Service Advisor Archives - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-tag/service-advisor/ Automotive Repair Business Success Stories Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:14:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://remarkableresults.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-site_icon-32x32.jpg Service Advisor Archives - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-tag/service-advisor/ 32 32 Daily Habits That Build a Stronger Auto Repair Shop Culture [THA 501] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a501/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a500/

Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

What does a strong shop culture look like when you’re the people living it every day?

Bree Wismer, Service Advisor and Frontline Culture Leader, and Trevor Hinds, Operations Manager and Dispatcher at Empower Automotive in Traverse City, Michigan, take us inside the daily habits and communication practices that keep their team aligned, productive, and focused on the customer.

Rather than approaching culture from the owner’s perspective, Bri and Trevor share what happens on the front lines. They explain how Empower Automotive breaks down the traditional divide between the front counter and the bays, keeps everyone on the “same bus,” and creates a workplace where every person understands their role, respects the team around them, and contributes to the same goal.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why the front counter and specialists must operate as one team.
  • How daily huddles and short training sessions keep the team aligned.
  • Why the 1:00 PM check-in can prevent late-day customer surprises.
  • Why a “no-update” update can be one of the most valuable customer communications.
  • How to respond when customers arrive with AI-generated or parts-store diagnoses.
  • How respect, communication, and accountability create confident professionalism.

Building a world-class shop culture doesn’t require a massive budget or a complicated organizational overhaul. By committing to these small, consistent actions, you can transform your shop from a high-stress environment into a thriving, unified business that both your team and your customers enjoy.

Bree Wismer, Service Advisor, Frontline Culture Leader, Empower Automotive, Traverse City, MI

Trevor Hinds, Operations Manager, Dispatcher, Workflow and Culture, Empower Automotive, Traverse City, MI

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training, six days a week of support, and local representation. http://napatracs.com/
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. https://www.todaysclass.com/
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. https://www.kukui.com/
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Top 5 Qualities of a Genuine Service Advisor [RR 1106] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1106/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1105/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

What makes a good service advisor great?

Levi Linseman, performance coach at Autoflow, shares the five human qualities that separate a good service advisor from a truly trusted professional. With 25 years of automotive experience, including 15 years at the service desk, Levi explains why eye contact, a smile, warmth, caring, and humility can turn everyday transactions into long-term customer relationships.

The conversation also explores sophisticated professionalism, the role of AI in the customer experience, proactive communication, hiring for coachability, and why the best advisors know when to simply say, “I don’t know.”

What You’ll Learn

  • The 5 qualities that define a genuine service advisor.
  • How admitting mistakes can actually increase customer trust.
  • Why AI should support the service advisor, not replace the human connection.
  • How digital vehicle inspections can improve transparency and communication.
  • Why coachability and continuous learning are essential for advisors.
  • How proactive communication reduces customer anxiety.
  • Why setting clear expectations can dramatically improve the customer experience.
  • What shop owners should look for when hiring their next service advisor.

Great service advisors do more than sell repairs. They build trust, reduce anxiety, communicate with honesty, and make customers feel cared for. Technology can make the process more efficient, but genuine human connection remains one of the most powerful advantages a shop can offer.

Levi Linseman, Performance Coach, Autoflow

Learn more about the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with on-site training and six days a week of support: http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Engage, Educate, Reward: How Today’s Class Is Changing Auto Repair Training [THA 498] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a498/ Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a497/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

What if the best way to train an automotive team isn’t another four-hour evening class, but a few minutes of learning every day?

Carm Capriotto sits down with David Boyes, President of Today’s Class, and Brad Updegraff, owner of Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, to explore how continuous learning and gamification are creating more engaged, knowledgeable teams.

Brad shares how his seven-location operation uses Today’s Class to support ASE certification, keep experienced technicians current with rapidly changing vehicle technology, and turn training into something employees actually want to participate in.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why daily learning can be more effective than traditional after-hours training.
  • How raffles, auctions, and rewards turn training into a team-building experience.
  • How shop-versus-shop competition can create stronger teamwork than individual leaderboards.
  • How custom training content can identify knowledge gaps and strengthen advisor performance.
  • Why continuous learning is essential as vehicle technology continues to evolve.
  • What’s coming next for Today’s Class, including EV, hybrid, electrical, leadership, and financial training.

