Fixed Ops Roundtable

The used car game is shifting—and the dealers winning today are doubling down on operational excellence.

In this episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, I sit down with Randy Kobat, CEO and President of Repair OnDemand, to dig into what it really takes to streamline reconditioning in 2025.

From skyrocketing parts costs to shrinking margins, we’re feeling the pressure across the board. But Randy brings the clarity.

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What we discuss in this episode:

• Why idle time is killing your time-to-frontline—and what to do about it
• How BlueDriver Max is giving dealers a major advantage (and why even your customers are scanning cars now)
• What centralized reconditioning can teach us about inventory flow, efficiency, and vendor relationships
• How to turn safety compliance (like ADAS calibration) into real profitability
• And why over 50% of dealerships still relying on spreadsheets are leaving serious money on the table

Randy doesn’t just talk tech—he shows how smart systems, tight communication, and better visibility across departments can create a full-circle recon process that’s faster, more profitable, and aligned with the customer’s expectations.

Bottom line: If you’re still treating recon like a one-man job, it’s time to rethink the playbook. This conversation will show you why.

Tune in now to discover how to build a dealership that works in harmony—from trade-in to turn-around.

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:

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

In this episode, I’m joined by none other than Aaron Watters, CEO of OEM Interactive, who’s bringing the heat with a David Letterman-style countdown: the Top 10 ways to kickstart your online parts and accessories sales in 2025.

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What we discuss in this episode:

• Why a dedicated parts phone line might be the easiest fix you’re overlooking
• The underestimated power of year-round promo calendars
• How installation instructions turn confused customers into loyal ones
• Why you shouldn’t take your phone number off the site—but you should add live chat
•  And the power of follow-up emails that drive loyalty and reviews

From setting realistic revenue expectations to game-changing live chat tools—and yes, even a shameless plug at #1 that just might be the smartest move you make this year—Aaron drops tactical, proven tips you can implement right now whether you're just starting out or ready to scale.

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform your parts department from “meh” to money-making machine, this is your roadmap. And in true Fixed Ops Roundtable fashion, we kept it fast, fun, and full of value.

Listen to the episode featuring Aaron Watters 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, Aaron Watters

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 Rob Hubbell, Vice President of Sales at UVEye, and we talk about how one of the most cutting-edge technologies in automotive is completely transforming the way dealerships inspect vehicles — from the service lane to F&I, and even loaner fleet management.

UVeye is a cutting-edge computer vision company specializing in automatic vehicle inspection systems by scanning the underbody, tires, and entire exterior of any vehicle within seconds.

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What we discuss in this episode:

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more transparency, efficiency, and trust into your dealership’s day-to-day operations — this one’s for you.

UVEye isn’t just making inspections faster… it’s setting a new standard. Rob breaks down how their high-res, drive-through scans give service advisors a full diagnostic before the customer even opens their door. That means no more second guesses, no missed damage, and a smoother customer experience from start to finish.

We also get into:

• How UVEye helps boost F&I sales through real-time visual proof
• Why even smaller, single-rooftop dealers are leveraging this tech to stand out
• What kind of data this system captures — and how dealers are using it to forecast service needs, manage policy issues, and stock parts smarter
• And how integrations with Reynolds & Reynolds and OEM platforms are turning this into a full-on dealership ecosystem upgrade

Whether you're a GM, fixed ops director, service advisor, or just someone who wants to future-proof your store — this episode gives you the behind-the-scenes look at how UVEye is helping dealers scale smarter and operate cleaner.

Listen to the episode featuring Rob Hubbell 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, Rob Hubbell

Connect with Ted Ings and the Fixed Ops Roundtable:

1. Register for the next Fixed Ops Roundtable Event
2. Ted Ings on LinkedIn
3. Center for Performance Improvement

What if your service department could boost CSI scores, improve efficiency, and increase daily revenue—all by eliminating your shuttle?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jared Levi from Lyft Business, alongside my co-host Sarah Vantine, for a powerful deep dive into how Lyft is transforming the retail automotive experience for dealerships nationwide.

