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I make complicated topics -- car buying, natural-gas policy, water heater installs, and…
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Chris Hardesty shared thisKelley Blue Book turns 100 this year, and I had the opportunity to write about the company’s origin story, beginning with the first Blue Book of Motor Car Values. In 1926, Les Kelley wasn’t trying to create a household name. He needed a practical buy list for used cars – a way to bring order and consistency to a young, fast-changing automotive market. What started as a tool for his own business quickly filled a much larger need, giving buyers, dealers, and lenders a common reference point so deals could feel fair on all sides. Writing about this history was a good reminder that many lasting brands begin with one clear purpose: solve a real problem. I’m proud to have helped tell this piece of Kelley Blue Book’s story. Check it out below: https://lnkd.in/ekVAnsAQ1926: The Used Car Market Got a Pricing Foundation - Kelley Blue Book1926: The Used Car Market Got a Pricing Foundation - Kelley Blue Book
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Chris Hardesty shared thisChris Hardesty shared thisA new report from the Consumer Energy Alliance shows how important natural gas is to economic growth in Tennessee, especially as we seek to recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19
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Chris Hardesty shared thisChris Hardesty shared thisInterested in retail, returns and #ecommerce? Check out this UPS and Optoro #webinar: Preparing for holiday returns during the #coronavirus Thursday (July 23) at 1 pm EST Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eStUcN7 Linda Shepherd West #ecommercesolutions #ecommerce2020 #retailers #retailing #
Chris Hardesty commented on a post
1y
No detail gets past Scott's eagle eye--and his quick wit is just as sharp.
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Chris Hardesty liked thisChris Hardesty liked thisI got rejected for a job yesterday. It was my birthday. I took the call on speakerphone because I was driving, so my daughter heard it all. I hope she didn't hear my voice crack slightly as I fought to be strong in front of her. Later on, my #girlsquad took me out to dinner to celebrate my special day. As I looked around the table, I reminded myself that I am beyond successful where it counts. I will land where I am supposed to; I know this. Thank you to everyone who has offered support - coffees, calls, advice. The network I've developed in the last few months is a special gift that keeps me going. Onward. #unemployment #layoff #rejection #jobsearch #pr #communications
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Chris Hardesty liked thisAfter 40 years in NYC media (9 at The Times, 31 at Condé Nast), it’s time to call it a career. Lucky to be exiting today on my own terms; luckier still to have you all as friends and colleagues!
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Chris Hardesty liked thisChris Hardesty liked thisThis week on Autotown, Joann Muller was riding shotgun with Jamie Butters (aka Magnum PI) on Autotown and they asked lil' ol' me to drop in for coffee to discuss sales and inventory! Newsflash, the #automotive industry keeps trucking along with an estimated 16.3Mn SAAR for August. They got into way more interesting conversations when I wasn't around...so tune in and check out the show! https://lnkd.in/eGnR8bGaAutotown Radio 15 — Joann Muller, Erin Keating, Joel FederAutotown Radio 15 — Joann Muller, Erin Keating, Joel Feder
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Chris Hardesty liked thisChris Hardesty liked thisApparently, going to a law firm was the right move. Thanks to all my clients and colleagues who contributed.
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Chris Hardesty liked thisChris Hardesty liked thisA century in the making... Last week, we came home to Irvine, the original home of Kelley Blue Book, to celebrate 100 years of the brand that's guided car buyers since 1926. It was more than a party. We walked through KBB's past, present, and future together, surrounded by a classic car show, food trucks, a live DJ, and the people who make this brand what it is. Very few brands reach 100 years, and getting to mark it in the place where it all started made it that much more special. Here's to the road best traveled, and to the next 100. 💙
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Chris Hardesty liked thisChris Hardesty liked thisBack in my #journalism days, the fact that #Atlanta-based Beazer Homes is being purchased by Dream Finders would cause a major rush. I would have raced to get the news on the wire and then spent hours talking to analysts about the business angle. I never gave employees a second thought. But now, I'm older and wiser. These days, I think about the possible jobs impacted - the human angle that never makes it into M&A coverage. People in our communities with mortgages and parents to care for. Humans with kids in karate, ballet and track. Beazer and Dream Finder employees: I see you. https://lnkd.in/eJ5bTMAe #news #journalism #breakingnews #business #breakingnews #afterjournalism #internalcommunications #communications
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Chris Hardesty liked thisChris Hardesty liked thisWhen I joined Conagra, I wasn’t chasing a title. I was chasing an opportunity - to prove communications could be one of the most powerful business disciplines in any organization. Over the past eleven years, together, we proved it. We built an enterprise communications function with a true seat at the leadership table and helped guide Conagra through transformation, acquisitions, a headquarters relocation, CEO transitions, the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction and adoption of AI, and many of the company’s defining moments. I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished. It is, therefore, with mixed emotions that I’ve decided to leave Conagra Brands and begin my next chapter. To our Communications team - past and present - thank you. You challenged me, inspired me, and made me a better leader. Watching you grow has been the most rewarding part of my career. I leave with enormous pride in what we’ve accomplished together and deep gratitude for the opportunity. While today’s announcement marks the beginning of my transition, I won’t be leaving Conagra until early September. I look forward to connecting with many of you over the coming weeks and thanking you personally. After more than three decades in this profession, I still wake up energized by helping leaders lead, organizations grow, cultures thrive, and reputations matter. While I’m incredibly proud of the past, I genuinely believe my best work - and my greatest impact - are still ahead of me. Here’s to the next chapter. Let's go! https://lnkd.in/gD9pAYDK
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Chris Hardesty liked thisChris Hardesty liked thisA couple years ago I went out with some friends in San Francisco in a Waymo driverless car. It stuck to the speed limit, stayed perfectly centered, and was all around boring, except for the fact that there was no driver. It spooked my passengers, who had no experience with hands-free driving systems. On the way home, we Ubered with a human driver. It was way scarier. Now the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety / Highway Loss Data Institute actually has data to support what we experienced. Have you experienced a driverless ride share? Thoughts? https://lnkd.in/gxycdvR5Study: Waymo Driverless Cars Safer Than Human Drivers - Kelley Blue BookStudy: Waymo Driverless Cars Safer Than Human Drivers - Kelley Blue Book
Experience & Education
Organizations
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News & Documentary Emmy Awards
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SABEW
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-"Best in Business Awards" Judge, conference fundraising
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Special Libraries Association
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-Roll of Honor Award, conference speaker, News Division mentor
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APRA Georgia Chapter
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Freedom Forum
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International Libraries Fellowship
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Poynter Institute
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Participant and Visiting Faculty
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