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Dealerships have been processing warranty claims the exact same way for 80 years . Is your fixed ops department leaving massive dollars on the table? We caught up with WarrCloud CEO Jim Roche for an exclusive sneak peek at the technology and AI strategies he is bringing to the VADA '26 Convention at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. Register for VADA '26: https://vada.com/convention/ In this bonus "Convention Sneak Peek" episode, Jim breaks down why warranty is a dealership's second-largest receivable . He explores how artificial intelligence is eliminating double data entry in the back office , the specific OEM reimbursement rules most dealers miss , and why 93% of dealers are actively expanding their use of software tools. In this episode: The Hidden $72K — From floor plan expenses for recall-stalled vehicles to service shuttle bus reimbursements, Jim highlights exactly where dealers are missing out on legitimate OEM claims . The Four Pillars of Warranty — How to evaluate your warranty operations through revenue optimization, expense reduction, cash flow improvement, and OEM compliance . AI in the Back Office — Why replacing repetitive, manual data entry with AI not only reduces costs but significantly improves employee retention and technician satisfaction . OEM Friction — Why OEMs need your warranty data as quickly as possible to catch supply chain quality issues, and how to stay on their good side by being timely, accurate, and compliant. 🎙️ ABOUT VADA LIVE VADA Live is the official video podcast of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, hosted by Dan Carrigan . Each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, analysts, and experts on the trends, data, and strategies shaping automotive retail. 👤 ABOUT JIM ROCHE Jim Roche is the CEO of WarrCloud. A returning speaker to the VADA Annual Convention, Jim is an industry expert in fixed operations and dealership technology, dedicated to helping dealers increase profitability through modernized solutions. 🏢 ABOUT WARRCLOUD WarrCloud is a technology company focused on automating one of the most complex areas of dealership operations: warranty claims processing . As the only company in automotive utilizing advanced technology to tackle this problem, WarrCloud helps dealers optimize revenue, reduce administrative expenses, and improve cash flow .

What happens when a customer declines a tire replacement on a Multi-Point Inspection, gets into an accident, and takes the dealership to court? In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with automotive legend and NADA Academy instructor Bob Atwood. With 60 years of experience in the auto industry and a background in law, Bob delivers a masterclass on the legal liabilities hiding in your service drive and the operational basics required to maximize Fixed Ops profitability. In this episode: The Liability of the MPI — Why failing to check off items on a Multi-Point Inspection can hold a dealership legally liable for a customer's accident, and why you should use the word "deferred" instead of "declined". Redefining CSI — Bob argues that CSI doesn't just stand for Customer Satisfaction Index; it stands for "Customer Supplies Income". The 5-Year Defection — Seven out of 10 customers defect from the dealership in year five. Bob explains how failing to build a relationship during the warranty period destroys long-term retention. Growing Service Revenue — Dealerships currently capture only 14% of after-sales revenue. Bob shares a simple strategy to win that business back: ask customers if they have other makes and models at home that need servicing. Training as an Investment — Why training is the number two reason technicians come to a dealership (right behind being treated with respect) and why it is an investment, not an expense.   🚨 Join us for VADA 2026! Registration is open for the VADA Annual Convention, taking place June 22-25 at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. Visit vada.com to secure your spot. 🎙️ ABOUT VADA LIVE VADA Live is the official video podcast of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, hosted by Dan Carrigan. Each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, analysts, and experts on the trends, data, and strategies shaping automotive retail. 👤 ABOUT BOB ATWOOD Bob Atwood is an instructor at the NADA Academy, bringing 60 years of automotive industry experience to the classroom. Having started in the business in 1964, Bob has spent the last 30 years training dealers across the country. Holding a Juris Doctor (JD), Bob brings a unique legal perspective to dealership operations and consumer protection. 🏢 ABOUT NADA ACADEMY The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Academy prepares current and future dealership leaders to improve each department's profitability. The 11-month program utilizes instructors who have lived and worked the operations they teach, ensuring practical, real-world application for automotive professionals.

We caught up with Presidio Group's Kevin Tynan for an exclusive sneak peek at the data-driven strategy he's bringing to the VADA '26 Convention at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Register for VADA '26: https://vada.com/convention/ Kevin is one of the sharpest analysts in automotive retail — and he's not here to sugarcoat it. In this bonus "Convention Sneak Peek" episode, Kevin breaks down the financial physics every Virginia dealer needs to understand heading into 2026: why cheap cars aren't coming back, how the franchise model has saved consumers $194 billion since 2018, and why used vehicles are more like a "snowflake or a fingerprint" than a commodity right now. He's saving his deep dives on the Chinese EV threat and Fixed Ops for the main stage in Virginia Beach — but this episode gives you the foundation to arrive ready. In this episode: The $25K Reality Check — Why OEMs are moving away from affordable volume, not toward it The $194 Billion Defense — Hard data proving the franchise model works for consumers The "Snowflake" Market — What's really happening with used vehicle margins right now Financial Physics 101 — Supply, demand, and what the numbers are actually saying for 2026 Watch, then register: https://vada.com/convention/ 🎙️ ABOUT VADA LIVE VADA Live is the official video podcast of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, hosted by Dan Kerrigan. Each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, analysts, and experts on the trends, data, and strategies shaping automotive retail — from the showroom floor to the main stage at the VADA Annual Convention. Subscribe for new episodes: https://vada.com/news?filter=vadalive 👤 ABOUT KEVIN TYNAN Kevin Tynan is Director of Research at The Presidio Group, where he tracks the forces shaping automotive retail — from manufacturing economics and OEM strategy to dealership operations and macro market trends. A returning speaker at the VADA Annual Convention, Kevin is known for translating complex data into actionable insights for franchise dealers across the country. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn:   / kevinptynan   🏢 ABOUT THE PRESIDIO GROUP The Presidio Group is an investment banking and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the automotive industry. They provide M&A advisory, capital markets, and strategic consulting services to franchise dealers, dealer groups, and automotive companies — helping clients navigate the financial and operational realities of a rapidly evolving market. Learn more: https://thepresidiogroup.com/

As vehicle affordability remains a top concern, the role of the dealership's Finance & Insurance (F&I) office is more critical than ever. In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Robert Hunter, President of Automotive F&I at Brown & Brown Dealer Services. We formally welcome Brown & Brown as VADA's newest Program Partner for Virginia's franchise dealers and dive into the strategies needed to protect front-end gross and properly serve today's budget-conscious consumer. In this episode: The Affordability Factor — With consumers stretching budgets and holding onto older, higher-mileage used vehicles, dealers must adapt their protection product offerings. Consultative Selling — Why F&I teams need to move beyond the pitch. As Robert notes, "It's not just the purchase today. It's the purchase for however long they're going to keep the vehicle". Building a Bench — The importance of promoting the auto industry as a long-term career path and recruiting fresh F&I talent from within the dealership. Continuous Training — How modern dealerships are utilizing a mix of face-to-face coaching and AI technology to create risk-free customer simulations for F&I managers to practice their skills. 🎙️ ABOUT VADA LIVE VADA Live is the official video podcast of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, hosted by Dan Carrigan. Each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, analysts, and experts on the trends, data, and strategies shaping automotive retail. 👤 ABOUT ROBERT HUNTER Robert Hunter is the President of Automotive F&I at Brown & Brown Dealer Services. Based out of the Boston area, Robert and his team focus on cultivating relationships with dealerships nationwide, bringing fresh ideas, AI-driven training, and consultative processes to elevate F&I operations and profitability. 🏢 ABOUT BROWN & BROWN DEALER SERVICES Brown & Brown Dealer Services is a VADA Program Partner. They provide franchise auto dealers with comprehensive F&I solutions, reinsurance expertise, and continuous, modern training programs designed to support dealership personnel and protect consumer investments.

