VADA Live S2:E18 | "Engagement is the key." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Jim Fitzpatrick)
About this episode
Jim Fitzpatrick discusses key strategies for modern automotive retail in a preview of the VADA '26 Convention.
Are you truly operating your stores, or are you just a holding company for automotive real estate? We caught up with Jim Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder of CBT News and retail auto veteran, for an exclusive sneak peek at the industry trends and leadership strategies he is bringing to the VADA '26 Convention stage at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Register for VADA '26: https://vada.com/convention/ In this bonus "Convention Sneak Peek" episode, Jim hits hard on what it takes to survive modern automotive retail. He shares the operational data behind CBT's recent viral interview with VADA's Don Hall, explores the changing expectations of incoming Gen Z talent, and explains why dealership groups must professionalize their training programs to protect their bottom line. As Jim notes plainly on industry survival, "Engagement is the key". In this episode: The Engaged Operator — Flying off in a private jet or hanging out on a yacht is great, but the dealers winning right now are deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations. Jim explains why modern business pressures require hands-on leadership. The 750K View Sparring Match — Jim breaks down his recent global trade debate with Don Hall…
People in this episode
Guest: Jim Fitzpatrick
Topics covered
- automotive retail
- leadership strategies
- Gen Z talent
- dealer training
- industry trends
Keywords
- automotive
- retail
- leadership
- training programs
- Gen Z
- association voice
- industry trends
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CBT News, VADA
Places: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
More episodes of VADA Live
- VADA Live S2:E17 | "Compliance is a competitive advantage." (VADA '26 Preview with Lauren Bailey)
- VADA Live S2:E16 | "We live on a 30-day cycle" (Convention Preview with Sam D'Arc)
- VADA Live S2:E15 | "Zero surprises." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Dr. John Coles)
- VADA Live S2:E14 | "F&I profit is hyper-focused." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Joe St. John)
- VADA Live S2:E13 | "We don't sell cars. We build relationships." (Matt Vollmers, NADA Academy)
- VADA Live S2:E12 | "Don't leave dollars on the table." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Jim Roche)
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