Wrench Turners Podcast

Who loses if you don't win?That question changed how Mindy Williams thinks about leadership, responsibility, and every decision she makes. Because when a leader isn't performing at the level their people need, the consequences rarely stop with the leader.Employees can lose. Customers can lose. Families can lose. The business can lose. In this episode of Earned Influence Season 3, Mindy, Wendy Reeves, Kaylee Felio, and Joshua Taylor discuss the questions that changed how they lead.Wendy explains why giving instructions isn't enough. Leaders must verify that people actually understand what was communicated, give them opportunities to apply it, and avoid overwhelming them with information they can't yet use.Kaylee discusses the courage required to lead up, clearly communicate what needs to change, and move leadership conversations beyond repeatedly discussing the same problems.The conversation also explores why leaders must see the person behind the employee, why generic questions create generic answers, and how specific follow-up questions prove that you were actually paying attention.Good leaders don't just provide answers.They ask questions that create understanding, uncover what their people need, and turn conversation into action.So, before your next important leadership decision, ask yourself:Who loses if you don't win?Subscribe to The Wrench Turners Podcast and share this episode with someone responsible for leading people, whether leadership appears in their job title or not.Negative pushes. Positive pulls.God Blessj.Featuring:Wendy Reeves of BDC Angelshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-reeves/https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdcangels/Mindy Williams of Carter Myers Automotivehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-williams-700b791b7/https://www.linkedin.com/company/carter-myers-automotive/Kaylee Felio of PartsEdgehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio/https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-/Hosted by Joshua TaylorListen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Chapters00:00 Earned Influence Returns00:36 A Leadership Question00:56 Verify Understanding04:06 Listening Isn't Enough05:48 Learning to Lead Up07:17 Turn Talk Into Action11:07 Who Loses?13:11 See Your People14:18 Ask Specific Questions15:27 Questions Build Trust

Parts can make or break the rhythm of a service department.In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, Shawn Parrett joins me to talk about the real life of the parts counter, how parts leaders support technicians, and why communication between parts, advisors, and the shop matters more than most dealerships admit.Shawn has nearly 30 years in automotive parts, from wholesale parts to parts manager, and he brings a direct message for technicians, advisors, parts people, and fixed ops leaders:Always have an answer.We talk about obsolescence, lost sales, inventory decisions, technician trust, service advisor communication, leadership, humility, consistency, and why the best parts departments remove friction instead of creating it.This episode is for anyone in dealership fixed operations who wants the shop, parts counter, and service drive to work better together. Shawn explains how a strong parts department helps technicians stay moving, helps advisors sell with confidence, and helps the dealership win.Negative PushesPositive PullsGod Blessj.Follow Shawnhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-parrett-48390b79/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/Chapters0:00 Meet Shawn Parrett1:52 Getting Started in Automotive Parts7:00 Humility, Drive, and Consistency11:38 Learning Through the 2008 Recession21:11 What Technicians Need to Know About Parts27:46 How Parts Managers Think About Inventory32:17 Training Green Parts People the Right Way37:28 The Best Parts People Always Have an Answer40:59 How Parts Helps Service Sell More Work42:26 Shawn's Advice for Technicians

AI can improve your writing, organize your thoughts, analyze reports, and remove hours of repetitive work.But what happens when everyone starts sounding the same?In Season 3, Episode 1 of Earned Influence, Wendy Reeves, Mindy Williams, Kaylee Felio, and Joshua Taylor discuss how leaders can use AI without losing their authenticity, judgment, privacy, or connection with the people they serve.Kaylee explains why she stepped away from social media after AI-assisted content started feeling too polished and predictable. Mindy shares how she uses AI for training, reporting, KPIs, and customer follow-up while making sure the final message still sounds like her. Wendy breaks down practical dealership applications, including BDC coaching, performance reporting, data analysis, and the risks of employees entering dealership or customer information into unsecured tools.The conversation also explores how AI can reduce administrative work, summarize overloaded inboxes, improve leadership preparation, and help technicians turn frustrating processes into prototypes that management and engineering can understand.AI should eliminate repetition, not responsibility.It should help organize your thoughts, not manufacture your beliefs.And it should make you more capable without slowly teaching you to sound like everyone else.Negative pushes. Positive pulls.God Blessj.Featuring:Wendy Reeves of BDC Angelshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-reeves/https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdcangels/Mindy Williams of Carter Myers Automotivehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-williams-700b791b7/https://www.linkedin.com/company/carter-myers-automotive/Kaylee Felio of PartsEdgehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio/https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-/Hosted by Joshua TaylorListen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Chapters00:00 Earned Influence Returns00:53 Why Kaylee Stopped Posting02:41 Using AI Authentically03:36 AI Inside the Shop05:11 Humanity Builds Trust06:47 Wendy's AI Workflow09:30 Dealership AI Integration11:51 Writing With Less13:55 Automating Daily Work15:26 AI Creates Opportunity

The parts department is expected to identify the right components, manage inventory, prevent obsolescence, handle warranty returns, navigate supply chains, source emergency parts, and keep technicians productive.Yet in many dealerships, parts people are still treated like an afterthought.Marshall, Brent Osmond, and Josh Arnold discuss what changes when parts becomes a recognized skilled trade rather than a position people are expected to learn through trial and error.Brent explains how Canada's Parts Technician apprenticeship can include component identification, engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, inventory control, logistics, customs documentation, customer communication, and Red Seal certification.The conversation then moves into the larger dealership problem: inconsistent training, limited mentorship, low professional recognition, and compensation that may not attract or retain highly capable people.A great parts person can understand what a technician is asking for, recognize related service information, anticipate required bolts and consumables, reduce mistakes, and prevent unnecessary downtime.The question is not whether parts people affect the repair process. They clearly do.The question is whether dealerships are willing to train and treat them accordingly.Subscribe for more conversations about technicians, dealership operations, leadership, training, and the people responsible for keeping the industry moving.Negative PushesPositive PullsGod Blessj.Follow Brent Osmond:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-osmond-7b8302149/Dynamic Diesel Solutionshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamic-diesel-solutions-canada/posts/?feedView=allFollow Marshall Sheldonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-sheldon-981349176/Briggs Industrial Solutionshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/briggs-industrial-solutions/Follow Josh Arnoldhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-arnold-%F0%9F%A7%B0-aa249b349/Continental Automotive Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/continentalautomotivegroup⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/Chapters00:00 The Parts Credentialing Debate02:18 Inside Red Seal Training03:44 Inventory and Obsolescence04:30 Emergency Parts Logistics05:58 Great Parts People08:36 Certification, Talent, and Pay11:11 The Missing Apprenticeship13:03 Parts Pay Versus Technicians

In this special panel episode of Wrench Turners Podcast, we sit down with Dale Pettigrew and Nicholas Martin, two former technicians who moved into OEM technical support, to talk about what actually makes a support case easier or harder to solve.This conversation gets into the stuff technicians deal with every day: vague repair orders, skipped diagnostic steps, intermittent concerns, “no fault found” visits, missing values, customer descriptions, communication gaps, and the pressure to fix complex problems quickly.Dale and Nicholas explain why “all good” isn't good enough, why exact numbers matter, why documentation can protect you years later, and why tech support isn't there to fix the car for you. They're there to help you build the process, ask better questions, and become stronger at diagnosing the hard stuff.This one is for technicians, advisors, shop foremen, service managers, warranty admins, and anyone who wants to understand how to get better answers from technical support.Negative Pushes. Positive Pulls.God Blessj.Featuring:Dale Pettigrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-pettigrew-1532165a/Nicholas Martinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-martin-3779b4249/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

What if you're not stuck because you lack talent, ambition, or discipline?What if you're surrounded by people who cannot help you become the person you're trying to become?In the final episode of Earned Influence Season 2, Kathleen Long, Kelli Verdi, and Kaylee Felio share the hurdles that forced them to rethink their careers, environments, health, relationships, and definitions of success.Kathleen explains how an outside coach and a new peer group helped her understand what she needed to change to move from the VP level into the C-suite.Kelli discusses the importance of finding leadership that recognizes the value of having several connected skills instead of forcing someone into a narrowly defined role.Kaylee shares why achieving her professional goals still left her questioning what came next, and how focusing on her health, children, family, and personal development became part of reaching the next level.Joshua also shares how losing his clients and career direction during the beginning of COVID humbled him, brought him back to his faith, and helped him build a life centred around purpose, family, friendship, and service.Sometimes you don't need to work harder.Sometimes you need a different perspective, a healthier environment, and people who will challenge, support, and trust you.That's Earned Influence.Earned Influence is a roundtable series featuring women leaders in service who have earned trust the hard way through their character, actions, relationships, and results.Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, trust, service, communication, and the people working inside the automotive industry and skilled trades.Negative pushes. Positive pulls.God Bless.j.Featuring:Kelli Verdi of Team MXShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliverdi/https://www.linkedin.com/company/team-mxsKathleen Long of RepairPal//Yelphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/longkathleen/https://www.linkedin.com/company/yelp-com/Kaylee Felio of PartsEdgehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio/https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-/Hosted by Joshua TaylorListen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Chapters00:00 Perspective Changes Everything01:22 Reaching the C-Suite04:07 Finding the Right Environment07:45 Kaylee's Current Hurdle10:18 Boring Things Create Results11:48 The People Around You12:18 Humbled by COVID14:23 What Earned Influence Means

What happens when showing up online begins taking more from you than it gives back?In Episode 3 of Earned Influence Season 2, Kaylee Felio opens an honest conversation about social media burnout. After years of consistently sharing her career, podcast, and life online, she's reached a point where she has to ask: What am I doing, and do I still want to do it?Kathleen Long and Kelli Verdi join Kaylee and Joshua Taylor for a candid discussion about the pressure to remain consistent, the hidden workload behind content creation, and the fear of building something you may eventually want to leave.The conversation also explores why taking care of yourself is an act of generosity, how curiosity can restore creativity, and why your work doesn't have to become your entire identity.Then the discussion turns practical: capturing the conversations you're already having, creating content without constantly manufacturing topics, and showing people what actually happens inside your business.Because people don't build trust by seeing only what you want them to see.They build trust by seeing what you live.Earned Influence is a Wrench Turners Podcast series featuring honest conversations with leaders who have earned the trust required to influence what happens next.Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, trust, service, communication, and the people working inside the automotive industry and skilled trades.Negative pushes. Positive pulls.God Bless.j.Featuring:Kelli Verdi of Team MXShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliverdi/https://www.linkedin.com/company/team-mxsKathleen Long of RepairPal//Yelphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/longkathleen/https://www.linkedin.com/company/yelp-com/Kaylee Felio of PartsEdgehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio/https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-/Hosted by Joshua TaylorListen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.0:00 Social Media Burnout0:57 What Matters Most2:35 Consistency Becomes Pressure5:03 The Hidden Content Workload8:16 Give Back To Yourself11:49 Create From Real Life18:37 Marketing Without Constant Selling20:48 Raw Content Builds Trust

Tanner Neal didn't grow up dreaming about a career in automotive.In fact, cars weren't really on his radar.His path started with necessity. From damage appraisals across West Texas to becoming a service advisor with $3.5 million in gross sales and a top-rated CSI, to now leading fixed operations at a luxury store, Tanner's story is a reminder that automotive can become a career path for people who are willing to work, listen, communicate, and keep growing.In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, Tanner Neal shares what he learned moving from the appraisal side of the business into the service drive, why communication is the real skill behind great advising, how advisors can build trust without over-talking, and what technicians can do to protect their body, mind, money, and career longevity.We also get into the relationship between advisors and technicians, how poor communication creates chaos in the shop, why service advisors need to listen more than they speak, and why the best fixed ops leaders understand both the customer and the technician experience.This episode is for technicians, service advisors, shop foremen, service managers, and fixed ops leaders who care about getting better at the people side of the business.Negative pushes.Positive pulls.Always clean your toys before you put them away.j.Find Tanner:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tannerneal1⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/Chapters00:00 Damage appraisals to fixed ops01:23 Getting into automotive04:54 Baptism by fire07:01 The skill that made Tanner a $3.5M advisor10:08 Promoting a shop foreman14:02 Why service advisors need to stop over-explaining16:15 Service advising is mostly listening21:03 Fixing communication breakdowns26:45 How technicians can train advisors29:50 Tanner's advice for technicians34:43 Why solving upset customers can be rewarding36:03 Final thoughts and closing quote

What makes someone trust you?In Season 2, Episode 2 of Earned Influence, Kathleen Long brings that question to Kelli Verdi, Kaylee Felio, and Joshua Taylor.The conversation explores how trust is built through curiosity, honest communication, vulnerability, generosity, consistency, and the willingness to admit that you don't have every answer.Kaylee explains how providing useful resources helped her earn credibility in an industry she didn't originally come from. Kelli shares why fast, direct, and honest communication matters more than delivering a perfectly crafted response. Joshua discusses how leaders can build trust by asking their teams for help. Kathleen explains why curiosity has been one of the biggest career unlocks she has experienced.The group also examines why people choose to work with certain leaders, companies, and solutions when there are countless alternatives available.Sometimes trust isn't built by knowing more. It's built by asking better questions, listening carefully, giving without expectation, and doing what you said you would do.Earned Influence is a Wrench Turners Podcast series featuring honest conversations with leaders who have earned the trust required to influence what happens next.Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, trust, service, communication, and the people working inside the automotive industry and skilled trades.Negative pushes. Positive pulls.God Bless.j.Featuring:Kelli Verdi of Team MXShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliverdi/https://www.linkedin.com/company/team-mxsKathleen Long of RepairPal//Yelphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/longkathleen/https://www.linkedin.com/company/yelp-com/Kaylee Felio of PartsEdgehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio/https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-/Hosted by Joshua TaylorListen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Chapters00:00 What Makes Someone Trust You?00:28 Kathleen's Trust Question01:38 Trust Through Useful Resources03:40 Leaders Build Trust Through Vulnerability05:04 Honest Communication Builds Trust09:21 Ask Questions, Then Listen10:08 Curiosity, Generosity, and Trust

What happens when a business becomes so focused on growth that it stops listening to the people it serves?In Season 2, Episode 1 of Earned Influence, Kelli Verdi asks how businesses can scale without sacrificing customer service, culture, or trust.Kathleen Long shares why leaders sometimes need the courage to walk away from profitable ideas when customers say no. Kaylee Felio explains how PartsEdge uses direct feedback from parts managers to improve its technology. Kelli explores why every customer interaction should help guide leadership, product development, and the decisions being made behind the scenes.The conversation reveals one of the greatest risks facing growing companies:The further that leadership gets from the customer, the riskier every decision becomes.Featuring:Kelli Verdi of Team MXShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliverdi/https://www.linkedin.com/company/team-mxsKathleen Long of RepairPal//Yelphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/longkathleen/https://www.linkedin.com/company/yelp-com/Kaylee Felio of PartsEdgehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio/https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-/Hosted by Joshua TaylorSubscribe for the remaining episodes of Earned Influence Season 2.Negative Pushes. Positive Pulls.God Bless.j.Chapters00:00 Earning Influence02:24 Growth Without Losing Service03:59 Customer-Led Growth07:49 Building From Feedback10:38 Leadership Must Stay Close⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

Mindy Williams had just come back from having her second baby. One month postpartum, with two kids at home and every reason to wait, she still put her name in for the service manager role.In this conversation, Mindy shares how mentorship, trust, accountability, and one leader's belief helped her move from receptionist to advisor to service manager at CMA's Colonial Subaru. Her mentor Ron didn't just encourage her. He challenged her, taught her, trusted her, called her out when needed, and gave her the confidence to step into leadership before she felt fully ready.This episode is for every woman in automotive who's ever wondered if the timing was wrong, if the responsibility was too much, or if she was allowed to want more while carrying everything else too. Mindy's story is proof that leadership isn't always built in perfect conditions. Sometimes it's built when life is already full, messy, and demanding.Her line says it best: she may not have had the confidence to do it without someone pouring into her the way her mentor did.Negative PushesPositive PullsGod Blessj.Follow Mindyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-williams-700b791b7/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/Chapters00:00 The Missed Conversation00:42 Meet Mindy Williams03:12 One Month Postpartum06:31 Reception To Advisor09:52 Real Mentorship13:11 Accountability That Works18:14 Trust Builds Leaders20:15 Permission To Decide23:00 Final Takeaway

Kelli Verdi joins The Wrench Turners Podcast for a conversation about faith, family, automotive, customer trust, dealership culture, and why care is never just a soft skill.Kelli's story starts long before her career in automotive marketing. Her grandfather owned an automotive repair shop in Tampa, and without realizing it at the time, she was learning some of the most important lessons in the industry: how to treat people, how to earn trust, and how much the smallest details matter.That idea became one of the biggest lines from this episode:“Care levels become culture levels.”We talk about how that applies inside dealerships, service departments, websites, customer experiences, technician leadership, and even vendor relationships. From Google Analytics and dealership websites to service scheduling, reviews, AI search, OEM programs, and real conversations with people on the ground, Kelli brings a rare mix of marketing intelligence, automotive experience, and genuine human care.This episode also goes deeper than business. We talk about faith, burnout, leadership, personal loss, and the importance of taking care of yourself before you try to keep pouring into everyone else.In this episode, we cover:Kelli's early connection to automotive through her grandfather's repair shopWhy trust is built through tiny detailsHow care levels become culture levelsWhat dealership websites get wrong about customer experienceWhy service departments need better contentHow technicians and service leaders can help build trust before the customer arrivesWhy AI search and website content matter more than everHow Team MXS is approaching automotive website visibilityWhy taking care of yourself matters in this industryThe role faith has played in Kelli's storyThis is a conversation for technicians, advisors, service managers, fixed ops leaders, vendors, marketers, and anyone who still believes this industry is about people first.Follow Kelli:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliverdi/Team MXSLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/team-mxs/postsWebsite: https://www.teammxs.comPhone: 1-866-665-4669Subscribe to The Wrench Turners Podcast for real conversations with technicians, shop foremen, service leaders, trainers, and automotive professionals who are working to make this trade healthier, happier, and more productive.Negative pushes.Positive pulls.God Blessj.⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/Chapters0:00 Prayer before the episode1:38 Kelli's unexpected path into automotive7:38 Care levels become culture levels11:11 How customers feel the little details19:09 Kelli's first year fully in automotive marketing24:25 CDP, SRP, and VDP explained for service leaders28:11 From analytics and events to Team MXS38:03 Why service leaders need to understand vendors44:12 OEM approvals, AI search, and website visibility1:00:12 Kelli's advice: take care of yourself

Technicians often say service advisors are one of the biggest problems in the shop. But is the problem really the advisor?Or is the problem that advisors are not being taught how to ask better questions?In the final episode of Season 1 of Earned Influence, Joshua Taylor, Jami Alexander, and Racheal Bright talk about the service lane, the service counter, phone calls, customer communication, and the relationship between technicians and advisors.Some shops have a physical service lane.Some do not.Some advisors see the customer face-to-face.Some build the entire relationship over the phone.But the core issue stays the same: better questions create better communication, and thus better communication builds more trust with the customer. Better information helps technicians diagnose faster, fix more efficiently, and avoid wasted time.This episode looks at the difference between automotive service, independent repair, and material handling, where the advisor's role can change depending on whether the technician is working in the shop or being sent out into the field.The big takeaway is simple:The lane matters less than the questions.Earned Influence is a Wrench Turners Podcast panel series built around real conversations from women in automotive, fixed ops, service, leadership, and the trades.Featuring:Jami Alexanderhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-a-4075a9271/Mindy Williamshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-williams-700b791b7/Racheal Brighthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/racheal-bright-08281262/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

Mentorship can change a career. Sometimes, it can change the reason someone stays in the industry at all.In Season 1, Episode 3 of Earned Influence, Racheal Bright asks a simple question with a much deeper answer:How important has mentorship been in your career, and how are you paying it forward today?Jami Alexander shares a personal story about a mentor who showed up for her during one of the hardest seasons of her life. Not with a speech. Not with a performance review. Not with a KPI.With presence.With care.With the kind of people-first leadership that stays with someone forever.Racheal also opens up about the other side of mentorship. The part where you're no longer just looking for guidance, but starting to become the person others look to for it.This episode is about the leaders, foremen, managers, advisors, and technicians who may never fully know the impact they've had on the people around them.Because one mentor can change everything.Earned Influence is a Wrench Turners Podcast panel series built around real conversations from women in automotive, fixed ops, service, leadership, and the trades.Featuring:Jami Alexanderhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-a-4075a9271/Racheal Brighthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/racheal-bright-08281262/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

Senior technicians are often built for the big stuff.Transmissions. Heavy line. Diagnostics. Complex repairs. The jobs that take skill, patience, and experience. But what happens when the shop needs those same technicians to take on more general service?Oil changes. Inspections. Same-day work. Smaller jobs. Gravy work.In Episode 2 of Earned Influence, Jami Alexander brings a real shop leadership question to the panel:How do you get senior specialized technicians to buy into gravy work when they're used to heavier, more complex repair?Mindy Williams, Racheal Bright, and Joshua Taylor talk through the real issue.It's not about forcing techs to do the work.It's about helping them understand why the work matters.It's about customer expectations.It's about shop flow.It's about using apprentices properly.It's about showing experienced technicians that smaller work can still create value for the customer, the technician, and the business.And maybe most importantly, it's about reminding senior technicians that the way they handle the simple work teaches the next generation how to care for customers when they're gone.Earned Influence is a panel series built around real conversations with women in automotive, fixed ops, service, leadership, and the trades.Featuring:Jami Alexanderhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-a-4075a9271/Mindy Williamshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-williams-700b791b7/Racheal Brighthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/racheal-bright-08281262/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

