Selling to the Curb: How AI Turned More Calls into Customers [RR 1099]
What does it take to build one of the fastest-growing auto repair businesses while leveraging artificial intelligence to improve performance at every level?
In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes Jesse Jackson, Founder and CEO of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she scaled from zero to eight locations in less than five years. Jesse shares the leadership lessons learned through rapid growth, how custom AI tools are helping improve customer experience and operational consistency, and why she believes it’s time to rethink how independent shop owners plan their exit from the industry.
What You’ll Learn
How Mango Automotive expanded from a startup to eight locations through strategic acquisitions.
The leadership challenges that come with rapid growth and why building a corporate support team became essential.
The three cultural principles that drive employee engagement: never yell, bonus well, and have fun.
How AI is being used to measure standard operating procedures and improve accountability.
Why analyzing phone conversations with AI helps advisors convert more callers into customers.
How providing realistic price ranges over the phone can improve appointment conversion rates.
How AI-driven follow-up processes dramatically increased maintenance rebooking rates.
Practical ways any shop owner can use tools like ChatGPT or Claude to evaluate service advisor performance without spending hours reviewing phone calls.
Why thousands of shop owners approaching retirement may be leaving significant business value on the table.
How Jesse’s cooperative exit model could help independent shop owners achieve substantially higher business valuations than traditional private equity acquisitions.
Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing great leadership; it’s making great operators even better. Combined with a strong culture, measurable processes, and innovative thinking about business ownership, AI can help repair shops improve customer experience, scale more effectively, and create greater long-term value for both
remarkableresults.biz/e1099
Building a Winning Scoreboard For Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1098]
What if your shop operated like a championship team, where everyone knew the score and was motivated to win together?
Gerry Frank, business coach and former shop owner of 35 years, joins Carm Capriotto to explain how gamification can transform an auto repair business by increasing profitability, accountability, and employee engagement. Rather than relying on pressure or incentives alone, Gerry shares a practical system that turns daily performance into a shared game built around visibility, ownership, and teamwork.
What You’ll Learn
Why diagnosing the real business problem is more important than applying quick fixes.
How visible scoreboards create accountability and keep the entire team focused on shared goals.
Why technicians and service advisors should update their own scores instead of management.
Which key performance indicators matter most, including car count, billable hours, margins, and hours presented.
Why aligning the front and back of the shop creates stronger teamwork and better customer outcomes.
How storytelling helps employees understand the importance behind the numbers.
A leadership approach that improves performance by focusing on results instead of criticizing people.
Gamification isn’t about making work feel like a game, it’s about giving every employee clear goals, measurable results, and ownership of their performance. When leaders diagnose problems correctly, track meaningful metrics, and connect the numbers to a larger purpose, they create a culture where accountability, engagement, and profitability naturally grow.
remarkableresults.biz/e1098
How a Purple Heart Veteran Became a 6-Shop Auto Repair Owner [RR 1097]
What does it take to grow from a single auto repair shop to six locations in less than a decade?
Host Carm Capriotto sits down with AJ DeBuono to discuss his journey from serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a successful multi-shop operator. AJ shares the lessons learned through rapid growth, the acquisition strategy that has fueled his expansion, and how military discipline, financial discipline, and a commitment to people have shaped his leadership approach.
Rather than buying struggling businesses and attempting turnarounds, AJ focuses on acquiring profitable shops with untapped potential.
What You’ll Learn
How AJ leveraged SBA veteran loan programs to purchase and expand his first auto repair business
Why he prefers acquiring profitable shops instead of distressed operations
The key performance indicators he targets to quickly improve profitability
How military leadership principles influence his management style and business decisions
The importance of creating career advancement opportunities through expansion
Lessons learned from growing too quickly and navigating financial stress
How AJ approaches shop transitions to minimize disruption for employees and customers
Why maintaining strong personal relationships with team members remains a priority despite operating multiple locations
Growth is not simply about adding locations. It’s about creating opportunities for your people, building systems that scale, and maintaining the discipline to make smart decisions when the pressure is highest. AJ DeBuono’s story demonstrates that successful expansion comes from acquiring the right businesses, investing in your team, and staying focused on long-term value rather than short-term gains.
remarkableresults.biz/e1097
Executing a 25 Year Plan: Retired at 47 [RR 1078]
In this episode, Carm Capriotto reconnects with industry veteran Peter Rudloff to explore his transition from shop owner to consultant, his “stay in your lane” philosophy, and the future of EV repair.
