Technology Archives

NASTF Update with Donny Seyfer [RR 637]

In this episode, we dive into NASTF’s soft launch of the Assisted Immobilizer Reprogramming Service that offers secure repairs when a vehicle’s security system is involved.

Cybersecurity risks are always a top concern and NASTF has collaborated with automakers to close the gap and offer a service to help shop owners, technicians, and car owners.

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e637

Scan Tools Part 1 [RR 629]

Scan tools…who should be the one investing in scan tools? The owner? The technician? How often are you turning away jobs because you don’t have the right tool? Does a journeyman plumber need to buy their own tools to do a job? I don’t think so! These are all questions we cover in this episode with Matt Fanslow, Keith Perkins, and Bill Nalu. A wide-open panel discussion you will enjoy and learn just one thing.

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkablersults.biz/e629

New Technology – Finding Out How it Works – Dave Hobbs Part 3 [RR 615]

Welcome to the 3rd part in a series with trainer Dave Hobbs.

Dave Hobbs is the lead technical trainer and course developer for Delphi Product and Service Solutions. Dave talks about innovations in ADAS, calibrating radar, education for tech and shop owners, brainstorming ADAS class for customers, safety, new technologies and why the automotive industry is deemed an essential business.

Hear Dave’s surprising acronyms: FRED, WARPand EWFM. Some new vocab for you.

You can find Dave Hobbs’ other episodes, and this episode’s key talking points, they reside at remarkablersults.biz/e615. Remember make listening HOMEWORK.

Social Media Influencer- Do What is Right and Not Easy [RR 598]

Matt Fanslow and Scott Brown have been great contributors to the podcast. They also have no-nonsense views about Social Media and the diluting and filtering of information. They talk about the Dunning-Kruger effect and time consumption among other topics as they speak to the good and bad of social media. They do recommend being professional in handling your social media presence. Learn to be professionals in handling your social media presence.

Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN., and Scott Brown is a shop owner, an ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician and the CEO of Diag.net

You can find Matt and Scott’s previous episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e598

Avoiding Comebacks with Dave Hobbs [RR 592]

Avoiding Comebacks and More with Dave Hobbs [RR 592]

I’m with the lead technical trainer and course developer for Delphi Product and Service Solutions, Dave Hobbs. Dave has graced the podcast in the past and we are going to do a series of thought-provoking shows just for you.

Dave is tackling comebacks — a real part of doing business. Prevention or minimizing them comes from quality control, high standards and training. He also talks about the Right To Repair, Access to Data.

You can find Dave’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e592

Electric Vehicles – The Future Unfolds [THA 197]

Welcome to an episode ahead of its time. It may bring forth some brilliant thoughts and strategies moving forward that will help the aftermarket prepare for the future. It will be here sooner than we know.

I’m with John Eppstein, Carolyn Coquillette, Dave Kusa, and Rorry Balmer. We talk about the future with changing technology especially Electric Vehicles. Don’t shy away from this or any other topic that will define your future.

My Academy guests detailed our preparedness, the competitive landscape, predictions, legislation, powertrain, ownership structure, electric vehicles and more along with their recommendations.

If you want the key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a197.

ADAS and Tech Advances – Joe Register [RR 584]

This episode speaks to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS. Joe Register the Vice-President of Emerging Technologies at the AutoCare Association is back. One week ago we talked about Secure Vehicle Interface and this is our follow-up with Joe. He has brought enormous amounts of helpful information on the advancement of technology to my listeners.

Joe Register has over 40 years of experience delivering progressive system solutions to companies in every channel of the Automotive Aftermarket. Joe is well connected through his work in helping to create tech and interface standards with ISO (International Organization for Standards) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Find the show notes and the video of Joe’s slides at https://remarkableresults.biz/e584

Dave Kusa – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 583]

Welcome to another episode of 20 Questions in 30 Minutes. This format offers a quick, in-depth and on-point conversation like no other. You’ll hear from shop owner Dave Kusa from Autotrend Diagnostics, San Francisco, CA.

He talks about the impact of technology on his business, building a strong business culture, and getting training whenever you can. He also has some important tips about Gross Margin Hack which will be interesting once the episode hits the mid part!

Find the key talking points, Dave Kusa’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e583

This is raw, relevant and personal. All the necessary ingredients are concocted here to diminish your struggles and take you to the next level. Learn things aftermarket approved only here on the only remarkable results radio!

Cybersecurity: Defend and Protect Your Business and Network [RR 581]

Cybersecurity: First Line of Defense for your Business – RR 581

Chris Cloutier has brought his wisdom and insights to the podcast over the years. // he and his brother own Golden Rule Auto Care and is CEO of Autotext.me. Jay Mikulovich is the founder and CEO of Revival Technology LLC. We will be traversing the world of cybersecurity.

As we all know, cybersecurity is the defense and protection of your computers, mobile devices, or any electronic gadgets connected to the internet against any form of malicious software and hackers. You may be saying why me, Carm. I don’t need to care about this.

Many say differently. You’ve got to take a proactive position to minimize threats that loom to affect computer systems. Learn from this episode, the best practices needed to protect your business from threats that include ransomware, viruses, and malware.

Don’t ignore this. We tend to overlook securing our network and systems with the attitude that it will not happen to me. Find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/e581

Massachusetts Right to Repair Law: Vehicle Data Access [RR 574]

Massachusetts Right to Repair Law 2020: Vehicle Data Access [RR 574]

Welcome to an important and vital episode as it relates to how we will do business in the future. It’s about access to data that will be necessary to fix our clients’ vehicles. There is some astounding money being put up against this pro-consumer initiative in Massachusetts. The intention of this episode is to serve up awareness and the impact a NO vote from Massachusetts voters will mean to automotive repair going forward.

By 2022, 87% of new vehicles will be transmitting telematics data wirelessly. But who owns the data? The car manufacturer does. Without access to data, the independent service professional will not be able to get specific diagnostic data. They will hold all the cards and charge handsomely for it.

My guests are advocates of this ‘Right to Repair Law – Vehicle Data Access Requirement Initiative (2020)’. Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of Auto Care Association, and Aaron Lowe, Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs.

Find the show notes at https://remarkableresults.biz/e574.

Business Side of ADAS – Part 2 [THA 182]

THA 182 The Business Side of ADAS Part 2

This is the second part of a series on the ‘Business Side of ADAS’ as we need to have a continual discussion on ADAS calibration. Should we invest or just outsource the work? As you know vehicle systems are highly integrated and respecting these advanced driver systems to keep the vehicle in OE operating conditions is the moral side of the importance of performing ADAS calibrations.

Listen to another great aftermarket panel talking about the Business of ADAS. With me is David Friend, owner of Mobile Tech and Wilmington Hybrids, from Wilmington, NC
Matt Lachowitzer, from Matt’s Automotive Service Center, with six locations in North Dakota, he also has a new ADAS Calibration Center and, James Carpenter, Collision Manager at Eastlake Diagnostics.

Part one of this ADAS series is in Town Hall Academy episode 138: remarkableresults.biz/a138 The key talking points for this episode can be found at remarkableresults.biz/a182

Tech Update: AI and The Autonomous Vehicle [RR 526]

Scott Brown is an ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician with over three and a half decades of professional service industry experience. He and his wife own Connie & Dick’s Service Center Inc., a 57-year-old independent shop in Southern California. With a strong focus on engine performance and electronics, Scott began collaborating with other industry professionals, online,…

In Search of Silver Bullets – Scott Shotton [RR 513]

Scott Shotton has over 25 years of technical experience in automotive repair shops. As the owner of The Driveability Guys, Scott performs mobile diagnostics and reprogramming for local repair shops in the DeKalb Illinois area as well as industry training around the United States and Canada. He was also one of the four trainers for…

Aftermarket Acumen Part 1 [RR 504]

Donny Seyfer the executive officer of NASTF (National Automotive Service Task Force) and Partner in Seyfer Automotive in Wheatridge, CO. Listen to Donny’s previous episodes HERE. Jeremy O’Neal President and lead sales trainer for Advisorfix, began his career as a Service Advisor and moved into Service Management at the dealership level for VW, Audi, and Porsche. He consistently placed…

Accepting Text Message Payments Will Transform Your Shop – Steve Ciabattoni [RR 495]

Steve Ciabattoni is the co-founder and CEO of 360 Payments, a payment technology company located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Raised in Philadelphia, Steve is the son of a small business owner who had to work two jobs just to put food on the table. Living the struggles of small business ownership firsthand gave Steve…

RR 487: Joe Register – Will You Be at the Forefront of Technology?

