Tom O’Neil to Lead Coaching & Development Panel at Agent Summit
LAS VEGAS — Agency principal Tom O’Neil will serve as moderator for a panel devoted to coaching and F&I development at Agent Summit, organizers announced. The event will be held May 9–11, 2016, at the Venetian Palazzo Las Vegas.
The panel, “Building a Team Theme for Prosperity,” will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10. O’Neil and his team will discuss how the installation of a new agency, F&I process and product suite can be derailed by a loss of focus and loyalty to former providers at the dealership level.
“How does an agent earn absolute, unconditional buy-in from a new client?” asked David Gesualdo, show chair and publisher of Agent Entrepreneur and F&I and Showroom. “It’s an important topic and one that I applaud Tom and his panel for tackling head-on.”
O’Neil is the founder and executive manager of O’Neil Financial Services Agency in Westerville, Ohio. He will be joined by panelists Jimmy Atkinson of AUL Corp., John Kane of Empire Dealer Services, Arkansas F&I’s Lewis Matthews Jr. and John Vecchioni of United Car Care Inc. (UCC).
“Getting the dealer to sign up is only the first step in a long-term F&I relationship. The real work is the ongoing coaching and development of each player, manager and the owner of each dealership,” O’Neil said. “If you cannot coach and develop every member of the team to buy in and execute your plan, the F&I numbers will not be there and you will not be there!”
Registration for Agent Summit is now open at the event’s website as well as by phone, fax and email. Attendees who register by April 4 will enjoy a $100 discount.
To inquire about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact Eric Gesualdo via email or call 727-612-8826.
More Industry
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 →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →