Stock bought up every newspaper at San Francisco's airport and stayed up in his hotel room until 3 a.m. ripping out ads that could also be "events, " including a promotion for a career fair in Santa Clara and an auto show in San Francisco.

FORBES: Timing Is Everything

And it's no accident that in a state with so many drivers, recent memories of high gas prices, and a fair number of environmentally concerned consumers, auto manufacturers are showcasing more fuel-efficient and cleaner running machines.

NPR: Auto Giants Put Best Wheel Forward in Los Angeles

That's my entire orientation, and how do I do that in a way that doesn't waste taxpayer money -- because, as I said, people in other industries would love help, as well, and I've got to be fair to people who aren't in the auto industry.

WHITEHOUSE: Town Hall in Arnold, Missouri