The First Pencil
Kathi Kruse and Mike The Car Guy Correra are best friends, with many many years of retail experience in the car biz. "We decided to get together and talk about the things that are important to us in the auto industry, and hope youāll come along for the ride. Weāll cover auto industry stuff, dealership profitability, and digital platforms, all with a dose of humor and our love for 80s/90s music. Join us!"
The First Pencil
The High Cost of Brand Betrayal
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What happens when beloved brands make moves that contradict their core identity? In this episode, we dive into Southwest Airlinesā quiet removal of its āFirst Bag Flies Freeā policy and Elon Muskās increasingly controversial influence on Tesla. From customer trust to brand erosion, we unpack how decisions at the top can ripple through brand equityāand what it really costs when companies stop honoring what made them iconic in the first place.
Music segment:
Whoās listening to full CDs/Albums? We are! Are you?
New Order Power: Corruption & Lies
Cher & Gregg Allman - Love Me (Old Grey Whistle Test, Nov 15, 1977)
Kathiās must watch: The Righteous Gemstones
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Got a question? Email either of us!
Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com
Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com