Driving Solutions with Jim Fitzpatrick, powered by CBT News

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Welcome to Driving Solutions, the podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode dives into the real-world strategies, tools, and vendor solutions helping today’s auto dealers run smarter, more profitable operations. From fixed ops and F&I to digital retailing and dealership leadership, Driving Solutions covers the full scope of dealership operations. Whether you're a dealer principal, GM, sales leader, or part of the management team, you’ll hear the trends, tactics, and expert insights that drive real results. Listen now and visit CBTNews.com for even more expert interviews, dealership news, and solutions.  Follow us on social @carbiztoday and @cbtnews to stay connected and join the conversation.

  1. FEB 24

    Fred Fordin on Launching Deelr.io and AI-Driven Inventory Management

    Dealership technology veteran Fred Fordin joins Driving Solutions to discuss launching Deelr.io alongside his son, Charles, and how AI-driven tools are reshaping inventory and recon management. Drawing on decades of retail and software experience—including leadership roles with Sonic Automotive, Hendrick Automotive Group, Dealertrack, and CDK Global—Fordin outlines a practical approach to improving dealership efficiency through data and automation. Deelr.io’s platform focuses on recon workflow optimization and real-time inventory intelligence, with rapid onboarding and scalable integrations designed for modern dealer groups. How AI is improving recon inspections and workflow efficiencyThe role of business intelligence in inventory managementLessons from scaling software solutions across thousands of storesIntegration capabilities with major DMS providersStrategic plans for expansion and dealer adoptionBy combining operational expertise with AI-enhanced analytics, Fordin aims to help dealers make faster, more informed decisions across fixed ops and inventory management. Driving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    14 min

  2. FEB 23

    Charles Fordin on AI Workflow Automation for Dealerships

    Operational speed and cross-department visibility are becoming defining advantages for dealerships, and Charles Fordin, co-founder of Deelr.io, explains how AI-driven workflow automation is helping stores reduce recon cycle times and unify performance management. On Driving Solutions, Fordin outlines how Deelr.io’s platforms connect fixed and variable operations under a single framework built around measurable objectives. The company’s Pulse business intelligence system delivers leadership-level projections and exception tracking, while Flow centralizes every step of a vehicle’s physical lifecycle. An embedded AI inspection agent, Fixed Eye, supports consistency and documentation across appraisal, reconditioning, and service workflows. Using AI to reduce recon cycle time and improve time-to-marketCentralizing inspections, vendor coordination, and photography workflowsTurning business intelligence into proactive management decisionsAligning fixed and variable operations under one performance structureExpanding multi-agent AI to support inventory and service goalsThe result is a more coordinated operating model where automation enhances accountability and execution. Driving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    9 min

  3. FEB 9

    Jeri Reichel on Why Omnichannel Retailing Is Now Essential for Dealers

    Digital retailing has reached a tipping point as consumer expectations for online vehicle purchases continue to rise. On this episode of Driving Solutions, Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Jeri Reichel, AVP of Strategic Planning at Cox Automotive, to discuss why omnichannel retailing is no longer optional for today’s dealers. Reichel explains how buyer behavior has shifted toward flexible, online-first experiences that still preserve the value of in-store interaction. She outlines how modern digital retailing platforms have evolved beyond early, disconnected tools to support real payments, financing decisions, and full or partial transactions without disrupting dealership workflows. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in retailing, from improving consumer discovery to streamlining lender decisions and compliance. As expectations accelerate over the next 12 to 24 months, dealers that focus on seamless execution and reduce friction at key handoff points will be better positioned to retain customers and protect long-term profitability. Key discussion points include: Why omnichannel retailing is now a baseline consumer expectationHow digital retailing technology has matured in recent yearsThe role of AI in improving efficiency and discoverabilityWhere dealers commonly lose shoppers during the online journeyPractical ways dealers can phase in digital retailing toolsDriving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    9 min

  4. JAN 20

    Lauren Donalson and Jason Wiley on AI-Driven Dealer Growth

    PureCars executives Lauren Donalson, CEO, and Jason Wiley, President and Chief Revenue Officer, join Driving Solutions to discuss how clean data and AI-powered marketing can help dealerships drive service visits, strengthen customer engagement, and improve profitability in 2026. They explain why fixed operations remain one of the most underleveraged profit centers in automotive retail—and how smarter data practices can unlock long-term value across the ownership lifecycle. Donalson and Wiley outline PureCars’ evolution from a digital media platform into a data-driven solution built around data hygiene, customer unification, and intelligent automation. The conversation explores how poor data quality limits marketing effectiveness, why AI is critical for identifying high-probability service and sales opportunities, and how omni-channel outreach can deliver measurable gains in service revenue and customer satisfaction. As dealerships plan for 2026, they share practical insights on where to focus investments to drive sustainable growth. Key discussion points: Why fixed ops marketing is critical to dealership profitabilityThe impact of poor data hygiene on customer engagementUnifying DMS, CRM, and third-party data into a single CDPUsing AI to identify high-value service and sales opportunitiesDriving measurable gains in service visits and revenue per RODriving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    29 min

