Podcasts about shops

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, Autel, and Independent Wrench JobsWatch Full Video EpisodeShow NotesIn this episode, Matt builds on a thought that has been bothering him for a while: the automotive repair industry has done a pretty terrible job defining what we mean by diagnosis, diagnostic, analysis, and even something as simple as a code scan.The spark for the conversation comes from seeing a vehicle owner buy their own scan tool after being told a dealership wanted $190 “to scan codes.” That raises the real question: was the shop selling a code scan... or were they selling a diagnostic process? Because those are not the same thing, and pretending they are creates confusion for customers and devalues the work of actual technical specialists.Matt argues that a diagnosis is the conclusion you arrive at, while a diagnostic is the process used to get there. A code scan might be one piece of that process, but it is not the whole thing. And a good diagnostic process does not always immediately hand you the answer. Sometimes it gives you something better: more precise questions, better direction, and a narrower path to the root cause.That leads into a bigger point about communication, economics, and trust. Auto repair is a classic credence good, where the customer often cannot accurately judge the quality of the service they received. That creates information asymmetry—the shop knows far more than the client does. Which means language matters. Definitions matter. Expectations matter. If the industry wants to separate itself from guesswork, parts-changing, and pseudo-diagnostics, it has to become far more disciplined in how it describes the work being sold.Matt also reflects on confidence, competence, and what actually drives improvement. Sometimes a little lack of confidence—the kind that makes you run one more test, read one more article, attend one more class, or call one more sharp friend—can be a strength rather than a weakness. It can push real learning. But like most things, it cuts both ways.This episode is a call for more precise language, more honest communication, and a stronger defense of the real value behind analysis, testing, and arriving at an actual diagnosis.In This EpisodeWhy a code scan is not the same thing as a diagnosisThe difference between a diagnostic process and a diagnostic resultWhy a good process does not always produce an immediate answerHow testing should often remain at the specialist's discretionWhy rigid test lists can break down from vehicle to vehicleThe danger of selling customers a result instead of a processInformation asymmetry and why auto repair is a credence goodWhy precise language helps distinguish real specialists from guessersThe double-edged sword of confidence in technical workWhy continual learning often comes from knowing how much you do not knowKey TakeawaysThis episode is really about reclaiming the value of professional analysis.A shop can offer a code scan. That is fine. A shop can refuse to offer a code scan and only sell deeper diagnostic work. That is also fine. What matters is being honest and clear about the difference.Customers need better explanations. Shops need better language. And the industry needs to stop using words like diagnosis, diagnostic, and code scan as if they are interchangeable, because they are not.Quotable Moments“Diagnosis isn't the end. Diagnosis is the beginning of practice.”“A diagnosis is something that you arrive at. A diagnostic is a process.”“A very successful process may not lead to the answer right away. It may lead to a better question.”“We have done a horrific job when it comes to definitions or standards.”“The customer cannot differentiate the quality of our services versus another. They have to take our word for it.”“That lack of confidence is what drove me to do one more test.”Sponsor ThanksThanks to:AutelPico TechnologyIndependent Wrench JobsAlso thanks to the Automotive Repair Podcast Network.Contact / Call to ActionWhat do you think? Are we misusing the words diagnosis and diagnostic in this industry? Reach out and let Matt know.Email: mattfanslopodcast@gmail.comThanks to our Partner, Pico TechnologyAre you chasing elusive automotive problems? Pico Technology empowers you to see what's really happening. Their PicoScope oscilloscopes transform your diagnostic capabilities. Visit PicoAuto.comThanks to our Partner, AutelFrom drivability diagnostics and TPMS service to ADAS and advanced safety systems, Autel helps technicians follow OEM procedures and repair with confidence. Learn more at Autel.comThanks to our Partner, Independent Wrench JobsIndependent Wrench Jobs is a new, tech-only community to help you find better independent shops—fair dispatch, steady work, real leadership. No games.Built by Technician Find—serving the industry since 2017. Join free at IndependentWrenchJobs.comContact InformationEmail Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube ChannelThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. 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/

Running Etsy ads too early is one of the fastest ways to convince yourself your product doesn't work.And most of the time that's not actually the problem.If you're a newer seller wondering whether Etsy ads are the shortcut to getting traction, this episode is going to save you time, money, and frustration.Because the real question isn't just, “Are Etsy ads worth it?”It's what are you expecting them to do?Today, we're breaking down:Why new shops usually aren't ready for amplificationWhen ads won't be profitableThe one situation where ads can make sense early onAnd why ads do NOT help you rank organicallyIf you're tempted to turn ads on just to “speed things up,” listen to this first.Mentioned in This Episode:

How many engineers does it take to run the ecommerce site for a retail company that does over a billion dollars in revenue per year? Well, if you're Rainbow Shops, the answer is just 2. Most ecommerce teams assume scale requires more engineers, more tools, more complexity. Chief Digital Officer David Cost has built something many people in ecommerce would say isn't possible — a lean, fast-moving digital operation that runs on vendor partnerships instead of a massive internal team. Two engineers, hundreds of programmers' worth of output, and none of the overhead that comes with scaling the traditional way. In this episode, David shares: A detailed, under-the-hood look at the specific vendors they use to stay so lean His playbook for using strategic partnerships with vendors as an external dev team How being a testbed for new tech gives them a competitive edge And why their choice of ecommerce platform was vital in enabling Rainbow's digital strategy Links David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcost/ Rainbow Shops: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainbow-apparel-co/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:42 David's product journey 02:36 How Rainbow runs with only two engineers 03:07 Rainbow's decision to migrate from  Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify 07:14 How Rainbow uses AI to support a lean team 11:34 Rainbow's partnership with Lica for AI-generated product images 17:25 The future of personalization in ecommerce 23:01 Shop Pay and Rainbow's checkout features 26:15 Conclusion Resoures Lica: https://lica.world/ Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Follow LaunchPod on YouTube We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe! What does LogRocket do? LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: David Cost.

