In this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui break down what dealerships must do to professionalize the service advisor role in 2026 and beyond. From KPI literacy and daily coaching to AI adoption and video multipoint inspections, this conversation outlines a blueprint for transforming service departments into frontline revenue engines.

You’ll learn:

• Why one-time training fails and how to build a true practice culture
• The KPIs every service advisor must understand (ELR, approval rate, HPR, declined services)
• How AI tools like video MPIs and automated scheduling will reshape advisor workflows
• Why service must shift from “after sale” to lifetime ownership experience
• How integrating F&I knowledge into service drives retention and extended warranty revenue
• The importance of visible scoreboards, daily huddles, and positive reinforcement coaching

If you want to increase approval rates, raise effective labor rate, improve CSI, and build long-term customer loyalty, this episode delivers the strategy.

Service is no longer a back-end department. It is the dealership’s competitive advantage.