  5. JAN 15

    Ryan Kerrigan on the State of Dealership Buy-Sell Activity

    Ryan Kerrigan, managing director at Kerrigan Advisors, joins Driving Solutions to discuss why dealership buy-sell activity remains resilient despite ongoing industry uncertainty. He breaks down key transaction trends from 2025, including major multi-rooftop deals and continued consolidation among large dealer groups, while offering insight into how ownership dynamics are shifting across the industry. Kerrigan also shares findings from the firm’s latest dealer survey, which shows improving sentiment and growing optimism heading into 2026. The conversation explores normalization of margins, rising Blue Sky valuations, and how EV market challenges and direct-to-consumer threats are shaping dealer strategy. From portfolio realignment to OEM developments and regulatory risks, Kerrigan outlines what dealers and investors should watch closely as the new year unfolds. Key discussion points: Why dealership buy-sell activity stayed strong through 2025Consolidation trends and the growing scale of large dealer groupsDealer sentiment and profitability expectations for 2026Blue Sky valuation trends across franchise brandsRisks tied to direct-to-consumer EV sales and OEM strategiesEarly signs of stabilization within StellantisDriving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    18 min

  6. JAN 13

    Cole Reiken on Using Diagnostics to Protect Used Car Margins

    Cole Reiken, managing director of BlueDriver MAX, joins Driving Solutions to explain how professional-grade diagnostics are changing the way dealers appraise and acquire used vehicles. As higher-mileage vehicles become a larger part of dealer inventory, Reiken outlines why visual inspections and basic scan tools are no longer enough to protect margins and maintain customer trust. The conversation explores how BlueDriver MAX delivers VIN-specific diagnostics, expanded OEM module coverage, and actionable repair insights that help dealers uncover hidden issues before purchase. Reiken also discusses how standardized diagnostic workflows can improve reconditioning efficiency, reduce unexpected repair costs, and create consistency across dealership locations. With real-time auction insights, seamless integrations, and measurable financial impact, diagnostic-driven appraisals are becoming a critical advantage in today’s used vehicle market. Key discussion points: Why accurate diagnostics matter more as used vehicles age and mileage risesHow BlueDriver MAX supports smarter appraisals and acquisition decisionsUsing real-time diagnostic data in auctions and at the dealershipReducing reconditioning costs and protecting used vehicle grossStandardizing appraisal workflows across multiple rooftopsIntegrating diagnostics with inventory and appraisal platformsDriving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    21 min

  7. JAN 6

    Solving Dealer Transport Delays with Royce Neubauer

    Royce Neubauer, founder of Auto Hauler Exchange, joins Driving Solutions to discuss how vehicle logistics is becoming a competitive differentiator for dealers and OEMs. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in automotive transport, Neubauer explains why traditional hauling processes often create delays, limit visibility, and tie up dealer capital—especially as customer expectations around delivery continue to rise. The conversation explores how Auto Hauler Exchange was designed to remove brokers from the transport process, allowing dealers and carriers to work directly through a transparent, real-time marketplace. Neubauer outlines how improved communication, documentation standards, and driver accountability can reduce risk, accelerate delivery timelines, and protect dealer profitability. As logistics increasingly becomes part of the retail promise, he shares why dealerships must rethink transport as a core operational function rather than a back-end necessity. Key discussion points: Why vehicle transport delays strain dealer cash flow and inventory turnsConnecting shippers and carriers directly without brokersImproving shipment visibility and accountability through real-time updatesReducing risk with stricter pickup verification and documentationEvaluating driver-level performance to improve service qualityHow logistics is evolving into part of the customer experienceDriving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    38 min

  8. JAN 6

    How eLEND Solutions Streamlines Dealer Financing — Pete MacInnis

    Pete MacInnis, CEO of eLEND Solutions, joins Driving Solutions to discuss the company’s recent Finance Report and how its fintech platform is helping dealerships overcome inefficiencies in auto financing. He explains how outdated credit-tier models can create a $4.7 billion annual revenue gap for dealers and outlines how modern, dynamic lender practices are reshaping the financing landscape. MacInnis details how eLEND’s tools integrate credit, identification, and financial workflows to streamline pre-approval and deal-making processes. The platform reduces friction, accelerates transactions, and protects margins while maintaining SOC 2 Type II compliance and robust audit trails. He also highlights the new DealMaker tool, which seamlessly connects digital retailing, CRM, and inventory systems to dealer finance workflows—allowing dealerships to improve accuracy, speed, and customer satisfaction across the sales process. Key discussion points: The $4.7 billion annual revenue loss caused by outdated credit-tier modelsTransition from fixed FICO tiers to dynamic lender pricing modelsHow eLEND integrates credit, ID, and finance tools to streamline dealsDealMaker tool for connecting digital retailing and finance workflowsEnsuring compliance, reducing errors, and protecting dealer profitabilityEnhancing customer experience and transaction speedDriving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

    14 min
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About

Welcome to Driving Solutions, the podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode dives into the real-world strategies, tools, and vendor solutions helping today’s auto dealers run smarter, more profitable operations. From fixed ops and F&I to digital retailing and dealership leadership, Driving Solutions covers the full scope of dealership operations. Whether you're a dealer principal, GM, sales leader, or part of the management team, you’ll hear the trends, tactics, and expert insights that drive real results. Listen now and visit CBTNews.com for even more expert interviews, dealership news, and solutions.  Follow us on social @carbiztoday and @cbtnews to stay connected and join the conversation.

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