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. APR 21

    How Data and Identity Are Transforming Automotive Advertising

    Automotive-specific media buying strategies are reshaping how agencies drive performance and retain dealer clients. On this episode of Driving Solutions, fullthrottle.ai Co-Founder Amol Waishampayan explains why agencies are moving beyond general-purpose demand-side platforms in favor of solutions built specifically for automotive retail. Waishampayan highlights the limitations of broad DSPs and how industry-specific platforms address the complexities of dealership operations, including inventory dynamics, service marketing, and tiered distribution. He also explores how household-level identity, deeper integrations, and outcome-based measurement are helping agencies improve targeting, reduce wasted spend, and demonstrate clear ROI tied to vehicle sales and service performance. Key discussion points:  Why general-purpose DSPs fall short in automotive retail  How automotive-specific platforms improve targeting and localization  The role of household-level identity in reaching in-market buyers  Connecting ad spend directly to vehicle sales and service outcomes  How DMS integration enables more precise, data-driven campaigns  Why agencies must shift focus from activity metrics to business results 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.

    8 min

  2. APR 15

    The rise of automation in service departments

    Jeff Adams, Director of Fixed Ops Product Planning at Reynolds & Reynolds, discusses how AI and automation are transforming fixed operations by eliminating inefficiencies, improving customer communication, and increasing service capacity. He explains how dealerships can leverage emerging tools to streamline workflows and meet rising consumer expectations. Adams outlines how AI is being applied to common friction points across service departments, from communication to scheduling and parts delivery. Technologies like Service Snap, Appointment AI, and robotics are helping dealerships operate more efficiently without increasing headcount. He also shares how integrated AI platforms will enable faster, data-driven decision-making across the dealership. As customer expectations evolve, these tools are reshaping how fixed ops teams deliver service and scale performance.  Using AI to identify and eliminate workflow inefficiencies in fixed ops  Enhancing customer communication through AI-powered video tools  Automating service scheduling and call handling with Appointment AI  Improving technician productivity with robotics and parts delivery systems  Leveraging real-time data and natural language AI for faster decision-making 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.

    11 min

  3. APR 14

    How dealer alliances are reshaping automotive retail strategy

    Founder and CEO David Mondragon discusses how AutoTrust Dealer Alliance is helping independent dealers compete through collective scale, cost reduction, and operational flexibility. He explains how the platform enables dealerships to strengthen purchasing power across finance and insurance, lending, and general operations—without sacrificing autonomy or requiring structural changes. As consolidation accelerates across the retail automotive landscape, Mondragon outlines how aggregating dealer demand can unlock efficiencies typically reserved for large public groups. From optimizing lending relationships to reducing everyday expenses through bulk purchasing, AutoTrust’s model is designed to improve profitability while preserving independence. He also shares insights on rapid platform growth, vendor interest, and the long-term vision to reach 1,000 rooftops.  How collective scale helps independent dealers compete with large groups  Strategies for optimizing lending and improving F&I performance  Consolidated purchasing to reduce operational costs  Maintaining dealership autonomy within a shared network  Growth trajectory and future expansion goals for AutoTrustDriving 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.

    19 min

  4. MAR 31

    Solving Fleet Downtime and Delivery Delays

    Peter Janczewski, Senior Vice President of Sales at Draiver, joins Driving Solutions to discuss how automakers are rethinking vehicle logistics to improve visibility, speed, and operational efficiency. As OEM supply chains grow more complex, Janczewski explains why fragmented logistics models are no longer sustainable and how unified platforms are helping streamline vehicle movement from plant to dealer—or directly to consumers. The conversation explores how Draiver consolidates multiple logistics functions into a single operational layer, enabling real-time tracking, faster delivery timelines, and improved coordination across vendors. Janczewski also highlights the growing importance of fleet management, where downtime can significantly impact profitability, and outlines how AI is being used to optimize routing and execution. As the industry evolves toward direct-to-consumer delivery and autonomous mobility, logistics is becoming a critical driver of both efficiency and customer experience. Key discussion points:  Why fragmented logistics models limit visibility and slow delivery times  How unified platforms streamline plant-to-consumer vehicle movement  Reducing delivery timelines and improving real-time tracking  The financial impact of fleet downtime and operational inefficiencies  Using AI to optimize routing, coordination, and logistics performance  Preparing for autonomous vehicle and direct-to-consumer delivery modelsDriving 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.

