Podcasts about shop owners

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERELaunch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERERecorded at Tools in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Jeff sits down with Josh Coomes of Auto Shop Therapy and technician Brian Ramsburg to discuss the realities of running a modern repair shop. Brian reflects on more than 18 years in the trade, the challenges of being a solo technician, and why he enjoys variety in his work, while Josh shares his customer-first approach, leadership lessons, and the importance of protecting a shop's reputation. Together, they explore diagnostics, pay plans, hiring, training, and building a culture that values quality over speed.Timestamps:00:00 Listen or Become a Liability 00:35 Tools in Hershey Introduction 02:37 Brian's Career Journey 04:18 Owning a Job vs. Owning a Shop 07:42 Customer Empathy and Service Standards 09:21 Turning Away Older Vehicles 14:48 Favorite Types of Repairs 18:02 Why They Avoid European Vehicles 19:40 Shop Scheduling and Profitability 21:56 Technician vs. Owner Priorities 25:38 Working Relationship Challenges 28:28 Hiring and Leadership Lessons 36:20 Mentoring and a Proof-Based Culture 40:41 Pay Plans and Team Morale 42:03 The Starter Diagnosis Debate 45:41 The Stress of Being the Only Technician 48:50 Quality Control vs. Book Time 52:40 Shop Standards and Fair Productivity 55:27 Workflow and Imperfect Data 58:51 Flat Rate Pressure Stories 01:05:10 Hiring Through Working Interviews 01:10:23 Charging Properly to Grow 01:12:44 Final Advice and Closing 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

Most shop owners have stood in front of a shiny new machine and felt the pull. Buy it, and the work will come. Tim Drinkwater of Accurate Machine Products has lived both sides of that bet, the one that nearly buried him and the one that showed up as a free machining center. This conversation sits right where two of our current series meet: Gen CNC, where we talk to founders who started young, and our workforce development series. Tim started his shop in a garage in 2007, and he's blunt about how a young founder should spend those first dollars. Cash is worth more than tools you don't need. Customers come before capability. And sometimes buying an existing shop beats building one from scratch. We also get into the mistake that can quietly kill a shop. Tim bought a brand new lathe for a firearms customer who never signed a contract and then walked away. Mike shares the flip side he keeps running into, walking through shops with gorgeous, idle equipment bought on a customer's promise that never turned into a purchase order. One of those build-outs is the reason a whole company ended up for sale. Then there's the fun part. Tim won a DN Solutions SVM 4100 in the DN and Kennametal giveaway, put it to work on challenging tool steel parts, and liked it enough to go buy a second one. There's another machine giveaway coming at IMTS this year, and you can get in on it at makingchips.com/giveaway. The back half is all about people. When applicants dried up, Tim went straight to the high schools, joined the Craftsman with Character program, and stopped using the word machinist because most students have no idea what it means. It's the same thing we keep coming back to on this show. The parts matter, but the people are what carry a shop into the next generation. What's Covered in this Episode (0:00) A machine giveaway teaser, and why Tim's story matters (1:31) Starting Accurate Machine Products in a garage in 2007 (3:22) What the shop makes, from jet ski parts to finish packaging (4:43) Advice for young founders: cash beats tools you don't need (8:00) eBay machines and the leap to the first brand new machine (9:16) A new lathe, a firearms customer, and no contract to back it up (11:31) Beautiful equipment gathering dust: the shop that went up for sale (13:51) Take your shop high-end with DN Solutions (15:02) Winning a DN Solutions SVM 4100 in the DN and Kennametal giveaway (16:45) Turning the win into S7 tool steel work and a 4+1 upgrade (17:57) Buying a second SVM 4100 and standardizing on one control (20:21) Dial in your workholding with SMW Autoblok (21:10) DN service put to the test: the contactor gremlin (23:18) From zero applicants to working with the youngest generation (24:56) Youth apprenticeships and rebranding machinist to precision metal cutting (28:38) Rhett's story: four years, his own key, and a CMMC future (30:38) The industry needs accountants and coders, not just machinists (33:53) Invest in your leadership at Elevate during IMTS 2026 (34:45) Getting your crew and local students to IMTS (40:39) MakingChips at IMTS 2026: find us in the AME/Hennig booth Resources Mentioned DN Solutions Kennametal SMW Autoblok Dave Hataj with Craftsman with Character Elevate powered by AMT (IMTS 2026) IMTS MakingChips Machine Giveaway Connect with Tim Drinkwater Accurate Machine Products Tim Drinkwater on LinkedIn Tim@ampcnc.com Connect with MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What makes women collision shop owners uniquely successful, and why can those same strengths make it harder to step away from the business?In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco is joined by Hannah Chalker, High Lift Financial's Director of Client Success, to discuss the unique challenges women face when building, leading, and eventually transitioning their collision repair businesses.From carrying the culture of the shop to managing the "invisible work" that often goes unnoticed, Hannah explains why many women become indispensable to their businesses and what it takes to create a company that can thrive without them.Matt and Hannah also talk about:(01:31) Operator vs. Owner: Why every woman shop owner must make the shift(02:22) Why women become the heart and soul of their collision repair business(03:27) Can your business survive without you? The question every owner must answer(05:57) Why emotional leadership is one of your greatest business strengths(06:23) The invisible work that's keeping your business running(09:54) How to turn awareness into action with a transition plan(10:13) Why clarity should come before strategy(10:51) How family dynamics can shape your business transition(11:37) The succession conversation that many families avoid(12:51) Why women often take a more thoughtful approach to succession planning(13:31) Fair vs. Equal: The family business conversation that matters most(16:32) How the High Lift Method helps women shop owners transition with confidence(20:58) Why every exit plan needs a customized roadmap(24:26) Why it's never too early to start planning your exit(26:29) Why asking for help is a sign of strong leadership(29:55) The advice every woman shop owner needsConnect With Hannah ChalkerWebsite:https://highliftfinancial.com/Email: hannah@highliftfin.comConnect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Hannah Chalker is the Director of Client Success and Exit Planning Advisor at HighLift Financial, where she helps collision repair business owners build stronger, more valuable companies through strategic financial and exit planning. Working alongside Matt DiFrancesco, Hannah leads client success and value growth engagements with a special passion for supporting women collision shop owners as they navigate the unique challenges of leadership, succession planning, and building businesses that can thrive beyond their ownership.As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA), Hannah brings clarity and structure to every stage of the transition process. She helps owners align their personal and financial goals, increase the value of their businesses, protect the legacy they've worked so hard to build, and confidently prepare for what's next.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 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 Fan MailWhat does it take to turn a candy stand in a nearly empty mall into a full Mexican gift shop with a loyal following? Giovana, owner of La Catrina Mexican Shop, walks through exactly how she did it — and the identity questions she had to work through along the way.Giovana was born in Tuxpan, Zacatecas, and crossed into the U.S. with her family as a toddler. She grew up in Haltom City, Texas, spent five years working in human resources at Canales Furniture, and never planned on entrepreneurship — until her father, a former Dr. Pepper Hispanic market manager, started his own distribution business during the pandemic and asked for her help. That request turned into La Catrina Mexican Shop, which opened inside Ridgmar Mall in November 2023.The strongest story here is how little of it was planned. The shop started as a straightforward candy store. Customers kept asking for gift baskets, pottery, and trending items they'd seen on TikTok — like chamoy pickle kits — and Giovana adjusted the business in real time. She also talks openly about being told for most of her life that she "doesn't look Mexican" or "doesn't sound Mexican," and why she's chosen to speak proudly about being an immigrant instead of downplaying it.This conversation is for anyone thinking about turning a side hustle into a storefront, anyone who has felt caught between two cultures, and anyone curious about what it actually takes to build trust at vendor markets and turn strangers into regulars.What You Will HearHow a father-daughter distribution business turned into a full retail storefrontWhy the shop's original name didn't work and how "La Catrina" was chosen insteadThe vendor-market mistakes that cost her sales, and what she changedHow social media and TikTok trends directly shaped what she stocksWhy she sources pottery and artisan goods directly from families in Mexico rather than through wholesalersTopics DiscussedCrossing the border as a child and the years-long path to citizenshipGrowing up bicultural in Haltom City and navigating questions about her identityHer father's career at Dr. Pepper and his pivot into his own distribution business during the pandemicLeaving a human resources career to help run a family businessHow the name La Catrina was chosen and what it representsTurning a candy store into a full Mexican gift shop based on customer demandLessons learned from vendor markets, including what not to bringSourcing artisan pottery and goods directly from MexicoHosting her own pop-up markets to support other small businessesWhat she'd tell her younger self about building a businessGuest Information Guest: Giovana Professional Title: Owner, La Catrina Mexican Shop Business/Organization: La Catrina Mexican Shop, located inside Ridgmar Mall, Fort Worth Website: Website:  https://lacatrinamxshop.com/Before You Go Follow The Global Latin Factor Podcast so you never miss an episode, and if this story moved you, leave a rating or review — it helps other listeners find these conversations. Share this episode with someone building a small business of their own, and go connect with Giovana at @lacatrina_mxhop. For another Fort Worth small-business story, check out our episode with Eddie "Mr. Picoso."Follow the Global Latin Factor Podcast for more conversations with Latino entrepreneurs and community leaders.Support the showSocial Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGlobalLatinFactorPodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/thegloballatin1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegloballatinfactorpodcastTiktok: ...

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveHow much cash did your shop actually make last month — and how much of it is still sitting in the bank? If you paid off every dollar of debt tomorrow, would you have anything left to cover a bad month?In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA, goes solo to tackle a topic he says trips up shop owners more than almost anything else: cash and reserves. He breaks down the simple rule of thumb for how much you should be keeping in the bank, then walks through four specific mistakes he sees shop owners make — from draining the business dry to (on the flip side) hoarding so much cash it becomes a legal liability, to the sneaky problem of debt payoff plans that leave owners debt-free and cash-poor at the same time. Hunt also shares the exact system he recommends clients use to set their own distributions so reserves never dip below where they need to be. Whether you're sitting on six figures in the checking account or wondering why you're always scrambling before payroll, this episode is a practical gut-check on the number that actually keeps a shop alive: cash.What You'll Learn...02:41 Cash vs. profit — the two flows of money every owner confuses03:30 The reserve rule of thumb — 3 to 6 months of overhead05:03 Why your ideal reserve depends on your shop's cash flow pattern06:55 Mistake #1 — Draining your business of its own cash09:51 The fix — how to set your monthly distribution the right way14:24 Mistake #2 — The "champagne problem" of keeping too much cash16:14 The profit-hold account trick — protecting cash without spending it17:01 Mistake #3 — Parking reserves where they earn zero interest19:12 Mistake #4 — Paying off debt too aggressively21:06 Cash and debt beats debt-free and broke — Hunt's ruleIf you're ready to stop guessing how much cash your shop should be holding, start building a reserve strategy that actually fits your business, and finally understand why "debt-free" isn't always the win it sounds like — this episode is essential listening.Thanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comGet the FREE 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report: https://hubs.ly/Q04j-grh0Download a Copy of My Books Here:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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.

