Success Leaves Clues: An Automotive Industry Podcast

In this episode, Aaron interviews Thomas Andrews, co-founder of Carolina Diesel Trucks, about his entrepreneurial journey from a hobby to a successful business. Thomas shares how he and his best friend, turned their passion for automotive performance into a thriving company. They started from a one-bay shed and faced various challenges, including financial obstacles and exhausting work schedules. Thomas highlights the pivotal moments and decisions that led to their growth, including joining the Shop Fix Academy, which provided essential business guidance and helped them refine their operations. Today, Carolina Diesel Trucks operates a 15-bay shop with significant annual revenue and plans for further expansion. Thomas emphasizes the importance of building a legacy and focusing on what matters most.Thanks to our show sponsors! Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer

In this episode, Amanda shares her unexpected journey into the auto repair industry, turning a family business into a personal success story. Initially aiming to become a doctor, Amanda shifted gears after realizing her passion for business and dislike of blood and guts! Inspired by her father's and grandfather's legacy, she details her experiences from sweeping floors and answering calls in her father's shop to co-owning multiple successful auto repair locations. Amanda discusses the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated industry, her passion for continuous learning, and the importance of business acumen. Use these links for our awesome Sponsors!Shop Fix Events AutoOps-Steer UpSwell

In this episode, Aaron and Jay get vulnerable and cover everything from including a malaria diagnosis after a trip to Africa, to the pressures of balancing tough work decisions. They delve into topics such as the importance of making informed decisions, handling business confrontations, and how responsibility increases with business growth. They also share personal stories about teaching their children financial responsibility and the life lessons imparted through these experiences. They emphasize the long-term value of good decisions, even when short-term outcomes are unfavorable, and the crucial role of consistent strategy and emotional regulation in leadership.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer

In this episode, Aaron and Jay sit down with Mike Brewster, a distinguished second-generation shop owner from Burnt Hills, New York. Mike shares insights from his extensive experience of over 50 years in the auto repair industry, detailing his journey from taking over his family's shop to growing it into one of the largest in the country. The conversation navigates through life lessons, business strategies, and the importance of character, offering valuable advice for both seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs. Mike's enduring wisdom, coupled with heartwarming anecdotes and a touch of humor, paints a vivid picture of resilience, dedication, and family legacy.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer

In this episode, Aaron and Jay discuss various topics including the importance of mental resilience, celebrating small wins, and expressing gratitude even during tough times. They reflect on personal experiences, especially around struggles and private battles, and emphasize how recognizing and celebrating progress can lead to increased motivation and success. Practical tips are shared for shop owners on how to manage stress, improve their businesses, and achieve personal fulfillment.Thanks to our sponsors! Show them some love.Shop Fix Academy UpSwell AutoOps-Steer

This episode captures an engaging conversation focused on leadership, personal growth, and the importance of mentorship within a business context. The discussion dives into the necessity of credibility and consistency in leadership, maintaining curiosity and open-mindedness, and how to learn from coaching others. It also explores the journey of growing a business, the challenges of scaling, and the psychological aspects of success, such as dealing with imposter syndrome and the temptation to self-sabotage. Highlighting the importance of relationships, gratitude, and faith, the episode provides valuable insights for anyone striving to improve both their personal and professional lives.Thanks to our awesome sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer

This podcast episode features the inspiring story of Juan Barrera, an immigrant from Colombia, who moved to the U.S. as a child under challenging circumstances. Juan's journey is marked by tenacity and hard work as he navigates through personal and professional struggles. From living in overcrowded housing in Brooklyn to overcoming language barriers and financial hardships, Juan shares how he climbed the ladder from working at Sears Auto Center to eventually owning a successful auto repair shop in Orlando.Give our sponsors some love!Shop Fix Events AutoOps-Steer UpSwell

In this engaging podcast episode, Nick and Nicole from Northern California share their inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming successful shop owners with multiple locations. The discussion covers their early struggles, including dealing with negative bank balances and tough personal circumstances, to navigating complex deals and shop expansions. They emphasize the importance of personal growth, mentorship, and calculated risk-taking in achieving success. Key highlights include the power of asking for help, the challenges of working together as a couple, and the transformative impact of being part of a supportive community like ShopFix. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and shop owners looking to expand their businesses.Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy AutoOps UpSwell