What does a dealership service department need to stop doing right now if it wants to keep more customers?In the first episode of Earned Influence, Joshua Taylor sits down with Jami Alexander, Mindy Williams, and Racheal Bright to talk about customer retention, communication, accountability, and what happens when service teams forget there is a real person behind every repair order.Jami brings nearly 29 years of experience across parts, fleet, big trucks, and repair.Mindy shares her perspective as a dealership service manager who started in the industry at 19.Racheal brings her background from material handling, where proactive communication and strong processes are just as important as they are in automotive.This conversation gets into one of the biggest problems in fixed operations:Too many service departments act like the job is only to fix the vehicle.But the real job is to take care of the person who owns it.Earned Influence is a 4 part panel series from the Wrench Turners Podcast, built around honest conversations, different perspectives, and the kind of leadership that is earned through action.Featuring:Jami Alexanderhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-a-4075a9271/Mindy Williamshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-williams-700b791b7/Racheal Brighthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/racheal-bright-08281262/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

What actually happens when a great technician becomes a shop foreman?In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, I sit down with Mike Ramirez and Aaron Marion, two experienced shop foremen, to talk about the real work of leading technicians on the shop floor.This conversation goes far beyond diagnostics, flat rate, and fixing cars.Mike talks about going from a producing technician to a shop multiplier, helping other techs remove bottlenecks, make more hours, and work better as a team. Aaron shares what it's like leading inside a high-end Porsche environment, why mentorship still matters years into the trade, and why no technician should ever believe they've learned everything.The episode digs into:How mentors build technicians without doing the work for themWhy shop foremen need to document their processesHow team chemistry changes the entire shopWhy reputation matters more than most technicians realizeHow ego can limit growth in the automotive industryWhy personal finances affect technician happiness and performanceWhat real shop leadership looks like when the car, the customer, or the team is strugglingThis is a conversation for technicians, shop foremen, service managers, fixed operations directors, and anyone who cares about building better leaders inside automotive service departments.Because the best tool in the shop is still a good leader.Negative PushesPositive PullsGod Blessj.Find Mike:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ramirez-1782152a/Find Aaron:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-marion-257b18231/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/Chapters00:00 Intro01:56 Express bay to shop foreman05:20 Aaron Marion's early mentors08:01 High-end stores and better shops09:48 Why some shops can't afford to miss15:12 How Aaron handles problem cars18:23 Mike's Prologue diagnostic nightmare20:34 Stumbling gracefully23:17 The middle years of a technician's career25:32 What a dream shop feels like26:23 Learning from everyone in the shop32:39 Aaron's advice for apprentices33:44 Mike on reputation, trust, and leadership37:15 Why technicians need to manage personal finances41:44 Why technicians shouldn't box themselves in44:50 Closing quote and final thoughts

Is there really a technician shortage or is the industry losing good people because shops are ignoring the real problem?In this episode, Marshall, John Baranski, Brent Osmond, and Richard Mueller break down the uncomfortable truth behind technician recruiting, retention, flat rate pay, shop reputation, apprentice turnover, and why automotive technicians are moving into heavy-duty, mining, material handling, and hourly positions.The conversation gets real about what shops say they need, what technicians actually talk about, and why every dealership's reputation travels faster than most leaders want to admit.Because technicians know.They know what your shop pays.They know what your benefits cost.They know how your bonus structure actually works.They know which shops develop people and which shops chew them up.This episode is for technicians, shop foremen, service managers, fixed ops directors, dealership leaders, and anyone trying to understand why attracting and keeping good technicians has become one of the biggest challenges in the trade.Topics include technician shortage myths, apprentice retention, flat rate frustration, heavy-duty recruiting, employee experience, shop culture, technician career paths, and why great technicians don't automatically become great leaders.The strongest line from the episode says it all:“If you think that the technicians around your area don't know what your techs are getting paid, you're dead wrong.”Negative PushesPositive PullsGod Blessj.Follow Brent Osmond:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-osmond-7b8302149/Dynamic Diesel Solutionshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamic-diesel-solutions-canada/posts/?feedView=allFollow Marshall Sheldonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-sheldon-981349176/Briggs Industrial Solutionshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/briggs-industrial-solutions/Follow Richard Muellerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-mueller-024155150/Wolfe Automotive Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfecalgary/Follow John Baranskihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/john-baranski-335021270/Miami Car Cartelhttps://www.instagram.com/miamicarcartel/⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/00:00 Technicians know what everyone is getting paid00:52 Is there really a technician shortage?01:45 Trade schools are still producing apprentices03:47 Shortage or bad working conditions?07:00 Shops complain about shortage but ignore retention10:26 The real cost of training a new technician12:42 What an empty bay actually costs the business15:32 Shops have reputations whether leaders admit it or not22:57 Why apprentices leave in the first year29:52 Flat rate resentment and why techs are leaving automotive34:24 Automotive techs moving into heavy duty and material handling40:48 Different types of high performing technicians43:58 Why good technicians don't always become good leaders48:21 What's coming next: career paths technicians care about

So the 10 Mill lads took over.In this episode of 10 Mill Mastery, Marshall Sheldon, Richard Mueller, John Baranski, and the mysterious camera off Josh Arnold sit down for a real technician panel about what's actually happening inside shops right now.This one goes everywhere.Passwords that change constantly.Scan tools that need updates before you can even work.Videos and photos are becoming part of every repair.Warranty documentation.Hot shops.Young techs are hitting the six-hour wall.Energy drinks, bad lunches, mental fatigue, and the difference between being lazy and learning how to work.Then the conversation turns into something bigger.How do you lead apprentices without crushing them?How do you coach a tech who's stuck in diagnostic circles?How do you build shop culture without turning “roasting” into damage?How much direction does an owner actually need to give their leaders?And when does a job stop being worth the money?Marshall keeps the conversation moving from the field service side.Richard brings the structured dealership leadership perspective.John brings the boat world, the faith, the chaos, and the big picture questions.Josh Arnold stays hidden like a mystery dude in witness protection, but still drops the kind of quiet Subaru tech wisdom that makes everyone stop and listen.No polished keynote.No corporate script.No Joshua steering the ship.Just four technicians talking through passwords, videos, heat, pressure, leadership, money, values, and the modern weight of fixing things for a living.This is 10 Mill Mastery, without me.Negative PushesPositive PullsGod Blessj.⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/00:00 Opening Prayer00:24 Passwords, Logins, and Technician Tech Overload02:24 Boat Diagnostics and OEM Platforms05:12 GM Techline, Updates, and Bricked Modules10:02 DMS Logins, Video Inspections, and Warranty Photos14:32 VPNs, Hotspots, and Mobile Programming Problems20:14 The Six Hour Wall for Young Technicians25:49 Midday Check Ins and Technician Productivity27:31 Helping Young Techs Learn How to Work32:25 Diagnostic Frustration and Knowing When to Step Away35:08 Shop Roasting, Mistakes, and Mentorship38:15 Watches, Fitness, and Side Conversations41:35 Alberta, Weather, Taxes, and Moving South44:44 Owner Vision, Guardrails, and Shop Direction47:51 Making Money Is Not a Clear Business Plan53:41 Pay, Risk, and Knowing Your Hard Line1:00:46 Jobs, Core Values, and When to Leave1:12:28 Closing Reflection

