VADA Live S2:E18 | "Engagement is the key." (VADA '26 Convention Preview with Jim Fitzpatrick)

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 regarding Chinese OEMs. While their views differ on sealing off the market, the viral numbers prove that this topic touches a massive nerve across the country. The Critical Need for Association Voice — No individual dealer wants to sue or fight their OEM. Jim highlights why powerful state associations like VADA are vital for protecting the franchise model at the state house and in DC. Stop the Hiring Insanity — Dealerships readily burn $100,000 a month on ad spend but skip investing in actual staff training. Jim challenges dealers to hire dedicated in-house training managers rather than forcing untrained sales managers to do it. Recruiting Gen Z Transparency — The incoming generation demands an authentic work-life balance. Forcing recruits into grueling schedules without complete transparency upfront is fueling the industry's high salesperson turnover rate. Watch, then register: https://vada.com/convention/ 🎙️ ABOUT VADA LIVE VADA Live is the official video podcast of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, hosted by Dan Carrigan. Each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, analysts, and experts on the trends, data, and strategies shaping automotive retail — from the showroom floor to the main stage at the VADA Annual Convention. Subscribe for new episodes:    / @vadalive   👤 ABOUT JIM FITZPATRICK Jim Fitzpatrick is the Co-Founder of CBT News, one of the most prominent digital media platforms serving the retail automotive industry. Jim has been embedded in the auto sector since the early 1980s, serving across various roles from variable operations to becoming a successful dealer principal himself. 🏢 ABOUT CBT NEWS CBT News (Car Biz Today) is an industry-leading multimedia platform providing daily news, analysis, dealer interviews, and high-impact training resources for automotive professionals nationwide.