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodePowered circuit testers tend to produce strong opinions. Some specialists consider them indispensable time-savers. Others see them as dangerous tools that make it far too easy to damage a circuit.In this episode, Matt examines where tools such as the Power Probe, Autel powered circuit tester, and metered test lights fit into an automotive diagnostic process. The ability to apply power or ground can be dangerous without an understanding of the circuit, but the same can be said of jumper wires, scan tools, oscilloscopes, and nearly every other useful diagnostic tool.Matt also opens the episode with thoughts on the unexpectedly short Conor McGregor and Max Holloway fight. Rather than focusing only on the disappointing result, he considers the discipline and preparation required to attempt something difficult, even when the attempt ultimately fails. That leads to a broader shop question: How should a leader respond when a capable employee puts in the work, takes on a difficult task, and still comes up short?In This EpisodeThe difference between a powered circuit tester and a metered test lightWhy Power Probe-style tools remain controversialThe risks of applying power or ground to an unknown circuitWhy Matt prefers the speed and simplicity of the Power Probe IIIUsing powered testers on motors, relays, power windows, and power seatsTesting fuel-pump power and ground circuitsUsing the tester's circuit breaker to evaluate whether a circuit can carry currentWhy unloaded voltage readings can be misleadingThe value of placing a known load on a circuitWhy corrosion can pass a voltage test but fail under loadMatt's experience with the Lisle and TOPDON metered test lightsWhy an incandescent test light is often more useful than an LED test lightThe difference between a dangerous tool and an improperly used toolKey TakeawaysA voltage reading does not necessarily prove that a circuit can perform useful work. A connection may show battery voltage through a meter and still fail when current is required.A metered test light can combine the speed of a traditional test light with an actual voltage reading and a known electrical load. Matt regularly uses this type of tester when checking fuses and evaluating circuit integrity.A powered circuit tester can also shorten the process of separating a failed component from a power-feed or ground problem. Matt describes using one at a fuel pump to verify the power side, ground side, and pump operation without repeatedly changing tools or building several different jumper-wire arrangements.The tool does make applying power or ground unusually easy. That convenience is precisely why the user needs to understand the circuit before pressing the switch.The Larger QuestionShould a tool be dismissed because it can cause damage in the wrong hands?A powered circuit tester can damage a circuit. A jumper wire can do the same. A scan tool can lead to expensive parts replacement when its information is misunderstood. The potential for misuse does not necessarily make the tool inappropriate. It may mean the specialist needs more knowledge before using it.Listener QuestionDo powered circuit testers belong in a professional diagnostic arsenal?Are they valuable time-savers, unnecessary risks, or a little of both? What version do you use, and where has it proven most useful?Mentioned in This EpisodePower Probe IIIPower Probe HookAutel powered circuit testerLisle metered test lightTOPDON TC001/CT100-style circuit testerIncandescent and LED test lightsFuel-pump circuit testingRelay and electric-motor testingThanks 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.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. 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, Shop Boss and AppFueledWinning the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo Best Place to Work Award isn't something that happens by accident. It's the result of years of intentionally building a culture where people want to come to work, grow, and succeed.In this conversation, Brian and Kim sit down with Matt Mevert of Mevert Automotive & Tire Center to unpack what it really takes to create an award-winning workplace. Matt shares the emotional story behind receiving the recognition, explains why culture has to be designed, not left to chance, and discusses the role core values play in hiring, leadership, accountability, and making difficult personnel decisions. The conversation also explores how great teams are built, why character matters more than technical ability, and how protecting your culture ultimately leads to a stronger business.If you're looking to build an auto repair shop where great employees want to stay and thrive, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now and discover practical leadership lessons you can start applying in your shop today.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Welcome(00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces co-host Kim and guest Matt Mevert, owner of Mevert Automotive and Tire Center.Vision's "Best Place to Work" Award(00:01:20) Kim congratulates Matt on his shop winning the "Best Place to Work" award at Vision, nominated by his team.Matt's Reaction to Winning(00:03:42) Matt shares his emotional reaction to the award, realizing his team nominated him and the significance of the recognition.The Importance of Team Nomination(00:05:48) The hosts and Matt discuss how an award nominated by one's own team is the most meaningful form of recognition.Intentionally Designing Workplace Culture(00:08:38) Matt explains that a positive workplace culture doesn't happen by accident; it must be intentionally designed and cultivated.Developing and Implementing Core Values(00:10:13) Matt details the process of creating, refining, and integrating core values into the shop's daily operations and decision-making.The Hiring Process and Cultural Fit(00:16:45) The discussion shifts to the hiring process, focusing on finding candidates who are a good cultural fit beyond technical skills.Dealing with Toxic High-Performers(00:23:58) Matt shares his experience with a high-producing but toxic technician and the positive impact of their departure on team morale.Team Building Activities(00:29:54) Matt describes their twice-a-year team building events, like a lake day and a Christmas party, to foster bonding.Employee Appreciation and Recognition(00:32:16) Discussion on how the shop shows appreciation through birthday desserts, morning shout-outs, and a core values sticker reward system.Measuring Workplace Culture(00:35:21) Matt discusses the challenges of measuring culture and the importance of building trust so employees feel safe raising concerns.Leadership Advice: Rapid Fire Questions(00:43:26) Kim asks Matt a series of rapid-fire questions on leadership books, best advice, habits, and employee benefits.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellVision Hi-Tech Training & ExpoThanks 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/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Building a successful auto repair business isn't just about hiring great people; it's about creating a culture where the right people can thrive. In this episode of Episodic Education, Carm Capriotto welcomes Matt Lachowitzer, founder of Matt's Automotive Center, to discuss the leadership principles that helped grow his company to 11 locations. Matt shares why protecting culture sometimes means making difficult personnel decisions, how investing in employee development fuels long-term success, and why great leaders always begin by looking in the mirror. What You'll Learn Why one employee who doesn't fit your culture can create organizational drag.When letting go of a top performer is the best decision for your team.How leaders should evaluate their own role before blaming an employee's performance.How 29-day customer follow-up calls build trust and long-term loyalty.How company-wide training events reinforce culture and accelerate growth.The leadership mindset required to build a business that succeeds without depending on one person. Strong businesses are built by protecting culture, developing people, and leading with both accountability and compassion. Matt's leadership philosophy demonstrates that long-term success comes from investing in your team, making values-based decisions, and creating an organization where everyone has the opportunity to grow. Matt Lachowitzer, Matt's Automotive Service Center, Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota and Minnesota. Listen to Matt's previous episodes HERE Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://remarkableresultsradiopodcast.captivate.fm/napaautocare   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: Download and Listen on Our Mobile App:https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z:From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills with Craig O'Neill.https://craigoneill.captivate.fmhttps://remarkableresultsradiopodcast.captivate.fm/napaautocare

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveDo you actually know how much money your shop made last month? If 90% of new clients walking through Hunt's door don't, what are the odds you do?In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA, goes solo to call out the four most common ways shop owners are unknowingly sabotaging their own profit and loss statements — and the pain points he sees over and over again with new clients. He opens with a timely PSA on a scam email making the rounds targeting EIDL loan holders, then dives into why 90% of the shops Paar Melis brings on board are working off P&Ls that are materially misstated. From overly complicated financials to sales tracked without their matching costs to the owner's own cash and parts habits quietly wrecking the numbers, Hunt breaks down exactly where things go wrong — and how to fix it. Whether you've got a two-bay shop or a twenty-bay operation, this episode is a gut-check on whether the numbers you're using to run your business are actually telling you the truth.What You'll Learn...(02:59) Why this episode — a follow-up to the summer webinar series on P&Ls(03:24) PSA — the EIDL loan forgiveness scam targeting shop owners' inboxes(06:45) Mistake #1 — Why your P&L is flat-out wrong, and the 90% stat that proves it(09:23) Mistake #2 — Your P&L is way too complicated(13:31) The one-page rule — collapsed P&L vs. the four-page mess(15:31) The subaccount fix, using utilities as the easy win(16:26) Mistake #3 — Tracking sales without tracking the cost behind it(18:18) The tire sales trap — how "improving" your P&L can wreck your margins(20:12) Mistake #4 — You're the reason your financials don't add up(22:31) The parts cost leak nobody's stealing — it's just untrackedIf you've ever wondered whether your financials are actually telling you the truth, why a "good" P&L should fit on one page, and why tracking more sales categories can make your numbers worse instead of better — this episode is essential listening.Summer Webinar Series: Understanding Your Shop's Numbers Webinar: Replay Link and Passcode: .#TWUc81 Thanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comGet the FREE 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report: https://hubs.ly/Q04j-grh0Download a Copy of My Books Here:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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.

