The Automotive Hiring Cycle: When and How to Recruit Top Technicians [THA 502]
What if the best time to recruit your next technician is when your shop isn’t looking to hire?
Lisa Coyle, CEO of Promotive, and Sam Freeman, Partner Manager at Promotive, reveal why automotive recruiting has a cycle, and why understanding when technicians are looking can give shop owners a significant advantage. Lisa and Sam explain how recruiting data, market timing, candidate behavior, and consistent relationship-building can create a much more proactive hiring strategy.
Download the 6 Month Promotive Hiring Insights Report for FREE: https://info.gopromotive.com/RRR
What You’ll Learn
Why technician recruiting has a cycle and why timing matters.
Why “post and pray” recruiting puts your shop at a disadvantage.
Why finding a top technician can take 60 to 70 days.
How local market data can improve your job postings.
Why you should recruit even when you don’t have an opening.
What may really be behind candidate ghosting.
Why a counter-offer doesn’t have to end the relationship.
How consistent communication can prevent first-day no-shows.
Why complicated hiring processes can cost you great candidates.
How the F.O.R.D. method can make interviews more personal and effective.
Great recruiting is about timing, data, and relationships. Don’t wait for an empty bay to discover you need a recruiting strategy. Understand when technicians are most likely to consider a move, know what candidates in your market are searching for, simplify your hiring process, and stay connected with good people even when the timing isn’t right. Your next great technician may not be looking when you’re ready to hire. The opportunity is to build the relationship when they’re ready to listen.
Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/
Meet Paige: The Auto Repair Industry’s First 24/7 AI Recruiter [THA 481]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a481/
Lisa Coyle, CEO of Promotive
Sam Freeman, Partner Manager at Promotive
remarkableresults.biz/a502
Daily Habits That Build a Stronger Auto Repair Shop Culture [THA 501]
What does a strong shop culture look like when you’re the people living it every day?
Bree Wismer, Service Advisor and Frontline Culture Leader, and Trevor Hinds, Operations Manager and Dispatcher at Empower Automotive in Traverse City, Michigan, take us inside the daily habits and communication practices that keep their team aligned, productive, and focused on the customer.
Rather than approaching culture from the owner’s perspective, Bri and Trevor share what happens on the front lines. They explain how Empower Automotive breaks down the traditional divide between the front counter and the bays, keeps everyone on the “same bus,” and creates a workplace where every person understands their role, respects the team around them, and contributes to the same goal.
What You’ll Learn
Why the front counter and specialists must operate as one team.
How daily huddles and short training sessions keep the team aligned.
Why the 1:00 PM check-in can prevent late-day customer surprises.
Why a “no-update” update can be one of the most valuable customer communications.
How to respond when customers arrive with AI-generated or parts-store diagnoses.
How respect, communication, and accountability create confident professionalism.
Building a world-class shop culture doesn’t require a massive budget or a complicated organizational overhaul. By committing to these small, consistent actions, you can transform your shop from a high-stress environment into a thriving, unified business that both your team and your customers enjoy.
remarkableresults.biz/a501
Brakes for Breasts: How Auto Repair Shops Are Fighting Breast Cancer [THA 500]
What if your auto repair shop could help advance breast cancer research while growing your business?
Co-founders Leigh Anne Best and Laura Frank, alongside Dr. Justin Johnson from the Cleveland Clinic, share the story behind one of the automotive industry’s most impactful grassroots fundraisers. Since 2011, participating shops have partnered with parts vendors to provide free brake pads during October, helping customers save on repairs while shops donate 10% of the total service cost to breast cancer vaccine research at Cleveland Clinic.
With $2.4 million raised and a $3 million milestone in sight, the campaign is helping fund continued research into the alpha-lactalbumin breast cancer vaccine for triple-negative breast cancer while giving independent repair shops an opportunity to strengthen their communities and grow their business.
What You’ll Learn
How the Brakes for Breasts win-win fundraising model works.
How participating shops can partner with parts vendors and customers.
Why 100% of donations go directly to the research laboratory.
How grassroots funding helped keep the Cleveland Clinic research lab open after Dr. Vincent Tuohy’s passing.
What Phase 1 vaccine research revealed and what Phase 2 will require.
How participating shops can generate community awareness and increased car count.
How your shop can participate and access promotional resources.
Brakes for Breasts demonstrates what can happen when the automotive industry comes together around a cause. Shops can serve their customers, strengthen their communities, grow their businesses, and help fund research that could change lives. Every shop, every customer, and every dollar can make a difference.
https://www.brakesforbreasts.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a500
Your Shop’s Toughest Competitor Is in the Mirror [THA 499]
Who is your shop’s toughest competitor: the business down the street, or the people inside your own four walls?
Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owners Dwayne Myers and Al Oramas to explore internal competition and why the biggest threats to a shop’s success often come from within. The conversation challenges owners to stop obsessing over competitors and start examining their own leadership, consistency, processes, and customer experience.
What You’ll Learn
Why operational consistency matters and how small deviations can create chaos.
Why owners can’t effectively lead from the “engine room.”
How true delegation requires owners to let go of control and trust their teams.
Why “everything speaks” when it comes to the customer experience.
How standing at the curb can reveal things owners no longer notice inside their own shops.
How simple physical and operational improvements can create meaningful change.
Why asking employees what they love and what they would change can reveal the true health of a business.
Your greatest competitor may be staring back at you in the mirror. The shops that grow stronger are willing to look inward, challenge their own habits, listen to their teams, and consistently raise the standard. Leadership isn’t about controlling every detail; it’s about creating the environment, expectations, and trust that allow the entire team to perform at its best.
remarkableresults.biz/a499
Engage, Educate, Reward: How Today’s Class Is Changing Auto Repair Training [THA 498]
What if the best way to train an automotive team isn’t another four-hour evening class, but a few minutes of learning every day?
Carm Capriotto sits down with David Boyes, President of Today’s Class, and Brad Updegraff, owner of Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, to explore how continuous learning and gamification are creating more engaged, knowledgeable teams.
Brad shares how his seven-location operation uses Today’s Class to support ASE certification, keep experienced technicians current with rapidly changing vehicle technology, and turn training into something employees actually want to participate in.
What You’ll Learn
Why daily learning can be more effective than traditional after-hours training.
How raffles, auctions, and rewards turn training into a team-building experience.
How shop-versus-shop competition can create stronger teamwork than individual leaderboards.
How custom training content can identify knowledge gaps and strengthen advisor performance.
Why continuous learning is essential as vehicle technology continues to evolve.
What’s coming next for Today’s Class, including EV, hybrid, electrical, leadership, and financial training.
Training doesn’t have to feel like a requirement. When learning is consistent, accessible, rewarding, and connected to career growth, it can become part of the culture. Brad and David demonstrate how gamification can turn education into daily engagement while helping automotive professionals build the skills needed for the future.
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/
remarkableresults.biz/a498
Mastering Shop Flow with Online Scheduling and AI Communication [THA 497]
What if the key to a better customer experience wasn’t working harder, but creating better shop flow?
Murray Voth of RPM Training and shop owner Doug Brackett join Carm Capriotto to discuss how online scheduling, AI-powered communication, and intentional processes can reduce front-counter chaos while improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
What You’ll Learn
Why online scheduling should function as a reservation request, not an automatic appointment.
How setting the “next expectation” builds customer trust and reduces anxiety.
Why qualifying customers helps create a better experience for everyone.
How AI and digital communication reduce interruptions and free advisors to build stronger relationships.
The operational strategies behind a calm, highly productive service counter.
Real-world performance metrics that demonstrate the power of better shop flow.
The best shops don’t eliminate the human touch, they eliminate unnecessary chaos. By combining clear communication, intentional scheduling, and smart technology, shop owners can create a more predictable workflow, a better customer experience, and a less stressful environment for both employees and clients.
remarkableresults.biz/a497
The AI-Informed Customer Has Arrived: What It Means For Auto Repair [THA 496]
Are your customers rolling up to the counter with their vehicles already “diagnosed” by ChatGPT or Gemini?
