Transportation as a Lifeline: The Hidden Power of Your Shop [THA 442]
This episode highlights the life-changing impact of reliable transportation and the power of volunteerism in the automotive industry. Featuring Hands of the Carpenter in Denver and Onramp DFW in Dallas-Fort Worth, two organizations that provide vehicles and repairs to people in need, it explores how mobility creates freedom, opportunity, and lasting change.
Shop owner Chris Cloutier shares how supporting these efforts boosts morale within shops and gives employees a renewed sense of purpose. Listeners are encouraged to give back by donating time, services, or resources, reinforcing the industry’s unique ability to uplift lives and strengthen communities.
remarkableresults.biz/a442
Your Solution To: Missing Credits, Expenses, and Parts Tracking [RR 1048]
This episode features Alex and Bob Saladna, father and son founders of WickedFile, as they share how their software helps auto repair shops boost profitability by tracking parts, returns, and credits. WickedFile uncovers hidden losses from uncredited returns, missing parts, and even employee theft. A standout feature, Navigator, is an AI assistant that answers questions about shop data, offering insights into declined jobs, inventory, and customer trends. The system also streamlines audits and generates custom reports, freeing up shop owners to focus on growth. Whether you’re looking to reduce losses or gain better control of your business, this episode offers practical, high-impact tools for shop success.
remarkableresults.biz/e1048
Mastering Active Delivery: The Key to Lasting Customer Relationships [THA 440]
Explore the concept of “active delivery” in automotive customer service, an intentional and consistent approach to communication that spans the entire customer journey, from the initial contact to the final vehicle handoff. The discussion highlights how thoughtful interactions can create a powerful and lasting impression, especially in the closing moments.
Discover how clear communication, genuine rapport-building, and proactive expectation setting help cultivate trust and long-term loyalty. The episode also offers actionable strategies, including adapting communication styles, using supporting materials like brochures, and ensuring every team member aligns with a unified service approach.
More than just completing a transaction, active delivery is positioned as a key driver of customer satisfaction, repeat business, and word-of-mouth referrals, making it essential for shops focused on sustainable success.
remarkableresults.biz/a440
How to Grow Your Shop Without Losing Control [RR 1046]
This episode dives into the real challenges of scaling an automotive business. Shiju Thomas unpacks what it takes to grow successfully, especially beyond two locations, including stepping out of daily operations and focusing on leadership development, building a strong management team, and sustaining a consistent, positive culture. He emphasizes that growth should be driven by a desire to develop people, not just profits. It’s a must-listen for shop owners reflecting on why they want to grow and how to do it with purpose, clarity, and long term success in mind.
remarkableresults.biz/e1046
Slow Down, Move Over: A Call for Roadside Safety [THA 439]
This episode explores the “Slow Down, Move Over” (SDMO) initiative, a vital traffic safety campaign focused on protecting roadside workers, emergency responders, and stranded drivers. It highlights the dangers these individuals face, including staggering statistics on injuries and fatalities. The conversation underscores the importance of driver awareness, professional training for tow truck operators, and the use of technology like Safety Cloud, which warns motorists of roadside hazards. Real-life stories add emotional weight, while fundraising efforts support awareness and aid impacted families. The message is clear: slowing down and moving over saves lives.
remarkableresults.biz/a439
Rehearse to Win: The Secret to Service Advisor Confidence [RR 1045]
Recorded at the Institute Summit 2025, this episode features brothers Jason and Patrick Brennan in a powerful conversation on leadership, innovation, and growth in the automotive industry. Jason emphasizes redefining training through real-world rehearsal practice for service advisors and technicians, and using “education” language to promote a culture of ongoing development. Patrick brings his marketing expertise to the table, stressing the importance of reputation management and direct response strategies for businesses. Together, they explore how strong leadership, peer networking, and a healthy company culture attract talent and fuel long-term success.
remarkableresults.biz/e1045
It’s the Person, Not the Software: Solving Common Shop Management Gaps [RR 1044]
Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Ben Dexter sheds light on a common issue: many shop owners are only scratching the surface of what their shop management systems can do. From underutilized tools to overlooked processes, this conversation uncovers the true value of role-based training, strategies for better customer communication, why profit should be seen as a healthy business goal, the impact of digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), why strong service advisors are essential, and the crucial role of inventory control in shop performance. Whether you’re a shop owner, service advisor, or team leader, this episode offers practical takeaways to help your business thrive.
