What the Fixed Ops?! (WTF?!)

Russell Hill, Charity Dunning
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Biweekly

Join automotive expert and entrepreneur Russell B. Hill and CMO Charity Dunning as they venture into the world of automotive, fixed operations, and the successes and failures in life in the What the Fixed Ops?! podcast. Get new episodes by following our social media networks or by visiting us at www.FixedOPSMarketing.com/WTF.

  1. 6h ago

    How P4 Automotive Builds Better Dealerships with Leo Portaluppi

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome Leo Portaluppi, CEO and owner of P4 Automotive, for a conversation about dealership leadership, fixed operations, customer retention, and what it takes to build a successful automotive dealership group. Leo shares his journey from working as a technician and service advisor to becoming a dealership executive and owner. He explains how mentors like Roger Penske shaped his career, why understanding both fixed operations and variable operations is critical to dealership success, and how building the right team can create opportunities for long-term growth. The conversation explores how P4 Automotive approaches dealership management, employee development, and customer experience. Leo discusses creating ownership opportunities for store leaders, improving communication between service and sales, using transparency to sell used vehicles, and building customer retention strategies that keep drivers coming back to the dealership for service and future purchases. We talk about: How P4 Automotive approaches dealership growth and leadershipWhy fixed operations and variable operations need to work togetherWhy dealership leadership starts with developing peopleThe four pillars of dealership success: people, process, passion, and productCreating dealership ownership opportunities to attract and motivate leadersHow transparent used car sales can build customer trustImproving dealership customer retention through better service experiencesUsing loyalty programs, service contracts, and dealership apps to keep customers coming backWhy dealerships need to rethink traditional technician pay structuresHow to identify people, process, and passion problems in dealership operations Leo also explains why dealership profitability is a byproduct of strong people, effective processes, passion, and confidence in the products being sold. From creating career paths for technicians to offering managing partners an opportunity to invest in their stores, he shares practical lessons on building a dealership culture where employees feel valued, leaders take ownership, and customers have a reason to return. Whether you're a dealer principal, dealership owner, general manager, fixed ops director, service manager, or automotive industry professional, this episode offers insights into dealership leadership, fixed operations management, employee development, and strategies for growing a more customer-focused and profitable automotive business. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?! Don't forget to send us a message here! https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

  2. Sep 28

    Breaking Down Dealership Silos with Gary Sillman

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome Gary Sillman, agent owner of Global F&I Solutions, for a wide-ranging conversation about breaking down dealership silos, connecting sales and service, and uncovering new revenue opportunities inside the service drive. Gary explains why dealerships can no longer afford to operate sales, service, parts, and F&I as separate departments. With customers keeping vehicles longer and increasingly interacting with dealerships digitally, the service lane has become one of the biggest opportunities to strengthen customer relationships, acquire used vehicles, offer protection products, and create a natural path back to sales. The conversation explores how dealerships can turn every service visit into a more complete customer experience. Gary discusses using vehicle inspections, appraisals, service contract options, connected CRM systems, and better communication to give customers more choices while helping departments work together instead of allowing valuable opportunities to fall through the cracks. We talk about: Why dealership silos need to disappearTurning the service lane into a vehicle acquisition opportunityConnecting sales, service, parts, and F&IOffering F&I products beyond the initial vehicle purchaseCreating sales funnels from existing service customersUsing inspections and appraisals to give customers more optionsWhy connected CRM systems matterHow outdated dealership processes create missed opportunitiesWhy technology and AI can't replace strong leadershipUsing social media to humanize your dealership Gary also shares why dealerships need to rethink processes that may have worked five or ten years ago but no longer fit today's customer journey. Rather than adding another piece of technology to an already fragmented operation, he encourages dealers to map out their processes, identify where customers and information are falling through the cracks, and build a more connected operating system. Whether you're a dealer principal, general manager, fixed ops director, service manager, F&I professional, advisor, or automotive leader, this episode offers practical insights into creating a more connected dealership, generating additional opportunities from the service drive, and building stronger relationships with customers. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?! Don't forget to send us a message here! https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

