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Auto Service World Conversations

Auto Service World

News, views, features and commentary about the automotive repair and service industry in Canada.

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20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 16 min
English

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#150
July 27 · 34 min
Shake ‘n Bake: Lessons in Trade Show Engagement with David Babcock
Will Ferrell impersonator David Babcock may show up as Ron Burgundy, Ricky Bobby, or Buddy the Elf, but his real work is on the trade show floor. In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations, he walks through how entertainment and curiosity can turn a quiet booth into a steady stream of qualified leads. Babcock not only explains his strategy for targeting the right attendees and help exhibitors cut through “the gauntlet of chaos” on the show floor, but how any exhibitor can avoid wasted spend and risk-averse marketing — and why most booths fail to make attendees feel like a big deal. Support the show
#147
July 13 · 10 min
Being Creative, Creating Solutions and Collaboration, with Derek Suen
Aftermarket expert Derek Suen joins this episode to talk about the evolution of innovation in the automotive aftermarket. He highlights the shift from fixing failures to predicting them, with technician feedback at the heart of new solutions. Derek explains the growing complexity facing shops and distributors, the importance of data-driven collaboration and the need for better communication across the industry. He also explores how European advancements in EV adoption and sustainability offer valuable lessons for North America. Tune in to hear how leadership in this sector now demands curiosity, empathy and a commitment to breaking down silos for more connected, future-ready service. Support the show
#149
June 22 · 19 min
What Young Aftermarket Leaders Need Most From Executives, with Elisse Richardson
Young aftermarket leaders want clearer paths, more trust and better communication from today’s executives. Elisse Richardson, district sales manager at Driv and chair of Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX), a leadership council made up of young industry leaders, about research findings. She explores why only so few high-potential leaders feel unclear on advancement, why many hesitate to raise concerns and how shifting priorities without context erodes alignment. Richardson explains how reverse mentoring, over-communication and letting young leaders own decisions – and even fail – can improve retention and performance. Support the show
#148
June 1 · 33 min
Pressing Issues in the Eyes of Automakers
We have our full conversations with representatives from Volvo, Ford and Stellantis to share in this episode. We asked Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada about the impact of rebates, Chinese EVs and more, Said Deep talks about consumer choice and Ford’s plan to offer traditional aftermarket services to current vehicle owners, Kevy Stephen from Ford talks about the growth and plans for its Ford Pro mobile service and Brad Horn runs through all the new offerings from Stellantis and why they made sure to give customers a wide number of options to suit their needs. Support the show
#146
May 4 · 17 min
Navigating Shifting Consumer Demand, with Lordco Auto Parts
At its annual trade show in Vancouver, Samantha and Ian Coates discuss how Lordco Auto Parts is navigating a shifting aftermarket shaped by economic pressure, changing consumer behaviour and rapid technology adoption. They reflect on a year that saw trade strength early and a retail rebound driven by the launch of Lordco’s e‑commerce platform. The conversation explores how customers are prioritizing vehicle repairs while keeping cars longer, Lordco’s focus on premium branded parts and the growing role of data and technology in improving service. The pair also touch on inventory discipline, regional market differences, store expansion plans and the challenge of workforce succession. Support the show
#145
April 20 · 20 min
Emily Chung’s First 100 Days With AIA Canada
Auto Service World Conversations sits down with Emily Chung, the new president and CEO of AIA Canada, to reflect on her first 100 days in the role. Emily shares how her background as a technician, service advisor and shop owner shapes her leadership style, her focus on staff and stakeholder relationships, and how she’s leveraging lived experience to speak on key issues like right to repair, advanced vehicle technology and the technician shortage. She also tackles the disconnect between distributors and shops and explains how AIA Canada can help bridge critical communication gaps across the aftermarket. Support the show
#144
April 13 · 3 min
Enhanced Media: Jason Herle, AIA Canada Incoming Chair
Welcome to the enhanced media segment for the March issue of Jobber News. We’re featuring AIA Canada incoming chair Jason Herle with more of our discussion that couldn’t fit in the pages of the feature. Jason talks about how he learned from his predecessor Brent Hesje, who also once served as AIA Canada chair, his key messages for the industry plus, what advice he would give to professionals in the automotive aftermarket. Support the show
#140
April 6 · 13 min
Empowering Change in the Automotive Aftermarket, with Kim Cottle
Kim Cottle, president and CEO of Associated Equipment, a manufacturer of battery chargers, shares her journey from joining her family’s business to becoming its leader, highlighting her passion for U.S.-based manufacturing and product innovation. She advocates for women’s involvement in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking and leadership roles. Kim looks at how to adapt to industry challenges, prioritizing exceptional customer service and fostering trust through integrity and strong professional relationships. She offers advice on resilience, collaboration and maintaining a human touch in an evolving, technology-driven industry. Support the show
#143
March 23 · 18 min
Ontario’s Tire Chaos, with OTDA’s Adam Moffat
Ontario is facing a mounting tire crisis after regulatory changes lowered recycling targets from 85% to 65%, leaving millions of tires stranded across the province. Adam Moffatt, executive director of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association, about how reduced obligations have triggered service cutbacks, stockpiles and growing fire, safety, insurance and environmental risks, especially in rural areas. Moffatt outlines the urgent need for government intervention, higher targets and regulatory fixes, and calls on dealers, municipalities and consumers to pressure to help alleviate the situation. Support the show
#142
March 9 · 9 min
AutoShow Insights: Rebates, Competition and Choice