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this episode, Matt digs into a question that sits underneath a lot of shop economics, technician frustration, and industry culture: who should be responsible for buying the tools and equipment required to do the work a shop advertises?The discussion starts with a real-world example involving a dealership service department that did not have a connector depinning tool available, leaving a mechanical or technical specialist considering buying the tool personally. From there, Matt explores where the line should be drawn between personal hand tools and shop-owned equipment.Basic hand tools may be one thing. But scan tools, diagnostic equipment, specialty service tools, alignment systems, AC machines, tire equipment, connector service kits, and timing tools raise a different question entirely. If a shop sells those capabilities to customers, should the employee have to make the investment?Matt also looks at the long-term consequences of pushing too much cost onto specialists. If a specialist builds up enough personal tooling and equipment to perform a broad range of services, the industry may be quietly encouraging them to leave employment and open their own shop. That may work for some, but it also shrinks the talent pool, increases turnover risk, and may contribute to people leaving the industry altogether.The episode closes with a shift into diagnostic tool history, including a short “Mount Rushmore” of influential tools and equipment: the SCA, the Edge/Sun systems, the Fluke 87, and the Snap-on Vantage.Watch Reel VideoKey TopicsWhere the line falls between personal tools and shop-owned equipmentWhy “the specialist can just buy it” may be an unstable business strategyThe difference between basic hand tools and equipment required to sell a serviceHow tool investment affects technician income, risk, and career decisionsWhy shops should think about replacement cost when evaluating pay and retentionHow industry culture can unintentionally make shop ownership look like the only real path upwardThe difference between a tool investment working out and it actually being a good decisionVintage diagnostic equipment that changed how specialists workedNotable IdeasA shop advertising a capability should be equipped to perform that capability. If a shop sells alignments, AC service, tire work, connector repair, diagnostics, or programming, it becomes hard to justify the employee carrying the primary equipment burden.There may be some economic logic to a specialist buying a tool when they are guaranteed the work and the tool pays for itself. But that logic becomes unstable when the employee is taking the risk while the business is selling the service.Tool ownership can become a shadow path to business ownership. When specialists personally acquire enough tools and equipment to operate independently, the industry may be unintentionally training them to leave.Retention math has to include replacement cost. Production numbers matter, but so does the cost of losing a capable person, leaving a bay or role vacant, recruiting someone new, training them, and risking a revolving-door reputation.A tool purchase can “work out” without having been the smartest move. Matt reflects on his own history of buying diagnostic equipment and scan tools, noting that it helped build capability and reputation, but that does not automatically mean it was the best financial decision.Listener QuestionWhat tools or equipment have you been expected to buy personally?Where do you think the line should be between employee responsibility and shop responsibility?Should mechanical and technical specialists be expected to own anything beyond basic hand tools, or should the shop provide everything needed to perform the services it sells?Mentioned Diagnostic EquipmentSCA diagnostic equipmentSun/Edge PC-based engine analyzer systemsFluke 87 digital multimeterSnap-on VantageSnap-on Vantage ProOTC PerceptionSun engine analyzersFour-gas and five-gas analyzersPull Quotes“What's the logic of owning a business that advertises certain capabilities, but the shop itself is ill-equipped to be able to do that?”“If part of my purpose is to take care of my people, then one feature of that is to try to maximize their take-home pay and minimize their financial responsibilities to do the jobs they were hired to do.”“It may have worked out. I don't know if that means it was a good move.”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.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. 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, Shop Boss and AppFueledHave you ever looked at a customer who spent thousands with you, loved your shop, left great reviews... and then just disappeared? You know- that head-scratching moment. We're going to unpack it for you today!Kim Walker explores the real reasons loyal customers disappear after what seemed like a great visit and shares seven practical insights to help auto repair shop owners create memorable experiences that keep clients coming back. From strengthening follow-up systems and building genuine relationships to creating emotional connections that extend beyond the repair, this episode challenges you to look at every customer touchpoint with fresh eyes. If you're ready to improve retention, increase customer loyalty, and become the first shop your clients think of when they need service again, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now and discover how to stop customers from ghosting your shop and start building relationships that last.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 BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Thanks 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/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What does it take to build one of the fastest-growing auto repair businesses while leveraging artificial intelligence to improve performance at every level? In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes Jesse Jackson, Founder and CEO of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she scaled from zero to eight locations in less than five years. Jesse shares the leadership lessons learned through rapid growth, how custom AI tools are helping improve customer experience and operational consistency, and why she believes it's time to rethink how independent shop owners plan their exit from the industry. What You'll Learn How Mango Automotive expanded from a startup to eight locations through strategic acquisitions.The leadership challenges that come with rapid growth and why building a corporate support team became essential.The three cultural principles that drive employee engagement: never yell, bonus well, and have fun.How AI is being used to measure standard operating procedures and improve accountability.Why analyzing phone conversations with AI helps advisors convert more callers into customers.How providing realistic price ranges over the phone can improve appointment conversion rates.How AI-driven follow-up processes dramatically increased maintenance rebooking rates.Practical ways any shop owner can use tools like ChatGPT or Claude to evaluate service advisor performance without spending hours reviewing phone calls.Why thousands of shop owners approaching retirement may be leaving significant business value on the table.How Jesse's cooperative exit model could help independent shop owners achieve substantially higher business valuations than traditional private equity acquisitions. Artificial intelligence isn't replacing great leadership; it's making great operators even better. Combined with a strong culture, measurable processes, and innovative thinking about business ownership, AI can help repair shops improve customer experience, scale more effectively, and create greater long-term value for both. Jesse Jackson, CEO, Mango Automotive, 8 locations 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: Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z:From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills with Craig O'Neill.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Matt Marcotte (Free Gang Sheet Maker, ScreenPrintGPT.com) joins Steven Farag solo (Bruce is out — he just welcomed a baby girl

Steve Christensen, who brought Scoop School to the St. Louis region, is the Executive Director of the North American Ice Cream Association based in Wildwood. He joined Megan Lynch. 'People don't go to an ice cream shop to get ice cream,' says Christensen, they're going for a 'feeling.'

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveWhy does the IRS really pick a tax return to audit? And if a CPA who does this for a living can still get dragged through a three-year fight, what chance does the rest of us have?In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA, steps out from behind the desk to tell his own story — a three-year audit of his 2023 tax return that started with a suspiciously timed refund and ended with a win built entirely on paperwork. Hunt breaks down what gets a return flagged in the first place, the one habit that separates audits you win from ones you lose, and why "innocent" and "victorious" aren't always the same outcome — proven by a client who did everything right and still wrote a $25,000 check to the IRS.Hunt also pulls back the curtain on what his firm's audit protection covers, why informational requests aren't the same as a real audit, and why a single missing signature nearly cost him a case tax law was already on his side of. Whether you're worried about a deduction on your own return or want to know what triggers an IRS letter, this episode is a real-time look at how audits actually play out — not the version you hear secondhand.What You'll Learn...(02:51) Hunt's own audit story begins — three years, one 2023 tax return(03:58) Why the audit really happened — a refund, then a red flag a month later(04:41) Getting flagged, part 1 — why large credits are an open invitation to audit(08:24) Getting flagged, part 2 — the oversized expense line the IRS can't ignore(09:48) Inside the process — what an IRS "information request" audit actually looks like(15:06) The rule that wins audits — documentation, documentation, documentation(19:15) Audits take time, and time is money — even when you win(19:40) 100+ hours, one frivolous case, and the real cost of defending yourself(22:28) The hardest truth — being innocent doesn't guarantee you'll win(23:12) The $25,000 loss — when the IRS agent simply won't listen(24:24) The call every shop owner dreads — when paying up beats fighting onIf you've ever wondered what actually happens after that letter shows up, why documentation is the difference between a two-month resolution and a three-year fight, and why sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to stop — this episode is essential listeningThanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comGet the FREE 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report: https://hubs.ly/Q04j-grh0Download a Copy of My Books Here:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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 Storytelling 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.

Most shop owners think their biggest problem is time, but that's rarely the real issue. The real challenge is attention. Too many of us spend our days replaying yesterday's mistakes or worrying about tomorrow's problems, and in the process we miss the only day we can actually influence: today. In this episode, I share a powerful lesson inspired by Seneca's On the Shortness of Life and connect it directly to leadership, business ownership, family, and fulfillment. Learn why great businesses, great marriages, and great leaders aren't built someday. They're built one decision, one conversation, and one day at a time. Listen & Take the Next Step If this episode challenged you to think differently about where your attention is going, I'd love to continue the conversation. Schedule a complimentary coaching conversation: https://calendly.com/ricksinnercircle/15min If this message encouraged you, please share it with another shop owner who needs to hear it.

Gabe Christian, Owner of Import Performance Auto Repair in Bend, Oregon and seven-time winner of best shop in the city, returns to break down what shop culture actually looks like from the inside. He and Jay get into the daily habits, team dynamics, and small details that make technicians want to show up and stay.Watch the video recordingAbout the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Gabe Christian, Import Performance Auto Repair, gabe@importperformanceusa.comLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listJoin 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:FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodeA Dodge Durango came into the shop for a second opinion after being suspected of needing a transmission. The symptoms sounded convincing at first: harsh shifts, apparent slipping, no diagnostic trouble codes, and a vehicle that felt completely wrong on the road. But the actual problem was much simpler. The Durango was stuck in four-low. Once shifted properly through neutral, the harsh shifting, driveline bind, and “slipping” behavior disappeared.Matt uses the case as a springboard into a broader discussion about diagnostic tunnel vision. The point is not just that someone almost condemned a transmission unnecessarily. The deeper issue is how easily a first impression can become the diagnosis. Once the vehicle felt like it was slipping, everything after that could be interpreted through that lens. That is where anchoring, confirmation bias, and premature closure start to become dangerous.The episode also compares the Durango case to a more common misfire scenario. A vehicle comes in with a misfire, the scan tool identifies a cylinder, the car line is known for coil failures, and the diagnosis becomes a coil and plug before much testing happens. That gamble may work most of the time, but the process failure is still there. Being right by probability is not the same as proving the fault.Matt also shares a personal example involving a Mini Cooper that was nearly misdiagnosed as needing a turbo. The actual issue was cam/crank timing related. The mistake became a difficult but important lesson in responsibility, process, and making things right with the customer.The episode closes with a nod to Mel Brooks on his 100th birthday, including Matt's Mount Rushmore of Mel Brooks films: Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, The Producers, and History of the World, Part One.Watch Durango VideoKey TopicsWhy the Durango seemed like it had a major transmission failureHow four-low can mimic slipping, harsh shifting, and driveline problemsThe importance of reading the owner's manual when unfamiliar indicators appearAnchoring, confirmation bias, and premature closure in diagnosticsWhy “incompetent” may be technically accurate but often incomplete as an explanationThe ethical problem of charging for the wrong repair when the real fix is simpleWhy common failures can make weak testing feel justifiedHow probabilistic diagnosis can work until it does notThe value of owning a mistake and making it rightMel Brooks, comedy, and Matt's Mount Rushmore of Mel Brooks filmsPull Quote Options“The first impression is often the most dangerous piece of data in the whole diagnostic process.”“Being right most of the time does not mean the process was right.”“Customers should not be paying for our anchoring, our confirmation bias, and our premature closure.”“The real danger is not being wrong. The real danger is being done too early.”Episode TakeawaysA symptom that feels obvious can still be misleading. The Durango felt like it was slipping, but the transmission was not the problem.A flashing indicator or odd message on the dash may be the clue. The owner's manual may not feel like a diagnostic tool, but sometimes it is.Common failures can create lazy confidence. A known coil failure pattern or common turbo issue may point in the right direction, but it does not replace verification.Premature closure is expensive. It can cost the customer, the shop, or both.Ethics matter most when the mistake is discovered after the repair. The customer should not pay for a part that did not fix the vehicle just because the shop eventually stumbled into the real fix.A good diagnostic process should include forced questions: What am I anchored to? What evidence am I accepting too easily? What would prove my theory wrong?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.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. 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, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis week, Caroline Legrand and Hallie Wasinger take over the mic to break down one of Meta's biggest changes for businesses in years: Meta One. They explain what this new subscription service is, how it differs from Meta Verified, and what it could mean for auto repair shop owners who rely on Facebook and Instagram for marketing. From enhanced account protection and advanced analytics to increased visibility and AI-powered features, they discuss which shops may benefit, which features are worth watching, and why being an early adopter could provide a competitive advantage. If you want to stay ahead of the constant changes in digital marketing and understand how these updates could impact your shop, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now to learn whether Meta One deserves a place in your marketing strategy and how you can prepare before it rolls out in the United States.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to the Episode (00:00:09) Special host Caroline Legrand and co-host Hallie Wasinger introduce the topic: Meta One, the new paid subscription from Meta.Sponsor Messages (00:01:17) Advertisements for Shop Boss management software and App Fueled custom loyalty apps for auto repair shops are presented.Meta's New Paid Subscriptions (00:01:41) Discussion on Meta's new paid subscriptions, distinguishing them from Meta Verified and introducing the Meta One Essential and Advanced plans.Rollout and Pricing Tiers (00:02:52) Details on the six subscription tiers, pricing ranging from $2.99 to $49.99, and its current international rollout status.Why Pay for Meta Services? (00:04:25) The hosts discuss the value proposition of paying for Meta's services, framing it as a form of business insurance.Meta's Response to AI Search (00:06:34) Hallie explains that Meta One is a strategic response to the consumer shift from traditional search to AI-powered search.Meta Verified vs. Meta One (00:08:36) A clear distinction is made between Meta Verified (the blue checkmark) and the more comprehensive features offered by Meta One.Meta One Advanced Plan Features (00:10:43) A breakdown of the Meta One Advanced plan, including prominent placement in search, advanced analytics, and enhanced scheduling tools.Second Sponsor Segment (00:12:21) Additional sponsor messages from Shop Boss, highlighting its ROI dashboard and Boss Pay features, and from App Fueled.Clarifying Meta One's Benefits (00:14:24) The hosts clarify that Meta One offers increased visibility and deeper insights, rather than a direct increase in post reach.Impact on Content Scheduling (00:16:40) Discussion on how Meta One expands content scheduling capabilities, allowing users to schedule posts up to a year in advance.Meta One and Advertising Strategy (00:18:19) How advanced analytics from Meta One can inform organic content and ad strategies, though it doesn't directly impact ad costs.Advanced Protection and Content Credit (00:20:52) Details on the premium protection features, including direct human support and notifications when others use your original content on Facebook.Who Should Consider Meta One? (00:23:09) The hosts identify which types of shops would benefit most, emphasizing it as a trust signal for local businesses.The Future of Social Media Marketing (00:25:11) The hosts reflect on the evolving landscape of social media, encouraging early adoption of new tools to stay competitive.Final Recommendations and Outro (00:30:31) Final thoughts on the importance of being a top-tier shop and a thank you to the listeners and network.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 BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Meta One SubscriptionsChatGPTClaude AIThanks 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/