How do you build trust with a consumer before they ever set foot in your showroom? In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Tim Pohanka, Executive Vice President of Pohanka Automotive Group, and Chris Einterz, Director of Online Retailing at Dealer eProcess. Together, they break down the current state of digital automotive retailing, where strategies fall short, and how to effectively integrate AI without losing the human touch. In this episode, we cover: The Omnichannel Experience: Why maintaining consistent messaging across your website, digital tools, and marketing campaigns is the #1 issue dealers face today. Trust Over Price: According to a Capital One study, consumer trust is nearly three times more of an indicator of a purchase than price alone. Respecting Consumer Time: How bringing the negotiation and disclosure process online saves time in the showroom, allowing top salespeople to push 40+ deliveries a month. AI Search Optimization: Why dealerships need to prioritize how AI search agents (like LLMs and smartphone assistants) are parsing their websites for zero-click searches. Watch the full episode to see why transparency is the ultimate conversion tool.  About VADA: The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) represents franchised new car and truck dealers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Formed by dealers in 1943, VADA advocates for a regulatory environment that supports fair competition and enhances consumer safety. The association represents more than just the dealer, supporting every person across every team in the dealership operation. About Dealer eProcess: Dealer eProcess is a digital retailing and website provider that partners with dealerships to enhance their online presence and digital strategy. They focus on helping dealers provide an omnichannel, seamless experience for online shoppers by prioritizing transparency, consistency, and information accuracy across all platforms. About the Guests: Chris Einterz: Chris is the Director of Online Retailing at Dealer eProcess. He brings practical, real-world dealership experience to his role, having previously spent about eight years working in the automotive industry as a sales and F&I manager. Tim Pohanka: Tim serves as the Executive Vice President of the Pohanka Automotive Group. In addition to his leadership role, Tim is also one of the creators and stars of "Tour Detour," a dealer-led road trip video series that tests the real-world limits of the vehicles dealers sell every day.

Is your parts department the most neglected, underappreciated, and misunderstood department in your dealership? In this episode, we sit down with Brian Crossin, an instructor at NADA Academy who brings over two decades of fixed operations and parts management experience to the table. Brian explains why dealerships routinely hand over half a million dollars in inventory capital to their parts teams without providing the formal sales and financial education needed to maximize that investment. In this episode, we cover: The Sales Mindset: Why the biggest blind spot for dealers is failing to treat the parts department like a true sales department capable of generating service appointments and vehicle sales. The Phone Call Problem: How mystery shops reveal a severe lack of sales training on the parts counter, despite staff fielding 50 to 100 phone calls per person, per day. Crucial Metrics: Why tracking "Investment Quality" and the all-important "First-Time Fill Rate" matters far more than just monitoring obsolescence. Technology & AI: The importance of fully utilizing your current DMS, and how artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to revolutionize inventory management. Customer Experience: Why the ultimate rule of fixed ops is to "not make the customer work"—and how to eliminate friction points like bouncing customers back and forth for simple repair quotes. Navigating Tariffs: Why the parts department's existing systems are already well-equipped to handle the cost fluctuations brought on by international trade tensions. Whether you're looking to launch a nationwide e-commerce strategy or just want to master the mundane basics of customer experience, this episode is packed with practical insights to elevate your fixed operations.   About VADA: The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) represents franchised new car and truck dealers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Formed by dealers in 1943, VADA advocates for a regulatory environment that supports fair competition and enhances consumer safety. The association uses its collective power to proactively preserve, protect, and enhance the economic life, relationships, and image of its members across the state. About NADA Academy: The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Academy prepares current and future dealership leaders to improve each department's profitability while examining how new technology and innovations reshape the retail automotive industry. Through comprehensive programs taught by industry experts, the Academy provides hands-on practical application to help automotive professionals develop an end-to-end view of business and dealership operations. About the Guest (Brian Crossin): Brian brings 21-plus years of fixed operations experience to NADA. Before joining NADA, he was involved in all aspects of dealership parts operations, including 12 years in parts management. Brian's passion for teaching, mentoring, and process improvement led him to NADA. He is certified in change management and as a Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. Brian currently facilitates Fixed Operations 1—Parts Department.

We're at the halfway point of the Virginia General Assembly session, and the VADA legal team is breaking down exactly what the "Crossover" deadline means for your dealership. Join VADA Live host Dan Carrigan as he sits down with Anne Gambardella, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and Mimi Perka, Director of Legal and Legislative Affairs, for a Capitol "vibe check." From dodging unexpected solar canopy mandates to navigating new employment laws and surveillance pricing, Anne and Mimi share behind-the-scenes accounts of VADA's defensive wins. Tune in to find out which bills survived, which ones died, and how you can make your voice heard at the upcoming Dealer Day. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & General Assembly "Vibe Check" 03:27 - What is "Crossover" and why does it matter? 09:48 - Bullets Dodged: Predictive Scheduling & Surveillance Pricing 12:21 - The unexpected legislative fight over Solar Canopies 15:58 - Broad workplace initiatives: Minimum wage & Paid Family Leave 19:18 - Dealer Modernization Bills & prepping for Dealer Day 22:51 - Right to Repair updates & defeating the tax on repair services 27:30 - The ultimate takeaway for Virginia dealers About VADA Live: VADA LIVE is the official podcast powered by the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, offering rich insights and information about the automotive industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Join VADA staff, members, and partners for behind-the-scenes accounts of our efforts in the legislature, regulatory, and industry worlds, and stay equipped with everything you need to know to be a successful and competitive automotive dealer in Virginia.

