Anyone Can Teach, But Not Everyone Can Educate: Lessons from 30 Years in Automotive Training [RR 1095]
Carm Capriotto sits down with Todd Fortier, retiring automotive professor and program coordinator from Illinois Central College, to discuss a lesson learned over three decades in education: anyone can teach, but becoming a true educator requires purpose, empathy, and continuous growth.
Todd shares how his passion for education was sparked by helping students experience those breakthrough “lightbulb moments” and why the ultimate goal of teaching is not simply delivering information, but ensuring meaningful knowledge transfer. As he prepares for retirement, Todd reflects on the challenges facing automotive education and his mission to help develop the next generation of industry instructors.
What You’ll Learn
Why technical expertise alone doesn’t make someone an effective instructor
How educators can improve knowledge transfer and student engagement
Todd’s “Three C’s” framework: Concern, Cause, and Correction
Why connection, empathy, and vulnerability are critical teaching tools
How to identify the root causes behind student disengagement
The importance of recognizing the personal challenges students bring into the classroom
Why many students leave training programs early and how educators can help retain them
How trainers and mentors can evolve into true educators
The soft skills needed to successfully connect with today’s students and technicians
The best educators do more than share information, they build relationships. Todd Fortier’s career demonstrates that teaching is most effective when instructors combine technical knowledge with empathy, curiosity, and genuine human connection. As the automotive industry works to address technician shortages and workforce development challenges, creating better educators may be one of the most important investments the industry can make.
remarkableresults.biz/e1095
From Data to Loyalty: How AI and Hospitality Are Redefining Shop Growth [THA 488]
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.
remarkableresults.biz/a488
Stop Hiring in Panic Mode: Build a Recruiting Pipeline for Your Shop [RR 1094]
Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of TechnicianFind, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing independent auto repair shops today: finding and keeping great technicians.
Chris explains why many shop owners fall into what he calls “fire alarm syndrome,” waiting until a technician leaves before starting the hiring process. That reactive approach often leads to rushed decisions, poor hires, and ongoing turnover. Instead, he advocates for an “Always Be Recruiting” mindset, where shops continuously build relationships with potential candidates long before they have an opening.
The conversation explores practical strategies for becoming a destination workplace, creating a recruiting pipeline, and building a culture that attracts top talent in a competitive market.
What You’ll Learn
Why reactive hiring creates costly staffing problems
How to build a bench of pre-qualified technicians before you need them
Why becoming “10-mile famous” can help attract both technicians and customers
How culture-focused marketing can outperform traditional help-wanted ads
The three things technicians value most: respect, growth, and compensation
Why sign-on bonuses often fail and how to structure them more effectively
Practical ways to engage passive candidates who are not actively job hunting
Resources available through Chris Lawson’s free online community for shop owners
The best time to recruit a technician is before you need one. Shops that continuously market their culture, build relationships with local talent, and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates are better positioned to grow, avoid staffing emergencies, and create a workplace where top technicians want to stay. Recruiting is no longer an occasional task. It is an ongoing business strategy.
remarkableresults.biz/e1094
When Personal Stress Walks Into the Shop: How Leaders Protect Performance [THA 487]
What happens outside the shop doesn’t always stay outside the shop. In this insightful episode, Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, and service advisor coach and shop owner Rachel Spencer, explore how personal stress, emotional weight, and leadership awareness directly affect employee performance, confidence, customer communication, and overall shop culture.
From family struggles and financial pressure to burnout and emotional fatigue, today’s automotive professionals carry more than tools into work each day. This conversation reveals why high-performing shops are built not only on process and productivity, but on leaders who understand the human side of performance.
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
Strong shop culture starts with emotionally aware leadership. 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.
remarkableresults.biz/a487
From Guesswork to Process: Modern Diagnostic Strategies for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1093]
Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, Carm Capriotto sits down with automotive trainer Ken Zanders to discuss the importance of ongoing technical education, building efficient diagnostic processes, and adapting to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. Ken explains why too many shops still rely on a chaotic “grocery list” approach to repairs and how a structured diagnostic strategy can dramatically improve technician efficiency, profitability, and customer trust.
What You’ll Learn
Why inefficient diagnostic habits directly reduce technician productivity, shop profitability, and overall earning potential.
The importance of following a structured diagnostic workflow instead of guessing and replacing parts.
How electronic relative compression testing with a lab scope and amperage probe can reduce diagnostic time from hours to minutes.
How modern vehicle technologies like GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates are changing diagnostics and repair procedures.
Why continuous education is no longer optional for automotive professionals working on today’s advanced vehicle systems.
The biggest takeaway from this episode is that repair shops cannot afford to operate in constant chaos and guesswork. A reactive “grocery list” approach to diagnostics leads to wasted time, unnecessary parts replacement, lower profits, and poor customer outcomes. To succeed in today’s increasingly complex automotive industry, shop owners must create a year-round training strategy that helps technicians diagnose efficiently, think critically, and continuously improve their skills. Structured processes, modern testing methods, and ongoing education are no longer advantages; they are necessities for survival and growth.
remarkableresults.biz/e1093
The Rise of the Specialist: Redefining Automotive Professionalism [THA 485]
Host Carm Capriotto is joined by shop owners Craig Noel, Brett Beachler, and Tom Palermo for an important discussion on how “The Rise of the Specialist” is moving from idea to implementation inside automotive repair shops across the industry. Written by Carm Capriotto, “The Rise of the Specialist” is a growing movement and declaration designed to elevate the language, image, professionalism, and culture of the automotive service industry.
In this episode, the panel shares how they are actively implementing “The Rise” within their own businesses, from changing terminology and redefining job titles to elevating customer communication, shop presentation, and team culture. The conversation highlights the real-world challenges and successes of shifting away from outdated labels like “mechanic,” “wrench,” and “technician” and embracing the more professional and accurate title of “specialist.”
Carm explains that this movement is more than a branding exercise; it is a professional evolution aimed at helping the industry better reflect the expertise required to service today’s highly advanced vehicles. Modern automotive professionals are diagnosticians, calibration experts, technology specialists, and problem-solvers operating in one of the most sophisticated skilled professions today.
Throughout the discussion, the shop owners explain how adopting the language and principles of “The Rise” has strengthened team pride, improved customer trust, and helped create a more professional identity within their organizations. The panel also explores how service advisors play a key role in communicating the value of diagnostics, testing, and specialist-level expertise to clients in a way that builds understanding and confidence.
The episode draws powerful comparisons to professions like medicine and culinary arts, emphasizing that automotive specialists deserve the same respect given to highly trained experts in other industries. Just as chefs and medical specialists earn recognition through mastery and continuous education, today’s automotive professionals must also be seen as specialists whose expertise protects the safety and reliability of every vehicle entrusted to them.
“The Rise of the Specialist” has already gained momentum throughout the industry. Carm’s signature keynote, The Rise of the Specialist, has been delivered to influential audiences across North America, including the ASE Board of Governors, Ford Motor Company, and hundreds of forward-thinking automotive professionals.
What You’ll Learn
Why “The Rise of the Specialist” was created and what it represents
How shop owners are implementing “The Rise” in their businesses
Why the industry must move beyond outdated titles like “technician” and “mechanic”
How language shapes customer perception, professionalism, and team culture
The role service advisors play in explaining specialist-level diagnostics and repairs
How hospitality, presentation, and communication strengthen customer trust
Why this movement can help attract the next generation of automotive professionals
This episode demonstrates that “The Rise of the Specialist” is no longer just a concept; it is becoming a real cultural shift within the automotive industry. By adopting language that reflects expertise, elevating professionalism throughout the customer experience, and embracing the identity of the specialist, shop owners are helping reshape how the industry sees itself and how the world sees it.
Download ‘The Rise of the Specialist’: https://remarkableresults.biz/rise
remarkableresults.biz/a485
Why ADAS Calibrations Are Being Ignored in Auto Repair Shops [THA 484]
Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, host Carm Capriato sits down with shop owners and industry trainers Keith and Liz Perkins for a candid conversation about the evolving future of automotive repair. From the growing demand for private, hands-on training to the dangerous misconceptions surrounding vehicle calibrations, Keith and Liz share hard-earned insights from the front lines of the industry. They also pull back the curtain on how they successfully balance multiple businesses, a family farm, and life as entrepreneurial partners, all while staying deeply committed to technician development and industry advancement.
