Authenticity Is Your Shop’s Best Marketing Strategy [RR 1113]

What makes your auto repair shop memorable, and are you sharing that story with your customers?

Recorded at ASTA 2026 in Raleigh, NC, Melissa “Birdie” Patterson, founder of Bird’s iSocial, explores why authentic marketing begins with the people, personality, and culture that make every auto repair shop unique. From a memorable “shop chicken” to customer pet photos, community involvement, and even dad jokes, Birdie shares how everyday experiences can become powerful marketing opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:30) The Power of Connection: Amazing Women in Automotive
(00:12:00) What’s Your Shop Chicken? Finding Your Unique Story
(00:17:00) Birdie’s Journey Into Auto Repair
(00:20:00) Organic Search and AI: Connecting With Customers Online
(00:26:00) Authentic Marketing: Turning Shop Culture Into Content
(00:30:00) Working ON Your Business: Leadership, Systems, and Coaching
(00:35:00) Investing in Yourself: Personal Growth and Business Freedom

Authentic marketing starts inside your business, with your people, your culture, your community, and the experiences customers remember. When you combine that authenticity with intentional marketing, strong leadership, and a commitment to growth, you’re not just promoting your shop. You’re building relationships, trust, and a business people want to support.

Your shop already has a story. Make sure your customers get to hear it.

Melissa ‘Birdie’ Patterson, Bird’s iSocial and Growing Shops: https://www.birdsisocial.com/

Why Is Transmission Diagnostic Training Essential For Automotive Technicians? [RR 859]

Lance Wiggins, Executive Director of ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association), discusses the importance of training in transmission diagnostics and the evolving relationship between automotive and transmission shops. He also discusses ATRA’s chapters, which encourage training and communication among members, and the association’s upcoming national training event. The most significant benefit of training attending events like the ATRA Powertrain Expo is the networking that takes place. The buzz and conversations that happen between attendees are invaluable and cannot be replicated on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. So, rev up your knowledge and invest in yourself by attending training seminars. By doing so, you will provide the best possible service to your customers and stay ahead of the competition.
remarkableresults.biz/e859

RR 162: Rodger Bland, GEARS Magazine Editor

Do you accept a level of underachievement?

Rodger Bland is a lifelong pursuer of his full potential. For the past twenty years he has dedicated a large part of his life’s energy towards the study of success. He’s learned that even the most successful among us, seldom if ever, realize their true full potential in life.