What if the biggest threat to your dealership wasn’t the economy, the OEM, or even EV adoption… but the opportunities you’re not seeing yet?

Today on the Fixed Ops Roundtable, we’re coming to you from the CAMS Industry Summit at Northwood University with someone who never fails to shake the room. I’m sitting down with Brian Benstock of Paragon Honda, alongside the always brilliant Sarah Vantine, and Brian just finished delivering one of the most energizing keynotes of the entire summit.

This conversation will change the way you think about Fixed Ops, students entering the industry, and the future of service.

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What we discuss in this episode:

Brian breaks down the real story behind all the chaos in the world and why the data tells a very different, very encouraging truth about our business right now. We get into:

•  Why today’s market conditions are actually setting up the biggest Fixed Ops opportunity of the next decade
•  The real competitor dealerships are overlooking
•  How pickup and delivery became Paragon’s unfair advantage
•  The math that opened everyone’s eyes
•  The message he delivered to students worried about AI replacing them
•  A major new collaboration between Paragon and Northwood
• Leadership development, cross-pollination, and creating the industry’s next generation of leaders.

This episode is a front-row seat to how one of the industry’s most influential fixed ops leaders thinks about opportunity, innovation, and the future.

If you’ve been looking for a conversation that sparks new ideas, challenges your assumptions, and gives you a reason to get fired up about the next few years… this is the one to hit play on.

Listen to the episode featuring Brian Benstock 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, Brian Benstock

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

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the automotive industry’s brightest thinkers sit down in one room, buckle up. This conversation feels like stepping into the control room of a rocket that’s already taking off.

In this episode, joining the conversation are two heavy hitters who are right at the center of that momentum: Mike Cavanaugh of Lithia and Driveway and Dr. Matt Bennett of Northwood University.

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What we discuss in this episode:

You’ll hear why the CAMS Industry Summit has quickly become Northwood’s Super Bowl. Matt breaks down the original vision behind bringing industry and education together, and why this bridge matters more now than ever. Mike gives us a behind the scenes look at Lithia’s DART program, career development pipelines, and what it really feels like to work inside the world’s largest automotive group. He calls it holding onto a rocket ship for a reason.

We dive into the power of partnerships, why friendships beat transactions every time, and how a simple alignment of values can create programs that shift entire career paths. You’ll get an inside look at the evolution of Northwood’s automotive executive MBA, the leaders who helped build it, and the global impact this program is already making. There’s talk of legacy, of leadership, of passing the torch to the next wave of innovators who will shape mobility for decades to come.

If you're in automotive today and want to understand where the industry is heading, this is the conversation you listen to. If you're a leader, educator, or aspiring professional, this gives you a front row seat to the people designing the future. And if you're simply someone who loves seeing what happens when collaboration becomes the catalyst, you’re going to want to hit play.

Listen to the episode featuring Mike Cavanaugh and Dr Matt Bennett 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, Mike Cavanaugh and Dr Matt Bennett

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

What happens when you mix the next generation of automotive leaders with a campus that breathes innovation and free enterprise?

You get something electric.

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What we discuss in this episode:

In this episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, I sit down with CDK Global’s Mike Stoll, alongside Sarah Vantine, from the heart of Northwood University during the International Auto Show, and let me tell you, the energy here is contagious.

Mike shares how CDK is helping shape the future of Fixed Ops by mentoring and empowering students who are already asking the right questions — questions about what consumers actually want, how to make dealership service experiences simpler, and how to bring genuine hospitality into the car business.

We talk about the Fixed Operations class Mike leads, why he keeps driving hours just to spend time with these students, and what it’s really like to build a pipeline of passionate young professionals who are ready to rethink how dealerships operate from the inside out.

There’s something truly special happening at Northwood, an entrepreneurial spark that’s redefining what it means to serve customers, lead with integrity, and innovate for the future of automotive.

If you’ve ever wondered how we can attract, train, and retain the next generation of talent who care deeply about people, this episode is your sign to hit play.

Because as Mike says, “Our best is yet to come.”

