Wisco Weekly

Joining Dennis Wisco on episode #188 is author, journalist, and media entrepreneur, Rebecca Fannin. Rebecca A. Fannin is a leading expert on global innovation, a top-selling author and media entrepreneur. The three books that my guest has written all focus on analyzing the US vs China tech-business culture -- Silicon Dragon (2008), Startup Asia (2011), Tech Titans of China (2019). Her work and ideas are sought after by CNBC, Forbes, and Bloomberg TV, to name a few. Today, Rebecca leads Silicon Dragon Ventures, a news, events and membership platform.   ***** Episode Notes   > About Rebecca, Ask a VC, and Tech Titans of China, visit https://www.silicondragonventures.com/ ***** Wisco Weekly is an automotive business podcast, and is part of the 'Not Your Father's Economy' podcast channel on Apple Podcasts. Host, Dennis Wisco, shares weekly insights into current economic conditions like navigating this post-COVID economy. For bonus, ad-free episodes that deliver actionable insights, become a paid-NYFE

The two guests featured on Wisco Weekly are like-minded individuals who both share a background in business consulting. From there, they diverge in their professional experiences and  bring complementary perspectives to the table. Evan Bontrager studied economics and business at Kalamazoo College, and managerial economics and strategy at London School of Economics. His work experience spans the roles of business owner, wealth manager, asset manager, and business development. Currently he serves as the Director of Business Development at Karma Automotive. Jeff DeFrank studied mechanical engineering at State University of New York at Buffalo. His work experience includes vehicle engineering at Tesla, Chief Technology Officer at Alt-e Technologies, a company he helped co-found. And now he serves as Director of Technology Assessment at Karma Automotive.   ***** Episode Notes   > Powered by Karma -- https://www.karma-technology.com/ ***** Wisco Weekly is an automotive business podcast, and i

With 18 states adopting school choice, the most populous state in the union may also be on the verge of adoption. California is undergoing a recall election and the leading candidate to replace Gavin Newsom is Larry Elder. Edler is an outspoken advocate of school choice. So what is it? How does it work? What is a historical perspective on it? How does critical race theory affect school choice? Neal McCluskey is the Director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the libertarian think tank, Cato Institute. He provides an 'a to z' explanation of why school choice works better for teachers, starting with defining school choice to why the stakes are so high with public schools adopting critical race theory.     Episode Notes:   Public Schooling Battle Map -- https://www.cato.org/education-fight-map   Cato Institute -- https://www.cato.org/ Texas House Bill 150, Family Educational Relief Program -- https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/872/billtext/pdf/HB00150I.pdf#navpanes=0  

Mike Netter runs on the same team as Orrin Heatlie of the Recall Newsom Campaign. Mike is a visionary sales leader and rainmaker with a passion for politics. He is using his skills to help create a better political landscape. In episode #185, Mike and Dennis cover the California business economy and essentially, seek to answer the question 'what would change with replacing Newsom with someone else?'   Episode Notes:   Recall Newsom Campaign Website -- recallgavin2020.com   Ballotpedia -- https://ballotpedia.org/Gavin_Newsom_recall,_Governor_of_California_(2019-2021)   Recall Townhall -- Streaming every Wednesday at 6:30-7:30 on Facebook and Zoom   Friday Night at the French Laundry Show -- https://www.kabc.com/friday-night-at-the-french-laundry/       For bonus, ad-free episodes that deliver actionable insights, become a paid-NYFE subscriber for $8.49 a month or $93.99 a year on Apple Podcasts. Start with a 3-day trial and cancel anytime. Our subscriber-o

Politics aside, the Recall Newsom Campaign deserves much credit for what it has been able to achieve. According to Ballotpedia, "since 1911, there have been 55 attempts to recall a California Governor. The only successful recall campaign was in 2003 when voters recalled then-Gov. Gray Davis.”   On the heels of the September 14th recall vote, the Recall Newsom Campaign is nearing its final stages. What has made this campaign successful thus far? After all, this is the fifth of six recall attempts filed against Newsom since 2019.   Orrin Heatlie serves as the executive leader of the Recall Newsom Campaign, and he shared some business insights into the recall campaign from following the NIMS management strategy to Facebook marketing to radio advertising to making business decisions and not political ones.       Episode Notes:   Recall Newsom Campaign Website -- recallgavin2020.com   Ballotpedia -- https://ballotpedia.org/Gavin_Newsom_recall,_Governor_of_Californ

