Podcasts about shop owners

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto speaks with Chris Machado, founder of XGen Academy, about a bold new approach to solving the automotive technician shortage. Machado has developed an intensive 16-week training program that blends virtual reality simulations, classroom learning, and hands-on shop experience to accelerate the development of new technicians. At the core of the academy's philosophy is the “reverse funnel,” which attracts a wide pool of young talent and progressively refines their skills toward professional mastery. The program goes beyond technical instruction. Through its “Reality Hub,” students also learn essential life and workplace skills, including financial literacy, professionalism, and ethics. By modernizing the training experience and making automotive careers more appealing to younger generations, Machado aims to build a scalable model that can be replicated nationwide, offering a proactive, high-tech solution for developing the industry's next generation of technicians. XGen Academy: https://xgened.email/ Chris Machado, Circle M Tire & Auto and Circle M Truck Repair Bakersfield, CA. Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider - All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books - Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom - Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm - Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections - The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ - Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ - The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ - Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Adam and Ryan open Episode 10 with a week that flipped expectations heading into WrestleMania.Cody Rhodes walks away with the championship after a result that few fans expected. The hosts break down the booking decision and what it means for collectors who track championship momentum and long term hobby demand tied to top WWE stars. The conversation then shifts to one of the biggest hobby announcements of the week. Topps revealed that the first ever WWE Topps Chrome First Day Issue release will be sold through a Dutch auction. Adam and Ryan talk through what this format means for collectors, how they plan to approach buying, and why demand for the product will likely be strong.They also spend time discussing the Topps Now dual autograph featuring John Cena and Shohei Ohtani. The hosts explain why crossover cards like this matter and how a card like this could become one of the most important wrestling card sales of the year.Later in the episode they welcome Chad Weldon of Sports Card Junction to the show.Chad shares what he is seeing on the ground from the shop side of the hobby. The conversation covers collector demand for wrestling cards, how modern wrestling products perform at the shop level, and what products collectors are asking for most right now.Topics in this episode includeWrestleMania storylines and their hobby impactCody Rhodes and championship driven demandTopps Chrome First Day Issue auction strategyThe John Cena and Shohei Ohtani dual autograph cardWrestling card sales moving the marketA shop owner perspective with Chad Weldon of Sports Card JunctionCheck out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode "I think the push back is more in our head than it is in the pocketbook." In this episode, host Carm Capriotto talks with Andy Fiffick and Chris Letendre about the perceived affordability crisis in auto repair. Both guests challenge the idea that customers can't afford repairs, suggesting that price resistance often stems from the service advisor's mindset rather than customer reality. The discussion highlights practical strategies for improving repair approvals, including repackaging repairs with different parts or warranty options, presenting financing as “payment option plans,” and avoiding the “Sophomore Jinx,” where advisors begin to pre-judge what customers can afford. They also address the “maintenance-free” myth promoted by automakers and encourage shops to proactively educate customers with long-term maintenance planning. Ultimately, the episode reinforces a key truth: auto repair is a relationship business. When shops build trust and focus on helping people, price objections become far less common. Andy Fiffick, CEO Rad Air, Listen to Andy's other episodes HERE Chris Letendre, American Pride Automotive Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You're probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz - Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider - All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books - Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom - Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm - Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections - The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ - Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ - The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ - Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat if that empty bay in your shop is costing you $175,000 a year?What happens when your best technician walks in on Friday afternoon and says they're not coming back Monday?In this episode, Hunt Demarest welcomes back Chris Lawson from Technician Find — the first returning guest on Business by the Numbers. Chris tackles the question shop owners struggle with most: Can you really afford to invest in recruiting when money is tight? Drawing on real shop data, Hunt and Chris break down the hidden cost of empty bays ($175,000 per year in lost gross profit for the average shop) and why treating recruiting as an optional expense is costing shops far more than any recruiting service ever could.Chris explains why recruiting is fundamentally different from advertising — you're not looking for people actively searching for jobs, you're reaching employed technicians who need a compelling reason to take the risk of leaving where they are. This requires completely different messaging, targeting strategies, and an understanding that ChatGPT-written ads on Indeed all look identical because they're copying each other. The conversation covers everything from why shops get 10+ applicants per opening while others get zero, to the emerging concept of "bench building" — maintaining relationships with potential hires before you desperately need them.This episode also dives into compensation strategy, the importance of running competitive salary surveys, and why the trades are positioned for continued wage growth as AI threatens white-collar careers but can't turn a wrench. Whether you're fully staffed and looking to build insurance against turnover, or scrambling to fill an empty bay, this conversation provides a framework for thinking about recruiting as an investment rather than an expense — and why waiting until you're desperate is the most expensive strategy of all.What you'll learn…(03:05) The real cost of empty bays: $2,000 per day vs. the cost of recruiting(05:00) Why recruiting is viewed as a vendor expense instead of an investment(05:30) The Indeed problem: Why every automotive technician job posting looks identical(07:10) How to write ads for employed technicians vs. people actively looking for work(09:00) Why good techs aren't on job boards — and where to find them instead(12:05) The evolution of technician recruitment(15:00) Optimizing the hiring process(18:00) Building a strong reputation(21:00) The essential role of interviews in recruitment(24:30) Understanding technician recruitment challenges(30:15) The importance of communication in recruitment(35:00) Leveraging AI in recruitment strategies(40:00) Future trends in technician wages and industry perceptionsThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

Send a textJoin Steve for this awesome interview with Bikeway of Hanover Shop owner Austin Koplozsky. Austin tells his inspiring story of taking an entrepreneurial path to business ownership. He talks all about how the weather impacts the yearly cycle (pun fully intended) of a bike shop, how to prepare for the weather while riding and we talk about some great cycling places as well! He is awesome. Enjoy! Support the show

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Lola Schmidt, COO of Schmidt Auto Care, to discuss how independent auto repair shops can professionalize their human resources and management systems. Lola outlines a deliberate, multi-step hiring process built to eliminate desperate decisions and reduce candidate ghosting. It begins with a focused 5-10 minute phone screen designed to evaluate attitude, communication skills, and professionalism before investing time in in-person interviews. Once hired, new team members go through a structured two-week onboarding experience that intentionally integrates them into the shop's culture and operations, complete with personalized touches and cross-training across the team. To establish clarity and transparency, Lola shares her “no gatekeeping” philosophy: providing candidates with a legally reviewed employee handbook before a formal offer is made. She also explains how to handle HR documentation and unemployment claims using a “no feelings, just facts” approach, relying on accurate records, clear timelines, and policies tied directly to the signed handbook. The result? Intentional systems that protect the culture, the employees, and the long-term health of the business. In this episode, you'll learn: How to build a structured hiring process that prevents reactive decisionsWhy a short phone screen reduces ghosting and wasted timeHow to hire for attitude and cultural fit firstWhat an effective two-week onboarding plan looks likeWhy a legally reviewed employee handbook is essentialHow to document HR issues clearly and objectively The Everyday Educator: How Leaders Reinforce Learning [THA 458]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a458/  4 Day Work Week and Our Own App [AW 146]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/aw146/ Lauralee Schmidt, Schmidt Auto Care, Springboro, OH Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider - All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books - Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom - Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm - Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections - The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ - Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ - The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ - Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

After being laid off from a graphic design job in the commercial real estate industry, Lesley Bryant pivoted into barbering and eventually built Lady Clipper Barber Shop in Washington, D.C. from the ground up.In this conversation, she shares how community relationships, relentless work ethic, and authentic connection helped turn a hallway-sized startup into a thriving neighborhood shop.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:

