Detective Mind Mapping: A Forensic Approach to Automotive Diagnostics [RR 1089]

Recorded live at the TST Big Event 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Andrew Fischer, shop manager at Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair in Northwest Indiana, and an industry trainer. Andrew shares his disciplined, process-driven approach to diagnostics, his passion for technician development, and why shop culture plays a defining role in long-term success. From daily habits to big-picture philosophy, this conversation is a roadmap for building more confident, capable technicians.

What You’ll Learn

Why committing to at least 40 hours of continuous education each year can dramatically reduce comebacks and improve shop performance
How to build learning into daily routines: whether through short practice sessions, webinars, or online training resources
The power of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and why “going rogue” in diagnostics leads to inefficiency
How Andrew’s “detective mind mapping” technique helps technicians visually organize problems and accelerate accurate diagnoses
Why revisiting foundational knowledge is critical and how ego often prevents technicians from mastering the basics
How embracing failure strengthens diagnostic ability and builds real-world expertise
The importance of capturing and studying “known good” vehicle data to improve accuracy on future repairs

Great diagnostics is about discipline, process, and constant learning. Shops that invest in their people, reinforce foundational skills, and create a culture where failure fuels growth will not only solve problems faster but build stronger, more resilient teams.

TST Big Event: https://tstseminars.org/

remarkableresults.biz/e1089

The Dealer Alternative Advantage in Today’s Auto Repair Industry [THA 482]

In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Larry and Kara Rose of Larry’s Automotive in Newburgh, Indiana, to celebrate their recognition as the NAPA 2025 Auto Care Center of the Year. Their story is more than an award; it’s a roadmap for building a sustainable, family-driven business through discipline, culture, and long-term vision.

What You’ll Learn

How Larry turned a driveway side hustle into a scalable business
Why Kara’s systems and structure were key to growth
A clear, intentional plan for family succession
How strong culture outweighs individual talent
The impact of daily training and continuous learning
Why service advisors are critical to customer trust
Growth strategies like “dealer alternative” positioning and coaching

Building a lasting shop requires more than technical skill; it takes structure, culture, and a long-term vision for people and growth.

remarkableresults.biz/a482

Build Customer Loyalty: Branding, Event Planning, and Community [RR 1088]

In this episode, Carm Capriotto talks with Lola Schmidt, co-owner of Schmidt’s Auto Care, about how shops can rise above the “ordinary” perception of auto repair through intentional event planning, meaningful community engagement, and a fully integrated branding strategy.

Key Topic Points

Make the Shop an Experience: Auto repair isn’t naturally exciting, so shops must create memorable, in-person experiences that bring customers into the bays and build real connections.
Community Events That Matter: Hosting hands-on events, like Girl Scout badge workshops and “Tiny Tech” days, creates lasting impressions and builds trust far beyond what social media can achieve.
Differentiate with Purpose: Identify what makes your shop unique (4-day workweek, curbside service, in-house specialties, team talents) and turn those into consistent marketing stories.
Branding is Everything: From clean visuals and a great-smelling shop to honest, pressure-free service, every touchpoint contributes to a 360 brand experience.
Elevate the Customer Experience: Replace cheap swag with thoughtful, useful gifts that customers actually value, creating a lasting emotional connection.
Create Memorable First Impressions: A curated “unboxing” experience for new customers sets the tone and reinforces your brand from the very first visit.
Respect the Customer’s Time: Efficiency and convenience are key drivers of loyalty; customers will travel further for a shop that consistently delivers both.

Standing out in today’s automotive industry requires more than great repairs; it demands intentional experiences, clear differentiation, and a commitment to making every customer interaction memorable.

remarkableresults.biz/e1088

Meet Paige: The Auto Repair Industry’s First 24/7 AI Recruiter [THA 481]

Recorded live at the VISION 2026, this episode of Remarkable Results Radio features host Carm Capriotto in conversation with Lisa Coyle, Co-founder and CEO of Promotive, and Stacey Black, Account Manager at Promotive. Together, they unpack one of the most urgent challenges facing the automotive repair industry today: how to attract, hire, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving market.

What the Episode Covers:

The “Ghosting” Problem in Hiring:

Why candidates are applying to 15-20 shops at once
How speed of response determines who wins the hire
The growing impact of declining soft skills like communication and accountability

The Role of Shop Culture in Retention

Why culture must be intentional, not assumed
Simple, low-cost ways to build connection and loyalty
Ideas like celebrating milestones, supporting families, and investing in training
How strong culture reduces turnover and attracts better talent

Introducing “Paige” The Industry’s First AI-Powered Recruiting

Promotive’s virtual recruiter designed for the automotive industry
Instantly engages candidates via text after they apply
Conducts a guided, conversational pre-screening interview
Captures key data: experience, commute, current benefits, and pay expectations

A Live Demo of AI in Action

Carm roleplays as a technician to demonstrate Paige’s capabilities
Shows how natural, fast, and effective the process is

The 24/7 Hiring Advantage

Why candidates often apply after hours, and how Paige captures them in that moment
Real-world success, including dozens of completed interviews over a holiday weekend
Faster engagement leads to fewer drop-offs and better-qualified candidates

Hiring today requires more than posting a job and waiting. The shops that succeed are the ones that move quickly, communicate clearly, and create a culture people want to be part of. By combining intentional leadership with innovative tools like AI recruiting, you can reduce friction in the hiring process, improve retention, and ultimately build a stronger, more committed team.

VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/

remarkableresults.biz/a481

Your Shop Might Need Marriage Counseling: Fixing Communication in Auto Repair [RR 1087]

Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow explore how lessons from marriage counseling can improve communication in auto repair shops.

