Carm Capriotto Remarkable Results Radio Podcast https://remarkableresults.biz/author/carmencapriotto/ Auto Repair Business Success Stories Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:01:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://remarkableresults.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-site_icon-32x32.jpg Carm Capriotto Remarkable Results Radio Podcast https://remarkableresults.biz/author/carmencapriotto/ 32 32 Words Matter: Why ‘Installer’ Doesn’t Define Our Profession https://remarkableresults.biz/words-matter-why-installer-doesnt-define-our-profession/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:01:56 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?p=45988 Another critical shift we must champion is retiring the term installer when referring to professional automotive service. We do far more than install parts. Roofers install roofs. Window companies install windows. Flooring contractors install carpet and tile. Modern automotive professionals diagnose, analyze, calibrate, verify, interpret data, and solve increasingly complex technical problems.

Installer is terminology from a different era, when automotive service was viewed primarily as mechanical part replacement. That era is over. Continuing to use that language diminishes the expertise, judgment, continual education, and professionalism required in today’s service environment.

Likewise, labels such as mom-and-pop shop no longer reflect the sophistication, investment, advanced tooling, technology, and operational excellence found in many of today’s independent repair facilities. These businesses are highly skilled professional service organizations deserving of language that reflects their capability and contribution.

]]> From Data to Loyalty: How AI and Hospitality Are Redefining Shop Growth [THA 488] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a488/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a487/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

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.

Mike DelaCruz, CEO Overdryve Marketing

Michelle Tansey, Euro Clinic, Santa Clara, CA.
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 and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Stop Hiring in Panic Mode: Build a Recruiting Pipeline for Your Shop [RR 1094] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1094/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1093/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find, 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.

Chris Lawson, TechnicianFind.Com

Love your shop? Stay, but stay ready. Auto techs join to level up, find good shops, and keep tabs on top indie jobs nationwide. Techs only. No BS. Independent Wrench Jobs: https://www.skool.com/independentwrenchjobs

Finding Technicians Part 1- Chris Lawson [RR 803]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e803/

Finding Technicians Part 2 – Chris Lawson [RR 816]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e816/

Technician Attraction Blueprint [RR 921]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e921/

Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Automotive Talent [CC 113]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/cc113/

Beyond Babysitters: Developing Strong Managers and Financial Transparency [RR 1076]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1076/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

 

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Are You Professional Enough? https://remarkableresults.biz/are-you-professional-enough/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:58:38 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?p=45965 “I’m a professional.” That’s very easy to say.

I own a business. I make money. I have customers. I have an LLC. Maybe even multiple locations. But does owning a business automatically make someone a professional?

What is the real standard for professionalism? Is it self-declared? Or is it something experienced by your clients, your team, your peers, and your community?

These are important questions for the automotive repair industry because many shop owners are still fighting an uphill battle against an outdated stereotype. Too often, the public still sees us as “mechanics” rather than highly trained specialists running sophisticated businesses (read that again).

That outside perception matters. It affects trust. It affects pricing. It affects talent acquisition. And it affects the future of our industry.

Many shop owners ask: “Why can’t we attract top-tier talent?” Maybe the better question is: “Have we built a top-tier professional environment?”

Talented people want to work in professional organizations. They want leadership, systems, vision, culture, accountability, growth opportunities, and pride in where they work.

Professionalism is not a sign on the building. It is not a logo, a clean shirt, or a social media page. Professionalism is a standard (read that again). It is a commitment to excellence that touches every part of the business.

It is how the phone is answered. How the client is educated. How the specialist is continuously educated. It is how the facility looks, and how the team communicates. It is how the repair is documented and how the vehicle is returned. How mistakes are handled and how leadership behaves when nobody is watching.

Professional businesses do not happen accidentally. They are intentionally built.

That requires a mission, a vision, and clearly defined values that become more than framed words on a wall. They become operational standards. The team understands them. Leadership reinforces them. Clients experience them.

Professionalism is the heavy lift. Are you ready? You must be if you intend to support your client base and your team in doing what you love to do. Professionalism requires consistency and discipline. It requires protocols, systems, continuing education, client education, and peer accountability. Professionalism needs a strong culture to grow along with clear processes, specialization, marketing with purpose, and yes—profitability. Profitable businesses can invest in people, equipment, education, and the future.

For decades, dealerships were often viewed as the “professional” side of automotive repair, while independent shops were seen differently. That narrative must change.

And it is changing.

The independent repair industry has the opportunity to lead the future of automotive service, but only if we collectively raise our standards and elevate our image. This is bigger than appearance. It is about identity.

We are not simply fixing cars. We are delivering a professional service that protects the safety, reliability, and mobility of the driving public.

That deserves respect. But respect is not requested. It is earned through professionalism.

Conclusion

The future of the automotive repair industry will belong to those who choose to become truly professional organizations.

Not shops that simply survive but teams committed to excellence in leadership, communication, client experience, training, process, and purpose.

Professionalism is not a destination. It is a continual pursuit. Every improvement matters. Every standard matters. Every interaction matters.

The shops that embrace this mindset will attract better people, create stronger cultures, earn deeper client trust, and elevate the entire industry along the way.

The question is no longer whether automotive repair can become more professional. The real question is: Are we willing to do the work required to get there? (read that again)

]]> When Personal Stress Walks Into the Shop: How Leaders Protect Performance [THA 487] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a487/ Fri, 29 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a486/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Are you tired of telling your staff to “leave their problems at the door”?
The reality is, what happens outside the shop often follows employees into the bays, the service counter, and every customer interaction throughout the day. Financial pressure, family struggles, burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue all impact confidence, communication, productivity, and sales performance, whether leaders recognize it or not.

In this insightful episode, Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, and service advisor coach and shop owner Rachel Spencer, challenge the old-school mindset of “leave your problems at the door” and explore what modern leadership really looks like in high-performing repair shops.

The strongest shops aren’t built only on process and productivity; they’re built on leaders who understand people.

What You’ll Learn

  • How personal stress impacts sales performance and customer communication
  • Why technician morale directly affects advisor confidence and trust
  • The connection between emotional stability and shop productivity
  • How great leaders identify performance struggles before KPIs decline
  • Why empathy and accountability must work together
  • The importance of daily check-ins and emotional awareness
  • How negativity spreads through shop culture and how leaders can stop it
  • Why “soft skills” have become essential leadership skills in auto repair

When employees feel supported, understood, and valued, communication improves, confidence grows, and performance follows. This episode offers practical insights for shop owners and managers who want to protect team performance, strengthen culture, and lead more effectively in today’s high-pressure auto repair environment.

Rena Rennebohm, CEO and Creator of Empowered Advisor. Rena’s previous episodes HERE.
Rachel Spencer, Spencer’s Auto Repair, Krum, TX. Rachel’s previous episodes HERE
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 and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Reboot Your Business https://remarkableresults.biz/reboot-your-business/ Tue, 26 May 2026 17:14:50 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?p=45929 There is nothing like a refresh, a reboot. As we move deep into Spring, at least up North, we are picking up twigs, removing weeds, buying plants, and prepping the deck for lawn chairs and umbrellas.

Why not use this same season to rethink and reboot your professional automotive repair business?

Truthfully, you do not need to wait for Spring. A reboot can happen at any time. Sometimes the best reset comes right after a difficult season, a challenging quarter, or simply when you realize you have been operating on autopilot.

A reboot does not always require dramatic change. Often, it starts with intentional observation and honest questions.

As you look at every aspect of your business, ask yourself:

  • Should we continue doing this?

  • Should we stop doing that?

  • What is working?

  • What is no longer producing results?

  • What are we tolerating that needs attention?

  • Where have we become complacent?

A mentor once taught me to “pay attention.” That simple discipline has shaped the way I assess what I see, hear, and experience. I constantly ask myself: Is this working as intended? And just as importantly: What feedback is getting to me?

The best operators pay attention to patterns, not just problems.

They notice when morale begins to slip before turnover happens. They notice when customers become less enthusiastic. They notice when production slows, communication weakens, or accountability softens.

Businesses rarely drift off course overnight. Most decline happens quietly through small compromises, ignored frustrations, and routines that no longer serve the mission.

A reboot is an opportunity to interrupt that drift.

Maybe your processes need tightening. Maybe your meetings need purpose. Maybe your culture needs reinforcement. Maybe your team needs clearer expectations, stronger leadership, or renewed encouragement.

And maybe the reboot starts with you.

Leadership can become repetitive. Fatigue can dull vision. Even successful shop owners can fall into maintenance mode instead of growth mode. Sometimes the greatest value of a reboot is rediscovering curiosity, energy, and intentionality.