In 1977, Robin Bozian was the only woman attorney practicing law in Scioto County.Since then, she has spent 45 years as an attorney for Legal Aid, helping survivors of domestic violence and other marginalized groups.In retirement, she continues to take pro bono cases and we'll learn more about her dedication to service.And, Stereo Lab, a vintage shop for cassettes, radios, and audio gear, has been repairing antiques for more than 50 years. We'll learn more from the owner about their rich history.In October, the Royal Flamingo Coffee House was voted the second-best independent coffee shop in the country in USA Today's 10 best list. The cafe offers a wide range of notes and flavors, all roasted by the owners themselves.Guests:Robin Bozian, former Legal Aid attorney/community volunteerScott Freshour, Stereo Lab ownerBryan Brzozowski, owner, Royal Flamingo CoffeeIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWould you swap out wiper blades for $500? Probably yes. Would you replace an entire engine for $500? Absolutely not. But here's the real question: what if the math behind why you said yes to one and no to the other is the same math that's silently costing your shop thousands of dollars every month? IIn this episode, Hunt Demarest breaks down one of the most powerful and most overlooked metrics in the auto repair business: gross profit dollars per hour sold.Most shop owners track sales, gross profit, and hours. But very few ask the one question that ties them all together: how fast are you making that money? Inspired by the late Aaron Stokes of Shop Fix Academy, Hunt makes the case that the speed of your profitability, not just the size of it, is what separates thriving shops from ones that are always busy but never ahead.Hunt walks through real examples that make this impossible to ignore — including why tire shops with terrible margins can still be wildly profitable, and how a $40 cabin air filter can outperform a $600 water pump job. Whether you're setting targets, pricing jobs, or wondering why a record sales month still left you short, this is the framework that explains it. And if you're already using Tekmetric or Shop-Ware, this metric is likely already on your end-of-day report; it's time to start using it. What You'll Learn(00:10) It's not how much you make, it's how fast you make it(02:14) A tribute to the late Aaron Stokes of Shop Fix Academy(03:05) Understanding gross profit dollars per hour(03:45) Hours open vs. hours sold — the two versions of GP$/hour explained(06:00) The importance of speed in profitability(06:45) Why tire shops with terrible margins can still be wildly profitable(08:50) Setting targets for success(09:15) Why chasing hours alone can leave you working harder and earning less(12:00) Calculating gross profit dollars per hour(14:54) Maximizing profitability through pricing and productivity (17:50) Real-world examples of profitability (20:50) Conclusion and key takeawaysThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

In 1977, Robin Bozian was the only woman attorney practicing law in Scioto County.Since then, she has spent 45 years as an attorney for Legal Aid, helping survivors of domestic violence and other marginalized groups.In retirement, she continues to take pro bono cases and we'll learn more about her dedication to service.And, Stereo Lab, a vintage shop for cassettes, radios, and audio gear, has been repairing antiques for more than 50 years. We'll learn more from the owner about their rich history.In October, the Royal Flamingo Coffee House was voted the second-best independent coffee shop in the country in USA Today's 10 best list. The cafe offers a wide range of notes and flavors, all roasted by the owners themselves.Guests:Robin Bozian, former Legal Aid attorney/community volunteerScott Freshour, Stereo Lab ownerBryan Brzozowski, owner, Royal Flamingo CoffeeIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Smartpizzamarketing.com/spmproA pizza shop owner shares what it's really like trying to grow a pizzeria today. We talk about buying a pizza shop two weeks before COVID, rebuilding a damaged brand, and why marketing is harder than making great pizza.We also dive into social media, posting pizza content, email marketing, and the simple strategies pizza shop owners can use to get more customers.

Brad Templin, COO at Scott's U-Save Tires & Auto Repair, discusses his journey into second generation shop ownership and what the transition looked like taking over his family's business. He shares why he chose not to take the easy path back into the industry, the importance of proper succession planning, and why owners must continue growing themselves to help their business and people reach their full potential.Watch the video podcast on YouTubeAbout the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Brad Templin, Scott's U-Save Tires & Auto Repair, bradw@scottsusave.comLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listEpisode Sponsor: Jasper Engines & TransmissionsJoin the ASE Connects CommunityASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & DealersASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free!)Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, Autel, and Independent Wrench JobsWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this episode, Matt takes on a question that listeners have apparently been enjoying asking: what's on his “Mount Rushmore” of various categories? Before getting there, though, he gives a quick follow-up to the No Good Deed Goes Unpunished home-plumbing saga, where a simple bathroom fix turned into tracking down a hidden bathtub drain leak caused by questionable original construction choices.From there, Matt dives into his personal Mount Rushmore lists, starting where it matters most for this audience: scan tools and lab scopes. He walks through the tools that earned their place not necessarily because they are the newest, but because they were foundational, capable, and memorable in the evolution of automotive diagnostics. Then, in classic Matt fashion, things branch out into pro wrestling and podcasting, with some thoughtful distinctions between popularity, performance, influence, and personal appreciation.This one is part diagnostics nostalgia, part opinion piece, part rabbit hole and fully in the spirit of a listener driven episode.In This Episode:A follow-up to the bathroom plumbing story and a cracked bathtub drain elbowA discussion on questionable construction practices and what motivates rushed workmanshipMatt's Mount Rushmore of scan toolsMatt's Mount Rushmore of lab scopes / oscilloscopesA two-tier Mount Rushmore of professional wrestlers: biggest draws / most popular. Best in-ring performersMatt's Mount Rushmore of podcastersMatt's Mount Rushmore: Scan ToolsMatt frames this as a historical and personal list rather than a current buying guide.Tools that made the cut:GM Tech 2 – still a lifesaver when other tools come up shortSnap-on Red Brick (especially graphing versions / MTG 2500) – a huge leap forward in capability and accessibilityAutel MaxiSys / Maxisys-era tools (especially the early highly capable platforms) – a major step forward for aftermarket capabilityVAG-COM / VCDS – absurd capability for the price, especially for Volkswagen/Audi workMatt's Mount Rushmore: Lab ScopesA list built around influence, usefulness, and personal experience.Scopes that made the cut:Pico 4425A – the standard-setter and Matt's personal favoriteSnap-on Vantage Pro – portable, capable, and still highly valued in the shopPico ADC 212 series (especially the 212/3) – a major turning point in what techs expected from a scopeFluke 98 – one of the early serious handheld automotive lab scopes that helped shape the categoryMatt's Mount Rushmore: Professional WrestlersMatt splits this into two categories because wrestling is both performance and business.Biggest Draws / Most Popular:Hulk HoganThe RockStone Cold Steve AustinJohn CenaBest In-Ring Performers:Shawn MichaelsBret HartAJ StylesRic FlairMatt's Mount Rushmore: PodcastersA mix of influence, longevity, reach, and personal listening.Names and shows discussed:Soft White UnderbellyJoe RoganKevin Smith / Scott Mosier (SModcast)Lex FridmanWith an honorable and very relevant nod to:Carm Capriotto in the automotive podcast spaceNotable Themes:This episode really leans into a fun idea, but there's still a deeper thread running through it:“Best” is not always the same as “favorite”Influence mattersFoundational tools and people deserve credit even when newer options existLegacy, capability, and context all shape what belongs on a personal “Rushmore”Listener Call-Out:Matt wants to know:Do you like this kind of episode?Do you want more “Mount Rushmore” discussions?What automotive-specific categories should be next?Thanks to our Partner, Pico TechnologyAre you chasing elusive automotive problems? Pico Technology empowers you to see what's really happening. Their PicoScope oscilloscopes transform your diagnostic capabilities. Visit PicoAuto.comThanks to our Partner, AutelFrom drivability diagnostics and TPMS service to ADAS and advanced safety systems, Autel helps technicians follow OEM procedures and repair with confidence. Learn more at Autel.comThanks to our Partner, Independent Wrench JobsIndependent Wrench Jobs is a new, tech-only community to help you find better independent shops—fair dispatch, steady work, real leadership. No games.Built by Technician Find—serving the industry since 2017. Join free at IndependentWrenchJobs.comContact InformationEmail Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube ChannelThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledBrand building doesn't always come from ads, funnels, or traditional marketing; it often comes from bold decisions, authenticity, and doing things differently. Zeb Beard of Stroker's Diesel and Automotive shares how sponsoring a professional fisherman, building a massive and unforgettable shop, and leaning into unconventional branding strategies have fueled explosive brand awareness and loyalty. From turning everyday moments into viral content to embracing his true personality online, Zeb reveals how exposure, storytelling, and consistency can outperform paid advertising. If you want to rethink how brand building really works, and how to create marketing that people actually care about, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew. Listen now to discover how bold branding creates lasting impact.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Sponsorship Overview (00:00:10) Brian introduces Zeb Beard and the main topic: sponsoring a professional fisherman for shop marketing.Why Sponsor a Fisherman? (00:01:30) Zeb explains his passion for fishing and the motivation behind sponsoring a professional fisherman.Choosing the Right Fisherman (00:01:33) Zeb discusses selecting a unique fisherman who travels extensively and offers national exposure.Purpose and Expected ROI (00:02:59) Zeb clarifies his goals: exposure and content, not immediate business from the sponsorship.How the Sponsorship Works (00:05:02) Details on logo placement, exposure through tournaments, and the unique visibility of the sponsored fisherman.Sponsorship Timeline and Early Results (00:06:17) Zeb shares that the sponsorship just started, but both parties are already seeing social media growth.Brand Building History (00:07:21) Zeb recounts previous unique brand-building efforts, including sponsoring a rock band.Impact of Brand Building and Shop Size (00:08:28) Discussion of the shop's growth, its 64,000 sq ft building, and how the building itself is a marketing tool.Shop Location and Signage (00:09:41) Zeb describes the shop's visibility, signage, and its impact on local awareness.Merchandise and Graphics (00:11:02) Zeb talks about branded t-shirts, working with a graphics company, and plans to sell merchandise online.Grassroots Marketing Approach (00:13:38) Zeb explains his focus on grassroots brand building, community sponsorships, and minimal paid advertising.Viral Road Report Videos (00:14:46) Zeb describes his viral “road report” videos during an ice storm and the importance of consistent content creation.Authenticity and Customer Relations (00:18:17) Zeb discusses being authentic, setting boundaries with customers, and how this approach builds loyalty.No Promise Times and Quality Focus (00:20:28) Zeb explains why he doesn't give promise times, focusing on quality and thoroughness over speed.Living at the Shop (00:23:00) Zeb shares the benefits and boundaries of living inside his shop, improving work-life integration.Maintaining Boundaries with Customers (00:25:24) Zeb describes how he maintains privacy and boundaries despite living at his business.Being Unapologetically Authentic Online (00:26:15) Zeb and Brian discuss the value and impact of being authentic and direct on social media.Event Attendance and Closing (00:27:17) Zeb mentions upcoming industry events he'll attend, and Brian wraps up the episode.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Stroker's Diesel and AutomotiveThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