The core discussion centers on Matt’s article for NAPA Auto Care’s Insight Magazine, “Your Shop Might Need Marriage Counseling,” and the industry’s gap in soft skills. His central argument is simple: most automotive professionals were never taught effective communication or soft skills. In the past, shop culture often relied on public criticism or shame to correct mistakes. Today, that approach backfires, especially for younger technicians, who are more likely to disengage or “quietly quit” in that kind of environment.

Matt proposes a different approach: applying communication techniques commonly used in therapy to everyday shop interactions.

Drawing from the Gottman Institute, Matt outlines common communication pitfalls: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, and how they show up daily in shop environments.

Key solutions include:

Validating feelings, especially with anxious customers
Coaching without shame, addressing mistakes privately with support
Seeking outside perspective, using coaches or therapists to uncover blind spots

Finally, both Carm and Matt challenge the stigma around seeking outside help. They encourage shop leaders to work with coaches, counselors, or therapists to uncover blind spots and improve their leadership approach. Far from being a weakness, asking for help is framed as a sign of strength and self-awareness.

The goal isn’t to turn shops into therapy sessions; it’s to make small, intentional changes in how people communicate every day. The payoff? Fewer emotional blowups, stronger team culture, and customers who feel safe, heard, and respected.

VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/

remarkableresults.biz/e1087

How to Get Unstuck When Your Auto Repair Business Stops Growing [THA 480]

In this episode of the Town Hall Academy, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Matt Wagg and Shiju Thomas to tackle a common challenge in the automotive repair industry: getting “unstuck.” The conversation focuses on breaking through growth plateaus by sharpening leadership, building a meaningful culture, and committing to continuous employee development.

Leadership & Accountability
Growth stalls when tenure is valued over performance
Not every team member will grow with the business
Leaders must make tough calls and avoid carrying “dead weight.”
Practice radical candor: honest conversations build trust
Self-awareness is critical; seek outside accountability (coaches/peers)

Culture & Development
Culture must be intentional and tangible, not just social events
Built through aligned hiring and shared values
Reinforced with tools like assessments, training, and team learning
Continuous education prepares teams for evolving vehicle technology
A learning culture attracts higher-level talent

Embracing Being “Stuck”
Feeling stuck often signals ambition and growth
Indicates you’re pushing into new challenges
Clear personal and business goals provide direction
Without clarity, the business risks drifting without purpose

Ultimately, getting unstuck isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about honest reflection, intentional leadership, and a commitment to growth. The shops that move forward are led by people willing to have the hard conversations, invest in their teams, and take ownership of what needs to change. If you’re feeling stuck, take it as a signal, not a setback, and use it as the catalyst to refocus, realign, and lead your business to the next level.

remarkableresults.biz/a480

The “Monster” in Your Head Is Costing Your Shop Money [RR 1086]

In this episode of Coffee with Carm and a Coach, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Greg Bunch, business coach and Founder at Transformers Institute and owner of Aspen Auto Clinic, to unpack the mindset barriers that quietly limit leadership and growth in auto repair.

At the center of the conversation is the “monster” voice that is wired for survival, not success. While it once kept us safe, today it often holds leaders and advisors back from difficult but necessary actions: addressing underperformance, having honest conversations, or confidently recommending needed work. Left unchecked, that fear can cost shops hundreds of thousands, even millions, in missed opportunities.

Greg shares five foundational pillars for effective leadership:

Wisdom: Surrounding yourself with the right voices and guidance
Knowledge: Understanding your numbers and facts without emotion
Understanding: Knowing what those numbers actually mean in your business
Diligence: Doing what needs to be done, even when it’s uncomfortable
Right Choices: Staying aligned with your values, no matter the pressure

Together, Carm and Greg explore how business is ultimately an emotional math problem, a constant balance between data-driven decisions and the human side of leadership. They also challenge listeners to become perpetual students, actively seek honest feedback, and confront the habits that hold them back.

The episode wraps with a powerful reminder: long-term success comes from “slow dimes,” not “fast nickels.” Doing the job right, every time, builds trust, safety, and sustainable profitability.

remarkableresults.biz/e1086

Batman Needs a Robin: Meet Your Shop’s New Sidekick Ninja App [THA 479]

Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Jeremy Glassco of AppFueled and shop owner Joe Schindler to explore how auto repair shops can better connect technology with customer engagement.

Gladsco introduces the concept of the “App Gap,” explaining that while consumers frequently engage with apps from major brands, auto repair shops struggle with adoption because customers only download apps they trust or see immediate value in. To bridge this gap, he emphasizes delivering clear incentives and meaningful engagement.

A key innovation discussed is “Sidekick Ninja,” a Chrome extension tool that complements the shop’s management system by surfacing real-time customer insights, including communication history, profile data, and available offers, directly within the advisor’s workflow. This integration ensures no missed follow-ups, rebates, or opportunities to enhance the customer experience.

Schindler also highlights strategies to protect shop profitability, including gamifying customer engagement within a shop app. By rewarding users for actions such as adding vehicle details or personal information, shops can gather valuable data while encouraging deeper engagement.

Ultimately, the episode reinforces that when technology is used to enhance, not replace, the human connection, shops can create better experiences, stronger relationships, and more consistent growth.

https://www.appfueled.io/sidekick-ninja

VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/

Jeremy Glassco, Founder, App Fueled

Joe Schindler, Schindler’s Garage, Floyds Knobs, IN

remarkableresults.biz/a479