Meet the Host: Joe Toscano, Google Consultant To Family Business Man

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Joe Toscano

• 05:02 Joe's Journey in Technology and Automotive

• 09:49 Transitioning from Google to Gateway Automotive

• 15:00 The Future of Automotive and Technology

• 19:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

Takeaways

• Joe Toscano has a strong background in technology and consulting.

• The importance of making technology simple for businesses.

• Advocacy for children's privacy and safety on the internet.

• The automotive industry is evolving with technology and AI.

• Creating sustainable jobs is a priority for Joe.

• The need for small businesses to adapt to digital transformation.

• Joe's experience with Google taught him about business efficiency.

• The podcast aims to help shops implement technology effectively.

• Community involvement is crucial for business success.

• Automation can save significant time and improve efficiency.

Full Blog

In the second episode of the Leadfoot Automotive Podcast, Alex Rapp introduces his co-host Joe Toscano, a seasoned tech expert whose journey from Silicon Valley to automotive sheds light on using technology to streamline automotive businesses. In this post, we’ll explore how Joe’s experience with big tech companies is helping small to mid-sized shops stay competitive, boost profitability, and improve customer satisfaction.

From Silicon Valley to Gateway Auto

Although not a traditional “car guy,” Joe’s background in design, coding, and data science has equipped him to make high-level tech strategies accessible for businesses like Gateway Auto. Joe’s journey began with consulting roles for tech giants, including Google, where he played a role in projects like Google My Business and AdWords Express. His role demanded precision, as even minor changes could impact millions in revenue.

But it wasn’t just the high-stakes environment of Google that shaped Joe’s philosophy; it was his dedication to simplifying complex processes. Joe realized early on that technology, no matter how innovative, must make things easier and more profitable to gain real traction. He brought this ethos into his work with Gateway Auto, transforming his family’s business through tech-savvy processes that make a measurable difference.

Bridging Big Tech with Small Business

So, why bring these skills back to a small business? For Joe, the decision to leave Silicon Valley stemmed from a desire to contribute to a sustainable future for his family and community. As Alex and Joe discussed, the automotive industry is in flux, facing challenges like technician shortages and evolving technologies. Joe sees tech as a tool that can bridge the gap between big business efficiency and small business values, enabling family-owned shops to thrive amid the rise of AI and automation.

“It’s not just about fancy tech,” says Joe. “If we can make a 10-minute task automated for a small shop, that’s an entire work week saved over a year. Scale that across multiple processes, and we’re talking about getting weeks of time back for employees.”

Automating Tasks Without Losing the Human Touch

One of the podcast’s core messages is the importance of automation that doesn’t strip away personal interaction. Joe stresses that Gateway Auto’s approach isn’t to replace the people who create customer connections but to free them from repetitive tasks. By automating routine activities, employees can focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, personalized service to each customer.

This thoughtful approach to automation has allowed Gateway Auto to quadruple its revenue since the pandemic. The goal is to continue refining and sharing these insights with other shops, helping them leverage automation in ways that genuinely enhance their daily operations without compromising the customer experience.

Growing the Next Generation of Auto Experts

Joe believes in creating a legacy not only for his family but also for the automotive industry. As a member of his local Chamber of Commerce’s tech arm and a community college board advisor, he’s committed to developing programs that make automotive tech careers appealing and accessible to younger generations. With vehicles becoming more like “computers on wheels,” Joe believes it’s essential to prepare future professionals who understand both cars and technology.

Competing with Corporations: A Small Business Advantage

For small and medium-sized shops, staying relevant against large corporations can be daunting. Joe’s goal is to use tech to level the playing field, helping businesses adopt the same tools big corporations use but tailored to their scale. He warns that without adapting, smaller shops risk being swallowed by larger players who leverage data and automation to provide faster, cheaper service.

“We want to help shops transition through digital transformations that have typically been barriers in our industry,” Joe explains. “Rather than being overwhelmed by tech trends, small businesses can use these tools to their advantage and avoid getting left behind.”

Building a Resilient Future in Automotive

Ultimately, Joe’s decision to return to the family business wasn’t just about stability—it was about creating a future. He and Alex want to build a company that not only serves its customers but also contributes to a sustainable community. This means creating jobs that provide for employees and their families, building up cash reserves for rainy days, and running a responsible business that values its people over quick profits.

Joe also sees technology as a path toward creating better jobs within the automotive industry. By streamlining tasks and offering better services, automotive businesses can boost both job satisfaction and customer loyalty.

The Leadfoot Promise: Practical, Real-World Tech Solutions

The Leadfoot Automotive Podcast promises to equip listeners with practical tech solutions they can implement to increase efficiency and reduce stress. As Joe points out, it’s the small, cumulative improvements that make the biggest difference. Automating as little as five 10-minute tasks per week frees up over a work week’s worth of time in a year. When applied across a business, this principle can significantly change how owners and employees experience their workdays.

For shops looking to compete without the resources of large corporations, the Leadfoot Podcast provides valuable insights. Joe and Alex’s goal is to make these tips accessible to anyone interested in improving their business processes through technology—without the need for deep technical expertise.

By staying connected to both big-picture tech trends and day-to-day shop realities, Joe and Alex are bringing Silicon Valley efficiency to the world of automotive. And in doing so, they’re helping fellow business owners build not only better shops but also better lives for their employees and customers.

Join the Conversation

Whether you’re an industry veteran or a newcomer eager to learn, Leadfoot Automotive invites you to join the conversation. Each episode, Joe and Alex break down complex concepts into actionable steps for business owners looking to stay competitive. Subscribe to the podcast or visit their website, leadfootautomotive.com, for more insights. Together, we can create a thriving, tech-savvy future for small and mid-sized automotive businesses everywhere.