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Top 6 Mistakes Finance Managers Are Making in Today’s Market
Today’s finance office demands precision, strong interviews, and confident menu execution. Here are six mistakes that quietly cost dealerships profit every day.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Feb 94 min read


Building Smarter F&I Strategies for 2026 and Beyond
Dealership success in 2026 requires more than short-term PVR. This post breaks down how profit sharing, high-performing F&I products, adaptive training, and a Virtual Finance Department work together to improve retention, consistency, and long-term profitability.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Jan 104 min read


Turning Coverage into Confidence: Profits, Loyalty, and Growth in 2026
In 2026, successful dealerships are aligning F&I products, adaptive training, reinsurance strategies, and virtual finance to create stronger customer experiences and sustainable profitability. Learn how a smarter F&I model turns coverage into confidence.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Jan 26 min read


F&I Products: Building Profit, Trust, and Long-Term Dealer Success
F&I products are more than add-ons—they’re the key to dealership growth, customer trust, and long-term wealth. At Elite FI Partners, we align products with profit-sharing programs, focus on transparent administration, and partner with providers who deliver exceptional claims service. With expert training and support, we equip finance managers to present with confidence. Our curated F&I solutions fit every dealership, ensuring you have the right tools to succeed.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Sep 30, 20253 min read


Automotive GAP Coverage in Today’s Market
Dealership GAP protection has become essential as insurers total vehicles faster, leaving customers at risk. Express GAP gives dealers faster earn-outs and fewer chargebacks, while GAP Plus adds a $1,000 loyalty benefit redeemable at the dealership. At Elite FI Partners, we deliver side-by-side analysis of leading F&I products to help your store balance profitability, customer value, and long-term retention.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Sep 15, 20253 min read


People, Products & Process: The Foundation of F&I Training and Long-Term Dealership Success
Success in F&I comes down to three key elements: People, Products, and Process. With the right F&I Training, a curated suite of F&I Products, and a consistent process, dealerships can boost profit, reduce compliance risk, and deliver a customer experience that builds loyalty. Learn how Elite FI Partners helps dealers align all three for long-term success.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Sep 11, 20255 min read


The Power of Process: Creating Value for Customers in the Finance Office
In the finance office, the true value of F&I products is revealed when customers face life’s toughest moments. From vehicle service contracts that keep drivers moving after a breakdown to GAP protection that brings relief after an accident, Elite FI Partners focuses on process, coaching, and customer-centered conversations to build trust, retention, and long-term dealership growth.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Aug 30, 20253 min read


Setting the Standard: How Elite FI Partners Choose the Right Service Contract Providers
At Elite FI Partners, our executive team carefully evaluates every service contract provider before partnership. From claims management and adjudication to underwriter stability, profit-sharing programs, and flexible F&I products like GAP, bundles, and appearance coverage—we ensure administrators deliver true value. Not all providers share our passion, but those we choose are aligned with our mission to raise the standard for dealers nationwide.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Aug 29, 20252 min read


Complete Coverage by American Guardian Warranty: Why We Chose AGWS as a Partner
Complete Coverage by American Guardian Warranty Services delivers flexible protection, from powertrain to premier coverage levels, with options for EV and hybrid batteries, high-tech systems, and even high mileage service contracts. Backed by Reynolds and Reynolds roots, A+ BBB accreditation, and efficient claims management, AGWS stands out as a trusted partner. Elite FI Partners proudly offers Complete Coverage as part of our industry-leading F&I products.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Aug 28, 20253 min read


Why Consistent Training is the Cornerstone of F&I Success
Discover why consistent, measurable F&I training is essential for dealership success. Learn how Elite FI Partners’ Adaptive Training, Dynamic Coaching, and Dealer Timeline deliver real results.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Aug 11, 20252 min read


Vehicle Service Contract Solutions for Pre-Owned Vehicles | Complete Coverage
The Complete Coverage Vehicle Service Contract is now available! Learn more about this exciting program and additional coverage options.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Jul 15, 20252 min read


Boosting Growth for Independent Dealerships: New Modules Arriving This Month!
Empower your dealership in 2025 with new training modules! Boost profits, streamline processes, and elevate customer experience. #Growth2025

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Jan 2, 20252 min read


Top Notch Products Produce Top Notch Customer Experience
The BMW Dealership Challenge
The luxury car market is crazy competitive. There are tons of choices, so it's tough for BMW dealerships to st

Rob Varney
Jan 1, 20252 min read


Elite FI Partners & Alpha Warranty: Pioneering New Frontiers in Exclusionary Coverage
Intellicare Exclusionary Coverage offers comprehensive plans with unparalleled protection and includes a range of exciting features.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Sep 25, 20244 min read


Comprehensive Coverage: We’ve Got You Covered
At Elite FI Partners, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive coverage options to meet the diverse needs of our dealer partners.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Jul 25, 20242 min read


Kyle Reid with VisionAST interview with Michael Aufmuth
Celebrate Thanksgiving with us! Join us for Week 4 as we delve into Best Practices in the Automotive and Powersports industries. Episode 4

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Nov 22, 20231 min read


EcoCar Pro Certified Clean: Setting a New Standard in Vehicle Protection
EcoCar Pro Certified Clean sets a new standard in vehicle protection. Applied to the cabin, vents, and cargo areas, this EPA-registered treatment defends against germs, bacteria, mold, mildew, and odors while giving customers peace of mind. Trusted in hospitals, aircraft, and emergency vehicles, EcoCar Pro now brings industry-leading protection to your dealership inventory and finance lineup.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Sep 19, 20232 min read


F&I Menu Presentations | Key Areas of Focus | Finding Success
With our training programs, dealerships can ensure that their F&I managers have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their role an

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Sep 14, 20232 min read


Meet Julio Mendoza | Product Specialist with Elite FI Partners
Julio is a bilingual expert in the automotive finance industry, bringing industry-leading products, training, support, finance manager coach

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Feb 23, 20232 min read


Building a Winning F&I Department: Insights from Ron Overs of Fixed Ops Magazine with Michael Dean Aufmuth
This week’s podcast features Ron Overs, Publisher of Fixed Ops Magazine, joining Michael Dean Aufmuth of Elite FI Partners to discuss what it takes to build a winning F&I department. Together, they break down the three core pillars of success — People, Products, and Process — and share insights on how dealerships can align culture, training, and strategy to maximize profitability and improve the customer experience.

Michael Dean Aufmuth
Feb 1, 20212 min read
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