Episodes
In this episode, host Corey Smith chats with Nick Askew all about AI and what it means for the F&I industry. Tune in now!
Published 10/20/24
Published 10/20/24
In this episode, host Corey Smith and guest David Malone discuss evolving employee and customer experiences. They emphasize work-life balance, transparency, and empowerment for employees. For customers, Malone highlights real-time alerts, proactive communication, and multi-channel feedback. He advises focusing on genuine achievements and addressing customer needs to enhance satisfaction in the automotive industry. Tune in now!
Published 10/05/24
In this episode, host Corey Smith chats with Don Andres, owner of Auto SCT Consulting and Training. They discuss challenges in auto service departments and share insights on managing chaos and improving efficiency. You'll also learn strategies for service managers and advisors to reduce stress, increase retention, and boost overall performance in busy service drives. Listen now!
Published 09/20/24
In this episode, host Corey Smith and Shawn Armorer emphasize adaptability and innovation for dealership growth through disruptions. Documented processes, hiring forward-thinking staff, and managing data effectively are ways to weather the storm. Listen now!
Published 09/05/24
In this episode, Corey Smith and Jim Roche explore how electric vehicles are reshaping service operations. They stress the importance of adapting to new servicing requirements, investing in training for service teams, and modifying facilities to meet EV needs. Tune in now!
Published 08/20/24
Host Corey Smith sits down with guest Earl Sticks Brown to dive into the crucial connection between customer experience and profitability. Learn how focusing on your customers can drive business success. Tune in now!
Published 08/05/24
In this episode, Corey chats with Justin Silver from Modives all about streamlining operations in dealerships to enhance customer experiences. Their conversation also addresses compliance challenges associated with verifying insurance information.
Published 07/20/24
In this episode, host Corey Smith and Joshua Turner talk all about work-life balance, mindfulness, and mental health in the automotive industry. Joshua offers practical tips like the four-eight breathing technique and emphasizes the importance of consistent communication within businesses.
Published 07/05/24
You won't want to miss Corey Smith and guest Jason Harris talk all about customer loyalty. Jason discusses his experience in the automotive industry and how customer loyalty has evolved with digital transformation. He mentions the importance of communication tools like email and live chat in building relationships with customers. Jason emphasizes that personalization is crucial for fostering loyalty and suggests optimizing marketing strategies to make customers feel known. Tune into more...
Published 06/20/24
Corey Smith and Kumar Kathinokkula engage in a discussion on the future of AI in the automotive industry, focusing on its impact on customer service, dealership operations, and F&I products. Kumar provides insights on current implementations of AI like chatbots for customer interactions and predicts a transformative shift towards automation in dealerships over the next decade. You won't want to miss them discuss the potential for tailored F&I products using real-time risk analysis...
Published 06/05/24
In this enlightening episode of the Fixed Ops 5 podcast, host Corey Smith is joined by Jerry Davis, a seasoned professional in the automotive service industry, to explore the critical intersection of mental health and workplace performance. The conversation dives deep into the nuances of advocating for mental health awareness and self-care within high-pressure environments.**Chapter Breakdown:**- **Chapter 1: Preparation for Podcast Recording** (00:29 - 12:24)  Jerry sets the stage with his...
Published 04/20/24
Corey Smith, the national fxed operations training manager with Apco Holdings, is joined by Ujj from My Karma in a podcast episode titled "Charging Ahead: Unpacking Strategies, AI Integration, and Having a Vision for 2024 in Fixed Ops." Ujj discusses his career journey and how he started My Karma. They then discuss why dealerships have traditionally not been able to pass surcharge fees to customers due to legal risks and concerns about customer satisfaction. However, Ujj explains that...
Published 04/13/24
**Show Notes: "Electrifying the Future: The Impact of EVs on Automotive Service Departments"** In this electrifying episode of the Fixed Ops 5 Podcast, your host Corey Smith, alongside guest expert Andres Pinter, dives deep into the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and its significant impact on automotive service departments. Prepare to charge up your knowledge as we explore everything from the basics of EV charging solutions to the future-proofing of service departments in the face of EV...
Published 04/05/24
The transcript is a conversation between Corey Smith, Eric Jauregui, and Jeremiah Shelton about leadership and effective management strategies in the fixed operations industry. They discuss the importance of aligning goals with your team, leading by example, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, tracking progress using data, and focusing on outcomes. They also emphasize the significance of accountability and how education and professional development programs can help individuals...
Published 03/20/24
In this insightful episode of Fixed Ops 5, host Corey Smith welcomes Mike Boyd to delve into the evolving world of automotive service. Mike, with his extensive experience in the industry, shares his journey and discusses the significant role of technology in revolutionizing automotive services.**Key Discussion Points:**1. **Repair on Demand:** Exploration of its comprehensive solution for vehicle diagnostics, reconditioning, and repair, emphasizing its impact on the automotive service...
Published 03/05/24
Education and professional development programs are seen as crucial in acquiring leadership skills, with both Jeremiah and Eric emphasizing the need for open-mindedness during training sessions. They believe that even if one thinks they know everything already, there is always room to learn something new. Furthermore, humility combined with confidence is regarded as an essential quality for leaders emphasizes the importance of being confident but not crossing the line into cockiness when...
Published 02/20/24
Sean Hartman: ●      Provide an overview of Pencil Wrench and its mission in the automotive service industry. ●      Highlight the value proposition and benefits of Pencil Wrench for customers and manufacturers. ●      Discuss the relevance and accuracy of the data provided by Pencil Wrench. ●      Share specific feedback and case studies from manufacturers demonstrating the improvement in customer satisfaction and service quality. ●      Discuss the origins of Pencil Wrench and its...
Published 01/20/24
Timothy Lindsey emphasizes the importance of motivating and drawing out people's potential rather than trying to directly motivate them. He recommends staying in education, being well-read, and constantly reminding others instead of teaching them something new. He also advises not to get too fancy or move away from what works. Timothy highlights the signifcance of building relationships with clients and being a trusted advisor during the gaps between transactions. Timothy Lindsey discusses...
Published 01/05/24
Varnado Williams discusses the role of virtual portfolio management in assisting car dealerships with selling cars and achieving their goals. The service helps analyze credit and determine the best lender for each deal. It operates as a communication portal between the dealership and Varnado's team, providing real-time support to ensure a quick turnaround time and a positive customer experience. Currently, they work with 50 dealerships nationwide, focusing on delivering excellent service...
Published 12/05/23
Corey Smith thanks Earl "Sticks" Brown for sharing his story and jumps into discussing boosting customer satisfaction. They talk about the importance of retaining customers and how dealers can achieve an ROI on CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index). Earl suggests breaking down barriers between sales and service departments, fostering open communication, and introducing customers to the service department after a car purchase. He also recommends using QR codes to link customers directly to the...
Published 11/20/23