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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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