Remarkable Results Radio Podcast

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Bill Haas of Auto Ignite Management and Matt Wagg of Accelerated Diagnostics and Automotive, who also coaches with Auto Ignite, dive deep into a topic often overlooked yet critically important for automotive repair shops: the power of robust systems and processes. Too many shops rely on inconsistent, informal methods of “this is how we did it yesterday.” The result? Fluctuating outcomes, missed opportunities, and daily frustration. Imagine four technicians completing a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) in four different ways, which can be confusing for staff, stressful for owners, and costly for customers. The solution is a unified process that everyone follows to deliver consistent results. “Without systems, the owner becomes the system.” Every decision rests on the owner’s shoulders, trapping them in the daily grind.  Leaders must shift from being “needed” to being “required”: their role is to create the

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What does the future of the automotive repair profession look like through the eyes of technicians themselves? Jay Goninan unpacks Wrenchway’s annual Voice of Technician survey with 4,700+ responses, revealing a concerning drop in satisfaction, but also a roadmap for improvement. Key Insights: Technician Sentiment: 50% wouldn’t recommend their shop, with negativity dominating social media. Career Development: Technicians want visible growth paths, certifications, and new specialized roles like ADAS or EV diagnostics. Compensation: Pay remains the top frustration. Shops need profitability strategies and flexible pay plans (61% prefer hourly/salary with bonus). Culture & Tools: Proper equipment, work-life balance, and intentional team-building are critical to retention. Professionalism: Shifting language from “mechanic” to “specialist/technologist” elevates the industry’s perception. Leadership & Communication:

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode The conversation draws on insights from the 2025 Paar Melis Benchmark Report, built from verified financials and survey data from hundreds of shops. The report reveals what top performing shops are doing differently and where common challenges remain. Key Takeaways: Paar Melis Report Insights: Get a real world look at what drives profitability, efficiency, and growth across the industry. Track the Right Metrics: Focus on gross profit, productivity, and expense management. Use Benchmark Reports: Compare your numbers to industry averages to spot strengths and weaknesses. Seek Expert Guidance: Professional input helps shop owners interpret data and optimize results. Adapt to Grow: Success comes from knowing your numbers and being willing to adjust processes. 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

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode David Boyd, Six Sigma Black Belt, emphasizes that defined processes and systems are essential for shop efficiency and growth. Every task follows a process, whether recognized or not, and “rapid toggling” (doing the same job differently each day) leads to chaos. Key Insights: Define Processes: Ask “Why do you do it that way?” to uncover gaps and create consistency. Use DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control, establish “normal” and fix what’s “abnormal.” Apply Lean Thinking: Reduce wasted motion and idle time (e.g., proper tool placement, faster approvals). Link KPIs to Action: Observe workflows directly (“management by walking around”), not just reports. Commit to Continuous Improvement: It’s a loop, not a one-time fix. For MSOs: Scaling requires standardized systems and local accountability. The payoff: higher efficiency, stronger customer experience, productive technicians, fewer mistakes, an

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Ghosting, when candidates or employers suddenly stop communicating, is one of the biggest frustrations in the automotive hiring process. It impacts everyone, from fresh tech school grads to 30-year veterans, and makes filling roles even harder. For Candidates Be Honest: Shops value transparency about skills and areas for growth. Make a Strong Impression: Be punctual, dress appropriately, and communicate delays. Stay in Touch: Keep recruiters and shops updated, communication builds trust. For Shop Owners Move Fast: Top technicians field multiple offers. A quick verbal offer after a strong first interview can secure them. Be Clear: Write detailed job ads that set expectations and filter unqualified applicants. Mind Your Reputation: Shop appearance, online reviews, and culture shape candidate perceptions. Show the Opportunity: Highlight training, career growth, wages, and benef

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat would happen if your shop—or any business—was hit with a wage and hour audit tomorrow?The answer might shock you. For many owners, even those with the best intentions, missteps in overtime, classification, or documentation could result in penalties large enough to shut doors permanently.In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest sits down with Jamie Hasty, Vice President of SESCO Management Consultants and a leading authority in employment regulation compliance. Jamie brings more than two decades of experience helping businesses navigate the complexities of wage and hour law, overtime requirements, employee handbooks, and Department of Labor audits.From California lunch breaks to discretionary bonuses, Jamie breaks down the most common pitfalls, why “intent” won’t save you in court, and the proactive steps every business owner should take before regulators—or lawyers—come knocking.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(01:38) Why overtime rules h