Chris Biediger, better known online as Texas Tool Guy, has lived a technician's story that doesn't fit into a clean little box.He broke his back at 17. Lost hearing in one ear. Left college. Worked the lube rack. Got humbled by an electrical diagnosis. Left the dealership world. Went back to school. Bartended. Fixed cars in his driveway. Got pulled back into the trade. Built a social media following by accident. Then helped launch a Toyota and Lexus specialty shop in Texas.But this episode isn't just about tools, certifications, or dealership drama.It's about what it actually takes to survive and grow in this trade.Chris talks about learning the hard way, asking for more money, getting certified, reading service information, flat rate pressure, dealership politics, mentorship, content creation, Toyota and Lexus work, ADAS, and why technicians have to take their physical and mental health seriously.Because if your body goes, your career goes with it.And if your head isn't clear, your diagnosis won't be either.This is a real technician conversation about grit, growth, money, mentorship, family, and building a better life with a wrench in your hand.Follow Chris:Texas Tool GuyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/txtoolguyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@txtoolguyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@TxToolGuy⁩ Hill Country Yoda WorksToyota and Lexus Specialists in New Braunfels, TexasSubscribe to The Wrench Turners Podcast for real conversations with technicians, shop foremen, service leaders, trainers, and automotive professionals who are working to make this trade healthier, happier, and more productive.Negative pushes.Positive pulls.j.⚠️ Disclaimer:I'm a licensed mechanic. That doesn't mean I know what I'm doing, whether it's fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence.Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/Chapters00:00 Chris Biediger, TxToolGuy04:07 Breaking his back...08:41 Leaving college for the dealership10:26 Getting humbled15:17 The mentor who taught him20:16 Certifications, flat rate, and pay28:26 COVID, side work, and the auto pull38:22 Ford, heavy line, and learning value51:06 Leaving Toyota to build something55:59 Starting Texas Tool Guy

Most people don't plan to lead technicians.Racheal Bright didn't either.She walked into the industry knowing four words… and now leads teams responsible for keeping mission-critical equipment running where downtime costs thousands per minute.In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, we break down what leadership actually looks like in the real world, not theory, not management books, but on the ground, in the shop, and in the field.We get into:

Brandon Roy grew up in the collision industry. His grandfather was a blacksmith. His father ran body shops and taught collision repair. By the time Brandon was a teenager, he was already sanding panels and painting vehicles inside the family shop.What started in a paint booth eventually turned into a career that spans more than two decades across collision repair, estimating, operations, coaching, paid speaking, and national training.Today, Brandon travels across North America as an instructor with NCM Associates, helping shops develop leaders, improve performance, and build stronger teams in the collision repair industry.In this episode, we talk about:

John Baranski started as an automotive technician in the middle of the 2008 recession, when shops were closing and layoffs were constant. Instead of quitting, he learned everything no one else wanted to do. Water leaks. Convertible tops. Hybrids. That grit carried him from fixing cars to fixing boats… and eventually, into leadership.Today, John is a shop foreman in the marine industry, managing a team that repairs some of the most advanced wake and performance boats in the world. In this episode, we talk about:

Technician recruiting is broken, and Sheila Pogue has seen it from both sides.In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, Sheila shares how she went from a parts counter rookie to leading teams across service, warranty, marketing, and now talent acquisition in RV, Marine, Power Sports, and Automotive.She's placed techs, she's hired techs, she's BEEN the tech's backup when things went sideways. Now, she's sounding the alarm: if your dealership can't recruit techs, it's not a shortage, it's a systems problem.In this episode:✅ Why most techs don't even have a resume✅ What top technicians actually want (and what they don't)✅ How LinkedIn is “word of mouth on wide open throttle” for hiring✅ What shops should be doing right now✅ Why RV, Marine might just be the next big hiring poolWhether you're a GM, Fixed Ops Director, or recruiter trying to fill your bays, or a tech thinking about your next move, this episode will change the way you think about hiring and getting hired.

Mindy Williams is the definition of a powerhouse. A five-time Subaru Stars winner, Sparkplug Award champion, and the top service advisor at CMA's Myers team, Mindy knows what it takes to rise from part-time receptionist to full-blown service manager.In this episode of the Wrench Turners Podcast, Mindy shares her journey into automotive, what it means to lead a team while raising two kids, and the exact customer service mindset that's built her a loyal customer base.She talks real talk about selling with heart, parenting while managing a busy shop, and how care—not—commission, is what keeps customers coming back.

On this episode of the Wrench Turners Podcast, I sit down with Canadian technician David Rodrigues. For nearly 20 years, David has been mastering his craft on Hondas and Acuras. This is not just a career recap. It's a deep dive into legacy, leadership, and the reality of working flat-rate.David shares how he started through co-op, landed a rare apprenticeship, and became the go-to diagnostic tech. But then he left. Why? Leadership that didn't fight for his time. And when he returned, everything changed.In this episode, we cover:

This isn't another how-to-fix-a-car video.This is how to fix yourself in the trade before the trade breaks you.In this Wrench Turner's Podcast compilation, five technicians and leaders drop hard-earned wisdom, not about tools, not about pay plans, but about mindset, ownership, growth, and survival in the bay.

From Parts Ninja to Shop Coach and Service Director of Multiple stores | Robert Migliaccio | Wrench Turners PodcastToday's guest didn't just work his way up; he built his way up. Robert Migliaccio started as a teenage car detailer, dropped out of high school, and never looked back. With decades in the trenches of fixed ops, Robert's story is the kind you don't hear often, and the kind you don't forget.He's run parts counters like a silent assassin, coached technicians with empathy and clarity, and now oversees multi-store service operations across states. And he does it all while mentoring new techs, giving back to local schools, and living what it means to be a leader in the service lane.

Writing accurate, detailed repair orders isn't just paperwork—it's how shops get paid, protect themselves from chargebacks, and deliver exceptional customer service.In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, host Joshua Taylor is joined by Alec Ruffini, a Navy vet turned Fixed Ops leader, and Clemente Dominguez, a fast-rising shop foreman. Together, they break down why most service departments struggle with RO documentation and how to fix it, starting today.Whether you're a technician frustrated by bad write-ups or a service advisor getting frustrated with poor "stories" from the shop floor, this episode shows you how to bridge the gap.In this episode, we cover:

From Navy Veteran to Coaching Service Teams | Alec Ruffini & Clemente Dominguez | Wrench Turners PodcastToday's guests didn't stumble into leadership; they forged their way there. Alec Ruffini, a Navy veteran turned automotive coach, and Clemente Dominguez, a rising shop foreman, join host Joshua Taylor to talk about what it really takes to run a high-performing dealership service department.From ethical sales and technician development to team dynamics and trust-building, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Alec shares lessons from decades of turning around underperforming shops, while Clemente offers a fresh perspective from someone who went from independent repair to managing a 25-person dealership team.

The Hard Truth Every Mechanic Needs to Hear in 2025Feeling stuck in the shop? This video will change how you think about your career.Auto technician pay is flat. Tariffs are rising. Leadership feels clueless. And you are still expected to fix cars, deal with customers, hit your hours, and somehow stay sane.In this unfiltered message from the cold seat of his motorcycle, Joshua Taylor breaks down exactly what every automotive technician, service advisor, and tradesperson needs to hear right now.You will learn: ✅ Why your mindset is the most valuable tool in your toolbox✅ How to start earning what you are actually worth✅ What to do when management ignores your value✅ Why training apprentices is still your responsibilityWhether you are a new tech, a shop foreman, or a veteran mechanic, this video is your call to stop blaming the economy, stop waiting on permission, and start leveling up.WATCH THIS IF YOU:Are not making enough money as a mechanicFeel stuck in your technician careerWant to learn how to communicate better in the shopNeed real talk about pay, training, and leadershipBelieve in personal responsibility and growthMechanics are the backbone of society. You fix what breaks. But you cannot fix your paycheck, your stress, or your future by complaining. You fix it by getting better. Starting today.