Rudloff shares how a 25-year exit plan allowed him to retire from shop ownership at 47 and transition into his home-based “Pete Cave,” where he continues hands-on work without managing employees. He later founded Rhino Collective LLC, helping manufacturers connect engineering with real-world repair.
A central theme is specialization. By focusing on domestic and Asian vehicles and avoiding brands like BMW, Rudloff improved efficiency and profitability. He argues that staying within your strengths leads to “profit by default” and long-term stability.
Looking ahead, he predicts EVs will dominate, and repair will shift toward modular, aircraft-style maintenance. He encourages new shop owners to consider EV specialization as a growth path.
Rudloff also emphasizes ongoing education, recommending 60 hours of training per year and crediting the Delaware Training Group as a major influence on his career.
This episode delivers clear, practical insight on focus, future-proofing, and lifelong learning in today’s repair industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e1078
Do You Own a Business or a Job? [RR 1074]
James Stephenson shares his journey from a struggling technician to the leader of multiple successful businesses, offering a candid look at what truly drives sustainable growth in auto repair. The conversation tackles the technician hiring crisis head-on, reframing recruitment as an ongoing, intentional process and rooted in a positive, proactive mindset.
Stephenson credits much of his success to mentorship from Bob Cooper, highlighting how investing in employees as people, not just producers, builds long-term loyalty. By supporting personal goals like homeownership and financial stability, shop owners can create cultures where teams want to stay and grow.
The episode also explores the coming “silver tsunami” of retiring shop owners and why many shops fail to become valuable, sellable businesses. Poor financial documentation and outdated systems often erode enterprise value. The takeaway is clear: with professional coaching and strong shop management practices, an auto repair shop can evolve from a job that owns you into a scalable, high-value business asset.
remarkableresults.biz/e1074
Profitable vs. Valuable: The Hard Truth About Selling Your Shop [RR 1072]
Becca Zanders, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, explains why most auto repair shop owners are unprepared for an exit—and how to change that. Only 20–30% of businesses that go to market actually sell, and nearly half of those sales are forced by the “Five Ds”: Death, Divorce, Disability, Disagreement, or Distress.
Becca introduces the Value Acceleration Methodology, which reframes exit planning into three stages: Discover the business’s true value and the owner’s readiness, Prepare the leader, finances, and organization to accelerate value, and Decide whether to grow or sell. A key distinction is the difference between a profitable lifestyle business and a business built for value.
The conversation stresses the importance of closing the “wealth gap,” as most owners underestimate retirement needs and have the majority of their net worth trapped in their business. Personal readiness is equally critical, with many sellers regretting the sale because they failed to define their purpose beyond ownership.
Advice to shop owners: build the right advisory team and start advancing your business today, long before a sale is forced.
Becca Zanders, https://www.d6elements.com/
remarkableresults.biz/e1072
Don’t Sell, Connect: The Power of Emotion with Your Clients [RR 1032]
Dan Clark explores how emotion surpasses reason in driving action, particularly in sales, emphasizing the power of storytelling to activate specific brain chemicals. He shares personal experiences, including his recovery from paralysis, to illustrate the impact of belief and a strong “why.” The conversation delves into societal stigmas around emotional expression, especially for men, and the importance of genuine connection. Clark further explains how leveraging brain chemistry through storytelling enhances influence and strengthens customer relationships. He concludes by stressing that businesses should prioritize deep human connections over mere transactions.
remarkableresults.biz/e1032
The Power of Storytelling: Engaging Employees and Clients [RR 1031]
Parker Branch of Branch Automotive joins the conversation to discuss shop culture, leadership, storytelling, and business growth in the diesel specialty repair industry. Learn about the importance of employee buy-in, boosting productivity, and ways to build customer trust through thoughtful use of technology. Parker shares his journey from technician to business coach, offering personal experiences and proven strategies for success.
