Latest Blog

Life Skills: Is This Our Responsibility?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | Aug 10, 2026

Critical Note: We don’t elevate an industry by fixing more cars. We elevate an industry by developing better people.  I hear it all the time. “Kids today just don’t have soft skills.” Some people blame schools. Others blame parents. Many blame social media. While there may be some truth in…

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All Articles and Blog Posts

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…

I’ll Get To It!

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/26/2023

A busy person lives in an “I’ll get to it” world. I may be guilty of this.🙂 Is it…

Turning Struggle Into Success

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/15/2023

I know that our podcast ‘Ministry’ of the last eight years has helped many people hear great stories of…

Do You Listen to your Gut?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/09/2023

Have you ever wondered how you get feelings about people and situations? It happens to me all the time.…

Are You Investing in Tuition for Your People?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 04/30/2023

Last week I attended a breakfast for all Technology Advisory Councils at our local community college. I sit on…

Stuck? Get Your MOJO Back.

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 04/23/2023

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a rut, unable to make progress? Where are your creative juices?…

The Willingness to Train

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 04/10/2023

In a recent episode with shop owner Tomi Oliva, he said the words ‘Willingness to Train’. It is a…

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Inside the ASTA Expo 2026: Training, Technology, and Tribal Networking [RR 1104]

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Mastering Shop Flow with Online Scheduling and AI Communication [THA 497]

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Why Employees Disengage and How Leaders Reconnect Them [RR 1103]

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The “Kohl’s Cash” of Auto Repair: Turning Customer Rewards Into Repeat Business [THA 495]

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Deferred Work: The Most Overlooked Growth Opportunity in Auto Repair [RR 1101]

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The Truth About ADAS Calibrations Every Shop Needs to Hear [THA 494]

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Curing Organizational Drag: The Courage to Fire a Non-Fit Employee [RR 1100]

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Maximizing Profit Through Effective Labor Rate Strategy [THA 493]

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AI Search Visibility: How Customers Find Your Auto Repair Shop [THA 492]

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Building a Winning Scoreboard For Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1098]

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How to Sell Your Auto Repair Shop for Maximum Value [THA 491]

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How a Purple Heart Veteran Became a 6-Shop Auto Repair Owner [RR 1097]

06/23/2026

Why Auto Repair Specialists Leave Our Industry (And How Shop Owners Can Keep Them) [THA 490]

06/19/2026

2026 Automotive Training Trends Every Professional Shop Owner Needs to Know [RR 1096]

06/16/2026

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]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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