Auction Direct Twitter Interviews

Cookie Monster

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Introducing Nick Rovisa: A Social Media Enthusiast, Brand Appreciator, Beard Lover & Sports Nut from Rochester, NY!

What was your first car?

• A 1996 Ford Explorer, which I nicknamed the “Cookie Monster” because of its bright blue color. I am still driving that bad boy.

Any significant memories w/that car?

• The one that sticks out the most was a 24-hour straight drive from Ft. Lauderdale back here to Rochester. It took about 5 Red Bulls and multiple bathroom breaks to accomplish. I do not recommend driving that long without sleep. Ever.

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• Good ol’ Cookie Monster.

Does your car reflect your personality?

• Not really. The truck is an in-efficient, high-emissions, gas guzzler and I am more of an Earth-friendly kind of guy. I would say my next vehicle will definitely be a hybrid/electric car. Yep.

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• Well, my favorite vehicle of all time is the 2006/7 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. I actually got to drive this car (briefly) in West Palm Beach a few years ago. I got yelled at because I floored it to 80 in a span of about 200 yards. Glorious.

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• Well the SL65 AMG falls under this category for sure, but I am going to go with the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. I think it is one of the sexiest cars on the planet and I will most likely NEVER have one. That is all.

Vanity Plates?

• I don’t have vanity plates and I’m not sure I ever would get them, but for the questions sake I’d go with “4SQRLVR” Haha!

Must have car gadget?

• My Garmin GPS. I’ll admit, I’m way too dependent on it.

Favorite driving tunes?

• I love the Hall & Oates and Chromeo Pandora stations, but there is nothing like cruising to The Whitest Boy Alive. Look them up, I promise you’ll thank me.

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Hmm. This is a great question. I’ll say the Viper from the first Nutty Professor. The car was just so new at the time and he shreds it in that scene.

http://twitter.com/NickRovisa

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Never. In. A. Million. Years.

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Introducing Shelly Kramer: Marketing/brand strategist, idea generator, creator of buzz ‘n awareness, scribbler, social media lovah+information junkie. Luv MilkDuds+Beer

What was your first car?

• 1966 Ford Mustang (pale yellow)
  

Any significant memories w/that car?

• Yes, how kick ass the 8 track player that came with it was.
  

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser (that I still can’t part with)
  

Does your car reflect your personality?

• Yes! Absolutely. When it comes to cars, I’m the pragmatic sort. I’m not into flash or anything fancy. And I’m especially not into 700/month car payments. My Land Cruiser is a tank. It will go any where at any time, no matter the weather and is reliable to the Nth degree. Add to that the fact that it’s paid for and the love affair starts all over again. Makes me sound boring, I know. But I’d so much rather spend money on more important things - like a kick-ass new laptop or an iPad or new cabinets for my kitchen. Cars, for me, are mostly just a way to get from point A to point B.
  

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• I’m a Toyota fan. Am sad to see all the negative press and the crummy things that they have done as a company to tarnish their own brand image. But it’s hard to knock a Toyota when it comes to reliability and longevity. My hubs and I also really like BMWs (we have a little 500 series station wagon that we love).
  

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• I might be tempted by the amazing looking new Range Rovers. But not tempted enough to fork over the money for one. I am also partial to the BMW sedans - they are awesome. If I had to pick one, I might pick the Range Rover
  

Vanity Plates?

• Never. In. A. Million. Years.
  

Must have car gadget?

• Cell phone charger. I’m a low-end car gadget gal.
  

Favorite driving tunes?

• Too many to name. But a great NPR station is really all I need.
  

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Any of James Bond’s cars

http://twitter.com/shellykramer

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Shook Really Hard!

Image by Corvair Owner via Flickr

Introducing Lisa Parenti; Designer + Adoptive Mom. (& All-Around Wonderful Person. *Editor’s note)

What was your first car?

• Volkswagen Golf
  

Any significant memories w/that car?

• That it shook really hard when I went around corners (it was old)
  

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• VW Tiguan

Does your car reflect your personality?

• Somewhat
  

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• Big old convertibles - like a T-bird. Like Thelma and Louise drove off the cliff
  

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• A big old convertibles - like a T-bird. Like Thelma and Louise drove off the cliff (in white with black interior)
  

Vanity Plates?