Today's guest, Louise Azzopardi, didn't just fall into the automotive world. She ran toward it, with confidence and clarity most of us didn't have at 15. From her earliest days wrenching in rail yards and truck shops to standing on the world stage as the first woman to compete (and win gold) at Australia's WorldSkills nationals, Louise has never followed the conventional path. She didn't just want to work in the trades; she wanted to change them.After enduring bullying, sexism, and mental health challenges, Louise stepped into something more powerful than technical mastery; coaching, mentoring, and equipping tradespeople with the emotional tools they were never taught. Now the host of Anxious Tradeswoman (Building Confidence), a life coach, and a global speaker, Louise is on a mission to make the trades a place where everyone, regardless of gender, background, or body size, can thrive.In this episode, we cover:

Today's guest, Josh Arnold, never planned to be a mechanic. He picked it off a college list like a random raffle number. On day one, his future mentor told him to quit. And honestly, he probably should have. But he didn't.Instead, he worked six days a week at a flat rate, with no shortcuts. Fast-forward, and he is now a Toyota and Subaru Master Tech, a trainer in the shop, and the MyKarma Grand Prix Champion for his top-tier Video MPI skills.In this episode, we cover:Clueless apprentice to award-winning Master TechThe power of doing the jobs nobody wants to doWhy Video MPIs are a game changer How techs can build their careers, increase their pay, and change the industryJosh offers real-world advice for technicians looking to level up. His message is clear: Do things differently, do the work others will not, and watch your career grow.Like, comment, and subscribe to help spread this message and support technicians everywhere.Always looking for guests, please reach out by email to be on the show: joshua@justworkhard.com A Special Thank YouThe Wrench Turners Podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our Partners, Sponsors, and Affiliates.FixedOPS Marketing https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com Changing the game in dealership service marketing. The Lion Partnership https://www.lionpartnership.com/ Your go-to for industry connections that matter. Digital Communication Solutions GmbH https://www.dicoso.us Simplifying sales and service communication. The Bearded Brotherhood https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co/wrench15 Premium beard oils, balms, and mustache waxes for the Blue Collar Man.We appreciate these partnerships in pushing the industry forward!j.Chapters00:00 Intro to Josh Arnold01:21 Josh's Unexpected Career Start02:14 Why He Chose Auto Tech06:05 Toyota T10 Program Entry09:01 Learning Through Used Cars13:27 Flat Rate Work Strategy16:20 Becoming a Master Tech21:12 Winning My Karma Grand Prix25:32 Video MPI Importance27:23 Getting Paid for VMPI30:49 Continuous Improvement Mindset33:24 Advice for Technicians36:03 Service Quality Specialist Role38:45 Work-Life Balance & Family41:23 Future Goals in Auto Tech42:47 How to Change Industry43:07 Closing Thoughts & OutroListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. Wrench Turners Podcast with over 160 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive.Wrench Turners Podcast Socialshttps://wrenchturners.onlinehttps://wrenchturnerspodcast.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Welcome to the FIRST episode of the 10 Mill Mastery Debrief series where we debrief the week's Service Drive Live Topic.In this episode, I sit down with Marshall Sheldon and Josh Arnold to debrief on Service Drive Live and dig into one of the biggest struggles for technicians: comebacks.We cover:✔️ Why technicians do not get paid for comebacks and why that needs to change✔️ How flat rate and hourly pay affect comeback handling✔️ The role of service advisors in preventing comebacks✔️ How to reduce comebacks and improve shop efficiencyIf you are a technician, service manager, or dealer principal: this episode is for youDrop a comment and let me know how your shop handles comebacks. Should technicians get paid for them?CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to the first debrief00:52 Why comebacks are a big issue01:50 How flat rate techs lose money04:10 Why some techs avoid comeback issues05:30 How managers handle comebacks poorly07:00 Guilty until proven innocent in automotive09:25 The real problem with pay plans11:26 What happens after a comeback15:48 Why foreman roles really matter18:24 How senior techs can prevent mistakes19:25 What advisors can do to help22:17 The best way to write up jobs23:39 Why advisors need more training25:18 Simple ways to improve the process29:06 Final thoughts on fixing comebacks

Operating Partner, Fixed Operations Director, Coach - David Sparks Join us as we explore the career journey of David Sparks, a leader whose path in the automotive industry started with detailing, rustproofing, and window tinting and evolved into a deep-rooted passion for technical excellence, leadership, and mentorship. David's story is one of continuous learning and adaptation. He transitioned from technician to service advisor, warranty administrator, dispatcher, and ultimately, service manager and fixed-ops director. His experience spans CDJR, Toyota, independent shops, and now Bar Automotive, where he coaches and trains service professionals nationwide. In this episode, David explains what it takes to thrive in automotive leadership, from technician success to fixed-ops strategy. He shares practical wisdom on:

General Manager, Fixed Operations Director, Coach - T.C. Coleman Join us as we delve into the compelling career journey of T.C. Coleman, a seasoned leader whose roots in automotive passion were planted in childhood, nurtured by his father's engineering role at Nissan. T.C.'s early exposure to the mechanics of car maintenance and the automotive industry's inner workings ignited a lifelong passion, steering him away from his initial interest in sports to a dynamic path in automotive leadership. With over two decades of experience, T.C. reflects on his evolution from an enthusiastic car enthusiast to a revered leader in the automotive sector. His career, marked by significant stints with prominent brands, showcases his adeptness in mentoring, team-building, and strategic leadership. In this episode, T.C. unravels the layers of effective leadership within the high-stakes environment of automotive dealerships. He shares practical wisdom on: Takeaways:

"Success Leaves Clues" General Manager, BMW of West Houston https://www.bmwwest.com/ Charles Cannon III In this inspiring conversation with Charles, we explore a career journey that started with a desire to become a veterinarian but took a turn into the automotive world: a move that would shape Charles' life in unexpected ways. From his humble beginnings in sales to leading both Lexus and BMW dealerships, Charles' story is a testament to the power of adaptability, discipline, and mentorship. As Charles recounts: "Success leaves clues. Watch who you hang out with, because you'll become like them. If you surround yourself with high performers and show you're serious, they'll help you grow." He shares insights on how technicians, advisors, and managers can take ownership of their success. From developing structured game plans to fostering genuine relationships, Charles provides actionable steps to level up in any automotive role. One standout lesson: "Close mouths don't get fed. Speak up about your goals, your challenges, and even your solutions. Leaders can't help if they don't know what you need." If you're looking to climb the ranks or simply be happier and more productive in your current role, this episode is a goldmine of advice and motivation. Let's get into it. j. If you're interested in being on the show or would like to sponsor an episode, please reach out to me Joshua Taylor by DM or email joshua@justworkhard.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Charles 03:00 From Veterinary Dreams to Automotive Success 08:30 Learning Through Mentorship 14:10 The Value of Discipline and Game Plans 20:00 Becoming a High Performer 27:00 Leading by Example in Dealerships 36:20 Advice for Technicians: Speak Up If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. Wrench Turners Podcast with over 150 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive. Wrench Turners Podcast Socials https://wrenchturners.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4 Main: Deggy 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R Crappy Amazon mirrors Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs Make-shift trailer plate bracket Project: (I need a name, help please) 1999 Suzuki SV650S Still working on the Details

