Fixed Ops Focus

In this powerful episode, Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers dive deep into the importance of having solid processes in your fixed operations department. They break down: What exactly is a process? Why every successful operation needs them How to start with the end in mind The critical role of accountability Steve and Dave use a compelling analogy: flying an airplane. Just like pilots rely on checklists t...

Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers tackle one of the hottest topics in fixed operations today: Should used car reconditioning be treated as a profit center or just a necessary expense? They break down the real pros and cons of each approach and deliver practical strategies including: · The power of a dedicated used car technician team · Why a 24–48-hour recon turnaround is a game-changer · The case for an...

Dave Rogers and Steve Shaw sit down with Janet Hayworth from Rainmaker Warranty Services for a deep dive into the evolving world of warranty claims and reimbursement for new car dealers. Manufacturers are tightening their belts — and if your dealership isn't keeping up, you're leaving money on the table (or worse, facing an audit). Janet breaks down exactly what's changing, what's being demanded,...

Steve and Dave break down why so many dealership videos miss the mark—and how the typical 2–5 minute “factory-style” inspection video often fails to engage customers. More importantly, they discuss how to create video multi-point inspections that customers actually want to watch. The conversation also covers practical strategies for improving your process, including: · Different write-up approache...

Dave and Steve take a conversational “wander” through the core principles of dealership success—covering management, leadership, and the often-overlooked importance of mastering the basics. They also break down why solid auto maintenance fundamentals aren’t just for technicians—they’re critical for the entire operation, from service advisors to leadership teams.

Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers deliver a no-BS, often hilarious discussion about one simple truth: It’s called WORK for a reason. It’s not vacation. It’s not relaxation. It’s not playtime. It’s work.

Dave Rogers and Steve Shaw pull back the curtain on the Fixed Ops profit secrets that most dealerships are completely overlooking — the under-the-radar tactics that can boost your fixed operations profit immediately. While everyone else chases the same obvious plays, these battle-tested approaches deliver fast, measurable lifts in customer-pay revenue, absorption rate, and overall service departme...

In Episode 33, Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers break down a powerful comparison: how elite coaches in professional sports (especially Major League Baseball) approach player development versus how most dealerships manage their service teams. They discuss why the best coaches in MLB don’t just manage — they actively coach every day to raise individual and team performance. Yet in the service department,...

Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers sit down with Bryan Shaw to expose a shocking real-world example from a CDJR dealership: In eight years, across 2 separate vehicles (including one under a free maintenance program), the dealership never once recommended a tire rotation or alignment to the customer. This isn’t just one bad store — it’s far more common than most dealers want to admit. Across the country, s...

Dave Rogers and Steve Shaw reveal how to create truly **frictionless service** by removing the biggest obstacles between your dealership, technicians, and customers. We tackle the **number one pain point** in most dealerships: the **Diagnostic Charge**. We also break down other major hurdles including: • Shop supplies fees • Prepaid service programs • Special order parts delays

In this episode, Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers sit down with Dave Anderson, CEO & Founder of EvenFlow AI, for a powerful follow-up on one of the hottest debates in fixed operations: appointments vs walk-ins debate rages on… until this AI expert drops the truth.

Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers dive headfirst into the critical world of customer retention and the power (or pitfalls) of service contracts and vehicle service contracts. They unpack proven strategies to keep customers coming back to your service drive long after the sale, while building lasting loyalty without giving away the store.

Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers break down how mastering your parts strategy drives customer retention and turns your parts department into a profit powerhouse—especially when it comes to aftermarket vs. OEM. We cover: • Why retention is the heartbeat of fixed ops • Real tactics that build trust and repeat business • How aftermarket parts win on price—and keep customers in your bay • Why aftermarket ca...

Should service departments prioritize appointments… or allow customers to walk in anytime? Many dealerships struggle with balancing customer convenience, technician productivity, and service lane chaos. In this episode, Steve and Dave debate whether dealerships can actually grow their service business by controlling appointments to match production capacity—or if the industry’s common approach of...

Dave and Steve discuss real strategies to boost customer-pay loyalty, turn one-time visitors into lifelong advocates, and protect your gross without relying on giveaways that erode profit. If your retention numbers are slipping or you're tired of competing on free oil changes, this episode delivers the mindset shift and tactics to win back the service drive.

Dave Rogers and Steve Shaw, we sit down with Damon Egan, Service Manager (often referred to as Service Director) at Sherwood Ford in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada—Western Canada's largest Ford dealership. Damon shares powerful insights on leadership, the strategies behind building an overwhelming success culture, and how a truly unified team elevates fixed operations to the next level. From foste...

Dave Rogers and Steve Shaw reveal how to ruthlessly control expenses increase net profit and strengthen absorption. We cover a simple powerful line-by-line weekly review strategy focusing on: · Expense control · Receivables · Open repair orders Plus actionable tactics: flag high % expenses chase aging receivables audit open ROs daily track tech efficiency monitor parts/labor ratios cut overtime an...

In this one, your hosts Dave Rogers (America's Fixed Ops Director, Prognosticator of Profit) and Steve Shaw (Steve Shaw University, Fixed Ops 360) drop the serious strategy for a minute and go full storyteller mode. We're sharing the wildest, funniest, most unbelievable war stories from the trenches of the service department.

Dave Rogers (America's Fixed Ops Director, Prognosticator of Profit) and Steve Shaw (Steve Shaw University, Fixed Ops 360) go off on a passionate tangent about the lost art of writing a repair order—the foundation of every profitable, transparent, and defensible service transaction. They break down how to write a killer repair order the right way, stressing the timeless Three C's (Concern, Cause,...

Dave Rogers and Steve Shaw go full old school and prove one timeless truth: process overcomes technology every single time. While the industry chases the next shiny AI tool, Dave and Steve break down why the fundamentals still win—and win big. They dive deep into the basics that actually drive profits, customer loyalty, and service department dominance in 2026:

Steve and Dave Rogers break it down: why vague "around lunchtime" promises are killing your shop, how modern promise time technology (integrated scheduling tools, real-time updates, and digital communication) changes the game, why Google Calendar hacks still have a place in many stores, and—most importantly—proven ways to hold your team accountable to hitting exact promise times every single time.

Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers dive deep into one of the biggest roadblocks in fixed operations: process documentation and why so many improvement initiatives fall flat.

Steve Shaw and Dave Rogers dive deep into mobile service for car dealerships—talking pros, cons, and why it’s blowing up right now. Joining us is Jeff Ridgway, a true pioneer in the space, sharing his top tips and real advice for anyone eyeing this move. Whether you’re a dealer or just curious, this one’s packed with insights.

Hosts Dave Rogers and Steve Shaw wrap up their coverage of the NADA Show – the auto industry's biggest event, held February 3-6, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Dave Rogers (The Prognosticator of Profit) and Steve Shaw (The Sultan of the Service Lane) sit down with Brad Moyer, Service Manager at Piazza Honda of Pottstown, for a real-world masterclass in department transformation.