Episodes
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In this inspiring episode of Forward, host Corey Smith sits down with Arnold Gacita, President of Petra Automotive Products, to discuss how Petra Cares is transforming the lives of at-risk youth. Arnold shares heartfelt stories of young adults overcoming adversity through Petra Cares’ innovative training and mentorship programs while exploring the unique synergy between Petra and EasyCare in delivering value to dealerships and communities.
Dive into the details of this strategic partnership, hear success stories that will move you, and learn how Petra and EasyCare are aligned in values to create meaningful change. From improving dealership operations to fostering hope for disadvantaged youth, this episode captures the power of purpose-driven business.
👉 Listen now to be inspired and discover how you can support Petra Cares’ mission to change lives and generations to come.
For more information and dealership solutions, visit us at EasyCare.com
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In this episode of FWRD, Corey Smith speaks with Kaylee Felio from PartsEdge to explore the hidden powerhouse of automotive sales: parts departments. They dive into inventory challenges, OEM vs. aftermarket strategies, and share actionable tips and industry insights you won’t want to miss. Plus, hear Kaylee’s bold plan to revolutionize your inventory health!
🎧 Available now—don’t miss it! -
Episodes manquant?
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In this episode of the FWRD Podcast, host Corey Smith chats with Randy Kobat from Repair on Demand about key trends shaping the used car and parts market. With over 25 years of expertise, Kobat shares insights on innovative reconditioning solutions, the impact of rising interest rates on pricing, and the growing demand for SUVs and trucks. The discussion also dives into future challenges, including EV battery evaluations and safety equipment calibration, offering a must-hear perspective on the evolving automotive landscape. This one's a can't miss - listen now!
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In this episode, host Corey Smith chats with cybersecurity expert Kenneth Knapp about critical aspects of modern cyber defense. Drawing from his 20-year Air Force background, Knapp outlines major threats like ransomware, phishing, and natural disasters, while emphasizing their potential impacts on businesses. He stresses the importance of employee training, comprehensive response plans, and staying current with emerging threats and regulations. Listen now to learn more.
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In this episode, host Corey Smith chats with Nick Askew all about AI and what it means for the F&I industry. Tune in now!
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In this episode, host Corey Smith and guest David Malone discuss evolving employee and customer experiences. They emphasize work-life balance, transparency, and empowerment for employees. For customers, Malone highlights real-time alerts, proactive communication, and multi-channel feedback. He advises focusing on genuine achievements and addressing customer needs to enhance satisfaction in the automotive industry. Tune in now!
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In this episode, host Corey Smith chats with Don Andres, owner of Auto SCT Consulting and Training. They discuss challenges in auto service departments and share insights on managing chaos and improving efficiency. You'll also learn strategies for service managers and advisors to reduce stress, increase retention, and boost overall performance in busy service drives. Listen now!
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In this episode, Corey chats with Justin Silver from Modives all about streamlining operations in dealerships to enhance customer experiences. Their conversation also addresses compliance challenges associated with verifying insurance information.
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You won't want to miss Corey Smith and guest Jason Harris talk all about customer loyalty. Jason discusses his experience in the automotive industry and how customer loyalty has evolved with digital transformation. He mentions the importance of communication tools like email and live chat in building relationships with customers.
Jason emphasizes that personalization is crucial for fostering loyalty andsuggests optimizing marketing strategies to make customers feel known.Tune into more episodes of FWRD: An EasyCare Podcast for the latest insight in the industry with experts in the field!
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Corey Smith and Kumar Kathinokkula engage in a discussion on the future of AI in the automotive industry, focusing on its impact on customer service, dealership operations, and F&I products. Kumar provides insights on current implementations of AI like chatbots for customer interactions and predicts a transformative shift towards automation in dealerships over the next decade.
You won't want to miss them discuss the potential for tailored F&I products using real-time risk analysis and predict changes in dealership operations with fully automated showrooms and virtual customer interactions powered by AI.
Tune into more episodes of FWRD: An EasyCare Podcast for the latest insight in the industry with experts in the field!
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In this enlightening episode of the Fixed Ops 5 podcast, host Corey Smith is joined by Jerry Davis, a seasoned professional in the automotive service industry, to explore the critical intersection of mental health and workplace performance. The conversation dives deep into the nuances of advocating for mental health awareness and self-care within high-pressure environments.
**Chapter Breakdown:**
- **Chapter 1: Preparation for Podcast Recording** (00:29 - 12:24)
Jerry sets the stage with his readiness for an in-depth discussion, while Corey expresses gratitude for his participation, setting a tone of mutual respect and anticipation.
- **Chapter 2: Understanding Mental Health Impact** (13:38 - 20:24)
The dialogue focuses on mental acuity's role in aiding others, with Jerry emphasizing the necessity of recognizing personal triggers and the power of strategic breaks.
- **Chapter 3: Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Strain** (18:32 - 20:24)
Insights into identifying mental health strain through indicators like body language and team engagement are discussed, highlighting the importance of active listening.
- **Chapter 4: Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout** (25:47 - 30:32)
Conversations pivot to proactive stress management techniques, the significance of self-improvement resources, and the role of recognition in mitigating burnout.
