Interview w/ Head of Slate Accessory Group (CJ Waelti) -- "Why Slate Might Actually Work" by MotoMan

[CEW]

Interesting interview - same guy who interviewed Rod Copes the Employee #1 from a few weeks ago. In that video, they often referred to "CJ". This is that guy - who is in charge of SLATES ACCESSORY group - he comes from a Rivian, Tesla, Harley Davidson background (worked with Copes at Rivian and Harley Davidson)

"...We dig into Slate’s blank-canvas philosophy, the risk that personalization becomes an expensive upsell, its DIY accessory strategy, removable seat covers, swappable body panels, simplified vehicle wraps and the company’s plan to begin delivering trucks in late 2026. More importantly, CJ answers the question hanging over every automotive startup: Why should anyone believe Slate can actually deliver?" This is CJ's 4th start up! (Rivian, Tesla) (he says towards end)
Chapters 00:00 Why Slate may be different
01:45 CJ Waelti joins the podcast
02:23 From Harley-Davidson to Tesla
04:26 Why CJ believes in Slate
06:31 The EV may be the least interesting part
07:46 No options, no trims
09:09 Can personalization work on a $25K truck?
10:31 Avoiding the upsell trap
11:12 Removable seats and swappable accessories
12:17 Why affordability is the real message
14:36 Bringing DIY back to the automobile
16:42 Can Slate reconnect young people with cars?
18:56 Have automakers gone too far with screens?
20:30 How Slate plans to handle service
21:45 Designing accessories for DIY installation
24:17 How Slate made wrapping a car easier
27:37 Three reasons Slate will deliver in 2026
28:36 What should Slate build next?

 

[CEW]

This intervew was actually done WAY BACK in AUGUST...same time as COO-JEFF JABLONSKY - he interviewed right before CJ (Jeff's video posted in October)

 

[Moe]

The older I get the more often I forget I’ve told someone the same story before.

 

[Freyar]

Interesting conversation that moved away from the EV vs. Gas debate and focused on the affordability and customization angle. Gave me some great context on the kind of talent Slate has under their roof, and there's a lot of confidence about getting the Slate out the door Q4.

 

[Freyar]

The interesting thing to me as not-a-car-person is the amount of previous talent they have on this truck, which is good. Helps the confidence over REO.

 

[AZFox]

The INTERVIEW with CJ Waelti was a good one.

Thanks for posting.

 

[sidneyhornblower]

Possibly the most annoying host on YouTube. Just when the guest starts a third sentence in which we might actually learn something - boom! interrupted for an inane and unproductive aside in which the host attempts to present himself as witty but comes off as a twit. Argh!

 

[CEW]

CJ is a KEY GUY in what Slate is trying to do...Hired early in 2023...often referred to by their top management...a "regular guy" who LOVES his Rivian...

ACCESSORIES is a whole new ball game - plus trying to OPEN SOURCE it!
In a Jay Leno's garage episode driving the original MODEL T - he refers to Henry Ford's original concept then of getting the BASIC Model out the door so his employees could afford it - and then afterward adding some basic accessories🤔

 

[SlaterTot]

Possibly the most annoying host on YouTube. Just when the guest starts a third sentence in which we might actually learn something - boom! interrupted for an inane and unproductive aside in which the host attempts to present himself as witty but comes off as a twit. Argh!

Agreed. I liked his previous interview with the Slate board member, but with the interruptions and asides, 30 minutes was not long enough to extract new info

 

[tubes]

This intervew was actually done WAY BACK in AUGUST...same time as COO-JEFF JABLONSKY - he interviewed right before CJ (Jeff's video posted in October)

How could this be from then when they mention the price of $24950 early in the interview? See time 4:49.

 

[tubes]

Good information. Yes, it would be nice if there wasn't so much bullshitting, but at least CJ got to say some stuff.

One thing I like about the Slate employees who have been interviewed is they never crap on other companies. That's classy. CJ actually embraces his history, says he currently drives a Rivian, and likes classic cars -- well everything except a Dodge Omni. LOL. You see the same from others. They freely talk about Tesla and simply agree to disagree with the screen-tech design, but they don't crap on the company.

I think it is good to drive the competition. My friends in automotive manufacturing would tell me you had a "penalty box" parking lot at work if you didn't have the company's brand car. This parking lot required extra walking. Just dumb. Encourage your employees to drive the competition.

 

[CEW]

How could this be from then when they mention the price of $24950 early in the interview? See time 4:49.

hmmm...Great catch - I didn't pick up on that.
CJ interview must have been at the June 24 reveal, when Rod Copes was interviewed (and Jablonsky just stuck his head in).
Jablonsky's interview was published first-last October-but during interview it's actually August when they interviewed.

 

[AZFox]

It's a small thing, but as a matter of respect for the man I'm gonna point out the Jeff's last name is Jablansky.

 

[aquaman811]

Everyone I see from Slate gives me great feelings! I truly believe their passion to bring affordability & DIY back to American roads! CJ is one of the outstanding representatives of Slate, & a fine interviewee. Makes me want to check out employment opportunities! 😉