F.U.E.L. Podcast

The podcast for Fixing Under performance and Evolving Leadership in the automotive industry. Bringing the latest in proven strategies and techniques to take your Service Department to the next level. More information about how Dynatron Software can help improve your Service Departments profitability, visit www.dynatronsoftware.com/fuel Got Questions or feedback: fuelpodcast@dynatronsoftware.com

"From Turnover to Tenure: Mastering Advisor Retention in Auto Dealerships" w/ Rick Ulin Education Team Lead/ Lead Instructor NCM Kansas City

In this episode Rick Ulin tackle the pressing issue of advisor turnover in the automotive industry. Pinpointing the root causes, including insufficient training and a lack of clear onboarding processes. The duo stressed the need for a systematic approach to improve advisor retention and proficiency. Key strategies discussed include:Developing Comprehensive Onboarding: Service managers should create a detailed 2-week agenda to gradually introduce new advisors to client-facing roles.Aligning Goals and Compensation: General managers need to review and synchronize job descriptions, pay plans, and performance goals.Enhanced Training: Dealerships should implement focused training on effective menu presentation, walk-around processes, and closing techniques.Rick also highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline within roles, addressing high-output advisor retention, and adapting to market and cultural changes. They emphasized the need for a well-documented, structured process to ensure advisors are well-equipped and motivated to succeed.

09-11
24:29

"Accelerating Innovation: David Vallone's Automotive Journey" Part 2

David Vallone shares his unintentional beginnings and career growth in the automotive industry, highlighting his entrepreneurial ventures, managerial roles, and consulting experiences. The discussion covers strategies for optimizing pricing, delivering exceptional customer service, retaining talented staff, and utilizing data-driven financial forecasting tools. Additionally, it explored the complexities of modern vehicles and emerging technologies like Dynatron Software, while envisioning the podcast as a platform for service managers to exchange ideas.

07-18
53:48

Accelerating Innovation: David Vallone's Automotive Journey Part 1

David Vallone shares his unintentional beginnings and career growth in the automotive industry, highlighting his entrepreneurial ventures, managerial roles, and consulting experiences. The discussion covers strategies for optimizing pricing, delivering exceptional customer service, retaining talented staff, and utilizing data-driven financial forecasting tools. Additionally, it explored the complexities of modern vehicles and emerging technologies like Dynatron Software, while envisioning the podcast as a platform for service managers to exchange ideas.

07-04
37:32

Driving Success: Leadership and Innovation in Automotive Dynamics w/Bill Demaree FOD Tom Wood Automotive and James Grogan Senior VP of Client Success Dynatron Software

In this insightful podcast, Alex, William, and James delve into the intricacies of leadership in their industry, emphasizing its crucial role in driving success. William advocates for hands-on leadership, empowering teams to tackle challenges independently, while James stresses the importance of fostering a culture of care and innovation. Alex highlights common misconceptions in leadership, prompting practical strategies from William to implement effective leadership principles.Transitioning to team communication and problem-solving, they emphasize transparent communication and team involvement in decision-making. Drawing from experience, they stress active listening and documenting solutions to foster trust and shared responsibility.Further discussions revolve around enhancing communication and leadership efficacy, with William sharing insights from morning huddles and shop foreman involvement. They emphasize clear communication and adequate support to facilitate goal achievement.Addressing financial challenges, they advocate for transparency and teamwork, with William proposing solutions to mitigate losses. They explore leveraging technology for profitability and customer experience, stressing the importance of proper training and implementation.Concluding, James and William discuss leadership, efficiency, and executive coaching, highlighting their commitment to continuous improvement and employee development. They contemplate an executive group coach to liaise with corporate leaders, paving the way for transformative growth and success.

