FWRD: An EasyCare Podcast

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With used car margins under pressure and gross profit per unit down over 12% year-over-year, dealerships can no longer treat reconditioning as an afterthought. In this episode of FWRD: An EasyCare Podcast, hosts Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui sit down with Eric Meahan, Managing Director of Repair360, to discuss how transforming your recon process into a high-velocity supply chain can win back your lost margins. Learn actionable strategies to hit a strict 5-day retail-ready target, track the right leading KPIs, and build absolute team accountability to turn your used car department back into a major profit center.

In this episode of FWRD, host Erick Jauregui sits down with Bernie DeGraw, Senior Education Developer for the MRAA, to discuss the evolving customer experience in the marine service industry. They explore the gap between sales and service, highlighting the critical role of communication and ongoing training in improving service performance.

EasyCoach℠ turns every F&I conversation into measurable performance. In this episode of FWRD, we break down the national launch of EasyCoach℠, EasyCare’s AI-powered coaching platform that reinforces training, improves compliance, and helps dealerships increase PVR through real conversation analysis.

In this episode of FWRD, Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui break down why fixed operations will define dealership success in 2026. From elevating the role of the service advisor to restructuring the service drive for long-term profitability, this conversation explores practical strategies dealers can use to turn service into their strongest profit center. If you are focused on improving retention, increasing RO performance, and future-proofing your store, this episode delivers actionable insight you can apply immediately.

Dealers do not need more AI buzzwords. They need a clear use case. In this episode, Sean Hartman (VP of Sales, Toma) breaks down how to evaluate AI tools using a practical framework: adoption, resolution, and tailoring so dealerships can reduce call load, improve appointment handling, and free teams up for higher-value work.

Corey Smith sits down with Laurie Halter to explore how authentic storytelling and intentional communication drive trust, culture, and performance in automotive. The conversation unpacks why brand promises must be lived, not just stated, and how leaders can connect more deeply with customers and teams through genuine language and action.

Guest Matt Raymond sits down with Erick Jauregui to talk about what it really takes to build a modern BDC that converts. Matt explains how combining technology with “Actual Individuals” creates better customer experiences, why outsourcing can boost efficiency and lower costs, and what KPIs dealers should focus on heading into 2025.

Brand strategist Jeane Reitelbach joins hosts Corey Smith and Eric Jauregui on FWRD to explore how dealerships can turn customer feedback into a true operational advantage. From using one-star reviews as internal training tools to boosting your AI-powered search rankings, this episode offers practical, dealership-ready strategies to improve retention, performance, and reputation.

Jeremy Stevens joins host Corey Smith to break down the real-world success and opportunity behind mobile service. From building customer trust to driving new revenue, this episode dives into why mobile service is gaining traction — and what it takes for dealerships to do it well.

Sean Reyes of Recall Masters joins FWRD to explore how proactive recall outreach helps dealers boost retention, upsell with empathy, and reconnect with lost customers.

In this episode, Corey Smith and Erick Jauregui are joined by Robert Migliaccio of Valley CMA to explore one of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today: the fixed ops talent crisis. With over 25 years of experience leading multiple CMA Value stores, Robert shares actionable insights on redefining the service advisor role, boosting retention, and building a culture that attracts and grows top talent. From ESOP-driven pay plans to tech-forward strategies, this conversation offers real-world solutions for leaders ready to take their service departments FWRD.

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!