Stress, the Struggle, and the Resilience: A Guide for Leaders [RR 1064]
Stress is inevitable, but how we respond to it can make or break our leadership. In this episode, Dr. David Weiman, psychologist at Weiman Consulting, dives into the science of stress and practical strategies for managing it, especially in the fast paced world of automotive repair.
What You’ll Learn:
The fight or flight response and why modern stress feels just as intense as physical danger.
The three types of stress: Normal, Training (Eustress), and Excessive, and how recognizing them can improve decision-making.
Simple, powerful tools for recovery: micro breaks, diaphragmatic breathing, and mindful routines.
How stress affects leadership, team dynamics, and strategic thinking—and what to do about it.
Practical tips to avoid burnout, maintain energy, and enhance focus.
Dr. Weiman emphasizes that the key isn’t eliminating stress, it’s managing it effectively so you can think clearly, lead confidently, and take action.
remarkableresults.biz/e1064
Walking the Talk: Why Auto Coaches Are Buying Shops Again [THA 456]
Three industry coaches, Chris Cotton, Brian Gillis, and Clint White, are redefining leadership by returning to shop ownership. They chose to re-engage, believing that staying in the trenches keeps their coaching grounded and relevant in a rapidly changing industry. They view ownership as a “learning lab,” testing strategies in marketing, staffing, and technology firsthand, then bringing real-world insights back to their clients. As they plan for the future, each is focused on sustainable growth, exploring private equity opportunities, and developing strong succession plans, all while keeping culture and quality at the core of their mission.
remarkableresults.biz/a456
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
Auto Repair Business SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats [THA 454]
This episode focuses on a SWOT analysis, examining the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that will shape the automotive industry over the next three to five years. Panelists highlight key strengths, such as the industry’s resilience and the aging vehicle fleet, alongside critical weaknesses like the shortage of experienced staff and trainers. Opportunities explored include EV and hybrid servicing, as well as the growing demand for technical educators, while threats encompass supply chain challenges, OEM influence, and internal industry conflicts. The conversation also underscores the importance of framing automotive work as a skilled career rather than a trade, along with the need for succession planning and mentorship within shops.
remarkableresults.biz/a454
The Growth Tax: What Every Shop Owner Must Pay to Move Forward [THA 449]
This episode is all about transformation: how coaching, mindset shifts, and strategic decisions can take a shop from survival mode to real growth. Matt Wagg opens up about his journey from being coached by Bill Haas to becoming a coach himself, and the lessons learned along the way about leadership, profit, and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
Coaching Works: It paid for itself almost immediately and pushed Matt into changes that fueled growth.
Listen for Real: True success starts with listening, not just to reply, but to understand.
Differentiate Everything: Even oil changes can be a premium service when properly communicated.
Profit Fuels Growth: Embrace profitability to invest in tools, reward your team, and scale.
Owner’s Mindset: Step out of the bays and into leadership with a clear job description.
Leadership = Responsibility: Owners carry the weight of their team’s livelihoods—accountability matters.
Teaching to Learn: Coaching others deepened Matt’s own understanding and perspective.
And this is only Part 1! Next time, we’ll dive into systems—because “systems win wars.”
remarkableresults.biz/a449
People 101: Why Soft Skills Drive Hard Results [THA 445]
Key Takeaways:
Auto Repair Is a People Business: Learn why shifting your focus to relationship-building and empathy is crucial for service advisors, who are often “therapists” to anxious customers.
Emotions Drive Decisions: Customers make big emotional and financial decisions, yet we often treat interactions as fast, transactional processes. Discover how to connect with customer pain points, concerns, and fears to build trust and make them feel like a priority, even when smoke is coming out of their engine.
Soft Skills = Profitability: Implementing soft skills like active listening and thoughtful questioning leads directly to climbing average repair orders, more five-star reviews, and significantly higher customer retention.
Price Becomes Irrelevant: When customers trust you, they don’t shop on price, they shop on experience.
Build “Key Dropper” Loyalty: Learn the ultimate goal: turning customers into “key droppers,” individuals who know, like, and trust your shop so completely that they simply drop their keys, confident you’ll handle everything.
Leadership Must Lead the Way: This isn’t just for your counter team. Owners must be engaged, invested, and accountable in soft skills training. Discover why your commitment to professionalism is key to the industry’s future, separating thriving businesses from those that won’t survive the next decade.
remarkableresults.biz/a445
The Investment in Youth: Why Camp D.R.I.V.E. is a Win [THA 444]
Camp D.R.I.V.E., (Determination, Resourcefulness, Vision, Enthusiasm) created by Weston and Tenise Chapman of Black Hills Tire, is a powerful hands-on initiative that introduces kids aged 12–15 to the world of automotive technology. Now in its third year, this two-day experience puts young participants in the driver’s seat—changing tires, doing oil changes, welding, and more—across interactive stations. Camp D.R.I.V.E. is changing perceptions about the industry by showcasing its technical, creative, and rewarding sides. The conversation also explores the program’s community impact and offers practical tips for other shops looking to launch something similar, including how to manage costs, secure insurance, and collaborate with local partners.
remarkableresults.biz/a444
Brakes for Breasts: Breast Cancer Vaccine Update 2025 [THA 443]
This episode features Brakes for Breasts co-founders Leigh Anne Best and Laura Frank, along with Cleveland Clinic researcher Dr. Justin Johnson, as they celebrate the automotive industry’s role in raising over $2 million for breast cancer vaccine research. They share the initiative’s grassroots beginnings, its 100% donation to research model, and provide an update on the vaccine’s progress, highlighting the completion of Phase One trials and the upcoming launch of Phase Two.
