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A Selection of My Articles

Automotive Articles

Explore a featured selection of my automotive writing work below.

AARP •

How to Replace or Repair the Key Fob for Your Vehicle

Most new cars today come with a key fob that allows drivers to enter the vehicle without putting a key in the door lock. Some even control a car’s ignition. But what happens when that fob gets lost or damaged?


The device can be expensive to replace, so some drivers are tempted to find a cheap option online instead of turning to a dealer or a reputable automotive locksmith. But experts recommend against going that route. For one thing, it might not work, but it can also lea...
AARP •

How to Preserve Your Defensive Driving Skills


Sandi Peters, 71, has driven for decades, but she doesn't drive at night or on highways since her return from living abroad.


When the San Francisco Bay Area gerontology specialist returned recently from a nine-month teaching post in Morocco, where she did not drive, she was acutely aware of how her time away had changed the pace at which she moves, reacts and lives her life.


"Our society is at a fast speed, which is not a good thing for our culture,” says Peters,...
WardsAuto •

Synthetic Fraudsters Target Dealers

“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it" —especially when it comes to fraud in retail automotive marketing.Dealers who think that the June ransomware attack on Findlay Auto Group, Henderson, NV, the synthetic fraud scams played out at numerous dealerships, including Autobahn, Fort Worth, TX, Infiniti of Coral Gables, FL, and similar frauds, are unlikely to occur at their stores are at risk of making the above Winston Churchill quote a reality.Remember, synthetic identity f...
WardsAuto •

Here’s How to Spark Consumers’ EV Interest

Dealers may not want to pull the plug on new and used plug-in electric-vehicle sales just yet.While it’s true that sales of electrified vehicles have stalled, some buyers are open to considering them.“It was a surprise to me,” says automotive retail business consultant Wayne Phillips. “When (EVs) are priced $30,000 or under, they are selling.”The surprise is not unusual. According to the just-released J.D. Power E-Vision Intelligence Report, heavy marketing pushes, and high-profile new model int...

Engagement or Estrangement: You Pay the Price for Staff Blunders

It’s interesting how often the television series Men of a Certain Age — currently streaming on Amazon Prime and Max — comes up in conversations with auto dealers.For them, it’s almost like their own version of the cult mockumentary comedy This is Spinal Tap. A lot of the show focuses on a family-owned Chevrolet dealership. Dealers I know can’t help but chuckle at scenes where salespeople kick off their shoes during test drives, ask customers to run errands, or fumble through dealing with difficu...
AARP •

4 Things to Know About Color Before You Buy a Car

Times have changed since Henry Ford said buyers of the new 1908 Model T could “have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.”


While black remains a popular choice in many parts of the country, take a drive down any major road these days and you’ll pass automobiles in a rainbow of hues—from conservative shades of silver or white to statement colors like “Snazzberry” (reddish maroon) on the Jeep Wrangler, Acura’s Thermal Orange, Starbright Yellow on the Kia Se...
Wards •

“It's really about understanding the behavior of customers,” says Nissan vice president Marisstella Marinkovic.

Dealers often hear they must train staff to overcome barriers that keep potential car buyers from their dealerships.The problem is that macro viewpoint, while true, doesn’t give dealers the detailed information they need to retail traffic. Although every market is different, Teads, a leading cloud-based omnichannel platform that enables digital advertising, offers some details that apply to a broad range of dealers.That data from Teads’ recent survey of 17 markets detailed in the report “Shiftin...
Ward •

The Dealership: Poking Fun at Work While Gaining Viral Fame

Have you ever watched a driver unfamiliar with fullsize pickup trucks attempt a 3-point turn in a new Chevrolet Silverado? Picture 23-year-old Grace Kerber, digital brand creator at Mohawk Chevrolet in Ballston Spa, NY, awkwardly inching forward and back, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, before erratically driving down the road, straddling the center line and making her passenger car sick (See video link below).“Yes, it is me,” Kerber admits to WardsAuto about her real-life problems movin...
Urban Science Sponsored •

Converting Your Hard-Earned Leads

This article continues a series analyzing this year’s Urban Science/Harris Poll survey. The survey delves into consumer perceptions of the relevance of the traditional automobile dealership model.The past few years have been like a roller coaster ride for auto dealers, and new challenges have just begun.It wasn’t long ago dealers were frantically trying to deal with low inventory levels due to a severe chip shortage. This scarcity, compounded by the global pandemic that sparked a surge in pent-u...
WardsAuto •