John Kairys is the Executive Director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, bringing more than 40 years of experience across retail, wholesale, franchising, and distribution in the automotive aftermarket. He now leads efforts focused on providing financial assistance and support to industry professionals facing personal hardship.Orlando Mangual is the owner of Mangual Enterprises and a multi-location Tuffy Tire & Auto operator, growing his business to multiple stores through a people-first leadership approach. His background in training and organizational development shaped his strategy for building scalable, team-driven operations.Kyle Suffoletto is a multi-store operator with Tuffy Auto Service Center, overseeing locations across multiple states while focusing on operational growth and franchise collaboration. With a background in management and marketing, he has helped expand his family's automotive business into a growing regional network.Stephen Mars is a partner at Williams Russell Group and an automotive industry leader managing more than 20 locations across several U.S. markets. A military veteran turned operator, he combines leadership development and operational discipline to drive multi-location growth and organizational culture.Julio Trinidad is a longtime Tuffy Auto Service Center franchise owner based in Florida, operating his location for more than a decade while maintaining a hands-on approach with customers and team members. His career reflects a commitment to community-focused service and owner-led business culture within the franchise network.In this episode…Growth in today's aftermarket demands more than adding bays or signing leases. The operators who continue expanding understand structure, leadership discipline, and shared intelligence are competitive advantages. Independent shop ownership delivers freedom, but scale demands systems, collaboration, and accountability. That tension defines the future of auto repair franchise growth.This series of conversations cut through surface-level success stories and expose the realities behind multi-location expansion. Economic downturns forced reinvention. Military service shaped leadership philosophies. Franchise systems created strength without sacrificing autonomy. The conversation centers on mindset; transparency, communication, and the willingness to pivot, because sustainable auto repair franchise growth rests on operational clarity and cultural alignment, not luck.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:23] John Kairys on AACF's mission and industry responsibility[09:29] Orlando Mangual on scaling from one store to ten[16:15] Kyle Suffoletto on franchise structure and collaborative growth[21:45] Stephen Mars on leadership, adversity, and multi-state expansion[32:46] Julio Trinidad on owner visibility and franchise cultureResources mentioned in this episode:John Kairys' LinkedInAACF WebsiteTuffy Tire & Auto Service WebsiteStephen Mars' LinkedInTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“This job checks those two boxes very thoroughly; passion and purpose.”“Transparency, communication, and pivot.”“It doesn't matter what it is in life that you want to do. You just have to put your heart to it and go after it.”“I didn't fail, I learned.”“When you join a franchise, you own your business, but you're not out there alone.”Action Steps:Audit your leadership language this week. Replace vague directives with clear standards built around transparency, communication, and pivoting when performance stalls.Schedule a quarterly peer roundtable with other operators. Shared intelligence accelerates auto repair franchise growth faster than isolated decision-making.Identify one operational bottleneck limiting expansion and assign ownership to a leader with measurable outcomes tied to execution.Strengthen employee communication systems. Multi-location growth collapses without consistent messaging and cultural alignment.Create a three-year expansion roadmap that defines capital allocation, talent development, and acquisition criteria before pursuing the next location.