More customers are turning to AI before they ever call your shop, using tools like ChatGPT and Gemini as the “WebMD” for their vehicles. They often arrive convinced they’ve identified the problem, making today’s service advisor responsible for validating the customer’s concerns while guiding the conversation back to proper testing and professional diagnostics.
Brian Weeks, Jon Kloosterman, and Alex Littlewood join Carm Capriotto to explore how AI is reshaping customer expectations and why the shops that thrive will be the ones that combine technology with authentic human connection.
What You’ll Learn
Why the “human premium” is becoming more valuable as AI-generated content grows.
How to respond when customers arrive with AI-generated vehicle diagnoses.
Why AI should automate administrative tasks, not customer relationships.
How AI helps service advisors and technicians become more efficient.
Strategies for adopting AI without overwhelming your team.
Why AI can reinforce the value of professional diagnostics and repair expertise.
As AI-generated content floods the internet, customers are finding it harder to separate facts from fiction. That uncertainty creates an opportunity for repair shops. AI can improve efficiency, but trust is still earned through knowledgeable people, thoughtful communication, and genuine relationships. The future belongs to shops that use AI to support the customer experience, not replace the human connection that builds lasting confidence.
remarkableresults.biz/a496
The “Kohl’s Cash” of Auto Repair: Turning Customer Rewards Into Repeat Business [THA 495]
What keeps customers coming back when the shop down the street is advertising lower prices?
Tom Sciortino of Total Automotive and Jeff Rudnick of Pit Crew Loyalty reveal how a well-designed loyalty program can become your shop’s competitive advantage. Drawing from Tom celebrating 40 years in business, they share how rewarding customers, celebrating milestones, and investing in the community create stronger relationships, more referrals, and sustainable growth.
What You’ll Learn
How customer loyalty programs increase repeat visits and average repair orders.
Why rewards help differentiate your shop from price-driven competitors.
Creative referral strategies that attract high-quality new customers.
How time-sensitive rewards can recover deferred work and win back inactive customers.
Ways to celebrate business milestones that engage employees and customers.
Why community involvement builds trust, loyalty, and lasting relationships.
Loyalty is more than a rewards program. When combined with meaningful community engagement and exceptional customer experiences, it becomes a powerful strategy for increasing retention, referrals, and sustainable business growth.
remarkableresults.biz/a495
The Truth About ADAS Calibrations Every Shop Needs to Hear [THA 494]
A viral social media clip about ADAS calibrations sparked thousands of comments and exposed a troubling reality: many automotive professionals still misunderstand when and why calibrations are required. In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes technical specialists and industry leaders Keith Perkins and Matt Fanslow to examine the industry’s response, separate fact from fiction, and explain why following OEM repair procedures is essential for both vehicle safety and professional credibility.
What You’ll Learn
The difference between static and dynamic ADAS calibrations, and why confusing the two leads to costly mistakes.
Why programming, configuration, initialization, and calibration are separate procedures with different purposes.
How fear of losing a sale often outweighs concerns about vehicle safety and liability.
The real-world consequences of skipping OEM-required calibration procedures.
How a properly calibrated vehicle helped protect Keith’s wife and children during a serious highway rollover crash.
How elevating the role of the Calibration Specialist reinforces professionalism and builds customer confidence.
ADAS calibrations are not optional add-ons or revenue generators; they are critical safety procedures designed by vehicle manufacturers to ensure advanced safety systems perform as intended. Professional repair shops protect their customers by following OEM repair information, completing every required calibration, and returning every vehicle to the road safe and ready to perform.
remarkableresults.biz/a494
Maximizing Profit Through Effective Labor Rate Strategy [THA 493]
Your posted labor rate may not be the labor rate you’re actually collecting, and that gap could be costing your shop thousands of dollars every month.
In this episode, Carm Capriotto is joined by Andy Adams, a shop owner and business coach, and Rob Sperring, a service manager, to explain why Effective Labor Rate (ELR) is one of the most overlooked yet impactful performance metrics in the auto repair industry. They break down why ELR falls short, how it affects profitability, and the practical steps every shop owner can take to close the gap.
What You’ll Learn
What Effective Labor Rate (ELR) is and why it matters more than your posted door rate.