  3. Sep 14

    How Dealerships Can Keep Their Best Technicians with Josh Arnold

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome Josh Arnold, Master Technician and Co-Founder of Within Spec, for an insightful conversation about the automotive technician shortage, technician retention, mentorship, and what dealerships need to do differently to develop the next generation of skilled automotive professionals.  Josh explains why the industry's technician problem may be less about a shortage of young people interested in the trades and more about a shortage of dealerships equipped to develop them. From clearly defined career paths and strong shop leadership to consistent mentorship and follow-up, Josh argues that dealerships must give technicians a reason to see automotive service as a long-term career rather than simply a job. The conversation also explores the power of video MPI and technician-to-customer communication. After seeing firsthand how customers responded to technician videos, Josh developed his own customer-focused approach and eventually trained approximately 150 technicians on video inspections. Rather than treating video MPI as another tool for selling repairs, Josh believes technicians should use it to educate customers, create transparency, build relationships, and improve long-term service retention. We talk about: Why the technician shortage isn't simply a recruiting problemThe importance of mentorship for young automotive techniciansHow dealerships can create clearer technician career pathsWhy Master Technicians need opportunities to continue growingRecruiting technicians with honesty and real-world expectationsHow dealerships can improve technician training and retentionWhy video MPI should focus on trust instead of sellingBuilding stronger technician-to-customer relationshipsChallenging the "that's how we've always done it" mentalityHow Within Spec is building a community for the next generation of technicians Josh also shares what becoming a teacher and mentor taught him about his own career, why being questioned can make technicians better at their craft, and how the Toyota philosophy of Kaizen—or continuous improvement—continues to shape his approach to automotive service. His message to dealerships is clear: recruiting young talent is only the beginning. Developing, supporting, challenging, and communicating with technicians throughout their careers is what ultimately keeps great people in the industry. Whether you're a dealer principal, fixed ops director, service manager, shop foreman, technician, advisor, or automotive professional, this episode delivers practical insights into technician recruitment and retention, automotive mentorship, video MPI, customer communication, and building a stronger future for dealership fixed operations. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?! Don't forget to send us a message here! https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

  4. Aug 31

    What Makes NAPA Auto Parts Successful with Matt Crumpton

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome Matt Crumpton, Director of Business Development for NAPA Auto Parts and the NAPA Auto Care program, for a wide-ranging conversation about the rapidly changing automotive repair industry and what franchise dealerships can learn from successful independent repair shops. With 28 years of automotive experience, Matt shares lessons he's learned from working across the industry, from the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship to the growing role of technology, training, partnerships, and customer relationships. The conversation explores why independent repair shops often have an advantage when it comes to customer loyalty, how dealerships can move from a transactional mindset to a relationship-driven approach, and why the customer who comes in for service today could be the person buying their next vehicle tomorrow. We talk about: What dealerships can learn from successful independent repair shopsWhy customer loyalty starts with relationships and trustThe difference between transactional and relational customer serviceWhy dealerships need to think beyond the warranty periodHow communication can transform the customer experienceWhy convenience has become critical in automotive serviceHow dealerships can compete without simply competing on priceThe importance of price transparency and accurate estimatesWhy recommendations are better than "upselling"How to turn a service customer into a customer for life Matt also discusses NAPA Auto Care's approach to building consistency across a network of independently owned businesses without taking away their individual identities. He explains how partnerships, technology, training, and shared resources can help independent shops deliver a consistent customer experience while maintaining the personal relationships that make them successful. Whether you're a dealer principal, fixed ops director, service manager, service advisor, independent shop owner, technician, or automotive leader, this episode offers valuable insight into the future of automotive repair—and why technology alone won't create loyal customers. Relationships, trust, communication, and taking care of people still matter most. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?! Don't forget to send us a message here! https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

