The NOLN Podcast

Happy New Year from National Oil and Lube News!  While it may be too soon to determine exactly what 2023 will bring, it isn't too early to start tackling your to-do list. If you are looking to bring some fresh talent onto your team this year, then you're not alone. New employees are on the mind of many shop owners, but the hiring process can be difficult to navigate without the right procedures in place.   Claudia St. John is the president of HR Affinity Group. She has provided key insight for multiple stories in NOLN about hiring, interviewing, human resources and more. She joins the show to discuss the hiring outlook for 2023, and how shop owners can best equip themselves for success as employers.   Thanks to Valvoline for sponsoring this episode of The NOLN Podcast. Visit this site to learn more.  Subscribe to The NOLN Podcast and visit noln.net for more content. Follow NOLN on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.     

In October 2022, it was announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motor Company for oil drain pan assemblies. This NHTSA investigation was spurred by a petition that was put together by the Automotive Oil Change Association in July 2022.   Joanna Johnson is a policy advisor for the AOCA. She joins the show to explain the importance of the petition as well as the research that was put into it. Additionally, she discusses what exactly this NHTSA investigation is and why service providers and their customers should be paying attention to it.   Subscribe to the NOLN Podcast and visit noln.net for more content. Follow NOLN on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo provides an annual opportunity to explore the latest and greatest that the industry has to offer.  This year at AAPEX, NOLN had the chance to check out some new technology firsthand through a conversation with Vince Caito, VP of marketing and product development at Yoshino Power.  Yoshino recently debuted a solid-state lithium ion portable battery. During this interview with NOLN, you'll hear Caito outline the technology behind this portable battery generator, why it matters to the automotive aftermarket and how it contributes to the greater electric vehicle conversation. 

Building your toolkit and building your network are two tasks that go hand-in-hand as a quick lube owner and operator. Kevin Davis of the Quick Lube Expert visits the NOLN Podcast to discuss strategies for taking advantage of industry resources and shaping relationships with your peers. 

In this interview from NOLN's sister publication ADAPT Automotive, Senior Digital Editor Noah Brown speaks with Auto Care Association President Bill Hanvey about how shops can promote education surrounding the Right to Repair issue. In addition, Hanvey touches on some of the topics that will be addressed at this year's ADAPT Summit in Dallas, Texas. Learn more about the ADAPT: Automotive Technology Summit here. 

FullSpeed Automotive recently announced plans for a "Store of the Future" model that promotes an enhanced customer experience, implements more technology, and gives quick lube buildings a fresh look.  Ron Stilwell, Chief Development Officer at FullSpeed, joins the show to discuss the plans for this store model in greater detail with Digital Reporter Hanna Bubser.

Implementing a strategy for success in this industry can go a long way. Despite any obstacles, when the hard work pays off there is no better satisfaction.  Mike Biddle, Chief Operations Officer and Partner at The Alamitos Group, joins the show to speak with Digital Reporter Hanna Bubser about the Group recently being crowned Jiffy Lube's "Franchisee of the Year". Biddle outlines some of the challenges and successes that the last several years have brought upon the industry, as well as how The Alamitos Group has navigated it all. 

Over the last several months, several major quick oil and maintenance brands have started to rollout services specifically developed for electric vehicles, and now FullSpeed Automotive is joining the ranks. FullSpeed Automotive CEO Kevin Kormondy joins the show today to talk about why the company thinks now is the time to jump into EVs and how he sees the overall car parc evolving over the next several decades.

Whether you think you're saying "yes" too often, or you would just like some strategies to decline requests and maintain strong relationships with customers and colleagues, this podcast episode is all about how to say "no." Michael Tougias, author of the book "No Will Set You Free" joins Editor Chris Jones to talk about "no." He explains why have a hard time saying "no"—especially at work—and how using this simple word can help managers and employees reclaim time and boost productivity without feeling like jerk.

As EVs become more commonplace, shops are having to adjust how they provide service to account for vehicles with different drivetrains rolling into their service bays. Mark Ferner, a senior manager with Bridgestone, talks about how Bridgestone locations have slightly shifter their training to promote safety and efficiency with EVs while still focusing on services that are needed on all vehicles, regardless of what powers them.

Earlier this year, Valvoline announced it would pilot an EV services program at select locations across the country. A little over a month into that program, the company is evaluating its progress and is looking to expand the program later this year. Heidi Matheys, Valvoline's chief marketing officer, and Jonathan Vice, Valvoline's senior manager of future mobility, talk about the future of the quick maintenance industry and why their company is jumping into the realm of electric vehicles now. Be sure to check out ADAPT Automotive on Facebook and Twitter, and visit adaptautomotive.com for latest on industry trends and tech. 

