Time to Go Completely Digital :

My Commitment to Sharing My Expertise on the Connecticut Auto Industry (2000-2009) Having served as a representative for Universal Underwriters Group (now Zurich) in Connecticut during the pivotal years of 2000-2009, and now leading Global F&I Solutions LLC, a digital compliant F&I training company, I possess a unique and valuable perspective on the evolution of the automotive industry in the state. I am deeply committed to sharing my firsthand experiences and insights to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this era. My commitment stems from a recognition that the period from 2000 to 2009 was a time of significant transformation, marked by both opportunities and unprecedented challenges. I witnessed these changes unfold in real-time, working directly with dealerships across Connecticut and observing how they navigated the shifting landscape. I believe it's crucial to preserve and share these experiences, as they offer valuable lessons for the present and future of the industry. Specifically, I am committed to providing insights into the following key areas: ? Dealership Dynamics: I can offer a granular view of how Connecticut dealerships adapted to rising gas prices, increased competition from imports, and fluctuating consumer confidence. I can share specific examples of the strategies they employed, the challenges they faced, and the ultimate outcomes – including both successes and closures. My direct interaction with dealerships during this period allows me to paint a vivid picture of their day-to-day realities. ? UUG's Response: My time at Universal Underwriters Group provided me with an inside perspective on how the company reacted to these market forces. I can shed light on internal strategies, product adjustments, underwriting changes, and the support provided to dealerships, particularly during the financial crisis. I am committed to sharing my knowledge of UUG's role in the Connecticut automotive ecosystem. ? Impact of the Financial Crisis: Having experienced the 2008 financial crisis on the front lines, I can articulate the immediate and long-lasting effects on Connecticut dealerships. I can describe how consumer behavior shifted, how relationships between dealerships and partners like UUG were impacted, and how the industry began to rebuild. I am committed to providing a firsthand account of this critical juncture. ? Evolution of F&I: My transition from UUG to Global F&I Solutions gives me a unique vantage point on the evolution of the F&I landscape. I can discuss how regulations, consumer expectations, and technology have shaped F&I practices over the years. My commitment extends to helping others understand this evolution and navigate the current F&I environment. ? Connecticut's Unique Position: I can offer insights into the specific characteristics of the Connecticut automotive market during this period. While not a manufacturing center, Connecticut had its own distinct automotive ecosystem. I am committed to exploring any local factors that influenced the industry's trajectory in the state. I believe that sharing my experiences, observations, and even anecdotal stories can significantly enrich our understanding of this critical period in the Connecticut auto industry. I am committed to making my knowledge available to researchers, industry professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the past, present, and future of this vital sector.

Sincerely

Gary