RR 104: Todd Westerlund from Kukui

Do you want to further your uptake on how to communicate with millennials? Want to catch a discussion on ‘gamificaton? (what’s that … you are just a click away)

Kukui CEO Todd Westerlund and I sat down and had a lively talk that will fill up a yellow pad of ideas. This is not GEEK talk at all, just an enlightening and open discussion where will you will learn at least one new thing.

Audit the other discussion points on lifestyle marketing and taking advantage of social networks. Get your straight up talk on marketing to millennials here.

RR 103: Dave Erb

Have you ever thought about selling your business? Do you have a buyer? Want to hear the story from a thirty-year industry veteran who recently sold his businesses to an investor?

Dave Erb has a great story from buying his first shop to hitting his first $100K month. Ever thought about attending Leadership 2.0? Yes, but never pulled the switch. Dave will convince you why it was such a great move for him.

He shares some great wisdom he learned in the school of hard knocks. Invest in yourself … listen now!

RR 102: Donna Wagner form Northwood

Donna Wagner is currently Chair of the Aftermarket Management Program and Professor at Northwood University. She teaches courses specific to the automotive and heavy duty parts and accessories market. Courses include product marketing, global issues, sales, supply chain and business planning. This bachelor degree program in Aftermarket Management is the only one of its kind in…

RR 101: Ron Inchausti from Coast Motor Werk

Ron Inchausti always had entrepreneurial ideas since childhood, but lacked goal setting to implement these ideas. He started his automotive career like most, working for someone else. He never considered, or saw the need, to start his own company. This young, eager mechanic had a special passion fueled by providing quality service with a thoughtful…

RR 099: Randy Lucyk from Kalkaska Midas

Randy Lucyk from Midas in Kalkaska, MI is a very interesting entrepreneur. Randy is one strong aftermarket thinker and informally among Midas dealers he is known as the data and IT guy. We covered some great ground in this episode and I promise a lot of very good gems of wisdom for the taking. Randy…

RR 098: Ryan Kooiman, Dir. of Training, Standard Motor Products

Training PERIOD is the lifeblood of all companies large and small and for every person working today. We know how technology is moving at a rapid pace and our industry is no exception. In fact it seems like it is moving faster than we can actually keep pace. Getting a perspective on training from a…

RR 097: Jeff Ruffing from Ruffing Automotive Services

Can you relate to this: Jeff Ruffing from Ruffing Automotive in Kaukauna, WI, yes a Packers fan, started washing cars at a Buick dealership in 1985. Later that year he was asked to bring his tools in when a technician was injured. When he started his own shop he got into business with ‘’training wheels” on…

RR 096: Jeff Peevy of AMI on Creating A Learning Culture

Meet Jeff Peevy, President of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI), a 34-year industry veteran who has spent the past 20 years involved with education and research. Jeff discusses and drives home an important strategy on ‘Building A Learning Culture’ in your business. This episode can be distilled down to four words: Let’s Go Learn Something!…

RR 095: Tim Davison from Chumbley’s Auto Care

Meet third generation owner, Tim Davison from Chumbley’s Auto Care in Indianola, IA. Chumbley’s got it roots as a service station over 59 years ago. Tim Davison talks about those roots and how it has led to the very personal business it is today. Tim’s been in the industry for 35 years and 17 of them…

RR 094: Mike Davidson from American Skilled Labor Association

It is the mission of ASLA (American Skilled Labor Association) to provide a suitable employee to the American Workforce. Lead by Mike Davidson, service professional entrepreneur and shop owner of Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, AR, Mike says, “We will do this by providing businesses with a clear path for mentors and locating employees who…

RR 092: Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH

Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH is an eighteen-year veteran in the Automotive Service industry. He currently owns two specialized automotive service locations. Ryan grew his enterprise from a single customer into a multi-location profitable business with 12 employees, that includes 6 technicians with a 99% customer satisfaction, and he has automated his business…

RR 091: Womens Board Winter 2016 Meeting – Compilation

You are about to experience a first for the podcast. I went on the road to Orlando to the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board Winter meeting. Going to a conference is not the earth shattering news. Bringing my recording equipment was. This episode is a compilation of short interviews done in Orlando in early February…

