Solving the Tool Debt Challenge: NAPA’s Game-Changer Team Tool Rebate [THA 432]
Recorded at the NAPA Now Conference celebrating NAPA Auto Care’s 100th anniversary, Jason Rainey, Vice President of NAPA Auto Care, and Matt Crumpton, Director of Program Development, introduce the Team Tool Rebate program, which helps technicians manage tool debt while providing shops with funds to reward and retain talent. The conversation also emphasized NAPA’s apprenticeship and training programs, showcasing the company’s commitment to education, workforce development, and genuine partnerships. Rainey and Crumpton highlight NAPA’s dedication to listening to its Auto Care members and delivering solutions that go beyond parts, aiming to uplift the industry through support, innovation, and strong shop culture.
remarkableresults.biz/a432
Stop Eating Our Young: The Importance of Mentoring [THA 431]
Mike Coley and George Arrants from the ASE Education Foundation address the ongoing technician shortage in the automotive industry. They highlight the importance of education, mentoring, and industry involvement in developing career-ready talent. Coley discusses how ASE certification improves retention and productivity, while Arrants emphasizes the value technicians place on a positive shop culture and proper equipment. The episode urges shop owners to actively support schools, nurture entry-level talent, and create environments that promote long-term career development.
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The Apprentice Equation: Management, Mentorship, and Motivation [THA 430]
Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2025, discover the transformative power of apprenticeship programs in the automotive industry. Learn about the success stories, effective strategies, challenges, and the importance of mentoring in training the next generation of automotive technologists.
remarkableresults.biz/a430
Education and Training: Staying Ahead of the Curve [RR 1011]
Recorded live at AAPEX 2024, this episode dives into the evolving landscape of industry standards and the critical right to repair movement. Gain valuable insights into AAPEX’s forward-thinking approach to education and technology, and discover how community and continuous learning are driving business success.
remarkableresults.biz/e1011
Give Me 10 Update: Collaboration with Education [AW 186]
“Give Me 10 Mission: To provide a work-based learning model that any industry can utilize to bridge the skills gap. Combining classroom instruction with on the job work based learning opportunities. This program integrates the classroom with employers to create an introduction to a career path of the student’s choice.
The program simplifies the relationship between an industry lead business and vocational education that can lead into a career path. We ask for no money. Our “ask” is for your time. Time to integrate a student into your business to create a career fit. It starts with 10 hours and can grow into a new employee. Can you “Give Me Ten?”
Sue Dixon, the creator of the “Give Me Ten” program, discusses the importance of collaboration between the automotive industry and education. The “Give Me Ten” program, which exposes students to the automotive industry and helps them explore potential career paths, is highlighted. The discussion also covers the need for updated curriculums, industry involvement, and the success of the “Give Me Ten” program in providing work-based learning experiences.
remarkableresults.biz/aw186
Overcoming the Challenges of Apprenticeship Programs [RR 891]
Jake Sorensen shares his experiences with running an apprentice program at McNeil’s Auto Care. Initially, they were able to find suitable applicants easily, but as time went on, they faced challenges in finding the right candidates. Jake also talked about the practical skills gap he has observed in the younger generation. He shared an anecdote about an apprentice who had never drilled a hole in a wall or hung anything before. Despite this knowledge gap, Jake believes that with the right attitude and willingness to learn, the right apprentices can become great technicians in the future.
remarkableresults.biz/e891
New Age Employees Require A New Way of Thinking [AW 176]
Pete McNeil discusses the changing needs of employees in the post-COVID workplace, particularly focusing on Gen Z employees. He talks about the importance of providing a positive customer experience and adapting to the preferences and attention span of Gen Z employees. He also discusses the challenges of hiring and retaining Gen Z employees, including the need for benefits, learning opportunities, and potential pay advantages.
remarkableresults.biz/aw176
Breaking the Mold: How a Staffing Agency Can Help You Build a Winning Team [THA 338]
“There isn’t a technician shortage,” Said no one ever.
Please welcome our panel of guests to discuss the topic of recruiting talent with a staffing agency in the automotive industry. Shop owners Kathleen Callahan and Michelle Tansey share their experiences and challenges in finding skilled technicians and how partnering with Promotive, a full-service staffing agency, has been a game-changer for them. Joelle Pollak and Amy Gerardi, Cofounders of Promotive, discuss the process of understanding individual shop needs, sourcing candidates, and the importance of communication and partnership between the agency and shop owners.
remarkableresults.biz/a338
Personalized Customer Service and Marketing Strategies [AW 160]
If you’re in the automotive industry, you know it’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about providing exceptional customer service, too. Leigh Anne Best and Bill Hill, owners of Mighty Auto Pro, discuss their marketing strategies that have helped attract and retain customers. They’ve created a customer-friendly environment, providing loaner vehicles, shuttle services, and free towing up to $50.
But it’s not just about the extras. Mighty Auto Pro also emphasizes continuous learning and growth, requiring a minimum of 40 hours of training per year for their technicians. They encourage their employees to pursue their interests and hobbies, even if they are not related to auto repair. This culture of training has grown beyond anything Leigh Anne and Bill could have imagined, with technicians pushing each other to attend classes and improve their skills.
So, what can you learn from Mighty Auto Pro’s marketing strategy? Personalization, exceptional customer service, and a culture of continuous learning and growth can go a long way in retaining and attracting customers. Make everything effortless for the customer, and they’ll keep coming back.
remarkableresults.biz/aw160
Will You Give 10 Hours to an Auto Tech Student? [RR 823]
How can 10 hours bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace? Sue Dickson created an internship program called ‘Give Me 10’ that provides 10 hours at a local shop spread out over 5 days. It allows both the shop owner and student to see if the automotive industry is the right career path. This program currently serves 75 students and has collected over 458K in grants. It starts with an idea and passion for connecting students to the automotive industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e823
Student Career Fair [AW 138]
Public Perception of Automotive Careers – Bill Thompson [RR 801]
Bill Thompson, President of IMR.INC brings to the podcast a recent release of the United States household perception of the trades, focusing on the automotive career path. Find out who recommends our industry to young people as a career path, the perception of the automotive industry, and more.
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“Goals Set, Goals Accomplished” Jon Kloosterman [AW 133]
Building a Reliable Mentor/Mentee Program – Marc Brune [RR 780]
Did you know that 70% of change initiatives with new programs/systems will fail due to a lack of leadership commitment? I want to focus on mentor/mentee and apprenticeship programs, which are most critical to our industry’s survival. You can lose your way without processes, procedures, and accountability to mold your apprentice into your shop. Too much talk and not enough action is the breakdown. Luckily for you, my guest, Marc Brune, has a program focused on helping businesses develop entry-level technician mentoring programs with the tech shortage in mind.
remarkableresults.biz/e780
Be Proud of Your Culture [AW 117]
How To Build Relationships with Students and Schools [RR 760]
How many schools have you visited recently? What is your relationship like with the teachers, and school counselors? Have you hosted a shadow day at your shop for students? If your answer is no to any of these questions, answer this one: what is stopping you? Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Dont miss this opportunity to get involved with your schools and community and properly represent this industry to our younger generation.
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Prepare for the Future [THA 277]
How do we prepare for the future? In this episode listen to the insights from the perspective of a shop owner, technician, instructor, COO, and trainer. Times have changed, so how do we get the younger generation passionate about our industry and our high-tech vehicles? What does the future of ADAS and electric vehicles mean to the aftermarket?
remarkableresults.biz/a277
“Play Ball” Committed to Community [AW 105]
Celebrating Educators [RR 736]
Are You Knocking on the Doors of your Local Schools? [AW 100]
What better what to celebrate the 100th Episode of Aftermarket Weekly than with my family? We have a school field trip to the Ready Academy in Buffalo, NY where my son Matthew Capriotto is the School Counselor. Get an inside look at placing interns and working with local businesses. Hear from both students and teachers.
remarkableresults.biz/aw100
Out with the Old, in with the New [AW 095]
Guest hosts and shop tour with Rich and Linda Brauer, 59 Auto Repair, Plainfield, IL. They’ve been in business 28 years and was the 2021 NAPA Shop of the Year. Rich and Linda discuss the importance of being open to new ideas and change, rather than saying “that is the way we’ve always done it.”
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1 Shop, 3 Apprentices [RR 723]
For anyone who doesn’t have a working apprentice in your shop, this is your wake-up call. Roy Foster from Foster’s Automotive currently has three apprentices and you’ll get a chance to hear from all three. Two are his sons and Yes they are going through an apprentice program. What about your son or daughter. Their excitement and motivation for this industry is hard to miss.
remarkableresults.biz/e723
Independents Meet Monthly: Bonus- Meet Tom’s Intern [AW 093]
The Big Picture Program [RR 715]
I recently had the privilege to connect with Karen Monaco, a teacher for a local school district and advisor for the Big Picture Program during a local independent shop owner meeting. This national program puts students at the center of their own learning through “leave to learn” internships and shadowing at local businesses. If you’re not involved with education, this is your wake-up call to get started. All it takes is a phone call. My goal is that this episode shows you the way to engage our young people in our industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e715
Embracing Students into our Skilled Trade & Used Car Update – Justin Fricke [AW 081]
Embracing Students into our Skilled Trade & Used Car Update – Justin Fricke [AW 081]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Justin Fricke, CarTime Auto Center, Dundas, MN. How do you get students involved in the automotive industry? What piques their interests? What are your first steps as a shop owner to start engaging with students and schools? Justin also discusses his tandem business with used cars.
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