remarkableresults.biz/e1044
Your Business Playbook: Strategy, Data, and Accountability [RR 1041]
Recorded live at the Institute Summit, this insightful conversation explores how business leaders can apply sports principles—like team chemistry, leadership, and preparation—to enhance performance. Keynote speaker Ross Bernstein underscores the impact of storytelling as a powerful communication and trust building tool, sharing lessons from icons like Scotty Bowman and Jay Leno. The discussion reinforces the importance of having a solid business playbook grounded in strategy, data, and accountability, while also addressing the need to adapt to change, foster a culture of loyalty, leverage technology for growth, and prioritize meaningful personal connections and networking.
remarkableresults.biz/e1041
A Tale of Two Cities: From Affluent to Rural, Navigating Different Markets [RR 1040]
Kim Auernheimer shares insights from managing two shop locations in Brentwood and Monteagle, Tennessee, each with vastly different demographics and market dynamics. She dives into the unique challenges and strategies required to adapt to both environments, highlighting the importance of tailored marketing, community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to customer service and employee well-being. Kim’s story illustrates how strong leadership and adaptability can build a solid reputation across diverse markets.
remarkableresults.biz/e1040
Speak, Stretch, Repeat: The Communication Growth Loop [THA 429]
Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2025, two attendees of a communications class, led by Chris Cloutier and Craig O’Neill, were chosen as the top speakers during a Toastmasters style mock run-through. Their heartfelt and authentic stories resonated so strongly with the audience that they were invited to share their experiences on the podcast.
What began as a simple role-play exercise turned into a powerful conversation about the role of communication and relationship building in the automotive shop industry. Our guests reflect on the value of active listening, vulnerability, storytelling, and how these traits fuel strong leadership and team culture in repair shops.
This episode is a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are unplanned, and that great communication is at the heart of every successful business.
remarkableresults.biz/a429
Beyond Kumbaya: 3 Steps to Real Employee Buy-In [RR 1035]
Recorded at the 2025 Institute Summit, workplace culture expert Dr. Jessica Kriegel discusses her data-driven framework for boosting business performance through clarity, alignment, and accountability, anchored by her “Results Pyramid,” which highlights how beliefs and experiences shape outcomes.
The discussion unpacks what truly defines organizational culture, the power of storytelling to inspire change, and challenges common generational stereotypes in the workplace, advocating instead for a focus on individual motivations and behaviors.
remarkableresults.biz/e1035
Life Lessons From a Leader: Margaret Palango’s Battle and Blessings [RR 1034]
Margaret Palango, CEO of Autoshop Solutions, shares her unexpected diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in May 2023. In this powerful episode, she shares the emotional and physical hurdles she faced, the intensity of her treatment, and how she stayed grounded through it all with a positive mindset. Margaret highlights the critical role of a strong support system and how her team, resilience, and leadership helped her navigate one of life’s toughest battles. Her story is a moving testament to the strength of the human spirit. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with motivation, hope, and meaningful life lessons.
remarkableresults.biz/e1034
From Grandpa’s Invention to Today’s Innovations: A Family Legacy [RR 1033]
Recorded at the 45th annual Mobile Air Climate Systems Conference (MACS 2025) in Orlando, Florida, Rob Bollinger shares the unique story of his third-generation family business, emphasizing their commitment to personal service and the legacy of his grandfather, who invented the overflow bottle system. The discussion also touches upon industry trends, the challenges of price competition, the evolution of AC systems with electric vehicles, and Bollinger’s future plans for the business.
remarkableresults.biz/e1033
Artificial Intelligence Marketing: Watering Holes, Personas, and Automotive Branding [RR 1029]
This episode covers the critical role and impact of AI on marketing, the importance of persona marketing, and effective branding strategies. Learn about “watering holes,” referring to identifying where potential customers spend their time online and offline, and how to effectively use persona marketing to target specific demographics. Dan stresses the importance of branding and community involvement, asserting that successful shops prioritize building brand recognition and relationships within their local areas. He also warns about trusting AI implicitly, referencing instances of AI being inaccurate.
remarkableresults.biz/e1029
The Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 5: Build a Resilient Mindset and Plan Ahead [RR 1027]
In the fifth installment of the “Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners” series, Maryann Croce, a coach from Small Biz Vantage, shares her expertise on building resilience and effective planning for automotive professionals. Maryann emphasizes the importance of a resilient mindset, proactive planning, and continuous improvement. She offers practical tips, such as creating contingency plans and regularly assessing business processes.
remarkableresults.biz/e1027
Leak Detection in Automotive Thermal Management Systems [THA 420]
Recorded at the 45th annual Mobile Air Climate Systems Conference (MACS 2025) in Orlando, Florida, the focus is on the critical topic of leak detection in automotive air conditioning systems. Two main leak detection methods are compared: dye leak detection, which uses fluorescent dyes and UV lights for visual identification, and electronic leak detection (ELD), which uses sensors to detect refrigerants. The discussion also covers the compatibility of these methods with various refrigerants, including those used in electric vehicles, and explores the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
remarkableresults.biz/a420
The Power of Enrollment: Building High Performing Teams [RR 1026]
“Enrollment is getting people to do what it is you want them to do, but for their reasons.”
