Latest Blog

A Brainiac Celebration

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | Mar 30, 2026

Working in the professional automotive repair industry requires intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving. Every day in our shops there are “smart” or even brainiac moments that deserve to be recognized — or at least talked about. Here’s the rub: if you’re a smart shop, great ideas happen all the time. You…

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All Articles and Blog Posts

 Is There Still Time to Learn?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/07/2025

Lately, I’ve heard friends say they’re running out of time—to learn, to slow down, to truly listen. It got…

The Power of Margin

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/30/2025

We hear a lot about KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), Net Operating Income, bay and specialist efficiency, sales, and productivity…

We Don’t Know, Therefore We Don’t Care

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/23/2025

At Tools 2025, I had the chance to sit in on several sessions led by some of the industry’s…

 A Very Important Question – Are You a Mechanic or Owner?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/16/2025

Are you running your shop as a technician or as an owner? Many automotive repair business owners I’ve interviewed…

Automotive Service: Where Procedures Save Lives and Reputations

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/09/2025

When clients entrust you with their vehicles, they’re also entrusting their safety. Minor oversights can have catastrophic consequences, making…

 Fix it. Make it Happen. Let it play out.

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/22/2025

Work problems. Sure, you have them. Don’t deny it. We often face various challenges in the workplace, from looming…

 Get a Little Braggadocious!

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/12/2025

Here is an excellent suggestion for enhancing your “About Us” page on your website. You should showcase your specialist’s…

Education is Being Curious

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/05/2025

You know I’ve been highlighting a massive language shift for our industry. Just in case you need the latest…

Automotive Service: Where Procedures Save Lives and Reputations

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 04/28/2025

When clients entrust you with their vehicles, they’re also entrusting their safety. Minor oversights can have catastrophic consequences, making…

Different Isn’t Wrong

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 04/21/2025

When my friends hire a coach, an expert for their business, and they allow their new accountability partner to…

 The Stark Reality of Pricing

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 03/17/2025

  On a recent road trip I could not help to realize what we pay for water and yogurt…

 Improve your CX

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 03/11/2025

I’ve discussed, on the podcast, hiring for a new position: the CXO, or Client Experience Officer. Most automotive repair…

Remember That Spark? Reconnecting with Your Business Dream

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 03/03/2025

  Every business begins with a dream – a vision of what could be.  You’re in the automotive repair…

Courage and Professionalism Must RULE.

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 02/26/2025

As 2025 dawns upon us, the quiet moments between the past holiday celebrations offer us a precious opportunity for…

Vibrant Collaboration: Unveiling Insights Through Invoice Auditing

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 02/17/2025

It was about understanding communication, design, and the client experience from multiple angles. Remember, there were no competitors in the room, even though all the shops were from the local marketplace.

Latest Episodic Education

Stop Leaving Money on the Table: How to Master Your Shop Management System [RR 1085]

03/31/2026

Smart Glasses in the Shop: Inside NAPA Autotech’s XcceleratoR Training [THA 478]

03/27/2026

Is Your Shop the Problem? Hard Truths from the Voice of the Technician Survey Results [RR 1084]

03/24/2026

General Service Technician Academy: Building Educational Foundation For Tomorrow’s Careers [THA 477]

03/20/2026

Own the Technician Shortage: How One Shop Owner is Transforming Industry Recruitment [RR 1083]

03/17/2026

The Affordability Myth in Auto Repair: Rethinking How Service Advisors Present Repairs [THA 476]

03/13/2026

Stop Winging Human Resources in Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1082]

03/10/2026

The 250K Mile Maintenance Mindset: Mastering the Art of Vehicle Delivery [THA 475]

03/06/2026

Why Employee Reviews Are Broken and What to Do Instead [RR 1081]

03/03/2026

Why Women are the Secret Weapon in Auto Repair Shop Hospitality [THA 474]

02/27/2026

The New Economics of Auto Repair: Rising Rates, Fewer Cars, Higher Profits [RR 1080]

02/24/2026

The Superhighway to Estimating: Canned Jobs and Categories For Shop Efficiency [THA 473]

02/20/2026

Beyond Service Advisors: Embracing the ‘Repairathist’ Mindset [RR 1079]

02/17/2026

Looking Rich VS Living Free: The Hidden Truth About Success and Money [THA 472]

02/13/2026

Executing a 25 Year Plan: Retired at 47 [RR 1078]

02/10/2026

The Digital Front Door For Auto Repair: SEO, Google, and Website Marketing [THA 471]

02/06/2026

Beyond the Repair Order: The Strategy of Customer Loyalty [RR 1077]

02/03/2026

The 250K Mile Mindset: Selling Maintenance Without Selling Fear [THA 470]

01/30/2026

Beyond Babysitters: Developing Strong Managers and Financial Transparency [RR 1076]

01/27/2026

Streamlining the Mundane: How Automation Buys Back Time [THA 469]

01/23/2026

The Capacity Crisis: What If It Didn’t Have To Be So Hard? [RR 1075]

01/20/2026

Mastering Your Shop Finance: The Power of Specialized Automotive Accounting [THA 468]

01/16/2026

Do You Own a Business or a Job? [RR 1074]

01/13/2026

Future-Proofing the Automotive Industry: Consolidation, AI, and Career Evolution [THA 467]

01/09/2026

The Four Defining Roles in Your Business Story: Victim, Villain, Hero, and Guide [RR 1073]

01/06/2026