• Not a chance
  

Must have car gadget?

• GPS….I have no sense of direction
  

Favorite driving tunes?

• For a long time Dirty Vegas…inspired by a car commercial. Now, anything I can sing to and not hurt anyone else’s ears.
  

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• HA! Good question. I would say Thelma and Louises big old convertible they drove off the cliff

http://twitter.com/lisaparenti

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Sweet Red Velvet

Image by gmeurope via Flickr

Introducing Ryan Taft; Founder of Catalyst Marketers, Bucks County Social Media Marketing Agency, Content Marketer, Entrepreneur, REI, Sports Enthusiast, Red Wine fan

What was your first car?

• 1988 Oldsmobile Cutless with a sweet red velvet interior

Any significant memories w/that car?

• Yes, but none that I can share in this interview…

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• 1999 Green Toyota Camry

Does your car reflect your personality?

• No, but it was free…hmm, maybe it does reflect my personality

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• Nissan Maxima, Hyundai Sonata & Acura TL

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• Cadillac XLR BMW 6 Series Audi A8 

Vanity Plates?

• No, but if I had to choose —> Cowboys

Must have car gadget?

• iPod/iPhone connection

Favorite driving tunes?

• HIP-HOP

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Anything sicker than I’ll ever own

http://twitter.com/RyanTaft

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Trashy Euro-Pop

Image by NickHodge via Flickr

Introducing Michael Empric; Twitter Profile: Writer, essayist, blogger, cook and generally cool person. Confident, confrontational, hilarious, opinionated, cute.

What was your first car?

• A dark green, 96 Saturn SL2.
  

Any significant memories w/that car?

• The doors were made of plastic. Also, the car consistently overheated when stuck in traffic. The worst would be on the way over an international bridge crossing on a Sunday afternoon. Once, by the time I got across the border from Canada, steam was pouring out of the hood. The customs agent took one look, said “um, that doesn’t look good,” and just let me go.
  

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• A dark green 99 Honda Civic EX . Ironically, I would never pick a dark green car, but they seem to regularly show up in my price range when I’m car hunting.
  

Does your car reflect your personality?

• It’s reliable, compact, low-key and energy efficient. So not at all.
  

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• My I tend to like Euro hatchbacks. There’s something sporty and utilitarian about them that I can really get into. 
  

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• I’d probably end up in a Volvo C30. I love the styling, the rear window, and the vaguely scandinavian interior. Plus I could crash repeatedly and be fine.
  

Vanity Plates?

• Absolutely not. Vanity plates are for people that seek attention, which is very gauche.
  

Must have car gadget?

• Winter: IceDozer scraper. Summer: RainX.
  

Favorite driving tunes?

• Trashy euro-pop. I want the people in the car next to me to question my sanity, and whether or not I’m from the States.
  

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• As a vehicle, the Volvo C30 is what Edward drives in Twilight. As a movie star, the Mini Cooper ruled in the Italian Job.

 http://twitter.com/michaelempric

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Can’t Handle The Power!

Image by the longhairedgit via Flickr

Introducing Mike Salviski; Virginia Tech Hokie and a cross between MacGyver and Jack Bauer.

What was your first car?

• 1983 Mercury Capri 5.0
  

Any significant memories w/that car?

• I had to talk my Parents into letting my buy a 5.0 V8, all I remember them saying is “It is just too much power for you!…He can’t Handle the power!”
  

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• Chevy Tahoe Z71 and a couple Motorcycles.
  

Does your car reflect your personality?

• It is big, can go anywhere, and loves to burn gas.
  

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• My favorite car was my Ford Lightning.
  

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• Detamaso Pantera GTS5
  

Vanity Plates?

• No

Must have car gadget?

• GPS

Favorite driving tunes?

• Depends on where I am driving. Dance/R&B if driving downtown and well Country if driving in the Country.
  

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• TV Car…Close tie between A-Team Van or the General Lee.

http://twitter.com/mikesalviski

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Flames on the Hood

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Introducing Paul Gebel; Husband, daddy, strategy & tech consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton, graphic design and MBA grad from RIT, Iraq Veteran, Navy Officer, deacon (elect) at MOPC.