"Training isn't a cost; it's an investment that pays dividends in skills, loyalty, and productivity." This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Automotive Trainer & Technician Toyota Of Puyallup Inc Wayne Bridges In this episode, I sat down with Wayne Bridges, a 50-year veteran of the automotive industry who's worn many hats—technician, service advisor, service manager, instructor, and now dealership trainer. Wayne shares his incredible journey, from falling in love with cars as a kid to shaping the next generation of technicians at a dealership that's committed to investing in its people. Wayne doesn't shy away from tough topics, like why training is often undervalued in the industry and how mentorship programs can reduce comebacks and increase productivity. If you've ever wondered what it takes to create a thriving culture of learning and growth in a dealership, Wayne's insights are gold. Watch now and find out why building a training-focused dealership might be the best way to attract and retain top talent. Let's get into it. j. If you're interested in being on the show or would like to sponsor an episode, please reach out to me Joshua Taylor by DM or email joshua@justworkhard.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:54 Wayne's Early Passion 06:11 The Importance of Early Experiences 09:04 Lessons from the Lube Rack 11:57 The Evolution of Automotive 14:54 The Shift to Electric Vehicles 18:07 The Role of Training 20:56 The Importance of Continuous Learning 23:50 The Future of Automotive Training 34:02 The Importance of Training 38:13 In-House Training Programs 42:39 Creating a Culture of Learning 49:12 Competing for Talent 54:52 Finding Passion 01:00:13 The Role of Mentorship Takeaways

"You are not a leader until you've created a leader who can create another leader." This week on Wrench Turners Podcast, Mechanic, Enthusiast, and Entrepreneur Travis Caldwell In this episode, I sat down with a mechanic who knows firsthand that persistence, a positive culture, and respect are key to success in the shop. Travis shared how his journey taught him the importance of mentorship and finding a place where you're valued. We discussed how listening to every team member—and helping them grow—can make a stronger, more successful crew. His biggest takeaway? Don't let work control your life; invest in mentors who truly support you. It reminds everyone in this industry to keep growing, respect the journey, and lead with purpose. Let's get into it. j. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Travis Caldwell's Journey 06:17 The Importance of Mentorship 12:30 First Year Experiences 16:21 The Role of Leadership 21:17 Favorite Porsche Models 24:07 Lessons Learned from Troubleshooting 26:12 The Challenges of Achievement 29:11 The Importance of Leadership 31:41 Navigating Career Transitions 35:50 The Dynamics of Customer Service 50:05 Balancing Work and Life 56:57 Conclusion Takeaways

"Once trust is broken, it's hard to recover." 10 Mill Mastery - Wrench Turners Podcast Series 9, Episode 7 Leading up The Lads: Marshall Sheldon Stephan Dos Santos Richard Mueller Russell Wickham Summary In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of building and maintaining trust within management and leadership roles. They discuss the challenges technicians face in establishing trust with upper management, the importance of transparency, and the necessity of personal accountability. The dialogue emphasizes that trust is foundational for effective communication and career growth, highlighting the need for technicians to add value to themselves and their teams. The speakers share personal experiences and strategies for fostering trust, ultimately concluding that trust is the core element in successful professional relationships. Takeaways

“Just because someone can produce doesn't mean they're ready to lead.” This week on Wrench Turners Podcast, Mechanic and Service Manager Scott Auto Group Willie Carter In this episode, I sat down with Willie Carter, a former mechanic turned service manager who knows what it takes to rise in the ranks. Willie shares his journey, from fixing up a beat-up Hyundai Scoupe in high school to leading a team at a major Honda dealership. He doesn't hold back on the tough lessons he's learned along the way—like why taking on the jobs no one else wants can be the key to advancing your career. If you've ever wondered what it takes to go from the shop floor to management, Willie's story is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Watch now and find out why “getting comfortable in the uncomfortable” might be the best advice you'll hear today. Let's get into it. j. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Becoming a Mechanic 06:28 Challenges and Learning 12:10 First Steps in Automotive 18:22 Transitioning to Leadership 26:12 The Importance of Hard Work 32:26 Advice for Aspiring Mechanics Takeaways Willie's journey into mechanics began out of necessity. Trade schools presented both challenges and opportunities for growth. Experience is crucial for retaining knowledge in the automotive field. Proving oneself in a new environment is essential for gaining respect. Taking on difficult tasks can accelerate learning and career advancement. Leadership requires a willingness to help others and share knowledge. Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth. Automotive is evolving, and technicians must adapt to new challenges. Building relationships with colleagues can enhance learning experiences. Embracing discomfort is key to achieving success in any career. Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube Wrench Turners Merch Wrench Turners Website Business-Focused Content on LinkedIn Entertainment Content on TikTok

"True leadership starts when you realize that every person you lead brings their own strengths and stories to the table." This week on Wrench Turners Podcast, Mechanic, Fixed Operations Director, and Coach Bozard Ford Lincoln Jeremy Stephens In this episode, I got to sit down with a technician-turned-fixed-ops director, who's proof that grit and character drive success in the automotive world. Jeremy shared how his journey taught him that the tough experiences—especially those early days on the shop floor—shaped him into the leader he is today. We talked about building a culture where positive energy matters, and where listening to every voice in the shop creates stronger teams. His biggest takeaway? Invest in yourself every day and don't shy away from honest feedback. It's a powerful reminder for anyone aiming to lead with heart and purpose. Let's get into it. j. Chapters 00:00 Intro and Welcome 01:09 Jeremy's Start 04:25 Early Days 06:00 Learning the Ropes 10:22 The Value of Tips 13:26 Stepping into Leadership 15:56 Discovering Leadership 18:32 Building a Positive Workplace Culture 21:59 Handling Challenges 26:47 Getting Feedback 29:57 Advice for Young Technicians 35:27 Investing in Personal Growth 37:32 Finding Mentors 41:10 Key Takeaways J. Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube Wrench Turners Merch Wrench Turners Website https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ Main: Deggy 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R Crappy Amazon mirrors Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs Make-shift trailer plate bracket Project: (I need a name, help please) 1999 Suzuki SV650S Still working on the Details

"You need to earn their trust." 10 Mill Mastery - Wrench Turners Podcast Series 9, Episode 6 How to Build Your Shop Influence The Lads: Marshall Sheldon Stephan Dos Santos Richard Mueller Russell Wickham Summary In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by leaders in the automotive industry, particularly in mentoring younger technicians. Exploring generational differences in work attitudes, the importance of building trust and influence within teams, and strategies for effective communication. Our dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their team's dynamics and to foster an environment where younger technicians feel supported and motivated to learn. Chapters 00:00 Stephan Dos Santos 02:18 Marshall Sheldon 07:22 Russell Wickham 09:20 Richard Mueller 15:44 Joshua Taylor Takeaways

"Just shut up and listen." This week on Wrench Turners Podcast, Mechanic and Assitant Service Manager https://www.scottautogroup.com/ Brooklynne Morse As an assistant service manager and former mechanic, Brooklynne shares her journey in the automotive industry and offers advice for mechanics to be happier, healthier, and more productive. We chat and emphasize the importance of attention to detail and the ability to adapt to different tasks. We also discuss the significance of making mistakes and learning from them, the value of effective communication with customers, and listening to their concerns. The key point is finding the silver lining in challenging situations and we encourage mechanics to always strive for improvement and to find joy in their work. Let's get into it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Starting in Automotive 02:17 Spatula's to Hammers 03:01 Consistency in Automotive 03:56 Learning from Mistakes 05:28 Importance of Detail 06:46 Transitioning from Culinary to Automotive 08:30 First-Year Challenges 10:52 Training and Income 11:25 Specializing in Unpopular Tasks 12:00 Income Potential 14:18 Challenges in Automotive 16:05 Super Tech Program 17:08 NVH Tools and Techniques 18:06 Water Leaks 20:32 Challenges with Specific Models 21:28 Leadership Aspirations 23:08 Customer Interaction 24:36 Importance of Listening 26:01 Key Skills for Mechanics 27:07 Mechanics Aspiring to Leadership 28:15 Conclusion J. Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@wrenchturners Wrench Turners Merch https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/ Wrench Turners Website https://wrenchturners.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK Main: Deggy 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R Crappy Amazon mirrors Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs Make-shift trailer plate bracket Project: (I need a name, help please) 1999 Suzuki SV650S Still working on the Details