In this podcast episode, the guys welcome Brandon to discuss his journey and experiences in the auto repair industry and as main contact for Shop Fix Academy. Brandon shares insights from his role in ShopFix, focusing on common struggles shop owners face, such as managing teams and charging what they're worth. The episode underscores the importance of value, trust, persistence, and proper testing in business strategies. It also delves into Brandon's personal life, emphasizing his integrity and commitment, showcased through his family's adoption journey and raising a child with special needs. Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy AutoOps UpSwell

In this episode, Jay and Aaron share their thoughts on the 2024 podcast season, recount personal stories of their friendship, and explore Aaron's journey in auto repair and Shop Fix Academy. Aaron opens up about the scale of SFA and the core of his mission. He discusses his perspectives on mindset and wealth, as well as the transformative changes he had to make after nearly losing everything. We had a lot of fun recording this episode, and we hope you enjoy it. Thank you for riding along with us in 2024—we'd be honored to have you join us for the journey in 2025.Thank you to our sponsors! Show them some love!Shop Fix Academy AutoOps UpSwell

In this episode, Jason Westberry shares his journey from being an aviation technician and Air Force serviceman to owning and expanding auto repair shops. He discusses his switch from aviation to entrepreneurship, his initial struggles and learning experiences in the automotive industry, and his growth with the support of Shopfix. Jason highlights key moments such as the decision to move to Athens, Georgia, buying his first shop, and the eventual realization and maneuvering to align his business with his goals. This episode also delves into personal development, making tough decisions, and planning for future expansions. Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Steer UpSwell

In this podcast episode, Pete Tavernier shares his fascinating journey from starting a car repair shop in his garage while working at Car Quest, to establishing a successful auto repair business with multiple locations. He also goes in-depth about his mission work in Haiti, where he encountered extraordinary challenges like sourcing parts internationally and training local mechanics. After overcoming numerous obstacles, including personal loss and major business decisions, Pete reveals his ambitious future goal of opening 22 shops to fund international trade schools. Tune in to hear Pete's inspiring story of resilience, faith, and the vision for global impact.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy AutoOps UpSwell

In this episode, Zach shares his career evolution and experiences in since opening his shop True Torque Diesel in 2017. He joined Shop Fix in June 2024 and things have turned around for him in just a few months! He discusses his early life in racing, his decision to become a diesel tech, and the challenges he faced, including a rare eye disease. Zach shares the transformative impact of Shop Fix on his business, covering his exponential revenue growth, staff management, and future plans to expand to a larger shop. Additionally, he reflects on the importance of balancing work with family life, influenced by personal milestones like overcoming his drinking and deepening his faith.Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Steer UpSwell

Ukrainian brothers Andrey and Slavik Shumylo operate two shops in Philadelphia. These guys have put their brotherhood first and developed their business with discipline and creativity to put them in the right spot at the right time. They share their journey from building their first store, to operating a thriving business and turning into multi-shop owners. Their humor and wisdom on how to build growth is a great lesson on how build a business. Thanks to our Sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Steer UpSwell

Aaron and Jay sit down with the legend Jay Leno. Comedian, The Tonight Show host, entrepreneur, automotive enthusiast, and down to earth guy, Jay shares stories of his journey and how he navigated Hollywood to achieve amazing success. You don't want to miss this one!Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer UpSwell

Catch our live show from Shop Hackers 2024! We sit down with Josh Bird, Nick Padron, and Thomas Andrews to hear "How I did it". We know being successful is a never ending journey. These guys share with us how they started, the hard lessons, and how they got to this point in front of a live audience! Thank you to our sponsors of the show.Show them some love!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer UpSwell

In this episode, Adam Preusser and Jason Kath discuss their 20-year partnership in the auto repair industry. They share their journey from meeting in technical college to managing multiple auto repair shops and figuring out how to make it work. The conversation covers the importance of defining roles, acquiring and managing stores, and their personal and professional challenges and successes along the way. These guys know how to work hard, have a fight, and laugh a lot. While they are business partners on paper, in life these guys are closer than brothers. Thanks to our sponsors! Click the link below for more!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer UpSwell