Training doesn’t have to feel like a requirement. When learning is consistent, accessible, rewarding, and connected to career growth, it can become part of the culture. Brad and David demonstrate how gamification can turn education into daily engagement while helping automotive professionals build the skills needed for the future.

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

David Boyes, President of ‘Today’s Class”  David’s previous episodes HERE

Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 7 locations, Austin, TX. Brad’s previous episodes HERE.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Mastering Shop Flow with Online Scheduling and AI Communication [THA 497] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a497/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a496/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

What if the key to a better customer experience wasn’t working harder, but creating better shop flow?

Murray Voth of RPM Training and shop owner Doug Brackett join Carm Capriotto to discuss how online scheduling, AI-powered communication, and intentional processes can reduce front-counter chaos while improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why online scheduling should function as a reservation request, not an automatic appointment.
  • How setting the “next expectation” builds customer trust and reduces anxiety.
  • Why qualifying customers helps create a better experience for everyone.
  • How AI and digital communication reduce interruptions and free advisors to build stronger relationships.
  • The operational strategies behind a calm, highly productive service counter.
  • Real-world performance metrics that demonstrate the power of better shop flow.

The best shops don’t eliminate the human touch, they eliminate unnecessary chaos. By combining clear communication, intentional scheduling, and smart technology, shop owners can create a more predictable workflow, a better customer experience, and a less stressful environment for both employees and clients.

Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE. murrayvoth@rpmtraining.net

Doug Brackett, Pro-Vitals Consulting, Downtown Automotive, Nelson, BC.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> The AI-Informed Customer Has Arrived: What It Means For Auto Repair [THA 496] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a496/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a495/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Are your customers rolling up to the counter with their vehicles already “diagnosed” by ChatGPT or Gemini?

More customers are turning to AI before they ever call your shop, using tools like ChatGPT and Gemini as the “WebMD” for their vehicles. They often arrive convinced they’ve identified the problem, making today’s service advisor responsible for validating the customer’s concerns while guiding the conversation back to proper testing and professional diagnostics.

Brian Weeks, Jon Kloosterman, and Alex Littlewood join Carm Capriotto to explore how AI is reshaping customer expectations and why the shops that thrive will be the ones that combine technology with authentic human connection.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why the “human premium” is becoming more valuable as AI-generated content grows.
  • How to respond when customers arrive with AI-generated vehicle diagnoses.
  • Why AI should automate administrative tasks, not customer relationships.
  • How AI helps service advisors and technicians become more efficient.
  • Strategies for adopting AI without overwhelming your team.
  • Why AI can reinforce the value of professional diagnostics and repair expertise.

As AI-generated content floods the internet, customers are finding it harder to separate facts from fiction. That uncertainty creates an opportunity for repair shops. AI can improve efficiency, but trust is still earned through knowledgeable people, thoughtful communication, and genuine relationships. The future belongs to shops that use AI to support the customer experience, not replace the human connection that builds lasting confidence.

Jon Kloosterman, Director of Operations, WestSide Service, Zeeland, MI. Jon’s previous episodes HERE

Brian Weeks, ATC Auto Center, Augusta, GA. Listen to Brian’s previous episodes HERE

Alex Littlewood, Founder, ONRAMP

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> The “Kohl’s Cash” of Auto Repair: Turning Customer Rewards Into Repeat Business [THA 495] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a495/ Fri, 24 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a494/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

What keeps customers coming back when the shop down the street is advertising lower prices?

Tom Sciortino of Total Automotive and Jeff Rudnick of Pit Crew Loyalty reveal how a well-designed loyalty program can become your shop’s competitive advantage. Drawing from Tom celebrating 40 years in business, they share how rewarding customers, celebrating milestones, and investing in the community create stronger relationships, more referrals, and sustainable growth.

What You’ll Learn

  • How customer loyalty programs increase repeat visits and average repair orders.
  • Why rewards help differentiate your shop from price-driven competitors.
  • Creative referral strategies that attract high-quality new customers.
  • How time-sensitive rewards can recover deferred work and win back inactive customers.
  • Ways to celebrate business milestones that engage employees and customers.
  • Why community involvement builds trust, loyalty, and lasting relationships.