"You have to make decisions and whether the decision leads you down the correct path or not, you don't know until you start walking it." In this episode of Wrench Turners Podcast Mechanic, Shop Owner, and Content Creator  @HumbleMechanic  Charles Sanville In this riveting episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, Charles "The Humble Mechanic" Sanville shares the unfiltered truth about climbing the ranks in the automotive industry, starting with his earliest tinkering days to mastering the art of warranty work. He unpacks the real challenges and pivotal decisions that shaped his career, offering a raw look at the highs and lows of life as a mechanic. With his unique blend of humor and hard-earned wisdom, Charles discusses the crucial role of lifelong learning and the surprising ways personal passion drives professional success. Every anecdote is a lesson in resilience and innovation—whether it's navigating complex repairs or steering through career transitions. Tune in for an unforgettable journey that promises to inspire, educate, and transform the way you view the mechanics behind the machines. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:20 Mechanics of Passion 11:40 Diving into the Details 17:10 Navigating Career Changes 22:30 Value Technical Education 30:00 Warranty Work Strategies 36:50 Embracing the Journey 42:25 Personal Stories 48:30 Shop Floor Dynamics 53:40 The Future of Auto Mechanics 61:00 Key Takeaways 68:15 Conclusion J. —- Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube: Click for YouTube Wrench Turners Merch https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/ Wrench Turners Website https://wrenchturners.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK Main: Deggy 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R Crappy Amazon mirrors Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs Make-shift trailer plate bracket Project: (I need a name, help please) 1999 Suzuki SV650S Still working on the Details

"It's 10 times harder than it's portrayed on social media." This week on Wrench Turners Podcast, Entrepreneur and owner of Vehicle Reman Jonathan Carr https://www.vehiclereman.com/ We cover topics such as entrepreneurship, the benefits of vehicle remanufacturing, the importance of repair and remanufacturing in the automotive industry, urban development, property appreciation, the importance of communication between technicians and service advisors, and the resurgence of the trades. Jonathan and I also touch on the nostalgia of repairing rather than replacing, the personal motivations behind starting a business, the potential for growth in Automotive Leadership, and success in the industry. Let's get into it. J. —- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Riverside recording platform 00:55 The mission of the Wrench Turners Podcast 13:26 The importance of clear communication 21:03 The challenges and expertise of technicians 23:51 The Challenges of Running a Service Center 28:26 Delegation, Automation, and Deletion 40:14 The Joy of Working on Motorcycles 45:51 The Need for Vocational Training 53:13 Catalyst for Vehicle Reman 54:16 Vehicle Remanufacturing Process 57:49 Repair vs. Replacement 01:00:43 Repair and Remanufacturing 01:04:54 Nostalgic Appeal of Repair 01:07:46 Vocational Training and Business Ownership 01:16:09 Fostering a Positive Work Environment 01:21:27 Advice for Technicians 01:26:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4 Wrench Turners Merch https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/ Wrench Turners Website https://wrenchturners.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK Main: Deggy 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R Crappy Amazon mirrors Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs Make-shift trailer plate bracket Project: (I need a name, help please) 1999 Suzuki SV650S Still working on the Details

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." This week on Wrench Turners Podcast, Mechanic and Content Creator David Crossland aka Mechanic Mouse Summary In this episode, David and I discuss his journey as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) Technician and content creator. He shares insights on the importance of mentorship in the trade, the challenges and benefits of creating online content for mechanics, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance. David emphasizes that being a mechanic is not just a job but a lifestyle and highlights the value of passion and continuous learning in achieving excellence. Key Takeaway's

"Look at the overall picture. Don't focus on individual days." 10 Mill Mastery - Wrench Turners Podcast Series 9, Episode 5 Auto Industry Poison: How to Keep It from Affecting You as a Mechanic The Lads: Marshall Sheldon Stephan Dos Santos Richard Mueller Russell Wickham Our conversation revolves around the topic of staying positive in the automotive industry despite the negativity we Mechanics feel every day. The lads and I discuss various strategies to avoid becoming poisoned by the negativity. The conversation also touches on the importance of leadership in creating a positive work environment. Takeaways

"The more you put into [education], the more you get out of it." This week on Wrench Turners Podcast,  Technician at Elgin Toyota Jake Pratt Jake, a seasoned mechanic, talks about his journey into the automotive industry, his education at UTI, and his recent work at a Toyota dealership. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning, the benefits of working on reliable vehicles, and the need for a supportive work environment. The conversation also covers troubleshooting complex issues, the value of service contracts and wear package insurance, and the necessity of teamwork and accountability in the automotive field. Let's get into it. j. —- Mechanic? Want to Lead? Free Webinar Check out: https://www.thesweatyleader.com Developing Technicians into Leaders Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@wrenchturners?sub_confirmation=1 Wrench Turners Merch https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/ Wrench Turners Website https://wrenchturners.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ Main: Deggy 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R Crappy Amazon mirrors Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs Make-shift trailer plate bracket Project: (I need a name, help please) 1999 Suzuki SV650S Still working on the Details

"Do you start them with once upon a time?" 10 Mill Mastery - Wrench Turners Podcast Series 9, Episode 4 Elevate your RO Stories The Lads: Marshall Sheldon Stephan Dos Santos Richard Mueller Russell Wickham Summary The conversation revolves around the use of specific words and details in narratives and stories in the field service industry. Marshall shares his practice of using words like 'interface' and 'adjust' to elevate the professionalism of his stories. Russell emphasizes the importance of simplicity and conciseness in narratives. Joshua discusses the relevance of including specific torque specs and contextual information in stories. Richard shares his approach of using document IDs and tag words to provide relevant information in his narratives. Key Takeaways:

The innovation that happens post-crisis, is vital to the progress of our industry. This week on Wrench Turners Podcast, Market President at Dynatron Software, Inc. Brad Paschal Brad Paschal is a lifelong learner and key "giver of documents" as Dynatron. Brad shares his unique insights on the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and innovative thinking in dealership management. Brad provides actionable advice for improving dealership efficiency and customer satisfaction, from leveraging big data to enhancing dealership operations to his impactful role during crises like the CDK cyber issue—a must-listen for professionals eager to push the boundaries of traditional dealership management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Host and Guest 05:05 Discussion on Cybersecurityy 10:08 Brad Paschal's Journey 15:57 Leveraging Data 21:30 Significance of Relationships 26:14 Importance of Creativity 31:08 Impact of Mentorship and Innovation 36:25 Cross-training Staff 41:43 The Role of Technology 47:17 EVs and New Technologies 52:12 Brad's Transition 57:35 Utilizing Innovative Marketing Tactics 1:03:56 Finding Fulfillment Let's get into it. J. —- Mechanic? Want to Lead? Free Webinar Check out: https://www.thesweatyleader.com Developing Technicians into Leaders Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4 Wrench Turners Merch (supports my addiction to Motorcycles) https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/ Wrench Turners Website https://wrenchturners.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK Main: Deggy 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R Crappy Amazon mirrors Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs Make-shift trailer plate bracket Project: (I need a name, help please) 1999 Suzuki SV650S Still working on the Details