What You’ll Learn:
Why more shop owners are bringing trainers directly into their facilities for personalized, hands-on education
How the flat-rate pay system can unintentionally discourage accurate diagnostics and proper repairs
The critical importance of vehicle calibrations and why skipping them creates major safety concerns
A real-world story of how Keith and Liz challenged a dealership that failed to properly calibrate a vehicle after repairs
How Keith’s mobile diagnostics team operates as the “Navy SEALs” of the automotive industry, tackling the most complex repair challenges
The productivity systems, AI tools, and organizational habits that Keith and Liz use to manage multiple businesses and family responsibilities
Their perspective on partnership, marriage, and entrepreneurship, including why success is rarely a perfect 50/50 split
Updates from the NASTF board, including a new mobile app designed to simplify D1 security processes
This episode is a powerful reminder that professionalism in the automotive industry extends far beyond fixing vehicles. It requires continuous education, accountability, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the job correctly, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. Keith and Liz Perkins demonstrate how technical excellence, strong systems, and true partnership can create lasting impact both inside and outside the shop.
remarkableresults.biz/a484
Turn Your Parts Spend Into Team Rewards with the NAPA Team Tool Rebate [THA 483]
Recorded live at the VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owner Pete McNeil and NAPA Auto Care leaders Jason Rainey and Lauren Briggs to break down the impact of the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program. Listen to a powerful real-world example of how the program can energize a team, strengthen culture, and reward performance in meaningful ways.
What You’ll Learn
How the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program helps offset the high cost of technician tools while building a stronger shop culture
How Pete McNeil turned a $13,000 rebate into a memorable, morale-boosting experience
Why the shift from “tech tool rebate” to “team tool rebate” gives owners flexibility to reward the entire team, not just technicians
Creative ways shops can use rebate funds, from individual tool purchases to shared equipment, and even community support like vocational schools
How the program aligns the front and back of the shop, encouraging team-wide support of purchasing decisions
What’s ahead for the program, including improved tracking, communication, and enhanced buying power through supplier partnerships
The NAPA Team Tool Rebate program is more than a financial incentive; it’s a strategic tool for building culture, driving alignment, and showing appreciation in a tangible way. When used intentionally, as demonstrated by Pete McNeil, it can transform routine business spending into a powerful investment in people, boosting morale, loyalty, and long-term shop success.
VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a483
Detective Mind Mapping: A Forensic Approach to Automotive Diagnostics [RR 1089]
Recorded live at the TST Big Event 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Andrew Fischer, shop manager at Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair in Northwest Indiana, and an industry trainer. Andrew shares his disciplined, process-driven approach to diagnostics, his passion for technician development, and why shop culture plays a defining role in long-term success. From daily habits to big-picture philosophy, this conversation is a roadmap for building more confident, capable technicians.
What You’ll Learn
Why committing to at least 40 hours of continuous education each year can dramatically reduce comebacks and improve shop performance
How to build learning into daily routines: whether through short practice sessions, webinars, or online training resources
The power of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and why “going rogue” in diagnostics leads to inefficiency
How Andrew’s “detective mind mapping” technique helps technicians visually organize problems and accelerate accurate diagnoses
Why revisiting foundational knowledge is critical and how ego often prevents technicians from mastering the basics
How embracing failure strengthens diagnostic ability and builds real-world expertise
The importance of capturing and studying “known good” vehicle data to improve accuracy on future repairs
Great diagnostics is about discipline, process, and constant learning. Shops that invest in their people, reinforce foundational skills, and create a culture where failure fuels growth will not only solve problems faster but build stronger, more resilient teams.
TST Big Event: https://tstseminars.org/
remarkableresults.biz/e1089
Meet Paige: The Auto Repair Industry’s First 24/7 AI Recruiter [THA 481]
Recorded live at the VISION 2026, this episode of Remarkable Results Radio features host Carm Capriotto in conversation with Lisa Coyle, Co-founder and CEO of Promotive, and Stacey Black, Account Manager at Promotive. Together, they unpack one of the most urgent challenges facing the automotive repair industry today: how to attract, hire, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving market.
What the Episode Covers:
The “Ghosting” Problem in Hiring:
Why candidates are applying to 15-20 shops at once
How speed of response determines who wins the hire
The growing impact of declining soft skills like communication and accountability
The Role of Shop Culture in Retention
Why culture must be intentional, not assumed
Simple, low-cost ways to build connection and loyalty
Ideas like celebrating milestones, supporting families, and investing in training
How strong culture reduces turnover and attracts better talent
Introducing “Paige” The Industry’s First AI-Powered Recruiting
Promotive’s virtual recruiter designed for the automotive industry
Instantly engages candidates via text after they apply
Conducts a guided, conversational pre-screening interview
Captures key data: experience, commute, current benefits, and pay expectations
A Live Demo of AI in Action
Carm roleplays as a technician to demonstrate Paige’s capabilities
Shows how natural, fast, and effective the process is
The 24/7 Hiring Advantage
Why candidates often apply after hours, and how Paige captures them in that moment
Real-world success, including dozens of completed interviews over a holiday weekend
Faster engagement leads to fewer drop-offs and better-qualified candidates
Hiring today requires more than posting a job and waiting. The shops that succeed are the ones that move quickly, communicate clearly, and create a culture people want to be part of. By combining intentional leadership with innovative tools like AI recruiting, you can reduce friction in the hiring process, improve retention, and ultimately build a stronger, more committed team.
VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a481
Smart Glasses in the Shop: Inside NAPA Autotech’s XcceleratoR Training [THA 478]
Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Matt Crumpton, Director of Program Development at NAPA Auto Care, and Robin Cowie, Creative Technologist, to explore the official rollout of NAPA’s Extended Reality (XR) training program.
The conversation centers around solving some of the industry’s biggest challenges: the ongoing technician shortage, the high cost of tools for new hires, and the need to get technicians productive and billable faster. By leveraging immersive technology that feels familiar to younger generations, NAPA is creating a pathway for new technicians to build skills and confidence in a low-risk, high-impact learning environment.
The XR ecosystem is built around three core technologies. Virtual Reality (VR) delivers immersive, point-of-view training with over 50 lessons focused on essential shop skills, reinforcing the idea that “brakes pay bills.” Using a structured “teach five, test five” approach, technicians develop muscle memory before ever working on a live vehicle. Mixed Reality (MR) bridges the gap between virtual and physical by combining real tools with guided digital overlays, allowing for hands-on practice with built-in support. Augmented Reality (AR) smart glasses bring the technology directly into the service bay, giving technicians instant, voice-activated access to critical information like torque specs, keeping them focused on the vehicle and saving valuable time on every job.
Looking ahead, the platform continues to evolve. Future integrations are expected to include shop management systems, Identifix, and digital vehicle inspections, enabling fully hands-free workflows and even customer-facing video communication directly from the bay.
After successful testing with early adopters, NAPA officially announced at VISION 2026 that its XR training packages are now available for general purchase, offering shops a powerful new way to train, support, and retain the next generation of technicians.
https://napaxccelerator.com/
VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a478
Is Your Shop the Problem? Hard Truths from the Voice of the Technician Survey Results [RR 1084]
Host Carm Capriotto speaks with Jay Goninen, co-founder and president of WrenchWay, about insights from the 2026 Voice of the Technician Survey and what it reveals about the state of the automotive workforce.
Jay encourages shop owners to download the free report to uncover blind spots and start meaningful conversations with their teams. The data show that technicians strongly prefer a four-day, 10-hour workweek with no weekends, along with proper equipment, paid vacation, retirement benefits, and paid training.
While dealership technicians made up a larger share of respondents, independents stood out in workplace culture. 63% of independent technicians would recommend their shop to a friend, compared to 36% at dealerships, though dealerships scored higher in providing paid training. Across both groups, technicians favor an hourly wage plus bonus structure, which many feel better supports diagnosticians than traditional flat-rate systems.
The discussion also highlights a troubling trend: the industry’s Net Promoter Score dropped to -60 in 2026, signaling that many technicians would not recommend the profession to others.
To strengthen the talent pipeline, Jay discusses ASE Connects, a new initiative aimed at connecting shops with high school and technical school automotive programs to support them through mentorship, advisory roles, and community engagement.
Carm also advocates elevating the profession by shifting the language from “mechanic” or “technician” to “specialist,” emphasizing the expertise required to work on today’s vehicles.
Overall, the episode serves as a wake-up call for shop owners to use the survey insights to evaluate their culture, communication, and work environments, and to become employers technicians are proud to recommend.
https://wrenchway.com/resources/2026-voice-of-technician-survey-report/
Jay Goninen, Co-Founder and President, WrenchWay
remarkableresults.biz/e1084
General Service Technician Academy: Building Educational Foundation For Tomorrow’s Careers [THA 477]
Recorded live at VISION 2026, this episode highlights the General Service Technician Academy (GSTA), a two-day training program offered at VISION designed to build strong foundational skills for early-career automotive technicians. Host Carm Capriotto speaks with industry leader and shop owner Travis Troy and two young technicians who completed the program about how mentorship and structured training are shaping their careers.
The discussion emphasizes that great technicians are distinguished not by advanced tools alone, but by how well they execute fundamental skills. The GSTA curriculum covers essential, practical topics including OSHA training, lift safety, fluids and oil, tire safety and repair, alignments, thermal management (A/C), and hands-on electrical training.
The academy addresses a critical training gap in the industry through a hands-on learning model that encourages participants to learn it, practice it, and teach it, reinforcing both understanding and communication. Mentorship plays a key role in guiding young technicians who often face unclear career paths and discouraging workplace experiences, helping them build confidence, opportunity, and long-term direction.
Ultimately, the conversation reinforces a culture of continuous learning, highlighting that both new and experienced technicians benefit from revisiting the fundamentals to maintain safety, productivity, and professional growth in an increasingly high-tech automotive industry.
VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/
remarkableresults.biz/a477
Own the Technician Shortage: How One Shop Owner is Transforming Industry Recruitment [RR 1083]
In this episode, Carm Capriotto speaks with Chris Machado, founder of XGen Academy, about a bold new approach to solving the automotive technician shortage.
Machado has developed an intensive 16-week training program that blends virtual reality simulations, classroom learning, and hands-on shop experience to accelerate the development of new technicians. At the core of the academy’s philosophy is the “reverse funnel,” which attracts a wide pool of young talent and progressively refines their skills toward professional mastery.
The program goes beyond technical instruction. Through its “Reality Hub,” students also learn essential life and workplace skills, including financial literacy, professionalism, and ethics.
By modernizing the training experience and making automotive careers more appealing to younger generations, Machado aims to build a scalable model that can be replicated nationwide, offering a proactive, high-tech solution for developing the industry’s next generation of technicians.
XGen Academy: https://xgened.email/
remarkableresults.biz/e1083
The Aussie Connection: US and Australian Auto Repair Face Parallel Challenges [THA 464]
Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode brings together leaders from Australia’s JAX Tyres & Auto to show just how closely the Australian automotive aftermarket mirrors the U.S. market. Featuring CEO Steve Grossrieder, franchise owner Dan Spiteri, future franchisee Will Attard, and Autoflow’s Chris Cloutier and Craig O’Neill, the conversation underscores shared global challenges—most notably the technician shortage—and the reassurance that the industry is moving along a parallel path worldwide.
Rather than chasing quick fixes, the discussion centers on culture-driven solutions: expanding diversity, building clear career paths and succession plans, and advocating for the industry at the grassroots level. JAX’s customer-first mindset is a recurring theme, with every team member accountable for the client experience and a strong emphasis on clear communication to help customers understand emerging technologies like ADAS.
With just under 100 stores, JAX avoids multi-franchise ownership, instead holding each franchisee accountable for the customer experience in their territory. The key takeaway is clear: in both Australia and the U.S., long-term aftermarket success depends on investing in people, strengthening culture, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the customer.
remarkableresults.biz/a464
The Level Testing Sales Amplifier: A Tiered System for Auto Repair Diagnostics [RR 1070]
Eric Svedberg breaks down a smarter, more profitable way to price diagnostic work—what he calls the Level Testing Sales Amplifier. At its core, the system tackles a problem most repair shops quietly accept: testing is often a loss leader. When technicians are tied up diagnosing complex issues, shops miss out on parts sales. A-level technicians can earn less than their B-level counterparts doing routine work, and the rising cost of software and tools goes unpaid.
Svedberg reframes the conversation by using the word “testing” instead of “diagnostics,” a term he believes is clearer and more intuitive for customers. Testing implies a process, not a guarantee—setting expectations from the start.
The Level Testing system uses a tiered structure tied to the shop’s base labor rate:
Level One – Basic Testing: Single, constant, duplicable issues (like a check engine light that’s always on).
Level Two – Intermediate Testing: Multiple concerns or intermittent problems.
Level Three – Pandora’s Box: Highly complex vehicles, often previously misdiagnosed or unsuccessfully repaired elsewhere.
Level Four – “Grandmother Rate”: Disaster cars involving severe electrical damage, corrosion, or major disassembly.
While the levels are designed as an internal framework, Svedberg finds transparency with customers increases trust and buy-in. Service advisors are coached to remove Level Three from most conversations upfront, steer customers toward Level Two testing as the norm, and clearly explain that testing fees are for time spent—not credited toward repairs. For true Level Three cases, advisors frame the value honestly: if it were simple, another shop would have already fixed it.
Svedberg emphasizes that the system is easy to train and implement—often within a week—by focusing on quick wins with top advisors. Its simplicity improves communication, closes the tech efficiency gap, and can be applied beyond diagnostics to services like module programming and ADAS calibration.
Every decision, he says, must pass the test: Is it good for the car? Good for the customer? Good for the shop?
remarkableresults.biz/e1070
The Future of Automotive Services: Diversify or Get Left Behind [RR 1069]
Recorded Live at ASTA 2025, we explore the rise of the automotive specialist and why the industry needs a language shift—calling instructors “educators” instead of “trainers” to reflect the complex, continuing education modern technicians require.
We also dive into the mobile diagnostics and repair market, discussing strategies for growth, high-complexity work, and the investments needed to compete. Looking ahead, the industry faces a technological turning point by 2030, with new vehicle architectures and ADAS calibration requirements threatening shops that fail to keep up.
The episode closes by emphasizing the power of networking, connecting with peers, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e1069
Train the Trainer: Building an Industry Boot Camp for Automotive Educators [THA 459]
The automotive industry faces a growing crisis: as veteran trainers and educators retire, there’s no clear path for the next generation to replace them. Creating quality training is time-intensive — often taking months to develop just one class — and the personal sacrifices required have deterred many from stepping up.
This episode explores the urgent need to evolve automotive education, from rethinking long-form classes to developing shorter, high-impact sessions that better fit today’s learning styles. At the heart of the conversation is a proposed solution: an industry “Trainer Boot Camp” designed to teach aspiring educators not only technical knowledge but also the art of presentation — structure, flow, delivery, and audience engagement.
Another proposed solution is the creation of a Train the Trainers Scholarship to fund legacy educators like John Thornton and Scot Manna to design and lead this new initiative. Modeled after the WWE’s NXT Performance Center, the idea is to proactively cultivate new education “superstars” rather than waiting for them to appear on their own.
This is more than a conversation about teaching — it’s a call to action to preserve and reinvent the future of automotive education before the knowledge gap becomes irreversible.
remarkableresults.biz/a459
The Everyday Educator: How Leaders Reinforce Learning [THA 458]
David Boyes, CEO of Today’s Class, and Lola Schmidt, Schmidt Auto Care, explore how short, personalized, and gamified training is transforming team development in the automotive industry.
The discussion centers on how Today’s Class delivers 3–5 minute, mobile-friendly training sessions that fit seamlessly into daily shop routines, often completed right after morning huddles. This consistent “daily drip” of learning minimizes workflow disruption while fostering a culture of continuous growth.
Gamification drives engagement through points, badges, and friendly competition, sparking team conversations and collaboration. Shops like Schmidt Auto Care have seen measurable improvements in technical knowledge, such as increased proficiency in brake systems, wheel alignment, and HVAC performance.
Lola shares how her team’s enthusiasm for competition has built deeper learning habits, while David explains how the platform’s data-driven insights help shop leaders identify knowledge gaps, coach effectively, and make smarter business decisions from equipment investments to targeted, hands-on training.
The takeaway: Small, consistent, and data-informed training can create powerful results, driving engagement, improving technical skills, and strengthening both team and business performance.
remarkableresults.biz/a458
Feelings Don’t Fix Cars: Action Over Emotion in Shop Leadership [RR 1063]
Tonnika Haynes, owner of Brown’s Automotive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina—a family business founded by her father, William Brown, in 1980—joins us for a conversation recorded live at the ASTA Conference in Raleigh, NC. Together, we explore the powerful and defining mentorship that shaped both her leadership and her legacy.
Tonnika shares that she never worked for her “dad,” she worked for William Brown, the business leader. That separation became clear when, early in her ownership, she faced her first major crisis: losing a key employee.
When she called her father for guidance, it wasn’t “Dad” who picked up; it was William Brown. His advice was blunt but transformative. Instead of sympathy, he challenged her: “What would you do if they got hit by a bus? You can’t sit in it, move forward.”
It was a defining moment that taught her the importance of separating emotion from action. As William often reminded her:
“We don’t have time for feelings right now. We have time for fact and action.”
“Feelings don’t fix cars. Facts and movement fix cars.”
This heartfelt episode highlights the power of tough love, mentorship, and maintaining emotional discipline in business. Tonnika’s story is a testament to how strong roots and even stronger lessons can prepare the next generation to lead with both heart and backbone.
remarkableresults.biz/e1063
A Professional Face Lift: Why the Automotive Generalist Model is Broken [RR 1062]
Joe Marconi, former shop owner, Elite Worldwide coach, is defining the challenge in today’s automotive aftermarket: the need for specialization.
The End of the Generalist Era
– Modern vehicles are too complex for the “all makes, all models, all repairs” approach. Marconi shared that when he tried doing everything—from transmission rebuilds to diagnostics—profitability disappeared. The time, training, and tooling required simply didn’t make sense.
Specialization: The Smarter Path Forward
– Like medicine’s cardiologists and neurologists, automotive professionals must focus their expertise. Specialization boosts productivity, profit, and performance while creating better outcomes for customers.
Redefining Professionalism and Language
– Replace “mechanic” or “tech” with “technologist” or “specialist.”
– Use precise titles like “calibration specialist” to build client confidence.
– Adopt “Essential Skilled Occupation (ESO)” to better reflect the professionalism of today’s technicians.
Building Career Paths and Attracting Talent
– Specialization creates clear career pathways and helps combat the technician shortage, offering young people a profitable, purpose-driven alternative to a four-year degree.
Listeners can explore Carm’s evolving document, The Rise of the Specialist—now in its 23rd version—online. https://remarkableresults.biz/rise
remarkableresults.biz/e1062
From Alignment Dilemma to ADAS Center: Say Yes When Everyone Else Says No [THA 455]
How much should you invest in your shop? Forget the spreadsheets! We’re challenging the conventional wisdom of ROI with three industry titans who discuss building resilience, culture, and high-tech expertise in any market. We sat down at ASTA 2025 in Raleigh with Matt Fanslow, Tommy Markham, and Zeb Beard to dive deep:
– The Constableville Paradox: Hear from Tommy Markham about investing in full ADAS calibration equipment for a town that “has exploded to 300 people” and has no stoplights. His motivation? Simply “doing the job right” and ensuring local body shops don’t have to flatbed cars 35 miles away. Tommy also stands firm on pricing, refusing the “$99 alignment dilemma.”
