RR 151: Gary Keyes from E & M Motors

Gary Keyes is the owner of E & M Motors Auto Service in Stuart, Florida. Started at a service station. (remember them?) Gary started as a tech, right out of high school back in the service station days in Miami. He also worked in a Toyota dealership for 10 years and decided he was smart…

RR 145: Dennis Montalbano from German Auto Repair

Dennis Montalbano was born in San Francisco and raised in San Jose. He started his career in the service station business and operated the largest Gulf station on the west coast in volume. Dennis then became the youngest Snap On Tools dealer at 22 years old and then the youngest Field Manager for Snap On at…

RR 132: Auto Care – Industry Job Board

Learn about the largest automotive aftermarket job board in the industry. Courtney Hammer and Katy McQuiston share their insight on the value that the Job Board brings to every member of the aftermarket. As internet resume and job postings is the trend and the future, Auto Care has laid the ground work to build the biggest recruitment effort the industry has ever seen or been part of.

Discover how you can post a job and find a job specific to your needs and experience exclusively in the automotive aftermarket.

RR 129: Jerry Holcom from S & S Service

This is a very special interview with Jerry Holcom. With nearly 50 years’ experience in the automotive field, Jerry tells of his pathway to success and the typical stumbles or learning curves along the way.

Why should you listen: Jerry tells of great advice he’s received throughout the years about money and property ownership; Learn Jerry’s reasoning behind the decision not to buy his father’s business, and then turned around 10 years later and bought it from someone else.

RR 128: Joel Ayers of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation

This podcast episode needs to be heard by everyone in the industry. I’m counting on you to use the social share icons and engage your colleagues or paste the episode URL into your email network. Help get the word out and make sure the reach of AACF gets to the deep corners of the aftermarket so help can be brought to our brothers and sisters that need it.

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 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 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 106: Bill Haas from NACAT

Are you having a problem finding trained technicians – – here’s an answer that will help you.

There is a guy by the name of Bill Haas – – who has done just about everything in the repair industry. He started at the age of 12. He dragged home a junk motor that he bought from a garage. For the next few years he played with that poor engine – – until he knew how to fix every component. Later, Bill became a shop owner, sold it then taught technicians how to fix cars , became a business consultant and trainer including the man at NACAT. (The North American Council of Automotive Teachers)

You need to hear the story of what Bill has done and is in the process of doing to help you get better technicians.

RR 096: Jeff Peevy of AMI on Creating A Learning Culture

Meet Jeff Peevy, President of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI), a 34-year industry veteran who has spent the past 20 years involved with education and research. Jeff discusses and drives home an important strategy on ‘Building A Learning Culture’ in your business. This episode can be distilled down to four words: Let’s Go Learn Something!…

RR 094: Mike Davidson from American Skilled Labor Association

It is the mission of ASLA (American Skilled Labor Association) to provide a suitable employee to the American Workforce. Lead by Mike Davidson, service professional entrepreneur and shop owner of Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, AR, Mike says, “We will do this by providing businesses with a clear path for mentors and locating employees who…

RR 091: Womens Board Winter 2016 Meeting – Compilation

You are about to experience a first for the podcast. I went on the road to Orlando to the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board Winter meeting. Going to a conference is not the earth shattering news. Bringing my recording equipment was. This episode is a compilation of short interviews done in Orlando in early February…

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 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 084: Sheri Hamilton from ASA-Midwest

ASA Midwest Executive Director Sheri Hamilton does not only lead the shop owners in six Midwestern states, she is also the Conference Manager of VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo. And who hasn’t heard of VISION. VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo 2016 will be a sell out. Why Listen? Learn a little history of the event and…

RR 072: Tony Molla on the 21st Century Repair Shop

Tony Molla, Vice President of ASA, The Automotive Service Association and I hand a frank discussion on ‘The 21st Century Repair Shop’. You will take-a-way a perspective on the: Need for a learning culture Impact of technology Need for owners to be involved in the industry, to network and to be involved in 20 groups…

RR 038: Kathleen Schmatz from the Auto Care Association

Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association shares her views and thoughts on the industry and the association she has led for the last 11 years. Before becoming President and CEO Kathleen served as executive vice president. She joined the Auto Care Association after 30 years with Babcox, a leader in aftermarket…

RR 022: Amy Mattinat from CCC Women’s Board

Amy Mattinat, the current president of the Car Care Council Women’s Board discusses the organization she leads. When you think about the number of woman who make up the majority of customers and decision maker at service counters, the role the Women’s Board is very important to the industry.  Amy outlines the council’s value and…