In this episode we hear from Brad Emery. We caught up with Brad at Shop Hackers 2024 and talked about his path and the lessons he learned along the way. He shares some great advice on what it takes to win, why it's not about the money, and how to develop your team and be the leader your family, your business, and the industry needs. The conversation also covers his teaching experience, the importance of being coachable, and the significance of leadership and listening. Show our sponsors some love!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer UpSwell

In this episode we hear from Tommy Mellow! Tommy is a highly successful and motivating leader and founder of A1-Garage Door. Hear his journey from painting his very first door to developing a $200M business where "everybody wins". Hear his inspirational story from his first childhood negotiation, to his focused attention on winning, and why data is key to rising above everyone else. Know you business, know your strategy, and make no excuses. Tommy is a force who legitimately cares about his people and helping them dream bigger and reach their goals. Tommy was also a keynote speaker at Shop Hackers 2024!Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer UpSwell

Join TJ Roberts, Aaron, and Jay as they take a humorous and insightful journey through the humble beginnings of EuroFix and ShopFix. Between riding dirt bikes, racing down back roads, and having an occasional run in with the law, these three have enjoyed the journey. Now the COO of ShopFix, TJ shares with us the lessons he learned along the way and the challenges he and Aaron faced. From thinking they couldn't lose to almost losing it all, they develop the resilience needed to keep moving forward and the balanced working relationship to help steer them in the right direction. Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer AutoVitals RepairPal UpSwell

In today's episode we hear from the one and only, The Berg! We start off with some behind the scenes humor to kick off this walk through Michael Rosenberger's journey to owning his own store and joining Shop Fix Academy. We take some fun rabbit trails hearing how this driven guy found his path into doing what he loves and seeing his family and his industry transformed. Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me AutoVitals Steer RepairPal UpSwell

Rick Kersey, a multi-shop owner in Oregon, started his automotive career at a parts counter. His relentless drive and motivation propelled him through the ranks, leading to the realization that owning his own shop was the next logical step. With unwavering focus, Rick took the plunge, navigating the challenging lessons that new owners often face. Undeterred, he developed a deep understanding of what makes a shop thrive. Continually striving for more, Rick ventured into new industries and expansions, learning costly yet invaluable lessons along the way. Through creativity, leveraging his extensive experience, and a strong emphasis on building a robust culture, Rick has not only expanded his business but has also far surpassed his original goals.Show our Sponsors Some Love!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me AutoVitals

In this episode, Brandon Peavy shares his inspiring journey from starting as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic at the age of 16 to becoming a successful entrepreneur managing multiple businesses. He discusses how he transitioned from the fire service to founding an ambulance company and later, an auto repair shop named Route 11 Automotive. Brandon also talks about the challenges he faced in the ambulance industry, particularly dealing with fraud and regulation. He recounts the pivotal decisions that led to the expansion of his auto repair business and highlights the importance of mentorship and community support in his growth. Brandon provides some deep foundational wisdom he's learned in his career helping others. In his words, there is no plateau, you're either going up or down. Get ready to go up with this awesome conversation. Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me

Shane Copeland and Chad Kaemingk discuss their journey from meeting at a dealership to becoming successful business partners in the automotive repair industry. They share insights on how they started their first automotive repair business with limited funds and partnerships, overcame challenges, expanded to multiple locations, and learned crucial business strategies. They share their journey of determination, struggle, and uncovering the secrets that pushed their business forward. It highlights their growth from working in the trenches to becoming business owners managing multiple stores, their partnership dynamics, and the lessons learned along the way.Thanks to our sponsors! Use our links below.Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me

In this podcast episode, Chuck shares his remarkable journey from running a CrossFit gym in Texas to owning an automotive repair shop in Virginia—despite having no prior experience in the industry. Facing numerous challenges, including a declining shop and a difficult transition with the former owner, Chuck managed to revitalize the business. He emphasizes the crucial role of honest and effective leadership, leveraging his HR background to foster a strong team culture. Chuck also delves into overcoming setbacks and the power of community, both locally and within his professional network. By enhancing business processes and hiring trustworthy staff, Chuck has successfully increased the shop's revenue while achieving a better work-life balance and financial stability. Now a coach and mentor, he reflects on the fulfillment of helping others succeed, sharing valuable insights and strategies for aspiring business owners.

