Advertise on podcast: AlphaTalk

In this episode, Bryan Haakenson sits down with longtime Alpha Warranty friends Vinny Miller and Justin Thompson of TPA Risk Management (TPARM) to discuss what it really takes for a dealer or agent to launch and run a successful third-party administrator. Vinny and Justin share why strong underwriting relationships, consistent claims processes, and the right people matter more than the contract itself, and why AI is a powerful tool that still needs a trained eye behind it.  Vinny began his career at General Motors and later led claims and risk management for Assurant Solutions before founding TPARM in 2005. He has worked with Alpha Warranty almost from the beginning, helping build its early claims processes. Justin is a BMW Master Certified Technician with more than 20 years of repair and warranty experience. Together, they bring a rare view of both the service bay and the claims desk. The conversation covers early warning signs to watch for and the key questions every dealer should ask before becoming their own TPA.

In this Women in Business episode, Bryan Haakenson sits down with Heidi McMillen, Chief Revenue Officer at OttoMoto. Heidi shares how her background across lending, banking, and automotive tech has shaped her leadership approach and given her a unique perspective on both the dealer and lender sides of the business. Heidi also talks about the importance of building strong relationships, staying authentic, and surrounding yourself with people who will advocate for you. She reflects on the power of collaborative leadership, the expanding opportunities for women in automotive, and the mentors who have influenced her career, including her father. Together, they explore why the auto industry continues to evolve and why it remains a rewarding place for women to grow and lead. Heidi recently stepped into the CRO role after serving as an advisor to OttoMoto’s board. With a background that includes GM Financial, Fifth Third Bank, Capital One, iLending, and fintech-focused roles, she brings a deep understanding of both dealer and lender perspectives. The conversation highlights the growing opportunities for women in the industry and why automotive continues to be an exciting and rewarding space to lead.

Steve Rosenvall, CEO of Alpha Warranty Services, and Van Ferguson, Director of Operations for Alpha Outdoor Therapy, join Bryan Haakenson to share the story behind Alpha Outdoor Therapy. The nonprofit supports Special Operations families through outdoor retreats on a 120-acre property near Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As military veterans themselves, they explain how Alpha Outdoor Therapy was born from their own experience of rebuilding identity and purpose after transitioning out of the military, and their shared belief that time outdoors in a family-friendly environment is what ultimately helps soldiers find their footing. They discuss the toll frequent deployments take on military families, the organization's work with Gold Star children, and new leadership development programs led by recently retired senior Special Forces personnel. Steve also details the partnership between Alpha Warranty and Alpha Outdoor Therapy, in which dealers and agents have options to donate, with 100% of those funds going directly to support Special Operations families.

Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue Officer at RepairPal, joins Bryan Haakenson to break down the impact of Right to Repair legislation on the auto industry. With more than a decade of experience in her current role, Kathleen explains how rapidly advancing vehicle technology has outpaced regulation and what that means for consumers, repair shops, and manufacturers. She also highlights how modern vehicles operate as rolling computers and why access to diagnostic and repair data has become such a critical issue. The conversation also explores the real-world effects of restricted repair access, from higher costs and longer wait times to limited consumer choice. Kathleen shares insight into how independent shops and local economies are impacted while also addressing the balance between protecting manufacturer innovation and ensuring fair competition. Together, they discuss the momentum behind bipartisan legislation and what meaningful change could look like for everyday drivers. In her role, Kathleen leads all partner and shop initiatives, including business development and strategy, operations, marketing, and customer success. She takes pride in standing for ethical principles and being a female executive in a male-dominated industry.

In this episode, Bryan Haakenson sits down with former Indianapolis Colts linebacker and Super Bowl champion Rob Morris to explore his journey from a football-obsessed childhood to the highest level of the game and beyond. Drawing on experiences from his college days at BYU, the NFL, and life after football, Rob shares how constant setbacks, injuries, and the challenge of redefining himself shaped his perspective on resilience. He explains the difference between simply surviving challenges and intentionally growing through them, breaking down the mental and physical strategies that helped him adapt, rebuild, and find purpose after his pro football career ended.

In this episode, Bryan Haakenson sits down with Heidi McMillen, Chief Revenue Officer at OttoMoto, to talk through how auto lending really works behind the scenes. With experience across underwriting, banking, and automotive technology, Heidi explains how the lending process has changed over time. From manual reviews to AI-driven decisioning and fraud detection, she breaks down what actually happens after a deal is submitted and why approvals and pricing land where they do.   The conversation also digs into fraud, synthetic identities, and the growing role of lender aggregators in today’s market. Heidi shares practical insight into how dealer behavior affects lender relationships and long-term portfolio performance. Together, she and Bryan discuss why it matters to understand what lenders are really looking for and how the right mix of technology, relationships, and back-end products leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.

