OWL Insights

Dealership accounting requires specialized experience, and financial leadership needs can change quickly. Fractional CFO services give dealerships access to experienced financial guidance while supporting succession planning, developing future accounting leaders, strengthening financial processes, and preparing the organization for continued growth.

Cybersecurity threats don't always start with someone hacking into your network. Increasingly, criminals are targeting everyday dealership business processes, including vendor payments, invoices, banking changes, and accounting workflows. In this blog, we explore why cybersecurity is just as much an accounting and operational responsibility as it is an IT responsibility. Learn how payment fraud happens, why dealerships can be attractive targets, and how strong internal controls, verification procedures, employee awareness, and collaboration between IT, Accounting, Operations, and Leadership can help protect your dealership from costly fraud.

Data is only valuable when dealerships can turn it into action. Following the VizAuto Customer Summit, OWL Director of Operations Shannon Davis shares key takeaways on how dealers are using data, reporting, and AI to improve processes, uncover opportunities, and make better operational decisions.

Building a new dealership or renovating an existing facility involves much more than construction. Your DMS, network, Wi-Fi, phones, security systems, service technology, and other critical tools all depend on IT infrastructure that should be planned before the walls go up. This dealership IT construction checklist covers seven areas dealers should address early, including internet service, network infrastructure, data cabling, wireless coverage, equipment planning, cybersecurity, and move-in coordination. Learn how involving IT early can help prevent costly change orders, avoid opening-day technology issues, and create an infrastructure designed to support your dealership today and as it grows.

Buying a dealership is only the beginning. Getting the technology ready for Day One requires coordination across the DMS, users, security, computers, networks, payment systems, phones, vendors, and more. See how OWL Automotive Consulting helped Pharr Nissan of Chesterton bring the moving pieces together and transition from acquisition to ongoing operations.

OWL Automotive Consulting announces a new chapter in its leadership as co-founder Sally Lopez assumes full ownership of the firm and the role of Founder and CEO. With more than 38 years of automotive industry experience, Lopez will lead OWL's continued growth and expansion of services for dealerships nationwide.

Today's dealerships depend on technology across every department, from DMS and OEM applications to service lane tools, accounting systems, networks, and cybersecurity. But managing an increasingly complex technology environment can pull valuable time and resources away from running the dealership. In this blog post, we explore what Managed IT Services really mean for dealerships, the difference between fully managed and co-managed IT, and why more dealer groups are choosing an automotive-focused MSP. Learn how the right IT partner can help reduce downtime, strengthen cybersecurity, support dealership technology, and provide the strategic guidance needed to scale and plan for future growth.

A successful dealership DMS implementation takes much more than installing new software. From planning and data conversion to system configuration, integrations, employee training, go-live, and post-launch support, every phase plays a critical role in keeping the project on track. In this blog post, we break down the seven phases of a successful DMS implementation, common mistakes dealerships should avoid, and why experienced project management can make such a difference. Whether you're transitioning to Auto/Mate, CDK Global, Cox Automotive, DealerBuilt, Dominion, PBS, Pinewood, Reynolds and Reynolds or Tekion, learn what your dealership should expect throughout the process and how the right preparation can help minimize disruption, reduce risk, and set your team up for long-term success.

Gain an inside look at OWL Automotive Consulting's dealership IT assessment process. Learn how our team evaluates network infrastructure, cybersecurity, hardware, and hidden technology risks to help dealerships improve performance, strengthen security, and prepare for future growth.

Planning a DMS implementation is about much more than migrating data and training employees, it's also one of the most important opportunities to strengthen your dealership's cybersecurity. During a DMS conversion, critical business systems, customer information, financial data, and user permissions are all being reviewed, making security a key part of a successful implementation. In this article, learn why cybersecurity should be built into every phase of your DMS project, from planning and user access to network security, backups, multi-factor authentication, and employee training. Discover common security risks dealerships overlook during DMS implementations, practical best practices to reduce risk, and how a dealership-focused technology partner can help ensure your conversion is secure, compliant, and positioned for long-term success. Whether you're moving to CDK, Tekion, Reynolds & Reynolds, or another platform, these cybersecurity strategies can help protect your dealership.

OWL Automotive Consulting announces the planned retirement of Co-Founder Tom Olney, effective June 30, 2026, marking a pivotal leadership transition for the firm. After helping build OWL into a trusted industry partner, Tom departs with the business in a strong position, grounded in the values and relationships that defined its success. Co-Founder Sally Lopez will assume full ownership, ensuring seamless continuity for clients and the same proven approach moving forward. With more than 40 years in automotive leadership, Tom leaves a legacy of integrity, mentorship, and operational excellence. OWL moves ahead with confidence, honoring his lasting impact while continuing to deliver trusted, results-driven guidance as the firm enters its next chapter under Sally's leadership. Read the full announcement to learn more.

NADA is fast approaching! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, there's always something new to discover. We sat down with our team and partners to hear their thoughts, tips, and expectations for this year's show. Here's what they had to say, plus a few fun superlatives to keep things interesting.