IAS Seeks Entries for ‘Ask Frenchy’ Contest at Industry Summit
DALLAS — Organizers of the annual Industry Summit announced that IAS has agreed to host a competition featuring the company’s president of sales and veteran F&I trainer, Eric “Frenchy” Mélon. Dealers and F&I professionals are welcome to “Ask Frenchy” the most challenging questions or objections car buyers have posed to them. The winners will be honored at Industry Summit, which will be held Sept. 11–14, 2017, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas.
“Over the years, I’ve heard just about every objection under the sun, and I’m looking forward to sharing the best ways to overcome those at Industry Summit,” Mélon said. “It’s one of the events I look forward to each year, and I’m excited to be speaking in this unique format at this year’s event.”
F&I managers and directors are invited to click here to submit their question or objection. The five participants Mélon chooses will be his guest at Industry Summit, including a complimentary show pass and three nights of accommodations.
“Ask Frenchy is a fantastic opportunity to get your most challenging questions answered and, quite possibly, a free trip to Industry Summit,” said David Gesualdo, show chair and publisher of F&I and Showroom. “We can’t wait to hear what you have to ask.”
Registration for Industry Summit 2017 is open at the event’s website. Attendees who register by Aug. 11 will enjoy a $100 discount. To discuss sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact David Gesualdo at (727) 947-4027 or via email.
More Industry

CPO Sales Could Take Off in the Right Conditions
A recent Cox Automotive consumer survey reveals the size of an undertapped market for the vehicle segment given affordability pressures.
Read More →
Global Consumer Trends Diverge
Price remains a top consideration for U.S. car buyers, and they are the most brand-loyal consumers to established automakers, according to a new survey.
Read More →
Badger State Dealership Gets New Owner
The longtime southern Wisconsin store moved from one area auto group to another, keeping the business in Dairyland.
Read More →
The Cycle of Negative Equity
Third-quarter data shows consumers still rolling over debt and stretching loan terms, raising their risk of remaining underwater.
Read More →
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →