Sinopsis
Automotive Aftermarket Success Stories
Episodios
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Should I Create a New Entity For That? [E173] - Business By The Numbers
05/06/2025 Duración: 26minThanks to our partner PromotiveExpanding your auto repair business is an exciting venture, but it brings forth critical decisions, especially regarding entity formation. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis and Associates, delves into the complexities of creating a new entity for your business expansion.Key Topics Covered:Ownership Implications: Understanding how different ownership structures affect your decision to form a new entity.Legal Considerations: Evaluating the legal protections and liabilities associated with separate entities.Tax Implications: Analyzing the tax benefits or drawbacks of establishing a new entity.Operational Costs: Assessing the administrative and financial costs involved in managing multiple entities.Strategic Decision Making: Guidance on making informed choices tailored to your business's unique circumstances.Thanks to our partner PromotiveIt’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Intro
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Creating Amazing Customer Experiences [E155] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
04/06/2025 Duración: 30minWant a real marketing plan that doesn’t live in your head or on a bunch of sticky notes?There’s something powerful about experiencing world-class customer service firsthand and then turning around and asking, “How can I bring this level of intentionality into my shop?” That’s exactly what happened when Brian and Kim Walker took a dream trip to the British Virgin Islands with close friends. What started as a much-needed vacation quickly turned into a masterclass in customer experience, delivered by locals who clearly understood the value of creating moments worth remembering.From the high-energy, fully branded Sweet Ice Willie who made them feel like family, to a rum-slinging boat captain with a loyal dog and a serious social media game, to a beach bar owner who somehow remembered names hours later in a crowd of 100 each story is a reminder that it’s not always the fanciest place that leaves the biggest impact. It’s the people. The vibe. The way you're made to feel.This isn’t just vacation talk, it’s packed wi
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Ubuntu: "I Succeed Because You Succeed." [E188] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
04/06/2025 Duración: 23minThanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingKey Takeaways:Ubuntu – What It MeansUbuntu is an African philosophy that translates to "I am because we are."It emphasizes collective success: "I succeed because you succeed."Matt discovered the concept through a documentary on the Boston Celtics.Lessons from the Boston CelticsThe Celtics’ success was built on teamwork, sacrifice, and shared goals.The "Big Three" (Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen) were asked by Coach Doc Rivers: "What are you willing to give up to win?"Unlike professional athletes, most employees don’t have financial security, making true teamwork harder to achieve.Applying Ubuntu in the Auto Repair IndustrySuccess in a shop depends on collaboration, not just individual performance.Leaders must foster a culture where employees support each other’s growth.Challenges:Money can distort priorities—owners and employees must trust that success will be shared.Transparency is key—profits should lead to better pay, equipment, and shop improvements.The
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Selling Your Auto Repair Business: Lessons From An Owner’s Transition [RR 1042]
03/06/2025 Duración: 35minThanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS In this episode, Emily Chung, an automotive service technician with a background in psychology and business, shares her insightful journey of selling her auto repair shop. The discussion explores critical processes, motivations, and strategies for maintaining business continuity during ownership transitions. Emily emphasizes the importance of clear communication, involving staff in the sales process, and identifying key tasks and core processes that define the business's value. She offers practical advice for buyers and sellers, highlighting the need for thoughtful planning, understanding team dynamics, and managing change effectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering buying or selling an automotive business. Emily Chung, former owner of AutoNiche in Markham, ON. Emily’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Transitioning Business Ownership (00:01:16) The Decision t
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Did You Hear what JD Power's Press Release says about Communication? Reviewing the 2025 ASI [E045] - Speak Up!
02/06/2025 Duración: 34minThank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-BoundWatch Full Video EpisodeIn Our Episode today we’re diving into the ASI - The annual report from JD Power that measures client satisfaction amongst major brands in the non-dealer auto repair world - which we affectionately call the “Aftermarket”Today’s Word of the Day is:ExtrapolationNounnoun: extrapolation; plural noun: extrapolationsthe action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue or a current method will remain applicable.In this episode our host, Craig O’Neill invites you to take a close look at JD Powers Aftermarket Service Index (ASI).There are some unique takeaways regarding communication “shortfalls” and they play well into the narratives we have been discussing in for several years.If you think surveys have nothing to offer you - listen up and you’ll see why Craig values these annual findings!Link to the the 2025 JD Power ASI Press Release: https://www.jdpower.c
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How One Toolbox Can Change Everything [THA 435]
30/05/2025 Duración: 25minThanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class This episode shares the inspiring story of Andy Roman, a new technician in the automotive industry, and how one toolbox changed everything. At Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2024, Andy was surprised and overjoyed to win a professional-grade toolbox, generously donated by KUKUI and NAPA Auto Care. More than just tools, it represented a boost of confidence and a jumpstart to his career. Shop owner Dan Corcorran highlights the importance of supporting new talent through education, encouragement, and a strong shop culture. KUKUI and NAPA Auto Care are breaking down financial barriers for entry-level techs through scholarships and tool donations—investing in the future of the industry, one technician at a time. Andy Roman and Dan Corcorran, Righter's Auto and Towing, Wildwood, NJ Connor Tracy, Director of Partner Development at KUKUI Show Notes: Watch Full Video Episode Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/ Introduction to the Ep
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Mailbox: Warranty Work and Ownership with Spouses and Divorce [E172] - Business By The Numbers
29/05/2025 Duración: 32minThanks to our partner PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest answers three key listener questions that auto repair shop owners face all too often. From handling warranty job accounting to navigating the financial fallout of divorce, Hunt gives practical, no-nonsense advice.In this episode, you'll learn: The right way to book internal and partial warranty work in QuickBooksWhether adding your spouse to the business makes sense financiallyWhy 8(a) certifications usually don’t help auto repair shopsHow divorce and child support can affect your business valuation and cash flowReal-life examples and actionable advice from 15+ years of experienceThanks to our partner PromotiveIt’s time to hire a superstar for your busines
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Planning Your Marketing Like a Pro [E154] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
28/05/2025 Duración: 42minWant a real marketing plan that doesn’t live in your head or on a bunch of sticky notes?In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker is joined by Caroline Legrand and Savannah Garrett to talk all things Plan With the Pros Shop Marketing Pros’ hands-on, no-fluff marketing workshop designed to help shop owners create a full-year strategy they’ll use.You’ll hear how last year’s event helped shops ditch the chaos and build real, actionable plans from big-picture budget planning to week-by-week content ideas. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you’ve already got, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect, what you’ll walk away with, and why West Point is the perfect backdrop for this kind of transformative work.Packed with insights, personal stories, and plenty of laughs, this episode is your sneak peek into a game-changing experience for your business.Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Netw
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Mailbag Episode: Exhaust Gas Analyzers, Testing Catalytic Converters, and Troubleshooting ADAS [E187] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
28/05/2025 Duración: 23minThanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingIn this episode, Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering a wide range of automotive diagnostic and repair topics. From personal influences in the industry to technical advice on exhaust gas analyzers, catalytic converter testing, and ADAS calibrations, Matt shares his insights and expertise.1. Who Do You Try to Emulate?Matt reflects on the mentors and industry leaders who have shaped his approach to diagnostics and repair.TV Doctors vs. Real Mentors: While he jokes about emulating fictional doctors like Hawkeye Pierce, Gregory House, and Perry Cox, Matt credits real-world experts like John Thornton, Randy Burkholder, Jim Kemper, Matthew Ragsdale, Harvey Chan, and John Riegel for their influence.The Value of Deep Research: Matt highlights the importance of studying SAE documents, technical manuals, and foundational books like Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals by John B. Heywood.Thought Leaders in the Industry: He also mentions Jim Wilson
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Your Business Playbook: Strategy, Data, and Accountability [RR 1041]
27/05/2025 Duración: 40minThanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Recorded live at the Institute Summit, this insightful conversation explores how business leaders can apply sports principles—like team chemistry, leadership, and preparation—to enhance performance. Keynote speaker Ross Bernstein underscores the impact of storytelling as a powerful communication and trust building tool, sharing lessons from icons like Scotty Bowman and Jay Leno. The discussion reinforces the importance of having a solid business playbook grounded in strategy, data, and accountability, while also addressing the need to adapt to change, foster a culture of loyalty, leverage technology for growth, and prioritize meaningful personal connections and networking. A best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein, is an award-winning peak performance business speaker who’s keynoted conferences on all seven continents for audiences as small as 10 and as large as 10,000. Ross and his books have been featured on thousands of televisi
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On Memorial Day with Brandon Crusha USMC (RET) [E40] - Speak Up!
26/05/2025 Duración: 15minThank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-BoundWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this episode of Speak Up - our host Craig O’Neill welcomes his friend and colleague, Brandon Crusha to talk about what Memorial day means to him.Brandon served in the United States Marine Corp and was deployed multiple times to Iraq.He invites our listeners to enjoy their day - and reflect on the gift that was given to them by those who paid the ultimate price.Brandon specifically referenced a film in this episode called - The Gift. Linked here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DPGVH9GB/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r The Gift is a documentary about Corporal Jason L. Dunham - who on April 14, 2004 threw himself on a live grenade to protect his fellow Marines.It is well worth your time.Brandon personally knew and served with many of the individuals in that film, whom he joined in the same regiment just after those events.This conversation between Craig and Brandon intentionally invites
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Back to Basics: Episode 0- Why the Best Shops Always Relearn the Fundamentals [E212] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
26/05/2025 Duración: 07minThe Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindVisit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here:...