This episode features entrepreneur Mike Difato who shares his journey from working in medical sales and owning a pool service company to launching a successful chain of auto repair shops with his partners. We explore his strategic partnership with Eric, their first shop purchase, and the subsequent expansion to nine shops with plans for a tenth. The episode delves into the significance of learning from failures, the importance of strategic partnerships to grow fast, and how taking calculated risks can lead to substantial growth. Mike also discusses his side venture into boat repair, highlighting the unique challenges compared to auto repair. Throughout, insights into business growth, mentorship, and investment in staff development paint a comprehensive picture of their success. The conversation concludes with discussions on the importance of data analysis in business operations and Mike's motivation for coaching other entrepreneurs.Thanks to our sponsors! Use our affiliate links below!Shop Fix Academy or call 615-645-3683Shop Fix Academy or call 888-953-2379

This episode features Josh Bird's remarkable journey from working at a dealership with a six-figure income to owning two auto repair shops with a combined revenue of over four million dollars. Josh shares the pivotal moment when he quit his job and risked everything to start his own business. Despite the hardships, like receiving a cease and desist from the county and working in a barn with ten foot ceilings, Josh's story underscores the significance of perseverance, the impact of coaching, and the power of community in achieving rapid business growth. Josh's account is not only a source of inspiration but also offers practical advice for other owners in the auto repair industry.Thanks to our sponsors! Use our affiliate links below!Shop Fix Academy or call 615-645-3683Leads Near Me or call 888-953-2379

This episode features an in-depth interview with Ryan Hillenbrand, owner of four auto repair shops, who shares his journey into the auto repair industry that reshaped his life, learning perspective, and approach to business. Hillenbrand discusses the value of relationships, trust, and personal development in business growth and leadership. He highlights the transformative role of understanding oneself and improving interactions with others. Through anecdotes and insights, Ryan emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, being open to advice while critically assessing its source, and the power of strong relationships in overcoming challenges and driving success. The conversation also covers his strategies for business expansion, the significance of moving beyond ego, and the actionable advice he's adopted throughout his entrepreneurial journey.04:42 Embracing Change: Ryan's Journey from Engineering to Auto Repair05:26 The Evolution of a Family Business: Specialization and Expansion10:05 Overcoming Ego: The Path to Personal and Professional Growth21:28 Redefining Success: Beyond Money to Passion and Problem-Solving23:16 Transitioning to Ownership: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities25:16 Transforming the Family Business: A Bold Move25:25 Expanding and Innovating: The Path to Success26:28 Acquiring the Business: A Family Affair28:16 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change30:21 The Power of Relationships and Personal Growth32:43 Evaluating Advice and Seeking Credibility45:56 The Importance of Relationships in Business Success

Zain operates three shops with laser-focused strategies to increase profit and performance. In this episode he opens up about his "controversial", and in his words "experimental" strategies how a shop can do over $3 million. Through a combination of his strategies and dedicated approach, Zain and his team are pushing boundaries and creating a high-performance authentic culture.

Tony and his family operate five shops in Indiana. In this episode he opens up about his path growing up in his Dad's business, developing a strategy for growth only to have things go sideways, and what it took to recover and grow the business. Tony goes into detail on the power of prioritizing family, simplifying operations, and developing a true list of core values to help be a guide during rapid expansion.

Some moments seem pretty insignificant, but later, we realize they were a landmark in our lives, a moment that sparked the change that set us on a course that would forever change our lives. I don't think it's a coincidence that these moments tend to happen to us when the pressure is on, when our back is against the call, or when we are at a crossroads --- especially in our businesses. Today's guest is Tristan Realubit, owner of Real Autohous, with multiple locations in the Chicago area. One of these moments for Tristan was a promise he made to his mom many years ago. In this episode, you'll hear the amazing aftermath of and how that moment forever changed his life, his family, his company, and countless others. This is one of those stories that will impact your heart as much as your head. Stay tuned. Thank you to our sponsors: Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Here's another episode in the Quick Clue mini-series. In this episode, you'll learn 3 important insights that can help you find and hire incredible employees. This mini-series is designed to give you something to think about, something to improve your shop, and help you make the most of the week ahead. Another full-length episode will drop next week!

