Jeff Ranalli

Inventory is the backbone of a dealership. When it breaks, everything downstream suffers. That’s why we built Stealth Inventory, and why we just released v2. Here’s what this really comes down to: dealers are juggling DMS feeds, third-party marketplaces, websites, and marketing systems all at once. Keeping inventory accurate and consistent across all of that? It’s a daily grind, especially when you’re managing RVs alongside boats and powersports. Stealth Inventory v2 was built alongside hundreds of dealers to solve that problem. Not from a feature checklist. From how dealers actually work. What’s new in v2: 🔹 Redesigned dashboard with faster, cleaner navigation 🔹 More powerful filtering and bulk editing 🔹 Advanced pricing and data-locking controls so dealers own how their inventory shows up everywhere 🔹 Intelligent catalog matching at the unit, location, or company level 🔹 A rules engine that adapts to individual dealer needs without adding complexity The system takes in inventory data, refines and enriches it, then delivers it consistently across websites, marketing, and the full CDXP. One source of truth for every channel. And we didn’t blow up anyone’s workflow to get here. Teams can benefit immediately without retraining or disruption. We’ll keep building based on how dealers actually run their operations. That’s the only roadmap that matters. Read the full release in RV Business. https://lnkd.in/euXHZ7gA #RVDealers #DealershipTechnology #InventoryManagement #CoastTechnology #StealthPlatform #RVIndustry

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Weather objections are common in automotive sales. “It’s snowing.” “It’s raining.” “Bad weather.” Instead of conceding, reposition. Real ownership happens in real conditions. Helping a customer experience how a vehicle performs in rain or snow reframes the conversation from inconvenience to confidence. High performers prepare for objections in advance. Average performers react to them. If your team needs stronger objection strategy and conversational control: Message me LOVEALL LEGION. #AutomotiveSales #SalesLeadership #ObjectionHandling #DealershipPerformance

Is Your Dealership Still Using "Just" a Chatbot? 🤖 Scaling 8-figure revenue with a single-digit headcount sounds impossible, but SaaStr just proved it’s possible by deploying 20+ specialized AI agents. This is the new efficiency benchmark, and it’s already hitting automotive retail. The generic chatbot is out; the AI Operating System is in. We’re talking about a digital workforce handling compliance, lead management, trade-ins, service scheduling, and more, autonomously. It’s how modern dealers are optimizing SG&A and liberating their teams from low-value friction and organizational drag. See how the "SaaStr Playbook" applies to the showroom floor: https://lnkd.in/g-v8nngv #AutomotiveAI #AgenticAI #DealershipEfficiency #Impel #SaaS

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2005: Aftersales was about 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. 2025: It’s about predicting and 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. In 2005, companies were reactive, waiting for calls. Now, service teams leverage real-time data to predict failures and be proactive. This leads to faster resolutions, lower costs, and better experiences. It’s not just about efficiency. It’s about building trust with your customers. Proactive service drives loyalty and enhances lifetime value (Increased aftermarket contribution and lifetime penetration). 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼𝘄. Predict, prevent, and optimize. Learn more about how we're contributing to aftersales here: https://lnkd.in/eNJbT4ku

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The automotive industry is facing a significant 'loyalty crisis.' Dealerships have seen a 12% drop in repeat purchases and service returns, highlighting a critical need for effective customer retention strategies. Specialized automotive loyalty program software is emerging as a game-changer. It helps dealerships stay connected with customers between long purchase cycles and service intervals, which is crucial for fostering repeat business and enhancing customer lifetime value. Consider these key insights from recent industry analysis: → Dealerships need specialized software because the customer journey is distinct, with infrequent, high-value transactions. → Only 20% of sales come from repeat customers, despite an 83% average retention rate across the broader sector. → Key features like QR code scanning for quick point redemption and seamless CRM/DMS integration are essential. → Loyalty programs can significantly increase service department revenue, as repeat customers generate 2-3x more revenue. → Strategic implementation, including tiered rewards and staff training, is vital for success. Platforms like LoyaltyNest, with their robust QR-based campaigns, are setting a new standard for high-volume customer engagement. They are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, providing a unified view of customer data. This isn't just about points; it's about building lasting relationships and driving measurable business results. A 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25% increase in profit. Are you leveraging specialized loyalty software to combat the loyalty crisis in your automotive business? What features do you find most impactful for retaining customers? #AutomotiveIndustry #CustomerLoyalty #Dealerships #CRMIntegration #LoyaltyPrograms