Dan Quan is an adjunct scholar at the libertarian think thank, Cato Institute. In late June 2021, he testified before the House Committee of Financial Services on the topic of implementing a public credit system. Tune in to hear his post-congressional testimony with Dennis Wisco.   Connect with Dan: LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-quan-1b839834/ Email -- dan@banksstreetadvisory.com   Episode Notes: Cato Institute -- https://www.cato.org/ Cato Institute Blog -- https://www.cato.org/blog View Dan's Testimony -- https://www.cato.org/testimony/biased-broken-system-examining-proposals-overhaul-credit-reporting-achieve-equity View Q&A of Dan's Testimony -- https://www.cato.org/multimedia/media-highlights-tv/dan-quan-testifies-hearing-hybrid-hearing-biased-broken-system       Wisco Weekly is a business podcast, and is part of the 'Not Your Father's Economy' podcast channel on Apple Podcasts. Host, Dennis Wisco, helps navigate this post-COVID econ

Doug Formby serves as the General Manager of Toyota Marin. Before he started on the automotive path, Doug was a swimmer at UC Santa Barbara. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a ruling that will forever change how businesses can leverage student-athletes as influencers. Under the ruling, student-athletes may receive "unlimited educational-related benefits." Tune into episode #182 to learn more about student-athlete life and car business life.        For bonus, ad-free episodes that deliver actionable insights, become a paid-NYFE subscriber for $8.49 a month or $93.99 a year on Apple Podcasts. Start with a 3-day trial and cancel anytime. Our subscriber-only content will jack you up to work, generate new ideas, and add perspective to consistently produce.    Wisco Weekly is a business podcast, and is part of the 'Not Your Father's Economy' podcast channel on Apple Podcasts. Host, Dennis Wisco, helps navigate this post-COVID economy through the lens of a Libertarian and Data

Hello Business Class Listeners and thank you for tuning into Wisco Weekly, and our latest season of the podcast. When I first started Wisco Weekly, I discussed primarily dealership customer experiences…maybe you were a car buyer and wanted to know better about buying or working with your local dealer, or perhaps you were the seller and wanted to better your processes to optimize the customer experience.   Then as the audience grew and my network grew, I became more interested in the mobility space. Whether it was ridesharing, robo taxis, to policies that regulated micro mobility or to concepts like universal basic mobility, there was an entire subject matter I was unfamiliar with.   Now, we are at the next evolvement and this season is titled “Not Your Father’s Economy” and this season is a tribute to my father. You see my father is a first generation immigrant who knew nothing about the American way of life. He emigrated to the U.S. with the hope of creating a life that was

Forty million cars are bought-and-sold through privaty party transactions annually. With new vehicle shortages and inflated used car prices, the deals are with the Private Parties.   Notes  |  Resources Featured Artist: Don't Feel featuring Danny Polo and Arose by Ryan Prewett |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marketing automation. ✌(-‿-)✌  

In episode #179, I share answers to some of the most popular questions I am often asked: Buy a car, Lease a car, or Rent a car? How do I know if this is a good used car? What should I do if I have a lemon? Is cryptocurrency a good investment? Why should I understand taxes?   Notes  |  Resources Featured Artist: Spicy Latin by Nbdy Nprtnt |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marketing automation. ✌(-‿-)✌  

Since the pandemic, eBikes sales have exploded with 3.8 million units sold in 2020, a 23% increase year over year. With more eBikers on the roads and the trails, there is also more novice riders who are unfamiliar with the 'rules of the road' and 'biking etiquette.'    eBikers can know the rules of the road by visiting their state's department of motor vehicle website, and can learn bike etiquette by riding with experienced bikers. In episode #178, learn more about the rules of the road per the California Vehicle Code and a former triathlete.   Notes  |  Resources Featured Artist: Hell or High Water by Southern Call |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automoti

For the last week, markets are undergoing something that surpasses that of a "correction." Inflation. Is. The. Talk. Of. The. Town.   While prices on goods are going up and supply bottlenecks are being formed, the market is having a severe allergic reaction to the inflation media hype. This inflation hysteria was predictable, and it's created a bubble for a new school of economic thought, modern monetary theory (MMT).   Tune in to hear more about the markets reaction to inflation, and the relationship between MMT and Mary Barra's request to receive more electric vehicle subsidies.   Notes  |  Resources Featured Artist: Feel by Peter Spacey |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMa

Ferrrari (NYSE: RACE) reported Quarter 1 earnings for 2021 on Tuesday, May 4th. While the launch of 15 Ferrari models over the next two years will not be disrupted due to the pandemic, they face a bigger competitor which affects their long-term value. Current Chairman and Interim CEO, John Elkann, disclose some of the conversations that Ferrari and Formula 1 are having that will potentially make changes to Formula 1 and hence, Ferrari's production line.   Notes  |  Resources Ferrari Slidedeck  |  Press Release Featured Artist: Dirty Mouth by Harlow |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marke

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) reported first quarter earnings on April 26th, 2021. Joining Dennis on this episode is prior guest, Rahul Sonnad. Rahul ran a robotaxi company, dubbed Tesloop, utilizing Teslas to transport individuals long distances. He maintains intimate knowledge of Tesla vehicles, technologies, and even the Doge Coin Master himself, Elon Musk. Tune in to episode #175 to hear recap of Tesla's first quarter earnings call.   Notes  |  Resources Tesla Q1 Slidedeck  |  Press Release Intro song  |  Tempted by The Hazelnuts |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marketing automatio

Lithia Motors and Driveway (NYSE: LAD) reported Quarter 1 2021 financial results on April 21. Tune in to hear highlights of Quarter 1 and some of the questions that were asked to Bryan DeBoer of Lithia from some of the attendees.   Notes  |  Resources Lithia Motors & Driveway Earnings Call  |  Press Release Intro song  |  Starry Eyed by Jane and the Boy |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marketing automation. ✌(-‿-)✌  

AutoNation (NYSE: AN) reported Quarter 1 2021 financial results on April 20. Tune in to hear highlights of Quarter 1 and some of the questions that were asked to Mike Jackson and Joe Lower of AutoNation from some of the attendees.   Notes  |  Resources AutoNation Earnings Call  |  Press Release Intro song  |  The Noticer by OK Otter |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marketing automation. ✌(-‿-)✌  

In a letter published on April 8 by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, he wrote a scathing letter to Corporate America and specifically threw General Motors (NYSE: GM) under the bus. Until this point, General Motors has not responded (and more than likely will not respond) to Diddy's letter.  But if GM did respond, I think this is what they would say. Have a listen.   Notes  |  Resources Diddy's Letter to Corporate America |  Revolt TV General Motors Diversity & Inclusion Report  |  2018 Report Ross Mac  |  Link Intro song  |  Hold Me by FASSounds |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predi

Episode #171 is a review of Metromile (NASDAQ: MILE) Earnings Call from March 30, 2021. This earnings call covers the fourth quarter and full-year 2020 financial results. Tune in and decide whether to buy, sell, or hold. Subscribe to Wisco Weekly to get more educational information on where to make investments.    Notes  |  Resources Metromile |  Q4 and Full Year 2020 Financial Results Intro song  |  Happy Trails by Geva Alon |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marketing automation. ✌(-‿-)✌  

Episode #170 is a review of XL Fleet (NYSE: XL) Earnings Call from March 31, 2021. This earnings call covers the fourth quarter and full-year 2020 financial results. Tune in and decide whether to buy, sell, or hold. Stay tuned for the Metromile (NASDAQ: MILE) Earnings Call. Subscribe to Wisco Weekly to get more educational information on where to make investments.    Notes  |  Resources XL Fleet |  Q4 and Full Year 2020 Financial Results Intro song  |  Troubled Mind by Geva Alon |  Spotify   ***** Wisco Weekly *****By Automotive Executives, For Automotive Entrepreneurs Founder and Host, Dennis Wisco, takes his Business Class listeners through the culture and society of automotive business. Subscribe and follow the money to know where you can #maketheinvestment. Wisco Weekly is proudly supported by automotiveMastermind. Visit automotivemastermind.com to learn more about predictive analytics and marketing automation. ✌(-‿-)✌  

Machua Millett is the Chief Innovation Officer for Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC). He specializes in policy drafting, program placement, and claims advocacy regarding management and professional liability insurance issues for investment firms. One particular area that Machua dives into intensively is that of SPACs. Tune in to hear Machua's risk assessment and management strategies on SPACs, especially as we look at a particular case of XL Fleet Corp. (NYSE: XL).   About Machua Millett I specialize in policy drafting, program placement and claims advocacy regarding management and professional liability insurance issues for private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds and private and public companies. I am responsible for overseeing technical insurance policy drafting for our General Partner Liability and portfolio company D&O books, as well as guiding private companies through the insurance aspects of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) process. I am also a senior claims advocate for our alternati