Why healthy shops should collect at least 90 percent of their posted labor rate.
How unbilled diagnostic time, underpriced canned jobs, and complimentary inspections reduce profitability.
Why excessive discounting, even with good intentions, can quietly erode your bottom line.
How shifting consumer buying habits make labor profitability more important than ever.
Why improving ELR creates opportunities to increase technician compensation and strengthen your business.
How auditing repair orders can uncover missed labor opportunities and unnecessary discounts.
Why updating your labor matrix and canned jobs can immediately improve financial performance.
How sharing KPI’s (key performance indicators) with your team builds ownership and accountability throughout the shop.
Effective Labor Rate is more than a financial matrix; it’s a direct measure of how well your shop captures the value of the work it performs. By understanding where labor revenue is being lost and making intentional operational improvements, shop owners can increase profitability, invest in their teams, and build a stronger, more sustainable business.
remarkableresults.biz/a493
AI Search Visibility: How Customers Find Your Auto Repair Shop [THA 492]
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how consumers search for auto repair services, and shop owners who don’t adapt risk becoming invisible online.
Carm Capriotto welcomes Heather Myers, Chief Technology Officer at KUKUI, and Connor Tracy, Director of Partner Development at KUKUI, to explain how AI-powered search is transforming local marketing. They separate fact from fiction, share practical strategies for improving AI visibility, and explain why strong marketing fundamentals remain the key to long-term success.
What You’ll Learn
Why optimizing your Google Business Profile remains the most important step for local AI search visibility.
How AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini use consistent business listings to recommend local repair shops.
Why maintaining accurate Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) information across online directories is more critical than ever.
How AI now crawls social media platforms for business information and why authentic, human-created content improves discoverability.
What “Google jail” is, how AI is filtering reviews, and why violating Google’s review policies can seriously damage your online presence.
Why review gating and incentivized reviews can put your business at risk.
How to use AI effectively by following the principle of “trust but verify.”
Why better prompting leads to better AI-generated results and how to avoid incomplete or misleading responses.
AI is changing the way customers find and evaluate repair shops, but success still depends on the fundamentals. Accurate business listings, a well-maintained Google Business Profile, authentic content, ethical review practices, and thoughtful use of AI tools will position your shop to earn trust, improve visibility, and convert online searches into paying customers.
remarkableresults.biz/a492
How to Sell Your Auto Repair Shop for Maximum Value [THA 491]
The auto repair industry is facing a “Silver Tsunami” as thousands of shop owners approach retirement age. The challenge isn’t simply selling a business; it’s maximizing its value and creating a successful transition that benefits employees, customers, and future owners.
In this episode, host Carm Capriotto welcomes shop owner and business coach Aaron Woods and Ryan Bushman, a recent shop owner seller, for a candid discussion on exit planning, business valuation, financial preparation, and the leadership mindset required to build a shop that can thrive without its founder.
What You’ll Learn
Why every shop owner needs an exit strategy, even if retirement feels years away.
How to transition from being the daily “hero” of the business to becoming a strategic guide.
The key factors that influence shop valuation and why buyer risk impacts sale price.
How creating a turnkey operation can significantly increase a business’s market value.
The importance of clean financial statements and separating personal expenses from business expenses.
What “add-backs” are and how they can reveal the true profitability of your shop.
Why investments in team development and training may strengthen valuation discussions.
How defining your retirement goals helps determine the financial target your business must achieve.
The value of coaches, peer groups, and industry-specific advisors during exit planning.
Why finding an automotive-savvy accountant should be a priority for owners considering a future sale.
The best business exits don’t happen by accident. Owners who begin preparing years in advance can reduce buyer risk, increase profitability, strengthen leadership teams, and ultimately maximize their company’s value. Whether retirement is five years away or fifteen, the time to start building a business that operates independently of you is now. A successful exit begins with intentional planning, disciplined financial management, and a clear vision for life after ownership.
remarkableresults.biz/a491
Why Auto Repair Specialists Leave Our Industry (And How Shop Owners Can Keep Them) [THA 490]
Why do talented automotive technicians leave the automotive industry, and what can shop owners do to keep them?
