High school looks a lot different than it did 10 or 20 years ago—but some of the biggest challenges facing teenagers haven't changed at all.

On this episode of The Road Ahead, we're joined by Jeremy Schmidt, Superintendent of Grant Community High School, for a conversation about what it takes to prepare students for life after graduation.

We talk about how AI is being handled in the classroom, the role of cell phones and technology in education, how discipline has evolved, and why the traditional "graduate, go to college, get a job" path isn't the only definition of success.

Jeremy also shares how Grant is creating opportunities for students interested in trades, certifications, dual-credit courses, college, the military, and entering the workforce—and why his advice to students is simple: choose the opportunities that open more doors.

Plus, we look at what has—and hasn't—changed about being a teenager and why the influence of a great teacher can stick with someone for decades.

The Road Ahead is your no-BS guide to everyday life, presented by Ray Chevrolet.

Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

Chevrolet District Sales Manager Antionio Douthet joins the Scarpelli's for a behind-the-scenes look at the relationship between Chevrolet and its dealerships — and where the automotive industry is headed next.

Antionio shares what a district sales manager actually does, what separates great dealerships from the rest, and how dramatically different car markets can be across the Midwest. The conversation also explores how vehicles make their way from the factory to your local dealership, why the human side of buying a car still matters, and how Chevrolet is approaching AI and the increasingly digital car-buying experience.

Plus, Antionio offers a preview of what's coming from Chevrolet — including his excitement about the next-generation Silverado and what drivers can expect from the brand's evolving design and technology.

Then, the Scarpelli's look back at 35 years of Ray Chevrolet, from a dealership with a single computer and handwritten customer logs to today's world of digital retailing and artificial intelligence. Through all of that change, one thing has remained the same: taking care of people.

In This Episode

-What a Chevrolet District Sales Manager actually does

-How Chevrolet works with independently owned dealerships

-Why automotive markets differ from North Dakota to Chicago

-What Antionio looks for when he walks into a dealership

-Why the human touch still matters in an increasingly digital car

-buying experience

-How a vehicle gets from a GM factory to your local dealership

-The enormous logistics operation behind automotive manufacturing

-How Chevrolet is using AI and new technology

-Finding the balance between online convenience and personal service

-What's coming with the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado

-How Chevrolet's vehicle design is evolving

-35 years of change at Ray Chevrolet-Going from handwritten customer logs to AI-powered tools

-Why relationships, referrals, and repeat customers remain the foundation of the dealership business

Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.

What does the USO actually do for the men and women who serve our country?

On this episode of The Road Ahead, the Scarpellis. sit down with Chris Schmidt, Area Director for the USO, for a conversation about service, sacrifice, military families, and the work happening every day to support service members here at home and around the world.

Chris shares his own journey from growing up in a military family and serving in the U.S. Army to eventually leading USO efforts across the region. He explains how the organization supports sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes, military members deployed overseas, families waiting at home, and even service members aboard Navy ships.

The conversation also becomes personal as Ray shares how Chris and the military community helped his family honor his mother-in-law, a World War II Army nurse, at her celebration of life.

Then, the Scarpellis look back at Ray Auto Group's involvement with Drive for the Troops and the nearly $60,000 the dealership and community have helped raise for the USO over the years.

Plus, they close out the episode by breaking down car leasing—how it works, why monthly payments can be lower, mileage options, lease-end choices, and why leasing may make sense for drivers who want more flexibility.

The Road Ahead is your no-BS guide to everyday life, brought to you by Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

In this episode

-How Chris Schmidt's military upbringing eventually led him to the USO

-What the USO actually provides for service members and their families

-The sacrifices military families make that civilians may never see

-How USO centers are supporting sailors aboard active Navy vessels

-Why something as simple as Wi-Fi, a care package, or a welcome-home sign can matter

-The USO's canine program and the unexpected impact its dogs can have-Ray's emotional story of honoring his World War II veteran mother-in-law

-Why military service often runs through generations of the same family

-The nearly 50,000 sailors who pass through Naval Station Great Lakes in a typical year

-Ray Auto Group's history with Drive for the Troops

-How the dealership and community have helped raise nearly $60,000 for the USO

-A straightforward explanation of leasing, mileage allowances, warranties, and lease-end options

Listeners of the podcast receive ONE FREE OIL CHANGE redeemable at both Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Mention our code "ROAD AHEAD" at the check-in counter.