On today’s episode, I’m joined by two incredible guests you don’t want to miss. First, we’ve got Colin McElhatton, the founder of Mobile Dealer Data, who’s been making waves in the industry with cutting-edge tools that take the guesswork out of dealership service operations. And we’re also welcoming Ed Roberts, COO of Bozard Ford-Lincoln, someone I’d call a true innovator in the fixed ops space. Between Colin’s tech-savvy solutions and Ed’s real-world experience running a massive operation with 98 bays and three locations, there’s a ton to learn from these two.

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What we discuss in this episode:

"Where’s the car? Where’s the key? If you’ve ever worked in a dealership, you know these are the questions that can make—or break—a day on the service floor. But what if the answers were always right at your fingertips? In this episode, we're unlocking the secrets to service department efficiency with two powerhouses in the industry."

We explore how digitizing service processes not only saves time but improves customer satisfaction, increases technician productivity, and even becomes a recruiting tool for the best talent in the industry. Colin shares how Mobile Dealer Data’s ServiceVision software tracks vehicles and keys in real time, eliminates bottlenecks, and helps dealers “manage with facts, not feelings.”

Ed, leading one of the most complex dealership operations out there with 98 bays and three locations, reveals how this technology has transformed their cycle times, reduced wasted hours, and enhanced the experience for both employees and customers. From identifying bottlenecks without stepping into the room to using data as a tool for constant improvement, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

Listen to the episode featuring Colin McElhatton and Ed Roberts for even more insights!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Colin McElhatton and Ed Roberts

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This week, I’ve got a special treat for you. I’m sitting down with Bill Demaree, the Corporate Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Automotive Group. With nearly four decades of experience in the industry, Bill has seen it all—from pumping gas at a full-service station to running the fixed ops strategy for a massive 30-store group. Trust me, you’re going to love hearing his story.

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What we discuss in this episode:

In this episode, Bill shares how he turned his passion for the back end of the dealership into a career that’s not only fulfilling but also packed with lessons for anyone in the business. We talk about what it takes to succeed in fixed operations, the challenges that come with it, and the massive opportunities waiting for those willing to embrace new ideas.

We also dive into some cutting-edge topics—like how AI and tools like UVI are reshaping customer and employee experiences, and why Tom Wood Automotive built its own university to ensure new hires hit the ground running. Plus, Bill gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how he helps struggling stores turn things around by focusing on the basics.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build stronger teams, implement processes that stick, or make technology actually work for your dealership, this episode is for you. Bill’s insights are gold, and his passion for what he does is infectious.

Listen to the episode featuring Bill Demaree for even more insights!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Bill Demaree

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In this episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, I sit down with Jason Fayling, CTO and Co-Founder of Skaivision, to lift the hood on the groundbreaking technology reshaping service lanes across the automotive world. Jason isn’t just talking about AI—he’s redefining it with Visual AI, the same tech that powers self-driving cars, tailored to solve the bottlenecks that have plagued dealerships for years.

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What we discuss in this episode:

From integrating seamlessly with existing camera systems to delivering real-time, actionable insights that save hours, not minutes, Jason explains how Skaivision is helping dealerships move faster, serve better, and boost profitability—all while enhancing the customer experience. But this isn’t just about tech; it’s about strategy. Jason shares how his team has cracked the code on real-world problem-solving in environments as diverse as winter lots to Hawaiian dealerships, showing how adaptability drives innovation.

Here’s what we dive into:

• How Skaivision uses Visual AI to identify inefficiencies and optimize service workflows.
• Why integrating with existing camera networks makes their tech plug-and-play for any dealership.
• The jaw-dropping way their AI learns and adapts to different dealership layouts, weather, and even seasons.
• How they’re taking the customer experience to the next level—including boosting trade-in opportunities right from the service drive.

Plus, Jason gives us an inside look at their process, shares tips for service directors to maximize efficiency, and reveals how Skaivision is evolving to support sales teams.

👉 If you’re ready to see how cutting-edge tech can unlock new levels of performance for your dealership, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to the episode featuring Jason Fayling for even more insights!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Guest Name

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What if you could transform your dealership into a powerhouse of efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction—without reinventing the wheel? In this episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, I sit down with Brian Kramer, EVP of Dealer Growth at Cars Commerce and General Manager of Accu-Trade, to explore how dealers can take cues from industry disruptors like Carvana and turn challenges into opportunities.

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What we discuss in this episode:

• Carvana’s Big Secret: How their innovative reconditioning processes are changing the game—and what it means for your dealership.
• Turning Data Into Dollars: Why real-time data and predictive analytics aren’t just buzzwords but the keys to faster appraisals, better deals, and bigger wins.
• EV Inventory Myths—Busted: What most dealers get wrong about pre-owned EVs and how to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly growing market.
• The Service Lane Goldmine: Learn how to turn those daily ROs into revenue streams without alienating your customers.

