DALLAS -

EFG Companies, partnered with Northwood University, this week announced the judging panel for the first annual F&I Innovator of the Year Award competition.

According to EFG, the eight-member panel collectively touts over 100 years of F&I experience at auto dealerships and has experience at all of the major brands.

“Each judge selected for this panel has a reputation associated with innovation and raising the bar within the automotive industry,” said John Pappanastos, president and chief executive officer at EFG Companies. “Collectively, their vision, years of experience, and expertise give them the unique ability to determine what F&I product has the most potential to benefit consumers, individual dealerships, and the industry as a whole.”

2015 Inaugural Competition Judges
Judge Title Auto Group/Company
Lisa Copeland Manager Partner/General Manager FIAT of Austin, a Nyle Maxwell Family Dealership
Alvin Heggs Dealer Principal Superstition Springs Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Kurt Hornung Vice President of F&I Operations AutoNation, Inc.
Tiger Lester Regional Finance and Insurance Director Group 1 Automotive
Patricia Lindseth Western Region Financial Services Manager Penske Automotive Group
Anthony Patterson Vice President of Operations Patterson Auto Group
Fernando Somoza Executive Manager Central Houston Cadillac, Central Houston Nissan, & Baytown Nissan
John Stephens Senior Vice President Dealer Services, EFG Companies

There are currently six teams competing for having the best F&I product idea – the winning team will win $25,000 and have EFG develop their F&I product for retail consumption, returning a percentage of the latter’s revenues to Northwood University.

The competition will conclude on Friday, Nov. 13 and the winning team and product will be announced Thursday, Dec. 10.

To check out the F&I Innovator of the Year YouTube channel and see each team’s weekly videos, click here.