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I recently overheard a conversation between 2 dealers talking about AI in the context of NADA 2026. They were talking about making sure the AI is trained for automotive. In AI, training has very specific meaning. When does AI actually need to be trained for the dealership business? And when is context engineering the better bet? “Make sure the model is trained for dealerships” isn’t a bad instinct—it’s just often pointing at the wrong solution for the problem. When does trainng actually matter? -Training an AI model makes sense when you need the model to learn patterns it wouldn’t otherwise know. In dealership terms, that usually means: -Learning from your historical data, not general industry knowledge -Making predictions or classifications, not just generating language -Applying complex, repeatable decision logic at scale Real dealership examples where training is justified: -Predicting service retention or defection from RO history -Custom lead scoring based on your close rates, sources, and timing -Inventory or pricing models built from your sales velocity -Fraud, compliance, or anomaly detection based on internal patterns In these cases, the model isn’t just communicating—it’s learning. That’s where training matters. Many dealership AI use cases aren’t about discovering new patterns. They’re about: -Following rules -Using current information -Speaking in the right voice -Staying compliant -Executing known processes consistently Trying to “train” a model for these tasks creates problems: -Training is slow and expensive -Trained models go stale when inventory, incentives, or policies change -Updating logic requires retraining instead of a simple rules or data update This is where context engineering is the better approach. Here’s why context engineering works better for most dealer workflows. Context engineering means giving the model everything it needs at the time of the interaction: -OEM rules and disclaimers -Dealership-specific processes -Live inventory and pricing -CRM data and customer history -Escalation rules and compliance language Instead of teaching the model “how dealerships work,” you’re saying: “Here’s exactly how this dealership works. Follow these instructions every time.” Dealership use cases where context beats training: -Sales and service chat -Lead response automation -Appointment scheduling -Email and SMS follow-ups -CRM summaries and internal assistants -Call coaching and response guidance The model already understands automotive language. What it needs is your rules, not more training. The question isn’t: “Is the model trained for dealerships?” It’s: Do we need the AI to learn from data? → Training. Or are we asking it to execute our process correctly? → Context engineering Many dealership AI problems fall into the second category. Training is powerful—but only when you truly need the model to learn. For everything else, better context wins.

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[NEWS] Principle Auto is scaling culture with intention, not luck: While most dealers double down on tech stacks, Director of Learning and Development Fabiola Mathis is arguing that people still matter most. Her goal is simple: Make sure every new hire feels supported, structured, and set up to thrive. That starts with a culture index test, aka a quick snapshot of how each person thinks, communicates, and fits within a team. Then those results go right on name tags. With those, she says communication clicks faster. And teams connect sooner. Mathis also built a 10-day onboarding program for all new client advisors, designed to create structure from day one. Each day is mapped hour by hour, from introductions to real customer interactions. And to keep everyone accountable, every trainee answers two questions: - “What do you feel confident in today?” - “What do you find challenging?” “It keeps the manager accountable, too,” Mathis said. “It’s your job to train them because the salesperson doesn’t fail because of themselves. They fail as a combination of both.” Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Haig Partners: https://lnkd.in/eQHfhBwR (Data source: Fabiola Mathis via Daily Dealer Live)

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INTEGRATIONS AREN’T A VENDOR PROBLEM. THEY’RE AN INFRASTRUCTURE PROBLEM. It’s easy to blame vendors for poor integrations (and some probably deserve it). But 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀, 𝟭𝟬𝟬+ 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 — and that tells a different story: this isn’t a “vendor problem.” It’s an 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺. When the standard is clear and the rails are there, partners cooperate — and 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿-𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹. Come see 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 at 𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗔 and how better infrastructure unlocks 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 and 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿. #dealerdata #consentmanagement #automotivedata #NADA2026

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Most dealers think lead generation is the problem. In reality, efficiency is the problem. Paying inflated rates on crowded marketplaces eats straight into profit. By moving more budget into your own advertising mix, you can lower cost per lead, improve quality and create a repeatable system that scales without inflated fees. Our new article explains the true cost of marketplace reliance and how to build your own high performing funnel. Link is in the comments 👇 #GoogleAds #MicrosoftAds #CarDealers

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Everyone’s Talking About AI. Almost No One’s Asking the Right Questions. Dealers are overwhelmed with AI promises. 🚀 More sales. 🤖 More automation. 📈 More dashboards. But very few are being told how to ask the right questions before they commit. At the Automotive AI Summit, we’re flipping the script: ✅ What problem does this AI actually solve? ✅ Who’s responsible for the outcome? ✅ Does it empower your people — or bypass them? It’s not about the flashiest tools. It’s about strategic, sustainable decisions that serve your dealership’s future. 🗓️ Launching July 22 🎥 On-demand, zero fluff, 100% relevant 🔗 Secure your access: https://lnkd.in/eAjkz8cT Featuring strategic minds from: @DigitalPilot @HRIZN @BrainTrust @SparkServe @Spiffy @UVeye @Numa @Toma @QoreAI With insight-packed interviews and keynotes from: @Sharon Gai, @Dr Jon Finn, @James Eisenberger, @Michael Wong This isn’t a hype reel. It’s your roadmap. #AutomotiveAISummit #DealerMarketing #AskBetterQuestions #AIReadiness #LeadershipDecisions #AutoRetail #FixedOps #DMM

