F&I Direct Expands Administrator Capabilities Through AMS Partnership

New deal allows F&I Direct to directly administer programs for dealer clients using AMS's AI-powered platform.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:15pm

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An extreme close-up of the pebbled leather texture of a luxury car dashboard, with the rich browns, tans, and blacks highlighted in dramatic lighting, conceptually representing the advanced technology and administration capabilities now available to independent auto dealers.The strategic partnership between F&I Direct and AMS aims to empower independent auto dealers with advanced administration tools and transparent performance insights.Today in Raleigh

F&I Direct, a full-service automotive brokerage firm, has announced a strategic partnership with Administrative Management Solutions, Inc. (AMS), a leader in F&I administration software. The partnership enables F&I Direct to directly administer F&I programs for its dealer clients through the AMS platform, giving those dealers a dedicated, independent advocate running their F&I operations backed by AI and machine learning.

Why it matters

Traditionally, dealerships have relied on large, impersonal third-party administrators to manage their F&I products, often with limited visibility. This partnership allows F&I Direct to act as the dedicated administrator, providing real-time reporting, streamlined contracting, and transparent performance insights to its dealer clients.

The details

Through the AMS platform's AI-driven technology, F&I Direct can now administer programs across its network of over 100 dealership rooftops in the automotive, RV, marine, and powersport sectors with speed, accuracy, and personalization. Dealers benefit from having an advocate they already know and trust handling their F&I, rather than a distant corporate administrator.

  • The partnership was announced on April 13, 2026.

The players

F&I Direct, LLC

A full-service automotive brokerage firm and independent dealer advocate led by partners Gary Powers and Daniel Scarlett.

Administrative Management Solutions, Inc. (AMS)

A leader in F&I administration software that empowers automotive dealers to take control of their Finance & Insurance profits through self-administration, utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Bart Carpenter

CEO of AMS.

Gary Powers

Founder and Partner of F&I Direct.

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What they’re saying

“Partnering with F&I Direct is about putting a trusted advocate in the administrator's seat. Our platform was built to give independent operators the same administrative power that large dealer groups have always had access to. Now, F&I Direct can walk into any dealership they serve and say they are not just recommending the right products, they are administering them. That is a fundamentally different and more powerful value proposition for their dealers.”

— Bart Carpenter, CEO of AMS

“Our goal is to empower dealerships with the tools, products, and insights they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. We are proud to support our dealership network with solutions that drive real, sustainable growth.”

— Gary Powers, Founder and Partner of F&I Direct

What’s next

The partnership further expands F&I Direct's training and development capabilities, ensuring that dealership F&I staff are fully supported within the new, technology-driven administration environment.

The takeaway

This partnership positions F&I Direct's dealer clients to capture greater F&I profitability, improve operational transparency, and build long-term enterprise value - advantages that have historically been out of reach for independent dealers and smaller dealer groups.