Loyalty is more than a rewards program. When combined with meaningful community engagement and exceptional customer experiences, it becomes a powerful strategy for increasing retention, referrals, and sustainable business growth.

Tom Sciortino, Total Automotive, Buffalo, NY. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.

Jeff Rudnick, CEO, Pit Crew Loyalty

You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/

Beyond the Repair Order: The Strategy of Customer Loyalty [RR 1077]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1077/

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Deferred Work: The Most Overlooked Growth Opportunity in Auto Repair [RR 1101] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1101/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1100/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Most auto repair shops are sitting on a goldmine of untapped revenue without realizing it.

In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes Jimmy Alauria of 3A Automotive & Diesel Repair to discuss how deferred work can become one of your shop’s most effective growth strategies. By pulling just two years of data from his shop’s database, he discovered $3.3 million in potential revenue from deferred services. From better customer communication to smarter follow-up systems, Jimmy explains how to turn yesterday’s declined repairs into tomorrow’s repair orders.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why your customer database is one of your shop’s most valuable assets.
  • How deferred work can create significant new revenue without increasing car count.
  • Why shops should schedule the next appointment before the customer leaves.
  • While DVIs provide excellent transparency, their primary goal should be to educate the customer and help them plan, rather than to force an immediate $5,000 repair order. Jimmy notes that customers decline work not necessarily because they lack trust, but because they need time to budge
  • How categorizing repairs by safety, reliability, maintenance, and appearance improves customer understanding.
  • Understanding the customer’s personal “car goals,” whether they love the car and want to avoid a new car payment, or they hate the car and want to trade it in, is also critical to framing recommendations effectively.
  • The shortcomings of traditional CRM follow-up systems and how AI can improve communication.
  • How AI helps prioritize repairs and translates technical repair language into customer-friendly messaging that drives response.

Deferred work isn’t lost business; it’s future opportunity. By building better follow-up processes, educating customers, and using technology to communicate more effectively, shops can strengthen relationships, improve customer retention, and unlock substantial revenue already waiting in their database.

Jimmy Alauria, 3A Automotive and Diesel Repair, Phoenix, AZ. Jimmy’s previous episodes HERE

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://remarkableresultsradiopodcast.captivate.fm/napaautocare  

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> The Truth About ADAS Calibrations Every Shop Needs to Hear [THA 494] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a494/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a493/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

A viral social media clip about ADAS calibrations sparked thousands of comments and exposed a troubling reality: many automotive professionals still misunderstand when and why calibrations are required. In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes technical specialists and industry leaders Keith Perkins and Matt Fanslow to examine the industry’s response, separate fact from fiction, and explain why following OEM repair procedures is essential for both vehicle safety and professional credibility.

What You’ll Learn

  • The difference between static and dynamic ADAS calibrations, and why confusing the two leads to costly mistakes.
  • Why programming, configuration, initialization, and calibration are separate procedures with different purposes.
  • How fear of losing a sale often outweighs concerns about vehicle safety and liability.
  • The real-world consequences of skipping OEM-required calibration procedures.
  • How a properly calibrated vehicle helped protect Keith’s wife and children during a serious highway rollover crash.
  • How elevating the role of the Calibration Specialist reinforces professionalism and builds customer confidence.

ADAS calibrations are not optional add-ons or revenue generators; they are critical safety procedures designed by vehicle manufacturers to ensure advanced safety systems perform as intended. Professional repair shops protect their customers by following OEM repair information, completing every required calibration, and returning every vehicle to the road safe and ready to perform.

Why ADAS Calibrations Are Being Ignored in Auto Repair Shops [THA 484]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a484/

Keith Perkins, Previous episode HERE. L1 Automotive, https://www.l1diagnostics.com/, L1 Automotive Training: https://l1training.com/

Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Curing Organizational Drag: The Courage to Fire a Non-Fit Employee [RR 1100] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1100/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1099/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Building a successful auto repair business isn’t just about hiring great people; it’s about creating a culture where the right people can thrive.

In this episode of Episodic Education, Carm Capriotto welcomes Matt Lachowitzer, founder of Matt’s Automotive Center, to discuss the leadership principles that helped grow his company to 11 locations. Matt shares why protecting culture sometimes means making difficult personnel decisions, how investing in employee development fuels long-term success, and why great leaders always begin by looking in the mirror.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why one employee who doesn’t fit your culture can create organizational drag.
  • When letting go of a top performer is the best decision for your team.
  • How leaders should evaluate their own role before blaming an employee’s performance.
  • How 29-day customer follow-up calls build trust and long-term loyalty.
  • How company-wide training events reinforce culture and accelerate growth.
  • The leadership mindset required to build a business that succeeds without depending on one person.

Strong businesses are built by protecting culture, developing people, and leading with both accountability and compassion. Matt’s leadership philosophy demonstrates that long-term success comes from investing in your team, making values-based decisions, and creating an organization where everyone has the opportunity to grow.

Matt Lachowitzer, Matt’s Automotive Service Center, Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota and Minnesota. Listen to Matt’s previous episodes HERE

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://remarkableresultsradiopodcast.captivate.fm/napaautocare  

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Maximizing Profit Through Effective Labor Rate Strategy [THA 493] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a493/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a492/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Your posted labor rate may not be the labor rate you’re actually collecting, and that gap could be costing your shop thousands of dollars every month.

In this episode, Carm Capriotto is joined by Andy Adams, a shop owner and business coach, and Rob Sperring, a service manager, to explain why the Effective Labor Rate (ELR) is one of the most overlooked yet impactful performance metrics in the auto repair industry. They break down why ELR falls short, how it affects profitability, and the practical steps every shop owner can take to close the gap.

What You’ll Learn

  • What Effective Labor Rate (ELR) is and why it matters more than your posted door rate.
  • Why healthy shops should collect at least 90 percent of their posted labor rate.
  • How unbilled diagnostic time, underpriced canned jobs, and complimentary inspections reduce profitability.
  • Why excessive discounting, even with good intentions, can quietly erode your bottom line.
  • Why improving ELR creates opportunities to increase technician compensation and strengthen your business.
  • How auditing repair orders can uncover missed labor opportunities and unnecessary discounts.
  • Why updating your labor matrix and canned jobs can immediately improve financial performance.
  • How sharing KPI’s (key performance indicators) with your team builds ownership and accountability throughout the shop.

Effective Labor Rate is more than a financial matrix; it’s a direct measure of how well your shop captures the value of the work it performs. By understanding where labor revenue is being lost and making intentional operational improvements, shop owners can increase profitability, invest in their teams, and build a stronger, more sustainable business.

Rob Sperring, Grand Rapids Motorcar, Grand Rapids, MI

Andy Adams, Adams Garage, Terre Haute, IN. Coach at Repair Shop of Tomorrow

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Selling to the Curb: How AI Turned More Calls into Customers [RR 1099] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1099/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1098/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

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.

Jesse Jackson, CEO, Mango Automotive, 8 locations

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Building a Winning Scoreboard For Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1098] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1098/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1097/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video EpisodeWhat 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. Gerry Frank, former shop owner, trainer and coach for Maverick Shop Owners Want a more profitable shop? Start with your service advisor. They are the face of your business, the voice on the phone, and the key to every approved repair. Download ‘Words That Work – The Service Advisor’s Complete Phone Scripts Playbook at https://serviceadvisortraining.com/ Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-careNAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

SPONSOR: NAPA Auto Care

Connect with the Podcast:

]]> From Data to Loyalty: How AI and Hospitality Are Redefining Shop Growth [THA 488] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a488/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a487/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

What happens when artificial intelligence meets world-class customer hospitality?

In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes Mike DelaCruz, CEO of Overdryve Marketing, and Michelle Tansey, co-founder of Euro Clinic, for a forward-thinking discussion on how auto repair shops can use AI, data, and intentional customer experiences to build stronger businesses.

From using AI as a strategic business assistant to creating a luxury-level customer journey that rivals brands like Ritz-Carlton and Nordstrom, Mike and Michelle share practical insights on what separates average shops from elite operations. They explain how predictive marketing, operational excellence, and deeply embedded core values can transform customer retention and long-term profitability.

What You’ll Learn

  • How AI can serve as your shop’s “big brain” to improve decision-making and uncover blind spots.
  • How predictive marketing can forecast car count, identify customer churn, and improve campaign performance.
  • The concept of the “NASA Shop” and what elite automotive operations do differently.
  • How Euro Clinic creates unforgettable customer experiences through personalized hospitality.
  • The importance of building systems and processes around your shop’s core values.
  • Why strong operations must come before marketing success.
  • How small communication changes can dramatically improve customer trust and confidence.
  • The role data plays in making better business decisions and reducing emotional guesswork.