Warning: Challenging EV Repairs Ahead

As the rate of electric-vehicle adoption grows, franchise dealerships can expect more challenging repairs to roll into their service bays, according to the recently released J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).Popular opinion is that battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles require fewer repairs than gas-powered ones because they have fewer parts and systems. According to J.D. Power data, which uses an expansive metric for problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), tha...
WardsAuto •

How Dealers Can Win Over Gen Z Buyers

This article initiates a series analyzing this year’s Urban Science/Harris Poll survey. The survey delves into consumer perceptions of the relevance of the traditional automobile dealership model.

This year’s Urban Science/Harris Poll offers welcome news for dealers looking to boost profits, gain customers and build loyalty. Data shows Generation Z consumers highly value dealerships, even more than just a year ago.

That’s significant news for dealers. Not only are Gen Z consumers – those born
WardsAuto •

Auto Insurance Shopping Booms, Reports TransUnion

U.S. shoppers, specifically in the West and Midwest, increased auto insurance shopping in the first quarter of 2024, a 6% increase compared to Q1, according to new research by TransUnion. The specific figures are proprietary.


The increase is in keeping with TransUnion's recent report, which notes that current high interest rates have left many consumers scrambling to afford major purchases. New-vehicle loan originations with Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 5.9% and lower increased to 39% in
WardsAuto •

When Time Stands Still

Want to impress your vehicle-buying customers? Stop wasting their time.

A new study from CDK Global Research & Insights shows that more than half (54%) of vehicle buyers are unhappy that their buying experiences took three-plus hours to complete. Dealers need to shorten transaction time to no more than two hours to turn customer results around, reports CDK.

“Despite the expansion of the direct-to-consumer retail model across the U.S., consumers still prefer the brick-and-mortar dealership expe
Urban Science Sponsored •

Competition for Sales Is Back, Is Your Sales Staff Ready to Sell

Empower your team with daily defection-based training.U.S. new-vehicle inventory levels rose sharply in December and crested to 1.8 million for the first time since May 2021.1 That bit of good news has been tempered by an affordability crisis, where high vehicle prices — combined with high interest rates — are driving shoppers of new vehicles to consider used, shoppers of used to entertain lower price points and are motivating all shoppers to consider more dealerships while searching for the bes...
Cox Automotive Sponsored •

Tech Trends for Forward-Thinking Dealers in 2023

Keeping up with technology trends is an ongoing exercise, especially in automotive retail. It’s an essential part of owning a business and managing a dealership. The next new and exciting innovation is always right around the corner — the next technology that can help your business adapt (and your team succeed).   Advances in technology can also help you find efficiencies. Every year, a handful of innovations help to increase sales, improve the service experience for customers, and give your dea...
WardsAuto •

Today's World of Auto Retail

Wards Intelligence surveyed dealers throughout the U.S. to chart retail automotive's present health, electrification challenges and future opportunities. This is part of a series analyzing our survey results.

There is no precedent for the current state of the retail auto industry. The worldwide pandemic and a shortage of chips and other car parts have slowed or stalled vehicle availability. Low supply and high demand are a boon for dealers. Despite manufacturers’ prohibitions, many boost new-ca
Branch Sponsored •

Getting embedded insurance moments right

Embedded insurance has been a buzzword in the auto industry for decades. The automotive industry has been hoping to ease the process of finding insurance for their customers, and insurers have been eager to get access to customers during the auto purchasing or financing process. Yet, despite years of enhancements, truly embedded insurance remains “the next big thing.”Why hasn’t embedded insurance taken off? Even as the technology to provide insurance has gotten better, the experience of binding...
AARP •

4 Things to Know About Color Before You Buy a Car

Times have changed since Henry Ford said buyers of the new 1908 Model T could “have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.”