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode of Coffee with Carm and a Coach, Carm Capriotto and leadership coach Murray Voth explain why traditional employee reviews often fail to build trust, engagement, or real growth. Instead, they advocate replacing formal evaluations with ongoing “Career Alignment Meetings,” and one-on-one conversations focused on coaching, open dialogue, and removing obstacles. They discuss the shop owner's role as a coach, the importance of onboarding and positional clarity, and why wage discussions should be separated from development conversations. Murray also shares practical tools, including the three key questions that drive meaningful feedback and real-time coaching moments. This episode offers a modern, human-centered approach to leadership that strengthens culture, improves communication, and helps employees and shops grow together. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction: Coffee with Carm and a Coach (00:03:00) Rebranding the Review (00:05:30) The Problem with 360 Reviews (00:08:00) What Employees Actually Want (00:12:00) Hiring for the Position, Not the Personality (00:16:00) Modern Onboarding & The 89-Day Check-In (00:26:00) The Three Magic Questions (00:32:00) How to Handle Employee Objections (00:36:00) Separating Wages from Development (00:41:00) Holiday Bonuses vs. Business Incentives (00:45:00) The "Rim Wash" Lesson & Bloom's Taxonomy (00:49:00) The "Discovery Now" Moment (00:52:00) Breaking Bread & Setting Protocol Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray's previous episodes HERE. murrayvoth@rpmtraining.net Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider - All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books - Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom - Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm - Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections - The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ - Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ - The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ - Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

LOUNGE LIZARDS PRESENTED BY FABRICA5 - Brilliant Honduran Cigars - Visit Fabrica005.com and use code LIZARDPOD at checkout for 10% off THE ENTIRE STORE! Free worldwide shipping from Miami on all orders over $125. See website for more information and terms.SMALL BATCH CIGAR - SAVE 15% - Exclusive Cigar Retail Partner of the Lizards - Visit SmallBatchCigar.com and use code LIZARD15 for 15% off your order. Free shipping and 5% rewards back always. Standard exclusions apply. Simple. Fast. Small Batch Cigar.Recorded at Ten86 Cigars in Hawthorne, New Jersey, the Lizards pair the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Solita Red with twelve year aged Knob Creek Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. The guys discuss the supposed postponement of the Habanos Festival, they debate the future of Cuban tobacco and they share the importance of cigar lounge and shop owner hospitality.PLUS: Successfully Joining a Lounge, Great Cigars You Don't Reach For, Plasencia Barn Fire, Listener Humidity Aligning with Pod Review Humidity, Consistent Humidity for Smoking, More Lizard X/Wife Detail & MoreJoin the Lounge Lizards for a weekly discussion on all things cigars (both Cuban and non-Cuban), whiskey, food, travel, life and work. This is your formal invitation to join us in a relaxing discussion amongst friends and become a card-carrying Lounge Lizard yourself. This is not your typical cigar podcast. We're a group of friends who love sharing cigars, whiskey and a good laugh.website/merch/rating archive: loungelizardspod.comemail: hello@loungelizardspod.com to join the conversation and be featured on an upcoming episode!instagram: @loungelizardspodGizmo HQ: LizardGizmo.com

Am I the Genius? is the show where you get real answers to questions you've always wondered but didn't think to ask. Subscribe on YouTube - youtube.com/@amithegenius?sub_confirmation=1 Am I the Jerk? on Instagram - instagram.com/amithegenius Am I the Jerk? on Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0uEkxvRMpxLuuHeyPVVioF?si=b279dadfe593432b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ x.com/amithejerk facebook.com/amithejerk SUBMIT YOUR OWN STORIES HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://amithejerk.com/submit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mint Mobile - Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at MINTMOBILE.com/AITJ Quince - Keep it classic and cool — with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to Quince.com/AITJ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. EveryPlate - Dig into these flavor-packed meals your household will love. New customers can enjoy this special offer of only $1.99 a meal. Go to everyplate.com/podcast and use code AITG199 to get started. Green Chef - Head to Greenchef.com/50AITJ and use code 50AITJ to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Lola Blankets - Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code AITJ at checkout. Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to UncommonGoods.com/AITJ Don't miss out on this limited-time offer. Uncommon Goods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tornado tears through Bloomington, leading Andrew and Jay to discuss practical leadership during real-world emergencies. From there, the conversation shifts back to the shop floor: chip conveyors on Brother machines, production layout tradeoffs, palletized workholding vs. one-piece flow, and the realities of automation. They explore the pros and cons of high-density fixturing, robot-fed cells, and Okuma's compact MU-600V five-axis machine with part handoff capability.The second half moves into the accelerating world of AI in manufacturing. Jay shares how he's using Claude to rapidly build internal software tools, while Andrew talks through vibe-coded machine monitoring dashboards and real-time shop visibility systems. They wrestle with simplicity vs. data overload, operator-focused visual management, and what the next wave of AI-powered shop tools might look like.

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindHost: Coach Chris CottonNetwork: Aftermarket Radio NetworkEpisode 247 – Leaders Eat Last… But Don't StarveIn this episode, Coach Chris Cotton dives into Simon Sinek's concept from Leaders Eat Last and applies it directly to the auto repair industry.Topics Covered:What “leaders eat last” really meansThe difference between sacrifice and self-neglectHow leadership creates psychological safety in your shopWhy burned-out owners hurt cultureTactical ways to protect your energy while still serving your team

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Melissa Parker, Amy Bartel, and Sara Abrecht join Carm Capriotto to discuss why women are the automotive industry's “secret weapon.” The panel explores the concept of automotive hospitality, focusing on relationships, empathy, and customer experience as key drivers of trust, loyalty, and profitability. They share how hospitality driven environments, strong listening skills, and hiring from service focused industries elevate the customer experience and strengthen shop performance. Sara also reveals data showing female-led shops achieve higher average repair orders, highlighting the business impact of communication and relationship building. The conversation challenges outdated industry perceptions and calls for a shift toward hospitality centered operations, encouraging shop owners to embrace these principles and inspiring more women to pursue leadership roles in this evolving, people first profession. Timestamps (00:00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:03:15) - Defining "Automotive Hospitality" (00:06:00) - The "Ritz-Carlton" Standard (00:09:45) - Men vs. Women: Fixers vs. Listeners (00:14:15) - Hiring Outside the Industry (00:18:20) - The Role of the Customer Service Rep (CSR) (00:21:00) - The "Anytime" Presentation (00:27:45) - The Financial Case: Women Drive Higher ARO (00:30:15) - The "Secret Weapon" & Workplace Culture (00:34:30) - The Household Decision Maker (00:37:45) - Rebranding: From "Trade" to "Skilled Career" Melissa Parker, COO, Harrell's Tire and Auto Amy Bartel, Owner, Bartel's Auto Clinic Sara Abrecht, CFO, Dynamic Automotive Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You're probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz - Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider - All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books - Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom - Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm - Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections - The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ - Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ - The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ - Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

The state of Florida has carried out its second execution of the year, putting to death a man convicted in the killing of a small-town grocery store owner whose final moments helped solve her own murder. A fleeing suspect almost ended up in a trash compactor after hiding inside a garbage can and getting caught on police dashcam during a search in Ohio. Two New York City police officers end up in the hospital and a political storm follows as a snowball fight goes viral. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREWanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HEREIn this episode, Jeff talks with... Mr. Walkie Talkie... the shop owner with that southern draw...the man who's hair is ALWAYS perfect...Mr. Lucas Underwood. Lucas talks about why communication MUST improve between owners and techs, and how more empathy and understanding can completely shift the culture inside a shop. They talk about the risks of leaning too heavily on service information without double checking procedures, especially when safety and liability are at stake. Lucas also gives money advice for technicians, including why thinking long-term and investing in retirement accounts can make a huge difference down the road.Timestamps:00:00 Future of ADAS and Calibration05:54 "Vehicle Diagnostics and Calibration"13:31 Grace, Mistakes, and Quick Decisions17:03 "Frustrations and Fixes with Tech"26:12 "Removing Emotion from Business"30:47 Purpose Found in Helping Others37:27 "Happiness Comes From Within"41:59 "Finding Happiness Amid Toxicity"48:05 "Miscommunication Resolved Through Dialogue"51:11 Communication Growth and Therapy Reflections54:33 "Social Media's Impact on Behavior"01:02:32 "Compound Growth: $695k to Millions"01:11:01 "Planning Future Security and Freedom"01:14:30 "Growth, Respect, and Reflection"01:17:28 "Reflections on Unfiltered Insights" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindHost: Coach Chris Cotton“Communities are regulating repair capacity out of existence… and they still expect same-day service.”“At some point, towns are going to run out of places to fix the cars they depend on.”“The bay shortage isn't just a market problem—it's a permitting problem.”Data/Pressure4. “Vehicles per bay hit about 253 by 2022—and it's projected to top 261.”5. “More cars. More complexity. Fewer bays. That's the squeeze.” Productivity / ‘One tech'6. “If you want more capacity, stop hunting bays and start hunting waste.”7. “Most shops don't have a technician shortage. They have a productivity leak.”8. “Every owner knows the one technician I'm talking about.”9. “Imagine every shop releasing one dead-weight tech back into the pool—suddenly half the industry improves.”Owner shortage10. “You don't have a capacity problem—you have a leadership pipeline problem.”11. “The technician shortage hurts production. The shop owner shortage threatens the industry.”Consolidation / Collision12. “Collision repair is showing us the future: consolidation accelerates when succession fails.”

