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The Journey of Elite FI Partners: Building Dealer Wealth with Purpose

Introduction: Who I Am and Why I Started Elite FI Partners

Michael Aufmuth | Elite FI Partners
My name is Michael Aufmuth, and my journey in the automotive industry began back in 1997 at my family’s dealerships in Tucson, Arizona. I grew up in this business, working in sales, finance, and eventually general management, but I found my true passion in the finance office. For over 13 years, I have built and led F&I departments, focusing on process, profitability, and customer experience. Along the way, I even developed a dealer management system to streamline deal structuring, a project born out of my background in computer science.

In 2013, my wife, Emilia, and I expanded into the vendor side of the business, training and developing F&I processes for Mazda and Volvo dealerships nationwide. That experience opened our eyes to the bigger picture. Dealers didn’t just need products; they needed partners who would stand beside them with training, coaching, and wealth-building strategies.

In 2019, we launched Elite FI Partners with a clear mission: to make an impact. Our vision has always been bigger than selling contracts. It is about helping dealers exceed their ambitions, build lasting wealth, and dominate their markets.


This blog marks the beginning of a new chapter. Here, I will share insights, strategies, and guidance on reinsurance, training, and dealer development. My goal is to provide education that empowers dealerships to not only grow, but to grow with purpose.

Adaptive Training and Coaching

A strong F&I department does not happen by chance. It is built through consistent training and coaching that adapts to each dealership’s needs. At Elite FI Partners, we provide hands-on, in-store development and virtual support to ensure finance managers can present F&I products confidently, overcome objections, and stay compliant.

Dealer Wealth Programs

Our Dealer Wealth Programs are designed to move dealers from short-term profit to long-term equity. By combining carefully chosen products with structured reinsurance strategies, we help dealers warehouse premiums, capture investment income, and build wealth over time. These programs are not just about boosting this month’s numbers. They are about securing the future of your dealership.

Reinsurance Program Types

Dealers today have access to a variety of reinsurance structures. Choosing the right one depends on your goals and production volume. At Elite FI Partners, we guide our partners through:


Each program has its place, but the common goal is always the same: helping dealers take ownership of their profitability and future.

Looking Ahead: Education and Impact

This is just the beginning. Future posts on this blog will break down topics like Reinsurance 101, GAP protection strategies, building a training culture in the finance office, and advanced wealth-building programs.

At Elite FI Partners, success comes from more than just selling products. It stems from creating a culture of impact, training teams to perform at their best, and equipping dealers with the tools to take control of their wealth. That is the journey we are on, and I look forward to sharing it with you here.

If you would like to learn more about reinsurance, dealer wealth programs, or how Elite FI Partners can help your dealership grow, I would love to connect with you directly.

📧 Email: michael@elitefipartners.com

📞 Phone/Text: (520) 631-0465

Let’s talk about how we can build wealth, protect your customers, and help you dominate in your market.

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