CBT’s Jim Fitzpatrick Interviews Todd Katcher At NADA 2025

Feeling stuck with old tools that don’t motivate your team? At NADA 2025, Jim Fitzpatrick interviewed Todd Katcher, the managing partner of Digital Dealer Systems. They discussed fresh ways to boost dealership performance using smarter technology like Pulse.

Key Takeaways

• Jim Fitzpatrick interviewed Todd Katcher at NADA 2025. They discussed using smarter tools like Pulse to improve car dealership performance.
• Pulse, rebranded by Digital Dealer Systems, automates sales tracking and boosts team motivation with real-time updates and personalized congratulations.
• Key features include mobile access, DMS data syncing every 15 minutes, and 30 detailed reports for better decision-making during meetings.
• The system costs $500 a month but offers high returns like $200-$300 extra per R in Fixed Ops monthly revenue gains.
• Katcher urged dealers to modernize operations with IoT-integrated tools to save time and stay ahead of competitors in 2025 markets.

Jim Fitzpatrick Interviews Todd Katcher at NADA 2025

Jim Fitzpatrick sat down with Todd Katcher at NADA 2025 for an engaging talk. Katcher shared insights about improving car dealership operations through smarter tools and strategies.

Katcher’s Role as Managing Partner of Digital Dealer Systems

Todd Katcher leads Digital Dealer Systems as managing partner. He focuses on driving innovation and improving dealer operations. His role includes guiding the rebranding of Pulse, a leaderboard tool designed to optimize performance metrics in dealership departments like sales and Fixed Ops.

Katcher emphasizes listening to direct feedback from dealers. This input helps shape automated solutions that enhance productivity and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, the team prioritizes tools that motivate front-line workers while streamlining analytics for better goal setting and results tracking.

Encouragement for Dealers to Visit Digital Dealer Systems Booth

Dealers should swing by the Digital Dealer Systems booth at NADA 2025. Jim Fitzpatrick himself highlighted its value for improving retail business operations. The team provides innovative tools like Pulse, which helps with performance evaluation and sales tracking.

These systems aim to modernize processes while creating motivation for front-line workers.

The booth offers insights into automating tasks that save time and boost efficiency. Dealers can explore features like live updates from DMS or mobile access for real-time data. Visiting could be a game-changer, giving attendees practical steps to improve goals in their dealerships.

The Importance of Direct Feedback in Product Development

Direct feedback shapes better products, plain and simple. Listening to users keeps tools practical, focused, and valuable for everyday challenges.

Rebranding of Pulse and its Target Departments

Pulse has a fresh look and sharper focus. It now targets fixed operations, sales teams, and BDC departments. This shift boosts its usability for key dealership areas. These updates aim to motivate salespeople while improving their daily workflow.

The rebranding prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. With improved design, it highlights performance in real-time. Departments like sales see clear results that drive competition and reward success.

Privacy is maintained while pushing frontline workers to innovate through smarter data use and tracking tools powered by artificial intelligence.

Automation of Tracking Processes with Pulse

Many dealerships still rely on dry erase boards or manual Google Sheets to track sales and productivity. These outdated methods waste time, create errors, and often lack real-time updates.

Pulse automates tracking tasks, making them faster and more accurate. With its IoT capabilities, it pulls live data directly from the dealership’s DMS system.

This automation incentivizes better team performance by reducing guesswork. Salespeople get instant updates about their achievements without waiting for manual input. Managers can access detailed reports on various metrics with ease.

The process becomes seamless, saving both effort and money while boosting motivation across departments.

Focus on Providing Value and Motivation for Front-line Workers

Pulse prioritizes front-line workers by offering tools that make their daily tasks easier. It automates tracking processes, so sales teams spend less time on paperwork and more on selling.

By focusing on this group, the system helps dealerships run smoother from the ground up.

The pricing reflects its purpose as a tool for staff—not just management—making it accessible. Features like real-time updates and personalized congratulations celebrate achievements, boosting morale without extra effort.

This creates a motivated workforce ready to meet goals head-on in today’s fast-moving market.

Features and Enhancements of Pulse

Pulse brings smart tools to simplify sales tracking. It boosts performance with instant data updates, making work faster and more efficient.