Financial management isn't flashy, but it can make or break your collision shop. Too many owners stay focused on daily operations while their bookkeeping and reporting fall behind, hurting cash flow, increasing stress, and lowering business value when it's time to sell.In this episode, Matt Di Francesco sits down with Bill Park, Founder of Crunchit Financial Services and a 30-year shop owner with four successful exits, to talk about what it really means to be “bankable.” Bill explains common financial mistakes, why most CPAs focus only on taxes, and how messy books can cost you 20–30% in a third-party sale.Matt and Bill also talk about:(09:20) Long-term strategy vs. short-term tax thinking(13:32) How a second set of eyes can transform a shop's financial clarity(16:02) The real reason most shops operate below full utilization(18:33) Building a financial structure that allows faster, more confident decisions(20:51) Why clean financials directly increase third-party sale value(21:21) What transparency and discipline signal to buyers(28:18) Fix your chart of accounts before trying to fix your profits(29:08) The ROI of a full financial cleanup Connect With Bill ParkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billpark8/Email: billpark8@me.comWebsite: https://www.crunchitfs.com/Connect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Bill Park has walked the same road many collision shop owners are on right now. He spent 30 years as a body shop owner and successfully exited four businesses, so he understands firsthand the pressure, long hours, and constant daily fires that come with running a shop.After living that grind and learning some hard financial lessons along the way, Bill founded Crunch It Financial Services. His mission is simple: help shop owners simplify their numbers, reduce unnecessary taxes, and build real wealth instead of just surviving year to year.Today, Bill works alongside shop owners to bring clarity, structure, and long-term strategy to their financial picture so they can operate with confidence and exit on their terms.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

One mistake. One angry customer. One comeback. And suddenly your whole day feels off. In this episode of Just ONE Thing, Rick shares a powerful Olympic lesson for shop owners: when a skater misses a landing, he doesn't sit on the ice analyzing it. He gets up and finishes the routine. Too many leaders do the opposite. Emotions spike. Focus shifts. Productivity drops. And one small mistake snowballs into five. Rick breaks down the principle of completion before contemplation — knowing when to execute and when to analyze — so you can protect your momentum, lead with clarity, and finish strong. Listen to the full episode of Just ONE Thing now and learn how to finish your routine strong — no matter what happens.

Full bays don't always mean healthy profits. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Hunt Demarest, CPA, partner at Paar, Melis & Associates, and author of Beyond the Bays, to unpack why so many shop owners feel busy but broke—and what they can do about it. From cash vs. profit confusion to overlooked financial fundamentals, Hunt explains how better understanding your numbers can change the trajectory of your business.

With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Episode Overview In this episode, I'm addressing a question that comes up often at the beginning of the year for many retailers, after the hustle and bustle of Q4 ends and we naturally start reflecting on what we want next. I'm talking directly to shop owners who are quietly wondering if it's time to make a big change in their role in their retail business: whether that looks like taking some things off your plate or stepping away from it completely. I'll walk you through a simple but powerful assessment I use with clients before any big decision is made. This is not about rushing to sell or making dramatic changes. It's about slowing down and understanding what's actually creating tension in your business and your role and how to intentionally fix that tension. If you've ever thought, "Am I just tired, or is it time for something different," this episode will help you gain clarity before you decide anything. By the end, you'll have a clearer framework to evaluate your role, your business, and what options may truly be available to you. (I think some of them will surprise you!) Our Key Topics Asking whether it's ownership or your current role that feels heavy Looking at pay, hours, and profitability without hustle What happens if the business depends entirely on you How changing life seasons affect business alignment (and why it's okay!) The role curiosity plays in staying or stepping away Why outside perspective matters before big decisions Key Takeaways for Retailers Feeling tired doesn't automatically mean it's time to leave. Are you proud of what you've built and curious where it can go?   Changing your role can completely change how the business feels. Is there something you'd rather be doing to support your business?   A well-designed business should support your life.   Life seasons change, and it's okay to reassess. But don't "give away the farm" or simply close your doors. I can help.   Clarity must come before any major decision. Find an advisor or coach and see what creative solutions you can reach together. "The mistake is [making big decisions] before you understand what's actually driving the tension." -Wendy Batten If you're feeling uncertain, I invite you to listen, reflect, and give yourself space to gain clarity before deciding what's next. Jump into my DMs on Instagram and let me help you!   Resources Mentioned and Related Episodes: Retail Sales & Marketing Accelerator (On-Demand)A practical course designed to help shop owners stop guessing and start making clearer, data-informed decisions around sales and marketing. Join my Love List!   Episode 159: Prepare to Sell, Franchise, or Expand: Four Areas That Need to be Under Control About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose. For more support from Wendy Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

Many collision shop owners think growth comes from doing more themselves. But when your days are filled with decisions, emails, and operational noise, the work that truly drives progress gets crowded out, limiting both growth and freedom.In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco introduces a simple shift: stop asking how and start asking who. Drawing from Who Not How, he explains how focusing on your unique genius and delegating the rest removes the owner as the bottleneck. Through his personal experience, Matt shows how putting the right people in the right roles creates clarity, capacity, and sustainable growth.Matt also talks about:(00:57) Why asking “how” keeps shop owners stuck in the weeds(01:50) Tracking your time reveals what should be delegated or replaced(05:13) Your unique genius should drive the business, not daily tasks(06:11) Hiring an assistant frees you to focus on higher-value work(07:29) Why administrative help is a growth move, not an expense(08:53) Putting the right people in the right seats drives real revenue growth(10:29) Focusing on “who” instead of “how” removes you as the bottleneckConnect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialDisclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategies discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission

Matt McLellan from Apparel Lab joins Steven and Bruce to share his unconventional journey building a thriving DTG (Direct-to-Garment) print shop in Madison, Alabama—without ever touching screen printing equipment. Starting in the back room of his nutrition store in 2016, Matt has grown Apparel Lab into a multi-service operation proving you don't need to follow the traditional decorator path to succeed.

Silent partners can be a powerful asset—or a costly blind spot—when it's time to sell an auto repair business. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Nick Papakyrikos, CPA, to uncover how smart exit planning, clear agreements, and the right tax structure can turn a future sale into a largely tax-free payday.