  5. Aug 17

    AI + Leadership: The Future of Automotive Fixed Ops with Michael Keene

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome Michael Keene, Chief Revenue Officer at Chameleon Limited, for an eye-opening conversation about the future of artificial intelligence in automotive fixed operations and why the biggest opportunity isn't replacing people—it's developing better leaders. Michael explains why AI should be viewed as a leadership tool rather than a staffing solution. While many dealerships focus on automation and efficiency, Michael argues that AI's greatest value lies in helping service managers spend less time buried in reports and more time coaching advisors, developing teams, and improving the customer experience. The conversation explores how AI can eliminate "data fog," provide actionable insights, and help new managers make decisions with the confidence of seasoned industry veterans. Michael also discusses why leadership—not labor rate—is the true driver of profitability, how dealerships can improve customer retention through better communication, and why consistent coaching is still the foundation of every successful service department. We talk about: Why AI won't replace great service managersUsing AI to coach instead of simply manageHow dealerships can eliminate "data fog"Developing stronger leaders through actionable insightsWhy customer communication is still the biggest competitive advantageThe difference between managers and true leadersHow AI improves accountability without creating confrontationWhy employee development drives profitabilityBuilding stronger advisor coaching processesThe future of AI in fixed operations and dealership leadership Michael also shares practical strategies for improving service advisor performance, increasing effective labor rate, reducing employee turnover, and creating dealership cultures where both employees and customers thrive. Whether you're a dealer principal, fixed ops director, service manager, advisor, or automotive leader, this episode delivers practical insights on leveraging AI to strengthen leadership, improve operational performance, and create a better customer experience. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?! Don't forget to send us a message here! https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=wtf&utm_campaign=wtfsocial&utm_id=wtf #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

  6. Aug 3

    Leadership Begins in the Mirror with David Long

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome David Long, founder of David J. Long Coaching & Performance, creator of Pandemic of Positivity, and author of Step Zero, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal growth, accountability, and the mindset that separates great leaders from everyone else. David shares his incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and recovery to becoming one of the automotive industry's most respected leadership coaches. He explains why lasting success doesn't begin with better processes or new technology—it starts with what happens before every decision: your mindset, your energy, your attitude, and your approach. Drawing from nearly four decades of personal growth and leadership experience, David reveals why "Step Zero" is the foundation for every successful leader. The conversation explores the importance of personal responsibility, self-awareness, positive influence, and building a culture where people thrive. David also shares the powerful life experiences that inspired Step Zero, the lessons he's learned coaching dealerships across the country, and why leadership is ultimately about helping others become the best version of themselves. We talk about: Why leadership starts before any process or strategyThe meaning behind "Step Zero"Why your mindset determines your resultsHow to own your energy, attitude, and approachThe power of accountability and self-awarenessWhy leaders must work on themselves firstHow recovery shaped David's leadership philosophyBuilding positive dealership cultures that lastWhy serving others creates lasting successDaily habits that help great leaders reset and grow David also shares practical insights on developing stronger leaders, creating high-performing teams, building meaningful relationships, and why true leadership begins when you take responsibility for the person in the mirror. This is an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal transformation, dealership culture, accountability, mindset, and becoming the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf Join Managing Partner and Host Russell B. Hill and Co-Host Charity Dunning as they discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in What the Fixed Ops?! #podcast #automotive #fixedops #leadership #dealershipleadership #personaldevelopment #dealershipculture #accountability #growthmindset #automotiveindustry

