Masterminds on the Move: Insights from NAMAD, NCM Clients & Friends, and Automotive News Congress

Key Takeaways

• Diversity and inclusion continue to drive progress in automotive retail, emphasizing equitable economics and representation across leadership roles.
• Clean, well-managed data is essential for maximizing the impact of AI and digital transformation in dealership operations.
• Dealers are adapting to ongoing tariff challenges by strengthening OEM partnerships and focusing on service-driven growth strategies.

August and September were a whirlwind for the Mastermind team, filled with impactful conversations, inspiring presentations, and meaningful connections.

From coast to coast, our team has been actively engaging with automotive dealer partners and industry leaders at some of the most influential automotive events of the season. These experiences not only reflect our commitment to staying ahead in the automotive retail space but also underscore our investment in learning, listening, and leading.

Key Insights from the NAMAD Annual Conference

The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) Annual Conference is a cornerstone event focused on promoting diversity and inclusive economics within the automotive industry. Representing Mastermind at this year’s conference was Mai Nguyen, a seasoned event strategist and passionate advocate for equity in the automotive space.

“The NAMAD Annual Conference was a truly powerful event, and a highlight for me was hearing from Sandra Douglass Morgan. As a trailblazer and one of the only female NFL team presidents, her story is so impactful. Her achievement as the first Black and Asian woman in this role deeply resonated with me, reinforcing the vital importance of diversity and inclusion. With its focus on inclusive economics, the conference was an inspiring and invaluable experience.” — Mai Nguyen

Data and AI at the NCM Clients & Friends Digital Success Workshop

Celebrating its 20th year, the Clients & Friends event—now powered by NCM Associates—returned with a fresh format and a renewed focus on digital transformation. Held in Kansas City, the workshop brought together dealers, vendors, and thought leaders to explore the intersection of data, technology, and artificial intelligence. Representing Mastermind was Jen Sanford, who also took the stage to share best practices.

“Speakers focused on the value of data and artificial intelligence. In their Shark Tank, we saw a dramatic example of AI in use to create video content. The content wasn’t just for dealers: vendors were excited about the offerings – both for partnership purposes as well as their own marketing needs.

Steve DeWitt and I took the stage to discuss dealership best practices around managing automotive data, technology and AI. We discussed how having clean data makes a huge difference in outcomes for dealerships. Regular data hygiene and enrichment make software – and especially AI tools – work more productively. The audience participated in this conversation, and it was clear that implementing new technology is still a sore spot for most dealerships. Our easy-to-use technology checklist makes this process much easier for dealerships.

Thank you Matt Barile and Chase Holder for delivering excellent automotiveMastermind Inc. representation. The A-Team was definitely in town!” — Jen Sanford

Navigating Economic Headwinds at the Automotive News Congress

The Automotive News Congress is a premier event that brings together executives and innovators to discuss the future of the automotive industry. This year’s Congress tackled pressing issues like tariffs, consumer sentiment, and strategic OEM partnerships. Representing Mastermind was Nicole Pinto, whose insights reflect a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing auto dealers today.

“At the Automotive News Congress, industry leaders painted a clear picture: tariffs are here to stay, regardless of future political leadership. This enduring policy is already driving up costs across the automotive ecosystem. Rather than concentrating price increases in one area, manufacturers are expected to distribute the impact across consumers, supply chains, and OEMs.

Consumer sentiment remains cautious, with vehicle prices rising approximately 3% since the tariff announcements. As costs continue to climb into 2026, dealers are being encouraged to rethink their approach—placing greater emphasis on service customers as a potential funnel for future vehicle sales.

Despite these headwinds, the industry’s resilience is evident. Dealers have weathered dramatic market shifts over the past 15 years and continue to adapt with agility. Strategic partnerships, such as those forming between OEMs like GM and Hyundai, aim to optimize cost efficiencies and navigate the evolving landscape.” — Nicole Pinto

Conclusion

From diversity and inclusion to data-driven innovation and economic strategy, Mastermind’s presence at these events reflects our commitment to shaping the future of the automotive retail industry. We’re proud to support our team members as they share their expertise and learn from the best in the business.

Keep an eye out for automotiveMastermind at upcoming automotive retail events like the Modern Retailing Conference (MRC) and NADA Show in February. We look forward to continuing the conversation and driving success together.