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledRyan Grace and David Gibson, former techs turned shop owners, join host Brian Walker to share how they built Pleasant Automotive in Wake Forest, NC. They started with a website before they even had a location. With no deep pockets or big investors, they focused on smart, strategic marketing moves that helped them grow fast without wasting money.Brian dives into their decision-making process, from ditching direct mail to doubling down on Google LSAs, and how strong phone skills turned casual calls into loyal customers. They talk openly about what worked, what flopped, and how they’ve created a brand that feels more like a high-end speakeasy than a typical auto shop.This episode is packed with takeaways for shop owners who want to scale without the fluff. It’s about being intentional, building relationships, and letting marketing fuel real growth.Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:00:01) Host introduces the podcast, guests, and thanks sponsors.Background a

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this thought-provoking solo episode, Matt Fanslow tackles the complex and personal question: "What is success?" Drawing a fascinating parallel to Einstein's theory of relativity, Matt argues that there is no universal definition of success, just as there is no universal clock. Success, like time, is personal and relative.He explores how a "successful" outcome for a rookie technician (simply completing a complex job correctly) is vastly different from the definition of success for a seasoned master tech (high efficiency and productivity). Matt urges listeners—whether shop owners, managers, or technicians—to define success on their own terms, celebrate personal victories, and create environments where individuals can chart their own improvement.Key Discussion Points:The Physics Metaphor: How Einstein's theory of relativity—specifically, that time is not universal but personal—provides a powerful framework for thinking ab

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In today’s fast paced industry, automation and digital tools like texts, emails, and online bookings make business easier but often leave interactions feeling “people free.” Convenience can come at the cost of real customer relationships, reducing decisions to price alone. Mike Carrillo, founder of Autoshop Follow-Up, reminds shops that while automation has its place, nothing replaces the power of a phone call. His company helps shops bring back that personal touch, building the know, like, and trust factor every business depends on. Why phone calls matter:• Build trust and loyalty by making customers feel valued.• Prevent lost business by uncovering issues before they turn into bad reviews.• Gain insights you can’t get from analytics alone.• Challenge digital norms: 40% of calls get answered, even by younger generations.• Ensure consistency with dedicated ambassadors who represent your shop’s culture. Texts are great for generati

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, ExpressWatch Full Video EpisodeIn Our Episode Today:Many of our loyal listeners have heard me mention my older, little, brother Shaun, or you have heard me jesting with host of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A-Z, Matt Fanslow…Today you get to see us sit in the room and have a genuine conversation!I notice in my day-to-day interactions with aftermarket professionals, that many of the businesses I interact with are lacking a real diagnostic specialist on their staff.A diagnostic specialist is one who can troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic issues using advanced tools, resources and experience.  The value of their knowledge to ensure repairs are done right the first time, earn the business revenue based on knowledge, and save your clients money by preventing unnecessary repairs, is undisputed.Why are there not more of these types of specialists in our industry?How might communication skills play a part?Are net

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn ​In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the emotional challenges that clients often encounter when beginning their coaching journey. He discusses how feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and even anxiety are common among shop owners as they take the first steps toward change and improvement. Chris emphasizes the critical importance of empathy from coaches, explaining that understanding and validating these emotions helps build trust and rapport. He also stresses the need for clear, open communication and consistent reassurance, noting that coaches should be approachable and supportive, guiding clients through the proc

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty This episode is all about transformation: how coaching, mindset shifts, and strategic decisions can take a shop from survival mode to real growth. Matt Wagg opens up about his journey from being coached by Bill Haas to becoming a coach himself, and the lessons learned along the way about leadership, profit, and purpose. Watch Full Video Episode Key Takeaways: Coaching Works: It paid for itself almost immediately and pushed Matt into changes that fueled growth. Listen for Real: True success starts with listening, not just to reply, but to understand. Differentiate Everything: Even oil changes can be a premium service when properly communicated. Profit Fuels Growth: Embrace profitability to invest in tools, reward your team, and scale. Owner’s Mindset: Step out of the bays and into leadership with a clear job description. Leadership = Responsibility: Owners carry the weight of their team’s livelihoods—account

