エピソード

  • From Small Town Farming to CEO: A Conversation with Dave Johnson

    From Small Town Farming to CEO: A Conversation with Dave Johnson
    2026/03/02
    Standards matter. Leadership matters. And the future of fixed ops depends on both.

    In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, we welcome Dave Johnson, President & CEO of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), to the show.

    Dave’s story is the embodiment of what’s possible in this industry. From growing up farming and ranching in northern Wyoming to a 32-year career with Ford Motor Company — ultimately serving as a global executive over fixed ops support operations — and now leading ASE, his journey reflects grit, humility, and a deep belief in people. This conversation goes far beyond certifications. It’s about raising standards, developing professionals, and building an industry that respects the craft.

    This episode will challenge the way you think about technicians, leadership, and the future of automotive.

    We talk about:
    • Why lowering certification standards to solve a tech shortage is the wrong answer
    • The powerful correlation between ASE certification, productivity, retention, and fewer comebacks
    • How short-term thinking in dealerships undermines long-term success
    • Why fixed ops is the true foundation of dealership profitability
    • The danger of treating technicians like commodities instead of professionals
    • The shift away from the “grease monkey” stereotype toward highly skilled, tech-driven experts
    • What servant leadership really looks like in a high-performance automotive organization
    • Why the next generation of technicians gives him real hope
    • The concept of a “career lattice” — not just a career ladder — in automotive
    • How proper standards actually attract and retain top talent

    Dave doesn’t just defend certification — he reframes it.

    It’s not about exclusivity. It’s about identity, growth, and enabling professionals to become masters of their craft.

    This is a powerful, thoughtful, and forward-looking conversation about where fixed ops is headed — and what it will take to win.

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    48 分
  • How Initiative Changed His Career Trajectory - #automotive #shorts #dealership

    How Initiative Changed His Career Trajectory - #automotive #shorts #dealership
    2026/02/27
    Nick Ruffolo shares how stepping up, owning tasks, and staying ready for the next big opportunity transformed his path in the car business.

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5wVNMGmB6pg

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 分
  • Why Silos Hurt Dealerships - #automotive #shorts #dealership

    Why Silos Hurt Dealerships - #automotive #shorts #dealership
    2026/02/26
    Nick shares why department silos create friction and limit growth. A dealership should operate as one team, not separate islands.

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5wVNMGmB6pg

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 分
  • A Tool for Advisors to Close the Deal - #automotive #shorts #dealership

    A Tool for Advisors to Close the Deal - #automotive #shorts #dealership
    2026/02/25
    Nick Ruffolo explains that service specials aren’t just about bringing customers in - they’re tools advisors use to close the deal.

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5wVNMGmB6pg

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 分
  • Make the Customer Feel Welcome with RFID - #automotive #shorts #dealership

    Make the Customer Feel Welcome with RFID - #automotive #shorts #dealership
    2026/02/24
    Nick Ruffolo shares the right way to welcome customers into the shop. They shouldn’t have to ask where to go or what to do.

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5wVNMGmB6pg

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 分
  • Are You Ready to Embrace Change? - #automotive #shorts #dealership

    Are You Ready to Embrace Change? - #automotive #shorts #dealership
    2026/02/23
    Nick Ruffolo is all in on AI. Innovation is coming either way - you can fight it, or you can embrace it.

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5wVNMGmB6pg

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 分
  • KPIs Dealers Track Incorrectly - Which Ones Really Matter? - #automotive #shorts #dealership

    KPIs Dealers Track Incorrectly - Which Ones Really Matter? - #automotive #shorts #dealership
    2026/02/20
    Nick Ruffolo shares which metrics he believes actually matter — ELR, GPP, and RO count — and whether Hours per RO is overrated.

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5wVNMGmB6pg

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 分
  • Nick Ruffolo’s Favorite Fixed Ops Technology - #automotive #shorts #dealership

    Nick Ruffolo’s Favorite Fixed Ops Technology - #automotive #shorts #dealership
    2026/02/19
    Tech video is Nick’s favorite tool. He tracks every metric to see what’s working — and what’s not.

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5wVNMGmB6pg

    Global Dealer Solutions offers a network of high-performance providers while remaining product agnostic. Knowing which tools to deploy makes a big difference. Having a trusted adviser; priceless.
    Schedule your complimentary consultation today. https://calendly.com/don-278.

    BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE
    www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketing

    Get watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:
    www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtf

    Join Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing
    Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!
    #podcast #automotive #fixedoperations
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 分