Joe Register, Vice-President Emerging Technologies at Auto Care. Joe has over 40 years of experience delivering progressive system solutions to companies in every channel of the Automotive Aftermarket. You owe it to yourself to listen to Joe’s previous two episodes 381 and 442.

This episode shows you that there is no hiding from technology. Adapt or Fade. Joe reiterates standardization, immersive perception tech, ADAS, Dedicated Short Range, Security, Safety, Communication, 5G, Re-Calibration, OE operating specs, and so many more.

Joe says that Technicians must continue to train because of the new tech coming. They will have great job security. Shops will need to charge enough to pay for access, systems, and their communication diagnostician specialist to get the vehicle back into OE operating specs.

THA 143: myASE Renewal APP – There’s an APP for That!

THA 143 My ASE Renewal APP – There’s an APP for That!

You are going to get an interesting behind the scene understanding of the myASE Renewal APP. It is in Beta, however, you can get on board.

This a perfect evolution from ASE to embrace and engage every certified technician into keeping their certs current through this very intuitive app.
The panel: John Tisdale and Kevin Lekas from ASE, Technician Rudy Mestaz and app developer Ron Meyer.

Based on technicians’ requests, you can find out when you get an answer wrong and what the correct answer is. You’ll hear the logistics behind how to get started and how you get questions sent to you each month based on the number of certifications you have. As an example, a master technician would get eight questions a month sent to your app. You can answer at your convenience. No need to register for a test center, take time off work or drive miles to sit for the exams.

You may just find this new tool from ASE an important part of your credential process and you may even dust off those expired credentials and get on board and renew them.

RR 475: Dirk Fuchs and Jeff Bly – Will System Training Impact a Technicians Ability to Diagnose and Improve Shops Profits

RR 475: Dirk Fuchs and Jeff Will System Training Impact a Technicians Ability to Diagnose and Improve Shops Profits

Why do we shun training? It is a huge industry problem. Our trainers know that the same people show up time after time. Not many new faces. What does that say about the state of our industry? Why do we ignore the power of training? Do you know that it supports your efficiency?

In this episode, Dirk Fuchs Technical Training Manager at ZF Group and Jeff Bly NAPA Autotech Curriculum Developer say that many young industry techs want and need training. But why aren’t they getting it? Why do Canadians show up for training at greater numbers than in the US? What are regarded as preferred training methods in the US versus European; knowledge-based or solutions based training? All of these questions will be answered in this podcast.

This episode will open your eyes to possibilities for you and your future in the industry.

RR 473: Derek Kaufman on Augmented Reality – Closer Than You Think

RR 473: Derek Kaufman on Augmented Reality – A Future Game Changer

Derek Kaufman, a managing partner of Schwarts Advisors digs deep into the world of Augmented Reality. If AR lives up to its promise of faster diagnosis and faster part removal and replacement, the increase in bay turns will be the return on investment shops need to justify this technology.

Derek says Augmented reality will be an important tool in our not too distant future. The Army and Airforce mechanics have been using augmented reality for a few years to repair really sophisticated electromechanical systems.

THA 138: The Business Side of ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

THA 138 The Business Side of ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

If you’ve ever thought about getting into the ADAS calibration business, this episode will give you information to help in formulating your decision.

With me is David Friend owner of Mobile Tech and Wilmington Hybrids, from Wilmington, NC David has two Locations a ADAS Calibration shop and teaches ADAS calibration in his dedicated training center. Scott Brown, from Connie and Dicks Service, Claremont, CA and founder of diag.net and Mike Reynolds, owner of Mobile Automotive Service Solutions in Charleston, and an automotive instructor at Trident Technical College who has a big investment in the equipment, targets, OE scan tools and subscriptions to perform ADAS calibration.

This episode will help you determine if you and your market can support an ADAS calibration center, we talk about how long will we need ADAS calibration centers as the future will hold the smarts to do dynamic calibrations someday.

The panel will answer these questions: Should you consider putting up an ADAS calibration center? Do I need training, even if I will not do calibrations?
Does ADAS save lives? What about liability? Are there Standards? Is there any benefit if you get in early?