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What we discuss in this episode:

• How thousands of dealers are using Lyft to modernize courtesy rides and vehicle pick-up/drop-off 
• The direct impact on CSI scores (think +25 points in some cases!) 
• Why customers and advisors love Lyft—and how it’s saving both time and money 
• How OEMs are stepping in to cover the cost of rides 
• The difference between Lyft Concierge vs. Vouchers 
• Real-world examples of how Lyft is helping dealers increase service throughput and bottom-line revenue 

You’ll hear how one dealer added $2,000 in DAILY revenue by switching to Lyft.

This conversation is full of actionable insights and eye-opening takeaways for anyone looking to level up their fixed ops game. If you’ve been wondering how to meet rising customer expectations without rising overhead—this episode is for you.

Learn More or Get Started with Lyft Business for Dealerships:

👉 https://go.lyftbusiness.com/auto

Listen to the episode featuring Jared Levi 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, Jared Levi

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 service drive could talk back, solve problems before they happen, and never miss an appointment again?

That's not science fiction — that’s Numa.

In this episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, I sit down with the brilliant Derek Simonds, alongside Sarah Vantine, to talk about one of the hottest topics at NADA this year: AI-powered phone systems in fixed operations. We’re diving deep into how Numa’s AI agents are transforming dealership communication — from status updates to declined service follow-ups.

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What we discuss in this episode:

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll get when you hit play:

•  How AI agents are freeing up your staff while improving CSI
•  The difference between basic AI and true generative AI (and why it matters)
•  Why texting customers might just be your service department's secret weapon
• How some dealers are seeing record months in the service lane thanks to automation that doesn't miss a beat.
•  And, of course, real talk about retention, status updates, and how to stop letting customers slip through the cracks

Bottom line? If your dealership is tired of missed calls, voicemail black holes, and falling CSI scores… this episode is for you.

Listen to the episode featuring Derek Simonds 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, Derek Simonds

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, I’m joined by David Roemer Founder and CEO at Collision Vehicle Exchange, Don Andres, and my co-host Sarah Vantine for a conversation that’s been missing from the Fixed Ops Roundtable: the collision repair business.

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What we discuss in this episode:

For years, consolidators like Caliber Collision, Gerber Collision, and Crash Champions have been taking over the industry—leaving dealerships questioning whether they should even stay in the collision game. But what if there was a way to turn your collision center into a customer retention and revenue-generating machine?

That’s exactly what we’re talking about today.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

•  How Collision Vehicle Exchange helps dealers turn total loss vehicles into new car sales.
•  Why consolidators are gaining market share—and what dealerships can do to fight back.
•  The massive hidden revenue in collision repair that many dealers overlook.
•  How fixed ops, BDC, and sales can work together to keep customers inside your ecosystem instead of losing them to competitors.
•  The data behind why 50% of repaired vehicles are traded within 12 months—and how dealers can capitalize on that.

If you’re in fixed ops, sales, or dealership leadership, this episode will change the way you look at your collision center. You don’t have to lose customers to the consolidators—you just need the right strategy to keep them.

Listen to the episode featuring David Roemer 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 Roemer

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

John Traver is the father of the modern-day BDC (Business Development Center) and CEO of Traver Connect. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a business development strategy that actually drives results, John is the guy to learn from. With decades of experience helping dealerships across the country improve customer experience, increase service profitability, and retain top talent, he’s a true pioneer in the retail automotive industry.

In this episode we talk about something every dealership struggles with: How do you build and sustain a high-performance team in 2025?

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What we discuss in this episode:

John brings the energy, the wisdom, and yes—a few legendary stories. But more importantly, he shares a proven roadmap for business development success that starts with understanding and measuring your team's engagement—the true longitude of your organization.

What we cover in this episode:

•  The Gallup 12 questions that reveal whether your team is thriving or just treading water
•  The four stages of an employee's journey—and how to move them from "What do I get?" to "How do we all grow?"
•  Why some businesses grow 5X faster than others—and how engagement is the secret weapon
•  The connection between great leadership, culture, and profitability
•  How to avoid the "Cloud Disley Chevelle mistake" that sank an entire fleet—and what it means for your dealership

John has built the playbook on business development and retention, and he’s not holding anything back. If you’re serious about winning in 2025, growing your fixed ops, and keeping your team locked in, this episode is non-negotiable listening.

