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The Fixed Ops Roundtable, hosted by Ted Ings, is your source for cutting edge information, technology, and best practices from leaders and innovators in the retail automobile industry. Enjoy weekly episodes featuring expert interviews that originally aired during Ted Ings popular Fixed Ops Roundtable live and virtual events.
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The Dealer Playbook

Michael Cirillo

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The Dealer Playbook is the top-rated podcast for automotive professionals who want to dominate the retail industry. Hosted by Michael Cirillo, this show delivers expert interviews, proven strategies, and actionable insights to help you sell more cars, lead stronger teams, and grow thriving dealerships. Whether you work in sales, service, F&I, marketing, or management, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to excel in a rapidly evolving market. Join thousands of listeners every week who trust ...
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There’s nothing worse than losing customers to independent garages and quick lubes after the OEM warranty expires – which happens 70% of the time! As a car dealership, your #1 goal is keeping customers — and to do that, you need quality employees, an optimized service department, and benefits that matter to your customers. Imagine transforming your service department into a powerhouse of customer retention and satisfaction. Picture a dealership where your team is motivated, your customers ar ...
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Am I qualified to be here? I have been working in fixed operations since 1987 starting as a technician and moving my way up to the fixed operation director of a 7 store group. I have over 50,000 hours of experience! This podcast will deliver value that can help you reach higher levels, faster in the fixed operations world. With featured experts from all types of businesses you will gain knowledge you can immediately use to accelerate your career. fixedopsmedia.substack.com
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In this episode, my guest is John Traver, CEO of Traver Connect—a longtime leader in business development and a good friend of the Roundtable. We talk about something every dealership leader should be thinking about right now: how to future-proof not just your business, but yourself. 👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event What we di…
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What if your biggest threat to retention isn’t the competition, but your own calendar? Most dealerships don’t lose customers all at once. They just stop showing up. But with AI and a few simple process shifts, you can catch defection before it happens and make retention feel automatic. In this episode, sponsored by DriveSure, we welcome Dave Foy, a…
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In this episode, my guest is Steve Greenfield from Automotive Ventures, and together with Sarah Vantine, we dive into what’s really happening in the auto market right now. We talk about why dealers are suddenly feeling the pressure on inventory, how consumer behavior is shifting, and why used car prices are still hanging stubbornly high. Steve shar…
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In this episode, my guest is Nicole Dolphin, Retail Development Manager at Groupe Touchette, and we’re digging into the part of the dealership that doesn’t always get its fair share of attention—Fixed Ops. Nicole shares how the service department isn’t just about oil changes and tires. It’s a relationship hub. It’s where trust is built (or lost). I…
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In this episode, my guest is Thomas Bednarczyk, National Sales Director at Infomedia, the makers of Microcat EPC — a parts catalog used by over 220,000 people worldwide. We talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight, but quietly keeps the whole dealership running: the parts department. 👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtabl…
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In this episode, my guest is Jill Schulman, USMC veteran, leadership coach, and author of The Bravery Effect. We dig into the surprising role that bravery plays in building high-performing cultures—not just in the military, but in dealerships, teams, and even our personal lives. Jill shares the science behind why playing it safe actually leads to b…
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What if your best retention strategy had nothing to do with pricing, loyalty programs, or even your shop’s hours, and everything to do with how your service advisors say "good morning"? Most customers don’t come back because they weren’t helped… they were handled. The fix? Train your advisors to build relationships, not just close tickets. In this …
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In this episode, my guest is Alan Dickie, President - www.AlanDickie.com and a returning DPB alum. Alan’s one of those guys who doesn’t just talk about success—he breaks it down to the bone. In this conversation, we explore what he calls the “laws” that make success predictable in life and business. We talk about why most salespeople stay stuck sel…
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In this episode, I sit down with Laurie Halter from Charisma! Communications—Laurie works with some of the most trusted names in Fixed Ops, and in this conversation, we get into how they’re winning—and what you can learn from it. 👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event What we discuss in this episode: We talk about the rise of recall…
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In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, to unpack some of the most pressing—and overlooked—topics in automotive marketing right now. From mobile-first lead strategies to AI-powered insights, Matt brings a rare, high-altitude perspective that cuts through the fluff and actually makes sense of…
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Offering mobile service sounds like a win-win, but for many dealerships, the logistics feel overwhelming. How do you staff it? Route it? Make money on it? And will customers even use it consistently? In this episode, sponsored by DriveSure, Bill sits down with Amit Chandarana, CEO of Curbee, a mobile service software platform that’s helping dealers…