The future belongs to shops that combine technology with humanity. AI can provide unprecedented insight into customer behavior and business performance, but lasting success still comes from exceptional service, consistent operations, and a culture built around caring for people. The shops that embrace both innovation and hospitality will be the ones that stand out, retain customers, and thrive in the years ahead.

Mike DelaCruz, CEO Overdryve Marketing

Michelle Tansey, Euro Clinic, Santa Clara, CA.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS
NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> When Personal Stress Walks Into the Shop: How Leaders Protect Performance [THA 487] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a487/ Fri, 29 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a486/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Are you tired of telling your staff to “leave their problems at the door”?
The reality is, what happens outside the shop often follows employees into the bays, the service counter, and every customer interaction throughout the day. Financial pressure, family struggles, burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue all impact confidence, communication, productivity, and sales performance, whether leaders recognize it or not.

In this insightful episode, Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, and service advisor coach and shop owner Rachel Spencer, challenge the old-school mindset of “leave your problems at the door” and explore what modern leadership really looks like in high-performing repair shops.

The strongest shops aren’t built only on process and productivity; they’re built on leaders who understand people.

What You’ll Learn

  • How personal stress impacts sales performance and customer communication
  • Why technician morale directly affects advisor confidence and trust
  • The connection between emotional stability and shop productivity
  • How great leaders identify performance struggles before KPIs decline
  • Why empathy and accountability must work together
  • The importance of daily check-ins and emotional awareness
  • How negativity spreads through shop culture and how leaders can stop it
  • Why “soft skills” have become essential leadership skills in auto repair

When employees feel supported, understood, and valued, communication improves, confidence grows, and performance follows. This episode offers practical insights for shop owners and managers who want to protect team performance, strengthen culture, and lead more effectively in today’s high-pressure auto repair environment.

Rena Rennebohm, CEO and Creator of Empowered Advisor. Rena’s previous episodes HERE.
Rachel Spencer, Spencer’s Auto Repair, Krum, TX. Rachel’s previous episodes HERE
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS
NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> The AI-Driven Auto Repair Leader: Using Technology as Your Strategic Thought Partner [RR 1092] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1092/ Tue, 19 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1091/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

In this forward-looking conversation, Carm Capriotto and Chris Cloutier, CEO of AutoFlow and owner of three Golden Rule Auto Care locations, explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the automotive repair industry; not as a replacement for people, but as a powerful tool that helps shop owners lead smarter, communicate better, and operate more professionally.

Chris shares firsthand experiences using AI inside both his software company and his repair shops, revealing how the technology can dramatically reduce time spent on leadership and administrative tasks while improving workflow efficiency and customer communication. From refining technician notes to helping build business plans and expansion strategies, AI is becoming what Chris describes as a ‘thought partner’ for today’s shop owner.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why AI should be viewed as a strategic business partner, not a threat to the automotive repair profession
  • How effective prompting and providing context can dramatically improve AI-generated results
  • Ways AI can streamline major business tasks such as SBA loan preparation, SWOT analyses, and growth planning
  • How AI-powered technician note rewrites improve customer communication and strengthen professionalism
  • Why clear, polished communication acts as a “curtain of professionalism” that builds customer trust
  • How AI can help bridge language barriers by translating repair orders and inspection results
  • The risks and humor of “AI versus AI” hiring practices, where both employers and applicants rely heavily on artificial intelligence
  • Why Chris believes today is the least expensive AI will ever be, and why shop owners should begin learning it now

The biggest takeaway from this episode is simple: AI will not replace highly skilled automotive professionals, but it will absolutely enhance the shops that learn how to use it effectively. From improving efficiency and communication to elevating the image of professionalism, AI offers tremendous advantages for modern repair businesses. However, Carm and Chris emphasize one critical principle throughout the conversation: trust, but verify. Just like quality control in the service bays, AI-generated information should always be reviewed carefully before being shared with customers or used to make important business decisions.

Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care, and CEO of Autoflow. Listen to Chris’ other episodes HERE

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

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Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

 

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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