Join Editor Matt Hudson and get the recent history of the Right to Repair case that's playing out in Massachusetts.  A judge is expected to rule soon on possible changes to a referendum passed in 2020. The state is the first to require OEMs to allow access to wireless diagnostics for all shop owners, dealer or independent. In this episode, get caught up on all the action and learn about what Right to Repair means for the automotive aftermarket.

Hear Andrew Marcott, general manager of American Pride Automotive in Virginia, talk to Editor Chris Jones in this wide-ranging interview about what's on the horizon for automotive service and repair businesses. This episode touches on topics like working with EVs, building the next generation of technicians, what it's like to be a younger shop owner, and so much more.

It's March, which means it's time for the Best Workplaces Awards, which honor operators who set up their employees for success. The winner in the franchise category for 2022 is Jiffy Lube of Indiana. The company has set up many employee support programs throughout the years, including tuition reimbursement, home downpayment assistance, short-term loans, and more. In this podcast, hear from company President Steve Sanner and Chief Operating Officer Lonnie Hinkle about how they create programs and what benefits they see from building that supportive culture. The profile stories are live online and in print for this month's magazine.

The mission statement for ACE Jiffy Lube is "creating customers for life through fast, friendly, clean, and professional service.” To do that, this franchise in the southeast U.S. takes care of its own, too. In this episode, NOLN welcomes Jessica Lorie, the manager at a service center in West Palm Beach, Fla. She talks about how the shop team got together to do something special to help out a colleague.

Rajeev Kapur, author and CEO of 1105 Media, joins The NOLN Podcast to talk about how businesses need to evolve to meet the demands of the new workforce. Kapur explains actionable ways for leaders to ensure that the employment they provide is more than just a paycheck. His new book is called Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption.

Longtime quick lube industry professional Dave Everett has launched a brand new consulting service for quick lube operators. On this episode of the podcast, Everett talks about the transition into a new challenge, the big issues he hopes to address in the industry, and the experience he carries with him after 28 years at Service Champ.

This week, check out some of editor Matt Hudson's favorite clips from 2021, covering topics like educating the next generation of techs, finding the right employee, being a "no BS" leader, and much more. There's much more from The NOLN Podcast coming in 2022, so stay tuned to the NOLN website and your favorite podcast platform. If any of the interviews from this episode got your interest, you can find the full versions here: The Future of Quick Maintenance Working with the Young Workforce Pete Frey's Positive Leadership The Technology Behind Modern Engine Oils Jiffy Lube Rolls Out EV Services

Back in September, Jiffy Lube launched a pilot program testing a complete service package for electric vehicles. Jiffy Lube President Edward Hymes and Marketing Director Sara Smith join the show to talk about the success of the program over the last few months and how they see quick lubes fitting into an electric-focused future.

The American Petroleum Institute in November published the second edition of its 1525A, a collection of procedures and best practices to make sure engine oil is handled properly at every step of the supply chain, from the manufacturer all the way to individual shops.  Jeff Harmening, a senior manager with API, joins the show to highlight some of the biggest changes made in the second edition and what quick lube shops should be taking from the document. 

Recycling motor oil has become an increasingly common practice, and rightfully so; one gallon of motor oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of water if not properly disposed of. This week on the podcast, we talk with Sean Nguyen, a technical specialist for Pennzoil and Shell, about the need for and benefits of safe and responsible oil recycling.

Catch a special holiday message from National Oil and Lube News editor Matt Hudson. Have a great weekend!

With supply chain disruptions making headlines and headaches this year, it's a good time to take a closer look at what makes a great relationship between operators and suppliers. NOLN columnist and operator Adam Tatum joins the podcast to talk about his best practices for maintaining great relationships in the industry.

Derek Kaufman, managing partner for Schwartz Advisors, chats with Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown about all things telematics: What they are, how they've changed over the last couple of years, and how your shop can use the technology in the coming years. 

Steve Eddy, owner of Fast Eddy's in Meridian, Idaho, talks about his crown jewel: a 5.5-acre business that includes a C-store, fuel, car wash, a sandwich shop, and a quick lube. Eddy talks about what makes his facility special and how he rebranded from the Havoline xpress lube program into the newly launched Chevron xpress lube program. The name of the game is catering to customer comfort, and Eddy is always focused on that. Hear about his strategies in this week's episode.

