In recent years, the used car dealership industry has seen a troubling trend: the decline of small, independent “mom-and-pop” dealerships, particularly in inner-city neighborhoods. Historically vital for providing affordable vehicles to underserved communities, these local businesses are increasingly being squeezed out by corporate giants employing unscrupulous tactics. A notable case involving NextGear Capital, Inc., one of the largest lenders to used car dealerships, exemplifies the damaging practices contributing to this trend. This article examines the systemic exploitation faced by small dealerships, particularly through corporate neglect and dishonest management.

Sun Set Auto Corporation, a Detroit-based used car dealership owned by an African American entrepreneur, has become one of the latest victims of this corporate exploitation. Legal counsel Brandon Kizy of B. Kizy Law has filed a formal complaint against NextGear Capital, detailing allegations of fraudulent activities and professional misconduct that have inflicted significant financial and reputational damage on the dealership.

According to Sun Set’s legal team, financial abuse began with unauthorized withdrawals from the dealership’s account, allegedly orchestrated by its own performance manager. These withdrawals resulted in substantial overdraft fees and other discrepancies, with the total damages claimed reaching $255,912.57 under applicable laws for treble damages. These manipulations were not isolated; rather, they formed part of a broader pattern of unethical behavior that has left Sun Set struggling to survive.

Allegations of Racial Discrimination and Intimidation

The case takes a more troubling turn with allegations of racial discrimination and intimidation against Sun Set’s owner. The performance manager reportedly sent racially offensive messages, including an image of chicken wings aimed at mocking the owner’s ethnicity. Such actions fostered a hostile work environment and severely disrupted business operations. Attempts by Sun Set to raise these concerns with NextGear leadership reportedly yielded no meaningful response.

Moreover, the performance manager allegedly threatened to lock the dealership’s account or repossess its inventory, tactics intended to coerce compliance regarding disputed charges. These threats pushed the owner into a corner with little legal recourse, further demonstrating the systemic neglect that plagues small dealerships.

The allegations also raise critical concerns under the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination and allows victims to seek compensation for emotional distress caused by such actions.

Escalation of Misconduct: Larceny and Harassment

In September 2023, Sun Set claims that the performance manager coordinated the unauthorized towing of five vehicles from the dealership’s lot, including a 2018 Cadillac and a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. This repossession was executed without NextGear’s authorization, suggesting it was a personal vendetta rather than corporate policy. A subsequent admission by the manager’s supervisor indicated prior knowledge of the incident, further implicating NextGear in a cover-up.

The situation escalated with allegations that the performance manager attempted to set fire to the dealership’s vehicles in retaliation. In October, several vehicles were stolen, allegedly orchestrated by the same manager, intensifying the dealership’s financial woes and safety concerns. A police report has been filed to investigate both the performance manager’s actions and NextGear’s potential complicity in these incidents.

Legal Action and Accountability Demands

In response to these severe allegations, Sun Set Auto Corporation is pursuing legal action against NextGear Capital. The dealership seeks reimbursement for all funds wrongfully withdrawn, along with treble damages totaling $255,912.57. Additionally, Sun Set is calling for administrative action against the performance manager for harassment, fraud, and theft, and has indicated readiness to subpoena relevant records, including communications related to the misconduct.

A Systemic Problem for Small Dealerships

Sun Set’s plight highlights a pervasive issue within the used car dealership sector. Many small dealerships, especially in inner-city areas, depend on lenders like NextGear Capital to finance their operations. However, when corporate representatives abuse their authority, these businesses find themselves with limited avenues for redress.

The broader implications of corporate neglect include a lack of oversight, failure to address complaints, and a culture of silence that allows misconduct to thrive. Despite reporting issues related to fraud and discrimination, Sun Set alleges that NextGear’s inaction has enabled the performance manager to continue his harmful practices unchecked. The situation at NextGear Capital exemplifies the challenges small dealerships face in an industry dominated by corporate interests. If predatory practices like these are not addressed, many independent dealerships may be forced to close, diminishing affordable car-buying options in inner-city communities and erasing a critical part of the automotive landscape. There is an urgent need for greater transparency, accountability, and regulation to protect these vital businesses and the communities they serve.