But here’s the kicker: It’s not just about tools or trends—it’s about rethinking your strategy. Brian’s got actionable insights, relatable examples, and a knack for breaking down complex ideas into simple, game-changing steps.

If you’re wondering how to prep for 2025, whether to double down on appraisals, or what role EVs should play in your inventory strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put to work right away.

Listen to the episode featuring Brian Kramer for even more insights!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Brian Kramer

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 Tom Kline is a renowned risk and compliance expert in the automotive retail industry. As the founder of Better Vantage Point, Tom specializes in helping dealerships protect their assets, reduce risks, and ensure long-term profitability. His unique approach blends deep industry knowledge with practical solutions, allowing dealers to navigate the often-overwhelming challenges of compliance, insurance, and operational efficiency. 

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What we discuss in this episode:

Now, let me ask you this: Does running a dealership sometimes feel like trying to tuck an octopus into bed? (Yeah, I laughed too when Tom described it that way.) The tentacles—aka all the little problems—keep flopping everywhere. Insurance gaps, compliance headaches, low-hanging fruit you didn’t even know was there… it’s a lot. But here’s the thing: those issues don’t just go away on their own.

In this episode, Tom breaks it all down in a way that’s super relatable. He shares the simple things dealerships can do today to avoid costly mistakes tomorrow—like making sure your rental car policies won’t leave you on the hook for millions. (Yup, that happens.) We talk about why a “culture of compliance” matters more than ever and how to build one without boring everyone to tears. And the best part? Tom’s all about practical advice—stuff you can actually use.

This conversation isn’t about scaring you—it’s about making sure your dealership is ready for anything. So, whether you’re a one-store operation or running 20 locations, trust me: you’ll walk away from this episode with at least one thing you’ll want to tackle ASAP.

Listen to the episode featuring Tom Kline for even more insights!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Tom Kline

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Tyler Nathan is the Director of Marketing at Jupiter Warranty Management, a leading company revolutionizing how dealerships handle warranty operations. With years of experience in the automotive industry, Tyler is passionate about helping service departments streamline their processes, increase profitability, and keep technicians happy. 

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What we discuss in this episode:

Here’s the deal: warranty management isn’t just a backend task. It’s a massive opportunity to boost your service department’s efficiency, revenue, and compliance. Tyler breaks it all down for us—how his team helps dealerships clean up their warranty schedules, streamline claims processing, and keep technicians happy by making sure payroll deadlines are always hit.

We also get into how the warranty landscape has shifted over the years. Did you know many OEMs now prefer dealerships to outsource warranty management to experts like Tyler’s team? There’s a reason for that, and Tyler’s going to explain exactly how his crew minimizes audit risks and keeps your operation running smoothly.

Whether you’re looking to tighten up your processes, reduce headaches, or simply learn from the best in the business, this episode has it all.

Listen to the episode featuring Tyler Nathan for even more insights!

Enjoying The Fixed Ops Roundtable Podcast? Please leave a rating and review 👇

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Tyler Nathan

Connect with Ted Ings and the Fixed Ops Roundtable:

• Register for the next Fixed Ops Roundtable Event
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Hey there, friends—welcome back to the Fixed Ops Roundtable! You’re going to want to buckle up for this one because we’re diving into a conversation that’s equal parts fascinating, futuristic, and downright practical.

This episode, I’m joined by a great friend of the industry, Tim Jackson—author of Dude, Where’s My Flying Car? and past President/CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association. Tim’s not just an advocate for dealers; he’s a true innovator with a passion for the history and future of mobility. And trust me, this conversation is unlike anything we’ve had on the show before.

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What we discuss in this episode:

We’re talking flying cars—not just sci-fi dreams, but real, tangible progress happening right now. Tim shares how these vehicles could revolutionize not just transportation but the way we think about service departments and dealerships. Imagine a tech flying out to a customer in a personal aviation vehicle. Wild, right?

But it’s not all about the skies. Tim dives into critical topics like:

• Why stair-step pricing is bad for everyone—dealers, automakers, and especially customers.
• The reality of EVs and why affordability still feels out of reach.
• How cities are reshaping mobility (hint: they’re making it harder to own and park cars).

This is the kind of conversation that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about where the industry is heading. Plus, Tim’s got stories—like why bicycles were the real OGs of mobility innovation and how they paved the way for everything from Model Ts to flying cars.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s next for our industry or just want to hear about some mind-blowing advancements (Jetson ONE jet packs, anyone?), this is the episode for you. Hit play, and let’s dig in.

Listen to the episode featuring Tim Jackson for even more insights!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Tim Jackson

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Randy Kobat is the visionary CEO and President of Repair OnDemand, who’s leading the charge in revolutionizing dealership operations. Randy is the man behind one of the industry’s most transformative tools—the BlueDriver device. With over one million units sold and 26 million scans performed, it’s safe to say Randy knows a thing or two about innovation and efficiency. But what sets him apart is his ability to connect the dots between diagnostics, reconditioning, and real-world dealership success.

