EFG Companies Announces Winner of F&I Innovator of the Year Contest
The winning team's mobile app, dubbed Watchdog, provides consumers with a convenient way to stay current with their vehicle maintenance, prevent theft and recover their vehicle.
DALLAS, TX — EFG Companies and Northwood University announced Team Quantum Integration as the winner of their first annual F&I Innovator of the Year Award.
Along with the award, team members Collin Ulvund, John Vollmuth, and Richie Durso will split the contest's $25,000 grand prize. The app they developed, Watchdog, provides consumers with a convenient way to stay current with their vehicle maintenance, prevent theft and recover their vehicle.
“With changing market demographics, increased compliance and an evolving dealership model, everyone is asking what new developments will be made in the F&I space,” said John Pappanastos, president and CEO, EFG Companies. “At EFG, we understand that in order to lead the industry we need fresh sources of inspiration on how to morph or develop new products to meet new demands. This competition allowed us to jump start this process and we expect to see more unique products unfold in the coming year.”
The app delivers notifications when a scheduled maintenance is approaching. It also allows consumers to check maintenance codes when a dashboard warning light comes on, saving an average of $50 per service charge to check the code as well as thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs by adhering to manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Additionally, the app provides a direct communication link to the selling dealer to schedule maintenance, making it easier for consumers to maintain their vehicle and giving dealers a tool to increase service drive retention.
Watchdog also monitors the status of a vehicle and alerts the owner when their vehicle is stolen or being towed. It also provides remote start.
In its first year, the F&I innovator of the Year Award competition asks six teams to conceptualize and build a new F&I product. The teams are made up of students from Northwood University's automotive marketing and management undergraduate program.
During the semester-long contest, Team Quantum Integration used Twitter, produced YouTube video diaries and campaigned for their winning submission. The team was mentored by Caleb Hargreaves, finance manager at Hanlees Auto Group in Davis, Calif.
The contest was judged by a panel of eight F&I experts from automotive dealerships and corporations from across the country.
More F&I
Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →