RR 121: Nikki Ayers from Ayers Automotive

Nikki Ayers and her husband Robert have been shop owners for 38 years. They own Ayers Automotive in Santa Barbara, CA with locations in Chipala and Anacapa.  Robert was a Jaguar tech when they decided to go into business for themselves. Nikki shares the big risk they took with their first building and how after…

RR 119: John Eppstein from John’s Automotive Care

John Eppstein from John’s Automotive Care in San Diego, CA was recognized in 2016 as the NAPA ASE Technician of the Year. Started Like So Many Others John Eppstein started in the automotive industry in 1983 because he wanted a job where he could help people. Like so many others in the industry, John pumped…

RR 115: Doug Grills from AutoStream Car Care Center

Listen to the entrepreneurial journey of Doug Grills from AutoStream Car Care Center. Along with his partner Rick Levitan they brought their base experience from their former positions with a fortune five company to build a four store automotive service company. As Doug tells it they brought a lot of business savvy with them when…

RR 114: Service EDU – Technician Training Program

What is Service-EDU? I cover training in a big way on the podcast. When I discovered  the newly created Service-EDU, a brand new partnership with four of our industries premiere manufacturers; Gates, MAHLE, Timken and NGK, I had to know more. You now have a chance to hear the story on how Service-EDU was created and…

RR 111: Frank Palange from V & F Auto

Frank Palange from V & F Auto Service in Agawam, MA, and his dad Vinny bought an acre parcel in 1988. They built their shop and today this thriving enterprise includes repair, auto sales and auto parts. Frank is a ‘tell it like it is’ guy (he is proud to say that is who he…

RR 110: Brent Berman from Federal-Mogul Motorparts

Brent Berman, Director of Training at Federal-Mogul Motorparts has been involved in the Automotive Industry for over 25 years primarily in the technical field evolving from mechanical to digital.  In his eighteen years at Federal-Mogul, Brent has held roles of increasing responsibility in technical training, marketing and now manages the Garage Gurus training group in addition…

RR 098: Ryan Kooiman, Dir. of Training, Standard Motor Products

Training PERIOD is the lifeblood of all companies large and small and for every person working today. We know how technology is moving at a rapid pace and our industry is no exception. In fact it seems like it is moving faster than we can actually keep pace. Getting a perspective on training from a…

RR 097: Jeff Ruffing from Ruffing Automotive Services

Can you relate to this: Jeff Ruffing from Ruffing Automotive in Kaukauna, WI, yes a Packers fan, started washing cars at a Buick dealership in 1985. Later that year he was asked to bring his tools in when a technician was injured. When he started his own shop he got into business with ‘’training wheels” on…

RR 095: Tim Davison from Chumbley’s Auto Care

Meet third generation owner, Tim Davison from Chumbley’s Auto Care in Indianola, IA. Chumbley’s got it roots as a service station over 59 years ago. Tim Davison talks about those roots and how it has led to the very personal business it is today. Tim’s been in the industry for 35 years and 17 of them…

RR 094: Mike Davidson from American Skilled Labor Association

It is the mission of ASLA (American Skilled Labor Association) to provide a suitable employee to the American Workforce. Lead by Mike Davidson, service professional entrepreneur and shop owner of Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, AR, Mike says, “We will do this by providing businesses with a clear path for mentors and locating employees who…

RR 093: Technician Mentor/Apprentice

Prepare yourself for a very powerful discussion on growing your own technicians. In light of the technician shortage, this episode shows a pathway to build your own bench. Get a ton of great ideas and resources to help you stem the technician shortage. There are two ways to enjoy this round table discussion. You can watch…

RR 092: Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH

Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH is an eighteen-year veteran in the Automotive Service industry. He currently owns two specialized automotive service locations. Ryan grew his enterprise from a single customer into a multi-location profitable business with 12 employees, that includes 6 technicians with a 99% customer satisfaction, and he has automated his business…

RR 090: Technician Training Round-Table Part 2

In a continuing series on Technician training welcome to part two of a Face To Face Video Podcast. Professional automotive trainers G Jerry Truglia from ATTS, Pete Meier from Motor Age and Pierre Respaut in a great dialogue about technician training. See their bios below. There are two ways to enjoy this round table discussion. You…

RR 089: Larry Moore from Larry’s Auto Works

Larry Moore is the President of Larry’s Auto Works, a family owned automotive service and repair center located in Mountain View California since 1972.  Larry and his wife of 49 years, Laurie lead the team at their 11,500 square foot shop with 15 bays. They employ 4.5 technicians a shop manager, service adviser, driver, and…

RR 085: Brian Bowersock of West Automotive Group

Meet Brian Bowersock of West Automotive Group of Escondido, CA. Brian is a twenty eight year industry veteran who is an ASE Master Tech A1-A9, L1, C1, P2. His shop is also ASE Blue Seal Certified. Brian’s two facilities have a combined 29 bays with 24 lifts, and 11 technicians. He’s a member of the…

RR 084: Sheri Hamilton from ASA-Midwest

ASA Midwest Executive Director Sheri Hamilton does not only lead the shop owners in six Midwestern states, she is also the Conference Manager of VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo. And who hasn’t heard of VISION. VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo 2016 will be a sell out. Why Listen? Learn a little history of the event and…

RR 059: Technician Training Best Practices -Roundtable

Watch the replay or listen to the audio only podcast. Podcast is available on iTunes and Stitcher Radio and of course listen below. Welcome to Episode 60 a rebroadcast of a Face To Face Video Podcast using the BLAB platform for Live Video Conversations. We had a lively discussion on technician training best practices with…

RR 036: Peter Meier from Motor Age

Pete Meier the Director of Training for the UBM Advanstar Automotive Group of publications goes ON-POINT here in episode 36. I’m sure you’ve read Pete in either Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World or Dealer News. His primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed. Pete is an ASE certified…