{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Mindset Over Metrics: The Community-Driven Growth Model with Jeremy Benjamin","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/mindset-over-metrics-the-community-driven-growth-model-with-jeremy-benjamin","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/HGM9966705701.mp3","description":"What happens when deep personal passion meets smart business strategy? In this episode of The Accelerator, Bryant Kolle and John Gessner sit down with Jeremy Benjamin, a true car enthusiast who turned his love for collector vehicles into remarkable agency growth. \n\n\n\nJeremy shares how connecting with clients on what they genuinely love and building trust, community, and authentic relationships became a winning formula for sustained business success. Forget cold sales tactics: discover how becoming an active participant in the car community, hosting unforgettable events, and focusing on human connection can deliver real growth.\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover in this episode:\n\n(00:27) Introducing the collector car market opportunity\n\n(01:05) Jeremy’s unconventional growth approach: passion meets plan\n\n(06:03) The Central Valley’s car culture and how local insight drives business\n\n(09:22) Shifting the agency mindset and aligning teams\n\n(13:53) Account rounding and deepening relationships with car enthusiasts\n\n(16:24) Building WIS&G Cars & Coffee +: the event as marketing superpower\n\n(24:51) How referrals and real-world presence drive revenue\n\n(29:25) Embracing AI without sacrificing the power of human connections\n\n(38:26) Get started with car clubs, curiosity, and community\n\n(42:06) Key takeaways for agents\n\n\n\nLinks mentioned in this episode:\n\nWIS&G Cars & Coffee +: https://www.instagram.com/wisgcarsandcoffee/ \n\nSend your questions and feedback to Bryant and John at theacceleratorpodcast@hagerty.com"},"annotations":[{"startTime":107.0,"endTime":111.5,"type":"concept","title":"collector vehicles","url":"/glossary/collector-vehicles","quote":"He didn't treat collector vehicles like a niche side product or an accommodation.","canonicalId":"concept:collector-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Collector vehicles are cars that are valued for their rarity, historical significance, or unique features, often maintained or restored by enthusiasts rather than used as daily drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Collector vehicles are special cars that people keep because they are rare or important, not just for everyday driving."}},{"startTime":134.9,"endTime":137.9,"type":"brand","title":"Porsche Club of America","url":"/glossary/porsche-club-of-america","quote":"So he's a certified judge for Porsche Club of America.","canonicalId":"brand:porsche-club-of-america","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche Club of America is a large organization dedicated to Porsche enthusiasts, offering events, judging, and community for owners and fans of Porsche cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche Club of America is a group where people who like Porsche cars can meet, share, and take part in events."}},{"startTime":137.9,"endTime":141.3,"type":"concept","title":"Cars and Coffee event","url":"/glossary/cars-and-coffee-event","quote":"He founded the Winton Ireland Cars and Coffee Plus event.","canonicalId":"concept:cars-and-coffee-event","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cars and Coffee events are informal gatherings where car enthusiasts meet to show off their vehicles, socialize, and share their passion for cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cars and Coffee is a casual meet-up where people bring their cars, drink coffee, and talk about cars with others."}},{"startTime":336.5,"endTime":342.6,"type":"concept","title":"classics","url":"/glossary/classics","quote":"So they love hot rods, they love muscle cars, classics, exotics. This area here is just the rich history of car collecting and we take pride of our vehicles.","canonicalId":"concept:classics","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Classic cars refer to older vehicles that are valued for their historical significance, design, and rarity, often maintained or restored by enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Classic cars are old cars that people keep because they are special or look nice, and they remind us of the past."}},{"startTime":336.5,"endTime":342.6,"type":"concept","title":"hot rods","url":"/glossary/hot-rod","quote":"So they love hot rods, they love muscle cars, classics, exotics. This area here is just the rich history of car collecting and we take pride of our vehicles.","canonicalId":"concept:hot-rod","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hot rods are typically older, classic American cars that have been modified with large engines and other performance enhancements to increase speed and style.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hot rods are old cars that people make faster and cooler by changing the engine and other parts."