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…

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 A New Idea into Reality in 2023

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 01/08/2023

Here is an idea that has come to reality that will contribute to you and your teams’ success.

Are you the Reason Training is Dormant at your Shop?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 01/02/2023

My Techs Won’t Go To Training. Why technician training is critical to a profitable auto service business.

Becoming More Profitable in 2023

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 12/24/2022

In December 2022, we released a very important episode with author and customer experience consultant John DeJulius. It is…

Is your customer bathroom like the Ritz?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 12/12/2022

In a recent Town Hall on ‘Details’ we discussed the importance of a clean bathroom. Please don’t discount this…

Are Your Employees Your Biggest Advocate and Fan?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 12/06/2022

There is so much traction inside our industry with shop owners that are building great cultures and top teams.…

Five Ways to Spot a Toxic Employee

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 11/10/2022

Recently in episode 713 with Dr. Dave Weiman, we talked about handling toxic employees. The episode was a refreshing…

Only One Way to Go and That is UP

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 10/20/2022

We’ve got over 1,100 episodes inside the Aftermarket Radio Network. And since our inception 7 ½ years ago, there…

How is Your Power of Curiosity and Intution?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 10/11/2022

Curiosity is a powerful tool. It helps us to stay open-minded and creative. Intuition is a way of knowing…

Tangible Mechanism

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 10/03/2022

Recently on a podcast with Coach Dave Schedin, (HERE) he mentioned ‘Tangible Mechanism.’ I quickly put those two words…

Repair Order Audit

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 09/12/2022

I listened to Hunt Demarest’s episode on Shady Service Advisor, where he discussed how things could go wrong managing…

Top of Your Listen List

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/27/2022

Every shop owner in North America has the privilege of not letting their education get in the way of…

One Choice: Fix the Business or You First!

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/09/2022

The strongest recurring theme when I talk to top shop operators is that every business needs a clear goal…

Training as a Required Pillar

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/27/2022

So many discussions lately, both on and off the podcast microphone, have prompted me to drive a training strategy…

Paycheck to Paycheck

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/24/2022

We are all feeling the pinch of inflation. In the last gas crunch, there were many on the expressways…

Motorist Assurance Program: A Listening Challenge

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/27/2022

A Listening Challenge A challenge: After you listen to the entire episode, please let me know why you would…

Latest Episodic Education

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

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

03/17/2026