We know the stats: turnover in the automotive industry is hovering near 46%, and for service advisors specifically, it's nearly 49%. Why are dealership struggling to keep their best people? This week on VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Christopher Craig – Author, Fixed Ops Expert, and U.S. Army Reserve Officers – to answer that question. Christopher argues the industry is full of "Managers" who managers, but lackss "Leaders" who lead people. In this conversation, we move beyond the spreadsheets to discuss the human side of service operations. Learn to establish a communication "rhythm" that eliminates friction for customers, structure KPIs that don't pit your team against each other, and why the next generation of technicians care about more than just a paycheck.

Can a used Nissan with over 100,000 miles and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) survive the salt flats of Bonneville and the rock crawling trails of Moab? In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Tim Pohanka, Executive Vice President of the Pohanka Automotive Group, to discuss his hit new YouTube series, "Tour Detour: The Good, The Bad, & The CVT." Tim and two fellow dealers set out to bust the myths surrounding Nissan's CVT reliability by taking three high-mileage vehicles on a punishing 1,500-mile road trip across the American West. From river crossings to desert sand dunes, they wanted to prove that these cars could handle conditions no engineer ever intended. Watch the "Tour Detour" Series here: https://thetourdetour.com/episodes

The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session is officially underway, and for the retail automotive industry, the stakes remain as high as ever. Join VADA Live host Dan Carrigan for our Season 2 premiere as he sits down with experts Mimi Perka, VADA Director of Legislative & Legal Affairs, and Ralston King, President of RivCo Government Affairs and VADA Lobbyist. With 18 new members entering the House of Delegates, VADA's mission this year is focused on education, relationship-building, and protecting the franchise system. As the saying goes: "If you are not at the table, you're on the menu." Now is the time for every member of the Virginia automotive community to engage, stay informed, and make their voices heard. Register for Dealer Day 2026 (Wednesday, January 28): https://vada.com/event/dealerday26

In this conclusion to our special end-of-year series, VADA President and CEO Don Hall shifts the focus from external threats to the internal dynamics that will define dealership success in 2026. Hall shares candid takeaways from his recent time at the NADA Academy, specifically highlighting the critical, often undervalued role of service technicians. He argues that the service drive touches far more customers than the sales floor and that building a culture where employees feel valued is the only sustainable way to protect the business. Hall also issues a warning about upcoming regulatory attacks targeting processing fees and spot deliveries, urging dealers to prepare now rather than later. He challenges owners and general managers to "lead from the front" by being visible and engaged in the daily grind of their stores. With the 2026 legislative session and Virginia's 250th anniversary on the horizon, the message is clear: your presence—whether in the dealership or at the General Assembly—has never mattered more.

VADA's Don Hall sat down for a candid, two-part interview on the threats facing the franchise system–from manufacturers like VW and Scout pushing for direct sales to the new political landscape in Richmond. In Part 1 Don delivers a message to dealers who think they can coast through 2026: "Manufacturers have made it clear... they would love to be able to take off certain vehicles and sell them direct. We need to care and we need to get engaged. This is a big deal. It's not going to go away."

Join the VADA leadership team—President Don Hall and legal experts Anne Gambardella, Barry Beatty, and Mimi Perka—for an essential briefing on the 2026 political and regulatory landscape. This session covers everything from Virginia's new administration to aggressive FTC enforcement and critical franchise rights updates.

The "Party Crashers" have returned, and the stakes are higher than ever. To celebrate our one-year anniversary of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan welcomes back our very first guest, Brian Finkelmeyer of Cox Automotive. In this deep dive, Brian analyzes the massive $30 billion tariff impact hitting automakers and explains why the industry is seeing a "perplexing" shift in consumer behavior. From the normalization of new car inventory to the "bottom valley" of used car acquisitions and the sunsetting of EV incentives, this episode provides the roadmap dealers need for 2026. Brian also breaks down the "Two Americas" economy and how dealers must evolve their service and AI strategies to meet the needs of today's most affluent buyers.