06-20
41:13

Drive for Automotive Excellence w/Bobby Jorgensen Yark Automotive Group

In this episode of the Fuel Podcast, Bobby Jorgensen, a veteran in the automotive industry, delved into key aspects of leadership, customer experience, and staff management. He emphasized the power of positivity, storytelling, and team empowerment in driving success. Bobby shared his unconventional strategies for dealership management in multicultural settings, highlighting the transformative impact of prioritizing both customer and employee experiences.Bobby's leadership philosophy, rooted in trust and empowerment, has not only reshaped his dealership but also uplifted the surrounding community. He discussed the importance of responding thoughtfully to customer interactions, aiming for positive outcomes and long-term loyalty.Moreover, Bobby shed light on the significance of prioritizing empathy in both customer and employee interactions. His commission-free sales model not only reduced stress among salespeople but also enhanced customer experiences through transparency and trust.Looking ahead, Bobby aims to advocate for dealers by sharing his insights through various platforms and collaborating with others to promote empathy and thoughtful responses in customer service and business operations.

06-06
38:15

Revving Tomorrow - Navigating Tech Trends w/John Hahn SM Peterson Chevrolet Buick GMC of Boise

John Hahn SM at Peterson Chevrolet Buick Cadillac in Boise shares his journey from starting at a BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche store to becoming a service manager. He also highlighted the changes and evolution he has observed in the automotive industry over the years. John discusses strategies for improving service departments in the automotive industry, with a focus on the importance of training and education to adapt to rapid technological changes. They also highlighted the potential benefits of vocational training for individuals seeking high-paying jobs and the potential for diversifying skills within a evolving industry. Lastly, they discussed the diverse career paths available in the industry, the necessity of safety measures, and the optimism for the future of the automotive industry.

05-24
27:30

"Revving Up: Mastering Warranty Docs & OP Codes in Dealership Dynamics"

A Discussion about the importance of proper documentation in the context of warranty filings and customer support. James Grogan (Senior VP of Client Success with Dynatron), emphasized the need for understanding and education, particularly around the client experience. Brett Oberfelder (Director of File Smart at Dynatron), highlights that incorrect or incomplete documentation could lead to issues with warranty reimbursements. Misty Erhart (Director of Operations), adds that such problems could also affect customer support and marketing.

05-16
34:45

Automotive Industry Transition w/Analytics, w/ James Grogan VP Client Success Dynatron Software and Bill Demaree FOD Tom Wood Automotive Group

In this episode, we delve into the latest technological advancements in the automotive industry. From data-driven processes to enhanced customer experiences, the discussion covers a wide array of topics. The participants explore the implementation of new tools to streamline operations, adjusting pricing strategies for improved profitability, and addressing leadership development needs. Additionally, they share their perspectives on performance reviews, workload management, and fostering a proactive team culture. Tune in to discover how these advancements are shaping the future of the automotive industry.

05-02
31:09

Fueling Customer Service in the Automotive Industry w/Bryan Hildebrand Parts and Service Director Jaguar Land Rover Riverside

Bryan Hildebrand emphasizes the importance of effective communication in enhancing customer experience and maintaining a positive company culture. Bryan also discusses the need to build a community around their brand through authentic and engaging content. Lastly, they highlighted the success of their recent customer appreciation event and their strategy of excellent service and customer engagement, which has led to a growing number of satisfied and returning customers.

04-17
21:16

Adapting to Evolving Customer Expectations: Insights for New Advisors and Managers w Victor Navarro Lead Training and Education Coach for Sell Smart

Victor discusses the evolution of customer expectations and the challenges faced by new advisors in adapting to technology and understanding the importance of customer service.They emphasized the need for dedicated training roles for managers and makingpersonal connections with customers. They also discussed the role of generalmanagers in understanding store operations and providing support to theirteams. The conversation touched on the similarities between the sales andservice sides of their business, the importance of understanding customerneeds, and the evolution of customer communication. They concluded bydiscussing the importance of training and acknowledging areas for improvement,the value of person-to-person relationships, and the potential use of kiosks inthe service drive.