Mobile Access for Real-time Updates

Real-time updates are now available to all users through mobile access. This feature, once a premium perk, is included for everyone. Salespeople can track progress and get instant data on the go.

For example, they can check sales numbers or see team performance directly from their devices.

Quick alerts keep teams in the loop without delays. With this tool, dealerships stay connected and make faster decisions. It’s like having your DMS system in your pocket, helping businesses operate smarter.

Live Updates from the DMS

Sales teams now get updates from the DMS every 15 minutes. This keeps everyone on their toes and helps track performance against goals quickly.

The data syncs fast, so salespeople can check progress anytime. It’s like having a scoreboard for sales right in your pocket!

Personalized Congratulations for Sales Achievements

Managers can now celebrate sales wins in real-time with personalized messages. The Pulse system automates congratulations, showing recognition immediately after each sale. A salesperson closing a deal gets noticed right away, which boosts team morale.

This instant feedback keeps everyone motivated and focused on success.

The feature acts like a pat on the back, but better—because it’s timely and public. It makes front-line workers feel valued without added costs or delays. Dealers who use this tool see higher engagement among staff, leading to stronger performance across departments.

Enhanced System with 30 Different Reports

Pulse now offers 30 detailed reports to help dealers track KPIs. These reports cover sales goals, individual rankings, and team performance. Dealers can quickly spot trends or issues with clear data visuals.

The system also ranks employees based on various metrics from the DMS. This makes it easier to reward top performers or find areas that need improvement. It’s a smart tool for boosting sales and keeping staff motivated daily!

Interactive Features and Use in Sales Meetings

Sales meetings come alive with tools that boost engagement and insight. The system helps teams spot strengths, fix gaps, and push for better results without guesswork.

Detailed Inspection of Sales Performance

Dealerships can now track sales closely without needing desktop computers. The system lets managers check performance by each salesperson or vehicle type. Real-time insights highlight trends and areas for improvement instantly.

This keeps everyone informed and ready to take action fast.

Pulse pulls live updates straight from the DMS, making meetings more productive. Managers can use over 30 report options to dig deeper into numbers during discussions. It saves time, automates data tracking, and shows clear results—no guesswork involved!

Encouragement for Dealers to Modernize Operations

Todd Katcher didn’t pull punches. He criticized dealers still clinging to outdated tools in 2025. Sticking with old systems, he says, costs more in lost time and missed chances than investing in modern solutions like IoT-integrated platforms.

Digital Dealer Systems showcases the future—tools that boost efficiency while cutting errors.

Modernizing isn’t just about tech; it’s about staying relevant. Katcher highlighted how automation saves hours and improves tracking processes like Pulse does for departments. Dealers ignoring these shifts risk falling behind competitors who prioritize progress over hesitation.

Cost-effectiveness and High Returns of the Pulse System

Priced at only $500 a month, the Pulse system delivers big value. Fixed operations can see an extra $200 to $300 per R added monthly. That’s real money back in dealers’ pockets with just one tool.

Automation saves time and cuts waste, boosting efficiency across departments. It’s not just affordable—it drives results that matter. For a small cost, dealerships unlock higher performance and better tracking without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Jim Fitzpatrick’s chat with Todd Katcher at NADA 2025 brought fresh ideas to dealerships. From new tech upgrades to better ways of motivating teams, the focus was clear—help dealers grow smarter and faster.

Digital Dealer Systems’ tools make work simpler, boosting both efficiency and morale. The future of dealership operations looks bright and exciting!

FAQs

1. What was the main focus of Jim Fitzpatrick’s interview with Todd Katcher at NADA 2025?

The interview explored how marketing strategies are evolving alongside advancements in IoT (Internet of Things) technology.

2. How does IoT impact modern marketing, as discussed in the interview?

IoT connects devices and gathers data, helping businesses create smarter, more targeted marketing campaigns.

3. Why is NADA 2025 significant for these discussions on marketing and IoT?

NADA 2025 brings together industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge trends like IoT and its role in shaping future marketing efforts.

4. Did Todd Katcher share any practical advice for marketers using IoT?

Yes, he highlighted ways to use connected devices to collect real-time insights and improve customer engagement through tailored strategies.