}},{"startTime":336.5,"endTime":342.6,"type":"concept","title":"exotics","url":"/glossary/exotics","quote":"So they love hot rods, they love muscle cars, classics, exotics. This area here is just the rich history of car collecting and we take pride of our vehicles.","canonicalId":"concept:exotics","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Exotic cars are rare, high-performance vehicles often from luxury or supercar manufacturers, known for unique designs and advanced technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"Exotic cars are very special and rare cars that are fast and look different from normal cars."}},{"startTime":336.5,"endTime":342.6,"type":"concept","title":"muscle cars","url":"/glossary/muscle-car","quote":"So they love hot rods, they love muscle cars, classics, exotics. This area here is just the rich history of car collecting and we take pride of our vehicles.","canonicalId":"concept:muscle-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Muscle cars are high-performance American cars, usually from the 1960s and 1970s, equipped with powerful V8 engines designed for straight-line speed and aggressive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Muscle cars are strong, fast cars made in America a long time ago that have big engines and look tough."}},{"startTime":358.5,"endTime":365.9,"type":"concept","title":"car cruising","url":"/glossary/car-cruising","quote":"And just also the listeners to know that this Modesto Turlock area is the origination of car cruising. And that's where Modesto McHenry stretch is such a big cruising community.","canonicalId":"concept:car-cruising","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Car cruising refers to the social activity where car enthusiasts drive their vehicles slowly along a popular route, often in groups, to show off their cars and enjoy the community. It has historical roots in American car culture, especially in places like Modesto, California.","simplifiedExplanation":"Car cruising is when people drive their cars slowly together on certain streets just to show off their cars and have fun with other car fans. It started a long time ago and is still popular in some towns."}},{"startTime":421.8,"endTime":429.7,"type":"concept","title":"full service gas station","url":"/glossary/full-service-gas-station","quote":"And in the 80s and 90s, gas stations had service bays. So the service bay had a couple of mechanics and then my brother and I, our job was to actually pump gas. Full service was the thing.","canonicalId":"concept:full-service-gas-station","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Full service gas stations are stations where attendants pump gas, check oil, clean windshields, and perform minor maintenance, common in the past but rare today.","simplifiedExplanation":"Full service gas stations are places where workers fill your car's gas tank and help with small car checks instead of you doing it yourself."}},{"startTime":421.8,"endTime":429.7,"type":"concept","title":"service bay","url":"/glossary/service-bay","quote":"And in the 80s and 90s, gas stations had service bays. So the service bay had a couple of mechanics and then my brother and I, our job was to actually pump gas. Full service was the thing.","canonicalId":"concept:service-bay","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A service bay is a designated area in a garage or gas station where mechanics perform vehicle maintenance and repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"A service bay is a special spot at a gas station or garage where mechanics work on cars to fix or check them."}},{"startTime":448.6,"endTime":453.26,"type":"car","title":"Cadillac Sedan de Ville","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/1958_Cadillac_Sedan_De_Ville_%2861006%29.jpg","quote":"But my first car was a Cadillac Sedan de Vil","canonicalId":"car:cadillac-sedan-de-ville","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Cadillac Sedan de Ville is a full-size luxury car produced by Cadillac, known for its comfort, style, and status symbol in American automotive culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Cadillac Sedan de Ville is a big, fancy car made by Cadillac that many people see as a symbol of luxury and comfort.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":453.82,"endTime":460.8,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Chevette","url":"/cars/chevrolet/chevette","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/83-85_Chevrolet_Chevette_1.jpg","quote":"passed on to me by my by my parents. The car that I really called my first car was a 79 Chevy Chevette, Candy Apple Red, Greco Hubcaps Gold.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:chevette","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Chevette is a subcompact car produced by Chevrolet from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. The 1979 model is known for its economical design and was popular as an affordable first car.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Chevette is a small, simple car that was easy to buy and drive, especially for people getting their first car. The 1979 version was a popular choice because it was cheap and reliable.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":470.6,"endTime":476.6,"type":"car","title":"Mazda RX-7","url":"/cars/mazda/rx-7","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/1983_Mazda_RX-7_Group_B.jpg","quote":"early on shortly out of high school and into college was a Mazarek 7. So I had a little blend of cars.","canonicalId":"car:mazda:rx-7","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car known for its rotary engine and lightweight design. It has a strong enthusiast following due to its unique engine and handling characteristics.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine, which is different from most cars. It's fun to drive and popular with car fans.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":476.56,"endTime":483.16,"type":"car","title":"Infiniti G20","url":"/cars/infiniti/g20","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/1991_Infiniti_G20_12.13.17.jpg","quote":"And then during school, I had an Infinity G20 that was my commuter and my college car. That's what really started the fascination and later on.","canonicalId":"car:infiniti:g20","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Infiniti G20 is a compact luxury sedan produced by Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti. 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It has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1960s.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang is a famous car that many people like because it looks cool and goes fast. It has been around for a long time and lots of car fans enjoy it.","imageAttribution":"Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1011.0,"endTime":1011.0,"type":"brand","title":"Mopar","url":"/glossary/mopar","quote":"\"...Ford Mustangs on the lawn as as a mark model A's Mopar's Porsche's Volkswagen's...\"","canonicalId":"brand:mopar","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mopar is the parts, service, and customer care division of Stellantis, primarily associated with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. It is also used as a brand name for performance parts and accessories.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mopar is a name for parts and accessories made for certain American cars like Dodge and Jeep. People who like these cars often talk about Mopar when they want to fix or improve their vehicles."}},{"startTime":1011.0,"endTime":1011.0,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"\"...Ford Mustangs on the lawn as as a mark model A's Mopar's Porsche's Volkswagen's...\"","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagen","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen is a German automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to luxury models. It is famous for the Beetle and Golf models.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many kinds of cars, from small ones to bigger ones. Some of their cars are very popular worldwide."}},{"startTime":1094.0,"endTime":1100.7,"type":"concept","title":"JDM","url":"/glossary/jdm","quote":"\"...all the mark cars come in this year we have a JDM class coming in we have a valley dream cars a nice group youth group that is getting really into the collector car space...\"","canonicalId":"concept:jdm","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts made specifically for sale in Japan. JDM cars are popular among enthusiasts worldwide for their unique features and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"JDM means cars that are made for Japan and sold there. 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They usually don't drive it every day but enjoy it as a hobby."}},{"startTime":1765.0,"endTime":1770.0,"type":"car","title":"1967 Chevrolet Nova","url":"/cars/chevrolet/nova","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/1963_Chevrolet_Chevy_II_Nova.jpg","quote":"65 350 Hertz edition or a 67 Nova or a what other cars do I love","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:nova","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 1967 Chevrolet Nova is a compact American muscle car known for its simple design and strong engine options. It is popular among classic car enthusiasts for restoration and modification.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 1967 Chevrolet Nova is an old American car that is small but can be very powerful. Many people like to fix up and drive these cars.","imageAttribution":"Oleg Yunakov (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1776.92,"endTime":1783.6,"type":"car","title":"Plymouth Barracuda","url":"/cars/plymouth/barracuda","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/%2770_Plymouth_Barracuda_%28%2711_Auto_classique_VAQ_Mont_St-Hilaire%29.JPG","quote":"... or a what other cars do I love  you know the the barracuda with the wrap back window of course the Porsche f...","canonicalId":"car:plymouth:barracuda","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Plymouth Barracuda is a classic American muscle car produced from 1964 to 1974, known for its distinctive fastback design and performance variants. It holds a special place in automotive history as one of the early pony cars, competing directly with the Ford Mustang. 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It has a cool curved back window that makes it stand out, and many people like it because it was one of the first cars made to be fun and fast.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1791.1,"endTime":1795.0,"type":"car","title":"Mercedes-Benz 240D","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/1973_Mercedes-Benz_240D_%2850934879883%29.jpg","quote":"my personal auto is a 1983 Mercedes Benz 240d that's my daily driver and I love that car drive it to and from to meetings and it's a conversation piece","canonicalId":"car:mercedes-benz-240d","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mercedes-Benz 240D is a diesel-powered luxury sedan from the W123 series produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. 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People like to drive it every day because it's reliable and interesting to others.","imageAttribution":"Jones028 from Hong Kong (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":2388.9,"endTime":2396.28,"type":"car","title":"Mazda MX-5 / Miata","url":"/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/1990_Mazda_MX-5_Miata%2C_front_left%2C_06-08-2024.jpg","quote":"...or a Miata I know that was funny that Larry mentioned that Miata gen one is I'm not saying exactly verbatim but he said something about it's the best analog sports car...","canonicalId":"car:mazda:mx-5-miata","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car known for its simplicity, fun driving experience, and analog controls. The first generation Miata is especially celebrated as an affordable and pure sports car.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is easy and fun to drive. The first version is famous because it has simple controls and feels very connected to the road.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2433.1,"endTime":2439.7,"type":"company","title":"Hagerty","url":"/glossary/hagerty","quote":"2433.1s with your you know local Hagerty rep or you know here to help and assist educate help you grow and find space in the collector car community and then show up","canonicalId":"company:hagerty","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hagerty is a company specializing in insurance and services for collector cars, classic cars, and enthusiast vehicles. They also provide resources and community support for car collectors and enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hagerty is a company that helps people who own special or old cars by providing insurance and advice. They also help car lovers connect with each other."}},{"startTime":2604.0,"endTime":2606.0,"type":"concept","title":"car club","url":"/glossary/car-club","quote":"join a car club you don't necessarily even have to own that type of car","canonicalId":"concept:car-club","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A car club is a community or group of car enthusiasts who share a common interest in specific types or brands of cars. Members often meet to socialize, share knowledge, and participate in events.","simplifiedExplanation":"A car club is a group of people who like the same kind of cars. They get together to talk about their cars and have fun."}},{"startTime":2620.5,"endTime":2622.0,"type":"concept","title":"cars and coffees","url":"/glossary/cars-and-coffees","quote":"just go to a local event they're everywhere cars and coffees local cruisans just go start talking to people","canonicalId":"concept:cars-and-coffees","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cars and coffees are informal gatherings where car enthusiasts meet, usually in the morning, to show off their cars, socialize, and enjoy coffee together. These events are common in many cities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cars and coffees are meetups where people bring their cars and drink coffee together. It's a fun way to see cool cars and meet other car fans."}},{"startTime":2683.3,"endTime":2685.0,"type":"concept","title":"collector market","url":"/glossary/collector-market","quote":"whether you're in California Central Valley and Michigan Florida or really anywhere in between the collector market isn't just about cars it's all about community","canonicalId":"concept:collector-market","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The collector market refers to the segment of the automotive world focused on buying, selling, and preserving classic, rare, or historically significant vehicles. It often emphasizes community and shared passion.","simplifiedExplanation":"The collector market is where people buy and sell special cars that are old, rare, or important. It's also about people who love these cars coming together."}},{"startTime":2700.3,"endTime":2702.0,"type":"concept","title":"Monterey Car Week","url":"/glossary/monterey-car-week","quote":"we'll see you up Monterey Car Week this summer at your wonderful event at the Cypress Lodge","canonicalId":"concept:monterey-car-week","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Monterey Car Week is an annual automotive event held in Monterey, California, featuring car shows, auctions, races, and gatherings of car enthusiasts from around the world.","simplifiedExplanation":"Monterey Car Week is a big event where lots of people who love cars come together to see, buy, and talk about cars. It happens every year in California."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Hagerty","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/mindset-over-metrics-the-community-driven-growth-model-with-jeremy-benjamin/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}