Take a fresh look at your customer experience. Call your shop and listen to how the phone is answered. Walk through your waiting area as if you were a first-time customer. Evaluate your digital presence, your follow-up systems, and your communication.

Pay attention. Look at your numbers with honesty. Look at your team with empathy. look at your standards with courage.

Not everything needs to change. In fact, one of the most important outcomes of a reboot is identifying what is already working well and protecting it.

The goal is not change for the sake of change. The goal is improvement with purpose.

Spring reminds us that growth requires attention. Healthy things do not stay healthy accidentally. They are cultivated, pruned, cleaned up, and cared for consistently.

Your business is no different. Maybe this is the perfect season to reboot.

]]> From Guesswork to Process: Modern Diagnostic Strategies for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1093] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1093/ Tue, 26 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1092/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, Carm Capriotto sits down with automotive trainer Ken Zanders to discuss the importance of ongoing technical education, building efficient diagnostic processes, and adapting to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. Ken explains why too many shops still rely on a chaotic “grocery list” approach to repairs and how a structured diagnostic strategy can dramatically improve technician efficiency, profitability, and customer trust.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why inefficient diagnostic habits directly reduce technician productivity, shop profitability, and overall earning potential.
  • The importance of following a structured diagnostic workflow instead of guessing and replacing parts.
  • How electronic relative compression testing with a lab scope and amperage probe can reduce diagnostic time from hours to minutes.
  • How modern vehicle technologies like GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates are changing diagnostics and repair procedures.
  • Why continuous education is no longer optional for automotive professionals working on today’s advanced vehicle systems.

The biggest takeaway from this episode is that repair shops cannot afford to operate in constant chaos and guesswork. A reactive “grocery list” approach to diagnostics leads to wasted time, unnecessary parts replacement, lower profits, and poor customer outcomes. To succeed in today’s increasingly complex automotive industry, shop owners must create a year-round training strategy that helps technicians diagnose efficiently, think critically, and continuously improve their skills. Structured processes, modern testing methods, and ongoing education are no longer advantages; they are necessities for survival and growth.

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

Ken Zanders, Dorman Training

Don’t Base Your Success On Probability – Ken Zanders [RR 822]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e822/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

 

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Failing at Retirement: Building Eight Shops in Eight Years [THA 486] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a486/ Fri, 22 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a485/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Carm Capriotto talks with Matt Curry and Judy Curry of Craftsman’s Auto Care about building one of the automotive industry’s most respected multi-shop operations twice.

After growing Curry’s Auto Service to 10 locations and retiring in 2013, the Currys returned to the industry with a new vision, launching eight Craftsman’s Auto Care locations in eight years. Matt shares his role as the visionary leader driving momentum and ideas, while Judy explains how operational discipline, marketing, and customer experience keep the business grounded and scalable.

The conversation explores their “5 Ps” philosophy: People, Policies, Processes, Procedures, and Profits, along with their commitment to employee development, strong culture, customer transparency, and community involvement. The Currys also discuss how Digital Vehicle Inspections and an intentional customer experience helped them earn nearly 10,000 five-star Google reviews.

What You’ll Learn

  • How Matt and Judy Curry scaled multiple successful shop operations
  • Why leadership balance and “staying in your lane” matters
  • The “5 Ps” framework for building a strong shop culture
  • How employee investment drives long-term success
  • Why transparency and DVIs build customer trust
  • How culture and customer experience fuel growth and retention

Sustainable growth in automotive repair comes from more than technical expertise. It requires intentional leadership, strong systems, a healthy culture, and a commitment to both employees and customers.

Matt and Judy Curry, Craftsman Auto Care, 8 locations, Virginia
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 and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> The AI-Driven Auto Repair Leader: Using Technology as Your Strategic Thought Partner [RR 1092] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1092/ Tue, 19 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1091/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

In this forward-looking conversation, Carm Capriotto and Chris Cloutier, CEO of AutoFlow and owner of three Golden Rule Auto Care locations, explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the automotive repair industry; not as a replacement for people, but as a powerful tool that helps shop owners lead smarter, communicate better, and operate more professionally.