Host Carm Capriotto is joined by Technical Specialist Matt Fanslow and Technician Find CEO Chris Lawson to explore what it takes to attract, hire, and retain top talent in today’s automotive repair industry. The conversation examines industry professionalism, workplace culture, compensation, employee engagement, and proactive recruiting strategies that help shops become destinations for exceptional technicians.
What You’ll Learn
Why elevating the image of automotive professionals is critical to attracting the next generation of talent
The three primary reasons technicians leave shops: lack of respect, limited growth opportunities, and compensation concerns
How financial transparency can build trust, ownership, and a stronger team culture
The difference between a shop’s “official game” and its “shadow game,” and why understanding both matters
Practical ways to gather meaningful employee feedback and turn ideas into action
How leaders can remove obstacles that prevent technicians from finding joy and fulfillment in their work
Why relationships with tool truck drivers can become a valuable recruiting resource
How a shop’s appearance and reputation can influence whether top candidates choose to work there
Finding and keeping great technicians requires more than competitive pay. Shops that create a culture of respect, provide clear growth opportunities, communicate openly, and actively remove workplace frustrations are far more likely to attract and retain top performers. The most successful shop owners don’t wait for talent to find them, they intentionally build workplaces where skilled professionals want to stay and grow.
remarkableresults.biz/a490
Motor Oil supply Crisis: Fact, Friction, and What Happens Next [THA 489]
Is there really a motor oil shortage, or is the industry caught up in another wave of panic buying?
In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes automotive expert Lauren Fix and Deckman Oil Territory Sales Manager Lee Rhodus to separate fact from fiction surrounding today’s motor oil supply concerns.
Together, they examine what’s driving skyrocketing oil prices, why certain synthetic oils are becoming harder to source, and how fear-driven purchasing is creating additional strain throughout the supply chain. Most importantly, they discuss what repair shops and vehicle owners can do to navigate the uncertainty without making costly mistakes.
What You’ll Learn
Why the world is not actually running out of motor oil
How global shortages of base oils and additives are impacting the availability of ultra-low viscosity synthetic oils such as 0W-8, 0W-12, and 0W-16.
The role panic buying plays in creating artificial shortages and driving prices even higher.
Why motor oil prices are increasing at unprecedented rates and what that means for repair shops and consumers.
The risks of delaying routine maintenance as oil changes become more expensive.
Practical advice for shop owners on managing inventory and communicating with customers during periods of market uncertainty.
The current motor oil situation is real, but panic is making it worse. While supply constraints and rising prices are creating challenges across the automotive industry, experts agree that hoarding inventory and delaying maintenance are not the answers. Patience, informed decision-making, and a focus on preventative maintenance remain the best strategies for both repair shops and vehicle owners. As supply chains stabilize, those who avoid fear-based decisions today will likely be in the strongest position tomorrow.
remarkableresults.biz/a489
From Data to Loyalty: How AI and Hospitality Are Redefining Shop Growth [THA 488]
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.
remarkableresults.biz/a488
When Personal Stress Walks Into the Shop: How Leaders Protect Performance [THA 487]
What happens outside the shop doesn’t always stay outside the shop. In this insightful episode, Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, and service advisor coach and shop owner Rachel Spencer, explore how personal stress, emotional weight, and leadership awareness directly affect employee performance, confidence, customer communication, and overall shop culture.
From family struggles and financial pressure to burnout and emotional fatigue, today’s automotive professionals carry more than tools into work each day. This conversation reveals why high-performing shops are built not only on process and productivity, but on leaders who understand the human side of performance.
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
Strong shop culture starts with emotionally aware leadership. 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.
remarkableresults.biz/a487
Failing at Retirement: Building Eight Shops in Eight Years [THA 486]
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.
remarkableresults.biz/a486
The Rise of the Specialist: Redefining Automotive Professionalism [THA 485]
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
remarkableresults.biz/a485
Why ADAS Calibrations Are Being Ignored in Auto Repair Shops [THA 484]
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.
remarkableresults.biz/a484
Turn Your Parts Spend Into Team Rewards with the NAPA Team Tool Rebate [THA 483]
Recorded live at the VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owner Pete McNeil and NAPA Auto Care leaders Jason Rainey and Lauren Briggs to break down the impact of the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program. Listen to a powerful real-world example of how the program can energize a team, strengthen culture, and reward performance in meaningful ways.