KingRodGod playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playli... In this episode of r/NeckbeardStories we meet KingRodGod. This delusional gameshop owner thinks that he's doing battle against the neckbeards that come to his shop... Little does he realize, he's actually got the biggest neckbeard of them all. He's hateable. I loathe this OP. It doesn't matter what your background is, you always need to treat people like people and not use them simply to get off. Neckbeards seem to learn this lesson particularly slow and it really does make my blood boil... So we must bring it to light so others don't suffer alone. For your fill of neckbeard stories we've got you covered with the freshest weeaboo, niceguy, and neckbeard happenings on reddit. Stick with ReddX for your daily dose of cringe with a side-dish of relatability. You might even feel good for dessert... But who can say? ------------------------------------------------------------ #reddit #neckbeard #funky #funny #storytime Join me on Discord dude: https://discord.gg/Sju7YckUWu One-time PayPal donation: https://www.paypal.me/daytondo... Support this channel on Patreon: http://patreon.com/daytondoes Stalk me on the Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/daytond... Visit me over on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReddX... Got a story? I got a subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReddX... Here's an Amazon link to my microphone: https://amzn.to/3lInsRR Wanna rock the ReddX merch? https://reddx-1-shop.fourthwal... Character animations are by: https://twitter.com/DarkleyStu... Check out my other channel: https://www.youtube.com/dayton... Wifey's channel is right over here: https://www.youtube.com/channe... ------------------------------------------------------------ Did I mention that we have playlists??: Full neckbeard story compilations: https://www.youtube.com/playli... All of our neckbeard stories: https://www.youtube.com/playli... All of our legbeard stories: https://www.youtube.com/playli... All of our RPG Horror Stories: https://www.youtube.com/playli... All of our weeaboo tales: https://www.youtube.com/playli... ------------------------------------------------------------ Podcasts can provide some ReddX on the go! Check it out! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/... Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/reddxy iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/fe... Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/... Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podc... Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show... Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podc... JioSaavn: https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows... Have you ever met a neckbeard or a nice guy? They are frustrating to deal with, but luckily you aren't alone! These r/neckbeardstories from Reddit are among the top posts of all time and include some of the funniest Reddit stories ever posted on the neckbeard stories subreddit! rSlash NeckbeardStories have all kinds of funny neckbeards in them, but especially the nice guy. And the weeaboo. There is a wide spectrum of neckbeards, and this is but a small slice of it. Listening to ReddX's neckbeard stories playlist is a great experience! These neckbeard stories Top Posts of All Time from Reddit are made for you to enjoy any time you feel like it, so be sure to save my rSlash neckbeard stories playlist! Some of the top rSlash entitled parents channels I recommend checking out are the original rSlash, Redditor, fresh, r/Bumfries, VoiceyHere, Mr Reddit, Storytime and Darkfluff. These Reddit story channels inspired me to start my own Reddit story channel, with a focus on Entitled Parents stories and at times going into the r/pettyrevenge and r/choosingbeggars subreddit as well. Because most of my audience prefers Entitled Parents stories of Reddit, I tend to just stick with reading the r/EntitleParents Top Posts of All Time. But I also enjoy getting up close and personal with neckbeards and weeaboos from time to time. Subscribe to ReddX for the freshest daily Reddit content. I post relatable readings of Reddit posts and Reddit stories every single day! Journey with me as I relate these amazing Reddit stories to my personal life journey. I'm greatly inspired by the top reddit posts of all time videos and reddit stories on YouTube which is why I started doing them myself. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe... Discord: https://discord.gg/Sju7YckUWu Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/daytondo... PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/daytondo... Patreon: http://patreon.com/daytondoes Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daytond... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReddX... Merch: https://reddx-shop.fourthwall....

Manufacturing doesn't always start with a perfectly funded plan or a shop full of machines. Sometimes it starts in a garage, with curiosity, grit, and a willingness to learn by doing. In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Harris, founder of Covenant Manufacturing, to talk about what it really looks like to start a CNC business at a young age. Caleb didn't inherit a shop or wait until everything felt safe. He learned by working in high-mix job shops, making mistakes, taking calculated risks, and slowly building confidence as both a machinist and a business owner. We dig into the early decisions that mattered most, from buying the first machine and pricing early jobs to managing cash, handling subcontracting issues, and building trust with customers. Along the way, Caleb shares honest lessons about risk, accountability, and why reputation matters even more when you're small. This conversation kicks off a new chapter of MakingChips focused on young founders who are stepping into manufacturing early and building businesses with intention. If you're under 30, thinking about ownership, or simply curious what the next generation of shop leaders is learning the hard way, this episode offers a real, unfiltered look at the journey. Segments (0:00) Why we're focusing on young founders and early ownership stories (2:24) Meeting Caleb Harris and how Covenant Manufacturing got its start (4:12) Get a free demo of Scaylor and finally unify your business data once and for all (5:25) Growing up homeschooled and discovering a passion for making (7:28) Knife making, early entrepreneurship, and learning what doesn't scale (10:01) Caleb's first exposure to CNC machining and seeing a viable business path (15:47) Working in a job shop to learn programming, setup, and workflow (20:26) Learning under pressure in a high-mix manufacturing environment (24:07) Understanding shop economics and thinking like an owner (31:07) Deciding to start a shop while still employed full time (32:47) Buying a first machine with limited capital and unloading it solo (35:32) Landing early jobs and growing through overflow work (41:32) Why you need to join us at IMTS 2026 (42:21) Managing risk without putting the business in danger (44:03) A subcontracting mistake and lessons on accountability (50:12) Building trust, culture, and reputation as a small shop (53:02) What growth looks like next for Covenant Manufacturing (57:46) Being young in manufacturing and turning age into an advantage (1:01:13) Advice for younger founders thinking about starting a shop (1:04:40) The role of community, mentorship, and industry relationships (1:07:50) Why we love SMW Autoblok workholding  (1:09:01) Why these stories matter for the future of manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Get a free demo of Scaylor at Scaylor.com Register for IMTS 2026 We love SMW Autoblok workholding Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Covenant Manufacturing Follow Covenant on Instagram Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Many business owners believe staying busy in the day-to-day is the best way to grow their company. But when all your time is spent working in the business, strategic thinking and renewal are often the first things to disappear, quietly limiting long-term growth and value.In this episode, Matt Di Francesco breaks down the three types of time every owner must intentionally manage: tactical time, strategic time, and renewal time. Through personal experiences and real-world success stories, Matt shows how creating space for renewal allows leaders to think bigger, innovate, and build a business that works without depending on them every day.Matt also talks about:(01:04) Why most owners spend too much time putting out fires(03:37) How stepping away helps your mind solve business problems(04:44) Why bigger businesses need more time to reset and think(06:44) How taking a break helps you think bigger and grow faster(08:25) Why a business that runs without you means real ownershipConnect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialDisclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategies discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission

Send us a textJoin Steve on Episode #228 of Obsessed with the Weather for an awesome interview with one of the most interesting people in the Southern New England surf scene, Mark Keup, owner of the Nor'easter Surf Shop!