Dave Everett, Service Champ vice president business development and AOCA board member, takes time from the iFLEX trade show floor to talk about what excites him about the 2021 event. Plus, Everett offers a helpful overview of some of the top quick lube industry issues that the AOCA is working on at the moment. 

This week, Editorial Director Anna Zeck speaks with an auto service executive and an operator about the value that armed forces veterans bring to shops. Moran Family of Brands, one of the nation's leading automotive repair franchises, counts 14 United States veterans among its 120 total franchisees. Moran franchise owners have been enlisted in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines branches of the military, as well as the national guard. Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands to discuss the company's commitment in adding veteran owners and employees and the value they bring to the system.   Dean Bingham has been with Mr. Transmission for 46 years, two years as a manager and 44 years owning various shops in the southeast. Military career started in 1962 with the Air Force. Happy Veterans Day!

During the hustle and bustle of AAPEX, Staff Writer Paul Hodowanic stopped by the Royal Purple booth to see what the brand has going this year at the show. Stay tuned for our regularly scheduled episode of The NOLN Podcast on Thursday!

10 Missions Media Editorial Director Anna Zeck spoke with Vice President of Content and Events Bryce Evans about what exactly the ADAPT Automotive Technology Summit is, what you can expect while you're there, and why the event is so important for the automotive aftermarket. Spots are still open for the Summit! Register online at adaptsummit.com/register.

Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown joins Donny Seyfer, executive director of the National Automotive Service Task Force, to talk about some of the latest technologies and trends in automotive repair and maintenance. Plus, Seyfer offers insights on how he sees shop owners across the country preparing for these technologies and adapting to changes. More information about the ADAPT Summit can be found here.

Kevin Davis, COO and founder of Fast Change Lube and Oil, joins the show to talk about his recent startup Quick Lube Expert. For the latest news and trends in the quick lube industry, check out NOLN.net and follow NOLN on Facebook and Twitter.

This episode features Jeff Harmening, manager of the Engine Oil Licensing Certification System and other programs at the American Petroleum Institute. Jeff joins NOLN editor Matt Hudson to talk about best practices for managing many different SAE grades, API's aftermarket audit, and some handy tips for shops that offer DEF service for diesel vehicles.

Christina Ross, president of Silver Frog Marketing, joins Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown to outline what makes a good digital marketing campaign and how to effectively employ one for your shop.   

Catch up with Costa Kapothanasis in this special award issue episode of The NOLN Podcast. Kapothanasis runs Costa Oil 10 Minute Oil Change, which has a group of company-owned shops in the Northeast and Midwest. Also, the company recently started franchising and has recruits already signed up. This interview highlights the hard work it takes to develop a franchise concept, all while running and improving company-owned assets. Also, be sure to check out the profile story over at the NOLN website.

This week, catch this fun interview with one of our 2021 award runners up, Shane Burton. A former teacher, Burton now runs the family franchise in Twin Falls, Idaho. In this interview, he talks about how his father and uncle built a strong franchise, how he got into the business, and how his career as a teacher helped him manage people now that he's running things. Be sure to check out the written profile of Burton here.

Jason Berry is the operator of two Havoline xpress lube shops in Alabama, and he's also the 2021 Operator of the Year. Berry is hardworking, humble, and does a lot for his team at those Havoline shops. Plus, he's put up some great numbers in car counts and sales. All that and more has earned him this year's top award, and this podcast interview will give you more insight into who Jason is as a person and an entrepreneur. Be sure to check out his profile story here, which is part of the September magazine issue.

Editorial Director Anna Zeck and Dwayne Myers of Maryland-based Dynamic Automotive talk about how shops can demonstrate value in pricing discussions with customers.  Check out this insightful podcast episode and be sure to subscribe to The NOLN Podcast on your platform of choice!

NOLN editor Matt Hudson takes a close look at what electric vehicle fluids are out of the market today and what exactly they're used for. Explore the properties that EV thermal fluids are important, how these new fluids diverge from those in traditional vehicles, and what lube shop owners should think about as more hybrids and EVs hit the streets over the next decade. Special mentions in this episode include this Lubes 'N Greases article and a report from McKinsey and Company.  Also be sure to check out this past episode about battery conditioning.

