On the latest episode of Inside Automotive, John Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Force Marketing, shares practical strategies dealers can use to finish 2025 strong and prepare for the year ahead. Balancing marketing vendor relationshipsAmidst all the uncertainties, including tariffs and varying inventory levels, customer buying habits, such as whether they can afford vehicles, remain the primary topic of discussion. John Fitzpatrick cautions that many dealers are losing money due to vendor overlap and scattered marketing efforts. Retention through fixed opsService departments continue to be essential profit centers, but Fitzpatrick highlights their importance in driving future sales. Fitzpatrick notes that in-house teams, backed by first-party data platforms, can operate more quickly, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance vendor accountability.