RR 127: Dave Kusa of Autotrend Diagnostics
Reasons to listen to Dave Kusa, President Autotrend Diagnostics:
-Find out how much reliance Dave places on building customer relations and home town value in a city of 2.5 million people.
-Dave believes that their top internet reviews come from his strategy on good customer communications.
-If you are looking for great insight or advice on the need for business training, Dave will explain to you his biggest learning curve.
RR 123: Pete Rudloff from Pete’s Garage
Pete Rudloff owner of Pete’s Garage in Newark, DE. Pete started out in the automotive trade as a machine shop apprentice and after a year became dealer tech and grew into a Mopar Gold CMAT, L1, DEEP certified tech of which have been both the assistant shop foreman and foreman of a few local dealerships…
RR 121: Nikki Ayers from Ayers Automotive
Nikki Ayers and her husband Robert have been shop owners for 38 years. They own Ayers Automotive in Santa Barbara, CA with locations in Chipala and Anacapa. Robert was a Jaguar tech when they decided to go into business for themselves. Nikki shares the big risk they took with their first building and how after…
RR 119: John Eppstein from John’s Automotive Care
John Eppstein from John’s Automotive Care in San Diego, CA was recognized in 2016 as the NAPA ASE Technician of the Year. Started Like So Many Others John Eppstein started in the automotive industry in 1983 because he wanted a job where he could help people. Like so many others in the industry, John pumped…
RR 117: John Bridgwater from Wrights Automotive Service
John Bridgwater always wanted to know, “What makes it go?” At age five he took apart a mechanical adding machine just to see how it worked. Growing up, his father would work on the family van and John would always be by his side asking questions and learning everything he could. Today John Bridgwater and…
RR 115: Doug Grills from AutoStream Car Care Center
Listen to the entrepreneurial journey of Doug Grills from AutoStream Car Care Center. Along with his partner Rick Levitan they brought their base experience from their former positions with a fortune five company to build a four store automotive service company. As Doug tells it they brought a lot of business savvy with them when…
RR 113: Kim Auernheimer from CS Automotive
After many years in real-estate and property management Kim Aurenheimer joined the business with her husband Rob. Hear Kim talk about the big decision, they both made, to work together and forge a strong working relationship. From Kim’s perspective listen as she talks about her transition into the industry and in finding her wings at the shop. She discusses trust, roles, the industry, margins, labor rates, work life balance and much more. An enlightening view of our industries most prevalent business partnerships; husbands and wives.
RR 111: Frank Palange from V & F Auto
RR 109: Scott ‘GONZO’ Weaver
RR 107: Ron Haugen of Westside Auto Pros
Ever lose your job? Here is a success story that starts out with the loss of a job. A life changing incident that sets up a business career. Ever take the biggest leap of your life and didn’t know a thing about business? Ron Haugen gives a refreshing look back as he reflects on the adage that you can do just about anything you want if you put your mind and heart into it.
And Ron adds even if you don’t know what you don’t know; you can be successful. Does the term ‘Short People Up Front’ mean something to you?” This saying was a monumental life changing memory for Ron Haugen and had a huge impact on Ron’s business and can for you. Over the course of the interview you will hear a blueprint for success. Ron will tell you many of his battle worn yet successful strategies that has brought great success to him and his team and can work for you.
RR 103: Dave Erb
Have you ever thought about selling your business? Do you have a buyer? Want to hear the story from a thirty-year industry veteran who recently sold his businesses to an investor?
Dave Erb has a great story from buying his first shop to hitting his first $100K month. Ever thought about attending Leadership 2.0? Yes, but never pulled the switch. Dave will convince you why it was such a great move for him.
He shares some great wisdom he learned in the school of hard knocks. Invest in yourself … listen now!
