Interviews

It’s crucial for dealers to start the new year off on the right foot, and that begins with being mindful of market predictions and new car buying trends. On today’s show, Jim Fitzpatrick speaks with Bill Wittenmyer , vice president of sales and operations for eLead CRM, now part of CDK Global, to discuss what we’ve learned so far...

As we gear up for the annual NADA show in San Francisco at the end of this month, we’re pleased to welcome Rhett Ricart, Vice Chairman-Elect. Rhett is also President and CEO of Ricart Automotive and today, he speaks with Jim Fitzpatrick about his career in the auto industry and what we can expect from the upcoming NADA show. VIDEO...

Historically low unemployment, new tax cuts, and a sharp decrease in gas prices set the tone for yet another strong year for 2018. According to numerous projections, the industry is likely to see the fourth consecutive year above 17 million vehicles. Here to tell us more about the December numbers is Executive Director of Industry Analysis at Edmunds.com, Jessica...

2018 has been a year of continued innovation and big advances in technology, and with these changes comes new demands from consumers. From car buying experiences, to preferences, and car ownership expectations, there’s certainly a lot for dealers to consider in the new year. On today’s show, Jim Fitzpatrick speaks with Matt DeLorenzo, managing editor at Kelley Blue Book...

The quality of your customer’s overall experience in the service department can have lasting consequences on your dealership; good or bad. In anticipation for this year’s changes in the automotive retail market, our guest today has some great strategies for delivering the unique buying experiences that customers expect today. Joining Jim Fitzpatrick is Jim Roche, vice president of marketing...

Lisa Copeland, founder of Lisa Copeland Global and CEO of Cars Her Way, as well as Brian Benstock, GM and Vice President of Paragon Honda to discuss women in automotive and what the industry can do more of in 2019 to recruit female talent to our phenomenal industry. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:  Jim Fitzpatrick: Thank you very much for joining us folks. Brian Benstock:...

Successful digital marketing strategies are more important now than ever for your dealership, but how can dealers accurately measure their online engagement? On today's show, Jim speaks with Eric Mercado, Chief Sales Officer for Force Marketing to discuss the best marketing practices to implement at your dealership in the new year. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Jim Fitzpatrick: I want to pick your brain a...

In today's segment, CBT Automotive's Jim Fitzpatrick talks with Jeff Dyke, executive vice president of operations for Sonic Automotive to discuss the future of their used car retail chain, EchoPark, and the launch of their new mobile app, CarCash. Over the past four years, EchoPark has grown from opening its first location in late 2014 to recently opening seven locations...

Rideshare companies, direct to consumer sales models, recruiting, tariffs and if that is not enough over 4 million off-lease cars are hitting the market this year. There is a lot going on in the Automotive industry theses days. To help break everything down for our viewers we are joined Executive Vice President of Cox Automotive, vAuto Founder, and Author,...

Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with James Boening, the General Manager of Audi South Atlanta, to discuss turnover, the internet, and digital marketing. James began in the industry detailing and valeting cars when he was 18 and has been in the auto industry for 32 years now. At the age of 25 he owned his first used car location, which he...