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In this episode, my guest is Owen Moon, CEO of Dealer Stream, and we’re digging into how dealerships can finally use streaming the right way—to actually reach and influence today’s real customers, not just chase impressions. We talk about why traditional advertising isn't keeping up, and how connected TV is fast becoming the place your next service…
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In this episode, my guest is Barry Hillier, co-founder of Auto Agentic A.I. and someone I’ve known and respected for years. Barry’s got a deep background in SaaS and marketing, and he’s one of those rare people who can make complex tech make sense—and more importantly, make it useful. We talk about what AI actually means for dealerships, business o…
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In this episode, my guest is Leonard A. Bellavia, Esq., Founding Partner at Bellavia-Blatt, PC and the voice behind DealerLaw.com. With tariffs tightening their grip, market volatility, and OEMs playing hardball, the automotive world feels a bit like walking through a minefield right now. But Len brings clarity, strategy, and a whole lot of hard-ea…
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In this episode, my guest is Jacqui Barker, Global OEM Strategy Director at Keyloop, joining me from the floor of the Toronto International Auto Show. We get into the real stuff—the behind-the-scenes friction points in today’s car buying journey and what needs to change now if dealerships want to stay relevant in a world of evolving tech and rising…
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Most customers expect a modern, seamless experience everywhere they go, so why does the dealership service lane still rely on clipboards and key drops? It’s time to ask whether your service experience reflects the kind of innovation and convenience today’s customers take for granted. In this episode, sponsored by DriveSure, we talk with Richard Lup…
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Ever wondered why some service departments are raking in higher revenue while others are struggling to keep up? The secret might be hiding in plain sight — and it’s all about technician videos. In today’s episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, Sarah Vantine sits down with Liza Borches, CEO of Carter Myers Automotive, to uncover how a simple yet power…
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In this episode, my guest is Shahin Alizadeh, President and CEO of Downtown Auto Group – a powerhouse in the automotive and real estate industries. Shahin has redefined what a dealership can be, transforming a small, struggling lot to then developing a leading edge Auto Complex But this isn’t just another dealership success story. Shahin dives deep…
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My guest in this episode is Nolan Armpriester, Director of Operations at Kinley Automotive Group in Pennsylvania—home to the #1 mobile service operation in the country. In this episode, we dive into how Nolan and his team scaled a mobile service department from one van to over 30 mobile units, executing more than 35,000+ repair orders annually—with…
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My guest in this episode is Agnes Di Leonardi — an automotive executive, a lawyer, and one of the few recipients of the prestigious Order of Canada for her contributions to the industry. With over 30 years of experience across companies like Ford, Mazda, and Sym Tech Dealer Services, Agnes brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership, inclusion, a…
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The success of dealership service departments often hinges on effectively setting and securing first service appointments—a pivotal step many dealerships overlook. But it could significantly boost customer retention through strategic processes and engaging customer experiences. In this episode, sponsored by DriveSure, Patti Tremonti, CEO of MTN Aut…
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What if your service department could create experiences so powerful... customers would never dream of going anywhere else? In this episode of the Fixed Ops Roundtable, I’m thrilled to sit down with none other than Moazzam Abu Bakar — best-selling author, customer experience futurist, and one of the brightest minds reshaping the retail auto industr…
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In this episode I’m hanging out in person with my good friend Kyle Mountsier—COO at ASOTU (Automotive State of the Union), we talk about everything from AI implementation in dealerships to the real reason human connection is the most valuable currency in retail auto. We’re recording this one in person from New York City, floor-sitting style (yep, y…
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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 feel…
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In this episode, my guest is Christine Mitchell—aka The Car Lady— founder of The Car Lady Canada, and we talk about what it really takes to build dealership loyalty, elevate women in automotive, and create a culture that actually sticks. Christine’s been in the car business since she was 16—and what started as a gig in the lube lane turned into a n…
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Customer retention in the dealership service department is about more than just numbers—it's about treating every customer as if they're family and earning their repeat and referral business. In this episode, Tully Williams, Fixed Operations Director at the Niello Company, emphasizes the importance of measuring retention consistently and realistica…
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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. 👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event What we discuss in this episode: Why a dedicated parts phone line m…
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In this episode, my guest is Edwin Frizzell, Regional Vice President and General Manager at the legendary Fairmont Royal York, and we’re talking about what it really takes to create unforgettable guest experiences, build strong internal culture, and lead with purpose in fast-paced, high-expectation environments. Edwin shared a real-world example of…
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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 au…