Despite having easy access to images and other media online, most every creative work available to download is protected by copyright law, and reposting, disseminating or otherwise sharing that image without consent from the owner of that intellectual property could land you and your shop in some deep legal trouble.  Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown speaks with Minneapolis-based communications attorney Mark Anfinson, who specializes in First Amendment and copyright law, about what exactly is protected under copyright and how to prevent accidental infringement. 

When it comes to auto maintenance and repair, there's an education gap. Attorneys who understand the challenges that shop owners face in their day-to-day operations are few and far between. And as vehicles become more and more complex, the need to have a savvy legal pro in your corner has only become more urgent. Associate editor Megan Gosch speaks with William Ferreira, the attorney behind the California-based Automotive Defense Specialists, explains how to bridge the gap and build an attorney relationship that's well worth the investment.

James Webb, author of the recently released Redneck Resilience: A Country Boy's Journey To Prosperity, joins Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown to talk about his transition to the world of franchising and how to make the most of the opportunities being a franchisee provides.  For the latest news and trends in the quick oil and lube industries, follow NOLN on Facebook and Twitter, and check out NOLN.net.

Martin Moore, founder of Your CEO Mentor and author of the upcoming "No Bullsh!t Leadership" book, joins Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown to discuss strategies on how to get the most out of your team by improving your leadership skills and habits. For the latest news and trends in the quick oil and lube industries, follow NOLN on Facebook and Twitter, and check out NOLN.net.

This week, join NOLN editor Matt Hudson and Mike Agugliaro, entrepreneur and co-founder of CEO Warrior, to talk about the mindset of leadership and how changing your frame of view can really help expose new opportunities. Agugliaro also speaks about being nimble and making smart decisions, as well as what piece of advice he was told that totally changed his view of his own company.

Most shop owners know that some customers are still a bit unsure about transitioning away from the good, old conventional engine oils. And it's the job of the shop staff to help educate those customers about the benefits and qualities that modern oils provide. In this episode, two engine oil experts take a deep dive into the world of modern engine oils, especially full synthetics. Michael Thomas and Sean Nguyen with Shell-Pennzoil speak with editor Matt Hudson about the high-tech engineering that goes into modern oils and what performance benefits we see as a result. Plus, they'll talk about the automotive industry forces that have changed over the years to influence what OEMs and drivers need from an engine oil.

We're joined by John "JB" Burkhauser, director of education at BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, to dispel some myths and lay down some truths about integrating your shop management system with your team's tech and tools. 

With businesses opening back up and shops seeing strong performance through the first half of 2021, many operators are looking to make investments in their shops. Often, that might involve borrowing finances, and for this week's podcast, NOLN is bringing in an expert on that subject. Josh Jones is the chief revenue officer at the small business lending firm Kapitus, and he joins editor Matt Hudson to talk about how operators can find the right loan and prepare to work with lenders.

In this follow-up episode from last week's, AOCA's Joanna Johnson returns to talk about the FTC report that identifies anti-competitive behavior in the repair and maintenance industry. While the first episode focused on tactics previously used by OEMs and dealers to discourage independent shops, this episode digs into the new frontier of connected vehicle technology. Telematics will change the way service centers work with vehicles, and this is the arena in which vehicle technology, Right to Repair, and independent aftermarket issues collide.

The Federal Trade Commission recently sent a report to Congress detailing some of the tactics that dealership service centers and OEMs use to divert maintenance work to their shops. We are NOLN are digging into the report for some reporting, but in the meantime, we've brought in an expert to talk about the main points.  Joanna Johnson, policy advisor for the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA), has been working for years on issues that this report covers. In this episode, she talks about some of the tactics that OEMs use to direct service and how this report shines a light on issues that need to be addressed. This is part one of a two-parter, so stay tuned next week for the follow-up!

Regular readers of NOLN likely saw a lot of coverage about the new gasoline engine oil standards from the American Petroleum Institute.  Interestingly, diesel engine oils are evolving in very similar ways, with technology and viscosities geared toward greater efficiency and lower emissions. A lot of technology and development goes into those standards, and Greg Matheson from Lubrizol is an expert who broke it all down in this interview. He's a commercial lubricants product manager at Lubrizol and gave excellent insight into the meaning behind the new FA-4 service category, how it differs from previous specs, and what it means for diesel engines. For more information, check out this NOLN article on the diesel service category changes, as well as this information from Lubrizol and API.

Megan Williams is back on The NOLN Podcast to talk about marketing target audiences. It's important to get the best idea of who your marketing is intended to reach, and in this episode, Williams talks about some  easy, free tools that can help operators find out about those audiences.