Kukui CEO Instructs at Automotive Training Institute Expo

KUKUI • March 3, 2014

Automotive expert will offer insight into marketing and customer service


San Jose, CA – Todd Westerlund, president and CEO of Kukui Corporation, will serve as a trainer for the Automotive Training Institute Expo March 21-23, 2014 in Seattle. Westerlund, a 27-year-veteran of the automotive industry, will present two seminars: “If You Had Modern Marketing, You Would Have No Competition!” and “Building the Best Consumer Experience.” Both presentations are part of the expo’s management training track.


“I’m honored to be selected as a trainer for this year’s expo and look forward to helping shop owners improve key areas of their business that can have a significant impact on sales,” said Westerlund.


The West Coast’s largest training conference and expo, ATE features some of the best trainers in the industry, offering both management and training expertise. The event also features prominent keynote speakers, a wide range of exhibitors from all facets of the automotive industry and hands-on product demos of the latest, cutting-edge technologies. ATE offers a great opportunity for industry professionals to network and learn more about tackling the business challenges they face daily.


A sought-after speaker, Westerlund is constantly studying industry trends, attending automotive courses, and consulting with shops all over the United States. He spent 15 years as an ASE-Certified Smog Technician at a shop in San Ramon, CA. Before joining Kukui, Westerlund served as vice president of sales for Shop Management Services, a distributor of the R.O. Writer shop management software system for repair centers. He also spent four years as a regional manager at Demandforce, where he expanded the company’s automotive division. Westerlund’s automotive experience also includes serving in sales management positions at Diamond Certified, (a rating service for high-quality companies) and managing Internet sales at an automotive dealership.



Kukui Corp., which develops marketing software solutions for the automotive repair industry, will also serve as an exhibitor at the Expo.


ChatGPT vs. AI powering your software banner with developer at desk and code on dark screen

ChatGPT vs. the AI Powering Your Software

By Heather Myers • May 7, 2026
ChatGPT is powerful, but it’s not built for your shop. Learn how AI in your software uses real data to drive smarter decisions and better business results.
Promotional graphic of a hand holding a phone beside a laptop, with text “Stay active everywhere, automatically.”

Same Shop, 3x the Reach

By Gabby Oglesby • April 28, 2026
Automate your social media with 2 weekly posts published to Facebook, Instagram, and Google—keeping your shop visible online without extra work.
Hand writing on a document with a pen beside eyeglasses on a desk

How to Read an AI-Generated Report Without Getting Fooled

By Heather Myers • April 23, 2026
Learn how to evaluate AI-generated reports by separating facts, inferences, and guesses—so you can spot assumptions and avoid misleading insights.
A smiling robot holding a Google magnifying glass on a green background with the text,

Does Google Penalize AI Content?

By Heather Myers • April 9, 2026
Google doesn’t penalize AI content—low-quality, mass-produced content is the issue. Learn how auto repair shops can use AI effectively without hurting SEO.

5 AI Prompts That Actually Help Your Shop

March 26, 2026
The right tools for the right job.
A smartphone displays a My Rewards loyalty app, surrounded by floating green coins, set against a dark background.

Give Them a Reason

By Gabby Oglesby • March 18, 2026
Last month we launched My Rewards, KUKUI’s built-in loyalty program. Since launch, our clients have already started using it to strengthen long-term relationships.
A glowing, metallic digital cube with internal circuit patterns, surrounded by floating data panels against a dark grid.

KUKUI Launches AI Education Initiative

By Rick Sage • March 12, 2026
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of how auto repair shop owners research marketing strategies, analyze competitors, & evaluate their online presence.
A human hand and a robotic hand work together to assemble glowing, digital puzzle-like gear pieces on a dark surface.

The Shop Owner's Guide to AI in Marketing

By Rick Sage • March 12, 2026
Learn how AI is changing how customers find auto repair shops and how to use it wisely. Download the Shop Owner’s Guide to AI in Marketing.

What AI Gets Wrong About Your Shop — And Why It Looks So Right

By Heather Myers • March 5, 2026
AI can evaluate your auto repair website, but its insights aren’t the same as real data. Learn where AI gets it wrong—and why those mistakes can look convincing.
Mechanic holding wrenches, wearing blue uniform. Workshop setting. Text: Kukui, $3B Strong.

How KUKUI Shops Drove Nearly $3Billion in Revenue in 2025

By Rick Sage • February 27, 2026
In 2025, KUKUI shops generated nearly $3B in revenue, including $547M from marketing, with the average shop producing $1.5M and strong customer retention.