Listen to the episode featuring John Traver 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, John Traver

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, I'm joined by Tim Allbritten, Director of OEM Business Development at BG Products, Inc., to unpack the game-changing impact BG is having on dealership service departments across the country.

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What we discuss in this episode:

What if you could boost service drive efficiency, increase revenue, and keep customers coming back—all while delivering OEM-backed solutions that actually work?

Tim pulls back the curtain on how BG has become the go-to partner for OEMs like GM and Ford, how their 53+ years of innovation have earned the trust of dealerships nationwide, and why service retention is more critical than ever.

Here’s what we cover:

•  How BG’s partnerships with GM and Ford are reshaping dealership service programs
•  The power of in-field reps—why BG is always “an hour away” from any dealership
•  How higher mileage vehicles are changing the service landscape
•  The OEM-approved approach to tackling carbon buildup, turbo issues, and fuel economy loss
•  Why BG bought a trucking company (yes, really!) to solve dealership supply chain challenges
•  What’s ahead in 2025 and how dealers can capitalize on new service revenue opportunities

This conversation is packed with real insights that can help your dealership maximize profitability, improve service processes, and drive long-term customer loyalty.

Listen to the episode featuring Tim Allbritten 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, Tim Allbritten

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 Ryan Maher, the powerhouse CEO behind BizzyCar. Ryan isn’t just a leader—he’s a disruptor turning what most view as a headache—a recall notice—into a secret weapon for dealer profitability and customer retention.

👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

What we discuss in this episode:

Ryan and I dive into the evolution of fixed operations as we discuss how recalls are not just safety alerts, but powerful retention tools that drive profit and transform the customer experience. From record-breaking mobile repair orders to innovative digital strategies that simplify processes for dealers, our conversation is packed with actionable insights and surprising revelations.

The reality? 70 million vehicles on U.S. roads have open safety recalls, yet so many dealerships struggle to convert that into service lane profit. Ryan and his team at BizzyCar have cracked the code, creating a seamless, AI-driven process that removes friction, enhances the customer experience, and skyrockets retention rates by up to 40%.

What we cover in this episode:

•  Why recalls are the ultimate “hook” for customer retention
•  The massive shift toward mobile service (and why it’s working for dealers)
•  How Tesla’s recall numbers reveal a critical trend for fixed ops
•  The real impact of EV growth on fixed ops profitability
•  Why dealers who ignore this shift are leaving money on the table

Plus, we talk about how one dealer is doing 22,000+ mobile repair orders a year—without adding service bays!

This conversation is packed with actionable insights, real-world data, and strategies that can make an immediate impact on your dealership’s bottom line.

Listen to the episode featuring Ryan Maher 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, Ryan Maher

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, I sit down with my friend and industry powerhouse, Dave O’Brien, CEO of Woven Solutions. We get real about what it takes to fix results where they matter most: your people, your culture, and your leadership.

👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

What we discuss in this episode:

What if the secret to dealership success isn’t in the numbers, but in the people? 

In this episode, Dave brings his signature energy and passion as he shares:

• The Story Behind Woven Solutions: A deeply personal journey inspired by the strength of relationships and built to help dealerships weave together better teams and cultures.
• Breaking Through Hesitation: Why hesitation kills progress and how to create a culture where action beats overthinking every time.
• Creating Onboarding That Actually Works: Dave’s proven strategies for onboarding that doesn’t end after two weeks—it becomes a part of your dealership’s DNA.
• The Power of a Coaching Culture: How consistent coaching creates not just employees, but future leaders.

This conversation hits deep because it’s not just about business—it’s about people. Dave’s stories from the frontline, his heart for mentoring, and his raw insights from years in the industry make this a can’t-miss episode for anyone serious about leadership and growth.

Listen to the episode featuring David O'Brien 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, Guest Name

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