Brandon Wesley | Director of Business Development | GPW & Assoc.

Agents are hearing a lot about AI and global competition, but very little about what it actually means for the F&I office. Automotive Ventures spends every day evaluating startups building the next generation of tools for dealers, agents, and providers. In this keynote we’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at our investment thesis, the emerging AI-driven F&I stack, and why the potential arrival of Chinese OEMs in the U.S. could create both disruption and opportunity for agents who are prepared.

Laurie Bizzell | MarksNelson

Ian Osler | MarksNelson

Hear from the 2026 Reinsurance Symposium sponsors as they present their latest and greatest advancements in a rapid-fire roundup.

Today’s auto retail environment is defined by volatility, consolidation and rising regulatory pressure. Drawing on a career as a dealer, consultant, and industry commentator, Rob explains why automotive general agents are essential to dealership profitability, stability and consumer protection. This keynote focuses on how agents create lasting value by moving beyond transactions to become trusted advisors in an increasingly complex ecosystem.

Robert Mancuso | President | Mancuso Automotive

In this session, StoneEagle CEO Cindy Allen unveils insights from The Complete Picture, one of the industry’s most comprehensive analyses of F&I performance, powered by real transactional data from over 50% of the automotive dealerships in the U.S. Attendees will gain a clear view of the trends shaping dealership profitability in 2026, including shifts in product penetration, per-vehicle retail performance, and evolving consumer behavior. The session will help agents and industry leaders move beyond guesswork and use data to make smarter, more confident business decisions.

Cindy Allen | CEO | StoneEagle

Gerry Gould | Founder | Gerry Gould & Associates

This session is designed to equip general agents with immediately actionable strategies that can help their dealers enhance the efficiency of financial services managers. By focusing on proven approaches, participants will gain practical insights into processes that drive workflow improvements and operational success.

Prioritize Documentation – Dealers must place a strong emphasis on thorough and organized documentation. Proper documentation not only facilitates faster transaction processing but also helps prevent errors and ensures compliance. By making documentation a top priority, financial services managers can maintain accuracy and streamline their workflow.

Communicating Effectively with Lenders – Clear and consistent communication with lenders is essential for smooth deal execution. Financial services managers should establish robust channels for information exchange and proactively address lender requirements. Effective communication minimizes delays and misunderstandings, contributing to a more efficient workflow.

Anticipate Common Deal Challenges – Proactively identifying and addressing common challenges before they arise is crucial. Dealers and their financial services managers should develop the ability to anticipate potential obstacles related to deals, enabling them to implement solutions in advance. This forward-thinking approach reduces bottlenecks and enhances overall productivity.

By incorporating these practical tips—prioritizing documentation, communicating clearly with lenders, and anticipating deal issues—general agents can help their dealers significantly improve the workflow of financial services managers. Implementing these strategies is essential for operational success and sustained growth.

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