We rounded up highlights following conversations with representatives from Volvo, Ford and Stellantis from the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. During Media Day, Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada explores about the importance of government incentives, how much they’ll actually help and what impact Chinese EVs can have on the market, Said Deep from Ford tells us how Ford is making an effort to bring what was traditionally aftermarket business over to the dealer side of things and Brad Horn from Stellantis dove into the importance of customer choice when bringing vehicles to market. Support the show
#138
February 23 · 16 min
An Emerging Leadership Perspective, with Meagan Moody
Meagan Moody, founder of The Moody Blueprint, shares her unique journey from a career in her family’s aftermarket business to launching her own strategic consulting firm. She discusses what exactly fractional leadership is, its evolution and benefits. She also dives into the challenges and opportunities of striking out on her own and the importance of building strong networks. Meagan also tackles key industry trends, the vital role of data-driven decisions and navigating hype versus real impact. Support the show
#137
February 9 · 17 min
Enhancing the Parts Buying Process, with Isaac Bunick
Isaac Bunick, founder of Motormia, explains how artificial intelligence is transforming the parts-buying experience among car enthusiasts. Originating from moments in the garage with his daughter, Isaac shares how Motormia harnesses AI and real-world evidence to help users discover, modify and source vehicle parts. The discussion covers challenges in data accuracy and the goal of creating unbiased and fun experiences for enthusiasts. Isaac also shares his journey from mechanic to tech entrepreneur and explores how AI can help shape the evolving world of the automotive aftermarket. Support the show
#136
January 19 · 18 min
Fresh Eyes on the Canadian Aftermarket, with Rob Blitzstein
Rob Blitzstein joins us to talk about his new venture, True North Consulting. He comes from a storied family aftermarket business and was a leader at Parts Authority but is now launching his own consulting venture aimed at the Canadian automotive aftermarket. Rob shares insights from his deep industry roots, discusses the challenges and opportunities unique to the Canadian market and emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and tailored strategies. Tune in as he outlines his vision to bridge gaps between manufacturers and distributors, leveraging his experience to foster growth and innovation in Canada. Support the show
#135
January 5 · 11 min
Canada’s Right to Repair: Navigating laws, politics and opposition, with Emily Holtby
Emily Holby, vice president of government relations at AIA Canada, joins us to talk about the evolving landscape of right to repair in Canada. Holby shares insights on the progress and ongoing challenges in federal and provincial legislation, highlighting Quebec’s leadership and the need for a national framework. The conversation dives into the need for adapting advocacy to a new federal government, engaging policymakers and collaborating with international partners. Holby addresses the hurdles posed by manufacturer resistance and emphasizes workforce development, training and combating auto theft. Learn why the aftermarket should join the grassroots movement and engage with policymakers to support right to repair. Support the show
#134
Dec 15, 2025 · 25 min
Mister Transmission’s Next Chapter, with Barbara Moran-Goodrich
Barbara Moran-Goodrich, president and CEO of Moran Family of Brands, joins this episode to talk about Moran’s acquisition of Mister Transmission. Barbara shares her personal journey into the automotive aftermarket and franchising world, the family philosophy of helping entrepreneurs build their own legacy and how she encourages a franchisee-first culture. She explains what the deal means for Canadian franchisees, from enhanced technical and business support to cross-border warranty and service alignment, and outlines her long-term vision for growth, collaboration and keeping customers road-ready as the industry evolves. Support the show
Dec 10, 2025 · 6 min
Enhanced Media: CARS Shop of the Year 2025, Platinum Automotive Repair
Tune into the Enhanced Media portion of the December 2025 issue of CARS magazine to hear more from Sal Medici, owner of Platinum Automotive Repair in Niagara Falls, winner of the 2025 Shop of the Year Award, Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. This more from our conversation that we couldn’t fit into the magazine. Listen now to hear more of their insights and check out the full feature in the magazine. Support the show
#132
Dec 1, 2025 · 15 min
Navigating Global Disruption, with Bill Hanvey
Bill Hanvey, president of the Auto Care Association, joins Auto Service World Conversations to explore the latest happenings in the aftermarket and nail down the challenges and opportunities. He discusses how the industry is adapting to political uncertainty, tariffs and evolving consumer behaviours, while highlighting the pivotal roles of artificial intelligence, global collaboration and technical training. Hanvey emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the emergence of a new generation of leaders. Support the show
#131
Nov 18, 2025 · 14 min
Resilience, Supply Chain, and Transition with J.F. Champagne
At AAPEX 2025, J.F. Champagne, president of AIA Canada, joins Auto Service World Conversations, as he reflects on a decade of industry transformation. The discussion explores the impact of global uncertainty, shifting supply chains, and changing supplier loyalties, while highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the aftermarket. With his tenure coming to a close, he discusses the transition to incoming president Emily Chung and shares insights on effective leadership and the importance of embracing change. Support the show
Nov 10, 2025 · 6 min
Enhanced Media: 2025 Jobber of the Year winner, Pat’s Auto Supply
Tune into the Enhanced Media portion of the November 2025 issue of Jobber News to hear more from Kenton Swizter, Kyle van Polen and Chris Funk from Pat’s Auto Supply, the 2025 winner of the Jobber of the Year Award. This is bonus content we couldn’t fit into the magazine, so listen now to hear more of their insights. Support the show
#129
Oct 13, 2025 · 21 min
ASW Conversations: Strategic growth and building the aftermarket, with Bestbuy’s Nick Brunet
It’s been a year of growth and innovation for Bestbuy Distributor and president Nick Brunet joins this episode to talk about the journey. He discusses overcoming industry challenges like tariffs, expanding its shareholder base across the country and the opening of a new DC in Montreal. Bruney also explains how the company is leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance operations, its commitment to supporting shareholders, fostering a collaborative culture and developing future talent. He also dives into the group’s new partnership with Federated, its focus on technology adoption, and the ongoing drive to build a resilient, forward-thinking organization in the evolving aftermarket industry. Support the show

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