 |
What the Fixed Ops?! (WTF?!)Join automotive expert and entrepreneur Russell B. Hill and CMO Charity Dunning as they venture into the world of automotive, fixed operations, and the successes and failures in life in the What the Fixed Ops?! podcast. Get new episodes by following... Author: Russell Hill, Charity Dunning
Join automotive expert and entrepreneur Russell B. Hill and CMO Charity Dunning as they venture into the world of automotive, fixed operations, and the successes and failures in life in the What the Fixed Ops?! podcast. Get new episodes by following our social media networks or by visiting us at www.FixedOPSMarketing.com/WTF. Language: en Genres: Automotive, Leisure Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
From Small Town Farming to CEO: A Conversation with Dave Johnson
Monday, 2 March, 2026
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 comebacksHow short-term thinking in dealerships undermines long-term successWhy fixed ops is the true foundation of dealership profitabilityThe danger of treating technicians like commodities instead of professionalsThe shift away from the “grease monkey” stereotype toward highly skilled, tech-driven expertsWhat servant leadership really looks like in a high-performance automotive organizationWhy the next generation of technicians gives him real hopeThe concept of a “career lattice” — not just a career ladder — in automotiveHow proper standards actually attract and retain top talentDave 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-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin 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