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In this episode, my guest is Miranda Pyette, founder of Purpose Automotive and one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to dealership social strategy. She’s been in the trenches. From hustling newspaper ads to helping dealers make the massive leap from print to digital. Now, she’s leading a powerhouse team of women helping dealerships ac…
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The service retention landscape is shifting, and dealerships must adapt to stay ahead. With fewer new cars being sold in recent years, the traditional flow of service customers is slowing, making it more important than ever to win back lost customers and capture more aftermarket business. In this episode, we sit down with Ujj Nath, CEO and Founder …
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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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In this episode, my guest is Omar Gandhi, founder of Omar Gandhi Architects (OG) and the architectural genius behind Audi Haus. Omar’s firm, Omar Gandhi Architects, has built a reputation for creating spaces that do more than just exist—they make people feel something. And as it turns out, when people feel something, they’re more likely to engage, …
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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 s…
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In this episode, my guest is Nick Askew, CEO of Space Auto— a guy who went from composing music to selling cars to building game-changing tech for dealerships. Yeah, you read that right. His journey proves that creativity, sales, and innovation are more connected than we think—and that fresh thinking might be exactly what the auto biz needs right n…
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Dealerships today face a unique challenge: standing out in a crowded digital landscape while building long-term customer loyalty. In this episode, we explore how dealerships can strengthen their brand, improve retention, and create meaningful customer relationships. We’re joined by up-and-coming industry leader, Savannah Simms, Director of Marketin…
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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. 👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event What we discuss in this episode: For years, consolidators like…
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In this episode, my guest is Luke Lunkenheimer, the President of Paid to Persuade, and let’s just say… his road to success wasn’t exactly a straight line. Before becoming a persuasion expert and sitting at the table with guys like Tai Lopez and Brad Lea, Luke took a few, uh… detours but we’ll get to that. But here’s the crazy part—his past is exact…
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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 pro…
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In this special episode, I pay tribute to my friend and industry icon, Jim "The Alpha Dawg" Ziegler. If you’ve been in the car business for more than five minutes, you probably know his name—or at the very least, you’ve heard his unmistakable voice calling it like it is. Jim was one of a kind, and his impact on the industry, and on me personally, i…
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What if some of the biggest opportunities for service retention are hiding in plain sight? Recalls and mobile service often feel like operational challenges, but they could be the key to driving revenue and reactivating customers you thought were lost for good. In this episode, sponsored by DriveSure, Ryan Maher, CEO and founder of BizzyCar, joins …
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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. 👉 Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event What we discuss in this episode: What if you could boost service drive efficiency, incr…
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In this episode, my guest is John Dwyer—a marketing enigma known for crafting “way-outside-the-box” customer attraction strategies. John is the brains behind campaigns that have turned entire industries on their heads. He’s the guy who got Jerry Seinfeld out of retirement for an ad campaign (seriously, who does that?!), and he’s been helping busine…
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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 …
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In this episode, my guest is Bradley Gelber—the digital media and content marketing mastermind at West Herr Auto Group, the largest privately-owned dealer group in New York. Now, let me ask you something… Does your dealership’s online presence actually stand out? Or are you just another brand blending into the endless scroll of sameness? Here’s the…
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What’s the real key to turning first-time customers into lifelong dealership advocates? For many, the answer lies in an often-overlooked area: the parts department. In this episode, we uncover how inventory health, tire strategies, and better communication can transform your dealership’s retention game. Kaylee Felio, Sales and Marketing Manager at …
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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 succ…
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In this episode, my guest is Chance Mayfield, founder of Carfluent - we sit down to talk about how dealerships can better connect with Spanish-speaking buyers, create a seamless customer experience, and ultimately drive more sales. Here’s the deal… The Spanish-speaking car market in the U.S. is MASSIVE yet it remains one of the most underserved con…
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In this episode , I sit down with Matt Gray, OEM Program Director at Better Car People, to unpack the game-changing strategies that are shaping fixed operations in 2025. From the rise of AI-powered voice assistants to the importance of emotional intelligence in service interactions, Matt shares actionable insights that will help your dealership bui…
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In this episode, my guest is Brian Kramer, EVP of Dealer Growth & Success at Cars Commerce. Brian has a unique perspective—he’s got eyes on thousands of dealerships, millions of VDPs, and the real numbers behind what’s working (and what’s not). We dive into some game-changing insights about how dealers can stop guessing and start measuring their on…
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