Car Dealership Guy Podcast

The Service Goldmine Dealers Are Ignoring – How To Deploy The 24/7 Revenue Engine | Pre-NADA AI #4 Shaun Sorensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Kenect

Jan 17, 2026
Guest
Shaun Sorensen
Shaun Sorensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Kenect, shares his journey from dealership principal to tech innovator. He highlights service AI as the untapped goldmine for revenue in dealerships. Shaun explains how AI is evolving from tools to employees, emphasizing the importance of data-driven personalization. He tackles dealer fears about AI's maturity and discusses real-world results that demonstrate significant revenue growth. Additionally, he offers insights on overcoming adoption barriers and the future of AI in service departments.
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ANECDOTE

Staff Left Over AI Adoption Clash

  • Shaun shared a real conflict where a GM rejected AI and a service manager left over it.
  • The excited service manager resigned and joined a dealership that uses AI.
INSIGHT

Adoption Is Growing But Uneven

  • Roughly one-third of dealers are actively budgeting for AI while many still need education.
  • Shaun advises starting small (after-hours voice or single campaigns) to build trust and expand.
ADVICE

Test Gradually And Be Transparent

  • Walk before you run: test AI on limited functions and announce it transparently to customers.
  • Shaun recommends labeling it as a digital service advisor and iterating as trust grows.
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