FWRD: An EasyCare Podcast

EasyCare
  • 3.9 (7)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to FWRD: An EasyCare Podcast, your go-to resource for mastering dealership operations, hosted by Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui. With extensive backgrounds as a training professionals, each episode delves deep into the automotive, powersports, RV, and marine industries. FWRD brings expert guests to the table, sharing invaluable insights and strategies for success. From optimizing sales techniques to navigating industry trends, FWRD equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive. Tune in to FWRD and stay ahead of the curve.

  1. OCT 5

    108. FWRD - What AI Is Learning from Your Reviews (and Why It Matters)

    In today’s digital-first environment, your dealership's long-term success hinges on more than just what you sell — it depends on how you listen. On this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Eric Jauregui sit down with Jeane Reitelbach, a brand strategist with 27 years of marketing experience and over a decade in automotive retail, to unpack how the Voice of the Customer can shape your operations, leadership style, and even your Google rankings. Jeane shares dealership-tested strategies like: How AI and search engines are ranking your dealership based on review sentiment and responsivenessTurning one-star reviews into team-building moments with “lunch and learn” sessionsThe power of asking “Did this feel thoughtful and professional?” as a standard closing questionTracking CSAT, NPS, and market share down to the individual team memberHow professional platforms like LinkedIn influence brand perception — and recruitment — through AI sentimentIf you're a GM, Fixed Ops leader, or anyone focused on retention and reputation, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on using feedback as fuel for growth.

    40 min

  2. SEP 20

    107. FWRD- Rubber Meets Revenue with Eddie in Service

    Most customers don’t even know dealerships sell tires—and that’s a major opportunity. In this episode of FWRD, Corey Smith sits down with Eddie Campbell, GM of Forest Lane CDJR, to break down how they became a top tire-selling store in the CDJR network. Eddie shares how their success came down to three key areas: consistent quoting, advisor certification, and embracing technology like video inspections and advanced tire scanning. You’ll also hear why 78% of tire buyers go with the first person who asks, how advisor compensation and showroom displays build tire culture, and how social media can fuel awareness. If you’re in fixed ops, sales leadership, or looking to increase service lane profitability—this episode is packed with tactical takeaways.

    34 min

  3. SEP 5

    106. FWRD- Service that comes to you- Why Mobile might be your next Profit Center With Jeremy Stephens Operations Director at Bozard Ford Lincoln

    Mobile service is no longer just a future trend — it’s actively reshaping how dealers deliver value, drive retention, and grow their fixed ops revenue. In this episode of FWRD, host Corey Smith welcomes Jeremy Stevens to unpack how mobile service is creating meaningful customer relationships, why dealerships need to go “all in” to make it work, and how to overcome operational hurdles. With over 800 perfect surveys and powerful real-world experience, Jeremy shares what success looks like when mobile techs are trusted, equipped, and empowered to bring the dealership experience straight to the customer’s driveway. Whether you’re considering launching mobile service or looking to optimize what you’ve already started, this episode gives you the strategic lens — and the firsthand proof — to get ahead.

    33 min

  4. AUG 20

    105. FWRD-Fix the Team, Fix the Business: Chris Craig on Retention, Leadership & Service Culture

    With a 49% turnover rate among service advisors, today’s fixed ops challenges go far beyond customer satisfaction — they begin with the employee experience. In this episode of FWRD, Corey Smith is joined by Chris Craig — industry trainer, content creator, and author of Becoming a Better Service Professional — to explore how dealership leaders can create stronger, more resilient teams. They dig into the real-world challenges facing service departments: from communication gaps between advisors and technicians, to broken survey practices, to retaining new techs through their first year. Chris also shares actionable ways leaders can create clarity around career growth, improve onboarding, and foster long-term loyalty. Whether you’re a GM, fixed ops director, or someone committed to supporting your people, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how better leadership leads to better outcomes — for your team and your customers.

    39 min

  5. AUG 5

    104. FWRD- Driving The Dealer Voice with Jordan Cox

    In today’s market, attention is currency—and if your dealership isn’t showing up online, you’re missing the sale before it starts. In this episode of the FWRD Podcast, host Corey Smith sits down with Jordan Cox, a dealership video strategist with 11+ years of experience, to unpack the real strategies that top-performing rooftops are using to win on social. Jordan shares how dealerships of any size can create effective, scalable video content that boosts visibility, drives fixed ops engagement, and builds long-term customer trust—without a full-time video team or fancy production setup. Get actionable guidance on: Creating consistent short-form videos that cut through the noiseTurning your sales and service teams into on-camera brand advocatesShifting from promo-based content to authentic storytellingUsing CRM and social analytics to track ROI from your videosWhether you’re a GM, service manager, or marketing lead, this episode gives you a clear, low-barrier blueprint for dealership video success in 2025 and beyond.

    35 min

  6. JUL 21

    103.FWRD - Franchise Laws, Tech Shortages & EV Realities

    In this episode of the FWRD podcast, Christine Vinatieri-Erickson, President of the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association, joins hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui for a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges today’s dealers face — and where real opportunities lie. From protecting franchise rights and solving the technician shortage to why EV adoption is lagging in rural markets, Christine shares practical insights every dealership can use. If you're focused on retention, recruiting, or staying ahead of industry shifts, this episode delivers real takeaways to help you strengthen your strategy and stay future-ready.

    33 min

  7. JUL 5

    102. FWRD- Sean Reyes of Recall Masters: Turning Recalls Into Retention

    In Episode 102, Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Sean Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer at Recall Masters, to discuss the untapped opportunity in proactive recall outreach. Reyes shares insights from the 2024 State of Recalls report, highlighting that only 2.5% of recalls are resolved passively through OEM outreach. The episode explores how dealers can lead the way with accurate data, empathetic communication, and a customer-first service approach to improve recall compliance, re-engage lost customers, and drive revenue. Topics include: The impact of live agent outreach versus passive schedulingHow education, not upselling, leads to more customer pay workAligning sales and service to create long-term loyaltyRetention trends as customers keep vehicles longer than everThis is a must-listen for dealership leaders focused on maximizing service opportunities and creating better customer experiences.

    42 min

  8. JUN 20

    101. FWRD- Windshield Protection That Sells: The Crystal Fusion Model

    On this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Gary Locicero, VP of our sister company Crystal Fusion Technologies, to talk about the science, strategy, and safety behind modern windshield protection. With over a decade at Crystal Fusion and a front-row seat to its growth under the APCO umbrella, Gary shares how a 10-minute product install is transforming visibility on the road and profitability in the dealership. From hydrophobic glass coatings and LED glare reduction to OEM-level warranties and cross-department profit potential, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to bring real value to the customer experience.

    31 min
See All (111)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to FWRD: An EasyCare Podcast, your go-to resource for mastering dealership operations, hosted by Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui. With extensive backgrounds as a training professionals, each episode delves deep into the automotive, powersports, RV, and marine industries. FWRD brings expert guests to the table, sharing invaluable insights and strategies for success. From optimizing sales techniques to navigating industry trends, FWRD equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive. Tune in to FWRD and stay ahead of the curve.

Information

You Might Also Like