In this episode, Frank Apodaca shares his extensive experience in mortgage lending, how he manipulates interest rates to benefit clients, and his vision for expanding his business to help more people save money on home loans.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

David Kocher, Automotive Instructor at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, joins us to explain how he introduced a simulated flat rate pay plan to help students understand how flat rate works early in their careers. David walks us through his background, the ins and outs of the incentive-based system he's developing for his class, and how students are responding to the experience.Watch the video podcast on YouTubeAbout the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: David Kocher, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, dkocher@pasco.k12.fl.usLinks & 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: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

In this episode of Off The Clock, Shawn Gervais and Marshall Hill get real about what happens when business conditions tighten and uncertainty creeps into the market. From economic turbulence to changing customer spending habits, the guys break down how smart shop owners stay resilient and keep revenue flowing when others start to panic.A major theme of the conversation is something many business owners overlook: the power of “boring” services. While high-ticket packages and specialty work get the spotlight, it's often the reliable volume services—maintenance details, quick upgrades, and repeatable offerings—that create the financial safety net that keeps shops stable during slower periods.The episode also dives into the psychology of sales and customer spending patterns. Shawn and Marshall share practical strategies for identifying what customers truly value, how to naturally upsell without sounding pushy, and why understanding client behavior is one of the most powerful tools a business owner can have.They also explore how technology is reshaping customer engagement, including how tools like Luna AI inside OrbisX are opening new doors for profiling customers, identifying opportunities, and helping shops make smarter decisions based on real data.Whether you're navigating uncertain markets or simply looking to strengthen your business foundation, this episode is a reminder that resilience comes from smart strategy, steady execution, and knowing exactly where your revenue really comes from.

Goodbye Dallas, hello Emerald City. Southwest Airlines is once again offering nonstop flights from Love Field Airport, where it is the dominant carrier, to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In other news, as early as last May, AT&T's exit from downtown Dallas appeared likely as CEO John Stankey questioned the “effective/sustained governance” of Dallas; in a year of firsts for Cooper Flagg, growing frustration led to another for Mavs rookie; and Hi, D-FW!  Come visit us at our pop-up newsroom event at Shops at RedBird today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pull up a chair to chat with reporters, editors and visual journalists to discuss story ideas or receive a free headshot.  We'll be set up from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 10 through 12 at The DEC Network, 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Suite 200. We're here to connect and listen. See y'all there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Kevaughn Williams, Operations Manager at 360 Payments. Kevaughn underscores the importance of company culture in building a motivated, accountable team, highlighting how 360's values of transparency and peer-to-peer accountability support both employees and customers. The discussion covers practical strategies for automotive shops to protect themselves from payment chargebacks, with Kevaughn outlining red flags to watch for and offering tips to improve payment security. 00:00 "360 Culture and Leadership"04:28 "Honesty and Accountability Matter"08:13 "Impactful Workplace Culture Insights"11:16 "Towing Office Experience Reflection"14:50 Car Rental Customer Support Journey15:54 Rental Car Upgrade Mishap21:08 Mandatory Work Schedule Change24:40 Building Youthful Team for Success27:58 "Disney Trip as Life Milestone"28:40 Prioritizing People Over Business34:51 Preventing Text-to-Pay Fraud38:11 Fraud Awareness and Payment Precautions39:06 DocuSign ID and Card Verification44:24 Chargeback Fraud at Local Shop48:02 "High-Risk Account Threshold Explained"50:23 Transparency and Informed Decisions53:22 "David's CSP Concerns"56:19 "Buttoning Debate Unresolved"

If you feel busy but the bank account doesn't match… this episode is for you. In this interview, Dominic Rubino sits down with Adam Sylvester (owner of Charlottesville Gutter Pros + host of Jobber's Masters of Home Service) to break down the "magic numbers" contractors should track to protect profit and make better decisions. You'll learn how to stop tracking random metrics and focus on the few numbers that actually drive results. Topics covered: ✅ Why most owners track nothing (or track the wrong stuff) ✅ The "magic numbers" that expose your biggest bottleneck ✅ Revenue per employee (daily + hourly) and why it matters ✅ The One Hour Calculator and how it sets pricing correctly ✅ Why a high close rate can mean you're underpriced ✅ How to raise prices without panicking ✅ Holding team standards (and why culture affects profit) ✅ Using EOJ/job-costing to stop guessing

Werbung:In dieser Folge bewerben wir die Produkte der erwähnten Shops.Wir bitten um freundliche Beachtung.Im März bleiben wir mit den News in Deutschland!Bei Klingenreich regnet es Rabatte, bei Schneidwerk Harz gibt es Stahl-Upgrades, die Knife Lounge haut wieder geile Sachen raus, wir haben einen neuen Shop am Start und mehr!Der März hat es in sich und wir sind mit dem Ziel der 40-Minuten-Grenze wirklich ausgereizt! Jedes Thema hat dazu eingeladen kurz zu bleiben und zu quatschen.Viel Spaß!Links:Klingenreich:Something Obscene Company:https://www.klingenreich.de/search?sSearch=something+obscene+compabySchneidwerk Harz:Benchmade Bugout - Taiga Green:https://schneidwerkharz.de/products/benchmade-535-2601-bugout-taiga-green-elmax?_pos=2&_sid=c030fd506&_ss=rG-Gear:Behring Made Restrock:https://www.g-gear.com/de/marken/behring-made/Messerteam Kalb:Casström:https://www.messerteam.de/collections/casstromGlockenhaus Scales für's BFF Packlite:https://www.messerteam.de/products/boker-bff-packlite-griffschalen-eiche-luneburger-glockenhaus?_pos=1&_sid=6a1360247&_ss=rKnife Cellar:Williams Blade Design:https://www.knife-cellar.de/de/?manufacturers_id=5Lion Steel Willy:https://www.knife-cellar.de/de/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=LionSteel+Willy&inc_subcat=1Messerdepot - SK-X:https://www.knife-cellar.de/de/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=SK-X&inc_subcat=1Knife Lounge: (Affiliate Links)Giant Mouse:GMF1 Scales:https://www.knife-lounge.de/giantmouse-gmf1-scales/gmf1-burlap-handle-kit?affiliate-code=TimsSprachnachrichtenGMF1 Stonewash:https://www.knife-lounge.de/giantmouse-gmf1-stonewashed/gm1?affiliate-code=TimsSprachnachrichtenGMF1-MG:https://www.knife-lounge.de/giantmouse-gmf1-mg/gmf1-mg?affiliate-code=TimsSprachnachrichtenMorbid Mouse Bead:https://www.knife-lounge.de/giantmouse-morbid-mouse-bead/gm-mm-titanium-lanyard-bead?affiliate-code=TimsSprachnachrichtenAuxiliary Manufacturing:https://www.knife-lounge.de/marken/auxiliary-manufacturing/?affiliate-code=TimsSprachnachrichtenMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/avbe/coffee-on-the-patioLicense code: PH8IQFFVAPEY7AC1