Chris shares firsthand experiences using AI inside both his software company and his repair shops, revealing how the technology can dramatically reduce time spent on leadership and administrative tasks while improving workflow efficiency and customer communication. From refining technician notes to helping build business plans and expansion strategies, AI is becoming what Chris describes as a ‘thought partner’ for today’s shop owner.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why AI should be viewed as a strategic business partner, not a threat to the automotive repair profession
  • How effective prompting and providing context can dramatically improve AI-generated results
  • Ways AI can streamline major business tasks such as SBA loan preparation, SWOT analyses, and growth planning
  • How AI-powered technician note rewrites improve customer communication and strengthen professionalism
  • Why clear, polished communication acts as a “curtain of professionalism” that builds customer trust
  • How AI can help bridge language barriers by translating repair orders and inspection results
  • The risks and humor of “AI versus AI” hiring practices, where both employers and applicants rely heavily on artificial intelligence
  • Why Chris believes today is the least expensive AI will ever be, and why shop owners should begin learning it now

The biggest takeaway from this episode is simple: AI will not replace highly skilled automotive professionals, but it will absolutely enhance the shops that learn how to use it effectively. From improving efficiency and communication to elevating the image of professionalism, AI offers tremendous advantages for modern repair businesses. However, Carm and Chris emphasize one critical principle throughout the conversation: trust, but verify. Just like quality control in the service bays, AI-generated information should always be reviewed carefully before being shared with customers or used to make important business decisions.

Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care, and CEO of Autoflow. Listen to Chris’ other episodes HERE

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

 

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Debriefing https://remarkableresults.biz/debriefing/ Sun, 17 May 2026 21:12:11 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?p=45880 Debriefing isn’t a dramatic, optional ritual—it’s a discipline. And disciplines are what separate shops that drift from shops that deliberately move forward.

The word may sound like it belongs in an intelligence briefing room, but the principle is exactly what your business needs: extracting value from experience before it fades. Every meeting, every class, every conference holds insight—but without a debrief, that insight evaporates into “that was interesting” and nothing more.

In most shops, learning is treated as an individual event. Someone attends a class, picks up a few ideas, maybe applies one or two, and the rest quietly disappear. That’s not learning—that’s leakage.

Debriefing closes the gap.

When one of your specialists returns from a class, the responsibility isn’t complete when they clock back in. It’s complete when the knowledge they gained is transferred, clarified, and multiplied across the team. A simple, structured debrief—what was covered, what mattered, what changes as a result—turns a single attendee into a force multiplier.

There’s a deeper layer here. When someone knows they will be expected to teach what they’ve learned, their level of engagement changes. They listen differently. They filter information with intention. They organize it in real time. As the saying goes: when you teach, you learn twice. In a fast-moving industry like automotive service, that second layer of learning isn’t a luxury—it’s leverage.

More importantly, debriefing builds culture.

It signals that education isn’t a checkbox—it’s a shared responsibility. It reinforces that growth is not accidental. Over time, this creates a “perpetual student” mindset inside your shop—one where curiosity is normal, knowledge is exchanged freely, and improvement becomes part of the daily rhythm rather than a periodic push.

Technology isn’t slowing down. Vehicles aren’t getting simpler. The gap between shops that keep up and shops that fall behind is widening—and it won’t be closed by attending more classes alone.

It will be closed by what you do after the class ends.

Debriefing is how you capture momentum before it slips away.

]]> The Rise of the Specialist: Redefining Automotive Professionalism [THA 485] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a485/ Fri, 15 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a484/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Host Carm Capriotto is joined by shop owners Craig Noel, Brett Beachler, and Tom Palermo for an important discussion on how “The Rise of the Specialist” is moving from idea to implementation inside automotive repair shops across the industry. Written by Carm Capriotto, “The Rise of the Specialist” is a growing movement and declaration designed to elevate the language, image, professionalism, and culture of the automotive service industry.

In this episode, the panel shares how they are actively implementing “The Rise” within their own businesses, from changing terminology and redefining job titles to elevating customer communication, shop presentation, and team culture. The conversation highlights the real-world challenges and successes of shifting away from outdated labels like “mechanic,” “wrench,” and “technician” and embracing the more professional and accurate title of “specialist.”

Carm explains that this movement is more than a branding exercise; it is a professional evolution aimed at helping the industry better reflect the expertise required to service today’s highly advanced vehicles. Modern automotive professionals are diagnosticians, calibration experts, technology specialists, and problem-solvers operating in one of the most sophisticated skilled professions today.

Throughout the discussion, the shop owners explain how adopting the language and principles of “The Rise” has strengthened team pride, improved customer trust, and helped create a more professional identity within their organizations. The panel also explores how service advisors play a key role in communicating the value of diagnostics, testing, and specialist-level expertise to clients in a way that builds understanding and confidence.

