Full Throttle, a Presidio Podcast
The Presidio Group’s Director of Multimedia and Events, Jason Stein, hosts Full Throttle, a podcast that brings together industry leaders to discuss retail trends, innovation and thought-provoking business models. Jason interviews some of the industry’s key personalities and insiders. Full Throttle will be available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Pandora. Tune in to stay ahead of industry news and learn how some companies are thriving in the new automotive landscape.
Full Throttle, a Presidio Podcast
Episode 56: Andrew Gilleland, Toyota Motor North America’s Senior VP of Automotive Operations
What happens when hard work, humility, and a love of cars collide?
Toyota Motor North America’s Senior VP of Automotive Operations, Andrew Gilleland, joins Jason Stein to share his remarkable rise from teaching skiing in Colorado to becoming one of Toyota’s top leaders.
In this episode of Full Throttle, Andrew reveals how a random encounter on a chairlift launched his career — and why the mindset of “be great every day” still guides him today. He explains what makes Toyota different: a 50-to-100-year outlook, authentic relationships with dealers, and a culture grounded in accountability, Kaizen, and long-term trust.
In this conversation:
• How a ski-lift conversation led to 30+ years at Toyota
• Imposter syndrome, early struggles & a relentless work ethic
• Toyota’s long-game philosophy: “We get paid on decades”
• The dealer network that refuses to be fooled
• Why you learn more from losing than winning
Andrew’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, culture, and the business of cars.
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with automotive leaders, innovators & racing icons.
▶️ Full interview available now.
00:00 – Intro
2:45 – How a chance encounter on a Colorado mountain launched Andrew Gilleland’s 30-year career at Toyota.
6:55 – The mindset that fueled his rise through the ranks — effort and attitude over titles.
8:08 – Why Toyota doesn’t chase trends — and how its 50-year vision drives hybrids, EVs, and ICE together.
10:58 – Inside Toyota’s unique dealer culture, built on trust, authenticity, and over-communication.
18:13 – Tariffs, pricing, and the fight to keep new cars within reach for everyday buyers.
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