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

Back in the early 90s, while attending college in London, Ontario, Canada, my buddy Aaron and I'd made the drive back and forth to Toronto on a regular basis, and it was on these numerous rides that we'd stack the pockets with our cassettes - road trip soundtracks, and one of our favourites was Two Seven's Clash by Culture. Fire up the engine, insert the tape and kick off with See Them A Come, one of my all-time favourite cuts, and we'd be jacked up and ready to roll. During college, Aaron, I, and another buddy, Marcus, journeyed to Toronto to catch Culture at The Great Hall - to say this was a magical musical night would be doing it a disservice. We had balcony seats right above the stage, so we could catch everything up close. Seeing Hill with the backup singers, lock-step groove, sweet harmonies - it was an out-of-body experience, that could have been down to the little spliff that we'd partaken in beforehand, but whatever the reason, this concert, the countless hours of being on the road have left music of Culture indelibly marked in my musical consciousness. So today I shine the musical spotlight back to the early years of Culture in the mix Culture: Roots Reggae's Most Righteous Voice Jamaica in the mid-70s was a pressure cooker. Political violence, poverty, and a deep spiritual hunger for something beyond the immediate reality of Kingston's yards and tenements all found a voice in roots reggae, and few groups channelled that voice more purely than Culture. The group came together in 1976, initially calling themselves the African Disciples: Joseph Hill on lead vocals, his cousin Albert “Ralph” Walker, and Roy “Kenneth” Dayes on harmonies. Hill had already put in his time as a percussionist with the Soul Defenders, the house band at the legendary Studio One, and had been working the sound system circuit for years before stepping out front. He knew the machinery of Jamaican music from the inside. They rebranded as Culture, found their producers in Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson, and cut a run of singles that crackled with urgency, among them “Two Sevens Clash.” The song predicted apocalyptic consequences for 7 July 1977. When that date arrived, large numbers of Jamaicans reportedly stayed home. Shops closed. People waited. The record had crossed the line from music into prophecy. Those singles became the backbone of their 1977 debut album, also titled Two Sevens Clash — dense with Rastafarian theology, political fury, and some of the tightest three-part harmonies in reggae. Rolling Stone would later name it one of the 50 all-time coolest records ever made, the only reggae album to make that list. Not a bad debut. After the Gibbs sessions, Culture moved to producer Sonia Pottinger's High Note label, one of the very few labels run by women in Jamaican music at the time. She brought in the best session players available: Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar in the rhythm section, Ansel Collins on keys, Cedric Brooks on horns, and percussionist Sticky. The result was a run of records that still holds up: Harder Than the Rest (1978), Cumbolo (1979), and International Herb (1979). Three albums in roughly two years, each one focused and fully realised. The UK connection proved crucial. Two Sevens Clash had been finding its way into the hands of British punk fans as much as reggae fans, largely through John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show, and it charted at number 60 on the UK Albums Chart in April 1978. Virgin Records signed the group to its Front Line imprint, giving Culture international distribution just as their output was peaking. At the time of the first Rolling Stone Record Guide, Culture was the only act in any genre whose entire catalogue received five-star reviews across the board. The original lineup dissolved in 1981, but reunited in 1986 and returned with two strong albums rather than coasting on reputation. The 1990s brought further records on Shanachie and Ras Records, often with Sly and Robbie back in the rhythm section. Joseph Hill died in August 2006 while on tour in Europe, collapsing mid-performance. What happened next became part of the Culture story in its own right. His son Kenyatta stepped up and completed the remaining nineteen shows of the tour. Critics and fans were stunned. The voices were eerily similar, the conviction just as real. The phrase that circulated afterwards said it plainly: magic, not tragic. Kenyatta has led the group ever since, alongside original founding member Albert Walker. Fifty years on, Two Sevens Clash still sounds like a warning. PLAYLIST Culture - Iron Sharpening Iron - 2000 Digital Remaster Culture - See Them A Come Culture - The International Herb Culture - Behold I Come Culture - Two Sevens Clash Culture - Them A Payaka Culture - Stop The Fussing And Fighting - 2000 Digital Remaster Culture - I'm Not Ashamed Culture - Natty Never Get Weary - Remastered 2000 Culture - Addis Ababa Culture - Baldhead Bridge Culture - Zion Gate Culture - Tell Me Where You Get It - 2000 Digital Remaster Culture - Down In Jamaica - 2000 Digital Remaster Culture - Love Shine Bright - 2000 Digital Remaster Culture - The Shepherd - 2001 Digital Remaster

Corner dairies and convenience stores should not be selling nangs or nitrous oxide at all according to Retail NZ. It is illegal to sell the gas for huffing, but a Checkpoint investigation found corner stores and vape shops are selling large cannisters of the gas that contain hundreds of hits, with virtually no questions asked. The police are now cracking down on outlets reminding them of the rules, before escalating to enforcement. Retail New Zealand chief executive Carolyn Young spoke to Lisa Owen.

This week Ben heads to county Longford in Ireland to meet  Phil Stewart aka Farmer Phil on youtube. Phil's farm has been in his family for over 80 years. Farming 633 acres and rearing dairy beef calves the business is wide ranging and includes agri-contracting and a Farm Shop. Image credit: Liv Stewart. 

Natasha Naidoo, originally from Richards Bay and now living in the United Arab Emirates, shared her firsthand experience of the current unrest during an interview with Stacey Norman and J Sbu. While many South Africans are following developments through social media and news reports, Natasha and her family are living through the situation daily. She explained that authorities have implemented safety measures, including real-time phone alerts to warn residents of potential threats, allowing them time to take precautions. For now, daily life continues with adjustments. Natasha and her husband are working from home, and their daughter is attending school online. Shops remain open and essential activities are still taking place. She reassured South Africans with loved ones in the affected areas not to panic, saying that conditions on the ground remain calm despite events unfolding in the air. Counselling services have also been made available to support residents during this time.