The episode draws powerful comparisons to professions like medicine and culinary arts, emphasizing that automotive specialists deserve the same respect given to highly trained experts in other industries. Just as chefs and medical specialists earn recognition through mastery and continuous education, today’s automotive professionals must also be seen as specialists whose expertise protects the safety and reliability of every vehicle entrusted to them.

“The Rise of the Specialist” has already gained momentum throughout the industry. Carm’s signature keynote, The Rise of the Specialist, has been delivered to influential audiences across North America, including the ASE Board of Governors, Ford Motor Company, and hundreds of forward-thinking automotive professionals.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why “The Rise of the Specialist” was created and what it represents
  • How shop owners are implementing “The Rise” in their businesses
  • Why the industry must move beyond outdated titles like “technician” and “mechanic”
  • How language shapes customer perception, professionalism, and team culture
  • The role service advisors play in explaining specialist-level diagnostics and repairs
  • How hospitality, presentation, and communication strengthen customer trust
  • Why this movement can help attract the next generation of automotive professionals

This episode demonstrates that “The Rise of the Specialist” is no longer just a concept; it is becoming a real cultural shift within the automotive industry. By adopting language that reflects expertise, elevating professionalism throughout the customer experience, and embracing the identity of the specialist, shop owners are helping reshape how the industry sees itself and how the world sees it.

Download ‘The Rise of the Specialist’: https://remarkableresults.biz/rise
Craig Noel, Sun Automotive, Springfield, OR. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE
Brett Beachler, Beachler’s Vehicle Care & Repair, Peoria, IL. Listen to Brett’s previous episodes HERE
Tom Palermo, Preferred Automotive Specialists in Philadelphia, PA. Tom’s previous episodes HERE
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 and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> 15 Headlines in 30 Minutes: Rapid Fire Automotive News For Shop Owners [RR 1091] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1091/ Tue, 12 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1090/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

In this fast-paced episode, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, Tom Ham, breaks down 15 major industry headlines in just 30 minutes, offering insight into the rapid changes reshaping automotive service, technology, and consumer behavior. From artificial intelligence and electric vehicles to rising car ownership costs and the exploding demand for automotive repair, this conversation connects today’s news with what it means for shop owners, technicians, and the future of the industry. Along the way, Ham also shares several quirky and entertaining stories making waves across the automotive world.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why major tech companies are investing heavily in AI and what that could mean for jobs, pricing, and the future workforce
  • How rising vehicle prices and soaring monthly payments are changing consumer behavior
  • Why maintaining and repairing existing vehicles is becoming a smarter financial decision for drivers
  • How the average age of vehicles on the road is creating unprecedented growth opportunities for auto repair shops
  • Why automotive specialists and skilled trades are becoming some of the most valuable careers in the economy
  • What slowing EV sales mean for automakers and the growing demand for EV-trained technicians
  • How repair shops can benefit from changing economic trends, including larger tax refunds and deferred maintenance
  • Fun and unusual industry stories, including remote-controlled vehicle heaters, backup camera cleaning devices, and vintage vehicle restoration programs

The automotive industry is entering one of the most profitable and transformative periods in its history. While technology, AI, and shifting consumer habits continue to disrupt traditional industries, the need for skilled automotive professionals is only increasing. As vehicles stay on the road longer and repair demand rises, shops that adapt, invest in training, and embrace emerging opportunities will be positioned for long-term success.

Tom Ham, Automotive Management Network. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.

Running a shop is a never-ending cycle of preventing problems and looking for solutions. Automotive Management Network is a 15,000+ member Website full of high-value documents, resources, and tips. Being a member gives you quick access to all the information you need to run a smooth, profitable shop.

https://www.automotivemanagementnetwork.com/

https://laborratetracker.com/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> People Support What They Help Create https://remarkableresults.biz/people-support-what-they-help-create/ Mon, 11 May 2026 14:17:24 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?p=45855 There’s a lot of talk about culture. It’s often treated like an enigma, something you can’t touch, hard to define, yet undeniably one of the most important elements of any successful business.

In the best automotive service operations, culture isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. It’s built into the fabric of the business, starting with a clear vision that the team helped create, not just something handed down from the owner.

That’s the difference. Your culture defines your ethics, your standards, and ultimately how your business shows up for customers. It’s the reason your people choose to come to work every day, and how they decide to show up when they get there.