A key highlight of the campaign: During October, independent auto repair shops across the U.S. offer free brake pads to customers. For every brake service performed, the customer receives their brake pads at no cost and only pays for labor and other parts. In turn, each participating shop donates 10% of the brake service total to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.
The episode also shares the inspiring story of Jennifer Davis, the first vaccine recipient, and encourages more shops to get involved in this unique, community driven fundraising effort that’s helping fuel groundbreaking research
remarkableresults.biz/a443
Mastering Active Delivery: The Key to Lasting Customer Relationships [THA 440]
Explore the concept of “active delivery” in automotive customer service, an intentional and consistent approach to communication that spans the entire customer journey, from the initial contact to the final vehicle handoff. The discussion highlights how thoughtful interactions can create a powerful and lasting impression, especially in the closing moments.
Discover how clear communication, genuine rapport-building, and proactive expectation setting help cultivate trust and long-term loyalty. The episode also offers actionable strategies, including adapting communication styles, using supporting materials like brochures, and ensuring every team member aligns with a unified service approach.
More than just completing a transaction, active delivery is positioned as a key driver of customer satisfaction, repeat business, and word-of-mouth referrals, making it essential for shops focused on sustainable success.
remarkableresults.biz/a440
Slow Down, Move Over: A Call for Roadside Safety [THA 439]
This episode explores the “Slow Down, Move Over” (SDMO) initiative, a vital traffic safety campaign focused on protecting roadside workers, emergency responders, and stranded drivers. It highlights the dangers these individuals face, including staggering statistics on injuries and fatalities. The conversation underscores the importance of driver awareness, professional training for tow truck operators, and the use of technology like Safety Cloud, which warns motorists of roadside hazards. Real-life stories add emotional weight, while fundraising efforts support awareness and aid impacted families. The message is clear: slowing down and moving over saves lives.
remarkableresults.biz/a439
Check the Part: Warranty Fraud and Returns [THA 438]
The automotive parts industry faces a disproportionately high return rate compared to other sectors, driven by misdiagnoses, improper installations, and fraudulent returns. This creates a significant financial burden on manufacturers and the entire supply chain. In this podcast, the guests explore these challenges and emphasize the need for stronger collaboration and communication between manufacturers, distributors, and repair shops. They advocate for a “Check the Part” initiative, encouraging thorough quality checks, proper documentation, and accurate diagnosis to reduce return rates. By adopting these strategies and leveraging technology, the industry can improve profitability, reduce inefficiencies, and boost customer satisfaction.
remarkableresults.biz/a438
It’s the Person, Not the Software: Solving Common Shop Management Gaps [RR 1044]
Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Ben Dexter sheds light on a common issue: many shop owners are only scratching the surface of what their shop management systems can do. From underutilized tools to overlooked processes, this conversation uncovers the true value of role-based training, strategies for better customer communication, why profit should be seen as a healthy business goal, the impact of digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), why strong service advisors are essential, and the crucial role of inventory control in shop performance. Whether you’re a shop owner, service advisor, or team leader, this episode offers practical takeaways to help your business thrive.
remarkableresults.biz/e1044
The Power of Shared Knowledge: Celebrating 10 Years of Podcasting [THA 437]
In celebration of ten years of podcasting, Carm Capriotto reunites with early guests—Dwayne Myers, Clint Dudley, and Gene Morrill—to reflect on their original episodes and the evolution of their businesses. The episode explores their growth over the past decade, the vital role of coaching, continuous education, and adapting to industry changes such as labor rates and operations. Emphasizing the importance of strong processes, community, and putting people first, the conversation highlights how shared experiences and lifelong learning drive success in the automotive repair industry.
remarkableresults.biz/a437
Building Businesses and Believing in Better Days [RR 1043]
Recorded live at the Institute Summit 2025, explore what it truly means to stand out in today’s evolving automotive industry. Cecil Bullard covers major industry shifts, including electric and autonomous vehicles, the growing influence of private equity, and the increasing specialization of shops. Cecil also opens up about leadership, mentorship, and the personal habits that drive success, such as effective time management, the power of “mindless work,” and adapting communication styles using tools like the DISC profile. Packed with real-world advice on business planning, self-belief, and resilience, this episode is essential listening for industry professionals aiming to thrive and lead amidst ongoing change and innovation.
remarkableresults.biz/e1043
Revolutionizing Automotive Training with the NAPA Autotech XcceleratoR [THA 436]
Recorded live at the NAPA NOW event, a panel of industry experts, including Robin Cowie, film producer and former leader of the Madden NFL game franchise, discusses how the NAPA Autotech XcceleratoR Program will revolutionize automotive technician training. This extended reality solution replaces traditional classroom learning with immersive, real-world simulations, enabling faster skill development, higher retention, and reduced training time from months to days. The panel highlights the program’s impact through honest technician beta feedback, showcasing its ability to enhance certifications, boost shop efficiency, track technician progress, attract new talent, and ensure ongoing education and proficiency.