03-13
44:16

"Driving Innovation: Revolutionizing Warranty Administration & Claims Processing" w/Jim Roche CEO & Founder Warrcloud

Jim discusses the significance of innovation in warranty administration and claims. Theyaddressed a problem of uncashed checks at dealerships and shared a solutiondeveloped by Jim's company, Warrcloud. Jim also talks about the surge inwarranty claims processing due to the pandemic, the potential for outsourcingto optimize profit and revenue, and the development of an app called Chirp,which allows dealerships to upload supporting documentation via mobile phones

03-07
27:57

Revving Up Success w/Jason Yates Corp. Fixed Ops Director Hudson Automotive

Jason shares his career journey and the growth of Loki Automotive and Mr. Hudson. He discussed the challenges and successes of a program aimed at technician retention and skill enhancement. Jason also talks about the issues faced during the acquisition of failing stores, and the strategies used to motivate technicians and improve customer service. He highlights the successful implementation of video inspections in their stores, which improved customer engagement and understanding. Jason emphasizes the importance of improving communication and collaboration within the automotive industry and the need to monitor key metrics. He expresses concerns about the increasing trend of customers shifting to the aftermarket due to inconvenient appointment scheduling and staffing issues.

03-05
27:58

The Dynamic Partnership of ADA and Dealerships w/Doug Smith President/CEO of Missouri ADA and St. Louis ADA and Julie Sells VP Sales/Marketing Optimum Dealer Services

Doug and Julie give their experiences on how the relationship/partnership matters with Dealers in Missouri. Doug discusses how he assists from the ADA side and Julie works to highlight qualified vendors to help Dealers make the best choices for their stores. Doug expands on the importance of strong relationships with the dealers to help grow the surrounding communities while Julie discusses here experiences onsite with the dealers.

02-29
31:51

Translating Legislation to Dealers w/Matthew Groves CEO/President ADA Colorado

Matthew as Colorado Automobile Dealer Association CEO/President discusses relationships he has with Dealers in Colorado and how he is assisting with translating transparency in legislation. Matthew bridges the gap from interrupting policies from legislators and the impact to the Dealers in his state to helping legislators get direct contact with Dealers for perspective visiting onsite.

02-26
24:48

Embracing Technology for Customer Experience w/William McCurry VP Fixed Ops Del Grande Dealer Group

William discusses the empower of understanding data and relating that to customer experience and bridging the game in Fixed Ops to Variable. Expands on the concept of culture in the Dealership and taking care of you people to promote a positive culture environment. William discusses the main focus of 2024 is how to keep moving forward and keeping engagement at a high level with communication and technology.

02-22
24:21

From Finance to Service and the In Between w/Dynatron Client Success Roundtable

Dynatron's Client Success Division brings you a Round Table discussion from experienced veterans in the Automotive Industry coving topics form Finance to Service Culture and all things items in between.

02-20
01:05:14

EV World and Tech Training Roundtable w/1,600 Years of Experience in Dynatron Client Success.

Dynatron Client Success team with 1,600 years of collective experience discusses EV World outlook for 2024 and training Techs for the evolution and impact. This roundtable discussion touches on addressing the need for techs and strategies of growing, training, and retention. Pricing strategies and management techniques are touched, that have practical and relatability impacts to Fixed OPs.

02-15
37:45

Evolution of Looking at Expenses w/Doug Austin Founder and CEO Strategic Source

Doug gives the origins of Strategic Source and how he started understanding outsource purchasing to cut cost, save time and reduce risk. Doug and his son Chris (VP of Sales) touch on how the Automotive Industry has evolved in expenses viewing over 160 categories and what they are doing to help Dealers manage these changes and optimize their spending.

02-13
25:29

Why Focus on Closing % in Service w/Bill Demaree Director of Fixed Ops Tom Wood Automotive

Bill Demaree Director of Fixed Ops for Tom Wood Automotive explains why Fixed Ops needs to focus on closing % in service. Bill elaborates on how closing % can be calculated and optimized for maximum perform which leads to a more efficient sales practice in service.

02-10
21:14

Coming together, GMs and Fixed Ops w/ Kevan Juergens VP Fixed Ops Norm Reeves Automotive Group

Kevan Jurgens VP Fixed Ops Norms Reeves Automotive discusses how evolving 20 groups to bring the variable and fixed op side together to understand how the little things matter. Kevan expresses how breaking down the traditional barriers in the dealerships with communication and collaboration will allow more growth of a positive culture and better employment retention. .

02-09
30:20

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