Tariffs, inflation, and rising labor costs are putting real pressure on shop margins right now—and I know a lot of shop owners are asking how to recover those costs without upsetting customers. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, I sit down with payments expert Randy Motos to break down surcharging: what it is, how it works, what the compliance rules really are, and why “freedom of choice” at checkout is becoming a go-to strategy for shops looking to offset credit card fees while protecting customer trust.

Tony Gonzalez is the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Tire Group International (TGI), a global tire distribution and manufacturing company behind Cosmo Tires. His career traces back to a multigenerational tire business rooted in the 1940s, giving him decades of hands-on experience in product development, brand positioning, distribution, and dealer partnerships across the automotive aftermarket.Known for challenging conventional pricing battles, Gonzalez speaks directly about how value tire brands compete, focusing on product confidence, warranties, marketing consistency, and long-term dealer relationships rather than chasing the lowest price.In this episode…Price wars dominate the tire industry conversation, yet constant discounting erodes margins, weakens brand equity, and trains customers to expect cheaper options. Tire dealers face pressure from online competitors, national chains, and aggressive private-label programs that reshape buying behavior.Tony Gonzalez breaks down how value positioning changes the game. Brand trust, warranty support, product innovation, and consistent messaging define how value tire brands compete today. Shops that understand this shift protect profitability, strengthen customer loyalty, and build more resilient multi-location operations.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:00] Introduction of Tony Gonzalez and his role at Tire Group International[02:37] Family tire business origins and early industry exposure[06:03] Cultural background shaping business mindset and values[10:07] Launch of Tire Group International and development of Cosmo Tires[13:34] How dealers connect with the brand and distribution channels[15:49] Building a value tire brand without competing solely on price[18:03] Warranty strategy and its impact on customer loyalty[20:13] Early warehouse work shaping leadership perspective[24:46] Importance of storytelling, branding, and cultural influence[33:26] Creation of the Kool Kat mascot and brand identity evolutionResources mentioned in this episode:Tony Gonzalez LinkedInTire Group International WebsiteGet in touch with Cosmo TiresTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“We're a value-driven brand, but we're not in the market of competing solely based on price.”“We give road hazard on all of the products we sell, and we stand behind them immediately.”“The goodwill you get by giving that kind of warranty and guarantee is next to none.”“Know what you're worth and make sure you're not wrong.”“We really take pride in our marketing and how we represent our brand.”Action Steps:Audit tire lines carried in every location and identify where stronger warranty-backed brands improve margins and customer trust.Train service advisors to explain product value clearly; customer confidence rises when the conversation moves beyond price alone.Study how value tire brands compete and apply similar positioning to shop branding, service packages, and customer messaging.Strengthen supplier relationships that provide marketing support, training, and consistent product quality to stabilize long-term growth.Review warranty communication at the counter; transparent guarantees drive repeat business and referral momentum.

A husband went viral after complaining on social media that his wife sent him to get Swiss cheese and he was overwhelmed by the options (baby Swiss, thin Swiss, aged Swiss, low fat Swiss), claiming men need their "hand held" to pick out cheese—and women absolutely slammed him for weaponised incompetence. We asked Sydney about their hopeless husbands who intentionally underperform tasks to avoid taking responsibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plans have been put in to add another shop to the retail park in Sittingbourne. The owners want to convert an area of land that's currently used for parking between Carpet Right and Dunelm at the site in Mill Way. Hear from reporter Alex Langridge who has been covering the story. Also on today's episode, a Sheppey woman who lost her dad to cancer is calling on peers not to stand in the way of the assisted dying bill. MPs voted it through last June with a narrow majority. It's now being debated in the House of Lords, but faces more than 1,000 amendments. Claire Blythe's dad Thomas passed away in December after being diagnosed with lung cancer, she's been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley. Nurseries in Kent are taking on a challenge to read at least four books a day, as data show children's reading has hit a 20-year low. Figures from the National Literacy Trust show one in ten children don't own a book and only half of parents read with their child daily.   Busy Bees Nurseries across the county are taking part in a nation wide initiative to help promote reading at home. A former arcade on Sheppey is set to reopen as a sports lounge. The site in Beachfields in Sheerness has been empty for several years after closing during Covid. Neptune Sports Lounge is moving from its current location in Neptune Terrace and we've been speaking to owner Charlie Minta. Bosses at Rochester Cathedral are hoping to install solar panels on the roof of the historic building. The Church of England has set targets for all of its sites to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we've been speaking to Simon Lace who's Chief Operating Officer at the Cathedral. And in sport,  it was a very disappointing weekend Gillingham. They were beaten by 3-0 by Oldham at Priestfield on Saturday, leaving them 16th in League Two. We've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth and midfielder Bradley Dack. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Durch den Einsatz in der Landwirtschaft gelangen Pestizide in die Flüsse. Recherchen zeigen: Die Bauern wehren sich gegen strengere Regeln. Und: Viele der E-Trottinette sind schneller als erlaubt. Zudem: Die schwierige Suche nach den vermissten Soldaten im Ukraine-Krieg. Bauern-Power: Wie Pestizid-Grenzwerte verhindert wurden Vergangenen Herbst entdecken die Behörden, dass die Wyna, ein Bach im Kanton Luzern, stark mit einem Pestizid belastet ist. Doch im Bundesamt für Umwelt verschwindet genau dieses Pestizid von einer neuen Liste mit gefährlichen Stoffen für spezifische Grenzwerte. Interne Dokumente zeigen jetzt: Hier wurde Landwirtschaftspolitik gemacht, wo im Gesetz Wissenschaft vorgeschrieben wäre. Dazu stellt sich Bundesrat Albert Rösti den Fragen von Gion-Duri Vincenz. Gefährliche Turbo-Trottinette: Auf Kontrolle mit der Polizei Auf Schweizer Strassen verkehren immer mehr zu schnelle E-Trottinette, sogenannte E-Scooter. Eigentlich gilt eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 20 km/h. Doch viele Shops verkaufen schnellere Fahrzeuge – und die Lenker können sie selbst tunen. Das wird zur Gefahr für Lenkerinnen und Fussgänger. Ukraine-Krieg: Die schwierige Suche nach den vermissten Soldaten Zehntausende Soldaten gelten im Krieg in der Ukraine als vermisst. Die Reportage zeigt die schwierige Suche nach den getöteten Soldaten: an der Front im Donbass, aber auch in den Sammel- und Identifizierungszentren. Eine Seite des Zermürbungskriegs, die viele Familien ohne Antworten zurücklässt.