remarkableresults.biz/a436
Your Business Playbook: Strategy, Data, and Accountability [RR 1041]
Recorded live at the Institute Summit, this insightful conversation explores how business leaders can apply sports principles—like team chemistry, leadership, and preparation—to enhance performance. Keynote speaker Ross Bernstein underscores the impact of storytelling as a powerful communication and trust building tool, sharing lessons from icons like Scotty Bowman and Jay Leno. The discussion reinforces the importance of having a solid business playbook grounded in strategy, data, and accountability, while also addressing the need to adapt to change, foster a culture of loyalty, leverage technology for growth, and prioritize meaningful personal connections and networking.
remarkableresults.biz/e1041
Emerging Technology? It’s Been Parked in Your Bay for Years [THA 434]
Recorded at the NAPA Now Conference celebrating NAPA Auto Care’s 100th anniversary, this conversation dives into the realities of emerging automotive technologies, especially ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems). The discussion emphasizes the critical need for proper calibration procedures, equipment, and technician training to keep pace with rapidly evolving tech. From static vs. dynamic calibrations to the integration of AR/VR tools, the panel explores the industry’s struggles to adopt new technology and the personal traits, like hyperfocus, needed to thrive in today’s complex diagnostic landscape. The takeaway: adaptation, education, and investment are no longer optional; they’re essential for staying competitive.
remarkableresults.biz/a434
Are You Actively Applying Knowledge Or Passively Consuming Information? [THA 433]
Recorded at the TST Big Event, industry trainers Eric Ziegler and Pete Meier dive into the growing challenges technicians and shop owners face in staying current with technology and why continuous education is no longer optional. The conversation highlights key issues including the liability risks of inadequate training, the double-edged sword of social media as an information source, and the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Eric and Pete also stress the importance of actively applying what’s learned, not just passively consuming information, and how networking with other professionals can accelerate growth.
remarkableresults.biz/a433
Gamification and Engagement: Innovative Tools to Retain Top Talent [RR 1039]
The episode explores key strategies for improving technician retention in the automotive industry, focusing on work-life balance, continuous education, open communication, and positive workplace culture. David Boyes highlights the Today’s Class app, which uses short, gamified, daily learning for technicians and service advisors to boost engagement. He also discusses his blog, An Automotive Shop Owner’s Roadmap to Technician Retention, which outlines a six-step approach to retention, emphasizing culture, communication, and career development.
remarkableresults.biz/e1039
Solving the Tool Debt Challenge: NAPA’s Game-Changer Team Tool Rebate [THA 432]
Recorded at the NAPA Now Conference celebrating NAPA Auto Care’s 100th anniversary, Jason Rainey, Vice President of NAPA Auto Care, and Matt Crumpton, Director of Program Development, introduce the Team Tool Rebate program, which helps technicians manage tool debt while providing shops with funds to reward and retain talent. The conversation also emphasized NAPA’s apprenticeship and training programs, showcasing the company’s commitment to education, workforce development, and genuine partnerships. Rainey and Crumpton highlight NAPA’s dedication to listening to its Auto Care members and delivering solutions that go beyond parts, aiming to uplift the industry through support, innovation, and strong shop culture.
remarkableresults.biz/a432
The Shift is Real: Tariffs, E-Fuels, and the Rise of Humanoids [RR 1038]
Derek Kaufman discusses the future of the automotive industry, from tariffs and Chinese EVs to the rise of hydrogen, e-fuels, and AI in repair shops. He explores how automation, policy, and innovation are reshaping the landscape—and why independent shops must build trust, embrace technology, and invest in training to stay competitive.
remarkableresults.biz/e1038
Stop Eating Our Young: The Importance of Mentoring [THA 431]
Mike Coley and George Arrants from the ASE Education Foundation address the ongoing technician shortage in the automotive industry. They highlight the importance of education, mentoring, and industry involvement in developing career-ready talent. Coley discusses how ASE certification improves retention and productivity, while Arrants emphasizes the value technicians place on a positive shop culture and proper equipment. The episode urges shop owners to actively support schools, nurture entry-level talent, and create environments that promote long-term career development.
remarkableresults.biz/a431
Speak, Stretch, Repeat: The Communication Growth Loop [THA 429]
Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2025, two attendees of a communications class, led by Chris Cloutier and Craig O’Neill, were chosen as the top speakers during a Toastmasters style mock run-through. Their heartfelt and authentic stories resonated so strongly with the audience that they were invited to share their experiences on the podcast.
What began as a simple role-play exercise turned into a powerful conversation about the role of communication and relationship building in the automotive shop industry. Our guests reflect on the value of active listening, vulnerability, storytelling, and how these traits fuel strong leadership and team culture in repair shops.
This episode is a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are unplanned, and that great communication is at the heart of every successful business.
remarkableresults.biz/a429