– The Zeb Beard Investment Strategy: Zeb Beard reveals why traditional ROI calculations are sometimes useless: you can “talk yourself out of buying anything”. His massive 62,000 square foot shop (which once had clouds inside and includes nine bedrooms) is itself a “worldwide marketing tool.” When in doubt, Zeb’s famous advice is always: “Pull the trigger!”
– Navigating Volatility: Since COVID, Zeb notes that business graphs now fluctuate wildly between record high months and record low months. The solution? Being resilient and focusing on “doing the right thing.”
The conversation also explores the balance between working in and on the business, the importance of continuous learning, and how authenticity and integrity keep shops resilient through economic swings.
remarkableresults.biz/a455
Do We Need A License To Calibrate Vehicles: The Professionalism Gap [RR 1061]
Scott Brown shares his insights on key challenges in the automotive aftermarket, including ADAS, EV maintenance, and industry adoption.
ADAS Calibration and Liability
Scott emphasizes the importance of proper ADAS calibration, required by manufacturers after certain repairs. Skipping it exposes shops to liability, and he advises refusing jobs if required calibration is declined. Despite its necessity, the industry adoption is low.
EV Tooling and Safety
While basic shop tools suffice for many EV services, high-voltage work demands safety training and PPE.
Looking Forward
Using his aviator metaphor of “runway,” Scott stresses that shops must evolve, specializing in ADAS and EV maintenance to stay competitive as EVs become the future of mobility.
Scott’s insights make one thing clear: the automotive industry is changing fast, and shops that embrace ADAS and EV expertise now will be the ones leading the market tomorrow. Staying informed, trained, and prepared isn’t just smart—it’s essential for long-term success.
remarkableresults.biz/e1061
Building an Essential Skilled Automotive Career [RR 1060]
This episode explores how the automotive industry can attract and retain skilled professionals by transforming both its language and its workplace culture. The words we use shape public perception, influence recruiting, and build long-term respect for the profession.
Beyond language, the discussion dives into the physical and cultural environment of repair shops. Topics include maintaining clean, professional spaces that foster pride, offering work-life balance to prevent burnout, and ensuring fair pay progression with clear career paths.
To build a sustainable future, the automotive industry must evolve in how it speaks, works, and cares for its people.
Professional language, modern environments, fair pay, education, and a sense of pride in quality will redefine automotive careers as essential, respected, and rewarding.
remarkableresults.biz/e1060
The Silent Profit Killer: Inconsistent Processes [THA 452]
Too many shops rely on inconsistent, informal methods of “this is how we did it yesterday.” The result? Fluctuating outcomes, missed opportunities, and daily frustration. Imagine four technicians completing a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) in four different ways, which can be confusing for staff, stressful for owners, and costly for customers. The solution is a unified process that everyone follows to deliver consistent results. “Without systems, the owner becomes the system.” Every decision rests on the owner’s shoulders, trapping them in the daily grind. Leaders must shift from being “needed” to being “required”: their role is to create the environment for success, not micromanage.
Systems Win Wars: As Carm Capriotto said, strong systems are the foundation of a profitable and enjoyable business.
Breaking Free from Chaos: Inconsistent methods (“this is how we did it yesterday”) lead to stress, missed opportunities, and fluctuating results.
The Owner’s Dilemma: Without systems, the owner becomes the system. Matt Wagg’s injury showed the necessity of trusting people and processes.
Profit Through Process: Profitability is tied directly to defined, repeatable steps. Systems also eliminate business “friction” and make operations easier.
Key Benefits of Documented Processes: Faster, smoother training & onboarding. Clear accountability for both staff and owners. Ongoing continuous improvement to adapt and grow
Empower Your Team: Trust the people you’ve hired. Give them processes and training, then step back. Empowered teams drive success, customer satisfaction, and owner freedom.
Takeaway: Strong systems aren’t just about profit; they create happier teams, better customer experiences, and sustainable growth.
remarkableresults.biz/a452