When does buying a CNC machine make more sense than hiring another employee or outsourcing the work? On this episode of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters answer that question for shop owners weighing automation against labor. The conversation breaks down how to calculate the real return on investment (ROI) of CNC automation — and why most shop owners get the math wrong. Brandon explains the difference between calculating ROI literally (only the time a task takes) and "paralysis by analysis," then reframes the core question every owner asks. It isn't "how many people does this replace?" — it's "how much inefficiency, does this eliminate?" Using a cabinet shop example, Brandon contrasts a CNC machine cutting a full base cabinet — dados, shelf holes, hinge pockets and all — in roughly 4 to 8 minutes against an employee doing the same work by hand in 60 minutes or more, with far more room for error. He also walks through a $100,000 job to show that automation doesn't change the price a customer pays; it changes the profit and the lead time the shop keeps. They cover the hidden costs of labor that spreadsheets ignore — recruiting, training, turnover, benefits, payroll taxes and absences — and why a $75,000 employee actually costs far more every year, while a machine is a one-time investment that compounds. Brandon and Nick also explain how ShopSabre customers regularly discover entirely new revenue streams after adding equipment they originally bought for a single task. This episode is for cabinet makers, woodworkers, metal fabricators and manufacturing business owners deciding whether to scale with automation or more labor.  ShopSabre is an American CNC manufacturer based in Lakeville, Minnesota, building CNC routers, plasma tables and fiber lasers. Watch the full episode for Brandon's formula for sustainable growth — great people, great processes and great equipment — and why nothing changes if nothing changes. Subscribe to Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre for new episodes every week. 00:00 - Intro & Cold Open 01:03 - Today's Topic: Automation vs. Labor 04:14 - Listener Q&A: Vacuum Noise, Dust Doc & Feedback 09:30 - The Right Way to Calculate Automation ROI 13:09 - The Hidden Costs of Labor 16:24 - How Automation Creates Leverage 19:09 - Saving Money vs. Making Money 23:28 - Cabinet Build: Machine vs. By Hand 26:28 - The $100K Job That Changes Everything 28:44 - Don't Wait for the Bottleneck 33:26 - The True Cost of a $75K Employee 36:46 - Work Smarter, Not Harder 40:10 - Wrap-Up & What's Next   Discover all our CNC machines and accessories: https://www.shopsabre.com/  Follow ShopSabre for daily updates, tutorials, and expert tips:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/    Since 2000, ShopSabre CNC has delivered high-quality CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser engraving machines built in the USA to businesses and hobbyists worldwide. Subscribe for more insights on CNC technology, project builds, and industry-leading machine performance.

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video EpisodeWhat if your shop operated like a championship team, where everyone knew the score and was motivated to win together?Gerry Frank, business coach and former shop owner of 35 years, joins Carm Capriotto to explain how gamification can transform an auto repair business by increasing profitability, accountability, and employee engagement. Rather than relying on pressure or incentives alone, Gerry shares a practical system that turns daily performance into a shared game built around visibility, ownership, and teamwork.What You'll LearnWhy diagnosing the real business problem is more important than applying quick fixes.How visible scoreboards create accountability and keep the entire team focused on shared goals.Why technicians and service advisors should update their own scores instead of management.Which key performance indicators matter most, including car count, billable hours, margins, and hours presented.Why aligning the front and back of the shop creates stronger teamwork and better customer outcomes.How storytelling helps employees understand the importance behind the numbers.A leadership approach that improves performance by focusing on results instead of criticizing people.Gamification isn't about making work feel like a game, it's about giving every employee clear goals, measurable results, and ownership of their performance. When leaders diagnose problems correctly, track meaningful metrics, and connect the numbers to a larger purpose, they create a culture where accountability, engagement, and profitability naturally grow. Gerry Frank, former shop owner, trainer and coach for Maverick Shop Owners Want a more profitable shop? Start with your service advisor. They are the face of your business, the voice on the phone, and the key to every approved repair. Download 'Words That Work - The Service Advisor's Complete Phone Scripts Playbook at https://serviceadvisortraining.com/ Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-careNAPA 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/SPONSOR: NAPA Auto CareConnect with the Podcast:Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z:From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills with Craig O'Neill.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Plenty of shop owners walk in with a big heart and walk out with a struggling business, convinced that charging fairly and taking care of people are opposites. This episode breaks that myth down piece by piece, showing what it actually looks like to run a generous shop that's also a profitable one.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with David Wostarek, owner of Northwest Imports in Austin, Texas. Before opening his own shop, David spent years as a foreman at a Porsche/Audi dealership, caught between frustrated customers and a service department more focused on hitting numbers than fixing the actual problem. That frustration is exactly what pushed him to go out on his own and build something different.The conversation moves through real, practical territory: why owners need to get away from the front counter so they stop discounting out of guilt, how to onboard even a 20-year tech without sounding insulting, and why skipping that step quietly sets everyone up to fail. They also dig into AI-powered DVIs and estimating tools already saving advisors real time, the growing electronics risk hiding in "cheap" cars, and a smart pitch for consignment sales as an overlooked revenue stream for well-maintained vehicles.Tune in to episode 141 of Maximum Octane if you've ever felt like the bad guy for charging what the job's worth, or you're struggling to get a veteran tech to buy into how your shop actually does things. David proves you can run a profitable shop and still be the generous owner you set out to be; you just need the systems to back it up.Episode Takeaways:01:30 Why David used to treat profit like a dirty word, and what changed his mind02:25 The real reason owners need to get away from the front counter05:16 What happens when you open a shop with no end goal beyond "do it better"08:05 Why onboarding a 20-year tech matters just as much as onboarding a rookie11:06 How treating your team as "internal customers" shapes how they treat real ones13:58 The oxygen-mask problem: taking care of everyone except yourself17:04 Vehicle health reports vs. courtesy inspections, and why the difference matters19:09 What AI tools like AutoVitals and Auto Tech IQ are actually saving advisors time on25:00 Why a $20K Hyundai can hide a $1,400 repair bill waiting to happen29:48 The consignment sales idea most shops haven't thought of yetConnect with David Wostarek:LinkedInNorthwest ImportsLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveWhy is a shop charging $300 an hour in Texas still taking home less profit than a shop in Maine charging $30 less? Does where you're located actually decide how much money ends up in your pocket — or is something else driving the gap?In the final installment of a three-part dive into the 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report, Hunt Demarest, CPA, breaks down the regional, size, and vehicle-type trends separating the most profitable shops in the country from everyone else. From the Southeast's 17% margins to the Southwest's labor-rate paradox, Hunt unpacks why charging more doesn't always mean keeping more — and why "your shop is no different" is only half true.Hunt also dives into the numbers behind general repair, diesel, and European shops, explains why bigger isn't always better, and closes with a sobering look at the technician shortage now threatening the entire industry. Whether you're running a one-bay diesel shop in the Midwest or a multi-bay European specialty shop in the Northeast, this episode is your roadmap to benchmarking against the right peers — not just the averages.What You'll Learn...(00:00) Intro(03:34) Kicking off Part 3 of the 2026 Benchmark Report series — this week, regional trends(05:40) Why productivity — not location — is the real leading indicator of profit(07:34) Where the top shops actually are (hint: the South didn't make the list)(08:36) The Southwest's labor-rate paradox — highest rates, lowest profit(12:40) "Your shop is no different" — the half-truth every owner needs to hear(14:28) The $1.4M myth — why bigger shops aren't necessarily more profitable(19:23) General repair vs. diesel vs. European — which type actually pays best(22:06) Parts margin vs. labor margin — where each vehicle type wins and loses(24:27) Percentages vs. dollars — why a diesel shop can out-earn a general shop(28:06) The 37,000-tech shortfall, and why 67% of techs quit before year one(30:00) Aging fleets, deferred maintenance, and the hybrid boom shops can't ignoreIf you're ready to stop benchmarking against the wrong shops, start understanding which numbers actually predict profit, and finally see where your region, size, and specialty really stack up — this episode is essential listening.Get the FREE 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report: https://hubs.ly/Q04j-grh0Part 1: Auto Shop Benchmarks: Biggest Changes, Key KPI's and Trends [E226] https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/episode/hunt226/Part 2: What the Top 10% of Auto Repair Shops Are Doing Differently — And What the Bottom 10% Refuse to Fix [E227] https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/episode/hunt226/Thanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comGet the FREE 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report: https://hubs.ly/Q04j-grh0Download a Copy of My Books Here:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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.