 Contact details

Website link: www.sunsetautodetroit.com

Company name: Sun Set Auto Inc

Contact person: Dan Wells

Target Country: USA

City: Detroit

Email: sunsetautodetroit@gmail.com

Retreat Held at MUSA Mexico, Blended Healing, Creativity, and Connection

MUSA, Mexico – GroundedNomad, a groundbreaking initiative combining experiential learning, play, and wellness retreats, invites you to explore the depths of your authentic self through their signature program, Activate Your Eternal Child. This innovative approach, founded by Ali—a dynamic leader with expertise spanning theology, psychology, fitness, and technology—empowers individuals and corporations to embrace creativity, cultivate psychological safety, and unlock untapped potential.

To celebrate the launch of her transformative book, An Activation of the Eternal Child, Ali hosted a retreat that marked the beginning of her consulting services and wellness retreats. The October retreat at MUSA, Mexico, promises to extend this vision, creating a sanctuary for participants to heal their inner child, reconnect with nature, and forge meaningful connections.

A Pathway to Healing and Growth

Through the unique five-pillar VIBES methodology, Activate Your Eternal Child offers participants tools to rediscover their vibrancy and chart a path toward self-discovery. Grounded in Ali’s narrative, the program explores themes such as:

• Understanding the impact of trauma and embracing forgiveness.
• Building self-trust and setting boundaries for happiness and safety.
• Reclaiming the power of play and creativity as tools for transformation.

Ali’s work reflects her diverse influences, from Carl Jung’s teachings to Maria Montessori’s philosophy. Her journey, spanning professional boardrooms at Google to transformative experiences like Burning Man, underscores her belief in the vitality of movement, curiosity, and creation.

Join the next Activate Your Eternal Child the October Retreat: A Life-Changing Experience Awaits

The October retreat at MUSA, Mexico, invites participants to embrace this journey of healing and self-discovery in a supportive and inspiring environment. With a focus on playfulness, art, and community, attendees will explore their inner worlds while grounding themselves in nature’s beauty.

This retreat is ideal for those seeking to reconnect with their inner child and ignite their authentic selves. Whether individuals seek to unlock creativity, foster resilience, or simply find balance, GroundedNomad provides a powerful platform for personal growth.

About the Book: An Activation of the Eternal Child

Ali’s book, An Activation of the Eternal Child, serves as both a guide and a mirror, reflecting the reader’s journey toward authenticity. Readers are invited to explore the transformative power of art, movement, and creativity through heartfelt anecdotes and actionable insights. personal work has inspired countless individuals to reclaim their joy and embrace the life they were meant to live.

Reserve a Spot

Spaces for the October retreat are limited. Visit www.groundednomad.me to learn more about GroundedNomad’s retreats and to secure your place in this life-changing experience.

About GroundedNomad

GroundedNomad offers a holistic approach to personal growth through immersive retreats, experiential learning, and play-based methodologies. The platform revitalizes the adult mind by blending art, movement, and psychological principles, unlocking creativity and fostering resilience.

The consulting services offered by GroundedNomad are rooted in founder Ali’s extensive expertise, including her pivotal work with UC Berkeley. This work focuses on equipping organizations to navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI integration while fostering psychological safety and innovation. By prioritizing these principles, corporations can unlock the full potential of their teams and drive forward-thinking solutions.

With AI transforming workflows, how is your company addressing the need to keep employees engaged, creative, and connected?

As AI transforms industries, it opens a unique opportunity to elevate—not replace—our human potential. At Grounded Nomad, we provide consulting services that focus on integrating AI in ways that enhance creativity, well-being, and genuine connection within some of the world’s leading companies, including UC Berkeley, TikTok and Google. Our three-pronged approach combines play, experiential learning, and wellness retreats to revitalize the workforce in meaningful ways.

Here’s how we can support your organization:

• Play: Structured play unlocks curiosity and innovative thinking, fostering skills like teamwork, adaptability, and resilience—all crucial for thriving in dynamic workplaces.
• Experiential Learning: Our hands-on workshops and retreats go beyond traditional training, helping teams transform knowledge into action and build skills that stick.
• Wellness Retreats: Real transformation requires recharging. Our retreats offer teams a chance to reflect, reset, and reconnect, leading to sustainable productivity and a resilient mindset.

With AI handling routine tasks, employees can engage in complex, creative, and deeply human work. GroundedNomad helps companies harness this potential through consulting services that drive innovation, deepen cultural engagement, and promote ethical growth.

