Latest Blog

Words Matter: Why ‘Installer’ Doesn’t Define Our Profession

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | Jun 8, 2026

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…

Read More

All Articles and Blog Posts

Sing A Song!

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 10/05/2023

The Value of Music Ever find yourself in a super positive place and want the feeling to continue? What…

Experience and Intuition will Nail the Floor Squeak in Your Bay

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 09/18/2023

You’ve heard the story of the ‘carpenter’ hired to fix a floor squeak. He walks over the floor, hears…

The Myth of Common Sense

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 09/11/2023

“Where is the common sense today?” I’m saying that way to much. The concept of common sense implies that everyone should inherently understand specific ideas or action

Back to School

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 09/04/2023

A favorite movie of mine, a comedy, is Back To School. It starred Rodney Dangerfield as a successful businessman…

You Control the Throttle

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/28/2023

Think of the gas pedal in your car or truck or the lever pushed and pulled by a train…

You Need a Playbook

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/16/2023

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about all the facets of leading a successful and profitable business. In some…

If You Are Not Sitting on the Edge, Then You Are Taking Up Too Much Room

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/07/2023

Are you experiencing what I am with the speed of life? Such a fast-paced world. Staying current is essential…

Shedding Certain Beliefs

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/31/2023

What would life be like if what you believe was not the truth? We often take for granted the…

Succession – Not the HBO Series but Maybe!

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/24/2023

Auto service business family succession on a concrete plan to move ownership to the next generation.

Who Is Oiling the Tin Man?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/18/2023

aftermarket professionals increasingly understand the importance of continuous growth and development. Leaders actively seek to expand their knowledge and skills via coaching, networking, and absorbing our podcast content.

Have Your Manager Present Your P & L Back to You

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/12/2023

A few weeks ago, Tracy and I had the honor to hang out with a group of Operations Directors…

Wake Up Call

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/04/2023

When I get a feeling about an important topic to discuss on the podcast, there is always the hope…

It’s About Parenting

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/27/2023

It was Coach Rod Olson who said ‘It’s About Parenting’. Rod Olson is the coach’s coach. Sports and even…

I Challenge You: Brakes For Breasts

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/19/2023

I’m asking you to step to the plate for Brakes for Breasts. Tracy and I continue to support Brakes…

Five Guidelines for Making Dispatch Work in Your Shop

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/08/2023

As someone who works in the automotive industry, I’m sure you are very interested in learning more about how…

Latest Episodic Education

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

06/12/2026

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

06/09/2026

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

06/05/2026

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

06/02/2026

When Personal Stress Walks Into the Shop: How Leaders Protect Performance [THA 487]

05/29/2026

From Guesswork to Process: Modern Diagnostic Strategies for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1093]

05/26/2026

Failing at Retirement: Building Eight Shops in Eight Years [THA 486]

05/22/2026

The AI-Driven Auto Repair Leader: Using Technology as Your Strategic Thought Partner [RR 1092]

05/19/2026

The Rise of the Specialist: Redefining Automotive Professionalism [THA 485]

05/15/2026

15 Headlines in 30 Minutes: Rapid Fire Automotive News For Shop Owners [RR 1091]

05/12/2026

Why ADAS Calibrations Are Being Ignored in Auto Repair Shops [THA 484]

05/08/2026

Auto Repair Marketing Isn’t What You Think (AI Is Changing Everything) [RR 1090]

05/05/2026

Turn Your Parts Spend Into Team Rewards with the NAPA Team Tool Rebate [THA 483]

05/01/2026

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

04/28/2026

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

04/24/2026

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

04/21/2026

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

04/17/2026

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

04/14/2026

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

04/10/2026

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

04/07/2026

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

04/03/2026

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