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From My Automotive Roots to a Virtual Finance Future

Michael Aufmuth with Elite FI Partners - Discussing a virtual finance department

My career in automotive began back in 1997 when I stepped into my family’s dealership in Tucson, Arizona. Over the years, I worked nearly every role—from sales and sales management to finance and ultimately general management. What defined much of that journey was building and running the finance department. I learned early on that structure, technology, and process could transform not just profitability, but the customer experience.

That background is what led to the creation of Elite FI Partners and ultimately the launch of NextGen Virtual F&I—a solution designed to help dealerships scale their finance operations without compromising compliance, profitability, or customer connection.

What is Virtual F&I?

Virtual F&I creates a dedicated, virtual finance department for dealerships. Instead of relying solely on in-store staff or struggling with turnover, dealers can plug into a scalable, fully staffed virtual operation. The concept is simple: give dealers access to a professional finance office that runs consistently—day in, day out—while reducing overhead and maximizing backend profitability.

This isn’t just outsourcing. It’s building a Virtual Finance Office that operates as an extension of the dealership, complete with proven processes and compliance safeguards.

The Tools That Power Remote F&I

A dealership's finance department succeeds or fails on its processes and technology. With Remote F&I, we integrate:

  • Menu Selling Platforms – Interactive, transparent presentations that meet today’s digital customer expectations.

  • Lender Integrations – Access to key banks and credit unions for faster approvals and smoother funding.

  • Compliance Safeguards – Waivers, disclosures, and digital audit trails built into every deal.

  • Analytics & Reporting – Real-time visibility into performance, profit centers, and customer satisfaction.

By bringing these tools into one system, NextGen Virtual F&I ensures dealers can deliver a consistent, compliant, and profitable experience—whether the customer is in the showroom or buying from their living room.

The First Dealership Case Study

The first dealership to adopt NextGen Virtual F&I gave us a chance to prove the concept. Within the first month, the store saw:

  • Improved Turnaround Time – Deals moved faster with fewer bottlenecks.

  • Increased Product Penetration – Customers responded well to clear, virtual menu presentations.

  • Higher Profitability – Backend profits rose as processes became more structured.

  • Better Compliance – Every deal had a signed menu and waiver, ensuring consistency.

This case study proved exactly what we believed: when executed correctly, a Virtual Finance Office doesn’t just replace the in-store model—it enhances it.

Looking Ahead

Virtual F&I isn’t just a quick fix for staffing challenges; it’s a scalable solution for today’s dealerships. The automotive retail world is changing, and dealers need options that match customer expectations while protecting profitability. NextGen Virtual Finance delivers exactly that.

If you’re ready to see how a Remote F&I department could transform your store, reach out—we’re here to build the future of F&I, one dealership at a time.

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