NCM Event Conversations feat. Russell “Russ Flips Whips” Richardson
About this episode
Russ Richardson joins Car Guy Coffee at the NCM Client and Friends event to talk dealership social-media strategy and why leadership-by-example matters. He argues “branding yourself on social media should be mandatory,” but also says owners can’t force it—only recommend it. The hosts connect the dots between consistency, edutainment, and lead generation, plus real-world proof like a video “did over 10 million” views and was reposted by Jim Farley. Networking and outreach via DMs and a form wrap things up.
In this special Series NCM Event Conversations we grabbed a few of our favorite guest to talk about their experiences and whats happening in our Industry. In this interview Lou Ramirez and Fred Lennartz speak with Russell “Russ Flips Whips” Richardson about building a personal brand through social media in automotive. Russ explains that social media activity should be mandatory in dealerships only if leaders are willing to lead by example, emphasizing consistent posting on workdays and authentic “edutainment” over repetitive sales pitches.
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barrier to entry
"I'm not saying social media is the only way but it is definitely one of the easiest barriers to entry"
A “barrier to entry” just means what makes it hard to start. Here, they’re saying social media makes it easier for car people to get started without spending a lot up front.
In marketing, a “barrier to entry” is anything that makes it harder for new people to start participating—like cost, access, or know-how. The hosts argue social media lowers that barrier for car enthusiasts and small businesses because it’s easy to begin with.
instant gratification
"this doesn't necessarily become an instant gratification thing you're not going to go viral overnight on your first video"
“Instant gratification” means wanting results right away. They’re saying social media usually takes consistency and time, not one overnight viral hit.
“Instant gratification” refers to expecting quick results right away. The hosts emphasize that social media growth—especially for car sales and community building—usually requires repeated posting and time rather than going viral immediately.
go viral
"you're not going to go viral overnight on your first video"
“Go viral” means your video suddenly gets a lot of views and attention fast. They’re saying you can’t count on that happening immediately.
“Go viral” means a post spreads rapidly and widely, often through shares and recommendations. In this context, they’re warning that relying on virality is unrealistic for new creators and car sellers.
0% for 96 months
"think of it like this say your store or the OEM you work for tomorrow says 0% for 96 months you're gonna go call all of your customers"
“0% for 96 months” means the loan has no interest, paid back over about 8 years. They’re using it as an example of a big promo that makes dealerships call customers.
“0% for 96 months” describes a financing offer with a 0% interest rate over 96 months (8 years). The hosts use it to illustrate how OEM promotions can trigger sales outreach to existing customers.
OEM
"say your store or the OEM you work for tomorrow says 0% for 96 months you're gonna go call all of your customers"
OEM means the company that actually makes the car. Here, they’re saying the automaker can announce special deals that push dealers to contact customers.
OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer,” meaning the company that makes the vehicle (or the parts it’s built with). In the transcript, the hosts use OEM to describe the automaker that can offer financing or pricing incentives to dealers.
Lincoln Navigator
"Lincoln came out with employee pricing for every model like sync except the new 25 navigator one of all my co-workers do call every single person"
The Lincoln Navigator is a large luxury SUV. They’re using it to show that special pricing deals don’t always apply to every model.
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV from Lincoln. Here it’s referenced as the one model that didn’t get the employee pricing example, highlighting how incentives can vary by model.
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