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Cox Automotive just revolutionized the trade-in process by integrating vAuto with UVeye's AI inspection technology. Why should you care? Because it transforms how you source inventory: 1. Scan vehicles automatically during service appointments 2. Generate data-driven appraisals in real-time 3. Present informed trade-in offers while customers wait 4. Capture high-res merchandising images instantly 5. Convert service visits into inventory opportunities This is a BIG DEAL because it bridges the gap between your service lane and showroom floor. "If we can scan a car, appraise it accurately, and generate a live offer while the customer's still in service — that's a whole new level of opportunity." - Jonathan Noda, GM at Brickell CDJR The most progressive dealerships are already using this integration to gain competitive advantage in a tight market. Stop guessing about vehicle condition. Start making data-driven decisions that increase turn rates and profitability. It could be like Kelly Blue Book... but on steroids. https://lnkd.in/depVHNJr What's your biggest pain point in buying quality pre-owned inventory today? Do you think a program like this could help you? #AutomotiveInnovation #DealershipTechnology #InventoryManagement

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Most dealership technology creates complexity. More tools, more handoffs, more disconnected workflows. But dealers aren’t looking for more systems to manage. They’re looking for a better way to run the operation. This is where DriveCentric is leading. We're building beyond the traditional CRM and into the future where communication, automation, visibility, and operational execution are together in one place. And we’re not stopping there. We’re continuing to push dealership technology forward with faster innovation, clearer strategy, and a sharper focus on what actually helps dealers operate better. Clean data and centralized engagement. The market is moving in this direction. We intend to keep leading it. See how DriveCentric is redefining dealership engagement. https://lnkd.in/d89wPYFT #AutomotiveIndustry #DealerTech #AutomotiveCRM #ProductInnovation #DriveCentric

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Most companies don’t need another software platform. They need their existing systems to finally work together. That’s the real problem. Dealers, workshop groups and automotive companies today are drowning in: - disconnected tools - manual workflows - duplicated admin - outdated software - poor integrations - overloaded reception teams - zero visibility across operations And the worst part? Most software vendors try to solve this by forcing companies into massive ERP migrations. Which usually means: 12-month implementations, huge budgets, and operational chaos. We took a different approach. We built a branded platform that sits on top of existing systems. Behind the scenes, we use Odoo as the operational engine. But the real value is: - seamless integrations - workflow automation - AI-ready architecture - centralized operations - client specific customization - branded customer experiences Meaning: You keep the systems that already work. We connect, automate and modernize everything around them. No “big bang” replacement. No ripping out your existing stack. No starting from zero. Just faster operations, less admin, better visibility and scalable workflows. What’s interesting is that most automotive companies aren’t actually looking for more software anymore. They’re looking for: - fewer inefficiencies - fewer manual actions - fewer disconnected processes That’s exactly where we focus. Currently speaking with: aftersales teams automotive holdings leasing companies workshop operations Who wants to modernize without disrupting the business. If that sounds familiar, send me a DM. Happy to show what this looks like in practice.

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BAR Implements Major New Regulations That Will Significantly Change How Automotive Repair Dealers Conduct Business in California BAR is updating the Write it Right guide to include these new requirements and will provide a Q&A section to help dealers stay compliant.   The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025.   Here are some key highlights:    Separate Estimate and Invoice for Towing Charges. Authorization for towing fees must be obtained separately from any authorization for repair work. This means you will need to create separate estimates and invoices for any towing charges that you intend to bill the customer for towing their vehicle to your shop.   Accepting Payment from Third-Party Payor (e.g. Insurer or Extended Car Warranty. If you accept payment for repairs from a third-party payor, you must, prior to obtaining authorization from the customer, do one of the following: (1) If the amount of the payment to be made by the third-party payor is known, you must include the amount approved to be paid by the third-party payor on your estimate; (2) If the amount of payment to be made by the third-party payor is not known, you must include the following disclosure on your estimate:   “This estimate is for repairs to meet vehicle manufacturer and industry standards. As the customer, it is your responsibility to contact the third-party payor for approval of payment.”   Estimates Must be Free of Technical Terms & Clearly Describe Each Repair.  Estimates must include a statement of each repair to be performed, along with a description written in plain language—free of technical or industry-specific terms—so that a person without professional or specialized knowledge can understand it.   Tear Down or Disassembly Estimate. The teardown estimate must include the portion(s) or area(s) of the vehicle or vehicle component(s) necessary to assess the extent of the damage or evaluate the condition of the vehicle or vehicle component(s).   Using an Estimate Prepared by Third-Party Payor (e.g.. Insurer or Extended Car Warranty. Shops that choose not to create their own estimate but use a third-party payor estimate must meet stringent requirements including notifying the customer that the third-party estimate is subject to the Fair Claims Settlement Practice Regulations. And the estimate must also include: A statement of intent to repair the vehicle according to the third-party estimate. The name of the third-party payor. The unique identifier from the third-party estimate. The total repair cost listed on the third-party estimate.   You must also attach the third-party estimate (original, duplicate, or printout) to the estimate provided to the customer. If the customer approves changes to the repair before proceeding, you must notify the third-party payor of these customer-approved changes in your estimate, which could alter the specified payment amount in the third-party estimate.

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