What was your first car?

• I inherited my parents’ 1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88. I promptly went out and got $900 of aircraft grade acrylic enamel and painted it jet black with flames on the hood. I drove that to senior prom.
  

Any significant memories w/that car?

• In college, I was in the Navy ROTC program, and the physical training was early in the morning across town from RIT at the UofR. One morning (running a little late) down East River Road by GVP, an 8-point buck decided to end his life in a flaming heap on my beloved paint-job. First and only automotive encounter with a deer - left my car totaled.
  

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• My garage is now the proud home of a 2002 Subaru Forester.
  

Does your car reflect your personality?

• The scooby reflects a side of my personality. The side that gets the groceries and needs AWD for surviving Rochester winters… but it is a small side all-in-all.
  

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• Well that is a frustrating question. I guess my favorites by category would look something like this: Hot Rod - ‘32 Coup Roadster - BMW Z4 Truck - Chevy Silverado Family Wagon - Nissan Murano Sports Car - Audi R8 I would have no idea what to choose if I had to pick one *favorite* car.
  

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• Ironically, I didn’t think to put this on favorites, because I guess it’s all of the above in one. If I had a million bucks, I would grab a BMW 5 Series Gran Tourismo. It’s not the sexiest thing that BMW has ever made, but I think it covers a lot of bases very elegantly.
  

Vanity Plates?

• Nope

Must have car gadget?

• iPod. I drive a LOT.
  

Favorite driving tunes?

• Podcasts. Since I’m on the road so much, spoken word is the best way to make the time go by. I am hooked on howstuffworks.com’s self-named podcasts. Josh and Chuck are hilarious. Actual tunes… gotta go with Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• The Lexus concept from Minority Report.

http://twitter.com/paulgebel

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Always Loved Mustangs

Image by TeeMack Productions via Flickr

Introducing Jenny Murphy; Asst editor, Auto Dealer Monthly.

What was your first car?

• White, 91 Pontiac Grand Am
  

Any significant memories w/that car?

• The most vivid was of an elderly gentleman (I’m assuming he couldn’t see very well) running into me. Scared me half to death!
  

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• White, 07 Toyota Corolla … not under recall (yet) thank goodness
  

Does your car reflect your personality?

• I would like to think it does. It’s small, speedy and (fuel) efficient. :)
  

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• I’ve always loved the Ford Mustang
  

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• 64 Mustang (convertible or fastback) in lt. blue or red
  

Vanity Plates?

• None
  

Must have car gadget?

• GPS
  

Favorite driving tunes?

• Any and all … depends on my mood and the destination
  

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Shelby in Gone in 60 Seconds

http://twitter.com/jlmurphy84

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O-So-Dreamy & Hot

Introducing LiRe’ Cassaro; Luv info! Patient advocate;ministry founder,host women’s weight loss group;writer;marketing; lover of people & furry creatures.

What was your first car?

• 1967 Toyota Corona. My grandmother paid $400 for it for my 16th birthday.

Any significant memories w/that car?

• Two things: After I had the car for awhile, it got some sort of short in the horn, and there were plenty of times when it would ‘honk’ at good looking guys all by itself. My ‘girls’ and I liked that part. :) The second thing was the passenger door wouldn’t always secure completely, so I almost lost a couple of friends on some turns.

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• 2005 V6 Honda Accord - I call her the Golden Chariot.

Does your car reflect your personality?

• Yeah, but an upgrade to a Lexus LS460L in Obsidian would be o-so-dreamy and hot!

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• 1963 Cadillac El Dorado 2 door Sport Convertible Mercedes 450 SLC (My friend Joe used to drive one…loved it!)

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• Saleen S7 in Red or Aston Martin Lagonda I’d buy both!

Vanity Plates?

• Don’t have ‘em.

Must have car gadget?

• Sound System…

Favorite driving tunes?

• 60s - 80s Rock - really like Zepplin, Journey, Clapton, Eagles, CSNY are among favorties. Anything by Kutless and Third Day.

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Oooohhh. Any of the James Bond Cars!

http://twitter.com/missinfohwy

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Suck Its Fumes…

Image by Ed Callow [ torquespeak ] via Flickr

Introducing Raymond Champion; I’m endearingly sarcastic, polychronic, and a genius. I explore life intellectually and physically through free love, freethought, and libertarian transhumanism.

What was your first car?

• My first “real” car was a 1997 Acura Integra GS-R, which I loved. Sadly, it was also loved by car thieves.

Any significant memories w/that car?

• I lost my virginity in the Integra GS-R on the night I bought it (kudos to Acura for the assist).

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• My semi-functional 1990 Chevy Silverado 4x4. My girlfriend’s 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Does your car reflect your personality?

• The Silverado money pit reflects my sentimentality; I only keep it because it was my Dad’s. The Civic Hybrid reflects my “green” streak.

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• The Tesla Roadster Sport. It does 0-60 MPH in 3.7 second, on batteries. Suck its fumes, Ferrari! Oh, wait… It doesn’t have any.

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• “The Heart of Gold” with infinite improbability drive, from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Zaphod Beeblebrox can tag along, if he brings his own towel.

Vanity Plates?

• None currently, but I’d steal Austin Powers’ SHAGUAR plates (if Jaguars didn’t suck).

Must have car gadget?

• I can barely make it out the door without a GPS. I’m tempted to by a Verizon Droid just for the Google Maps. But Romulan cloaking device runs a close second.

Favorite driving tunes?

• Depends on how far I’m going and how fast I want to get there, so anything from Bach to techno.

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• 1981 DeLorean DMC 12 from “Back to the Future Part II” (time machines aren’t cool unless they can fly).

http://twitter.com/raymondchampion

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Umbrellas On I-91

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Introducing Chris Carosa; Author, speaker, entrepreneur who likes connecting with family, friends and the future and loves Western New York.

What was your first car?

• 1983 Chevy Camaro

Any significant memories w/that car?

• It’s still around, collecting dust in my garage. My son wants to repaint it and redecal it. The best memory of actually driving it comes from a time when I drove to a reunion in New Haven with the T-Tops down in the rain. We used umbrellas on I-91.

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• Two cars - a 1998 Park Avenue and a 2004 Freestar

Does your car reflect your personality?

• My car is a very useful vehicle, perhaps a little heavier than it needs to be, but loyal to a fault.

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• My Camaro. A Modern Mustang.

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, a constitution class cruiser in service during the 23rd Century.

Vanity Plates?

• Nope, not a fan.

Must have car gadget?

• A CD/Tape player… …and photon torpedoes.

Favorite driving tunes?

• Anything by the Beatles.

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Anything from the movie “Cars”

http://twitter.com/chriscarosa

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No Vanity Plates!

Image by masterjack.roger via Flickr

Introducing Tom Raines; Designer, Executive, Business, Pres,CEO,Chair Ukeycheyma, Vehicle Design & Manufacturing, Green Cars, Electric Cars, Law Of Attraction, Voice-over

What was your first car?

• My first car was a 1984 Pontiac Firebird. It had an Oldsmobile small block 400 in it, that machine could move!

Any significant memories w/that car?

• I got a great deal on the car. The guy I bought it from had bought it from a guy who had been in the Air Force. The Air Force guy is the one that put the 400 into it and was still working on it when I sold it to the guy I bought from. One time, an off duty State Trooper commented to me about driving through a tight curve and said man don’t tell me you don’t know how to drive a car!

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• Right now a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5. Yes, Yes, a Focus.

Does your car reflect your personality?

• To some aspects yes. Its fun and sporty and Green.

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• Mini Cooper, Ford Escape, Fiat 500, Land Rover, BMW 335 and the 1 series. Volvo C30, Ford F series. [I live in pickup truck country]

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• A one of a kind Lamborghini

Vanity Plates?

• No vanity plates!

Must have car gadget?

• Number 1 item an adapter for my Ipod. I also have a neat tire pressure gage that is super easy to read. Power adapters for the power plug.

Favorite driving tunes?

• Right now been listening to Uncle Kracker’s new songs.

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Gone In 60 Seconds. [The Nick Cage version]

http://twitter.com/tomraines

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Fun and Different

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Introducing Steve Garfield; Author: Get Seen, Online Video Secrets / Founder of Boston Media Makers

What was your first car?

