The Future of Fixed Ops w/ Dave Foy: What Shop Owners Need to Hear

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The Problem with Modern Auto Shop Tech? Too Many Clicks.

Let’s be real: most shop tech today feels like it’s designed by someone who’s never turned a wrench. Whether you’re in a dealership or running your own independent shop, it probably feels like every new tool promises to save time—only to add two more clicks to your day.

That’s exactly what Dave Foy—a 40-year industry veteran and founder of Fixed Ops Mastermind—talked about on our latest episode of the LeadFoot Automotive Podcast. And if you’re tired of spending more time behind a screen than with your customers or crew, you’re not alone.

From turning wrenches in the late ‘80s to training dealerships across the country, Dave’s been through it all. He’s seen the tech change—and seen where it’s failed. Now he’s helping shop leaders cut through the noise, focus on what works, and build smarter, more profitable operations.

Here’s what we learned from him.

The Right Tech Doesn’t Add Work — It Gets Rid of It

Dave’s been around long enough to remember handwriting ROs and juggling warranty forms. When CDK came along, it changed the game. But here’s the thing: that was over 30 years ago. Since then, tools like digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), online scheduling, and even AI voice bots have started to shift the game again.

“The good tech doesn’t replace people. It removes the admin stuff that keeps people from doing what they’re great at.” — Dave Foy

But as he sees it, the real problem isn’t that there’s not enough technology—it’s that most of it isn’t built to actually help advisors or techs. It just adds more tasks, more clicks, more complexity.

And when service writers spend all day managing systems instead of managing customers, the business suffers.

Why AI Could Be the Shop’s New Best Friend

When people hear “AI in auto repair,” they get nervous. Will it take jobs? Replace people?

Dave doesn’t think so. What it can do is cut the crap.

Right now, service advisors are juggling:

• Warranty rules

• Follow-up surveys

• Core part returns

• Scheduling headaches

• Tech translation

AI can step in to handle the paperwork, flag issues before they become problems, and give shop staff more time for the stuff they’re actually good at—talking to people, solving problems, and moving cars out the door.

Even the bots are getting smarter. Dave tested a service scheduling AI the other day. When he joked, “I could use some lunch,” the AI chuckled and said, “Sorry Dave, lunch isn’t on the menu—but I can help with your car.” That’s not your old-school chatbot.

Fixed Ops Mastermind: A Free Tool Every Shop Should Know

Want to know the fastest way to get better at running your shop? Learn from people who’ve already done it—and are doing it well.

That’s the idea behind Fixed Ops Mastermind, a free weekly Zoom call where shop leaders, advisors, and vendors get together to talk about real issues and real solutions. Started by Dave back in 2019 (before Zoom was cool), the group covers everything from hiring and retention to tech tools and customer experience.

The best part? Anyone can join. It’s not just for dealerships or big shots.

Whether you’re an advisor trying to grow or an owner trying to fix your workflow, you’ll walk away with ideas you can actually use.

Why You Should Care — and What to Do Next

Look, most shop owners didn’t get into this business to be behind a desk. You got into it because you’re good with your hands, good with cars, and good with people. But now you’re buried in admin tasks and chasing down reports that don’t move the needle.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Audit your tech. If it’s not saving you time, it’s costing you money.

2. Train your team on tools that actually make the job easier—not harder.

3. Surround yourself with smarter voices. Fixed Ops Mastermind is a great start.

4. Start small. Even one good automation (like AI-based scheduling or DVI tools) can take pressure off your crew and free up your day.
   

The goal isn’t to become a tech company. The goal is to run a better business—one where the tech serves you, not the other way around.

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