Connect with us

Technology

Enhanced Lending for Auto Dealers through ProGuard and OTTOMOTO® Partnership

Published

on

Next-Generation Auto Finance Platform ensures speed, accuracy, and compliance

AVOCA, Pa., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ProGuard Warranty announced today that they have formed a professional alliance with OTTOMOTO® to bring their lending aggregation and Business Continuity Platform to ProGuard’s base of independent and franchise dealers across the United States. With tight credit markets and interest rates negatively affecting sales, this modernized software enterprise improves access and efficiency to close more deals.

“The traditional lending process is outdated and painful for both the dealer and the consumer. Dealers want to offer a broad spectrum of lenders to match their customer base, but don’t have the resources to find suitable institutions. They often shot gun credit applications to every lender, many of which are denied outright. This puts them at a competitive disadvantage to the lot down the street that can offer a better rate and payment terms,” said Dominic Limongelli, President of ProGuard Warranty. “We are always seeking alliances with companies that can help our dealer partners succeed. OTTOMOTO® streamlines every part of retail financing — from credit applications through funding. Through their unique lender verification tool, they guide dealers to the most appropriate lenders for each customer, enhancing the probability of credit approval to close more deals.”

Through the OTTOMOTO® platform, dealers of all sizes have access to an array of lenders across the entire credit spectrum. A comprehensive suite of tools helps dealers enhance security, ensure compliance, and improve efficiency. F&I products, including ProGuard protection plans, can be added into financing with one click to further increase revenue. The customer experience is enhanced as well, allowing buyers to complete their credit application or get prequalified anywhere by simply scanning a QR code. Real-time text notifications alert them to any additional requirements needed for approval, improving funding turnaround time and customer satisfaction.

OTTOMOTO® is also a valuable compliance tool, eliminating data entry and legibility errors that can lead to FTC Safeguards Rule violations and fines. “At a time when privacy is a top concern, dealers are still collecting paper documents with personal information on it,” stated Limongelli. “One fine can put a dealer out of business but with OTTOMOTO® all aspects of financing are done online. It’s an effortless way to stay compliant without increasing staff.”

 “ProGuard has an excellent reputation for transparency and recognized the value we could bring to their dealers,” said Paul Nicholas, CEO of OTTOMOTO®. “Their timing was excellent as we have enhanced our offering to include the Digital Deal Jacket which further enhances security and compliance. By integrating automated compliance checks and advanced fraud detection we have significantly increased our ability to prevent fraud and protect our clients.”  Added Limongelli, “Further enriching the customer experience is our top priority and this robust desking tool does so by raising the bar on efficiency.”

About ProGuard Warranty

ProGuard is a third-generation, family-owned business that has been serving the automotive industry for over seventy years. Their many years in the industry has led to a unique expertise in knowing the products and coverage needed to protect dealers and their customers. An expansive menu of new and pre-owned vehicle protection plans is available through their nationwide network of dealer partners. The product offering also includes a unique product for Farm and Ranch Trucks, another designed specifically for commercial vehicles, a standalone OEM technology package and Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) waivers. Dealers appreciate the company’s tradition of flexibility, transparency, and accessibility, and knowing their customers are protected from the high cost of repairs.

Media Contact: Al Celentano, VP of Strategic Alliances, acelentano@proguardwarranty.com

About OTTOMOTO®

OTTOMOTO® is at the forefront of transforming the lending landscape. By pioneering a digital-lender-first approach, OTTOMOTO® streamlines lending into a fast, secure, and fully compliant digital process that benefits dealers, consumers, and financial institutions alike. Addressing longstanding inefficiencies in traditional lending practices, OTTOMOTO® capitalizes on industry demand for a more efficient and transparent approach to financing. Leveraging strategic partnerships and deep expertise in finance, OTTOMOTO® is positioned as a trailblazer in lending technology. For more information, visit ottomoto.net.

Media Contact: Carol Docalavich, Co-Founder and COO carol@ottomotoapp.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enhanced-lending-for-auto-dealers-through-proguard-and-ottomoto-partnership-302297794.html

SOURCE ProGuard Warranty

Continue Reading

Technology

Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

Published

on

By

CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html

Continue Reading

Technology

In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

Published

on

By

The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-electrical-expert-sean-mcgahy-breaks-down-how-a-whole-home-surge-protector-works-302919589.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

Published

on

By

The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-building-materials-expert-andy-maetzold-explains-how-freeze-thaw-cycles-affect-minnesota-homes-302919645.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Trending