• The first car that I drove around was my father’s 1967 Pontiac Tempest. It was a four door and had a V8 engine. That was a great car. My actual first car that I owned was a Ford Torino.

Any significant memories w/that car?

• The Ford Torino was a lemon of a used car. It had to get the engine replaced. On a spring break trip down to Miami from UMass Amherst we were afraid to turn the car off for fear of it not starting up again. We had a great trip to the Florida Keys though.

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• I drive a 2000 VW New Beetle. It’s the longest I’ve ever owned a car.

Does your car reflect your personality?

• It does. It’s fun and different.

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• I’ve always liked the Ford Mustang. I’m interested in seeing what the 2010 looks like. I almost bought one after high school but the frame was cracked. I like everything about BMW’s. Great styling, service and handling.

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• I mainly do a lot of city driving, so I like a small car that has good handling. The New Beetle pretty much meets my needs right now and I don’t see anything that would prompt me to replace it.

Vanity Plates?

• No. My dad would NEVER get a vanity plate OR allow a bumper sticker on the car

Must have car gadget?

• I’ve gotten used to the Nav system on my wife’s car. I’d want one on my next car. iPhone/iTunes integration.

Favorite driving tunes?

• There’s a band called Waltham and any of their tunes are great for summer driving!

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• The Camaro from Transformers was pretty cool as are all the James Bond cars.

http://twitter.com/Stevegarfield

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Glass In My Forehead

Introducing Suzy Ahrens; New twitter follower - Old high school classmate:)

What was your first car?

• Pontiac Sunbird

Any significant memories w/that car?

• Only that it was my first car and it was totaled 3 months later - still have glass in my forehead to prove it! And I was afraid to drive for months! Ugh!

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• 2000 Nissan Xterra

Does your car reflect your personality?

• I think so. I am kinda rough and tumble. I have kids, I play hard with them and enjoy all that they do. I even use my truck to haul things (including hay bales and trailing my mountain bike).

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• Old Cobras, Old and new Mustangs, Old Corvettes, and I am sure there are others.

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• Actually, I have no idea.

Vanity Plates?

• None.

Must have car gadget?

• GPS

Favorite driving tunes?

• Rock and Pop and anything with a good dance beat.

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• Never thought about it. Some good cars in “Gone in 60 seconds”.

http://twitter.com/scahrens

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Rookie Driving Mistakes

Introducing Jim Hughes; Founder & Chief Content Director @ The Content Studio - Marketing & Communication - Web & Social Media Management, Content & Inbound Marketing

What was your first car?

• 1961 Chevy Impala. Trust me - it was old when I drove it as well. My grandmother gave it to me when I turned 16. Cool car, V8 engine, solid as a tank. It was good for making rookie driving mistakes (i.e.: it took chunks out of trees without damaging the bumper).

Any significant memories w/that car?

• Sure many memories. Driving with friends to many concerts, dating, double dating, etc. Aerosmith, Jethro Tull, Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Led Zeppelin all come to mind. I won’t reminisce about the dates here. Oh by the way - the Impala lasted my Grandmother over 17 years - it lasted with me only 17 months!

What’s parked in your driveway now?

• Audi A6 Great car for the New England winters. Quattro baby!

Does your car reflect your personality?

• Interesting. At times it does. I currently have a silver A6.. black is far more my personality considering its the color I wear most of the time.

Favorite vehicle(s)?

• Audi, BMW, Lexus, Benz, Old Mustangs, Old Chargers.

Favorite vehicle…if money were no object?

• I haven’t given it much thought. I guess a convertible of one of the above. Maybe a Porsche convertible for driving up the coast of Maine in the summer.

Vanity Plates?

• No vanity plates.

Must have car gadget?

• Bluetooth, satellite radio, GPS system.

Favorite driving tunes?

• Classic Rock. Start with the Rolling Stones, segue to AC/DC and go from there.

Favorite Hollywood movie car?

• The black Audi A8 W12 driven in Transporter. Come to think of it - that’s the car I would like Audi to give me for a year. In return, I will blog about it weekly. Any takers? Audi? Audi dealers?

http://twitter.com/TCSJimHughes

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