RR 163: Frank Scandura from Frank’s European

What happens when you put your people and customers first?

Frank Scandura of Frank’s European in Las Vegas Nevada was fortunate to make the transition from technician to service writer to entrepreneur. Many service professionals never find the degree of success that Frank has achieved, without the transition from working in your business to working on it.

RR 157: Jason Hladyniuk from Oxford Tire and Auto Centre

Competitive Advantage: Be the Dealer Alternative

Jason Hladyniuk from Oxford Tire and Auto Centre in Woodstock, Ontario is reflecting on his eighteen years in the industry. He is certain that his investment in tools and training will be critical to stay relevant for servicing his customer’s vehicles in the future.

RR 154: Ray Kunz from ACT

Understand the power and impact of training, exit interviews, employee safe-zones and knowing your numbers.

With more than 38 years of experience as a Technician, Service Advisor, Service Manager, General Manager, Automotive Business Owner and now as one of the Premier Automotive Business Coach & Training specialists, Ray brings a unique skill set to the table. Automotive Coaching and Training (ACT) Group is built around supporting automotive business owners facing struggles in today’s business climate.

RR 153: Doug Callaghan from Vic’s Service Centre

Learn how a total shop transformation in eighteen months earned the 2016 Auto Care Association ACE award.

Doug Callaghan from Vic’s Service Centre in Wainwright, Alberta Canada is the winner of the 2016 Auto Care Association ACE (Automotive Career and Education) award for businesses with under 50 employees. Doug shares his story of transformation, recognized by Auto Care, that earned him this recognition.

RR 143: Kevin Donohoe from Pacific Motor Service

Kevin Donohoe, a multi-shop owner says, “Our clients are the true heroes of this story! And our purpose is to serve them”. His story. Kevin Donohoe’s automotive story began in 1966 (at the age of six) when he discovered the thrill of working on cars and equipment with his neighbor Mr. C. He taught Kevin…

RR 138: James Snider from Auto Tech Career.com

Listen Alert: Ever put an ad on Craig’s List to find a technician? Ever answer an ad on Craig’s list for a technician’s job? No matter if you are a shop owner or technician this is a ‘must listen’ interview with James Snider. Breadth of experience proves valuable James Snider is an unlikely shop owner…

RR 131: Don Smith from Elite Electronics

Don Smith started installing stereo’s and alarms and had to learn how to fix the cars he was working on.Elite Electronics He now owns Elite Electronics, for the last 10 years, a mobile Automotive Electronics and Mechanical Solutions company.

RR 111: Frank Palange from V & F Auto

Frank Palange from V & F Auto Service in Agawam, MA, and his dad Vinny bought an acre parcel in 1988. They built their shop and today this thriving enterprise includes repair, auto sales and auto parts. Frank is a ‘tell it like it is’ guy (he is proud to say that is who he…

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 100: 100th Episode Retrospective

We’ll I believe you are in for a treat. A kind of behind the scenes of the last 100 episodes and some engaging talk on a few hot industry topics with my invited guests Jerry Kezhaya, Greg Buckley and Bill Nalu. I also invited all former guests, I call my alumni, to join in using…

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 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 027: Bogi Lateiner from 180º Automotive

Meet Bogi Lateiner from 180º Automotive in Phoenix, AZ.  She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Oberlin College in just three years with a double major in Womens’ Studies and Pre-Law. Listen to her story on how she got where she is today. Her nine year old shop has an all-female tech team, working eight bays…

RR 023: Maryann Croce from Croce’s Transmissions

Maryann Croce of Croce Transmissions in Norwalk, CT and her husband Tony combined her banking career and his automotive technical skills and bought a transmission business 15 years ago. They have 4 bays, 4 techs and one service adviser As so many in the aftermarket know when husband and wife’s and families, for that matter,…

RR 015: Judy Walter from Zimmerman’s Automotive

Besides growing up in the 57 years young family business, Judy Walter the CFO and co-owner of Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA with her uncles works with a family staff of 12 out of 29 team members. This is a true blue family enterprise. At  they have a 20,000 sq foot facility, sporting a 12-bay shop with seven…

RR 013: Amy Mattinat from Auto Craftsmen

Amy Mattinat of Auto Craftsmen in Montpelier, VT had the good fortune to combine her love of cars with a career in the automotive industry. Whether going on ride-and-drives, teaching car care clinics, running her independent repair shop or working with the Car Care Council Women’s Board, she is able to combine her two passions:…