And let’s be honest, this isn’t an easy industry. Things go wrong. Every day.

The shops that rise above aren’t the ones trying to control everything from the top. They’re the ones that engage their teams in solving problems, improving workflows, and building better ways to operate.

Because people support what they help create. When your team helps design your protocols, your processes, procedures, and workflows, you don’t just get compliance.

You get ownership. You get consistency. You get a smoother operation and a better experience for your clients.

Now, yes, you can try to build all of this on your own. Many do. Some seek out peers who’ve already done it. Others invest in coaching to accelerate the process.

But here’s the truth: if you’re building systems without your team, you’re missing the most powerful lever you have. And without clear, shared protocols, chaos has a way of creeping in. That’s where discipline meets culture. And it doesn’t stop once things are “working.”

]]> Why ADAS Calibrations Are Being Ignored in Auto Repair Shops [THA 484] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a484/ Fri, 08 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a483/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, host Carm Capriato sits down with shop owners and industry trainers Keith and Liz Perkins for a candid conversation about the evolving future of automotive repair. From the growing demand for private, hands-on training to the dangerous misconceptions surrounding vehicle calibrations, Keith and Liz share hard-earned insights from the front lines of the industry. They also pull back the curtain on how they successfully balance multiple businesses, a family farm, and life as entrepreneurial partners, all while staying deeply committed to technician development and industry advancement.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why more shop owners are bringing trainers directly into their facilities for personalized, hands-on education
  • How the flat-rate pay system can unintentionally discourage accurate diagnostics and proper repairs
  • The critical importance of vehicle calibrations and why skipping them creates major safety concerns
  • A real-world story of how Keith and Liz challenged a dealership that failed to properly calibrate a vehicle after repairs
  • How Keith’s mobile diagnostics team operates as the “Navy SEALs” of the automotive industry, tackling the most complex repair challenges
  • The productivity systems, AI tools, and organizational habits that Keith and Liz use to manage multiple businesses and family responsibilities
  • Their perspective on partnership, marriage, and entrepreneurship, including why success is rarely a perfect 50/50 split
  • Updates from the NASTF board, including a new mobile app designed to simplify D1 security processes

This episode is a powerful reminder that professionalism in the automotive industry extends far beyond fixing vehicles. It requires continuous education, accountability, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the job correctly, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. Keith and Liz Perkins demonstrate how technical excellence, strong systems, and true partnership can create lasting impact both inside and outside the shop.

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

Liz and Keith Perkins, Previous episode HERE.

L1 Automotive: https://www.l1diagnostics.com/

L1 Automotive Training: https://l1training.com/

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 and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI

Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty

You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Auto Repair Marketing Isn’t What You Think (AI Is Changing Everything) [RR 1090] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1090/ Tue, 05 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1089/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, challenges how auto repair shops think about marketing in today’s AI-driven world. The conversation goes beyond websites and SEO, exploring how real marketing lives in every customer interaction and how tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overview can become powerful strategic partners.

What You’ll Learn

  • Marketing Is Bigger Than Digital Tactics: Most shops mistake marketing for SEO, ads, or websites. Dan reframes marketing as the entire customer experience, from the way a repair is explained to how a customer feels in your waiting room. The shops that win combine smart digital strategy with authentic human connection.
  • Why “Precious Moments” Builds Powerful Brands: Small, meaningful experiences, like a child choosing a toy or a team member giving back to the community, create emotional anchors. Capturing and sharing these moments builds trust and a brand that customers remember and talk about.
  • How E-E-A-T Drives Visibility and Growth: Search engines prioritize Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust. Shops that intentionally showcase these qualities can outperform larger competitors. Long-term credibility matters more than short-term ad spend.
  • Using AI as Your Strategic Thinking Partner: AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a collaborator. Dan shares practical ways shops can use it: Identify dealership weaknesses through review analysis and position your shop as the better alternative. Understand your shop’s real online reputation, both strengths and blind spots. Improve hiring by comparing candidates to your top performers and analyzing interview traits.

Stop thinking of marketing as something you do and start seeing it as something you are. When you combine authentic customer experiences with the strategic power of AI, you don’t just compete, you create momentum that builds trust, visibility, and long-term growth.

When Customers Ask AI First: What Shop Owners Need to Know [RR 1071]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1071/ 

Dan Vance, Shop Dog Marketing.com

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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