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If you're stuck around £100–£2k a month on Etsy and your current plan is“maybe I just need more products”…we need to talk.In this episode, I'm breaking down my 2026 Etsy profit playbook and how six-figure Etsy shops are actually built - quietly, calmly, and without burning yourself into the ground.This isn't hustle advice.It's structure, clarity, and knowing what actually moves the needle.We'll cover:

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Durch den Einsatz in der Landwirtschaft gelangen Pestizide in die Flüsse. Recherchen zeigen: Die Bauern wehren sich gegen strengere Regeln. Und: Viele der E-Trottinette sind schneller als erlaubt. Zudem: Die schwierige Suche nach den vermissten Soldaten im Ukraine-Krieg. Bauern-Power: Wie Pestizid-Grenzwerte verhindert wurden Vergangenen Herbst entdecken die Behörden, dass die Wyna, ein Bach im Kanton Luzern, stark mit einem Pestizid belastet ist. Doch im Bundesamt für Umwelt verschwindet genau dieses Pestizid von einer neuen Liste mit gefährlichen Stoffen für spezifische Grenzwerte. Interne Dokumente zeigen jetzt: Hier wurde Landwirtschaftspolitik gemacht, wo im Gesetz Wissenschaft vorgeschrieben wäre. Dazu stellt sich Bundesrat Albert Rösti den Fragen von Gion-Duri Vincenz. Gefährliche Turbo-Trottinette: Auf Kontrolle mit der Polizei Auf Schweizer Strassen verkehren immer mehr zu schnelle E-Trottinette, sogenannte E-Scooter. Eigentlich gilt eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 20 km/h. Doch viele Shops verkaufen schnellere Fahrzeuge – und die Lenker können sie selbst tunen. Das wird zur Gefahr für Lenkerinnen und Fussgänger. Ukraine-Krieg: Die schwierige Suche nach den vermissten Soldaten Zehntausende Soldaten gelten im Krieg in der Ukraine als vermisst. Die Reportage zeigt die schwierige Suche nach den getöteten Soldaten: an der Front im Donbass, aber auch in den Sammel- und Identifizierungszentren. Eine Seite des Zermürbungskriegs, die viele Familien ohne Antworten zurücklässt.

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Eric Joern for a deep dive into the realities of small business financial management in the auto repair industry. Eric stresses the importance of starting with a plan and leveraging professional guidance, rather than relying on risky trial-and-error approaches. The discussion highlights why using proper shop management systems and separating business finances is critical for long-term success.00:00 "Valuable Business Advice and Insights"10:15 Sales Tax Responsibilities Explained15:34 Simple Budgeting for Profit17:02 "Essential Shop Management Systems"21:40 Shop Parts Tracking Essentials29:56 "Seeking Proactive Tax Guidance"35:04 "Importance of a Knowledgeable Accountant"38:10 "Proactive Tax Planning Conversations"43:34 "Inventory's Tax Impact Explained"49:10 "Smart Tax Strategies Explained"55:24 Focus on Strengths, Delegate Tasks01:02:42 Excited for Business Improvement

Retail New Zealand says confidence is on the up, but some shops are scaling back their targets as they prepare for a slow recovery. Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young spoke to Corin Dann.

British Etiquette and good manners. Queuing properly in shops respecting elders. Have those days gone? Opening a door for a lady. Offering a lady a seat on a bus or train. Do you still do that? 

In this episode, Hailey explores Pepin County, a spot at the intersection of scenic and unexpected. This is small-town Wisconsin at its best! Whether you're cruising the Great River Road in peak fall color, watching ice sparkle on the Mississippi, chasing spring trilliums, or finding your summer sweet spot on Lake Pepin, one thing's for sure: Pepin County knows how to show off in every season! Start reading and find your next favorite spot along the river.The Bobber is brought to you by Something Special from Wisconsin: https://www.somethingspecialwi.com/Read the blog here: https://discoverwisconsin.com/pepin-county-your-four-season-gateway-on-the-great-river-road/Pepin County: https://www.co.pepin.wi.us/; Fresh Art Tour: https://www.freshart.org/; Laura Days: https://www.lauradays.org/ Brews on the Chippewa: https://www.bluesonthechippewa.com/brews1; Pepin Nouveau: https://www.villabellezza.com/pepin-nouveau/; Christmas Market: https://www.villabellezza.com/christmas-market/; Il Forno: https://www.villabellezza.com/il-forno/; Harbor View Cafe: https://www.harborviewpepin.com/; Stockholm Pie Company: https://www.stockholmpie.com/; Maiden Rock: https://www.maidenrock.org/; Winterfest: https://www.visitpepin.com/events/winterfest-at-ymca-camp-pepin/; Allaire House: https://www.allairehouse.com/; Little Larke Bakery: https://www.facebook.com/littlelarkebakery/; Batter and Bowls: https://batterandbowls.com/; Bearfish Brew: https://www.facebook.com/BearfishBrew/; Stockholm Haus: https://www.stockholm-haus.com/ Pepin Motel: https://www.pepinmotel.com/; Trillium Festival: https://cooperhansen.com/pages/trillium-festival-2025; 100 Miles of Little Town Thrift Sales: https://www.facebook.com/littletownthriftsales/; 100-Mile Garage Sale: https://www.facebook.com/Official100MileGarageSale Pepin County Heritage Center: https://pepincountyheritagecenter.com/; Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum: https://www.lauraingallspepin.com/lauras-little-house/; Pepin Depot Museum: https://www.visitpepin.com/directory/pepin-depot-museum/; Stargazers Variety: https://www.facebook.com/stargazersvariety/; BNOX Jewelry Studio: https://bnoxpepin.com/; Tin Roof Boutique: https://www.facebook.com/tinroofpepin/; Art Orchard: https://www.facebook.com/inkorchard/ Indigo Swan: https://www.indigoswangallery.com/; Lavender Bluff Farm: https://www.lavenderbluff.com/; Corral Bar & Riverside Grill: https://corralbarandriversidegrill.com/; Eagle's Cliff Guide Service: http://www.eaglescliff-pepin.com/; Cruise Pepin: https://cruisepepin.com/; Maiden Rock Bluff: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/statenaturalareas/MaidenRockBluff; Five Mile Bluff: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/statenaturalareas/FiveMileBluffPrairie Holden Park: https://www.co.pepin.wi.us/holden; Chippewa River State Trail: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/chipriver; Lake Pepin Campground: https://www.lakepepincampgroundwi.com/; Durand Fun Fest: https://www.funfestdurandwi.org/; Scandihoo: https://www.facebook.com/Scandihoo/; Stockholm Art Fair: https://stockholmartfair.org/; Blues on the Chippewa: https://www.bluesonthechippewa.com/ Dairy Breakfasts: https://www.facebook.com/pepincountydairypromotion; County Fair: https://www.buffalopepincountyfair.com/ Arkansaw Creek Park Day: https://www.arkansawffg.org/arkansaw-creek-park-days; Panther Drive-In: https://panther-drive-in.goto-restaurants.com/; Pickle Factory: https://www.pepinpicklefactory.com/; Durand Brewing Company: https://durandbrewingcompany.com/The Bobber: https://discoverwisconsin.com/the-bobber-blog/The Cabin Podcast: https://the-cabin.simplecast.com. Follow on social @thecabinpodShop Discover Wisconsin: shop.discoverwisconsin.com. Follow on social @shopdiscoverwisconsinDiscover Wisconsin: https://discoverwisconsin.com/. Follow on social @discoverwisconsinDiscover Mediaworks: https://discovermediaworks.com/. Follow on social @discovermediaworksFriends of the Wisconsin Great River Road: https://www.wigrr.com/. Follow on social @wigreatriverWisconsin Department of Transportation: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/home.aspx. Follow on social @wisdot