- **Chapter 5: Personal Experiences and Future Trends** (31:34 - 39:26)
Jerry shares poignant personal experiences, reflecting on the evolving dialogue surrounding mental health in the industry and its profound personal and professional impacts.
- **Chapter 6: Key Takeaways and Closing** (40:06 - 42:28)
The episode concludes with Jerry offering three key takeaways: the importance of creating a safe space, developing self-awareness, and fostering open communication within teams.
**Core Insights:**
- **Mental Health Strategies for Service Professionals:** Delve into how mental health directly influences performance and well-being, especially under the pressures inherent to service roles.
- **Proactive Measures & Tools:** Explore actionable steps like regular mental health check-ins and utilizing tools such as DISC assessments for better understanding personal and team dynamics.
- **Future of Mental Health in the Workplace:** Unpack the significance of integrating mental health considerations into hiring processes and the broader industry dialogue.
Join us for this vital conversation that not only sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of mental health in the workplace but also provides practical advice and real-world experiences aimed at fostering healthier, more productive professional environments. -
Corey Smith, the national fxed operations training manager with Apco Holdings, is joined by Ujj from My Karma in a podcast episode titled "Charging Ahead: Unpacking Strategies, AI Integration, and Having a Vision for 2024 in Fixed Ops." Ujj discusses his career journey and how he started My Karma. They then discuss why dealerships have traditionally not been able to pass surcharge fees to customers due to legal risks and concerns about customer satisfaction. However, Ujj explains that implementing surcharges can actually increase debit card usage while still allowing credit card users to enjoy benefts such as rewards points. He emphasizes the importance of being legally compliant when implementing surcharges and highlights how My Karma provides guidance and training on this topic. Corey shares his personal experience at a restaurant that charges a surcharge fee for their team-based service model. They also discuss potential cost savings for dealerships if they implement surcharges and suggest that an average dealer could save around $15k per month or $180k per year. Finally, they explore the process of implementing surcharges using My Karma's services, including training dealership staff on talking points and dispute handling. The conversation touches on the need for compliance when dealing with insurance companies who do not allow additional charges on approved amounts for extended warranties. Ujj emphasizes the importance of attention to detail in Apple's success. He discusses how Apple agonizes over every little detail, leading to a product that appears easy to use. Ujj also highlights the signifcance of detail in the retail industry and credits dealerships for their attention to detail. He then shifts focus to the trends impacting fxed operations in 2024, particularly electric vehicles (EVs). Ujj explains that EVs still require maintenance, although different from traditional cars, and predicts an increase in proftability for certain operations such as sensor recalibration. He encourages dealerships to adapt and invest in EV infrastructure. Additionally, he mentions AI advancements and its potential role in improving customer service through triaging calls and analyzing sentiments.
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**Show Notes: "Electrifying the Future: The Impact of EVs on Automotive Service Departments"** In this electrifying episode of the Fixed Ops 5 Podcast, your host Corey Smith, alongside guest expert Andres Pinter, dives deep into the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and its significant impact on automotive service departments. Prepare to charge up your knowledge as we explore everything from the basics of EV charging solutions to the future-proofing of service departments in the face of EV adoption. **Timestamps & Topics:** - **[00:00-08:17] Introduction and Background:** Corey Smith welcomes listeners and introduces Andres Pinter, who shares his journey from investment banking to leading the charge in commercial EV charger installations with Bullet EV Charging Solutions. - **[08:18-14:42] Preparing for the Podcast:** A behind-the-scenes look at the episode's preparation, discussing the podcast's format, expected length, and the conversational tone aimed at geeking out over EV technologies. - **[14:43-25:17] EV Technology and its Impact:** The conversation shifts to the nitty-gritty of EVs - from the simplicity of their drivetrains to the complex challenges of inventory and geographic disparities in adoption. Discover how EVs are reshaping customer expectations and dealership operations. - **[25:18-29:16] Future-Proofing and Training:** Andres emphasizes the critical need for dealerships to adapt by investing in EV charging infrastructure and training staff for EV repairs, ensuring they are prepared for the electric future. - **[29:17-37:57] Lightning Round - Main Takeaways:** A rapid-fire session where Andres distills the episode's insights into three actionable takeaways for service departments: embracing EV technology, prioritizing customer experience, and staying ahead with training and infrastructure. - **[37:58-41:01] Closing Remarks and Contact Information:** Corey wraps up the episode with a thank you to Andres and shares how listeners can connect for more information or follow up on the discussion. **Key Insights:** - **Adapting to EVs:** It's not just about installing chargers; it's about understanding the broader implications of EVs on service departments, from the types of repairs to customer service strategies. -
**The Importance of Training:** With EVs requiring less maintenance but more specialized repairs, training becomes paramount to ensure service departments remain competitive and profitable. -
**Looking Ahead:** Anticipating future needs, from bi-directional charging to in-road charging technologies, can position dealerships as leaders in the EV transition.
**Closing Thoughts:** This episode serves as a crucial conversation starter for automotive service departments navigating the shift towards electric vehicles. Corey and Andres's discussion sheds light on the challenges and opportunities presented by this transition, emphasizing the need for proactive adaptation and training. Stay tuned for future episodes where we will continue to explore the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
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