remarkableresults.biz/e1031
From Employee to Business Owner: Structuring a Win-Win Succession Plan [RR 1030]
This episode focuses on the importance of planning ahead for selling a business in the auto repair industry. Bob Ward stresses that business owners should start identifying and training potential successors early—often from their current team. He walks through a clear four-step process to help with the transition, covering key areas like finding the right fit, determining the business’s value, securing financing, and handling legal requirements.
remarkableresults.biz/e1030
Embrace Peer Reviews: Upgrade Your Business [RR 979]
Tom Sciortino discusses his recent peer review experience with the Institute’s Gears Performance Group. Tom shares how the review prompted significant improvements in his business, emphasizing the importance of accountability, team involvement, and a clean, organized work environment. The episode underscores the value of continuous improvement, personal growth, and the benefits of being part of a coaching organization.
remarkableresults.biz/e979
From Military Discipline to Automotive Leadership [RR 1005]
Recorded at the 2024 ASTA Expo, Carm Capriotto introduces Ryan Ragan, the newly appointed executive director of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance (ASTA). The discussion dives into Ryan’s diverse background in non-profits, biomedical fields, healthcare, and international trade associations. Ryan shares his observations on the automotive industry’s challenges, particularly technician turnover, and outlines his plans to enhance training programs and engage younger generations. Emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and community outreach, Ryan aims to foster a strong, supportive network within the ASTA organization.
remarkableresults.biz/e1005
Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 2: Mastering Your Finances [RRR 1004]
Part 2 of the “Unstoppable” series, the episode focuses on “Mastering Your Finances.” Maryann Croce emphasizes the importance of understanding financial statements, calculating profit margins, and managing cash flow. She shares practical advice on building financial reserves and separating personal and business finances. The conversation aims to empower shop owners with financial literacy, enabling them to make informed decisions and ensure business sustainability.
remarkableresults.biz/e1004
To Your Health [THA 405]
Dive deep into the importance of health and wellness in the automotive aftermarket industry. This episode features insights from panelists Andy Bizub, Brian Walker, and Jaron Kleber, who discuss maintaining health through diet and exercise, the role of coaching and accountability, and the benefits of personalized nutrition. The conversation covers practical tips for keeping fitness routines while traveling, the connection between discipline and success in life and business, and the transformative effects of mindful dietary choices. Together, they underscore the crucial role of health in achieving personal and professional success, encouraging listeners to prioritize wellness amidst the demands of the industry. Tune in to discover sustainable, healthy practices to enhance your quality of life.
remarkableresults.biz/a405
Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 1: Core Values and Vision [RR 997]
This ‘Unstoppable Framework’ is designed to help auto shop owners enhance their business operations and achieve a better work-life balance. Maryann Croce emphasizes the importance of defining core values and vision, which serve as guiding principles and a roadmap for the business. The discussion highlights how these foundational elements foster consistency, build trust with customers, and create a positive team culture.
remarkableresults.biz/e997
The Talent Pipeline: How to Find and Retain Top Technicians [THA 392]
Joelle Pollak and Lisa Coyle, co-founders of Promotive, discuss the intricacies of technician recruitment, including red flags in resumes, the importance of cultural fit, and their process of finding and vetting candidates. They also discuss the significance of career growth, compensation models, and how shops can retain talent by adapting to modern workforce needs. Learn about innovative recruiting strategies, crucial interview tips, and the importance of providing a supportive work environment to keep talent within the automotive industry.
remarkableresults.biz/a392
From Diesel to Dollars: Building a Better Shop [RR 977]
Parker Branch discusses the secrets behind his efficient diesel repair shop in Littleton, Colorado. From morning huddles and service advisor check-ins to specialized technician carts and effective communication, Parker shares insights and strategies that have propelled his shop to success.
remarkableresults.biz/e977
Beyond Band-Aids: Fix Your Leaking Bucket [RR 975]
“We’re putting more customers, more car count, more money into that bucket. Sometimes, when you step away from the business, if you don’t have the business set up right, or you have those holes in the bucket, you turn around, and all the water leaks back out of the bucket, and you’re like, what the heck just happened? What did I do all that work for?”
