BusinessManagementLeisureAutomotive

Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood

This podcast is dedicated to changing the automotive industry for the better, one conversation at a time.

Whether you're a technician, vendor, business owner, or car enthusiast, we hope to inspire you to improve for your customers, your careers, your businesses, and your families.

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22 episodes
weekly
Avg 59 min
English

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#287
Yesterday · 53 min
Episode 287 - Overcoming Rust Belt Challenges With Colin Thielman
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Colin Thielman, owner of Thielman's Auto Repair in Pemberton, New Jersey. Colin shares his journey from running a busy home-based garage to opening a dedicated shop, emphasizing the steep learning curve and the importance of building out documentation and management systems. The conversation also covers adapting to new automotive technologies and the need for continuous training, as well as the crucial role of detailed financial tracking in scaling a business. 00:00 Facing tough feedback and growth 03:43 Managing workflow and staying busy 09:25 Checking vehicle calibration needs 12:39 Discussing insurance coverage options 13:55 Insurance issues with car lifts 19:14 Adjusting labor rates 21:11 Analyzing car sales and costs 24:42 Prius ABS module recall 27:04 Discussing client concerns and liabilities 29:23 Diagnosing car start issues 35:31 Planning for retirement 36:49 Discussing a faulty Chevy Avalanche 39:47 Documenting vehicle condition with photos 42:39 Hershey management training advice 45:24 Training a New Employee 51:10 Getting into diesel truck repair 51:43 Balancing finances for survival
#286
Wednesday · 1 hr 4 min
Bonus Episode - Navigating Trade Shows and AI Hype with Cavan Robinson & Tony Mercury
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cavan Robinson and Tony Mercury of Vehlo from STX 2026. Cavan and Tony explore the evolving trade show landscape, discussing how rising costs and market saturation have changed their approach to event participation. They also dive into the growing influence of AI in the industry, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it brings to shop management and marketing. 00:00 Evaluating trade show expenses 10:25 Finding the right trade show staff 14:31 Attending the Northeast Show and Milwaukee Event 17:37 Improving event attendance strategies 25:47 Issues with recurring trade shows 30:12 Questioning Technical Training Value 35:21 Lunch with Margaret discussing retirement 38:42 Advice for growing your business 46:56 AI's impact on SEO strategies 53:41 Managing AI Data and Partnerships 57:36 Using GuestX for call issues 01:00:29 Catfish leads to divorce
#286
September 14 · 59 min
Episode 286 - Building a Mobile Auto Shop With A Full-Time Job with Jim Montagner
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Jim Montagner, a traveling GM world-class tech and owner of Valley Motor Auto and Truck, shares his unconventional entry into the automotive industry, beginning as a Vo-Tech student and eventually moving from independent shops to dealerships. Jim details the challenges of transitioning to mobile diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of sound business practices, such as bookkeeping and proper pricing, to sustain and eventually grow his business. The conversation explores the necessity of ongoing education in both technical skills and business management, highlighting the critical balance between delivering quality repairs and ensuring business profitability. 00:00 Choosing a career path 06:27 Discussing the cost of living 06:56 Finding inspiration from others 10:44 Expanding from diesel to general repairs 15:28 Customer perceptions of mobile repair costs 18:39 Talking to shop owners 20:10 Pricing strategy challenges 25:04 Unqualified mechanics hurting reputation 28:38 Managing inconsistent work hours 31:56 Navigating business start-up challenges 33:27 Check Engine Chuck's viral success 36:58 Finding first big job by chance 41:49 Pricing for profitability in auto shops 45:30 Learning ECM and EEPROM Programming 48:39 Vacation scheduling challenges 49:26 Making weekend plans 55:33 Understanding Business Profit Margins 57:27 Reading business books for success 59:39 Planning future recording session
#285
September 7 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 285 - Bad Reviews Can Lead To Better Practices With Brett Hunziker
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on real-world challenges faced by shop owners and technicians, including the complexities of managing customer expectations and navigating negative reviews. One concept discussed was the need for transparent diagnostic processes and detailed communication, especially when customers question pricing or feel they already know the issue with their vehicles. A key theme that emerged was the importance of accurate shop management—covering everything from parts inventory to internal controls in software like Shop-Ware—to ensure profitability and reduce clerical errors. 00:00 Out-of-province vehicle inspections 06:53 Florida driver's license language law 15:54 Construction mistake with leaning structure 16:42 Visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum 23:08 Challenges of Replacing Headlights 27:58 Car repair frustration and miscommunication 32:35 Discussing diagnostic trouble codes 37:32 Introducing Whisperflow for Note-Taking 47:24 Customer dissatisfaction with tire pricing 50:29 Dealer pricing and customer experiences 56:11 Adjusting labor rates and pay structure 01:01:02 Evaluating Business Efficiency and Labor 01:09:15 Old machinist's inventory strategy 01:09:52 Buying and selling steel
#284
August 31 · 50 min
Episode 284 - Managing Stress and Leading a Young Team in the Automotive Industry With Trey Holley
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Trey Holley, a shop owner from Thomaston, Georgia. Trey shares his journey from being a lifelong mechanic to learning the ropes of business ownership, highlighting the unique challenges faced in small Southern towns. The conversation touches on the importance of supporting fellow shop owners rather than viewing them purely as competitors, and Trey offers insight into the work-life balance struggles that led him to prioritize both his health and the building of a strong, supportive team. 00:00 Atlanta airport's massive scale 03:41 Long walks at airports 06:27 Thunder Valley racetrack experience 10:30 Southern business challenges with generosity 13:29 Overwhelmed by business demands 19:09 New guy in town setting up 20:59 University town business challenges 22:34 Building Industry Relationships 26:46 Discussing business challenges with spouse 31:14 Discussing labor cost strategy 35:32 Quality control and final checks 38:55 Balancing work and family time 40:33 Dealing with family anxiety 44:57 Balancing multiple responsibilities 47:21 Discovering the Enneagram for Communication 49:12 On choosing the right people
#283
August 24 · 56 min
Episode 283 - Revamping Trade Shows While Building Industry Community with Tonnika Haynes
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tonnika Haynes. Tonnika shares her experiences navigating trade shows like Vision and ASTA, highlighting the challenges of scaling events while maintaining their community feel. The conversation touches on the struggle to balance profitable training with meaningful content for shop owners. They also discuss the importance of grassroots networking and accountability within industry associations, emphasizing the need to evolve while remembering what made previous events special. 00:00 Trade show insights and takeaways 04:45 Struggling to secure instructors 09:25 Improving trade show quality 11:08 Evaluating training investment costs 15:18 Investing in employee training 18:21 Challenges in Automotive Training 22:41 Getting great deals at the show 23:30 Boosting vendor sales at trade shows 27:40 Considering a move to a convention center 30:58 Regional networking events in Asheville 35:07 Adjusting content for wider appeal 37:22 Demand for hands-on Tesla class 41:53 Early board experiences discussed 42:36 Addressing organizational dysfunction 46:57 Launching the new podcast 52:03 Discussing video production deadlines 53:03 Braxton starting a media company 56:04 Introducing the next topic
#282
August 19 · 1 hr 3 min
Bonus Episode - Emily Oliver On Keeping It in the Family While Facing Challenges and Growth at a Small Auto Shop
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Emily Oliver joins the podcast to share her journey of taking over a small family auto repair shop in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Emily talks about the challenges of modernizing operations, from adopting new software like Shop-Ware to implementing more thorough documentation and communication processes with customers. The conversation also highlights the complexities of hourly billing in auto repair, the challenges of managing family roles in business, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation as the shop grows. 00:00 Family auto shop's history 08:56 Simple billing system explained 10:55 Tracking time in auto repair bays 19:04 Standardizing Inspection Processes 23:10 Issues with technician pricing 30:07 Convincing family about car maintenance 36:33 Communicating with customers 39:47 Dealing with other mechanics' issues 46:27 Early challenges and learning curve 54:21 Managing finances and staying focused 56:10 Discussing parts pricing strategy 01:01:21 Gaining insights from peer feedback
#282
August 17 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 282 - AI, Recruiting, Shop Culture, and the Drive for Better Hires with Promotive
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Sam Freeman, Alexandra Pare, and Daniel Ekstrand from Promotive. The group demos “Paige,” Promotive’s AI-powered virtual recruiter, showcasing how AI is transforming the hiring and prescreening process in the automotive industry. The conversation dives into current industry trends, including why technicians are leaving dealerships for independent shops and the top reasons candidates are looking for new positions. They also get candid about the frustrations of online reviews, sharing stories and strategies shop owners use to respond to feedback—both good and bad. 00:00 Overview of Promotive's Services 11:55 Managing morning priority calls 15:43 Handling Language and Mumbling Issues 18:44 Automated messaging for applicants 27:21 Icy disaster during bachelor party 32:58 Early adoption of Facebook and DVI 37:41 Missed email confusion 42:59 Hotel room negotiation challenge 44:38 A quick conference trip 52:30 Challenges of running a car shop 59:36 Trying the Worst BBQ in KC 01:03:25 Handling negative feedback 01:07:19 Feedback on Uber improvements
#281
August 10 · 57 min
Episode 281 - Tackling Mental Health and Generational Challenges in Automotive Shops
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the realities of technician mental health in the automotive industry. Several points were raised, including the lack of resources and support for young technicians, the stigma among men around discussing feelings and seeking help, and the crucial role that perspective and mentorship play in navigating workplace stress. 00:00 Wearing outfits for a photo 06:15 Hiring someone with unusual past jobs 08:04 Sourcing clean, pure meth 12:49 Understanding indica and sativa effects 14:40 Dealing with smoke smell in cars 19:36 Dealing with unresolved personal issues 20:24 Helping employee with health issues 26:30 Defining happiness with Rick White 28:45 Learning about cars before the internet 33:08 Understanding Mental Health Challenges 34:07 Tech industry mentorship challenges 39:51 Judging parents and kids' behavior 41:10 Childhood playground altercation 46:38 Being transparent about business struggles 47:59 George's life-changing discovery 52:51 Understanding the need for help 53:57 Managing negative thoughts 57:11 Discussing consequences of inaction
#280
August 3 · 56 min
Episode 280 - Forgiveness, Mentorship, and Saving Lives in Shops With Tyler Steever
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Tyler Steever, a technician from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tyler Steever shares his path into the industry, highlighting how mentorship and hands-on learning shaped his career. The conversation delves into the importance of good shop culture and personal development, with Tyler Steever emphasizing the impact of teaching others and building supportive relationships. The episode also addresses mental health in the industry, as Tyler Steever openly discusses his personal struggles and the need to break the stigma around seeking help. 00:00 Getting into vehicle repair 05:03 Team cattle sorting challenge 06:51 Learning from a mentor 10:02 Rodeo scene and local issues 12:59 Changing jobs in the auto industry 16:34 Teaching horse training clinics 21:28 Reflecting on family and self-worth 23:33 Marriage as a lifelong commitment 26:01 Communication in Marriage 30:32 Warren Buffett's best advice 32:21 Struggling with mental health at school 36:21 Growing up with a religious dad 40:39 Technician's unexpected promotion story 41:51 Quitting a job rashly 46:39 Sharing personal goals and vision 49:38 Dog comforts during a breakdown 52:10 Discussing family and Ziploc bags 56:10 Spreading awareness and support
#279
July 27 · 56 min
Episode 279 - The Real Coach Alex On Fixing Industry Communication and Shop Management
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation centers around Alex DeSantis's journey from working in auto repair shops to becoming a coach for auto shop owners. The discussion explored the importance of clear communication and establishing standard operating procedures in the industry, highlighting how many shops still struggle with basics like proper onboarding and workflow organization. Several points were raised, including the value of sharing business data transparently with employees, practical benefits shop owners can offer beyond health insurance, and the crucial role of teaching both technical and communication skills to the next generation of technicians. 00:00 Empowered Advisor journey 06:17 Starting part-time coaching with Rena 08:31 Getting business coaching advice 13:29 Neglecting business investments and maintenance 15:56 Discussing employee benefits options 18:31 Complaints about AI-generated content 23:05 Frustrations with shop inefficiency 26:59 Improving communication with clients 29:30 Changing Views on Trade Education 31:18 Future-proofing with human expertise 34:42 Dealer advisor training issues 38:44 Encounter with silent shopkeepers 42:45 Office space changes 47:17 Talking about the mysterious fire 49:55 Local tales and warnings 53:04 Getting pitched SEO on podcasts 55:02 Preparing for 2027 expansion
#278
July 20 · 58 min
Episode 278 - Can You Create A Disney World Experiences in Auto Repair With Bret Beitler
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, David & Lucas are joined by Brett Beitler to discuss the challenges and rewards of leadership in both family entertainment centers and the auto repair industry. Brett shares his experience in turning around struggling businesses, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, employee empowerment, and cultivating a culture of unreasonable hospitality. The conversation also explores the differences in leadership needs between industries, emphasizing the value of coaching, communication, and continuous personal growth for business success. 00:00 Setting up automatic audio switching 09:40 Inspiration to join preschool industry 10:28 Expanding business in Houston 16:37 Forming a Leadership Partnership 23:16 Improving airport bathroom satisfaction 27:04 Issues with Accountant and Bookkeeping 35:00 Dealing with customer feedback 40:18 Finding the Right Coaching Clients 43:05 Practicing effective leadership skills 53:33 Teaching Leadership to the Next Generation 58:29 Empowerment in the Workplace 01:01:37 Keeping up with rapid tech changes
#277
July 13 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 277 - Building Better Workflows and Navigating AI With Ash Kaplan of Golden Hour Garage
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ash Kaplan, owner of Golden Hour Garage. Ash shares her journey growing up in the automotive industry, how she built her niche helping struggling shops streamline workflow, and why process consistency is essential for shop success. The conversation also explores the impact of AI and automation in automotive repair, emphasizing the ongoing need for human expertise and genuine customer relationships. 00:00 Visual calendar time zone issue 10:32 Building workflows for struggling shops 12:27 Finding a solution for consistency 17:50 Explaining the company name 25:15 Documenting a car recall dispute 30:36 Employee motivation and compensation issues 32:59 Overcoming belief in others 39:15 Lessons on gullibility from father 47:26 Weekly and Quarterly Accountability Meetings 52:34 Building internal talent for growth 56:56 Discussing AI sustainability issues 59:31 AI's Impact on Job Markets 01:07:20 AI in automotive service shops
#276
July 6 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 276 - Navigating Apprenticeships With Angela Mitchell & Shop-Ware Scholarship Winner Kaitlyn Schave
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the experiences of an apprentice technician who won the Shop-Ware scholarship. One concept discussed was the importance of standardized processes in the shop to ensure consistent work quality and reduce customer complaints. A key theme that emerged was the value of mentorship and hands-on learning, with support from experienced technicians helping apprentices gain skills and confidence. The discussion explored how exploring diverse training resources, including online courses and technical classes, can accelerate professional growth for new technicians. 00:00 Brake pad inconsistencies and complaints 05:44 Cleaning caliper brackets 16:24 Bringing Kaitlyn on board 17:54 Training and skill progression 27:40 Learning electrical diagnostics skills 31:43 Talking about tough car repairs 33:59 Discussing employee pay incentives 42:57 Choosing the right conference sessions 48:07 Learning diagnostics through videos 52:21 Testing car battery voltage 58:50 Dealing with difficult customers
#275
June 29 · 1 hr 16 min
Episode 275 - Trying To Elevate Automotive Training with Trevor Schlientz of Autonerdz
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the evolution of diagnostics in the automotive industry and the transition from technician to business owner. One concept discussed was the value and limitations of certifications such as ASE, with a candid look at how credentialing and industry standards affect technician growth. A key theme that emerged was the importance of community-based training and support, emphasizing how shop owners and technicians can elevate industry standards by hosting and attending collaborative training events. 00:00 Identifying and fixing a valve issue 08:12 Early influence of my dad 14:32 Debating test competency methods 17:00 Discussing ADOS legislation requirements 24:41 Criticizing school accreditation practices 29:29 Continuous education in auto care 36:00 Community troubleshooting and collaboration 38:59 Getting support for Pico tools 46:38 Getting help from friends 52:22 Building community through hosting 53:43 Collaborating with suppliers for training 01:01:59 Advantages of live streaming 01:08:14 Marketing strategy for 2026 01:14:30 Improving industry skills through content 01:15:01 Getting started with the scope
#274
June 22 · 1 hr 6 min
Episode 274 - Can The Automotive Service Industry Be Saved? With Cecil Bullard and Wayne Marshall
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Cecil Bullard and Wayne Marshall discuss the challenges facing the automotive industry today. They examine the complexities and controversies surrounding technician licensing and certification, highlighting the need for industry-wide standards. The conversation also addresses the importance of financial literacy and measurable productivity in running a successful shop. 00:00 Debating dealership licensing issues 10:17 Balancing employee pay and motivation 13:05 Building Employee Loyalty 18:33 Improving employee wages and management 23:01 Business fundamentals and financial ratios 29:03 Planning an Exit Strategy 35:00 Chris Enright on industry frustration 41:01 Need for sophisticated testing 46:14 Importance of unique selling proposition 51:13 Importance of inclusivity and differentiation 54:12 Challenges with membership relevance 01:03:44 Young talent and enthusiasm 01:04:15 Recruiting a young car enthusiast