Let’s create work environments where people thrive alongside technology 

For more on our consulting services, send me a DM. Together, we’ll redefine what’s possible for your teams and organization.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Contact Name: Ali

Company Name: GroundedNomad

Email: groundednomadart@gmail.com 

Website: www.groundednomad.me

Target Location: United States + CDMX 

In recent years, the global chip market has experienced explosive growth, driven by emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. According to industry reports, the global chip market is expected to surpass $1.2 trillion by 2030. However, alongside this rapid expansion, cross-border chip transactions face significant challenges, including complex processes, high fees, and inefficiencies, which hinder industry growth. ChipChain Token (CCT) offers an innovative blockchain-based solution to address these pain points, providing a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective payment method for the global chip market.

As technology advances and demand diversifies, chips have become a vital resource across multiple industries. However, traditional cross-border chip transactions still rely on cumbersome financial and logistical systems, leading to inefficiencies in payment processing. International remittances, involving multiple intermediaries, often take days or even weeks to settle. This delay severely impacts the agility of chip supply chains. Additionally, high foreign exchange fees and currency conversion costs further burden companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), limiting their ability to compete in the global market.

Another critical issue is the lack of transparency in payment processes. In traditional systems, both parties often have limited visibility into the real-time status of funds, creating uncertainty and increasing transaction risks. For an industry like semiconductors, which heavily relies on supply chain reliability, this lack of transparency can lead to significant operational and financial setbacks.

CCT addresses these challenges through its decentralized payment system and CCT tokens, offering a groundbreaking cross-border payment solution. By leveraging blockchain’s distributed ledger technology, CCT transforms the traditionally slow and opaque payment process into a fast, efficient, and transparent experience.

Using CCT tokens, platform users can conduct near-instant cross-border payments, eliminating the need to wait for bank processing times. Automated through smart contracts, every transaction is fully transparent, and funds can be tracked in real-time, eliminating delays and human errors common in traditional payment methods. The CCT payment system supports seamless conversion between multiple fiat currencies and tokens, simplifying complex currency exchanges. Its built-in fee optimization algorithm identifies the lowest possible fees and fastest payment routes, significantly reducing the costs of cross-border transactions.

With blockchain technology, CCT directly connects payers and recipients, eliminating reliance on intermediaries. This not only saves on middleman fees but also ensures that all transaction data is publicly transparent and recorded on-chain, greatly reducing information asymmetry.

CCT’s cross-border payment solution is not only designed for large enterprises but also tailored to address the needs of SMEs, which often struggle with high costs and complex processes in global transactions. For many SMEs, the barriers of traditional cross-border payments restrict their ability to access international markets. CCT provides a low-cost, accessible tool with flexible fee adjustments, enabling these businesses to expand their operations without financial strain.

Additionally, CCT’s smart contract capabilities support phased payment models, such as paying based on delivery progress. This dynamic settlement method eases financial pressure on buyers while protecting supplier interests, creating a mutually beneficial environment for both parties.

As global demand for chips continues to grow, the internationalization of chip supply chains is accelerating. CCT’s cross-border payment solution not only enhances transaction efficiency but also integrates with the entire supply chain to provide greater transparency and collaboration. Through its supply chain tracking module, CCT ties every payment to the production, transportation, and delivery of chips, ensuring that financial flows align seamlessly with physical logistics. This comprehensive integration improves logistics efficiency and supports the globalization of the chip market.

Market projections indicate that blockchain in supply chain management is expected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2028, and CCT is poised to play a significant role in this trend. As a critical component of chip trade, its cross-border payment solution will drive the global semiconductor market’s growth from billions to trillions of dollars.

By simplifying payment processes, reducing costs, and increasing transparency, CCT enables businesses to complete transactions faster, accelerating market circulation and resource allocation efficiency. This industry-driven solution not only resolves existing challenges but also injects fresh momentum into the chip ecosystem’s sustainable development.

ChipChain Token (CCT) is redefining payment processes in the chip industry and setting a new standard for global trade. Acting as a bridge between global chip suppliers and buyers, CCT’s efficient, secure, and transparent payment system is driving the internationalization of the semiconductor industry and fostering resource sharing.

In the future, as CCT continues to optimize its technology and expand its market reach, its cross-border payment solution will extend beyond the chip industry, offering support for other sectors seeking globalization. CCT is leveraging innovative blockchain technology to transform the global semiconductor market, creating a future that is fairer, more efficient, and more sustainable for the entire industry.

Media contact:

Contact name: Amir

Company name: AIX

Website https:  https://www.aixinvestment.com/

Country: UAE