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat if you left college with an engineering degree and an MBA, only to realize your best opportunity was back home in the family auto shop?In this episode, Hunt Demarest sits down with Brad Templin of Scott's U-Save, a fourth-generation automotive professional and second-generation owner running multiple locations across the Midwest. Brad shares the real story of what it's like to return to a family business after pursuing a corporate career, work alongside your mom, and navigate the challenges of succession planning in an era when private equity is knocking on every door.Drawing on his own journey from aerospace engineering to MBA to tire tech, Brad explains why he spent his first six months working in the bays, how he and his mom built mutual respect through honest communication, and what it takes to grow a business when you're competing against both private equity buyers and the temptation of a comfortable corporate salary.This episode tackles the hard conversations every family business faces: working with parents, handling disagreements when personal relationships are on the line, deciding between private equity offers and building something on your own, and why succession planning doesn't have to mean selling to the next generation or selling out completely. Brad also shares practical advice on how to maintain family relationships when business tensions run high, and why honesty — even when uncomfortable is the foundation of making it work.What you'll learn…(03:15) How a fourth-generation automotive family built and rebuilt across 100 years(04:35) Why Brad's great-grandfather invented the hub-and-spoke model in the 1920s—the same strategy private equity uses today(08:50) The influence of education on career paths(12:00) Cultural shifts in the automotive industry(15:33) Building trust and respect in a family business(18:15) Why Brad spent six months as a tire tech before taking on leadership(24:50) Investigating family dynamics in business(28:59) Navigating growth and trust: Separating business disagreements from personal relationships(30:00) Why Brad admits he's not the 'bootstrap entrepreneur' — and why that's okay(34:15) Private equity: How Brad and his mom decided whether to sell or keep building(37:35) The real question: 'Are we still having fun?' — and why that matters more than the money(43:10) The future of the industry(48:30) Brad's advice for struggling family businessesThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:

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The Crayola Experience in Plano was closed on Monday at The Shops at Willow Bend amid challenges at the mall and speculation about the Dallas Stars considering the site. In other news, American Airlines' flight attendants have voted no confidence in the leadership of CEO Robert Isom, the first time they have taken such an action against a sitting chief executive in its nearly 50-year history; a program designed to get district support staff members trained and certified as teachers is one of several creative solutions districts across Texas have had to adopt recently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to the relationship between capitalism and crime, those on the left generally think of exploitation. People often turn to crime, so the thinking goes, because they can't make ends meet by legitimate means. Whatever your views on that framing, there is also another – far less discussed – connection between capitalism and […]

In Shakespeare's play, The Winter's Tale, Autolycus talks about "selling all my trumpery." The reference made me wonder if Autolycus was packing up all his attic junk and random periphery collected over the years to sell them in what might be considered a yard sale for Elizabethan England. Did Shakespeare's England have garage sales where people sold their gently used items to their peers and neighbors? And what about the potential for the Renaissance equivalent of a Goodwill wtore, a thrift store, or even a consignment or pawn shop? Was it possible that people in Shakespeare's lifetime were selling their used items for profit?   In order to explore the world of second hand clothing, thrift stores, and pawn shops of Elizabethan England I'm delighted to welcome Dr. Kate Kelsey Staples, author of "The Significance of the Secondhand Trade in Europe, 1200–1600" to join us to help us explore exactly where one would have deposited or dispatched of their superfluous household goods.    

Bumper to Bumper Radio, the car guys on KTAR, 92.3 FM in Phoenix, AZ, broadcast every Saturday from 11:00 am ...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Megan Dineff of Ervine's Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV joins marketing specialist Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing to explore the evolving relationship between websites and the future of search. They explore why a website remains the digital “front door” of a business, where customers decide whether to call. From using real photos to build credibility, to protecting leads through better phone protocols, to preparing for AI-driven search, this episode delivers practical insights for modern shop owners. Key takeaways: Building Trust Through Authenticity: Megan explains why the shop's website avoids stock photos and instead highlights their real team. Showing familiar faces builds instant comfort and credibility. A great website should “ooze trust” and reflect the shop's personality, so prospects feel like they've found their “forever home.” The 70% Rule: Studies show that nearly 70% of callers have already decided to do business before picking up the phone. The group discusses how poor phone handling can “put water on the candles." AI and the Return of Content: Dan explains why content matters more than ever in the age of AI. Search models now “race to your website” to gather information. Shops must create clear, helpful content, not just for people, but for the algorithms that determine future visibility. The Power of Partnership: Megan shares a cautionary story about accidentally shutting down the shop's Google Business Profile and the importance of having a trusted expert to resolve “black box” marketing issues. The group agrees: owners should focus on culture and leadership while relying on skilled partners to navigate the digital landscape. When Customers Ask AI First: What Shop Owners Need to Know [RR 1071]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1071/  Megan Dineff, Ervine's Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV, Grand Rapids, MI Dan Vance, Shop Dog Marketing.com 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

Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie RetailSales growth is often treated as the goal in retail.But without profit, growth just creates more pressure.In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at why profit isn't optional for independent retailers, and how better stock decisions change far more than just the numbers.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn't about chasing turnover.And it's not about discounting everything to keep cash moving.It's about making deliberate, data led decisions that protect margin, reduce stock pressure, and give you room to breathe.I'm joined by Paola Majuli, Stock Doctor and former senior merchandiser at global retail brands, to unpack what actually happens when retailers stop reacting and start managing stock with intention.Together, we talk through real client results, what the numbers are showing after six months and a year, and why confidence often returns once the chaos settles.In this episode, we cover:Why profit, not cash flow alone, keeps retail businesses sustainableWhat blanket discounting really costs you over timeHow retailers increased sales while holding less stockWhy margin awareness changes decision makingWhat better stock management does for confidence and clarityHow strategic discounting differs from panic discountingWe also talk about Black Friday, overstock, pricing confidence, and why being selective about what you discount can actually drive stronger results than putting everything on sale.If you're running an independent shop and feel stuck in a cycle of buying, discounting, and hoping for the best, this episode will help you think more clearly about how profit, stock, and confidence fit together.Chapters00:00 Why profit isn't optional01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise12:36 How better data changes behaviour17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businessesLinksStock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.netResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast's useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Stock DoctorFind out more at stockdoctor.net

There are four core aspects of business development in auto repair: in-person, email, phone, and social selling. In-person relationships will always matter most, but they only scale so far. Harris Fanaroff, founder and CEO of Linked Revenue, explains that shops lean on email because it is easy, avoid cold calls because they are uncomfortable, and dismiss LinkedIn because it feels difficult to master. That blind spot is costing shops real opportunities to build trust and grow.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Harris Fanaroff to break down what he calls the fourth route to market. Harris explains why LinkedIn works differently from other platforms, why executives and ideal customers already live there, and why most shops completely ignore it. He shares a practical blueprint for using LinkedIn to stay top of mind, attract higher-quality customers, recruit better talent, and build genuine relationships without sending generic messages or relying on automation.The conversation delves into founder-led content, why authenticity matters more than volume, and how consistent thought leadership distinguishes shops that blend in from those that stand out. Harris also explains how to track real ROI from LinkedIn activity, why AI should support your voice instead of replacing it, and how a shop owner can dominate a local market simply by showing up where competitors refuse to spend time.Tune in to episode 136 of Maximum Octane if you are tired of crowded marketing channels and want a smarter way to reach the right customers. Let us help you change how you think about LinkedIn and your role as a shop owner.Episode Takeaways04:50 The four routes to business development and why LinkedIn is the most underused06:30 Why most sales teams over-rely on email and avoid harder but better channels07:20 How consistent LinkedIn content creates long-term separation from competitors08:15 Why your ideal auto repair customers already spend time on LinkedIn10:00 How LinkedIn supports both customer acquisition and technician recruiting11:05 A simple local LinkedIn strategy shop owners can implement immediately12:10 Why connecting with local executives beats mass marketing every time14:30 How LinkedIn replaces old school networking groups at scale17:05 Why founder-led content outperforms generic shop marketing19:10 How Harris creates content without ghostwriting or losing authenticity20:30 The three parts of a LinkedIn system that actually produce ROI22:30 Why tracking real people matters more than vanity metrics25:00 The right way to use AI without sounding fake27:15 Why most shops quit too early and never see results32:15 Why holiday posts do nothing and executive visibility changes everythingConnect with Harris Fanaroff:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With new regulations, the EU has become the start of a new kind of Meta without ads. The question is, when will this become the norm?

Launching a CNC shop young comes with no shortage of advice — but not all of it comes from experience earned the hard way. In this episode, we bring in Larry Robbins to speak directly to the next generation of shop owners. Larry has spent decades building companies, leading teams, and navigating growth, failure, and reinvention inside manufacturing. Instead of talking tools or tactics, this conversation focuses on the fundamentals that actually last. Larry shares lessons on planning before you leap, learning from mistakes without repeating them, and why humility, honesty, and relationships matter more than any single machine or strategy.  Along the way, we explore how younger founders can use modern tools like AI without losing the human side of business, why budgeting and organization are non-negotiable, and how building value means thinking beyond short-term wins. This episode serves as a reset for anyone starting early — or starting over — in manufacturing. If you're thinking about ownership, leadership, or legacy, this one is worth slowing down for. Segments (1:44) Why we're launching the Generation CNC highlighting founders under 30 (3:02) Larry's first piece of advice: Leverage older generations as resources (4:45) Why writing a real business plan matters, even if you're not borrowing money (6:03) Learning by doing, making mistakes early, and why experience compounds over time (9:00) Imposter syndrome, asking questions, and why no one should aim to be the smartest person in the room (10:23) Truth, integrity, and why lies always cost more in the long run (11:14) Mark your calendars and meet us at IMTS 2026! (12:06) How modern tools like AI can help young founders build better business plans (14:21) The power of networks and how relationships open doors (18:25) Holding yourself accountable as a business owner (20:49) Staying organized, building systems, and why chaos is optional (28:24) What's Your Method? Transitioning manual machinists to CNC (35:47) How Factur can help you build consistent sales pipelines through targeted outreach (36:49) Humility, passion, and why you shouldn't build a business around something you don't care about (39:21) Generational businesses, entrepreneurship inside family companies, and carrying the torch forward (44:15) Giving back, mentoring younger leaders, and why relationships outlast transactions (50:30) Why AI can't replace networks and never will (55:48) What's happening with workholding that you need to pay attention to (1:06:09) Why an investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business (1:07:45) Final reflections on leadership, legacy, and building something worth passing on Resources mentioned on this episode Mark your calendars and meet us at IMTS 2026! Check out Methods Machine Tools and connect with Jleflore@methodsmachine.com Get a free report of opportunities in your industry from Facturmfg.com/chips  Why an investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business BOOK: Die with Zero Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileAre you unknowingly doing things that make the IRS take a closer look at your shop?What if one “small” filing mistake dramatically increases your audit risk this tax season?In this episode, Hunt Demarest walks through the most common tax mistakes that raise red flags with the IRS — and why many well-intentioned shop owners accidentally put themselves in the audit spotlight every year.Drawing on real audit cases from auto repair shops, Hunt explains how filing late, amending returns, underreporting income, and mismatched 1099 reporting can quickly escalate into full-blown audits, even when nothing dishonest was intended.This episode also breaks down why Schedule C amendments are especially dangerous, how credit card deposits and sales tax reporting can trigger IRS scrutiny, and what shop owners should do before filing to minimize risk, close the books cleanly, and move into the new year with confidence.What you'll learn…(03:00) Understanding IRS audits and common mistakes(05:45) Hunt's personal experience with being audited(06:40) How to prevent ever getting audited(09:00) What actually increases audit risk — and what doesn't(11:50) Income reporting and its applications(15:05) The impact of K1's and other income sources(17:55) High-risk income types and their audit potential(21:15) Losses and their effect on audit risk(24:00) Filing strategies to minimize audit risk(27:00) Final thoughts on tax preparation and auditsThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