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this episode of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z, Matt Fanslow starts with a case study on a 2000 Ford Excursion with a 7.3L Power Stroke that came in with a severe lack of power. What began as a fuel delivery problem turned into a more interesting diagnostic puzzle involving a P1280 injection control pressure sensor code, an aftermarket ICP sensor, and a fault that appeared to happen not during cranking or running, but after key-off.The case becomes a practical example of why testing under actual operating conditions matters. Static tests can pass, scan data can look normal, and a meter may never show the event. In this case, the scope captured something the rest of the tools could easily miss.Matt then shifts into a listener question about artificial intelligence, especially large language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, and others. The concern is not simply whether AI is good or bad, but whether people, especially kids, may begin outsourcing too much thinking, writing, problem-solving, and confidence to these tools.The episode lands on a recurring theme: tools are not the problem by themselves. The question is how they are used, what skills may atrophy when they are overused, and whether individuals, families, businesses, industries, and society are willing to think more carefully and evidence-first about the long-term effects.Topics Covered2000 Ford Excursion 7.3L Power Stroke Case StudyMatt discusses a 7.3L Power Stroke with a major lack-of-power concern. The initial issue was tied to the low-pressure fuel supply side. A basic fuel pressure test had passed, but it had not been tested under the actual conditions where the symptom occurred.That led to a larger point: testing at idle, key-on, or during cranking is not the same as testing under load.The vehicle ultimately had damaged pickup screens and debris in the fuel tank. Cleaning the tank and replacing the failed components solved the fuel supply issue, but another problem remained.The P1280 ICP Sensor ProblemAfter the fuel supply repair, the truck began setting a P1280 code, related to the injection control pressure sensor circuit reading low.The strange part was that the voltage looked normal:Key-on engine-off voltage looked normal.Cranking voltage did not drop.Five-volt reference stayed stable.Sensor ground stayed stable.The signal looked fine while running.The meter never really caught the failure.The scope eventually revealed the important event: after key-off, the ICP signal voltage would sometimes dip nearly to zero. That appeared to be enough for the PCM to set the code on the next key cycle.Scope vs. Meter vs. Scan ToolThis case is a useful reminder that each tool has limits.A scan tool may not refresh fast enough or may stop collecting data after key-off. A meter may technically sample quickly, but the display may not show a short event clearly. The oscilloscope was the tool that made the failure visible.The point is not that one tool is always better. The point is knowing which tool fits the question being asked.Aftermarket Sensor BehaviorThe aftermarket ICP sensor appeared to produce a rebound effect after shutdown. Matt compares the behavior to something like inertial rebound, a concept familiar from certain pressure pulse sensors and piezo-style tools.The OE Motorcraft sensor did not reproduce the same behavior. Replacing the aftermarket sensor with the OE sensor corrected the issue.Main Diagnostic TakeawaysTesting has to match the failure condition. A fuel pressure test that passes at idle does not prove the fuel system can keep up under load.A sensor can create a failure outside the moment most people are watching. In this case, the important event seemed to occur after key-off.A scope can reveal details that a scan tool or meter may miss, especially when the event is brief, intermittent, or happens outside normal observation windows.Aftermarket parts can fail in ways that are not obvious or traditionally “failed.” The sensor was not simply dead. It behaved incorrectly under a specific condition.Listener Question: AI, Kids, and Skill AtrophyThe second half of the episode deals with a listener question about artificial intelligence and whether it may negatively affect people, especially kids.Matt narrows the discussion to what most people mean by AI in everyday conversation: large language models. These tools can write, summarize, explain, organize, and suggest. That makes them useful, but it also creates a risk.The concern is skill atrophy. When people lean too heavily on AI to write, think, summarize, diagnose, or explain, they may lose confidence or sharpness in those same areas.AI TakeawaysAI does not have to be viewed as the collapse of civilization, but it also should not be treated casually.The better question is not “Is AI good or bad?” It is: What happens when people outsource too much of their thinking to it?Matt argues for an evidence-based approach. Families, schools, businesses, industries, and society should be asking harder questions about long-term effects instead of simply letting the tools spread and hoping it all works out.Neuroplasticity matters here. Even if people become overdependent on AI, the brain can adapt again. Skills can be rebuilt. Confidence can be recovered. But that depends on whether people recognize the problem and choose to do something about it.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.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. 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, Shop Boss and AppFueledToday, we're tackling a challenge that almost every shop owner faces. You know social media is important. You know your marketing performs better when it's authentic and showcases your people, your culture, and the incredible work happening inside your shop every day. But somewhere between the excitement of getting started and the reality of running a busy shop, the photos stop coming, the videos stop coming, and suddenly your marketing team is chasing you for content.The good news? Creating great content doesn't have to be complicated, time-consuming, or feel like a second job. The truth is, the best content is already happening inside your shop every single day—you're just not capturing it.Today, I'm joined by Wendy, our Senior Messaging Strategist, and Andrew, one of our Client Success Managers. We're going to share practical ideas, simple systems, and easy habits that will help you consistently gather photos and videos, keep the ideas flowing, and create the kind of content that attracts customers, builds trust, and showcases what makes your shop special. Let's jump in.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to Capturing Content (00:00:10) Host Kim Walker introduces the episode's topic: capturing content instead of creating it, along with her special guests.Sponsor Messages (00:00:52) A quick break for messages from the podcast sponsors, Shop Boss and App Fueled.The Challenge of Social Media for Shops (00:01:14) Discussing the common struggle shop owners face with maintaining consistent, authentic social media content due to their busy schedules.Podcast Idea Origin (00:02:38) Andrew Fleming explains how the idea for this episode came from his work on getting more photo and video assets.Why Content Efforts Fade (00:05:40) The discussion covers why shop owners' initial excitement for creating content often fades, citing busyness and overthinking the process.The Myth of "Nothing Interesting Happens" (00:12:20) Kim debunks the myth that shops are uninteresting, listing numerous daily activities perfect for content, like inspections and technician wins.The Importance of Collaboration (00:20:28) The group discusses the synergy required between the shop and their marketing team, comparing it to providing ingredients to a chef.Easy Photo and Video Ideas (00:25:12) Wendy shares simple, effective content ideas like before-and-after fluid flushes, customer gifts, and quick shop tour videos.The Power of Video Content (00:29:05) The conversation highlights that videos have exponentially more reach than photos on social media platforms like Meta.Finding Your "Why" for Posting (00:31:25) Wendy emphasizes the importance of knowing your goal for social media, whether it's to educate, entertain, or attract customers.Assigning Responsibility for Content (00:34:17) The team discusses the necessity of designating one person, a "content champion," to be responsible for capturing photos and videos.Incentivizing Your Team (00:36:42) Kim suggests creating a "bounty" or contest to motivate the entire team to capture and submit valuable content.Award-Winning Social Media Habits (00:37:51) Wendy breaks down what makes an award-winning social media presence: showing the team, their personalities, and building trust.Creating a Weekly System (00:43:39) The group suggests creating a system, like time-blocking at the end of the week, to consistently gather and upload content.Content for Recruiting and Retention (00:47:49) The discussion points out that great content not only attracts customers but also potential new hires and retains current clients.The 7-Day Content Challenge (00:48:17) Kim challenges listeners to capture and post one piece of unedited content every day for a week to build a habit.Final Thoughts and Takeaways (00:49:51) The guests share their final tips, including creating "scroll-stopping" content and owning the marketing space between customer visits.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 BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Atomic Habits by James ClearThanks 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/

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Rep. Dan Goldman was smeared by an antisemitic New York City coffee shop, and Ari Hoffman joins Grace to discuss the antisemitism on the left.  Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What does it take to grow from a single auto repair shop to six locations in less than a decade? Host Carm Capriotto sits down with AJ DeBuono to discuss his journey from serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a successful multi-shop operator. AJ shares the lessons learned through rapid growth, the acquisition strategy that has fueled his expansion, and how military discipline, financial discipline, and a commitment to people have shaped his leadership approach. Rather than buying struggling businesses and attempting turnarounds, AJ focuses on acquiring profitable shops with untapped potential. What You'll Learn How AJ leveraged SBA veteran loan programs to purchase and expand his first auto repair businessWhy he prefers acquiring profitable shops instead of distressed operationsThe key performance indicators he targets to quickly improve profitabilityHow military leadership principles influence his management style and business decisionsThe importance of creating career advancement opportunities through expansionLessons learned from growing too quickly and navigating financial stressHow AJ approaches shop transitions to minimize disruption for employees and customersWhy maintaining strong personal relationships with team members remains a priority despite operating multiple locations Growth is not simply about adding locations. It's about creating opportunities for your people, building systems that scale, and maintaining the discipline to make smart decisions when the pressure is highest. AJ DeBuono's story demonstrates that successful expansion comes from acquiring the right businesses, investing in your team, and staying focused on long-term value rather than short-term gains. AJ DeBuono, Diehl Auto Repair, Chicago, IL 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: Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z:From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills with Craig O'Neill.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

This week on Amanda's world I had on xx_pixxii.dust_xx she's a Shop Owner. Thank you for listening. The ig xx_pixxii.dust_xx and my IG amanda_penny_14 thank you for listening