While black remains a popular choice in many parts of the country, take a drive down any major road these days and you’ll pass automobiles in a rainbow of hues—from conservative shades of silver or white to statement colors like “Snazzberry” (reddish maroon) on the Jeep Wrangler, Acura’s Thermal Orange, Starbright Yellow on the Kia Se...
Newsweek •

15 Game-Changing Products for Your Garage

You've trimmed the trees in your yard, painted the kitchen, spruced up the living room, and now your house is complete, right? Well, not really, because you didn't consider your garage. If you think that's just a place to park your car, store your gardening tools and do some household repairs, you're missing out.There are plenty of budget-friendly, game-changing products that turn your garage from an afterthought into a vital part of your home. Take a look at the 15 best products we found and bo...
Mental Floss •

10 Things You May Not Know About Tesla, Inc.

Since the introduction of the Tesla Roadster in 2008, fans of performance and green technology have flocked to Tesla’s electric cars. Here a few things you may not know about the pricey, innovative rides.Although Musk has become synonymous with Tesla Motors as the company’s CEO and product architect, the venture existed before he got involved. Founders Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning started Tesla in 2003 in an attempt to “solve a real problem”: dependence on oil. The pair decided to build a...

Reviews/Commerce

Explore a featured selection of my reviews/commerce work below.

Newsweek •

15 Game-Changing Products for Your Garage

You've trimmed the trees in your yard, painted the kitchen, spruced up the living room, and now your house is complete, right? Well, not really, because you didn't consider your garage. If you think that's just a place to park your car, store your gardening tools and do some household repairs, you're missing out.There are plenty of budget-friendly, game-changing products that turn your garage from an afterthought into a vital part of your home. Take a look at the 15 best products we found and bo...
Newsweek •

15 Best Gifts Under $50 for 2021

Don't believe you have to drain your bank account if you want to give your family and friends great gifts this holiday season. There are plenty of presents that you can find for under $50 that we bet will be prized more than bank-breaking presents.Funky home decor, sentimental personal mementos and classic toys for kids are among the great finds out there. All you need to do is—forgive the pun—think outside of the box, and look for gifts that speak to the joy of the season.The secret to shopping...
Newsweek •

Hulu Live tv vs Youtube tv: Which is Better?

You can thank TV writers and producers for the bounty of first-rate television shows available as COVID concerns continue. With more on the way, seemingly every week, now is a great time to explore live-streaming services. These streaming services allow you to cut the cable cord, save cash and still access your favorite live TV channels and streaming services.But which to choose? Two of the most popular services––YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV––may seem the same, but they're not. Consider the...
Newsweek •

7 Phone Tracking Apps For Parents' Peace of Mind

Bet you don't know what social media app your kid is on at any given time. That can be a problem when you lose track of them, especially after they start back to school. Consider some of the following apps and device trackers that allow you to track your kids' travels and provide other safety features.If your child is like many others, you've already invested in some sort of mobile phone for them. Download the Life360 app on that phone and create a provide, invite-only family circle. That means...
Newsweek •

Myx Plus Review: This All Around Gym Alternative is a Perfect Fit

I learned a lot of things about myself five years ago when I lost 100 pounds. Those lessons––and a bit of a post-COVID weight gain––led me to the MYX fitness bike, one of the many competitors of the much-ballyhooed Peloton.On my last weight loss journey, I realized that the only one I want to compete against is myself. I also discovered that I prefer video courses to in-person instruction.MYX Fitness offers all of that and, as I found out during two weeks of MYX-fueled exercise, much more.First,...
Newsweek •

Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select has the Smoothest Highlights of Fine Whiskey

One finger of whiskey.That's precisely what was in my glass when I tried my first sip of Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select.Even I, a novice whiskey fan, could tell as soon as I lifted the glass and inhaled the smoky caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch notes that this was a drink I would savor. When Sinatra Select hit my tongue, I was sure it was among the finest I had ever tasted. But, just to possibly save face, I waited to hear what my friend Mark, a true whiskey connoisseur, and his partner Patsy,...
Bob Vila •

The Best Dog Doors of Today

A portal that allows your pooch safe and easy access to the outside can be a real convenience for pet lovers. A doggy door frees you up from having to open the door every time your four-pawed family members must do their business, proving especially helpful with older dogs who may need to relieve themselves often.

The best dog doors currently come in a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit both you and your pets’ home situation. These include window, wall, traditional door-mounted models, an...
Bob Vila •

The Best Smart Locks For Your Needs, Tested and Reviewed

Say goodbye to keys and hello to extra home security with one of today’s smart locks. It’s been a decade or so since smart locks began to replace traditional pin-and-tumbler locks on private homes, and increasingly sophisticated features have become the norm.


