Where Vision Meets Problems with Danny Zaslavsky

In this episode, Tim sits down with Danny Zaslavsky to explore personal resilience, leadership, and innovation in the automotive world. From growing up as a Ukrainian immigrant to building a tech-driven dealership and co-founding VINCUE, Danny shares how purpose and culture have guided his journey. 

Connect with Danny on LinkedIn. 

[00:00–01:03] Welcome Danny 

Tim introduces Danny Zaslavsky, founder of VINCUE, setting the stage for a conversation on leadership, innovation, and growth in automotive. 

[01:04–02:27] VINCUE’s Rise 

Danny’s presence at industry events like NADA is highlighted, leading to a deeper dive into his personal story and the birth of VINCUE. 

[02:27–04:13] Early Lessons 

Danny recounts growing up in Kansas City, learning English, and being raised in a close family. 

[04:13–06:07] Entering the Business 

His dad moved from shoe repair to car sales, and by 14, Danny was selling cars, discovering a love for business and technology. 

[06:07–07:49] Early Innovation 

Danny recalls how a young tech whiz built them software that evolved into VinSolutions—an early moment that shaped his future. 

[07:49–12:03] Scaling Challenges 

After his father’s stroke, Danny had to take over. This challenge became the spark that led to VINCUE’s formation. 

[12:03–14:08] Turning Loss into Leadership 

Personal loss deepened Danny’s drive to build something meaningful, turning pain into purpose. 

[14:08–15:28] Vision and Innovation 

He reflects on how adversity fuels innovation and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your vision. 

[15:28–18:25] Traits of Success 

Tim and Danny discuss how top dealer groups lead with humility, consistency, and servant leadership. 

[18:25–20:33] CarNow x VINCUE 

They explain why VINCUE and CarNow partnered: to simplify workflows and better align with today’s connected consumer journey. 

[20:33–22:08] Reducing Overload 

The two reflect on how the integration aims to streamline the experience for both staff and shoppers. 

[22:08–24:15] Removing Ego 

Danny shares how VINCUE delivers consistent, data-backed appraisals, eliminating guesswork and ego. 

[24:15–26:24] Leveraging AI 

VINCUE’s platform adapts to each dealership’s market strengths, using machine learning to optimize pricing and inventory flow. 

[26:24–30:11] Aligning for Growth 

Danny emphasizes the power of aligning service and sales, helping customers while improving internal dealership collaboration. 

[30:11–31:56] Staying Innovative 

Danny shares how staying hands-on keeps him innovative, crediting Tim’s leadership as inspiration. 

[31:56–33:19] Closing Thoughts 

The episode ends with a message of gratitude and resilience, reminding us that we get better together, one day at a time.