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Why do talented automotive technicians leave the automotive industry, and what can shop owners do to keep them? Host Carm Capriotto is joined by Technical Specialist Matt Fanslow and Technician Find CEO Chris Lawson to explore what it takes to attract, hire, and retain top talent in today's automotive repair industry. The conversation examines industry professionalism, workplace culture, compensation, employee engagement, and proactive recruiting strategies that help shops become destinations for exceptional technicians. What You'll Learn Why elevating the image of automotive professionals is critical to attracting the next generation of talentThe three primary reasons technicians leave shops: lack of respect, limited growth opportunities, and compensation concernsHow financial transparency can build trust, ownership, and a stronger team cultureThe difference between a shop's "official game" and its "shadow game," and why understanding both mattersPractical ways to gather meaningful employee feedback and turn ideas into actionHow leaders can remove obstacles that prevent technicians from finding joy and fulfillment in their workWhy relationships with tool truck drivers can become a valuable recruiting resourceHow a shop's appearance and reputation can influence whether top candidates choose to work there Finding and keeping great technicians requires more than competitive pay. Shops that create a culture of respect, provide clear growth opportunities, communicate openly, and actively remove workplace frustrations are far more likely to attract and retain top performers. The most successful shop owners don't wait for talent to find them, they intentionally build workplaces where skilled professionals want to stay and grow. Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Chris Lawson, TechnicianFind.Com. Listen to Chris' other episodes HERE Love your shop? Stay, but stay ready. Auto techs join to level up, find good shops, and keep tabs on top indie jobs nationwide. Techs only. No BS. Independent Wrench Jobs: https://www.skool.com/independentwrenchjobs 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: Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Automotive Repair Podcast Network:

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveIs your shop growing in revenue but shrinking in profit? Are you convinced that raising your labor rate is the fastest path to the bottom line — only to discover that your highest-charging competitors are losing money? And what if the real difference between a shop that keeps 35 cents of every dollar and one that loses money has nothing to do with location, specialty, or size?In this solo deep-dive, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis & Associates, walks through the 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report — specifically, what separates the top 10% of shops from the bottom 10%. It's about the metrics that actually matter: how much of every sales dollar ends up in the owner's pocket, why overhead is silently eating 42 cents on every dollar in struggling shops, and why the shops doing the most are almost always doing it with the fewest people. Hunt strips the report down to what you need to know — and what to do about it.Whether you're a two-bay shop trying to crack profitability or a multi-location owner wondering why growth keeps outrunning your margins — this episode is essential listening.wondering why growth keeps outrunning your margins — this episode is essential listening.What You'll Learn...(00:01) Why Part 2 shifts from industry trends to what separates winners from losers(04:01) How Paar Melis defines a "top shop" — and why net profit alone doesn't tell the whole story(07:37) The sales volume surprise — why bigger isn't always better, and smaller isn't always a disadvantage(10:56) The metric top shops don't even know they're winning — gross profit per square foot(14:56) Why the Midwest lost all its top shops this year — and who's to blame(19:31) The labor rate myth, debunked — bottom shops charge more per hour and still lose(23:16) The 12-point overhead gap that explains almost every difference in profitability(26:18) Service advisor output — the $18,000-per-month performance gap you probably aren't measuring(26:18) The one fix that moves shops from the bottom 10% to the top — and most already know what it isIf you're ready to stop chasing sales volume as a substitute for profit, understand why the shop charging less per hour is likely the one making more money, and finally see the 12-point overhead gap that separates top shops from everyone else — this episode is essential listening.Get the FREE 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report: https://hubs.ly/Q04j-grh0Thanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.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:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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.

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodeMatt Fanslow continues his exploration of game theory by examining the difference between a shop's official game and its shadow game.The official game is what ownership and management say the shop values: quality work, safety, fairness, employee support, customer care, and doing things the right way.The shadow game is what the shop's systems, incentives, habits, exceptions, and unwritten rules actually reward.Those two games are not always completely opposed, and the gap between them is not necessarily created intentionally. Management may sincerely believe in the official game while remaining unaware of the behaviors being produced by compensation plans, workflow problems, favoritism, poor communication, broken equipment, or inadequate support.Matt looks at how employees can respond rationally to the system in front of them, even when those responses undermine the shop's stated purpose. That may help explain dishonest, deviant, or destructive behavior, but it does not necessarily excuse it.The goal is not to pretend the shadow game does not exist. It is to identify it, understand what is creating it, and bring it into the light so the shop's actual systems move closer to its stated values.The episode then takes a much less serious turn as Matt attempts to choose his Mount Rushmore of stand-up comedians. Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers, and Dave Chappelle make the final cut, but not without considerable hesitation and several deserving names being left behind.Topics DiscussedThe difference between the official game and the shadow gameWhy stated values and actual incentives often conflictProduction-based compensation versus quality expectationsUnpaid inspections and the behavior they may encourageFavoritism, gravy work, and inconsistent enforcementSafety claims versus unsafe or neglected equipmentFront-of-house and back-of-house information gapsHow imperfect information allows assumptions to spreadLocally rational behavior inside a dysfunctional systemExplaining behavior without excusing itManagement's responsibility to understand the real systemEmployees' responsibility to communicate problems honestlyWhen trying to improve a workplace becomes less reasonable than leaving itGolden handcuffs and the personal cost of remaining in a misaligned organizationWhether mission statements represent actual beliefs or marketing languageMatt's Mount Rushmore of stand-up comediansQuestions Raised in the EpisodeWhat does a shop say it rewards?What does it actually reward?Do compensation and workflow systems support the quality standards discussed in meetings?Are safety problems addressed when employees report them?Are rules and opportunities applied consistently?What behaviors are employees learning from the system, regardless of what management says?How closely does the shadow game align with the official game?Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of stand-up comedy?Matt's Comedy Mount RushmoreRichard PryorLenny BruceJoan RiversDave ChappelleOther comedians considered include George Carlin, Robin Williams, Bill Burr, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Steven Wright, Sam Kinison, Andrew Dice Clay, Norm Macdonald, and Bob Uecker.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.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. 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/

In the headlines today, Prime Minister Anutin is pushing to accelerate deportations of foreign offenders, then we have an update on the murder of a cannabis shop owner found buried at his Bangkok property, in more crime news a Chinese suspect has been detained under suspicion of involvement in human trafficking, also, a South Korean man wanted under an Interpol Red Notice has been captured, in more uplifting news and Indonesian fisherman who was lost at sea for nine days has been rescued, plus a fun story about an 8-year-old Thai golf prodigy is also on the way.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledAI is moving fast, but most shop owners are still trying to figure out where it actually fits into their business. Joe Schindler has gone far beyond experimenting with ChatGPT and is putting AI to work in ways that save time, improve processes, and create better experiences for both customers and employees.In this conversation, Joe joins Brian Walker to share how he's using AI-powered tools inside his shop, from predictive maintenance scheduling and call analysis to custom-built AI agents that act as digital assistants. They also dive into prompt engineering, vibe coding, technician knowledge management, and the practical ways shop owners can start leveraging AI without needing a background in programming.If you've been curious about how AI can help your shop become more efficient, more organized, and more profitable, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now and discover real-world AI strategies you can start applying in your shop today.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to Joe Schindler and AI(00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces guest Joe Schindler, a shop owner using AI to stay on the cutting edge.Joe's Journey into AI(00:02:13) Joe explains how he went from avoiding AI to fully embracing it after attending an inspiring class at Vision.AI for Scheduling Maintenance(00:03:20) Joe built an AI agent that predicts when a customer's vehicle is due for service based on their driving habits.Choosing the Right AI Tools(00:06:02) Discussion on using different AI models like ChatGPT and Claude, and the benefits of starting with one before moving on.Getting Started with "Vibe Coding"(00:06:33) Advice for beginners to learn AI development by starting with simple projects and letting the AI teach them.AI Integration in CRM and Phone Systems(00:09:03) How AI is baked into CRM and phone systems to analyze calls, take notes, and score service advisor performance.The Power of Small AI Wins(00:14:06) AI's biggest impact comes from saving small increments of time on various tasks, which add up significantly.Building a Personal AI Assistant(00:16:42) Joe details his ambitious project of building a personal AI assistant, "Sarah," trained on his own knowledge and writing style.AI for Technical Information(00:19:33) Discussing how AI can create a searchable knowledge base for technicians, saving significant time on diagnostics and repairs.Using AI to Write Service Orders(00:22:46) AI can easily translate a technician's technical notes into a clear, easy-to-understand description for the customer's invoice.WhisperFlow for Voice-to-Text(00:24:30) Praising the accuracy of WhisperFlow for dictation, saving technicians and service advisors time from typing up repair descriptions.First Steps for Shop Owners New to AI(00:27:38) The best starting point for a shop owner is to create a simple AI agent to help write service orders.Brian's Vibe Coding Success Story(00:30:18) Brian shares how he built a custom software tool in a few hours, saving his company $250 a month.Final Advice on Using AI(00:35:57) Don't be afraid to start small, be genuine in your marketing, and don't get frustrated with the learning process.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 BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Joe SchindlerChatGPTClaude AIAppFueled CRMThanks 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/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode How are automotive technicians learning today, and who is investing in their future? Matt Shepanek, President of the ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), discusses the findings of the 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey. The survey offers valuable insight into technician education, training preferences, emerging technologies, and the industry's commitment to continuous learning. The conversation highlights significant differences between dealerships and independent repair shops, reveals what technicians most want to learn, and reinforces why ongoing professional development remains essential in an era of rapidly advancing vehicle technology. What You'll Learn How dealerships continue to lead the way in training investment, paying for technician education 85% of the time, while many independent technicians still share the cost or pay out of pocket.Why Hybrid/EV systems and Electrical/Electronics training top the list of requested subjects as vehicle technology continues to evolve.What the survey reveals about technician learning preferences and why hands-on, instructor-led training remains the gold standard despite the growth of online education.The wide gap in annual training hours, from technicians receiving no structured education to others completing more than 56 hours each year.Why continuous learning has become a business necessity, not an option, for shops hoping to remain competitive and profitable. The 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey reinforces a simple truth: the future belongs to technicians and shops that embrace lifelong learning. As vehicles become increasingly dependent on advanced electrical systems, software, hybrid technology, and diagnostics, professional development is no longer a luxury. Shops that invest in training, provide access to relevant education, and foster a culture of continuous improvement will be better positioned to attract talent, improve performance, and thrive in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Download the 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey: https://bit.ly/4aOaigM Matt Shepanek, President, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC) 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: Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z:From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills with Craig O'Neill.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Many auto repair shop owners struggle with cash flow despite having decent sales and respectable margins.Why?Sometimes the answer isn't on the Income Statement.In this Weekly Blitz episode, I discuss why owner draws can become one of the most overlooked causes of cash flow problems inside an auto repair business.After reviewing a shop's financials, I discovered multiple family members were taking approximately $15,000 per week in draws from the company. The withdrawals were sitting on the Balance Sheet, making it easy to overlook their impact on operational performance and cash flow.In this episode you'll learn:Why owner draws deserve more visibilityThe difference between tax accounting and management accountingHow hidden withdrawals impact cash flowWhy businesses should determine what they can afford to distributeThe two solutions available when draws exceed profitabilityWhy numbers can hide even when they don't lieSponsored By Shop Marketing ProsShop Marketing Pros helps independent auto repair shops dominate their markets through SEO, website design, Google Ads, and digital marketing strategies built specifically for the automotive industry.Learn more at:https://shopmarketingpros.comNeed Help Understanding Your Numbers?Schedule a discovery session with AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching today.https://autoshopcoaching.comThe 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/autorepairmarketingmastermindConnect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe 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 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.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveYour technicians got more productive in 2025. Your labor rate went up. Your parts margins improved. So why is the average shop owner keeping almost exactly the same percentage of every dollar as they did the year before?The answer is hiding in your effective labor rate — and most shop owners haven't looked at it once.In this episode, Hunt Demarest breaks down the headline findings from Paar Melis & Associates' 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report — the largest study of its kind, built from more than 200 real shop locations across the country. From average repair order trends to technician productivity, overhead creep, benefits adoption, pay structure breakdowns, shop management software rankings, and the labor rate shame list nobody wants to be on, this is the financial state-of-the-industry episode you didn't know you needed. And it's only Part One.What You'll Learn(00:00) Intro — the 2026 Benchmark Report is live and how to get your free copy(03:16) Who made this report possible — methodology, participation, and what Paar Melis clients get that nobody else does(05:30) How to read benchmark numbers without misleading yourself — context, outliers, and the ARO trap(13:15) Sales are up 10-11% — but how much of that is real production vs. a labor rate increase you already gave yourself?(16:20) Productivity jumped from 47% to 55% — so why didn't net profit follow?(18:30) Effective labor rate: the silent margin killer hiding in plain sight in 2025(27:30) Benefits adoption hits an all-time high: 73% of shops now offer health insurance(29:30) Retirement plans, tool reimbursement, Trump Accounts, and the fringe benefits arms race(30:45) Four-day work weeks and non-cash comp — how shops are winning the talent war without raising base pay(34:30) Good management makes money, not good pay plans(36:30) 83% of shops are doing digital vehicle inspections — Hunt thought it would be closer to 100%(37:30) Shop management software rankings: Tekmetric at 56%, Mitchell likely on the way out, Shopware and Protractor tied for third(40:30) The labor rate shame list — 11% of shops haven't raised their rate in 18 months or moreIf you're ready to stop guessing where your numbers stand, start benchmarking against 200+ real shops across the country, and finally understand why doing more work doesn't always mean making more money — this episode is essential listening.Get the FREE 2026 Auto Shop Benchmark Report: https://hubs.ly/Q04j-grh0Thanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.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:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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.