With all the technological advances of the past few years, we wanted to know just how convenient and secure today’s top smart locks really were. That’s why we tested them! We installed them on doors, synced our smart devices with their a...

Feature Articles

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.
People.com •

St. Louis CFO Changes Career to Help Animals and Their Families Weather the Pandemic Together

Not too long ago, Weng Horak spent her days traveling the world and devising financial strategies as part of her role as a corporate executive.

These days her work involves less travel, but still includes analyzing the financial strengths of a company –– when she's not figuring out the best way for her and her team to find forever homes for rescue animals.

"I'm a group CFO (chief financial officer), so I used to do financial modeling," she tells PEOPLE with laughter in her voice. "Now I'm cl...
Reviewed •

This is the secret to making the perfect cup of coffee

I was a coffee lover before it was cool. Back when Starbuck was best known as a character in Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick and Peet was the neighbor kid (he spelled it Pete), I was savoring coffee—and I picked up the habit from my mother.

Growing up, my mother always had a function ga4_link94() { window.dataLayer.push(JSON.parse('{"event":"click_inarticle"}')) }percolator full of freshly-brewed coffee at the ready, and she always poured a cup before sitting down to chat: Whether sh...
AARP •

How to Preserve Your Defensive Driving Skills


Sandi Peters, 71, has driven for decades, but she doesn't drive at night or on highways since her return from living abroad.


When the San Francisco Bay Area gerontology specialist returned recently from a nine-month teaching post in Morocco, where she did not drive, she was acutely aware of how her time away had changed the pace at which she moves, reacts and lives her life.


"Our society is at a fast speed, which is not a good thing for our culture,” says Peters,...
Peoplemag •

Alec Baldwin Cries as Judge Dismisses 'Rust' Case in Shocking Twist

Alec Baldwin burst into tears as the judge in his Rust case dropped the involuntary manslaughter charge against him on Friday, July 12, after his defense attorneys argued the prosecutors had buried evidence.

“The late discovery of this evidence during trial has impeded the effective use of evidence in such a way that it has impacted the fundamental fairness of the proceedings,” said Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, explaining, in part, her decision to dismiss the case with prejudice.

Before the ju...
Peoplemag •

Alec Baldwin Watches Halyna Hutchins’ Final Moments After Fatal Rust Shooting in Footage Played at His Trial

Alec Baldwin was confronted with footage of Halyna Hutchins's final moments when police body camera footage was played at his involuntary manslaughter trial on Wednesday, July 10. The actor is facing charges stemming from the 2021 fatal on-set shooting of the cinematographer on the New Mexico set of the Western Rust.

“Deep breath, Halyna. Deep breath,” a paramedic coached Hutchins, while director Joel Souza — who was also shot, but survived his injuries — lifted himself off the ground of the c...
Woman's World •

Friendship Speed Dating Over 50

Curiosity Drove Me to Try Friendship ‘Speed Dating’ — And Now I Think Everyone Should Try It

Frankly, I wouldn’t have attended the speed-dating-for-friends event if I’d realized that it was advertised far-and-wide in the Washington, D.C. area. The woman who organized it had indicated it was a semi-private event — or as semi-private as possible when it was advertised in a closed, area-women-writers-only Facebook group.

“So explain to me again why you’re going to a speed-dating event,” asked my
Narratively •

He Defended the Woman Who Drowned Her Five Children — Then Dedicated His Life to Making Sure It Never Happens Again

Sixteen years ago, Andrea Yates summoned police after systematically drowning her five children in the bathtub of her Clear Lake, Texas, home. The 36-year old mother had telephoned her husband Russell “Rusty” Yates at NASA, where he worked as an engineer. Although it was only about ten a.m., she insisted he return home. Then she called police. Two officers arrived. Chaos ensued.

Like almost everyone else in the United States, Houston-based attorney George Parnham heard the news about the Yates
USA TODAY •

Designers transform outdated spaces into smart, modern destinations

Whether your home was built in the time of George Washington or George H.W. Bush, you want the kitchen to shine with contemporary cool styling, technology and functionality. And you can get what you want — if you know where to look for inspiration.

“Traditional is exactly what we go against,” says Denise Davies, founder of D2 Interieurs in Weston, Conn. “When I started this business, a lot of people wanted to design their kitchens in very (traditional) ways because we’re in New England. (Creati