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Friends Tribute to Maylan Newton [CC115]
25/05/2025 Duración: 39minYouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHno0gsX_YA Maylan Newton’s family has set aside July 26, 2025, for a special gathering to honor his life and legacy. The event will take place in Southern California, with more details to come. You can find updates and information here. I’d like to take a few moments to reflect on Maylan’s impact, both on our industry and on me personally. Whether in a classroom, on a phone call, or standing in front of an audience, Maylan had a way of speaking that was steady, articulate, and always meaningful. His words inspired action, and his delivery made people listen. He was what I like to call an “unselfish” volunteer—selfless in every way, but so dedicated, like helping others was his only priority. He generously donated his time, especially to SkillsUSA, and never hesitated to jump in when needed. If someone called, Maylan would drop everything to lend a hand, whether that meant covering a counter in a shop or stepping in last minute at a conference. Over the past
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Emerging Technology? It’s Been Parked in Your Bay for Years [THA 434]
23/05/2025 Duración: 02h15minThanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Recorded at the NAPA Now Conference celebrating NAPA Auto Care’s 100th anniversary, this conversation dives into the realities of emerging automotive technologies, especially ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems). The discussion emphasizes the critical need for proper calibration procedures, equipment, and technician training to keep pace with rapidly evolving tech. From static vs. dynamic calibrations to the integration of AR/VR tools, the panel explores the industry's struggles to adopt new technology and the personal traits, like hyperfocus, needed to thrive in today’s complex diagnostic landscape. The takeaway: adaptation, education, and investment are no longer optional; they’re essential for staying competitive. Bill Weaver, NAPA Autotech Trainer. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast Show Notes: Watch Full Video Episode Introdu
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Is My Labor Rate Too Low? [E171] - Business By The Numbers
22/05/2025 Duración: 27minThanks to our partner PromotiveAre you charging enough for labor at your shop? In this week’s Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest of Paar Melis and Associates tackles one of the most misunderstood metrics in autorepair profitability—your labor rate. Spoiler alert: it’s not always about charging more.This week, you'll learn:Why labor rate isn't the ultimate driver of shop profitThe difference between your door rate and effective labor rateWhat real benchmarking data says about high vs. low labor ratesThe one metric that actually correlates with profitabilityHow technician productivity impacts y
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Preparing for July's Marketing [E153] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
21/05/2025 Duración: 26minJuly’s here, and while the calendar might look quiet, your marketing shouldn’t be! In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand share real strategies to keep your shop top of mind and your bays full during the summer slowdown.From summer travel prep and college car check-ins to back-to-school drives and fun offbeat holidays like Chicken Wing Day and Tattoo Day, this episode is packed with creative, low-effort ways to stay connected with your community.You’ll also learn how to use slower days to plan, boost team morale, and build content that connects.Hit play, get inspired, and keep that summer momentum rolling! ☀️Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more atRepairPal.com/shops.Declined repairs don’t have to be lost revenue. AppFueled’s call center schedules follow-up calls and equips your team with everything they need to close the dea
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Reverse Benchmarking: Learning From What Others Do Poorly [E186] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
21/05/2025 Duración: 19minThanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingKey Discussion Points:What is Reverse Benchmarking?Traditional benchmarking focuses on studying what competitors do well, but reverse benchmarking involves analyzing what they do poorly and capitalizing on those weaknesses.Two interpretations:Looking at other industries for innovative ideas (e.g., team-building activities from tech companies).Example: Some shops now adopt spontaneous team outings (baseball games, go-karting) inspired by Silicon Valley culture.Staying within the automotive industry to identify gaps in competitors' customer experience or service offerings.Applying Reverse Benchmarking in Auto RepairCustomer Experience:Visit competitor shops (dealerships, independents) and note flaws—uncomfortable waiting room chairs, poor TV choices, limited snack/drink options.Actionable Fixes: Upgrade seating, offer neutral TV content (e.g., Joy of Painting), provide filtered water instead of plastic bottles.Market Gaps:If competitors specialize in European cars (l
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A Tale of Two Cities: From Affluent to Rural, Navigating Different Markets [RR 1040]
20/05/2025 Duración: 39minThanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Kim Auernheimer shares insights from managing two shop locations in Brentwood and Monteagle, Tennessee, each with vastly different demographics and market dynamics. She dives into the unique challenges and strategies required to adapt to both environments, highlighting the importance of tailored marketing, community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to customer service and employee well-being. Kim’s story illustrates how strong leadership and adaptability can build a solid reputation across diverse markets. Kim Auernheimer, CS Automotive, 2 locations, TN. Listen to Kim’s Episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/ Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Personal Interaction with Marcus Lemonis (00:03:14) Challenges in the Automotive Industry (00:05:10) Analogy of Automotive and Medical Fields (00:06:27) Three P's of Bus
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Commencement, Can-Do People, and Creating the Future [E211] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
19/05/2025 Duración: 12minThe Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindVisit 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 To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Con
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Are You Actively Applying Knowledge Or Passively Consuming Information? [THA 432]
16/05/2025 Duración: 45minThanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Recorded at the TST Big Event, industry trainers Eric Ziegler and Pete Meier dive into the growing challenges technicians and shop owners face in staying current with technology and why continuous education is no longer optional. The conversation highlights key issues including the liability risks of inadequate training, the double-edged sword of social media as an information source, and the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Eric and Pete also stress the importance of actively applying what’s learned, not just passively consuming information, and how networking with other professionals can accelerate growth. Eric Ziegler, EZ Tech Mentors. Eric’s previous episodes HERE. Pete Meier, Training Manager, Dorman Products. Pete’s other episodes HERE Show Notes: Watch Full Video Episode TST Big Event 2025: https://www.tstseminars.org/ Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Overview of Training Importance (00:01:03) Cultural Shift in Training (0