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this episode, Matt Fanslow continues the conversation around game theory and economics in the automotive repair industry, focusing on one of the biggest invisible forces affecting customer trust: information asymmetry.Auto repair is a credence good service, meaning most customers cannot fully judge the quality of the work before, during, or even after the repair. A grinding brake noise may disappear after a $200 backyard brake job or a $500 professional repair, but the customer may not be able to tell whether the work was safe, complete, or performed to a professional standard. That gap between what the shop knows and what the customer can reasonably know creates distrust by default.Matt connects this to economist George Akerlof's “Market for Lemons,” originally applied to the used-car market, and explains how the same logic applies directly to auto repair. When customers cannot reliably distinguish quality from poor work, lower-quality providers can drag down trust in the entire market.The episode then turns toward solutions: better documentation, digital vehicle inspections, before-and-after photos or videos, service information references, and clearer explanations that help narrow the information gap without trying to turn every customer into a technician. The goal is not to overwhelm customers with technical data. The goal is to give them enough context to understand what was found, why it matters, and why the repair has value.Matt also discusses how YouTube, forums, and large language models can complicate trust by giving customers information that may be incomplete, misunderstood, or flat-out wrong. Shops now have to compete not just with other shops, but with customer fear, confirmation bias, and online explanations that may reinforce distrust.Key TopicsInformation asymmetry in automotive repairAuto repair as a credence good serviceWhy customers often distrust repair recommendationsGeorge Akerlof and “The Market for Lemons”How poor-quality providers affect trust in good shopsThe role of digital vehicle inspectionsBefore-and-after documentation as trust-buildingUsing service information to demonstrate valueThe impact of YouTube, forums, and AI tools on customer expectationsWhy economic and game theory language matters in shop managementEpisode HighlightsMatt explains that customers often cannot tell the difference between a good repair and a poor repair if the obvious symptom goes away. That makes trust harder to earn and easier to lose.He uses the brake job example to show how two repairs can appear identical to a customer even when one is much safer, more complete, and more professional than the other.The “Market for Lemons” idea is used to explain how low-quality or deceptive providers can create distrust that affects the entire profession.The episode stresses that documentation is not just paperwork. Photos, videos, voltage readings, service information, and before-and-after evidence are part of how shops demonstrate value.Matt argues that shops need to use economic and game theory terms because many of the answers to shop problems already exist in those fields. Without the right language, it becomes harder to find or explain the solution.Notable Quote“We're insulating ourselves from a market for lemons.”Practical Takeaways for ShopsUse digital vehicle inspections to show customers what is good, what is bad, and why it matters.Do not assume the customer understands the significance of a test result. Explain the before and after in plain terms.Show comparisons when possible: good versus bad, before versus after, failed versus repaired.Reference manufacturer service information when it helps explain why the job requires certain steps.Recognize that customers may arrive with fear, skepticism, or bad information before you ever speak to them.Trust is not built only by being honest. It is built by making honest work visible and understandable.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.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. 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, Shop Boss and AppFueledSome shops sponsor a Little League team and call it community involvement. Others build their entire business around serving people.Patrick Weidman and Jean Bradley have spent decades creating a culture where giving back is simply part of how they do business. From Ladies' Night educational events and teen driver workshops to supporting local food pantries, cancer research, and holiday giving programs, their commitment to the community has become one of the biggest drivers of trust, loyalty, and long-term growth.What started with lessons learned from Uncle Pat and a mother who dedicated her life to helping others has grown into a thriving multi-location operation that continues to put people first. Patrick and Jean share how they choose community events, what they've learned from successes and failures, how they get their team involved, and why educating customers is one of the most powerful things a shop can do.If you're looking for practical ideas to strengthen your community presence while building a business people genuinely love, this conversation is full of inspiration and actionable takeaways. Hit play and discover how doing the right thing can become one of your shop's greatest competitive advantages.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:10) Host Kim Walker introduces the episode and her guests, Jean Bradley and Patrick Weidman, owners of multiple auto repair shops.Sponsor Messages (00:00:53) A brief interlude for messages from the podcast sponsors, Shop Boss and App Fueled, highlighting their services for auto shops.The Family Business Story (00:01:25) Discussion about the family's history in the auto repair business, starting with their Uncle Pat and involving six siblings.Choosing Community Events (00:07:32) Jean and Patrick explain how their mother's community involvement inspired them to support causes like cancer research and local food pantries.The Origins of Ladies Night (00:11:09) Patrick and Jean discuss why they started their popular Ladies Night event over 15 years ago to educate and empower women.Lessons from Uncle Pat (00:14:28) Patrick shares the core business philosophy learned from his Uncle Pat: the Golden Rule of treating everyone with respect.The First Event and Post-Mortems (00:21:23) The guests recall their first Ladies Night and emphasize the importance of conducting a "post-mortem" after every event to improve.Getting Team Buy-In (00:25:19) Patrick explains how their strong company culture makes it easy to get team members to volunteer and participate in after-hours events.Marketing a Successful Event (00:26:37) Jean details the marketing strategy for their Ladies Night, which resulted in a full registration and a waiting list.Empowering Customers Through Education (00:31:59) The discussion focuses on how offering a "behind the scenes" look and empowering customers with knowledge builds trust and attracts clients.Collaboration Between Shop Locations (00:34:56) Patrick explains how their different shop locations collaborate and cross-promote for events, especially the two that are located close together.Favorite and Most Successful Events (00:35:59) Patrick and Jean share their favorite events, including Ladies Night, Boy Scout events, and supporting the local food pantry.Least Favorite or Challenging Events (00:41:08) The guests discuss their least successful events, particularly those involving uninterested teenagers at a local driving school.What's Next for the Shops (00:45:18) Patrick and Jean talk about their future plans, including expanding to a fourth location and continuing their educational video content.How to Find the Shops (00:48:12) Jean provides the names and locations of their shops and mentions their active presence on social media and their websites.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 BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Their StoryAdvanced European RepairGrove StreetShovel Town AutoTheir Community InvolvementThanks 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/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Carm Capriotto sits down with Todd Fortier, retiring automotive professor and program coordinator from Illinois Central College, to discuss a lesson learned over three decades in education: anyone can teach, but becoming a true educator requires purpose, empathy, and continuous growth. Todd shares how his passion for education was sparked by helping students experience those breakthrough "lightbulb moments" and why the ultimate goal of teaching is not simply delivering information, but ensuring meaningful knowledge transfer. As he prepares for retirement, Todd reflects on the challenges facing automotive education and his mission to help develop the next generation of industry instructors. What You'll Learn Why technical expertise alone doesn't make someone an effective instructorHow educators can improve knowledge transfer and student engagementTodd's "Three C's" framework: Concern, Cause, and CorrectionWhy connection, empathy, and vulnerability are critical teaching toolsHow to identify the root causes behind student disengagementThe importance of recognizing the personal challenges students bring into the classroomWhy many students leave training programs early and how educators can help retain themHow trainers and mentors can evolve into true educatorsThe soft skills needed to successfully connect with today's students and technicians The best educators do more than share information, they build relationships. Todd Fortier's career demonstrates that teaching is most effective when instructors combine technical knowledge with empathy, curiosity, and genuine human connection. As the automotive industry works to address technician shortages and workforce development challenges, creating better educators may be one of the most important investments the industry can make. Todd Fortier, Professor/Program Coordinator, Illinois Central College, ToddFortier@techtoteacher.com 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: Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z:From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills with Craig O'Neill.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Steve Christensen, who brought Scoop School to the St. Louis region, is the Executive Director of the North American Ice Cream Association based in Wildwood. He joined Megan Lynch. 'People don't go to an ice cream shop to get ice cream,' says Christensen, they're going for a 'feeling.'