Today, we're diving deep into the transformative power of personal development. Personal development isn't just about reading a specific book, attending a seminar, or doing a few workouts -- it's about fundamentally altering how you perceive yourself and your potential. This week's guest is Darren Adams, owner of Dryfork Diesel in Missouri. Years ago, Darren found himself heartbreakingly stuck with a broken body, limiting beliefs, and an underperforming shop. In this episode, he'll share his wild journey of self-discovery and doing the HARD work to transform himself in mind, body, and spirit to become absolutely unrecognizable from his previous self, truly becoming the beast-mode version of himself who serve his family, shop, and community in ways he never thought possible. Change is hard, but staying stuck is harder. Choose your hard. Thank you to our sponsors: Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

We are going to try something new! As you know, each month, we interview some incredible folks in our industry in long-form interviews. We've been so honored by your support for the show, and are truly grateful. This week Thomas is introducing a new will be new mini-series called “Quick Clues”. The episodes will be about 5 min long… no guests, no dramatic intro, and no editing, it's just you, Thomas, and his microphone. The goal is to give you something to think about, something to share with your team, something that can help you improve in specific areas, and most of all, be encouraged. So, we'll try this out for a bit, and see how it works out. Perhaps make it a regular part of the podcast. Do us a favor and send us an email if you like this (or hate it) to Thomas@SLCAutoPodcast.com… Also, just to confirm, We will still be posting full-length episodes like always, 2x a month. This week's Quick Clue: Is Your Car Count Being Manipulated?Car count (or lack thereof) is a big topic right now. Your ability to analyze the specifics of your car count is CRITICAL to being able to grow your car count. In this episode, Thomas will break down how to tell if your shop is meeting marketing demand, or if it's being artificially held back. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

So often, when we think about our numbers, metrics, and KPI's we get caught up in the "facts" we learn from these, creating a very rigid interpretation of them. Curiosity goes out the window, and we bulldoze our team with what we think is the problem. We forget that making stark assumptions often leads to flawed conclusions and our team's confusion and frustration. This week's guest is Mike Difato, Owner of three successful auto and boat repair brands with six locations across FL. An early experience in Mike's career in corporate America forever shaped how he uses data and allowed him to unlock an absolute cheat code to build a better team and an incredible shop. He also brings other powerful insights on a few other topics to help you further level up your leadership skills.Thank you to our sponsors: Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

This one's for the techs. Without you, our world would look very different: Parents wouldn't be able to make it to their kid's games, food wouldn't make it to stores, and the world as we know it wouldn't exist. Yet despite this, historically, your role hasn't been appropriately respected or appreciated. The good news is that there is a massive movement to change this from organizations that want to find and train the next generation, change public opinion, and help techs build a lucrative future. My guests today are Lowell Greene of TechFix and Phil Quielln, Company Forman of EuroFix, AutoFix, and Mike's Auto in TN. In this episode, we give an insider's perspective, covering topics few are willing to discuss --- the good, bad, and downright ugly. We hope it inspires you and encourages you. Technicians, thank you for all you do. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Our effectiveness as leaders, employees, or any other role in our lives is often profoundly shaped by our past experiences- good and bad. Some experiences like trauma and other huge losses can leave us with deep wounds that, if left untreated, profoundly hinder our abilities in many areas of business and personal life. Moving forward is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys we can take. This episode's guest is an incredible shop owner named Kyle Meadows. He took on that quest and overcame some huge blows he took from his past, allowing him to build an incredible repair shop, thrive in his personal life, and now be able to support others through their struggles. This is a powerful episode. Stay tuned. NOTE: There are mentions of overdose, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (call or text)SAMHSA Substance Abuse Hotline: 888-662-4357Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