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What we discuss in this episode:

What if the biggest profit leaks in your dealership could be fixed with just a few simple shifts in process? What if cutting down reconditioning time could save you tens of millions in expenses? That’s exactly what we’re diving into on today’s episode with Randy Kobat.

Here’s the reality: the game has changed.

In this episode, Randy and I explore:

✅ How Repair OnDemand is helping dealers go from 12 days to just 5 for reconditioning.

✅ The hidden cost of inefficiency (spoiler: it’s in the billions).

✅ Why aligning KPIs across departments isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity.

As Randy says, “Reconditioning is the lifeblood of inventory management, and we’re only scratching the surface of its potential.”

This is a masterclass in modernizing your processes, cutting down waste, and driving real results. If you’ve ever felt like your dealership’s departments are speaking different languages, this episode is your translator.

Let’s break down the silos, rethink reconditioning, and start turning inventory faster.

You won’t want to miss Randy’s insights on the future of fixed ops and how to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Listen to the episode featuring Randy Kobat for even more insights!

Enjoying The Fixed Ops Roundtable Podcast? Please leave a rating and review 👇

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Randy Kobat

Connect with Ted Ings and the Fixed Ops Roundtable:

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David Farabaugh is the VP of Operations at ESI-Q, a company deeply embedded in the automotive industry. With over two decades of experience, David is a respected figure, renowned for his data-driven approach to understanding dealership workforce dynamics. His ongoing work with the NADA workforce study has provided invaluable insights into automotive workforce trends, making him a trusted authority in the Fixed Ops community.

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What we discuss in this episode:

Ever wonder why some of the most crucial roles in your dealership are also the hardest to keep? Today, I’m sitting down with David Farabaugh, VP of Operations at ESI-Q, to tackle a big one—service advisor retention. If you’re in the fixed ops game, you already know: losing advisors hurts, and keeping them? It’s more challenging than ever.

In this episode, David and I dig deep into the “why” behind the service drive turnover and what it’s really costing us. David’s been crunching the numbers at ESI-Q and has insights from years of NADA workforce studies that might just change how you look at retention. From how the industry's highs and lows have reshaped advisor roles, to the little-known “three-year sweet spot” where productivity peaks, David brings data-backed answers that speak to the heart of dealership success.

And here’s the kicker—David shares a story about trust, customer loyalty, and how one slip from an advisor can send clients running. His insights on shifting from “just a job” to a career with meaning might just be the wake-up call some of us need.

Listen to the episode featuring David Farabaugh for even more insights!

Enjoying The Fixed Ops Roundtable Podcast? Please leave a rating and review 👇

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, David Farabaugh

Connect with Ted Ings and the Fixed Ops Roundtable:

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Steve Greenfield is the General Partner of Automotive Ventures, a company focused on investments in automotive technology. With decades of experience in the automotive retail space, Steve is also the author of The Future of Automotive Retail, where he explores industry trends and advises dealers on navigating the technological changes reshaping automotive.

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What we discuss in this episode:

Steve Greenfield is a guy who’s not only tuned into the latest trends but is also shaping the very future we’re talking about. With my co-host Sarah Vantine by my side, we’re breaking down everything dealers need to know as we head into the final quarter and beyond. We cover it all, from the surprising surge in hybrid demand to the pileup of EVs on dealer lots, and even take a peek behind the curtain at what the upcoming election could mean for your business. And yes, we’re talking about the cost of keeping your service bays full, the impact of automation, and what’s coming down the line with AI.

Steve drops some eye-opening insights on how dealers can adapt—think strategic tech investments, loyalty through fixed ops, and creative parts sales. He says, “The dealerships that can lean into innovation are the ones that will stay relevant,” and I couldn’t agree more.

And here’s the kicker: Steve’s got a keen eye on the investment side of the business, too. If you’re curious about where to put your money to support early-stage automotive tech (and get ahead of the game), this episode is for you. Whether you’re a dealer, an automotive service manager, or just love staying on top of industry shifts, you won’t want to miss this one.

Join us for this packed episode—grab your notepad and get ready for some real, actionable insights that’ll keep you ahead of the curve. This isn’t just another podcast episode; it’s your roadmap to staying relevant and profitable in a rapidly changing market.

Listen to the episode featuring Steve Greenfield for even more insights!

Enjoying The Fixed Ops Roundtable Podcast? Please leave a rating and review 👇

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Steve Greenfield

Connect with Ted Ings and the Fixed Ops Roundtable:

• Register for the next Fixed Ops Roundtable Event
• Ted Ings on LinkedIn
• Center for Performance Improvement