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWelcome to another episode of Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demerast, CPA at Parmelis & Associates. This week, Hunt digs into a deceptively simple question every shop owner should be asking: when and how should you look at your financials?Too often, business owners flip through their QuickBooks file or shop management system without clarity on what they’re really trying to uncover. Hunt breaks down the process like a scientist testing a theory: identify the problem, brainstorm possible fixes, implement solutions, and then analyze results.From chasing profitability to tackling parts gross profit, Hunt explains how daily, weekly, and monthly reviews tell different stories about your business. Along the way, he shares why financials are trailing indicators, how leading metrics like productivity or parts pricing play a bigger role than many realize, and why “set it and forget it” rarely works when it comes to profitability.You’ll also hear:(03:07) Why the fr

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledReady or not, October is right around the corner, and Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand are here to help auto repair shops get a jump on fall marketing before it sneaks up.They cover fall-focused campaigns like Breaks for Breasts and Trunk-or-Treat events, along with practical reminders for promoting services like winterization and snow tire prep. The conversation also highlights creative ways to use national months and quirky holidays like Squirrel Awareness Month, National Pizza Month, and Name Your Car Day to create fun, engaging social media content that still reflects your shop’s professionalism.Whether it’s encouraging community involvement, sharing behind-the-scenes shop moments, or reminding customers about safety during school and holiday season travel, this episode is full of ideas that help your shop stay visible, build trust, and keep the bays full as the season shifts.Perfect for shop owners looking to market with intention and stand out in their loc

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeWelcome to the 200th episode of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z! In this milestone episode, Matt reflects on the journey of recording weekly shows for nearly four years straight. He shares listener questions, personal insights, and some of the most surprising lessons learned along the way.From the variety and complexity of the automotive repair profession to the humbling stories that stick with him most, Matt highlights how much this industry continues to evolve and inspire. He also digs into some technical listener questions, offering advice on:Getting started with module repair – training resources, tools, soldering practice, and ROI considerations.Programming laptops – buying pre-configured systems vs. DIY setups, pros and cons of “stacking” car-line specific laptops, and what works in a real-world shop setting.And, of course, Matt acknowledges the community of listeners, colleagues, and friends who have made reachin

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Chris Cotton’s latest venture into shop ownership puts his coaching philosophy to the ultimate test, and the results speak volumes. Episode Highlights: Shop Acquisition and Rapid Payoff: Despite once saying he’d never own a shop again, Chris purchased Firestone of Durango about a year ago, calling it “too good of a deal to pass up.” Planned as a three-year owner-financed purchase, he paid it off in just six months. Profitability and Growth: With a 31% net profit (compared to the industry average of 5–8%), the shop’s success reflects the very systems Chris teaches. Advertising and Expansion: Spending roughly $10K per month, Chris follows his mantra: “Advertise for the shop you want to be, not the shop you are.” He prioritizes Local Service Ads (LSAs). Operations and Staffing: Chris rejects the idea of a “technician shortage,” noting great shops attract great people. Coaching in Action: Chris practices w

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, ExpressWatch Full Video EpisodeIn our episode today- I welcome to the podcast my friend Helen Fradette, the newly elected Club President for Grand Rapids Toastmasters, club 404.As listeners know - one of my favorite things about my weekly participation in club 404 -is that the club is NOT composed of automotive professionals, just a great group of professionals from all walks of life.This means they have wide and varied perspectives and opinions that I regularly have an opportunity to listen to - and today you will get to listen to one of those voices!Helen is an IT Security expert, but today she will be sharing a story about a very challenging time in her life - when she was a single mom - couldn’t afford a vehicle… and how things felt when the one that was graciously gifted to her wound up needing repairs.As I listened to Helen - it was clear to me that most people walking in our shops that need help - may never voice it - and

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Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Is your shop’s first impression costing you customers? Did you know the phone is often your closest moment to the sale? Join service advisor training specialists Jen Davis and Doris Barnes from The Transformers Institute as they reveal how to turn inbound calls into a loyal customer relationship. Watch Full Video Episode Inside this episode: The Hidden Cost of Bad Calls: Missed opportunities like quoting a price without context don’t just lose sales, they damage your brand and waste marketing dollars. First impressions are made in a fraction of a second. Beyond Price Shopping: Most service advisors unintentionally train customers to shop for price by failing to ask questions, build rapport, or show genuine curiosity. Price is often just the conversation starter. Empathy, Education & Reasoning: Learn the three pillars of phone success that shift calls from transactional to relationship-driven, positioning your shop as the

Thanks to our partner PromotiveIt’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.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 Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Bri