What You’ll Learn
How the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program helps offset the high cost of technician tools while building a stronger shop culture
How Pete McNeil turned a $13,000 rebate into a memorable, morale-boosting experience
Why the shift from “tech tool rebate” to “team tool rebate” gives owners flexibility to reward the entire team, not just technicians
Creative ways shops can use rebate funds, from individual tool purchases to shared equipment, and even community support like vocational schools
How the program aligns the front and back of the shop, encouraging team-wide support of purchasing decisions
What’s ahead for the program, including improved tracking, communication, and enhanced buying power through supplier partnerships
The NAPA Team Tool Rebate program is more than a financial incentive; it’s a strategic tool for building culture, driving alignment, and showing appreciation in a tangible way. When used intentionally, as demonstrated by Pete McNeil, it can transform routine business spending into a powerful investment in people, boosting morale, loyalty, and long-term shop success.
VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a483
The Dealer Alternative Advantage in Today’s Auto Repair Industry [THA 482]
In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Larry and Kara Rose of Larry’s Automotive in Newburgh, Indiana, to celebrate their recognition as the NAPA 2025 Auto Care Center of the Year. Their story is more than an award; it’s a roadmap for building a sustainable, family-driven business through discipline, culture, and long-term vision.
What You’ll Learn
How Larry turned a driveway side hustle into a scalable business
Why Kara’s systems and structure were key to growth
A clear, intentional plan for family succession
How strong culture outweighs individual talent
The impact of daily training and continuous learning
Why service advisors are critical to customer trust
Growth strategies like “dealer alternative” positioning and coaching
Building a lasting shop requires more than technical skill; it takes structure, culture, and a long-term vision for people and growth.
remarkableresults.biz/a482
Meet Paige: The Auto Repair Industry’s First 24/7 AI Recruiter [THA 481]
Recorded live at the VISION 2026, this episode of Remarkable Results Radio features host Carm Capriotto in conversation with Lisa Coyle, Co-founder and CEO of Promotive, and Stacey Black, Account Manager at Promotive. Together, they unpack one of the most urgent challenges facing the automotive repair industry today: how to attract, hire, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving market.
What the Episode Covers:
The “Ghosting” Problem in Hiring:
Why candidates are applying to 15-20 shops at once
How speed of response determines who wins the hire
The growing impact of declining soft skills like communication and accountability
The Role of Shop Culture in Retention
Why culture must be intentional, not assumed
Simple, low-cost ways to build connection and loyalty
Ideas like celebrating milestones, supporting families, and investing in training
How strong culture reduces turnover and attracts better talent
Introducing “Paige” The Industry’s First AI-Powered Recruiting
Promotive’s virtual recruiter designed for the automotive industry
Instantly engages candidates via text after they apply
Conducts a guided, conversational pre-screening interview
Captures key data: experience, commute, current benefits, and pay expectations
A Live Demo of AI in Action
Carm roleplays as a technician to demonstrate Paige’s capabilities
Shows how natural, fast, and effective the process is
The 24/7 Hiring Advantage
Why candidates often apply after hours, and how Paige captures them in that moment
Real-world success, including dozens of completed interviews over a holiday weekend
Faster engagement leads to fewer drop-offs and better-qualified candidates
Hiring today requires more than posting a job and waiting. The shops that succeed are the ones that move quickly, communicate clearly, and create a culture people want to be part of. By combining intentional leadership with innovative tools like AI recruiting, you can reduce friction in the hiring process, improve retention, and ultimately build a stronger, more committed team.
VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a481
How to Get Unstuck When Your Auto Repair Business Stops Growing [THA 480]
In this episode of the Town Hall Academy, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Matt Wagg and Shiju Thomas to tackle a common challenge in the automotive repair industry: getting “unstuck.” The conversation focuses on breaking through growth plateaus by sharpening leadership, building a meaningful culture, and committing to continuous employee development.