RR 469: ASA Technology and Telematics Forum 2019

RR 469: Technology and Telematics Forum 2019

This episode contains transformational information that you’ll need to know and want to know. The more you know the better decisions you’ll make in steering the strategy of your business. Better yet the knowledge will keep you on your tech edge.

We heard topics ranging from the psychological effect of autonomous vehicles, simulated augmented reality testing, and specific strategies from Ford and GM. We learned about the work of Debra Bezzina the Managing Director of the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Trust me you’ll want to hear about what Debra is working on.

This ‘brain drain’ panel includes Bill Nalu of Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, Michigan and Frank Leutz from Desert Car Care in Chandler, AZ.

Find the talking points and the Bios at remarkableresults.biz/e469. My big take-a-way is the discussion of balancing cybersecurity and access to data. As I said earlier, get your geek on!

RR 462: Paul McCarthy – AASA President Has the Back of the Service Professional

Paul McCarthy – The importance of Marketing and Relationship Building

I’m having a conversation with AASA’s President, Paul McCarthy. Our discussion went wide and we covered important topics that positively affect the aftermarket service industry. I walked away with a good feeling that Paul and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association have a handle on the opportunities and challenges of the service professional.

Paul McCarthy explains what AASA is doing to help bridge the connections with OE’s, suppliers and the service professional. You get to hear the latest trending talking points being discussed at all levels of our industry like the fears surrounding OEs support of the aftermarket, rideshare in NYC, consumer attitude due to the overcharged talk of recession, and the access and security of our data and more. It is good to see that Paul McCarthy and AASA are all over this and we benefit.

RR 457: Justin Allen – Working Too Hard? Feel Burned Out?

RR 457: Justin Allen – We are working too hard. Do you feel burned out?

Justin Allen is a sales specialist with Hunter Engineering. His observation: We are working too hard. Do you feel burned out? Listen to Justin tell it like sees it. Justin supports the service professional in his role with Hunter. He’s got a keen eye on our opportunities and challenges and points out some critical needs we have. He is even an advocate of a 4 day work week.

Have you focused on your techs burn out and the quality of their family life? His responsibilities with Hunter give him a 360-degree view of the business side of the aftermarket and the rigorous efforts it takes to run a successful shop.

THA 131: Preparing Your Shop For the Next Five and Ten Years

THA 131 The Future – Preparing Your Shop For the Next Five to Ten Years

What is your future? Have you planned it? What are you doing to ensure your success in the next 5, 10 or 15 years? If you do nothing you get what you currently have and that may not sustain you to far into the future.

Your panel: Kelli Weatherby, co-owner, with husband Lee, in Accurate Automotive, Inc. in Mesa, AZ., Bill Nalu, owner of Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI and AJ Nealey, Nealey Auto Service, Edgewater MD. This diverse group has some similar yet some different strategies for their future. It is so refreshing to hear the dialogue and then compare their tactics to your current or long term plans.
We are in a dynamic industry that is in a heightened change curve. Keeping up at all levels will bring you spoils. And keeping your eye on your business with the future in sight is an important responsibility you have to your employees and your family.

We talk BHAG’s, Debt, Branches, Succession, Training, refinancing, and SWOT among others.

RR 446: Privacy, Data Ownership and Cyber-security Threatens the Automotive Aftermarket

Privacy, Data Ownership and Cybersecurity – Threats to the Automotive Aftermarket

Carm Capriotto with Bob Redding ASA’s Legislative representative, Frank Leutz who is the COO of Desert car care in Chandler, Arizona, and Brin Kleine who is the owner of Assured Auto Works in Melbourne, Florida. Today we discussed Privacy, Vehicle Data and Cybersecurity.

ASA has one powerful representative in Washington in Bob Redding and anytime you can get to listen and get guidance from Bob you need to invest your time. Privacy, Vehicle Data and Cybersecurity are huge topics and we covered them a lot recently and for you, knowing as much as you can will help get laws passed that will not only benefit your clients but the aftermarket.

You may be skeptical, hesitant and maybe you just don’t the magnitude of this issue. Privacy laws could potentially derail the current aftermarket shop owner’s business model due to bad legislation and confusion. As you school yourself with this episode step up and get behind the effort for privacy, data and cybersecurity.