If you've ever purchased a shop, a house, or even a car, then you know that the closing table can sometimes be a bit tense, unnerving, and even have some surprises. Sometimes, just getting to the closing table can be a considerable challenge. When we encounter these challenges, our character, core beliefs, quick thinking, and keen negotiation skills have to shine… otherwise, the deal may be off. This is precisely where our guest Phil Webster found himself. Phil is a multi-shop owner in a small community in Illinois. In this exciting episode, Phil gives us the play-by-play of the events leading up to and closing his second shop. If you want to learn how to create win-win deals, this episode is for you! Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

We've addressed the tech shortage topic from several angles here on the show, but this conversation truly surprised and inspired me. There are so many layers to the problem, so when you hear a unique perspective like the one you're about to hear, it brings a level of clarity that "obvious" answers just can't give you. This week's guest is Lowell Greene. Lowell is lifelong tech, a former shop owner, a business coach for Shop Fix Academy, and the creator of Tech Fix which launches on 7/1/2023. Lowell delivers some incredible insight and solutions to the problem which, though may be hard to hear for some, will inspire you to drive changes in your shop which will allow you to build a shop culture that increases hire and retention rates through the roof. If you want to be a part of the solution, stay tuned. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

First off, let's address the elephant in the studio: This episode features our friend Ryan Burton who is the founder of Leads Near Me, which is a sponsor of this show. But rest assured you, he paid NOTHING to be interviewed on the show. We asked him to be on the show because Ryan is a master at marketing, running a successful service business, and building brands. As those in Auto Repair, it's not only important for us to hear from our fellow owners and employees but also from those that serve our shops. Ryan came from Canada and had no intention of serving the Automotive community - it found him. His story is a shining example of the American Dream. In this show, you'll hear how he got started, why is loves auto repair, and be given a few surprises. You'll love getting to know the man behind the brand.Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

It's a well-known fact that the auto repair industry that we are in the middle of a nationwide technician shortage. In my observation, there are shops that have faired better than others. These shops tend to focus on creating a culture and system where techs know they won't have to deal with drama, can make great hours, and have a great career. In this podcast, I chat with the great Phil Quillen, who is the company Foreman for a multi-location auto repair company in Middle Tennessee. You'll love this conversation because it gives so many unique perspectives, tactics, and ideas that you can deploy to really change the game in your shop. Wanna build your dream team? Then this one is for you!

There's a saying that I really love, that I've lived by for many years. “Find a need and fill it”. This saying speaks to service, but also making room for yourself to grow. The employees and even owners that I've seen become the most successful seem to really follow this saying too. They do things beyond what they are paid for because it needs to be done, they put the mission above their “title”. In my observation, when someone does this, success seems to be inevitable. This week's interview really drives this home. Eric and Brent Raber and not only brothers, but they own a highly successful 4-location repair shop company in Ohio. This concept is a theme throughout their story. If you work with family or are trying to level up in your shop or give your team opportunities, then this one is for you. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