#273
June 15 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 273 - Learning from Mistakes and Building Stronger Businesses With Tara Topel
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tara Topel to dig into the challenges facing shop owners and the broader automotive industry. They examine the importance of building businesses that can run independently of their owners, emphasizing the need for processes, standards, and effective delegation. The conversation also highlights a lack of engagement with valuable industry resources, such as the Auto Care Association, underscoring the need for greater awareness and participation among shop owners. Finally, they discuss the shifting landscape of automotive technology—from EVs to ADAS calibrations—and the risks and responsibilities that come with staying current. 00:00 Handling online criticism 07:36 Balancing business and family time 11:22 Trading our souls for convenience 18:10 Preparing for business contingencies 26:12 Joining a National Auto Association 30:40 Helping People Who Want Change 32:37 Importance of labor in auto shops 40:45 ADAS calibration cost concerns 46:05 ADAS system calibration advice 48:59 Pilot and maintenance disagreement 56:20 Traffic control and roundabouts 59:47 Distracted driving habits
#272
June 8 · 43 min
Episode 272 - Mentoring the Next Generation of Techs with Luke Murray and Charles Burke of Worldpac
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Charles Burke and Luke Murray from the Worldpac Training Institute. The conversation focuses on the importance of mentorship and structured apprenticeship programs in the automotive industry, the challenges of reaching and engaging more shop owners with effective training and business resources, and the personal impact of mentorship—both in the industry and in personal life. 00:00 Transitioning from technical to business training 05:42 Grounded from flying career 09:44 Choosing movies before streaming 12:41 Becoming a BMW instructor 14:04 Focus on mentor training 18:43 Mentorship and training apprentices 19:46 Creating a custom apprenticeship program 23:10 The importance of effective mentorship 28:29 Building ASTA through community sharing 31:50 Explaining profit margins simplistically 33:25 Helping others with industry insights 38:01 Funny story about Chris Chesney 39:21 Spreading the word about free training 42:11 Passion-driven learning benefits
#271
June 1 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 271 - Training New Technicians and Building a Lasting Automotive Business With Charles Mitchell
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, listeners hear the story of a small-shop owner’s journey to purchase and grow TenPin Motors in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The conversation focused on the challenges of transitioning from technician to owner, including finding and training quality staff. A key theme that emerged was the importance of building lasting customer relationships and delivering a superior client experience to stand out in a competitive market. The discussion also explored the realities and concerns of scaling to multiple locations, highlighting industry trends toward consolidation and the difficulty of maintaining quality and culture as shops grow. 00:00 Buying the dealership 08:21 Discussing small town expansion plans 14:49 Transitioning from technician to business management 16:35 Realizing the need to plan 22:32 Creating a welcoming atmosphere 27:13 Adjusting Services After Technician Left 35:03 Focusing on customer care in auto shops 40:14 Upgrading marketing and customer service 45:41 Increasing Profit While Managing Costs 49:17 Planning Future Business Growth 53:24 Concerns about expanding quality 01:00:47 Fostering positive industry growth
#270
May 25 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 270 - Overcoming Shop Owner Struggles: Hiring, Training, and Shop Management With Shaun Tipton
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/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-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/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! 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 owners 09:04 Understanding fair pricing for clients 13:46 Recognizing the need for help 15:51 Red flags in job histories 24:19 Fair employee compensation discussion 30:04 Balancing personal values and money 32:43 Flaws in metro coaching models 40:49 Switching to a single software system 43:49 Benefits of using Shop-Ware 48:09 Focusing on personal interests 53:42 Importance of leadership in ownership 59:46 Long-term life planning advice

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