EPISODE 14

Retention vs Loyalty: Transforming Customer Relationships

Featuring Guest John Traver

Episode Description

Why are some dealerships leading the charge in customer loyalty while others struggle to stand out? Could the secret lie in evolving service processes and a reimagined approach to business development? In this episode, we unpack the strategies that turn service interactions into long-term customer loyalty.

Our guest, John Traver, CEO and founder of Traver Connect, shares how modern BDC practices are helping dealerships enhance customer interactions, reduce wait times, and even bring service directly to customers’ driveways. From proactive appointment scheduling to the rise of mobile service vans, John explains how dealerships can transform retention events into customer loyalty intent. Packed with actionable insights, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to create seamless service experiences and drive growth in fixed ops.

Takeaways from this episode:

  • The difference between retention and loyalty – and why it matters
  • How mobile service vans are solving technician shortages and improving customer convenience
  • The value of proactive appointment scheduling for boosting customer satisfaction
  • Using BDCs to handle unplanned service calls and build customer trust
  • Practical tips to elevate your service process and uncover hidden revenue opportunities

BILL SPRINGER

Host of Retention Roadmap
and president of Krex Inc.

John Traver

CEO and Founder of Traver Connect

Would you like to Be a guest on our podcast?

From Transactional to Relational: The Service Advisor Shift

From Transactional to Relational: The Service Advisor Shift

What if your best retention strategy had nothing to do with pricing, loyalty programs, or even your shop’s hours, and everything to do with how your service advisors say “good morning”? Most customers don’t come back because they weren’t helped… they were handled. The fix? Train your advisors to build relationships, not just close tickets.

read more
Service on the Move: Why Dealerships Are Going Mobile in 2025

Service on the Move: Why Dealerships Are Going Mobile in 2025

Offering mobile service sounds like a win-win, but for many dealerships, the logistics feel overwhelming. How do you staff it? Route it? Make money on it? And will customers even use it consistently? In this episode, sponsored by DriveSure, Bill sits down with Amit Chandarana, CEO of Curbee, a mobile service software platform that’s helping dealerships turn these questions into action.

read more
From Clipboard to Kiosk: A Modern Fixed Ops Makeover

From Clipboard to Kiosk: A Modern Fixed Ops Makeover

Most customers expect a modern, seamless experience everywhere they go, so why does the dealership service lane still rely on clipboards and key drops? It’s time to ask whether your service experience reflects the kind of innovation and convenience today’s customers take for granted.

read more

Join our newsletter to stay
up to date with new episodes