#USA #St. Louis #Wise F&I #The Drive Academy #Dale Patten

Wise F&I Welcomes Dale Patten and Launches The Drive Academy

In a significant move to strengthen its training and support for finance managers, Wise F&I has recently appointed Dale Patten as its new Director of Training and Development. As part of this initiative, the company has launched The Drive Academy, a dedicated training program designed to equip finance managers with the necessary tools for success in the automotive finance industry.

Dale comes to Wise F&I with an extensive background in the automotive finance sector, boasting over 23 years of experience. His career began humbly as the first finance manager at a dealership that lacked a formal finance and insurance (F&I) department. It was in this role that he quickly grasped how essential structured processes and practical training are for enhancing both performance and revenue.

As Dale progressed through his career, he built high-performing teams and developed robust training programs. He has successfully implemented scalable and results-oriented processes in organizations throughout the country. His focus on compliance, sustainable growth, and people development aligns perfectly with the vision of The Drive Academy, aiming to provide high-quality training for dealership personnel.

Mike Connelly, Wise F&I's Vice President of Business Development, emphasized the importance of this new program, stating, "Dale's experience and his methodical approach to The Drive Academy will serve our partners well. This initiative will not only enhance the level of service we provide but also foster long-term growth for both our dealership partners and Wise F&I."

The Drive Academy aims to deliver hands-on training that emphasizes practical skills, fostering an environment where finance managers can thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Dale’s unique approach is set to create immediate value while supporting the long-term objectives of automotive finance professionals.

In his private life, Dale is passionate about a very different kind of overhead—aviation. As an enthusiastic recreational pilot, he competes in short takeoff and landing (STOL) aviation events. His love for flying resonates with the principles of preparation, continuous learning, and performance under pressure, all of which he aims to integrate into The Drive Academy.

The parallels between aviation and finance are striking; both fields require structured processes, and the ability to perform confidently in high-stakes environments is vital. Dale is keen to leverage these insights to ensure that participants in The Drive Academy leave with actionable skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.

In the spirit of welcoming Dale Patten, Wise F&I encourages dealerships looking to enhance their F&I revenue practices to reach out for more information. Interested parties can contact Dale directly at (810) 955-6655. This outreach illustrates Wise F&I's commitment to building valuable partnerships and supporting the training needs of the automotive finance community.

About Wise F&I

Established over 35 years ago, Wise F&I has established itself as a leading provider of finance and insurance solutions in the automotive market. Initially specializing in Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP), the company has expanded its offerings to include a complete range of F&I products, such as Appearance Care Service Contracts, Theft Deterrent Systems, and Vehicle Service Contracts. Furthermore, Wise F&I promotes its products through independent agents and fosters partnerships with automotive lenders and finance companies nationwide. Their reputable products are fully compliant and backed by A-rated insurance carriers, ensuring a reliable service for their partners across the industry. With a strong focus on service and partnership, Wise F&I has become the go-to F&I provider for dealers everywhere.