2023 AAPEX Service Award Winners [RR 905]

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Service Award Winners Roy Foster, Michael Miller, and Greg Damon discuss their experiences in the automotive industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the benefits of mentorship programs. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing the industry and the importance of community involvement, training, and changing consumer perceptions. 
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Congressional Testimony: Right to Repair Update [RR 902]

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, our panel dives into the progress of the Right to Repair bill that could potentially reshape our industry. Without the Right to Repair Act, our industry could face a staggering $93 billion hit by 2035. Kathleen Callahan, who testified in front of Congress, shared her experience and the momentum it created for the bill. It’s crucial for industry professionals to understand the bill, advocate for it, and engage with their communities and legislators. 
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Scanner Danner: The Next Chapter [RR 892]

A Journey of Collaboration, Family, and Philanthropy

Recorded Live at ASTE 2023, Kristin and Paul Danner discuss the next chapter of Scanner Danner: the birth of their nonprofit organization. Their mission? To help fulfill the needs of others by supporting the automotive community and beyond.  As they embark on this new chapter as soon to be empty nesters, they’re choosing a path of service and giving back. They also discuss the challenges within their marriage during the rise of ‘Scanner Danner’ and Paul’s perspective on elevating shop owners as an industry movement.
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Lunch and Learn Training: How It’s Done! [AW 174]

Ryan Baxter, the owner of Modern Auto Service in Fruitland, Idaho, shares his approach to training, including setting aside dedicated time every week and bringing in trainers for technical and personal development. Ryan emphasizes the positive impact training has had on his business and the value of continuous learning.
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Lost Everything: Started from Scratch and Bought a Shop [RR 882]

Aaron Weber, a shop owner from D & E Auto Repair in Chico, California, discusses his experience during the devastating Paradise Campfire in November 2018. Aaron shares how he and his family lost everything in the fire and had to start from scratch. He is transparent about the challenges they faced, including dealing with insurance, finding temporary housing, and seeking assistance. Despite the difficulties, Aaron emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy, and how this experience has made him a better leader. 
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S.O.B: Son of Boss [THA 344]

Carm Capriotto hosts a panel discussion on family businesses, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by sons of bosses (SOBs). Andrew Marcotte and Anthony Campanella share their experiences of working in their family businesses and the unique dynamics that come with it. They discuss the perception of nepotism and the importance of earning respect and value in their own right. They also discuss leadership development, work-life balance, communication, and succession planning in family businesses.
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Transforming Lives One Bike at a Time: The Impact of Philanthropy [THA 342]

Fernando Miranda, Aleta and Kevin Delaney and Jeremy Behling discuss their participation in the Transformers 2022 Summit in Cancun, where they took part in a team-building “Build a Bike” activity. The panel share heartwarming stories of giving bikes to local students in need and sponsoring their education. They emphasize the importance of philanthropy and how it can have a positive impact on both the community and business. Carm encourages listeners to have a giving heart and take action to help others. The episode aims to inspire listeners to make a positive impact in their own communities.
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The First Breast Cancer Vaccine Trial Recipient: Jennifer Davis [CC 111]

The Brakes for Breasts campaign, every October, supports breast cancer vaccine research at the Cleveland Clinic. The co-founders of the campaign, Leigh Anne Best and Laura Frank, discuss the importance of finding a cause that aligns with their values and the challenges of funding vaccine research. They discuss the initiative and how it raises funds for breast cancer research by offering free brake pads to customers in October. Dr. Justin Johnson from the Cleveland Clinic talks about the importance of a vaccine trial for triple negative breast cancer. Jennifer Davis, the first recipient of the vaccine trial, shares her experience. Our panel emphasizes the importance of community support and the potential of the vaccine trial to revolutionize cancer treatment. 

We are challenging the industry to reach a goal of $369,000 or even $400,000 for this year and to involve at least 500 shops. This is a simple and effective program to offer to your customer and to anyone involved to tour the lab and see the impact of their contributions.
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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. 
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Accelerate Your Career at ASCCA’s Training Conference [RR 876]

Luke Murray discusses the upcoming training conference organized by the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) including the growth of the conference over the years, the fundraising event for the Automotive Service Council Education Foundation (ASCEF), and the importance of training in the automotive industry. Luke shares details about the conference program and how feedback from shop owners helps determine the topics and content. He also discusses the value of repetitive training and the benefits of attending conferences regularly. Luke highlights the goals of the conference and the opportunity for new members to join ASCCA at a discounted rate.

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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.
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Rachel Spencer’s ‘Rachelisms’ for Auto Repair [AW 169]

What are some of Rachel Spencer’s “Rachelisms?” The Power of Consistency: Rachel emphasizes the importance of consistency and communication in her operations. She believes in creating habits, holding each other accountable, and striving for perfection while acknowledging that mistakes can happen. Customer Communication is Key: Rachel’s approach to customer service is all about overcommunication. You must provide customers with as much information as possible upfront, offering financing options, and sending vehicle health and safety reports via text. Rachel also shares her experiences with recruiting technicians including reaching out to institutes with automotive programs.
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Remodel 1 Year Later: See the Transition, See the Difference [AW 168]

Carm Capriotto visits Scott Felser’s shop to showcase the renovations he made since the last visit. They discuss various changes, including adding a door to the parts room, implementing a four-day workweek, and upgrading facilities like a coffee bar and bathroom. They also highlight the overall design and decorations, with input from Scott’s wife, new security cameras, new phone system, the positive customer feedback, and Scott’s involvement in the “Brakes for Breasts” campaign.
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Breaking the Mold: How a Staffing Agency Can Help You Build a Winning Team [THA 338]

“There isn’t a technician shortage,” Said no one ever. 

Please welcome our panel of guests to discuss the topic of recruiting talent with a staffing agency in the automotive industry. Shop owners Kathleen Callahan and Michelle Tansey share their experiences and challenges in finding skilled technicians and how partnering with Promotive, a full-service staffing agency, has been a game-changer for them.  Joelle Pollak and Amy Gerardi, Cofounders of Promotive, discuss the process of understanding individual shop needs, sourcing candidates, and the importance of communication and partnership between the agency and shop owners.

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Marketing Power Panel: Grow Your Revenue by $1 Million [THA 337]

Is it possible to grow your shop’s revenue by $1 million? Together, our panel of marketing gurus discuss the importance of marketing for automotive repair shops and provide insights on effective marketing strategies. The panel emphasizes the need to understand the shop’s current situation and goals before developing a marketing strategy. They also discuss financial aspects, setting goals for growth, seeking advice from successful shop owners, and creating memorable customer experiences. They stress the importance of strategic and proactive marketing and financial planning to drive business growth in the auto repair industry. Remember, marketing takes time and should be trusted as a process. Always be marketing, and don’t stop when business is busy.
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New Build in 4 Months: A Look Inside [AW 164]

A new build in 4 months? How did Bill DeBoer do it?! When his father suggested knocking down an office building and building a shop in its place, Bill didn’t hesitate. He took charge of the project, handled the financing, and oversaw the construction. This podcast episode is filled with insights on fleet management, business strategies, and the importance of having a reliable network of professionals.
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Brakes For Breasts – 2023 Update & Challenge [CC 110]

Brakes For Breasts – 2023 Update & Challenge Breast Cancer Vaccine Trials at the Cleveland Clinic and a Challenge for Participation for the 2023 October Initiative which supports breast cancer vaccine research at the Cleveland Clinic. The co-founders of the campaign, Leanne Best and Laura Frank, discuss the importance of finding a cause that aligns with their values and the challenges of funding vaccine research. We discuss the success of the campaign and their goals for the future, encouraging independent repair shops to participate and donate 10% of labor and parts for brake jobs.

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Personalized Customer Service and Marketing Strategies [AW 160]

If you’re in the automotive industry, you know it’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about providing exceptional customer service, too. Leigh Anne Best and Bill Hill, owners of Mighty Auto Pro, discuss their marketing strategies that have helped attract and retain customers. They’ve created a customer-friendly environment, providing loaner vehicles, shuttle services, and free towing up to $50.

But it’s not just about the extras. Mighty Auto Pro also emphasizes continuous learning and growth, requiring a minimum of 40 hours of training per year for their technicians. They encourage their employees to pursue their interests and hobbies, even if they are not related to auto repair. This culture of training has grown beyond anything Leigh Anne and Bill could have imagined, with technicians pushing each other to attend classes and improve their skills.

So, what can you learn from Mighty Auto Pro’s marketing strategy? Personalization, exceptional customer service, and a culture of continuous learning and growth can go a long way in retaining and attracting customers. Make everything effortless for the customer, and they’ll keep coming back.
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Giving Back to the Community: The Social Impact Initiatives of Adam and Son Auto Repair [RR 850]

Are you tired of the same old auto repair experience with poor customer service and no personal touch? Look no further than Adam and Son Auto Repair in Colorado Springs. Owner Dan Adam and VP of Social Impact and Strategy Stacy Burns, share their insights on creating a unique customer experience and positively impacting their community.

Dan Adam founded Adam and Son Auto Repair with a mission to improve the way auto repair businesses are run and provide exceptional customer service. He achieved this by defining 28 fundamentals that create behaviors for team members and ingrained them in the company culture through weekly messages and daily huddles. But the customer experience at Adam and Son doesn’t stop there. They have implemented social impact initiatives that provide free car repairs to single mothers, domestic violence victims, and disabled veterans through their Stranded Motorist Fund. This program aims to provide safe and reliable transportation to those in need and has gained positive feedback from the community. Adam and Son have gained high-quality customers who support their business by providing excellent customer service and making a positive social impact.
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21 Tips: How to Gain an Edge Part 4 [THA 328]

Learn how to improve your business and take it to the next level with these 21 tips and insights related to management, marketing, customer service, and personal growth. Our panel provides practical tips such as refreshing online photos, using referral programs, and creating a virtual tour of the shop. They also encourage humility, vulnerability, and continuous learning as essential tools for success in the automotive industry.
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Turbo Tim’s Garage: From Core Values to Cats, How to Build a Unique Brand [RR 848]

Are you looking for inspiration on how to have fun in your business while building a unique brand? In this episode, co-owners Tim Suggs and Rachel Grewell share their approach to core values and how they recently held a leadership retreat to refine those values. They also discuss the role of cats in their branding and marketing efforts, employee management and training, and community involvement. Tim says, “Being true to yourself and your team is the key to success.” So, let’s all take a page out of their book and strive to be different and true to ourselves in our businesses and lives.
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Behind the Scenes: Hudson Family Trifecta Awards [RR 797]

Get a behind the scenes interview with Kristi and Donnie Hudson on their trifecta award winning year in 2022 as the NAPA AutoCare Shop Owner of the Year, Women in Auto Care Female Shop Owner of the Year and AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year. Jason Rainey and Joelle Pollak from NAPA AutoCare also join the conversation. 
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Why Speak to Fifth Graders? [THA 292]

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Raising the image and perception of our industry starts with getting involved with schools. If you’re involved in your local community college or high school, I would like to put out a challenge that you also visit the elementary and middle schools. The students are buzzing with energy, questions, and already have a leg up on technology. If you’re not involved with any schools, what’s stopping you?  You can’t afford to not put your time into students, teachers, and school counselors. The impressions you leave on the youth are critical to creating opportunities for our industry’s future.

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Customer Amenities [THA 291]

Customer amenities aren’t just a snack bar and some coffee k-cups. It takes more to deepen a relationship.  My panel of shop owners goes beyond the free wifi and beverages to really wow their customers and make that lasting impression. Amenities are your ultimate marketing tool for your business. Take Note!
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