No I'm not high, but the LA City Council is... They need you to vote on a ballot measure that would allow them to send a tax bill to illegally operating pot stores in LA because they can't shut them downSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you love concrete but feel stuck turning skill into a sustainable business, this episode is your roadmap. In the first Concrete Podcast of 2026, we break down the real business of concrete countertops, GFRC, DIY concrete, and concrete sinks, from pricing and tools to marketing, risk, and long-term growth. This is not theory or hype, it's lived experience, the mistakes, near misses, and hard lessons that separate struggling shops from profitable ones. Whether you're a DIY maker thinking about going pro or an experienced concrete artisan looking to tighten margins and reclaim your time, this episode helps you build a concrete business that supports your life instead of consuming it. #ConcretePodcast #ConcreteCountertops #GFRC #DIYConcrete #ConcreteSinks #ConcreteBusiness #MakerBusiness

We hosted the world's biggest Etsy Summit in Orlando and THIS happened...In today's video, we explore the impacts of Etsy community and education within our first ever Ultimate Etsy Summit! Be sure to sign up to get on our waiting list for the next Summit coming soon!

The boys are back, but with a global twist as "Euro Chad" finally settles into his new life overseas, proving that moving a household might actually be more harrowing than a literal firefight. On this episode, they mix up a spicy cocktail of underdog victories and light geopolitical roasting, questioning if "nostalgia" is a strategy or just a slow death. Between celebrating Delta Air Lines and their massive commitment to people-first models and analyzing a "rupture" in the global order, the hosts explore why being at the table is the only way to avoid being on the menu. The global tech giants are sneezing and it makes us wonder if HR tech players will catch a cold as a result. From OpenAI's potential pivot toward ads and "Head of Preparedness" roles to the quiet death of Meta's Horizon Workrooms, no one is safe from the roast. They dive deep into whether Phenom's acquisition of Included AI is a stroke of "agentic" genius or a "spaghetti at the wall" tuck-in, while casting a skeptical eye on Jeff Taylor's latest venture, BoomBand. Whether it's the future of ChatGPT's job search ambitions or industry legends attempting to recapture lightning in a bottle, this episode is a masterclass in why you can't look away from the train wreck of innovation. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates 02:57 - College Football and Indiana's Success 06:00 - OpenAI's New Developments and Challenges 18:56 - Geopolitical Commentary and Industry Predictions 26:41 - Acquisition Insights: Phenom and Included 34:01 - Delta Airlines: Profit Sharing and Economic Concerns 40:26 - The Metaverse: Meta's Retreat from Virtual Reality 50:00 - Boom Band: Jeff Taylor's New Venture

Jan Slam continues with tickets for the FA Cup final up for grabs! We also find out All The Latest Things, kick off another week on Yesterday's Quiz and play a silly, silly game called Top of the Shops.

This week I'm chatting with some of my star students to save you a ton of time and prevent (fingers crossed) the headaches and hassles we faced as new Etsy sellers. We're spilling the tea about the time-saving tips, overcoming perfectionism, surprises-- good and bad, and biggest lessons learned along the way. This is a meaty one, friends! I can't wait to share it with you! **"How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy" is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com    STUFF I MENTIONED:  ⭐"How to Blow Up Your Etsy Shop" free training: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-blow-up-shop  ⭐Scaling Society: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/scaling-society   Becca's episodes:  https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/189 https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/211  Preston's episodes:  https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/156  https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/164 https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/183 https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/198    Connect:  Where to find Preston: Website - http://277creative.com/ Instagram - @277creative   Where to find Becca: Email: becca.bourque@gmail.com   HOW I HELP ETSY SELLERS GROW: ⭐Scaling Society: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/scaling-society ⭐"How to Blow Up Your Etsy Shop" free training: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-blow-up-shop  ⭐Trendspotting: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/trendspotting Use code KEEP20 to try your first month for $17  ----------------------

Seller Shopping Your Offer? Here's How to Still Get the Deal If you're doing off-market marketing, this will happen—sellers take your offer and shop it around to other investors. The question is: how do you respond without losing the deal? In this Real Estate Weekly Lesson, I share real-world strategies I've used across 500+ closed deals to: Figure out if a seller is bluffing or serious Ask the right questions before making an offer Handle competing investors (local vs. virtual) Secure the “last look” and maximize your chances to win  

A new meme has dropped and it's so good that Greg's starting the show with it! A new week means a new team are taking on Yesterday's Quiz, a Golden Globes related All the Latest Things, Greg is trying to make The Traitors viewing parties happen and Calum is in for Top of the Shops! Also, Jan Slam continues with two listeners going head to head for tickets to Reading & Leeds Festival. Busy old Monday eh!

A warm, story‑rich ride through the everyday Americana that makes the Michael Berry Show what it is—restoring heirloom cowboy hats, hunting down old‑school clock repairmen, reminiscing about Aspen’s iconic Kemo Sabe, and celebrating the lovable, quirky folks who call in and color the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.