Motor Oil supply Crisis: Fact, Friction, and What Happens Next [THA 489]

Is there really a motor oil shortage, or is the industry caught up in another wave of panic buying?

In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes automotive expert Lauren Fix and Deckman Oil Territory Sales Manager Lee Rhodus to separate fact from fiction surrounding today’s motor oil supply concerns.

Together, they examine what’s driving skyrocketing oil prices, why certain synthetic oils are becoming harder to source, and how fear-driven purchasing is creating additional strain throughout the supply chain. Most importantly, they discuss what repair shops and vehicle owners can do to navigate the uncertainty without making costly mistakes.

What You’ll Learn

Why the world is not actually running out of motor oil
How global shortages of base oils and additives are impacting the availability of ultra-low viscosity synthetic oils such as 0W-8, 0W-12, and 0W-16.
The role panic buying plays in creating artificial shortages and driving prices even higher.
Why motor oil prices are increasing at unprecedented rates and what that means for repair shops and consumers.
The risks of delaying routine maintenance as oil changes become more expensive.

Practical advice for shop owners on managing inventory and communicating with customers during periods of market uncertainty.

The current motor oil situation is real, but panic is making it worse. While supply constraints and rising prices are creating challenges across the automotive industry, experts agree that hoarding inventory and delaying maintenance are not the answers. Patience, informed decision-making, and a focus on preventative maintenance remain the best strategies for both repair shops and vehicle owners. As supply chains stabilize, those who avoid fear-based decisions today will likely be in the strongest position tomorrow.

remarkableresults.biz/a489

Anyone Can Teach, But Not Everyone Can Educate: Lessons from 30 Years in Automotive Training [RR 1095]

Carm Capriotto sits down with Todd Fortier, retiring automotive professor and program coordinator from Illinois Central College, to discuss a lesson learned over three decades in education: anyone can teach, but becoming a true educator requires purpose, empathy, and continuous growth.

Todd shares how his passion for education was sparked by helping students experience those breakthrough “lightbulb moments” and why the ultimate goal of teaching is not simply delivering information, but ensuring meaningful knowledge transfer. As he prepares for retirement, Todd reflects on the challenges facing automotive education and his mission to help develop the next generation of industry instructors.

What You’ll Learn

Why technical expertise alone doesn’t make someone an effective instructor
How educators can improve knowledge transfer and student engagement
Todd’s “Three C’s” framework: Concern, Cause, and Correction
Why connection, empathy, and vulnerability are critical teaching tools
How to identify the root causes behind student disengagement
The importance of recognizing the personal challenges students bring into the classroom
Why many students leave training programs early and how educators can help retain them
How trainers and mentors can evolve into true educators
The soft skills needed to successfully connect with today’s students and technicians

The best educators do more than share information, they build relationships. Todd Fortier’s career demonstrates that teaching is most effective when instructors combine technical knowledge with empathy, curiosity, and genuine human connection. As the automotive industry works to address technician shortages and workforce development challenges, creating better educators may be one of the most important investments the industry can make.

remarkableresults.biz/e1095

From Data to Loyalty: How AI and Hospitality Are Redefining Shop Growth [THA 488]

What happens when artificial intelligence meets world-class customer hospitality?

In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes Mike DelaCruz, CEO of Overdryve Marketing, and Michelle Tansey, co-founder of Euro Clinic, for a forward-thinking discussion on how auto repair shops can use AI, data, and intentional customer experiences to build stronger businesses.

From using AI as a strategic business assistant to creating a luxury-level customer journey that rivals brands like Ritz-Carlton and Nordstrom, Mike and Michelle share practical insights on what separates average shops from elite operations. They explain how predictive marketing, operational excellence, and deeply embedded core values can transform customer retention and long-term profitability.

What You’ll Learn

How AI can serve as your shop’s “big brain” to improve decision-making and uncover blind spots.

How predictive marketing can forecast car count, identify customer churn, and improve campaign performance.
The concept of the “NASA Shop” and what elite automotive operations do differently.

How Euro Clinic creates unforgettable customer experiences through personalized hospitality.
The importance of building systems and processes around your shop’s core values.
Why strong operations must come before marketing success.
How small communication changes can dramatically improve customer trust and confidence.
The role data plays in making better business decisions and reducing emotional guesswork.

The future belongs to shops that combine technology with humanity. AI can provide unprecedented insight into customer behavior and business performance, but lasting success still comes from exceptional service, consistent operations, and a culture built around caring for people. The shops that embrace both innovation and hospitality will be the ones that stand out, retain customers, and thrive in the years ahead.

remarkableresults.biz/a488

Stop Hiring in Panic Mode: Build a Recruiting Pipeline for Your Shop [RR 1094]

Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of TechnicianFind, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing independent auto repair shops today: finding and keeping great technicians.

Chris explains why many shop owners fall into what he calls “fire alarm syndrome,” waiting until a technician leaves before starting the hiring process. That reactive approach often leads to rushed decisions, poor hires, and ongoing turnover. Instead, he advocates for an “Always Be Recruiting” mindset, where shops continuously build relationships with potential candidates long before they have an opening.

The conversation explores practical strategies for becoming a destination workplace, creating a recruiting pipeline, and building a culture that attracts top talent in a competitive market.

What You’ll Learn

Why reactive hiring creates costly staffing problems

How to build a bench of pre-qualified technicians before you need them
Why becoming “10-mile famous” can help attract both technicians and customers
How culture-focused marketing can outperform traditional help-wanted ads
The three things technicians value most: respect, growth, and compensation
Why sign-on bonuses often fail and how to structure them more effectively
Practical ways to engage passive candidates who are not actively job hunting

Resources available through Chris Lawson’s free online community for shop owners

The best time to recruit a technician is before you need one. Shops that continuously market their culture, build relationships with local talent, and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates are better positioned to grow, avoid staffing emergencies, and create a workplace where top technicians want to stay. Recruiting is no longer an occasional task. It is an ongoing business strategy.

remarkableresults.biz/e1094