In this episode, Barry Alt and Jay Funnell interview Thomas Beer, CEO of SSF Imported Auto Parts LLC. Thomas shares his unique journey into the automotive industry, starting from a background in travel and supply chain management. He discusses the evolution of SSF, emphasizing the importance of focusing on European auto parts and the challenges of balancing traditional installer business with the rise of e-commerce. Thomas also highlights the future vision for SSF, including the potential for drop shipping and the importance of listening to customer needs. The conversation concludes with personal insights from Thomas about his life outside of work.

Takeaways:

• Thomas Beer started his career in the travel industry before entering the automotive sector.
• He emphasizes the importance of focusing on European auto parts due to market specialization.
• Listening to customer needs is crucial for success in the automotive parts industry.
• The balance between traditional installer business and e-commerce is essential for growth.
• Thomas believes that specialization leads to greater success in both installer shops and online retail.
• The automotive industry is evolving, and SSF aims to adapt to these changes.
• Thomas highlights the importance of a long-term vision in business strategy.
• The future of SSF includes expanding their infrastructure to support more suppliers.
• Challenges in the European parts segment include understanding market share dynamics in the US.
• Thomas enjoys golfing and yoga as ways to unwind from work.

Guest Bio:

Born and raised in Germany, I joined a Management Trainee program at Lufthansa German Airlines after University. Five years in, I became CEO of a tour operator specializing in special incentive groups. From there, I got hired away by a supplier of ours who had established a "travel industry postal system" that controlled the flow of all marketing materials between suppliers and travel agents.

The company went through three successful private equity transactions in six years. After the last one, our family moved to California, where my wife grew up. In 2004, I became CEO of IMC, which was my beginning in Automotive Aftermarket. Seven years later, I left IMC and acquired SSF, together with WM, out of Germany. I live with my spouse of 32 years in Los Angeles. We have four boys, and I'm trying to stay in shape when I'm not at the office or on the golf course.

Guest:

• Website
• Facebook
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• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Hosts:
Brennan Christman, Data-Here-to-There

• brennan@dataheretothere.com

Jay Funnell, Data-Here-to-There

• jay@dataheretothere.com

Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com

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In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Hadley, the owner of Corvette Realm, to talk about his journey from being a car enthusiast to running a thriving e-commerce business in the automotive industry. Nathan shares how his love for cars led him to the world of selling parts, the challenges of launching an online store, and how automating inventory management helped him scale from just 200 to over 80,000 parts.

But that's not all—Nathan is also building a race team, using motorsports as a unique way to market his business and connect with customers. He dives into the power of sponsorships, industry networking, and finding the right partners to succeed in both racing and e-commerce. Whether you're in the automotive business or just love cars, this episode is packed with insights on marketing, scaling, and standing out in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways:

• From Hobby to Business – His passion for track driving inspired him to start selling parts.
• Scaling with E-Commerce – Transitioning online helped him grow inventory from 200 to 80,000 parts.
• The Power of Automation – Automating inventory was a game-changer for balancing business and family.
• Marketing Lessons Learned – Early efforts lacked focus, but refining his approach led to better results.
• Racing as Marketing – Building a race team has helped boost brand visibility.
• Sponsorship & Partnerships – Collaborating with manufacturers has opened doors for growth.
• Shop-in-a-Box Advantage – This tool streamlined operations and made scaling easier.
• Know Your Audience – Selling car parts? Go where car guys are!
• Plan for Success – Whether in racing or e-commerce, strategic planning is key.
• Networking Matters – Events like SEMA offer valuable business connections.

Guest Bio:

Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Miata Realm began as a small online retailer specializing in Corvette and Camaro parts, initially selling on Amazon. As demand grew, the business expanded to Walmart and eBay before launching its own website in late 2022 with Data Here to There’s Shop in a Box, enhancing product offerings and customer engagement.

Now, Miata Realm is gearing up for its next chapter—launching a powersports website in January with DH2T. In addition to e-commerce, the company has ventured into motorsports, forming a race team to compete in SCCA and NASA Time Trials. They are currently collaborating with brands for race team and car sponsorships, further solidifying their presence in the performance and racing community.

Guest:

• Email
• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Hosts:
Brennan Christman, Data-Here-to-There

• brennan@dataheretothere.com

Jay Funnell, Data-Here-to-There

• jay@dataheretothere.com

Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com

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In this episode, Barry Alt and Jay Funnell sit down with Dan Ziegler from Turn 14 Distribution to explore his remarkable journey in the automotive parts industry. Together, they discuss the critical role of APIs and integration partners, T14’s expansion into powersports, and the challenges of managing and maintaining accurate product data to enhance the customer experience. The conversation highlights the evolution of the partnership between Turn 14 Distribution and Data Here-to-There, showcasing how the Turn 14 Distribution app by DH2T has become an invaluable tool for automotive e-commerce.

Dan shares insights into how the Turn 14 Distribution app has reshaped the e-commerce landscape, particularly in the automotive aftermarket. He underscores the importance of a strong online presence, especially in the post-COVID era, and explains how the app simplifies management of automotive parts data, from pricing to inventory and much more. The discussion also touches on trends in the powersports industry, emphasizing the growing need for automation and efficient inventory management.

Ziegler delves into the complexities of fast, accurate shipping, order management, and pricing strategies, while highlighting the vital role of dealer feedback in shaping future innovations. He also shares valuable advice for aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of being easily searchable online and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Key Takeaways:

• Turn 14 Distribution is an aftermarket automotive B2B warehouse distributor
• The company has expanded its product offerings to include powersports.
• Accurate product data is crucial for reducing returns and improving customer experience.
• The automotive industry benefits from standardized data formats like ACES and PIES.
• Feedback from dealers is essential for maintaining accurate product information. Quality customer experience is paramount for success in automotive e-commerce.
• Data integration simplifies processes and improves efficiency.
• Strong partnerships are crucial for developing effective solutions.
• Streamlined order management ensures a positive user experience.
• Data automation saves time and reduces manual errors.
• The Turn 14 Distribution app is a valuable tool for dealers.
• Having an online presence is crucial for discoverability and customer engagement.
• Understanding your niche is vital when starting an online shop.
• The ability to manage inventory in real-time saves time and reduces errors; automation can play a vital role in this process.

Guest Bio:

Dan Ziegler is the Business Partner Integration Manager at Turn 14 Distribution, the leading wholesale distributor of automotive and powersports aftermarket parts in the U.S. In his role, Dan is responsible for developing and managing the vital connections between Turn 14 Distribution and its network of de

Hosts:
Brennan Christman, Data-Here-to-There

• brennan@dataheretothere.com

Jay Funnell, Data-Here-to-There

• jay@dataheretothere.com

Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com

Don’t miss an episode from the Year, Make, Model, Money! podcast:

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