This is the final part of an incredible 3 part series with our friend, the very wise, Joe Stokes who is the Regional Director for EuroFix, AutoFix, and Mike's Auto in Middle Tennessee. If you've missed parts one and two, then we highly recommend you listen to those too as the Truth Bombs are many. In this great episode, we focus on how to build the superpower known as Emotional Intelligence. This is the skill of learning to manage your emotions, mindset, and even how your body reacts to stress. We reveal how every role in the shop can utilize this tool to improve their relationships with the team, the customer, and even in their personal life. Want to get ahead? Want to level up? Then you'll love this episode. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Part two of this three-part series is focused on what it takes to open one (or more) stores at once. Joe Stokes, Regional Director for a fast-growing Middle Tennessee Auto Repair company, and I dive into how to find the locations, where to find and how to hire the staff, help new employees from out of state, the logistics of overcoming the Tech Shortage, and how to have the right leadership team in place. In addition, we have a great discussion on the mindset of techs at dealerships vs. independent shops. If you're an owner, a tech, or anyone involved in a growing auto repair company, then this episode is for you. As you may have noticed Joe and I can TALK, so this is another long one, but well worth the listen all the way through. Stay tuned! Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Our guest this week is the amazing and very wise, Joe Stokes who is the district manager for EuroFix, AutoFix, and Mike's Auto in Middle Tennessee. This is Joe's second time on the show and if you've not heard his first interview, we'd highly recommend it. In fact, it was one of our top listened-to episodes. I asked Joe to come back and share some more wisdom, and share he did! We recorded a 3-part series which we are so excited for you to hear. In this first part of the series, we discuss how Joe dealt with a store that had been affected by an underperforming manager. Yes, this is a long episode, but let me assure you that the actionable “clues” which will help you be a better leader are non-stop. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Customer Advocacy. It's a big part of what we as automotive professionals. Technicians advocate with complete and accurate inspections, and our Advisors help customers understand what is needed on their cars. What would happen if we took this concept to the next level? That's exactly what guest Rob Choisser of Choisser Automotive Services did. He found himself furious at the fact that so many people make poor financial decisions about their cars from a lack of financial education, the lies told to us by society, and misconceptions about the nature of the car itself. So, Rob built his entire shop model around helping his customers gain freedom from this trap. The result is a thriving, profitable shop, with raving multi-generational customers who are actually financially better off because of his process. This concept is a game-changer for our shops, our customers, and the industry. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Having a shop is much like steering a large ship in new waters. Your crew is looking to you for leadership, your passengers trust you to do the right thing, and your family needs you to be successful. Without the right experience, braving these new waters can result in peril, hurting everyone around you and costing you a fortune in money, time, and, ultimately, your future. In this episode, Ryan Blair, managing partner of Simple True Automotive Group, will share the heartwrenching story of when he shipwrecked his shop and how he recovered and made things right. This emotional episode will help anyone struggling to overcome a considerable blow. Stay tuned. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

What is the point of becoming profitable? I've talked to hundreds of shop owners, and not a single one wanted to become rich for the sake of being rich. Almost all of them opened their shop to better the lives of their families, their employees, and their community. While this is a great goal, sadly, many don't achieve the necessary profit to make this happen. But what if there was a more efficient model you could deploy to make this goal a reality in less time? This is exactly what Matt Carlson of Fix It Forward Auto Care has discovered. In this episode, he's going to share what he's accomplished and give you the practical steps so you can deploy some of these strategies in your own shop. To learn more about Matt's model, please visit his website, or email him.Matt@fixitforwardautocare.comhttps://www.fixitforwardautocare.comThanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

There's a saying that says, “You can't change your stars” It implies that the family line, situation, or status you are born into will determine what you can accomplish and how far you can succeed. Challenging this notion is the very essence of the American Dream, which declares: “Anything is possible with God, grit, and determination.” Few people I know embody this better than my guest Juan Acevedo of Trustlane Automotive in Salinise, CA. Juan's story proves that you can accomplish great things despite your circumstances. In this episode, Juan will share his incredible journey and truths you can apply to your life and business. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Sometimes things at our shops take some pretty sharp turns, and sometimes those turns are into a ditch, but other times it's straight into a canyon! What do you do? Perhaps it's ego, but for many of us, the first instinct is to hide the pain and fear and try to figure it out on our own. When we are alone, stuck in our heads, in fear, and experiencing pain, it's hard to think and move forward. Years ago, our guest Adam Preuesser of Motor Works in Minnesota found himself in that canyon. In this episode, Adam will share what happened, how he got out, and how that foundation helped him build an incredible multi-location operation and a life of impact. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Becoming resilient is one of the most critical traits to becoming a successful shop owner, tech, advisor, or anyone else in this challenging industry. In my observation, resilience is the ability to MOVE FORWARD from the traumas, setbacks, and embarrassments from the past. It's the ability to acknowledge the past but not get stuck in it. It's looking forward with hope. This trait allows you to overcome excuses, have self-discipline, and have genuine joy in the present moment. Stan Andrewski of Certified Auto Repair in VA embodies resilience. He has overcome a difficult past and found the strategies that allowed him to cultivate resilience and create an incredible life. The clues he leaves apply to anyone trying to move from surviving to thriving. Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below. Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.comShop Fix Acadamy's sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com