In this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Brooke C. Furniss—founder of BZ Consultants Group and host of Facts Not Feelings—to explore modern dealer strategy from the inside out. The conversation dives into how service departments play a vital role in long-term customer retention, and why aligning sales and service budgets is crucial for dealership success.

Brooke shares actionable insights on cross-training staff, implementing technology more effectively, and meeting today’s car buyers’ expectations for a seamless, digital-first experience. From improving internal communication to using video for better customer engagement, this episode is packed with strategic takeaways to elevate your dealer strategy.

Key Topics Covered:

• ​Smart budget allocation between service and sales
• ​Cross-training to improve team collaboration
• ​Enhancing the customer journey with digital tools
• ​Building trust through transparent communication

Tune in for practical tips and bold ideas to strengthen your dealership’s operations and future-proof your dealer strategy.

In this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Shawn Armorer, a BDC consultant with over 24 years of automotive experience—from his early days as a car washer to his leadership in business development.

The conversation covers key strategies for boosting fixed ops performance, adopting new technologies like video in service departments, and improving BDC practices to drive traffic and enhance the customer experience. Sean shares valuable insights on the power of emotional engagement, aligning BDC efforts with service goals, and the importance of continuous evolution in customer communication.

If you’re looking for practical ways to personalize customer interactions, strengthen your BDC, and build a supportive team culture—this episode is for you.

Listen now for actionable takeaways and fresh ideas to elevate your dealership’s service experience.

In this episode, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Robert Migliaccio of Valley CMA to discuss one of the automotive industry’s biggest challenges: the fixed ops talent crisis. With over 25 years of experience and oversight of multiple CMA Value stores, Robert shares hard-earned wisdom and forward-thinking strategies for redefining the service advisor role, retaining top talent, and creating a workplace culture that attracts the next generation.
From implementing ESOP-driven pay plans to emphasizing career development and work-life balance, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for dealership leaders looking to build stronger, more sustainable teams. They also touch on how technology and automation are shaping the future of service departments.
Whether you're struggling with staffing or looking to elevate your service team, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.
Tune in now and take the next step FWRD

Lights, Camera, Action! In this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui are joined by Joe Shaker, founder of TruVideo, to explore the power of video communication in automotive service departments. They dive into how video communication can increase revenue, improve customer trust, and boost satisfaction. Joe shares how personalized videos are enhancing customer engagement and sales processes, while exciting new technologies like augmented reality are on the horizon. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for integrating video communication into your dealership and driving success in your service department!

Customer retention is more critical than ever in the automotive industry. In the latest episode of FWRD, host Corey Smith and co-host Eric Jauregui, alongside guest Jacob Zachs, CEO of Fasten, break down winning strategies to boost retention and customer loyalty. They explore key topics like dealership pricing perceptions, the power of personalized ads, and how gamification and reward programs—similar to those in airlines and hotels—can drive long-term engagement.

Learn how to build trust, enhance transparency, and maximize retention for your dealership. Tune in now!

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Beirowski to dive into the evolving landscape of customer experience in automotive retail and service. From the power of video engagement to the changing expectations of today’s consumers, we break down what truly drives loyalty and trust at the dealership level.

Key takeaways include:
Transparency & education in vehicle repairs—why customers demand it
Balancing technology & human interaction in fixed ops for a seamless service experience
Actionable strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and retention

Kate shares her perspective, offering valuable insights into leadership, industry challenges, and the future of customer-centric dealerships. Plus, don’t miss the behind-the-scenes collaboration as we connect industry pros and future guests!

In this FWRD Podcast episode, Corey Smith interviews Alec Ruffini from Fowler Automotive Group to discuss essential automotive management strategies. Alec reveals how to build strong automotive teams through effective communication, knowledge-sharing, and conflict resolution. He emphasizes the importance of managers being accessible to technicians, fostering a culture of accountability, and implementing continuous training and digital tools. Learn how embracing new technologies and improving interdepartmental communication can keep your automotive business competitive. Tune in for expert insights on successful team management in the automotive industry.

In this episode of FWRD Podcast, Corey Smith sits down with Roger Gutierrez, Fixed Operations Director at Biggers Auto Group, to break down what it takes to lead a top-performing service team in 2025. Roger shares game-changing insights on leadership consistency, effective communication, and leveraging technology for stronger customer interactions and team collaboration. Learn how to improve team engagement, streamline onboarding, and use cross-training for a more adaptable workforce. Plus, discover why performance metrics, emotional intelligence, and a clear vision are critical for success in the evolving auto industry. Don’t miss these actionable strategies to elevate your service department!

In this Forward episode, Corey Smith chats with Ryan Maher, CEO of BizzyCar, about the company’s rapid growth, innovative mobile technician app, and the future of mobile car services in dealerships. Ryan shares insights on customer satisfaction, operational benefits, and overcoming challenges like securing executive buy-in.

Host Corey Smith welcomes Todd Smith, CEO of QoreAi, to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the automotive industry. Todd highlights the essential role of centralized data in enabling dealerships to harness the full potential of AI. He explains how AI can improve customer retention by analyzing interactions and predicting behaviors, optimize inventory management, forecast industry trends, and enhance service efficiency. Todd encourages dealerships to prioritize data centralization and expand their understanding of AI technology. He wraps up by emphasizing the importance of a data-first approach to drive efficiency and profitability with AI-powered solutions.