In this episode, Bryan Haakenson sits down with Jill Robb, CMO at OttoMoto, to explore her global career and the path that led her into the automotive space. With experience spanning retail, ecommerce, banking, insurance, and advisory work, Jill shares how each chapter shaped her perspective on analytics, efficiency, and customer experience. She reflects on building and running her own businesses, working across Europe and the U.S., and why fast-moving, innovation-driven environments continue to motivate her work. Jill also offers insight into the independent dealer landscape. She discusses where outdated processes create friction and how modern solutions can meaningfully improve the buying and lending experience. Together, she and Bryan unpack lessons dealers can borrow from retail and international markets, the balance between innovation and regulation, and why simplifying processes benefits both dealers and consumers. It’s a discussion centered on finding better ways for independent dealers to evolve while still serving their communities well.

In this episode, Bryan Haakenson sits down with Carol Docalavich, President & COO at OttoMoto and DealFI, to explore her wide-ranging career and the path that led her into the automotive world. With experience spanning franchising, software, real estate, and now auto, Carol shares how each chapter shaped her perspective as a leader and entrepreneur. She reflects on what she’s learned from building businesses, supporting independent operators, and adapting through shifts in technology, markets, and consumer needs. Carol also sheds light on the independent dealer landscape, discussing why these entrepreneurs are often underestimated and how OttoMoto’s platform is designed to give them the tools, lender access, and efficiencies they’ve traditionally lacked. Together, she and Bryan dive into the challenges independents face, the pitfalls of rapidly evolving technology, and the importance of solutions that truly educate dealers and streamline their processes. It’s a conversation about innovation, transparency, and the growing opportunities for independent dealers to level up and thrive.

In this episode, Bryan Haakenson welcomes Rebecca Silvia, Profit Participation Director, to share her story of building a career in a space where women are still underrepresented. With more than 20 years in the automotive industry, Rebecca talks about her path from early roles in customer service and business development to leading inside sales teams and ultimately becoming a key voice in profit participation. Along the way, she reflects on the challenges of stepping into leadership, the importance of confidence, and the value of being willing to learn and adapt. Rebecca also highlights the power of mentorship, sharing both the positive impact her father has had on her and the fulfillment she’s found in guiding others in their own careers. Together, they discuss why diverse voices matter in shaping the future of the auto industry and how opportunities continue to grow for women in leadership.

For this new segment of AlphaTalk called Supercharged—host and Executive VP of Strategic Partnerships, Bryan Haakenson, showcases the amazing people and technology that power our business here at Alpha Warranty Services. In this episode, National Sales Manager Michael Ashton discusses what drives the company’s continued growth. He shares his journey from working in his family’s insurance agency to becoming a key leader here, offering insights into leadership, agent development, and the importance of adapting to dealer and market needs. They talk about the value of building authentic relationships, the importance of flexibility in product offerings, and how Alpha Warranty’s technology streamlines the dealer and customer experience. This episode also marks AlphaTalk's first venture into video. If you want to watch, check out the show in the new format on the Alpha Warranty Services YouTube channel.

Join us for a brand-new segment of AlphaTalk called Supercharged—a series where host and Executive VP of Strategic Partnerships, Bryan Haakenson, showcases the amazing people and technology that power our business here at Alpha Warranty Services. In this episode, Bethany Bovey (Program Manager) and Kiana Barrow (Sales Support Manager) discuss the newly launched Open Country RV products. Tune in to hear how feedback played a major role in Open Country RV's development and the resulting benefits these products now offer.

Bryan sits down with Alpha Warranty Services' President, Jeremy Lindsey, to explore the industry's current landscape. They discuss Alpha Warranty's remarkable growth in 2024, the impact of new economic trade policies on the auto sector, and strategies for navigating future market challenges. This biannual segment offers insights into the latest industry developments while providing a glimpse into Jeremy's leadership approach.

Total Care Auto President Kimberlee Reese rejoins the show and discusses her path to the auto industry, the importance of voices with different opinions and backgrounds, and staying involved as a company president. Her and Bryan also talk about the growing amount of jobs filled by women in the auto space and the importance of leaders continuing to know what their customers want.

In this episode, Bryan welcomes back Susan Hobbs, F&I Operations Director at Keating Auto Group. Here, Susan shares her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She also discusses important mentors and how there’s never been a better time to join the industry due to limitless growth opportunities. These opportunities are found a variety of roles, many of which are newly-created. Listen now to find out more!

Total Care Auto President Kimberlee Reese joins the podcast to discuss the company’s transition from a Larry H. Miller Group company to being under the Asbury Automotive Group umbrella after its December 2021 acquisition. She shares the importance of recognizing change as a season of opportunity and provides specific advice on how to navigate acquisitions as an existing employee. She and Bryan also talk about the importance of maintaining a collaborative environment, seeking to be supportive, and validating opinions throughout organizations.