Want to know one of the fastest ways to determine if an auto repair shop is struggling?Look at the parking lot.If the same vehicles are sitting in the same spots for two weeks or longer, there is a good chance the shop has serious operational problems hiding beneath the surface.In this Weekly Blitz episode, I share one of the biggest warning signs I learned from my own experience as an absentee owner. The unfinished cars weren't the problem—they were the symptom of deeper issues involving leadership, workflow, communication, estimating, approvals, and accountability.We'll discuss:Why unfinished vehicles are trapped revenueHow stagnant parking lots signal operational bottlenecksThe hidden costs of delayed repairsWhy movement matters more than volumeQuestions every shop owner should ask about aging vehiclesHow high-performing shops manage workflow differentlyIf your lot looks more like vehicle storage than an active repair facility, this episode is for you.Sponsored By Shop Marketing ProsNeed more of the right customers finding your shop online?Shop Marketing Pros helps independent auto repair shops dominate local search results through automotive-specific websites, SEO, digital advertising, and proven marketing systems.Learn more at:https://shopmarketingpros.com​Ready to Improve Shop Performance?Visit AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching and schedule a discovery call today.https://autoSHOPCOACHING.comThe 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/autorepairmarketingmastermindConnect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe 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 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.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveWhat if the government — and a few well-known billionaires — were offering to deposit cash directly into an account for your child or grandchild, no strings attached, starting July 4th? Would you sign up?In this solo episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis & Associates, breaks down everything currently known about the newly announced Trump Accounts — officially called 530A plans — before they go live. Hunt cuts through the political noise to answer the only question that matters for shop owners and their families: is this worth your time, and how do you get your share of the free money on the table?From the $1,000 Treasury Department seed deposit for children born between 2025 and 2028, to the $250 Dell family contribution available in qualifying zip codes, to how self-employed shop owners can structure employer contributions for a legitimate tax deduction — Hunt walks through what we know, what's still uncertain, and how these accounts stack up against the 529 plans and Roth IRAs you're probably already using.Whether you're a shop owner with young kids, a grandparent looking for a smarter savings vehicle, or a business owner thinking about a new fringe benefit for your team — this episode is essential listening.What You'll Learn...(03:05) What a Trump Account actually is — and why the 530A plan isn't as new as it sounds(06:02) The $1,000 government seed deposit — who qualifies and why Hunt says everyone eligible should sign up immediately(09:07) Contribution limits, employer deductions, and the fringe benefit opportunity for your employees(10:14) Withdrawal rules — why the money is locked until the child turns 18, and what it can be spent on(11:15) Using a Trump Account to buy a first home or start a business — and the creative opportunities that creates(12:27) The Dell family's $250 zip code contribution — why Hunt says don't risk missing it, just sign up(17:14) Trump Accounts vs. 529 plans — the key differences that actually matter for your family(19:45) Trump Accounts vs. Roth IRAs — the side-by-side comparison for shop owners who pay their kids through the business(22:23) Hunt's honest take on what he's actually doing for his own kids — and why the employer deduction changes everythingIf you're ready to stop letting politics get in the way of free money, understand exactly how these new accounts fit alongside the strategies you're already running, and find out whether July 4th is a deadline you actually need to worry about — this episode is essential listening.Thanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.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:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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.

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this episode, Matt starts on the golf course and ends up right back in the service bay, because apparently, even a decent round of golf can turn into a cognitive psychology lesson.After shooting a personally strong nine-hole score, Matt catches himself doing what many technical and mechanical specialists do every day: ignoring the accomplishment and obsessing over the shots, tests, tools, or decisions that could have been better. That leads into a discussion of discounting the positive, upward counterfactual thinking, hindsight bias, expert bias, and the curse of knowledge.The point is not to stop improving. The point is to stop rewriting reality after the fact. A two-hour intermittent short diagnosis may feel “obvious” once the problem is found, but it was not obvious when the vehicle came in. The same applies to repairs, removals, procedures, and every job where experience only becomes obvious after you earn it.Matt also closes with some listener-driven Mount Rushmore talk, including an all-time basketball starting five featuring Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, LeBron James, and Hakeem Olajuwon.Key TopicsWhy a good result can still feel disappointing when you focus only on what could have gone betterThe difference between honest reflection and beating yourself into the groundDiscounting the positive and how it shows up in diagnosticsUpward counterfactual thinking: “If only I had done this sooner…”Hindsight bias in the shop after the failure is already foundWhy “that was obvious” is usually only true after the factHow technical specialists can learn from a job without erasing the accomplishmentThe danger of judging another specialist's time after you already know the answerExpert bias, the curse of knowledge, and why experience can distort how we evaluate othersGiving yourself enough credit while still getting betterListener messages and future Mount Rushmore-style segmentsMatt's all-time basketball starting five discussionPull Quote Options“Once you know where the problem was, it starts feeling obvious. But it wasn't obvious when you started.”“Why can't both things be true? That was a good find, and next time I might do it faster.”“Learning from it does not require running yourself into the ground.”“Knowing what I knew at the time, that wasn't bad.”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.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. 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, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing independent auto repair shops today: finding and keeping great technicians. Chris explains why many shop owners fall into what he calls "fire alarm syndrome," waiting until a technician leaves before starting the hiring process. That reactive approach often leads to rushed decisions, poor hires, and ongoing turnover. Instead, he advocates for an "Always Be Recruiting" mindset, where shops continuously build relationships with potential candidates long before they have an opening. The conversation explores practical strategies for becoming a destination workplace, creating a recruiting pipeline, and building a culture that attracts top talent in a competitive market. What You'll Learn Why reactive hiring creates costly staffing problemsHow to build a bench of pre-qualified technicians before you need themWhy becoming "10-mile famous" can help attract both technicians and customersHow culture-focused marketing can outperform traditional help-wanted adsThe three things technicians value most: respect, growth, and compensationWhy sign-on bonuses often fail and how to structure them more effectivelyPractical ways to engage passive candidates who are not actively job huntingResources available through Chris Lawson's free online community for shop owners The best time to recruit a technician is before you need one. Shops that continuously market their culture, build relationships with local talent, and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates are better positioned to grow, avoid staffing emergencies, and create a workplace where top technicians want to stay. Recruiting is no longer an occasional task. It is an ongoing business strategy. Chris Lawson, TechnicianFind.Com Love your shop? Stay, but stay ready. Auto techs join to level up, find good shops, and keep tabs on top indie jobs nationwide. Techs only. No BS. Independent Wrench Jobs: https://www.skool.com/independentwrenchjobs Finding Technicians Part 1- Chris Lawson [RR 803]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e803/ Finding Technicians Part 2 – Chris Lawson [RR 816]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e816/ Technician Attraction Blueprint [RR 921]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e921/ Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Automotive Talent [CC 113]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/cc113/ Beyond Babysitters: Developing Strong Managers and Financial Transparency [RR 1076]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1076/ 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: Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 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 Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm 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/

Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and OverdryveIs your shop management system telling you one number while QuickBooks says something else entirely? Are parts credits going unclaimed? And if someone were quietly skimming off the top, would your current process ever actually catch it?In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis & Associates, sits down with Alex Saladna from Wicked File — the AI-powered back office reconciliation platform built for auto repair shops. From the employee who snuck through ceiling tiles to steal cash, to the eight-location shop that cut back office workload by fifty percent overnight, Hunt and Alex break down what's leaking out of your business, why your team can't catch it manually, and how technology has made a once-unsolvable problem into a morning coffee routine.Whether you're a single-location shop hemorrhaging credits you didn't know you were owed or a multi-location owner who's quietly accepted that being remote means accepting losses — this episode is essential listening.What You'll Learn…(03:01) What Wicked File actually does — and why the gap between your shop management system and your accounting software is exactly where the money disappears(06:02) The #1 cause of theft is confidence — why 100% of owners who've been stolen from said it would never happen to them(07:38) Theft stories from the field — Mission Impossible through the ceiling tiles and $2,000 a month in soda nobody ordered(11:58) From 200 invoices to 20 — how 80–90% of parts reconciliation gets automated and what your team can do with the time back(20:09) The 2–3% burn — at $1M in sales that's up to $30,000 walking out the door, and why most owners don't treat it that way(22:36) Why treating your financials as a final score is costing you — and what watching your business like game film actually looks like(28:19) Why the right employees will love this tool — and what resistance to it tells you about your culture(35:16) Bad data makes bad decisions — why it all starts with clean numbers at the invoice levelIf you're ready to stop assuming your vendor credits are being processed, understand why the confidence that "it doesn't happen here" is exactly what makes it happen here, and finally know what's actually leaking out of your back office before it becomes a six-figure problem — this episode is essential listening.Thanks to our partner, PromotivePromotive 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/Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop OwnersYou're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprintThanks to our partner, OverdryveOverdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.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:Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop OwnersWrenches 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.

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, Carm Capriotto sits down with automotive trainer Ken Zanders to discuss the importance of ongoing technical education, building efficient diagnostic processes, and adapting to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. Ken explains why too many shops still rely on a chaotic “grocery list” approach to repairs and how a structured diagnostic strategy can dramatically improve technician efficiency, profitability, and customer trust. What You'll Learn Why inefficient diagnostic habits directly reduce technician productivity, shop profitability, and overall earning potential.The importance of following a structured diagnostic workflow instead of guessing and replacing parts.How electronic relative compression testing with a lab scope and amperage probe can reduce diagnostic time from hours to minutes.How modern vehicle technologies like GM's Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates are changing diagnostics and repair procedures.Why continuous education is no longer optional for automotive professionals working on today's advanced vehicle systems. The biggest takeaway from this episode is that repair shops cannot afford to operate in constant chaos and guesswork. A reactive “grocery list” approach to diagnostics leads to wasted time, unnecessary parts replacement, lower profits, and poor customer outcomes. To succeed in today's increasingly complex automotive industry, shop owners must create a year-round training strategy that helps technicians diagnose efficiently, think critically, and continuously improve their skills. Structured processes, modern testing methods, and ongoing education are no longer advantages; they are necessities for survival and growth. TST Big Event: https://tstseminars.org/ Ken Zanders, Dorman Training Don't Base Your Success On Probability – Ken Zanders [RR 822]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e822/ 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: Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 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 Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm 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

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/IFORABEShop-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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTechTransform 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 In this episode, Lucas Underwood is joined by Shaun Tipton, who shares his 28-year journey from technician to shop owner. Shaun Tipton discusses the common pitfalls technicians face when transitioning to ownership, emphasizing the importance of understanding financials and setting fair labor rates. The conversation also highlights the critical role of workplace culture and effective leadership in building a successful, ethical shop.00:00 Advice for aspiring shop owners09:04 Understanding fair pricing for clients13:46 Recognizing the need for help15:51 Red flags in job histories24:19 Fair employee compensation discussion30:04 Balancing personal values and money32:43 Flaws in metro coaching models40:49 Switching to a single software system43:49 Benefits of using Shop-Ware48:09 Focusing on personal interests53:42 Importance of leadership in ownership59:46 Long-term life planning advice