the automotive industry and Northwood University's degree in aftermarket marketing and management.

[08:37] The students' expertise in technology and data, as well as their familiarity with various digital platforms.

[09:19] Graduating students securing positions at major dealer groups, OEMs, and companies like General Motors, Cox Automotive, CDK Reynolds and Reynolds, and OnStar.
[09:48] The high demand for Northwood University graduates, with companies even arriving in private planes to recruit their talent.
This is Amplify, the retail automotive podcast by Reuters Events and ASOTU.

During Automotive Retail USA 2023 in Las Vegas, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier interviewed dealers, OEM representatives, industry partners and more, looking to make the most innovative voices in retail automotive louder.

Sign up for ASOTU Daily Push Back Email
Like and Follow Our Other Podcasts:

• The Automotive Troublemaker
• Auto Collabs
• ASOTU CON Sessions
• In the Dirt w/ ASOTU