Listen to the episode featuring Mike Stoll 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, Mike Stoll

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

What if the future of automotive doesn’t depend on AI—but on how humans learn to work with it?

That’s exactly what we dive into in this episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, recorded live at the Northwood University International Auto Show. Ted Ings and Sarah Vantine sit down with Cobi Collins of Go Trego, a leader who’s helping the industry rethink what it means to find, train, and retain top talent in a tech-driven world.

👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

What we discuss in this episode:

Cobi brings powerful insight into how dealerships can uncover the right people for the right roles, and why not everyone is built to be a GM (and that’s okay). You’ll hear how Go Trego’s data-driven approach is helping educators and dealers close skills gaps before students even graduate, giving them a head start in the real world.

We also talk about the human side of technology, why people, not machines, will continue to drive automotive forward, and how creating an environment where talent and innovation work together is the real competitive edge.

If you’ve ever wondered how to future-proof your dealership’s people strategy, or what it really takes to attract next-generation talent, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s coming next.

🎧 Hit play to hear how Go Trego is changing the way the industry thinks about people, progress, and purpose.

Listen to the episode featuring Cobi Collins 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, Cobi Collins

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

What happens when education and industry come together to shape the future of automotive leadership?

In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Ness of Cox Automotive—a powerhouse conversation about partnership, purpose, and the people driving change in our industry.

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What we discuss in this episode:

Jennifer pulls back the curtain on Cox Automotive’s 20+ year relationship with Northwood University, sharing how hands-on education, real-world technology, and mentorship are preparing the next generation of automotive leaders. From the Cox Automotive Solutions Lab to internship programs that turn into full-time careers, this episode dives deep into how companies and universities can work together to fuel talent and innovation.

Vanessa offers a student’s perspective, sharing how engagement from companies like Cox Automotive changes everything for young professionals discovering their place in this industry. And yes, there’s even a touching moment as Jennifer beams with pride talking about her daughter Katrina, a Northwood grad and leader who’s blazing her own trail in automotive.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build genuine connections that open doors, or what it really takes to develop future-ready talent in the dealership world—this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• The story behind Cox Automotive’s deep investment in Northwood University
• al-world education creates confident, career-ready graduates
• Why relationships are the real engine of success in our industry
• And the inspiring journey of students who became leaders through mentorship

This is more than a conversation about business—it’s about legacy, community, and the next generation who will define the future of automotive.

Listen to the episode featuring Jennifer Ness 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, Jennifer Ness 

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

What if your customers never had to step foot in your dealership again, and still loved you for it?

That’s exactly what my guest, Clint Curtis, Founder and CEO of Zapmoto, is proving across the country. In this episode recorded live from Mike Calvert Toyota in Houston, Texas, we explore how Zapmoto is transforming pickup and delivery into one of the biggest customer satisfaction and retention opportunities in automotive today.

👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

What we discuss in this episode:

Clint shares how his team helps dealerships roll out seamless remote experiences, from providing vetted, insured drivers to integrating directly with your DMS for data-driven scheduling and communication. We also dig into:

• Why “convenience is kindness” might just be the new foundation of loyalty.
• How Zapmoto’s transparency model lets customers track their vehicles like a DoorDash delivery.
• The unexpected impact of removing customers from the lounge and how it lifts RO dollars by up to 50%.
• What every dealer can learn from the on-demand economy (and how to make it work for fixed ops).

Clint’s passion for innovation, combined with his approach to dealership operations, makes this a must-listen for any leader looking to future-proof their service department and create experiences customers actually rave about.

If you’ve ever wondered how to deliver the Amazon-level convenience your customers expect, without breaking your processes, this episode is your blueprint.

Listen to the episode featuring Clint Curtis 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, Clint Curtis

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

What if you could turn every service appointment into a potential car sale… automatically?

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Wilmsen of Affinitiv at Mike Calvert Toyota in Houston, Texas, and let’s just say, this conversation will make you rethink how your dealership uses data, AI, and marketing under one roof.

👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

What we discuss in this episode:

We dive into the real-world applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in fixed ops, not as buzzwords, but as business tools that actually move the needle. Matthew breaks down how Affinitiv helps dealers cut vendor clutter, save real money, and communicate smarter with customers through personalized, behavior-driven messaging.

You’ll hear how:

•  AI can predict when your customers need service, even if they haven’t been back in months.
•  Machine learning can switch up communication automatically, from email to mail to increase engagement.
•  Dealer teams can identify exactly which 20 customers in the service lane are most likely to trade in today.
•  Consolidating vendors into one connected platform can unlock a smoother, more profitable workflow across departments.

Matthew also shares how Affinitiv’s tools help dealers not only retain customers but build long-term loyalty by uniting the fixed and variable sides of the business, something most stores are still trying to figure out.

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing is “busy” but not effective, or that your tech stack is more complicated than it should be… this episode will show you what the next evolution of dealership marketing really looks like.

👉 Hit play to find out how AI is reshaping the service drive, and why those who embrace it now will lead the next decade of retail automotive.

Listen to the episode featuring Matthew Wilmsen 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, Matthew Wilmsen

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

What if the car you just sold still remembers the last owner’s life?

Their texts. Their contacts. Even their credit card.

Yeah, that’s happening more often than you think.

In this episode, I sit down with Merry Marwig, VP of Marketing at Privacy4Cars, live from Rohrman Automotive Group in Schaumburg, Illinois, to talk about one of the most overlooked (and fast-growing) challenges in automotive retail: data privacy inside vehicles.

👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

What we discuss in this episode:

We explore what actually happens to personal data when a car changes hands, from trade-ins and loaners to rentals and EVs, and the eye-opening risks that come with connected car technology. Merry shares some shocking real-life stories (including one where a driver unknowingly charged someone else’s credit card just by plugging in their EV), and we unpack what dealers can actually do to protect their customers, and themselves, from these privacy pitfalls.

You’ll also learn how new state laws like New Jersey’s are forcing dealerships to adapt, how dealers across the country are turning data deletion into a revenue and marketing advantage, and why privacy might just become the next customer satisfaction battleground.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens to all the data we leave behind in our cars, or how your dealership can get ahead of this new wave of compliance and trust, this episode will change the way you look at vehicle turn-ins forever.

Listen to the episode featuring Merry Marwig 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, Merry Marwig

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

Ever notice how dealers don’t think about payment solutions until there’s a problem?

That’s where things can get messy.

In this episode, my guest is Sandy Nyiri of Dealer Pay at the Rohrman Automotive Group in Schaumburg, Illinois.

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What we discuss in this episode:

• What makes a dealership-specific payment platform different from just another processor.
• Why integration with your DMS isn’t optional anymore.
• What a “good install” actually looks like.
• The kind of real, human support that can make or break your dealership’s cash flow and customer experience.

Sandy also shares why Dealer Pay shows up in person during installs, training employees department by department so the system actually works in the real world, not just on paper.

If you’ve ever been bounced around by generic customer service and left without a solution for days, you’ll understand exactly why this conversation matters.

This is more than just about payments. It’s about delivering a seamless, trustworthy experience for both your employees and your customers.

Listen to the episode featuring Sandy Nyiri 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, Sandy Nyiri

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

In this episode, my guest is Kaylee Felio, Sales and Marketing Manager at PartsEdge, joining us from the Snell Motor Companies in Dallas, Texas.

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What we discuss in this episode:

Kaylee and I talk about why parts managers are so critical to a dealership’s success but often left out of the bigger leadership conversations. She shares why supporting new managers is more important than ever, especially as many seasoned leaders are retiring, and how PartsEdge is helping fill that gap.

You’ll hear real stories from dealerships, including how long-term partnerships with PartsEdge have helped parts departments run stronger, and why inventory management in parts is every bit as important as used car inventory.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a parts department thrive, or why some struggle, this conversation will give you a clear picture. Kaylee has a way of making complex challenges simple to understand and practical to act on.

Listen to the episode featuring Kaylee Felio 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, Kaylee Felio

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