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileAre you making end-of-year tax decisions that truly save you money, or just creating future headaches?What if the moves you think are smart tax strategies are quietly costing you more than they save?In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, walks shop owners through the most important end-of-year financial and tax considerations — and the costly misconceptions that show up every December.Hunt breaks down which deductions actually move the needle, why retirement contributions can generate cash instead of draining it, and how poor inventory, receivables, and payroll timing can inflate your tax bill without you realizing it.Ideal for auto repair shop owners, managers, and operators who want a clear, realistic financial outlook for 2026 — without hype, political spin, or costly misconceptions.What you'll discover…(2:23) What the BOI report was, why it disappeared, and why you can forget about it(04:00) How interest rates actually moved from 2023–2025 and what shop owners are really seeing(9:40) Why slowing inflation doesn't mean prices are coming down(13:30) The affordability problem facing consumers — and how it affects your customers(16:30) Stock market realities, AI concentration, and what precious metals signal(21:45) The truth about ERTC payments, audits, and why “fast-track” offers are scams(24:50) No tax on tips: what changed, what didn't, and who actually qualifies(27:45) No tax on overtime — what “overtime premium” really means for employees(29:50) What employers should share with their teams about overtime reportingThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio...

5pm: Two break-ins, one week: Seattle shop owner ‘scared it’ll happen again’ // Harger: WA leads the nation in retail theft. Issaquah shows how to fix it //  ‘Designed to be addictive’: Study finds teens spend more than an hour per day on phones at school // Why smaller houses can lead to happier lives // Letters

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileHealth insurance premiums keep climbing — but 2026 could bring the biggest shakeup in years.In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, breaks down what's happening in the small-business health insurance landscape after recent ACA subsidy changes — and why a new Republican-backed House bill could change how shop owners buy coverage and support their teams.Hunt explains the economics behind rising premiums, who's actually affected by the loss of ACA subsidies, and why shop owners may see new opportunities if association health plans and expanded health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) become available. Whether you already offer health insurance or you're considering it in 2026, this episode will help you understand what's real, what's political, and what's worth watching.Ideal for shop owners and managers who want clarity on benefits costs, recruiting strategy, and what changes may be coming in the next open enrollment cycle.What you'll discover…(02:00) The current state of small business health insurance — and why premiums keep rising 10–20% a year(05:40) How the ACA reshaped the market (06:30) What the new House bill is, why it's being debated now, and the January 31 deadline looming in the background(08:00) Who the loss of ACA subsidies impacts most — and why many shops may see little direct effect(16:10) Association health plans: how small businesses could join buying groups like big employers (and why that could lower premiums)(19:25) Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs): the tax advantage shop owners may finally be able to use more flexibly(23:45) What to do now: when it's smart to wait, when it's not, and why open enrollment timing matters(25:00) The future of health insurance for small businessesThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network:

We've pulled together 4 of the most powerful, no-BS moments from past Body Bangin' episodes, the kind of insights that shift how you think, lead, and grow.Here's what's inside:#97 — Stars vs. Hamsters (with Robert Snook) → Are you working on "Context" or just "Content"? Robert breaks down the difference between the "Stars" who grow and the "Hamsters" stuck on the revenue wheel. Plus, the "So What?" test: why meeting standard expectations gets you zero loyalty .#96 — Be Extraordinary (with Mike Anderson) → "Nobody notices normal." Mike Anderson shares a game-changing story about a Lexus dealership that knew a customer's Starbucks order before he walked in the door. The lesson? Know the person before you know the car .#85 — Grow Your Own Technicians (with Ron Reichen & Barry Dorn) → Stop looking for "plug and play" staff. Ron and Barry explain why the best shops are growing their own talent, creating career paths beyond the bay, and the vital importance of "Internal Marketing" to keep the team you have .#66 — What Are You Willing to Tolerate? (with Andrew Batenhorst) → Mediocrity spreads like a virus. Andrew delivers a mic-drop moment on leadership: If you let people show up late or do poor work, you are setting the standard that it's okay. You have to hold the line, even when it's hard .Whether you're a shop owner, estimator, or marketer, these moments cut through the noise.

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileTraining might be the most misunderstood investment in the auto-repair industry — and one of the most expensive when done wrong.In this week's episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, sits down with David Boyes, President of Today's Class, to unpack why so many training programs fail, how to actually measure technician growth, and what modern training looks like in the era of mobile learning, data tracking, and personalized development paths.From eliminating wasted classroom hours to using data-backed insights to assign work more intelligently, this episode reveals what separates shops that get real ROI from training… from those burning thousands on ineffective education.Whether you're trying to develop apprentices, sharpen your A-techs, or build a learning culture that your entire team buys into, this episode gives you the roadmap.This episode is a must for shop owners, service advisors, training managers, and anyone responsible for technician development or operational performance.What you'll discover…(03:00) The evolution of training methods (05:08) The false assumption shop owners make when they “check the box” by sending someone to class(06:00) Why broad, general classes often fail and how personalization changes everything(09:00) How data reveals technician strengths, weaknesses, and readiness for advanced courses(12:44) What “daily, 3–5 minute micro-training” looks like and why it works(17:15) The “soft ROI” shops miss: engagement, retention, and knowledge-sharing culture(20:00) Why your techs “don't want training” and what shop owners are doing wrong(24:05) Should shops pay techs for training? Or position it as part of the job?(26:00) How data can reshape dispatching and technician workload(27:25) Can older techs adapt to micro-learning and app-based training?Thanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network:

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Dog Marketing, NAPA Auto Care, and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode features Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, sharing how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping marketing, business strategy, and the auto repair industry. The conversation explores how AI is changing consumer behavior—from lightning fast website visits focused on trust signals to customers using AI for vehicle self-diagnosis and shop recommendations, with AI often presenting only a few options, strong branding and clear communication matter more than ever. In the marketing sphere, Vance explains that attention spans are incredibly short. Website visitors typically spend just 20 seconds looking for clear trust indicators such as professionalism, strong reviews, warranties, online scheduling, and financing options. Visual cues communicate faster than text, while warm colors and photos of the team help build familiarity and trust. Online scheduling continues to grow in importance as many consumers prefer it over making a phone call. Vance encourages shop owners to embrace AI as a “digital butler”—a tool that anticipates needs, explains marketing metrics in plain language, and helps owners show up more confident, shifting from reacting to problems to intentionally driving growth. Dan Vance, Shop Dog Marketing.com Thanks to our Partner, Shop Dog Marketing Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings. Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Follow on Twitter:

Most shop owners open their doors because they want to fix what was broken in the last place they worked. But once the dust settles, many realize they built themselves a job, not a business. According to Brian Hammond, one of ATI's newest coaches and a lifelong entrepreneur, real success begins when you stop thinking like a shop owner and start operating like a business owner.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel talk with Brian about the truth behind entrepreneurship, the sacrifices it demands, and the mindset shifts required to build something that lasts. Brian shares how losing his corporate job at Goodyear pushed him into business ownership, how his childhood paper route became the foundation for his work ethic, and why processes and profitability are the pillars of any stable company.The conversation dives deep into the realities most shop owners avoid such as setting aside true cash reserves, delaying gratification, refining standard operating procedures, and building a team so strong that the business can thrive whether you are there or not. Kim and Jason also tackle the common excuse of being “just a shop owner” and explain why that thinking traps talented people in survival mode.Tune in to episode 133 of Maximum Octane if you want a clear look at what it really takes to grow, protect, and sustain your business beyond day-to-day chaos.Episode Takeaways:4:10 The real meaning of entrepreneurship and why the market decides what succeeds6:55 Why most shop owners start strong but stall without a bigger mission9:58 How Brian's job loss pushed him into his first business12:10 Why learning on the fly is not enough without the right mentors15:40 The mistake of building a job instead of building a business16:50 Why breaking even is not a business strategy18:00 Why processes and SOPs are the foundation of stability20:30 How cash reserves change decision-making and open opportunities23:40 Why sacrifice and delayed gratification are nonnegotiable for growth31:20 The mindset shift from shop owner to business ownerConnect with Brian Hammond:WebsiteLinkedInBLE TrainingLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileAre you leaving money on the table before the tax year closes?In this end-of-year episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, walks through the essential tax moves shop owners must make before December 31st and the costly assumptions that lead many to overpay the IRS.From retirement contributions and HSA hacks to equipment purchases, inventory write-downs, and why your accounts receivable might be lying to you, Hunt explains how small oversights can snowball into massive tax bills. More importantly, he shows you exactly what to check, adjust, and document now to ensure you only pay what you owe and not a dollar more.If you've ever wondered whether to buy equipment before year-end, how to handle unpaid invoices, whether your payroll timing affects deductions, or how to set yourself up for a smoother tax season, this episode gives you the playbook.Ideal for shop owners, bookkeepers, and managers who want to tighten their financials, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize deductions before the year closes.What you'll discover…(02:10) The repetitive tax mistakes and how to avoid them(03:45) Why retirement contributions are Hunt's “favorite deduction.”(06:35) How much you can contribute to SIMPLE IRAs and 401(k)s before Dec. 31(09:25) Why Roth contributions don't reduce your taxes (and when to use them)(10:30) The HSA contribution rules and how they can reimburse old medical bills(14:05) HSA vs. FSA: The real difference and how not to lose your money(16:10) The truth about deducting equipment — cash vs. financing vs. leasing(18:30) Major building improvements you can now deduct in year one(19:40) How to structure employee gifts, bonuses, and reimbursements(22:30) Four big things to keep an eye on to ensure maximum savings(25:16) Accounts payable: how missing December bills inflate your taxes(28:00) The most overlooked deduction in high-interest years(29:00) The fastest way to speed up your tax return (and avoid April chaos)Thanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive...

In this episode, Dominic Rubino breaks down what Dave Ramsey and Robert Kiyosaki would tell every shop owner, contractor, and builder about going from cashflow headaches to true profit power. Whether you run a cabinet shop, millwork shop, HVAC company, electrical crew, or remodeling business, this is a simple roadmap for taking control of your money — instead of letting money control you. ⭐ What You'll Learn in This Episode • How cashflow is the "breathing" of your company • Why most shops lose money in small daily leaks • Dave Ramsey's approach to discipline and financial control • Robert Kiyosaki's mindset shift from operator → investor • How to make money work for you (not the other way around) • The difference between bookkeepers, accountants, controllers & CFOs • Why mindset affects your balance sheet • How to build long-term wealth as a contract

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREWanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HEREIn this episode, Jeff is joined by John Firm and Rick White where they discuss growth and success in the automotive industry. Rick talks about the importance of having a coach and staying curious, humble, and open to new ideas. John and Rick also speak on the challenges unique to fleet shops versus traditional retail shops. To help, they share advice on pricing, marketing, and building strong business relationships. Timestamps:00:00 "Reflection on Hosting Growth"04:42 "Ask or Stay Ignorant"07:05 Car Troubleshooting: Fuse vs. Diagram10:11 Effective Communication in Auto Repair12:42 Business Coaching Insights19:03 "Competing on Price Dangers"19:26 "Prioritizing Strategy Over Savings"23:08 Labor Rates and Mix Reevaluated28:28 "How to Beat AutoZone"31:47 Survival Over Greed33:51 "Challenges in European Auto Repair"38:31 "Maintain Control, Avoid Dealers"40:08 "Coaching Accountability and Honesty"44:13 "Helping a Client in Need"48:02 Advice for New Technicians51:00 "Integrity in Auto Repair"53:43 "Talking About John and Canada" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

LOUNGE LIZARDS PRESENTED BY FABRICA5 - Brilliant Honduran Cigars - Visit Fabrica005.com and use code LIZARDPOD at checkout for 10% off THE ENTIRE STORE! Free worldwide shipping from Miami on all orders over $125. See website for more information and terms.SMALL BATCH CIGAR - SAVE 15% - Exclusive Cigar Retail Partner of the Lizards - Visit SmallBatchCigar.com and use code LIZARD15 for 15% off your order. Free shipping and 5% rewards back always. Standard exclusions apply. Simple. Fast. Small Batch Cigar.Recorded at Ten86 Cigars in Hawthorne, New Jersey, the Lizards pair La Galera Habano in Lancero with The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The guys return to the lancero after a full year away, they share new cigar releases from Bond Roberts and Habanos S.A. and "Dr. Bam Bam Scholls" proves gullible with some unique lounge attire.PLUS: New Bond Roberts & Habanos S.A. Releases, Lounge/Shop Owners Treating Young Customers Poorly, Pairing Mentality Redux, The Economist on Cuba, Passionate UK House of Lords Cigar Speech, World Cigar Show in Dubai & Gizmo's Spanish LessonJoin the Lounge Lizards for a weekly discussion on all things cigars (both Cuban and non-Cuban), whiskey, food, travel, life and work. This is your formal invitation to join us in a relaxing discussion amongst friends and become a card-carrying Lounge Lizard yourself. This is not your typical cigar podcast. We're a group of friends who love sharing cigars, whiskey and a good laugh.website/merch/rating archive: loungelizardspod.comemail: hello@loungelizardspod.com to join the conversation and be featured on an upcoming episode!instagram: @loungelizardspodGizmo HQ: LizardGizmo.com

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Shop owners, are you feeling burned out or stuck in the grind? This episode is for you. Shop owners Jimmy Alauria and Dave Kusa dive into how to pause, reflect, and reignite your passion for the business you built. Key takeaways: Think Bigger:Grow your business beyond what you can manage alone—empower your team and expand your vision.Evolve as a Leader:Stop being just a manager—step into the CEO role and watch your business thrive.Culture Matters:Set the tone, share your dream, and build a positive environment your team can rally around.Delegate & Recharge:Offload the hats you wear, hire strategically, and take time off to see the big picture.Balance Family & Business:Set boundaries to protect both your shop and your relationships. The truth? Falling in love with your business again starts with falling in love with your ability to lead it. Jimmy Alauria, 3A Automotive and Diesel Repair, Phoenix, AZ. Jimmy's previous episodes HERE Dave Kusa, AutoTrend Diagnostics in Campbell, CA. Listen to Dave's other episodes HERE Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You're probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/...

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cecil Bullard, industry veteran and business coach. Cecil shares the importance of properly valuing diagnostic labor in automotive shops, explaining why most shops fail to charge adequately for the complex testing modern vehicles require. The conversation highlights the necessity for shop owners to plan for their financial future, emphasizing retirement strategies and the risks of working solo. Finally, they discuss the value of building a strong team and why technicians with no interest in leading or managing should reconsider opening their own shop.00:00 DHT's Impact on Male Development08:25 Auto Shop Diagnostic Process14:58 Hormones, Cars, and Adjustments20:55 Optimizing Average Repair Order26:23 Professional Standards in Coaching32:23 "Raise Your Labor Rate"33:52 "Revenue Variance Insights"41:03 "Family Shop Management Plan"46:51 "Contentment, Family, and Responsibility"50:35 "Solo Work: Control vs. Risk"57:30 Risk Balancing for Lifestyle Goals01:02:58 Debt vs. Investing Motivation Struggles01:06:09 Sun's Shift in Auto Shop Strategy01:14:51 "Perspective and Self-Improvement Insights"01:17:37 "Beyond Fixing Cars"

The shop owner in Pennsylvania has been accused of lending a customer car to another customer to use as a loaner. https://www.lehtoslaw.com