Uber, Loaners, and Shuttle Solutions for Automotive Clients [THA 446]
Key Takeaways:
Auto Repair Is a People Business: Learn why shifting your focus to relationship-building and empathy is crucial for service advisors, who are often “therapists” to anxious customers.
Discover why providing customer transportation rather than leaving them to figure it out is quickly becoming a game changing differentiator in the automotive industry.
We break down three powerful options:
Loaner Cars & Rental Programs: Remove the “transportation barrier” for customers and make it easier for them to approve bigger jobs. Learn about the ROI, and how forming a separate rental company can slash insurance costs.
Uber Business: Keep customers moving and increase your average work order by allowing them to approve more work without the wait. Fully web-based and trackable for simple management.
Shuttle Services: Turn travel time into relationship building time. Using the “FORD” method (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams), your staff can connect on a personal level and create customers for life.
Tune in to hear how each option impacts ROI, boosts efficiency, satisfies evolving customer expectations, and helps you overcome objections, ultimately locking in long-term client loyalty.
remarkableresults.biz/a446
People 101: Why Soft Skills Drive Hard Results [THA 445]
Key Takeaways:
Auto Repair Is a People Business: Learn why shifting your focus to relationship-building and empathy is crucial for service advisors, who are often “therapists” to anxious customers.
Emotions Drive Decisions: Customers make big emotional and financial decisions, yet we often treat interactions as fast, transactional processes. Discover how to connect with customer pain points, concerns, and fears to build trust and make them feel like a priority, even when smoke is coming out of their engine.
Soft Skills = Profitability: Implementing soft skills like active listening and thoughtful questioning leads directly to climbing average repair orders, more five-star reviews, and significantly higher customer retention.
Price Becomes Irrelevant: When customers trust you, they don’t shop on price, they shop on experience.
Build “Key Dropper” Loyalty: Learn the ultimate goal: turning customers into “key droppers,” individuals who know, like, and trust your shop so completely that they simply drop their keys, confident you’ll handle everything.
Leadership Must Lead the Way: This isn’t just for your counter team. Owners must be engaged, invested, and accountable in soft skills training. Discover why your commitment to professionalism is key to the industry’s future, separating thriving businesses from those that won’t survive the next decade.
remarkableresults.biz/a445
The Investment in Youth: Why Camp D.R.I.V.E. is a Win [THA 444]
Camp D.R.I.V.E., (Determination, Resourcefulness, Vision, Enthusiasm) created by Weston and Tenise Chapman of Black Hills Tire, is a powerful hands-on initiative that introduces kids aged 12–15 to the world of automotive technology. Now in its third year, this two-day experience puts young participants in the driver’s seat—changing tires, doing oil changes, welding, and more—across interactive stations. Camp D.R.I.V.E. is changing perceptions about the industry by showcasing its technical, creative, and rewarding sides. The conversation also explores the program’s community impact and offers practical tips for other shops looking to launch something similar, including how to manage costs, secure insurance, and collaborate with local partners.
remarkableresults.biz/a444
Brakes for Breasts: Breast Cancer Vaccine Update 2025 [THA 443]
This episode features Brakes for Breasts co-founders Leigh Anne Best and Laura Frank, along with Cleveland Clinic researcher Dr. Justin Johnson, as they celebrate the automotive industry’s role in raising over $2 million for breast cancer vaccine research. They share the initiative’s grassroots beginnings, its 100% donation to research model, and provide an update on the vaccine’s progress, highlighting the completion of Phase One trials and the upcoming launch of Phase Two.
A key highlight of the campaign: During October, independent auto repair shops across the U.S. offer free brake pads to customers. For every brake service performed, the customer receives their brake pads at no cost and only pays for labor and other parts. In turn, each participating shop donates 10% of the brake service total to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.
The episode also shares the inspiring story of Jennifer Davis, the first vaccine recipient, and encourages more shops to get involved in this unique, community driven fundraising effort that’s helping fuel groundbreaking research
remarkableresults.biz/a443
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
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
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
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
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
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
Why Your Customers Might Be Lying (and How Neuromarketing Can Help!) [THA 409]
Discover how neuroscience insights can enhance customer relationships, optimize revenues, and create lasting brand loyalty. Matt Fanslow and Dr. David Weiman explain how marketing stimuli affect the brain, revealing a disconnect between conscious responses and subconscious reactions. Learn practical strategies to apply these concepts in your shop, from setting the right ambiance to creating unforgettable customer experiences.
remarkableresults.biz/a409
From Websites to Texts: How to Meet Modern Consumer Expectations [RR 982]
Aubrey Amborn, Director of Sales for Net Driven, discusses the evolving marketing landscape in the automotive industry. She emphasizes the necessity of a robust online presence, effective SEO, and diverse communication methods to meet changing consumer preferences. Aubrey highlights the importance of adapting to digital trends, noting that 87% of consumers prefer text communication. The discussion also covers the impact of online reviews and the need for businesses to engage with customers through various channels to remain competitive.