    15 min

  5. MAR 30

    Why Dealership AI Needs Better Data Integration

    Kerri Wise, Chief Marketing Officer at Lotlinx, and Lance Schafer, GM of Product and Technology, join Driving Solutions to examine why generic AI tools are falling short for dealerships—and what’s needed to unlock real value. Drawing on new survey data, they explain how widespread AI adoption has yet to translate into meaningful operational impact, largely due to disconnected systems and lack of dealership-specific context. Wise and Schafer outline how integrating AI with CRM, inventory, and performance data enables deeper insights and more actionable decision-making. They also explore the evolution of AI from simple content generation to advanced inventory diagnostics, VIN-level analysis, and automated execution. As dealers move beyond experimentation, the focus is shifting toward measurable outcomes, operational efficiency, and smarter merchandising strategies driven by connected, purpose-built AI tools. Key discussion points:  Why generic AI tools often fail to deliver useful dealership insights  The importance of integrating AI with CRM, inventory, and performance data  How dealers are using AI for inventory analysis and VIN-level strategy  The shift from content generation to operational execution  Emerging role of AI in automating dealership workflows  What the next phase of AI adoption looks like for dealers 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.

    10 min

  6. MAR 26

    Unlocking Fixed Ops Profitability

    Leigh Silver, CEO of Dynatron Software, joins Driving Solutions to discuss how dealerships can unlock greater profitability in their service and parts departments through better data utilization. With decades of fixed operations experience, Silver explains why many dealers struggle to interpret the vast amount of data generated by DMS systems—and how translating that data into actionable insights can drive meaningful operational improvements. The conversation explores how Dynatron combines software and consulting to help dealerships identify inefficiencies, improve retention of aging vehicles, and optimize pricing strategies. Silver also highlights the importance of alignment between leadership teams to ensure data-driven strategies are successfully implemented. As vehicles stay on the road longer and service complexity increases—especially with EVs—dealers that effectively leverage data and emerging technologies like AI will be better positioned to maintain profitability and compete with aftermarket service providers. Key discussion points:  Why dealerships struggle to interpret service and parts data  Turning DMS insights into actionable strategies for fixed ops  Improving retention of aging vehicles and service profitability  The importance of leadership alignment in execution  Adapting to EV complexity and emerging technologies like AI  Competing with aftermarket service providers through value and pricingDriving 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.

    20 min

  7. MAR 12

    Stephane Ferri Breaks Down the Dealership Phone Call Problem

    Stephane Ferri, CEO of Car Wars, joins Driving Solutions to discuss new data revealing how missed phone calls are costing dealerships millions in lost service opportunities—and how artificial intelligence may help close the gap. Drawing from Car Wars’ 2026 white paper, Ferri explains why the phone remains one of the most important lead sources for dealerships, particularly for service scheduling and customer inquiries. The conversation examines operational bottlenecks that occur during peak call periods, when service advisors are balancing in-store customers with high inbound call volume. Ferri outlines how AI-powered communication tools can answer calls, schedule appointments, and route inquiries more efficiently, helping dealerships capture more service business while improving customer experience. The technology can also integrate with CRM systems, track call history, and support follow-up processes, giving dealerships greater visibility into customer communication. As fixed operations remain a key profit driver, improving call management may play a critical role in strengthening dealership profitability. Key discussion points: The scale of missed service call opportunities at dealershipsWhy the phone remains a critical lead source for service schedulingHow peak call times create operational bottlenecks for service teamsUsing AI to answer calls, schedule appointments, and route inquiriesIntegrating call data with CRM systems to improve follow-up and trackingThe impact of better call management on fixed ops performanceDriving 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

  8. 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
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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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