Mobile service is no longer just a future trend — it’s actively reshaping how dealers deliver value, drive retention, and grow their fixed ops revenue. In this episode of FWRD, host Corey Smith welcomes Jeremy Stevens to unpack how mobile service is creating meaningful customer relationships, why dealerships need to go “all in” to make it work, and how to overcome operational hurdles.

With over 800 perfect surveys and powerful real-world experience, Jeremy shares what success looks like when mobile techs are trusted, equipped, and empowered to bring the dealership experience straight to the customer’s driveway.

Whether you’re considering launching mobile service or looking to optimize what you’ve already started, this episode gives you the strategic lens — and the firsthand proof — to get ahead.

With a 49% turnover rate among service advisors, today’s fixed ops challenges go far beyond customer satisfaction — they begin with the employee experience.

In this episode of FWRD, Corey Smith is joined by Chris Craig — industry trainer, content creator, and author of Becoming a Better Service Professional — to explore how dealership leaders can create stronger, more resilient teams.

They dig into the real-world challenges facing service departments: from communication gaps between advisors and technicians, to broken survey practices, to retaining new techs through their first year. Chris also shares actionable ways leaders can create clarity around career growth, improve onboarding, and foster long-term loyalty.

Whether you’re a GM, fixed ops director, or someone committed to supporting your people, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how better leadership leads to better outcomes — for your team and your customers.

In today’s market, attention is currency—and if your dealership isn’t showing up online, you’re missing the sale before it starts. In this episode of the FWRD Podcast, host Corey Smith sits down with Jordan Cox, a dealership video strategist with 11+ years of experience, to unpack the real strategies that top-performing rooftops are using to win on social.

Jordan shares how dealerships of any size can create effective, scalable video content that boosts visibility, drives fixed ops engagement, and builds long-term customer trust—without a full-time video team or fancy production setup.

Get actionable guidance on:

• Creating consistent short-form videos that cut through the noise
• Turning your sales and service teams into on-camera brand advocates
• Shifting from promo-based content to authentic storytelling
• Using CRM and social analytics to track ROI from your videos

Whether you’re a GM, service manager, or marketing lead, this episode gives you a clear, low-barrier blueprint for dealership video success in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of the FWRD podcast, Christine Vinatieri-Erickson, President of the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association, joins hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui for a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges today’s dealers face — and where real opportunities lie. From protecting franchise rights and solving the technician shortage to why EV adoption is lagging in rural markets, Christine shares practical insights every dealership can use. If you're focused on retention, recruiting, or staying ahead of industry shifts, this episode delivers real takeaways to help you strengthen your strategy and stay future-ready.

In Episode 102, Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Sean Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer at Recall Masters, to discuss the untapped opportunity in proactive recall outreach.

Reyes shares insights from the 2024 State of Recalls report, highlighting that only 2.5% of recalls are resolved passively through OEM outreach. The episode explores how dealers can lead the way with accurate data, empathetic communication, and a customer-first service approach to improve recall compliance, re-engage lost customers, and drive revenue.

Topics include:

• The impact of live agent outreach versus passive scheduling
• How education, not upselling, leads to more customer pay work
• Aligning sales and service to create long-term loyalty
• Retention trends as customers keep vehicles longer than ever

This is a must-listen for dealership leaders focused on maximizing service opportunities and creating better customer experiences.

On this episode of FWRD, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Gary Locicero, VP of our sister company Crystal Fusion Technologies, to talk about the science, strategy, and safety behind modern windshield protection.

With over a decade at Crystal Fusion and a front-row seat to its growth under the APCO umbrella, Gary shares how a 10-minute product install is transforming visibility on the road and profitability in the dealership.

From hydrophobic glass coatings and LED glare reduction to OEM-level warranties and cross-department profit potential, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to bring real value to the customer experience.

In this episode of the FWRD Podcast, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui welcome Ron Overs, Publisher of Fixed Ops Magazine, for a dynamic conversation about the evolving world of fixed operations — and how smart collaboration across departments is key to long-term success.

With over 20 years in the industry, Ron shares powerful insights on:

• How AI is enhancing efficiency in service and BDC departments
• Meeting today’s customer expectations for speed, transparency, and personalization
• The power of culture, training, and storytelling in driving retention
• How fixed ops supports lasting customer relationships and repeat sales

From advisor training to sales-service alignment, this episode offers practical strategies to elevate dealership operations and customer loyalty.

Tune in for actionable insights and bold ideas to move your dealership forward.

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 the FWRD Podcast, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui welcome Ron Overs, Publisher of Fixed Ops Magazine, for a dynamic conversation about the evolving world of fixed operations — and how smart collaboration across departments is key to long-term success.

With over 20 years in the industry, Ron shares powerful insights on:

• How AI is enhancing efficiency in service and BDC departments
• Meeting today’s customer expectations for speed, transparency, and personalization
• The power of culture, training, and storytelling in driving retention
• How fixed ops supports lasting customer relationships and repeat sales

From advisor training to sales-service alignment, this episode offers practical strategies to elevate dealership operations and customer loyalty.

Tune in for actionable insights and bold ideas to move your dealership forward.

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.