Discover the importance of overcoming self-doubt and embracing courage to drive business growth. Ron Ipach emphasizes the value of a supportive network and the role of peer review in fostering progress. Gerry Frank shares his approach to setting goals and the necessity of accountability in achieving them. The episode underscores the themes of leadership, community support, and continuous improvement for success in the industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e975
Psychological Safety: Nurturing Trust, Communication, and Growth [RR 972]
Rick White from 180Biz, discusses the importance of creating an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves, offer advice, and hold owners accountable without fear of reprisal. The conversation highlights the role of clear standards, effective communication, and trust in fostering such an environment. Rick emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and learning from mistakes, underscoring the positive impact of a supportive and psychologically safe workplace on team members’ growth and business success.
remarkableresults.biz/e972
The Tomorrow You’re Dreaming Of Is Created Today [FTR093]
Rick White discusses the concept of future tripping, which involves focusing on negative possibilities in the future, and reverse future tripping, which entails dwelling on the past. He emphasizes the importance of staying present, learning from past experiences, and planning for the future while taking actionable steps in the present. Rick offers practical advice on maintaining focus and momentum by asking, “What’s real?” and “What’s the next best thing to do?”
remarkableresults.biz/f093
Avoid These Money Mistakes! [RR 967]
‘Business by the Numbers’ Podcast host Hunt Demarest discusses common financial mistakes, emphasizing the importance of building long-term wealth through prudent financial management and investment. The conversation covers managing personal and business expenses, the impact of government programs, and the necessity of maintaining financial reserves.
remarkableresults.biz/e965
Shop Owner Reacts to His 360 Review From His Team [THA 380]
In this groundbreaking episode, shop owner Brin Kline undergoes a first-of-its-kind 360-degree review by his team. The session unveils insights into leadership, stress management, communication, team dynamics, and the importance of training. Through candid discussions, Brin and his team explore opportunities for growth and improvement, highlighting the value of feedback in enhancing leadership skills and business operations.
remarkableresults.biz/a380
Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Automotive Talent [CC 113]
Building the dream team in the automotive industry goes beyond hiring technicians—it’s about creating a culture that fosters growth, respect, and development.
Join our panel of shop owners as they share their experiences and strategies in building an outstanding team. Topics include the significance of culture, passive and active recruiting, development through apprenticeship and training programs, and retention strategies like understanding employees’ goals, compensation, and creating an enjoyable work environment.
Want to learn more? Join Chris Lawson’s ‘Repair Shop Growth Systems Live 2024’ May 31st – June 2nd in Mt. Arlington, NJ. https://www.repairshopgrowthsystems.com/
remarkableresults.biz/cc113
How to Huddle [THA 374]
Bill Hill, Jamie Carlson, and Doug Callahan discuss the significance of company meetings and the benefits of daily huddles for setting the day’s agenda, fostering team communication, and enhancing company culture. They highlight the importance of clear goals, active listening, and fun elements to keep staff engaged. The episode underscores the positive effects of meetings on team dynamics, customer satisfaction, and overall business success.
remarkableresults.biz/a374
Labor Rate Tracker Update: A Valuable Tool [RR 914]
Tom Ham discusses the labor rate tracker tool, which can be found on the Automotive Management Network. The conversation includes the variability of labor rates among different types of automotive shops and across states and the influence of location and shop type on rates. Tom shares that the tracker has grown to 3,000 shops reporting their rates, providing a more comprehensive view of the market. The episode also covers the importance of having a labor rate that reflects a shop’s quality and customer trust. Find out why the labor rate tracker is a valuable tool for both shop owners and industry coaches to gauge market rates and inform business strategies.
remarkableresults.biz/e914
Ways to Unify Your Team [THA 358]
Rick White, Vic Tarasik, and Murray Voth discuss the importance of unifying a team within a business. They highlight the need for a common purpose beyond just making money, and the importance of involving the team in decision-making. They also share their personal experiences and strategies for setting goals, providing feedback, and fostering a culture of respect and empathy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication, shared vision, and ongoing effort in maintaining team unity.
remarkableresults.biz/a358