remarkableresults.biz/e982
Leveraging Technology and Marketing in Recruitment [RR 969]
Dan and Dave Ostrov, co-founders of Whiterail Recruits, discuss recruiting challenges and strategies in the automotive industry. The conversation highlights the use of technology and marketing to address labor shortages, the issue of ghosting, and the importance of building relationships with potential candidates.
remarkableresults.biz/e969
Road to NAPA Auto Care Gold Certified: From Technician to Owner of 6 Locations [RR 946]
Make Every Detail Count: What Message Are You Sending to Customers? [RR 932]
Recorded Live at the 2024 MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems) Training Event & Trade Show, shop owner Bill Snow discusses marketing strategies, the use of social media platforms, and the importance of authenticity in video marketing. Bill shares insights on audience preferences for lighthearted content and emphasizes professionalism and the value of every customer interaction in reflecting the business’s dedication to service.
remarkableresults.biz/e932
Why CRM is Vital to Automotive Shop Success Part 2 [THA 365]
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are more than just tools; they are the lifeline of customer engagement and business growth.
Explore strategies for identifying and re-engaging lost customers, adapting CRM practices to changing customer behaviors, and personalizing communication.
remarkableresults.biz/a365
Technician Attraction Blueprint [RR 921]
Chris Lawson discusses the Technician Attraction Blueprint, a strategy for automotive shops to attract and retain technicians by focusing on respect, growth, and money. Lawson’s blueprint, derived from extensive industry questions, helps shop owners self-assess and troubleshoot hiring issues.
If you’re ready to transform your shop into a magnet for top talent and create an environment where technicians thrive, then you won’t want to miss this!
remarkableresults.biz/e921
From Dealership to Mobile Mechanic [RR 920]
Explore the challenges and benefits of mobile mechanics, Jesse’s future ambitions for a physical shop, and the value of mentorship in the automotive industry.
Jesse explains his transition to full-time mobile work, his marketing strategies, and customer service approach. He also touches on the logistics of mobile operations, from tools to working in various locations.
remarkableresults.biz/e920
The Art of Client Appreciation [RR 915]
Dane and Cathy Bailey discuss their transition from a franchise to independent operators, the importance of trust and reputation, and their unique approach to customer relations. The Baileys emphasize the significance of creating a welcoming environment, particularly for female clients, and the role of personalized gestures like thank-you baskets and branded gifts in building lasting relationships. They also explore the parallels between the automotive and real estate industries, highlighting the importance of professionalism and quality service.
remarkableresults.biz/e915
The New Frontier of Measuring Service Advisor Effort and Output [RR 913]
Stan Stokes and Eric Renninger from Iron Fist Consultants discuss the evolving roles of service advisors in the automotive industry, the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior, and the role of technology. Gone are the days of going purely on gut feeling; today, maximizing conversion rates means utilizing every bit of data available. Operationalizing data and effective communication are fundamental aspects of a positive customer journey.
remarkableresults.biz/e913
Why CRM is Vital to Automotive Shop Success [THA 359]
Our panel discusses the importance of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in the success of auto repair shops. They highlight CRM’s role in client retention, communication, and building trusted relationships. The discussion also covers the significance of integrating CRM with shop management systems and the potential for automation and reminders based on customer data. The panelists stress the importance of the first 100 days in the customer journey, the need for consistent touchpoints, and personalized communication.
remarkableresults.biz/a359
Teaching Seniors How to Drive Safe, Smart and Healthy – Greg Buckley [RR 911]
Greg Buckley and Carm Capriotto discuss the importance of education and communication to our senior communities. Greg shares stories from his own experience, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and customer satisfaction. The intensity and dedication of senior women attending an event shows there is a need to teach for for them to learn.
Acquiring and Transforming a 72 Year Old Business [AW 171]
Jon Kloosterman, the Director of Operations at West Side Service in Zeeland, discusses their recent acquisition of a business and their approach to training and retention of technicians. The acquired business had been a pillar in the community for 72 years and was ready for a change in ownership. Jon also highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and focusing on the right KPIs in your business.
remarkableresults.biz/aw171
Real Estate Strategies [AW 170]
Rick Levitan shares his experience and insights on real estate in the automotive industry. He discusses the importance of developing a strategy when expanding and finding new locations, as well as various methods for finding potential sites. Rick advises against falling in love with a specific location and highlights the option of leasing with an option to buy. He also discusses the role of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the importance of demographics when considering a new location. Rick emphasizes the need for careful planning, good advisors, and transparency when acquiring a business or property.
remarkableresults.biz/aw170