Leadership & Accountability
Growth stalls when tenure is valued over performance
Not every team member will grow with the business
Leaders must make tough calls and avoid carrying “dead weight.”
Practice radical candor: honest conversations build trust
Self-awareness is critical; seek outside accountability (coaches/peers)
Culture & Development
Culture must be intentional and tangible, not just social events
Built through aligned hiring and shared values
Reinforced with tools like assessments, training, and team learning
Continuous education prepares teams for evolving vehicle technology
A learning culture attracts higher-level talent
Embracing Being “Stuck”
Feeling stuck often signals ambition and growth
Indicates you’re pushing into new challenges
Clear personal and business goals provide direction
Without clarity, the business risks drifting without purpose
Ultimately, getting unstuck isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about honest reflection, intentional leadership, and a commitment to growth. The shops that move forward are led by people willing to have the hard conversations, invest in their teams, and take ownership of what needs to change. If you’re feeling stuck, take it as a signal, not a setback, and use it as the catalyst to refocus, realign, and lead your business to the next level.
remarkableresults.biz/a480
Batman Needs a Robin: Meet Your Shop’s New Sidekick Ninja App [THA 479]
Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Jeremy Glassco of AppFueled and shop owner Joe Schindler to explore how auto repair shops can better connect technology with customer engagement.
Gladsco introduces the concept of the “App Gap,” explaining that while consumers frequently engage with apps from major brands, auto repair shops struggle with adoption because customers only download apps they trust or see immediate value in. To bridge this gap, he emphasizes delivering clear incentives and meaningful engagement.
A key innovation discussed is “Sidekick Ninja,” a Chrome extension tool that complements the shop’s management system by surfacing real-time customer insights, including communication history, profile data, and available offers, directly within the advisor’s workflow. This integration ensures no missed follow-ups, rebates, or opportunities to enhance the customer experience.
Schindler also highlights strategies to protect shop profitability, including gamifying customer engagement within a shop app. By rewarding users for actions such as adding vehicle details or personal information, shops can gather valuable data while encouraging deeper engagement.
Ultimately, the episode reinforces that when technology is used to enhance, not replace, the human connection, shops can create better experiences, stronger relationships, and more consistent growth.
https://www.appfueled.io/sidekick-ninja
VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/
Jeremy Glassco, Founder, App Fueled
Joe Schindler, Schindler’s Garage, Floyds Knobs, IN
remarkableresults.biz/a479
Smart Glasses in the Shop: Inside NAPA Autotech’s XcceleratoR Training [THA 478]
Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Matt Crumpton, Director of Program Development at NAPA Auto Care, and Robin Cowie, Creative Technologist, to explore the official rollout of NAPA’s Extended Reality (XR) training program.
The conversation centers around solving some of the industry’s biggest challenges: the ongoing technician shortage, the high cost of tools for new hires, and the need to get technicians productive and billable faster. By leveraging immersive technology that feels familiar to younger generations, NAPA is creating a pathway for new technicians to build skills and confidence in a low-risk, high-impact learning environment.
The XR ecosystem is built around three core technologies. Virtual Reality (VR) delivers immersive, point-of-view training with over 50 lessons focused on essential shop skills, reinforcing the idea that “brakes pay bills.” Using a structured “teach five, test five” approach, technicians develop muscle memory before ever working on a live vehicle. Mixed Reality (MR) bridges the gap between virtual and physical by combining real tools with guided digital overlays, allowing for hands-on practice with built-in support. Augmented Reality (AR) smart glasses bring the technology directly into the service bay, giving technicians instant, voice-activated access to critical information like torque specs, keeping them focused on the vehicle and saving valuable time on every job.
Looking ahead, the platform continues to evolve. Future integrations are expected to include shop management systems, Identifix, and digital vehicle inspections, enabling fully hands-free workflows and even customer-facing video communication directly from the bay.
After successful testing with early adopters, NAPA officially announced at VISION 2026 that its XR training packages are now available for general purchase, offering shops a powerful new way to train, support, and retain the next generation of technicians.
https://napaxccelerator.com/
VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a478