Walser Automotive Group said it has hired Brad Schafer as vice president of fixed operations. Schafer will focus on all areas of service, business development center service, reconditioning, and parts.

The automation, innovation, and streamlining of new technologies will be major areas of focus for Schafer.

Schafer brings 25 years of experience, the last 12 with JM Lexus in the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., area, serving most recently as director of fixed operations and facilities.

He will work closely with Walser’s management team to continue training, development, and mentorship of the fixed operations function.

During his time at JM Lexus, Schafer led all aspects of daily operations, sales, technology solutions, strategic planning, and financial management at what Walser says is the world’s highest-volume Lexus dealership. Prior to JM Lexus, he was director of fixed operations for Courtesy Toyota/Asbury Automotive in Tampa, Fla., and spent time with AutoNation, as well.

Schafer is also the co-creator of the propriety cloud-based automotive reconditioning software, ReconTRAC and KleanTRAC. The software is used to improve the reconditioning detailing process for dealerships, according to Walser, which operates 25 dealerships and affiliated businesses featuring major and luxury brands throughout Minnesota and Kansas.

“[Schafer’s] forward-thinking mindset in the fixed operations realm is a tremendous asset to this side of our business,” Andrew Walser, Walser chief executive officer, said in a news release.