What if one of the easiest ways to protect your dealership’s future profit is something you’re already entitled to, but probably underutilizing?

In this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Sarah Vantine and industry veteran Robert Wooden for a conversation that every fixed ops leader needs to hear, especially as we look ahead to 2026.

Robert has spent nearly three decades living and breathing fixed operations, and in this episode, he pulls back the curtain on warranty uplift, why it matters more now than ever, why so many dealers leave money on the table, and how the landscape is shifting as vehicles become more complex, more electric, and more expensive to repair.

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What we discuss in this episode:

• Why warranty reimbursement isn’t just about dealer profit—but about people, pay plans, training, and retention
• The biggest mistakes dealers make when they try to handle warranty uplift internally
• How EVs and hybrid vehicles are changing the rules around labor, parts, and manufacturer pushback
• What happens when a manufacturer pushes back—and why experience matters in those moments
• Why warranty uplift is one of the lowest-hanging profit opportunities heading into 2026
• How dealers can evaluate their opportunity with zero upfront risk

This is one of those conversations that feels practical, real, and immediately actionable. Just hard-earned insight from someone who’s been in the trenches, made the mistakes, fought the battles, and figured out how to win, without burning bridges.

If you’re a fixed ops manager, service director, or GM who’s staring down this year’s forecast and wondering where the profit is going to come from… this episode might just change how you think about warranty forever.

Listen to the episode featuring Robert Wooden for even more insights!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixed-ops-roundtable/id1608656237

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15HHYoyvCo1PSFwYn02UXY

Thanks, Robert Wooden

Connect with Ted Ings and the Fixed Ops Roundtable:

• Register for the next Fixed Ops Roundtable Event
• Ted Ings on LinkedIn
• Center for Performance Improvement