Learn how to build a strong, motivated team in the service aftermarket industry by focusing on employee engagement and personal responsibility. This discussion covers key topics such as understanding what drives your employees, hiring for character, and using empathy to enhance workplace dynamics. You’ll also explore the want-problem-solution framework and how adapting to different communication styles can boost productivity and job satisfaction. Gain valuable insights on motivating employees by aligning their personal goals with company success.
remarkableresults.biz/e1026
Future Proofing Your Shop: A 2025 Auto Repair Outlook [THA 419]
The “Great Correction” refers to a shift in the industry after a period of relative ease, likely due to pandemic related factors. The key concerns include a decrease in online searches for auto repair, rising costs, increased competition from dealerships, labor shortages, rapid advancements in technology (EVs, ADAS, AI), and the need to explore new revenue opportunities like key services, ADAS calibration, tires, and truck repairs. These issues suggest that the strategies that worked in the past may no longer be effective.
remarkableresults.biz/a419
Lost Keys, Found Revenue: Capitalize on Key Replacement with AutoProPAD G3 [RR 1025]
Explore the profitable opportunity of key cutting and programming for auto repair shops in the automotive aftermarket. With around 25 million keys sold each year, many vehicle owners lose at least one key within the first 15 years of ownership. Matt Fanslow and Scott Gompper highlight the Nitrous AutoProPad G3, simplifying key programming and emphasizing the significant revenue potential within this largely untapped market.
remarkableresults.biz/e1023
Start Simple: A Practical Approach to Implementing Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) [THA 418]
This episode covers the practical benefits of digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) for shop owners. Learn how DVIs can boost Average Repair Orders (ARO) and improve customer communication. Industry professionals share real-world insights on overcoming cultural resistance, the role of leadership, and strategies for successful implementation. Plus, explore how AI enhances inspection reports and processes. Whether you’re new to DVIs or looking to optimize, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help your shop thrive.
remarkableresults.biz/a417
Are You Micromanaging Your Team to Disengagement? [RR 1024]
“I had mistook tasks for servant leadership. Servant leadership is critical. If I’m not there to serve the people that work for me, to empower them to do the best possible job that they can do, then I’m holding them back.”
Connor Tracy, Director of Partner Development at KUKUI, discusses leadership challenges in auto repair shops, the importance of delegation and empowerment, adapting to industry changes, and the role of technology and data in modern shop management. Discover practical tips to transition from being a micromanager to a leader who can drive business growth effectively.
remarkableresults.biz/e1024
Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe? A Shop Owner’s Guide [THA 417]
Discover how to harness AI tools effectively in business with two experts from Optimize Digital Marketing. They share practical tips on using AI to streamline operations, generate creative marketing ideas, optimize SEO, and improve customer interactions—all while maintaining a personal touch. Learn how to balance AI’s efficiency with human creativity and judgment, avoid pitfalls like bias and plagiarism, and make AI work for you without losing authenticity.
remarkableresults.biz/a417
Managing An Independent Shop: A Dealership Veteran’s Perspective [RR 1022]
Tune in to hear James Marsh’s journey as he navigates the transition from a family-owned dealership to managing an independent automotive shop. James shares the significant differences between dealership and independent shop environments. He discusses marketing strategies, the importance of customer service, and the challenges and opportunities independent shops face.
remarkableresults.biz/e1022
Marketing VS Branding: Explained [THA 415]
Shop owner Andy Bizub, CEO of Midwest Performance Cars, shares how collaborating with designer Pam Esposito transformed his company’s branding and communication strategies. Pam, with over 25 years of experience, explains the difference between branding and marketing, emphasizing emotional connections and authenticity. The episode highlights the importance of consistent, meaningful branding and the long-term benefits of investing in a strong brand identity.
remarkableresults.biz/a415
Inside Joe’s Garage AAPEX 2024: Bosch Booth [RR 1021]
Take a tour of Joe’s Garage at AAPEX 2024! Explore cutting-edge automotive training and get the latest updates from Bosch, including the critical role of ADAS calibration, educating customers on recalibration, and the advancements in camera technology for vehicle safety systems.
remarkableresults.biz/e1021