RR 101: Ron Inchausti from Coast Motor Werk
Ron Inchausti always had entrepreneurial ideas since childhood, but lacked goal setting to implement these ideas. He started his automotive career like most, working for someone else. He never considered, or saw the need, to start his own company. This young, eager mechanic had a special passion fueled by providing quality service with a thoughtful…
RR 099: Randy Lucyk from Kalkaska Midas
Randy Lucyk from Midas in Kalkaska, MI is a very interesting entrepreneur. Randy is one strong aftermarket thinker and informally among Midas dealers he is known as the data and IT guy. We covered some great ground in this episode and I promise a lot of very good gems of wisdom for the taking. Randy…
RR 097: Jeff Ruffing from Ruffing Automotive Services
Can you relate to this: Jeff Ruffing from Ruffing Automotive in Kaukauna, WI, yes a Packers fan, started washing cars at a Buick dealership in 1985. Later that year he was asked to bring his tools in when a technician was injured. When he started his own shop he got into business with ‘’training wheels” on…
RR 095: Tim Davison from Chumbley’s Auto Care
Meet third generation owner, Tim Davison from Chumbley’s Auto Care in Indianola, IA. Chumbley’s got it roots as a service station over 59 years ago. Tim Davison talks about those roots and how it has led to the very personal business it is today. Tim’s been in the industry for 35 years and 17 of them…
RR 093: Technician Mentor/Apprentice
Prepare yourself for a very powerful discussion on growing your own technicians. In light of the technician shortage, this episode shows a pathway to build your own bench. Get a ton of great ideas and resources to help you stem the technician shortage. There are two ways to enjoy this round table discussion. You can watch…
RR 092: Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH
Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH is an eighteen-year veteran in the Automotive Service industry. He currently owns two specialized automotive service locations. Ryan grew his enterprise from a single customer into a multi-location profitable business with 12 employees, that includes 6 technicians with a 99% customer satisfaction, and he has automated his business…
RR 089: Larry Moore from Larry’s Auto Works
Larry Moore is the President of Larry’s Auto Works, a family owned automotive service and repair center located in Mountain View California since 1972. Larry and his wife of 49 years, Laurie lead the team at their 11,500 square foot shop with 15 bays. They employ 4.5 technicians a shop manager, service adviser, driver, and…
RR 087: Tom Palermo from Preferred Automotive Specialists
Tom Palermo from Preferred Automotive Specialists, Philadelphia, PA, was honored as the NAPA ASE Technician of the year 2015. What a humble and enthusiastic entrepreneur; he’s firmly engaged in the 40 plus-year-old family business that his dad Joe started, back in the day. Preferred Automotive Specialties employs seven technicians in six bays with eight lifts.…
RR 085: Brian Bowersock of West Automotive Group
Meet Brian Bowersock of West Automotive Group of Escondido, CA. Brian is a twenty eight year industry veteran who is an ASE Master Tech A1-A9, L1, C1, P2. His shop is also ASE Blue Seal Certified. Brian’s two facilities have a combined 29 bays with 24 lifts, and 11 technicians. He’s a member of the…
RR 082: Joe Miles from Kaiser Tire & Auto
Joe Miles owner of Kaiser Tire and Auto Service Center in Louisville, KY along with his wife Julie purchased this legacy business on April 1, 2015. (April fool’s day) That makes for an interesting story. He is no stranger to the industry however as a new business owner Joe shares how his decision came about. Kaiser…
RR 080: Michael Morgan from Frost Transmission
Enjoy an easy going episode with Michael Morgan of Frost Transmissions in Rainbow City Alabama. It is so rare that 3rd generation business get as far as Frost Transmissions. You’ll understand how when you hear Michael’s story. This humble guy has built a great team and shares great wisdom on his journey to remarkable results.…
RR 076: Alan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand
Skateboarding legend Alan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand owns German Car Depot in Hollywood, FL. His career path to entrepreneur shop owner has taken on a very some very interesting turns. From Skateboarding legend to auto cross state champion to repair shop owner Alan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand has a great story and he is not bashful to tell it.…
RR 074: Catering to the Female Customer
Why Listen? Did you always want to know what it takes to create a women friendly repair shop? What kind of amenities? Do women car care clinic bring value? Is the bar higher for women? Heavy talk that customer service to women needs the same respect that you give men. We discussed service reps, communication,…
RR 073: Charitable Initiatives in the Automotive Aftermarket
Watch the replay below or listen to the audio only podcast when you are traveling, commuting or when you can’t be in front of a screen. The podcast is available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and of course listen below. Charity starts at home. Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Initiatives peer discussion. Here’s what’s in store: How Joe, Jeff…