  7. Jul 20

    The Mobile Service Revolution with Nolan Armpriester

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning sit down with Nolan Armpriester, General Manager of Twin Pines Ford of Hamburg, for an insightful conversation about dealership leadership, fixed operations, mobile service, customer retention, and why the future of automotive service is happening outside the four walls of the dealership. Drawing on decades of experience working his way from service advisor to general manager, Nolan shares how process, accountability, and people-first leadership have shaped his career. He explains why the best leaders create systems that empower their teams, why dealership culture starts with leadership, and how treating employees like family ultimately creates a better customer experience. The conversation also dives deep into one of the fastest-growing opportunities in fixed operations—mobile service. Nolan explains why many dealerships mistakenly believe mobile service doesn't "pencil," how it creates new revenue streams through retail and commercial fleet customers, and why convenience is quickly becoming the biggest competitive advantage in automotive service. We talk about: • Why leadership is different from management • Building a process-driven culture that creates accountability • Why employees come before customers • The biggest financial opportunities dealers overlook • How mobile service is transforming fixed operations • Why pickup and delivery increases customer retention • Growing commercial fleet business through mobile service • Why convenience is becoming the future of dealership service • The importance of vendor partnerships over vendor relationships • Lessons learned from ASOTU CON and the Year of the Human Nolan also shares practical advice for dealerships looking to launch mobile service, improve technician productivity, strengthen dealership culture, and build long-term customer loyalty through better leadership and operational discipline. His message is clear: the dealerships that win tomorrow won't simply have better technology—they'll have stronger leaders, better processes, and a relentless commitment to creating convenient, relationship-driven experiences for both employees and customers. This is a must-listen conversation about dealership leadership, mobile service, fixed operations, customer retention, fleet service, accountability, dealership culture, and the future of automotive retail. BE THE FIRST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf Join Managing Partner and Host Russell B. Hill and Co-Host Charity Dunning as they discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in What the Fixed Ops?! #podcast #automotive #fixedops #mobileservice #dealershipservice #leadership #dealershipmanagement #customerexperience #fleetservice #automotive

  8. Jul 6

    Why Saturdays Kill Service Revenue: With David Anderson

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning sit down with David Anderson, CEO and co-founder of EvenFlow AI, for a fascinating conversation about service department optimization, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, dealership operations, and the human side of leadership. David shares his unconventional journey from academia and applied mathematics to airlines, healthcare, and ultimately automotive retail. Drawing on years of experience helping organizations optimize complex scheduling and capacity challenges, he explains why dealership service departments continue to struggle with bottlenecks, long wait times, unpredictable workloads, and missed revenue opportunities. The conversation also takes a deeper turn as David shares his personal battle with cancer and how facing mortality transformed his perspective on leadership, purpose, family, and business. His story offers a powerful reminder that success is ultimately measured by impact, relationships, and the people we serve. We talk about: Why dealership service departments struggle with schedulingThe hidden revenue lost through operational bottlenecksWhat automotive can learn from healthcare and airlinesHow predictive analytics improves service department efficiencyWhy customer wait times remain a major challengeThe difference between AI hype and real-world applicationsWhat cancer taught David about purpose and perspectiveWhy the human element remains critical in an AI-driven future David also shares valuable insights on technician productivity, customer retention, operational efficiency, dealership culture, and why technology should empower people—not replace them. His message is clear: the future of fixed operations isn't about replacing human expertise with AI. It's about using data, analytics, and intelligent tools to help service teams work smarter, deliver better customer experiences, and create more productive and profitable operations. This is an insightful conversation about dealership service operations, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, leadership, customer experience, and the personal journeys that shape great leaders. BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf Join Managing Partner and Host Russell B. Hill and Co-Host Charity Dunning as they discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in What the Fixed Ops?! #podcast #automotive #fixedops #dealershipservice #artificialintelligence #predictiveanalytics #serviceoperations #fixedoperations #dealershipmanagement #leadership

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join automotive expert and entrepreneur Russell B. Hill and CMO Charity Dunning as they venture into the world of automotive, fixed operations, and the successes and failures in life in the What the Fixed Ops?! podcast. Get new episodes by following our social media networks or by visiting us at www.FixedOPSMarketing.com/WTF.

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Hill, Charity Dunning
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Russell Hill
  • Show Website
    What the Fixed Ops?! (WTF?!)

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