RR 089: Larry Moore from Larry’s Auto Works

Larry Moore is the President of Larry’s Auto Works, a family owned automotive service and repair center located in Mountain View California since 1972.  Larry and his wife of 49 years, Laurie lead the team at their 11,500 square foot shop with 15 bays. They employ 4.5 technicians a shop manager, service adviser, driver, and…

RR 087: Tom Palermo from Preferred Automotive Specialists

Tom Palermo from Preferred Automotive Specialists, Philadelphia, PA, was honored as the NAPA ASE Technician of the year 2015. What a humble and enthusiastic entrepreneur; he’s firmly engaged in the 40 plus-year-old family business that his dad Joe started, back in the day. Preferred Automotive Specialties employs seven technicians in six bays with eight lifts.…

RR 086: Cecil Bullard from Institute for Automotive Business Excellence

Cecil Bullard, President of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence shares this thoughts and lessons on the success of the service professional. He is very passionate about the success of the service professional and shares some important strategies for growth and profitability. Why Listen? You will hear Cecil talk about: Six KPI (Key Performance Indicators)…

RR 085: Brian Bowersock of West Automotive Group

Meet Brian Bowersock of West Automotive Group of Escondido, CA. Brian is a twenty eight year industry veteran who is an ASE Master Tech A1-A9, L1, C1, P2. His shop is also ASE Blue Seal Certified. Brian’s two facilities have a combined 29 bays with 24 lifts, and 11 technicians. He’s a member of the…

RR 084: Sheri Hamilton from ASA-Midwest

ASA Midwest Executive Director Sheri Hamilton does not only lead the shop owners in six Midwestern states, she is also the Conference Manager of VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo. And who hasn’t heard of VISION. VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo 2016 will be a sell out. Why Listen? Learn a little history of the event and…

RR 082: Joe Miles from Kaiser Tire & Auto

Joe Miles owner of Kaiser Tire and Auto Service Center in Louisville, KY along with his wife Julie purchased this legacy business on April 1, 2015. (April fool’s day)  That makes for an interesting story. He is no stranger to the industry however as a new business owner Joe shares how his decision came about. Kaiser…

RR 081: Jody DeVere from Ask Patty.com

Jody DeVere, CEO of Ask Patty.com works with automotive retail locations to become Certified Female Friendly, learning how to create a culture and experience that attracts and retains loyal women customers. Jody DeVere is a internationally recognized speaker, trainer, often quoted industry pundit and spokesperson for the automotive industry on the women’s market. She has…

RR 080: Michael Morgan from Frost Transmission

Enjoy an easy going episode with Michael Morgan of Frost Transmissions in Rainbow City Alabama. It is so rare that 3rd generation business get as far as Frost Transmissions. You’ll understand how when you hear Michael’s story. This humble guy has built a great team and shares great wisdom on his journey to remarkable results.…

RR 079: Shari Pheasant – Former COO Institute for Automotive Business Excellence

Shari Pheasant is owner with her husband of a professional repair shop in Sparks, NV and the COO of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence, and also the founder of Horse Power Strategies. You may recall Shari Pheasant with us in an earlier episode, #68 where we talked about her unique equine leadership training program…

RR 077: Jeff Peevy of AMI

Meet Jeff Peevy, President of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI), a 34-year industry veteran who has spent the past 20 years involved with education and research. Why Listen?  Jeff discus’s the important role knowledge and learning plays in your organization’s future and why a learning culture is so important. He shares with you exciting improvements…

RR 076: Alan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand

Skateboarding legend Alan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand owns German Car Depot in Hollywood, FL. His career path to entrepreneur shop owner has taken on a very some very interesting turns. From Skateboarding legend to auto cross state champion to repair shop owner Alan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand has a great story and he is not bashful to tell it.…

RR 075: Brian Cruickshank from University of the Aftermarket

Brian Cruickshank’s 22-year aftermarket career has been spent primarily in communications, marketing and higher education. He served for 15 years as a journalist and editor at Babcox Media where he covered virtually every level of the motor vehicle aftermarket. His most recent media assignment was Editor-in-Chief of Counterman Magazine where he covered traditional and retail…

RR 074: Catering to the Female Customer

Why Listen? Did you always want to know what it takes to create a women friendly repair shop? What kind of amenities? Do women car care clinic bring value? Is the bar higher for women? Heavy talk that customer service to women needs the same respect that you give men. We discussed service reps, communication,…