Here are the two most recent episodes
Practice What You Preach: Coach Chris Cotton’s Shop Ownership Experience [RR 1055]
Chris Cotton’s latest venture into shop ownership puts his coaching philosophy to the ultimate test, and the results speak volumes.
Episode Highlights:
Shop Acquisition and Rapid Payoff: Despite once saying he’d never own a shop again, Chris purchased Firestone of Durango about a year ago, calling it “too good of a deal to pass up.” Planned as a three-year owner-financed purchase, he paid it off in just six months.
Profitability and Growth: With a 31% net profit (compared to the industry average of 5–8%), the shop’s success reflects the very systems Chris teaches.
Advertising and Expansion: Spending roughly $10K per month, Chris follows his mantra: “Advertise for the shop you want to be, not the shop you are.” He prioritizes Local Service Ads (LSAs).
Operations and Staffing: Chris rejects the idea of a “technician shortage,” noting great shops attract great people.
Coaching in Action: Chris practices what he preaches: action based learning, accountability, and focusing on fundamentals like proper pricing before chasing more customers. For owners eyeing an eventual exit, he advises cleaning up financials 3–5 years in advance and building a business that thrives without daily owner involvement.
remarkableresults.biz/e1055
Ring to Revenue: The Power of the First Hello [THA 448]
This episode explores how today’s top automotive shops are transforming their business by taking a proactive approach—reaching out to customers instead of waiting for the phone to ring.
You’ll hear strategies to overcome common service advisor objections, such as “cold calling feels pushy” or “I don’t have time,” supported by Dan Taylor’s compelling data showing that just 10 calls can generate 2 appointments. We’ll break down the different types of high-impact calls, thank you calls, deferred work reminders, and even simple “we miss you” check-ins that strengthen relationships and keep customers engaged. Plus, learn why tailoring outreach—whether by call or text—based on each customer’s preference ensures communication feels genuine, not generic.
This conversation reveals why outbound calls aren’t just a task, but a growth opportunity. In an increasingly digital world, it’s the personal touch that builds trust, sets your shop apart, and keeps customers coming back. Don’t wait for loyalty, create it.
remarkableresults.biz/a447
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Invest in the Industry's First Rate Content From the Premier Automotive Service Specialist Podcast
Onboarding New Team Members [THA 297]
Have you ever experienced the butterflies in your stomach when you start a new job? You arrive on the first day and feel lost as surrounding employees are busy at work. What is your onboarding process for new employees? How do you make their first day efficient, comfortable and welcoming? Listen to learn just one thing and commit to finetuning your onboarding process
remarkableresults.biz/a297
A 12 Pack of Conference Rules – John Firm [RR 787]
We’re live at ASTE 2022 with John Firm, and together we have brainstormed 12 “Conference Rules” for when you attend in-person events. Preparation happens before you even step foot into the event and goes on long after it is over.
remarkableresults.biz/e787
Only 1st Class – Harry Whyte [AW 126]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Harry Whyte, 1st Class Automotive, Raleigh, NC. Join Harry and Carm as we toured his shop and learned the benefits of Shop-Ware while we were in Raleigh, NC for the ASTE Show.
remarkableresults.biz/aw126
A Plan To Solve The Technician Shortage [RR 786]
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the technician shortage is the hottest topic and challenge in our industry. My guest Cecil Bullard from The Institute, has a plan to solve the technician shortage. It involves a $20 increase in your labor rate and how that money gets distributed. Sounds too good to be true? Good!
remarkableresults.biz/e786
Climbing Out Of Despair [THA 296]
In today’s episode, my panel discusses hitting rock bottom and being able to climb out. How do you financially recover from being in debt? How do you get through divorce when your business is failing? Why aren’t more owners looking at themselves in the mirror and realizing they are the problem and the solution? Keep listening to find out.
remarkableresults.biz/a296
The Perfect Second Location – Greg Buckley [RR 785]
Sometimes the best opportunities happen when you’re not even looking for it. Greg Buckley wasn’t searching for a second location, but a gold mine fell on his lap for the taking. The business he purchased was run as a hobby without any records. Find out how and why Greg took on this second location, 85 miles away from his 1st location.
remarkableresults.biz/e785
3 Shops In 1 – Travis Comfort [AW 125]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Travis Comfort, Rick’s Automotive, Springfield, MO. Take a tour of this 28,000-square-foot campus.
remarkableresults.biz/aw125
Practice What You Learn – G Truglia and Pete Meier [RR 784]
The proverb ‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing’ expresses the idea that a small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking that they are more expert than they are, which can lead to mistakes being made. When it comes to repairing EV/Hybrids, the era of being a parts changer, I’m told, is nonexistent. We recorded live at Dorman with G Truglia and Pete Meier, 2 out of 4 trainers for a weekend of hands-on training. Listen to their perspectives on EV/Hybrid repair and training and why critical thinking is more important than ever.
remarkableresults.biz/e784
Preserving Your Reputation [THA 295]
Honesty is always the best policy, but sometimes is it better to omit certain information to a customer? What if you make a mistake but make it right and eat the cost? Are there situations where you don’t divulge all that information to a customer? Let’s have an open discussion on ethics and your shop’s reputation.
remarkableresults.biz/a295
Creating a Sticky Organization – Dr. Dave Weiman [RR 783]
Do you have a sticky organization? Or is it more like Teflon? Do your employees feel a sense of belonging and ownership? Do they take pride in their work? Dr. Dave Weiman simplifies what it means to have a sticky culture and some warning signs to avoid in your business. Stick around!
remarkableresults.biz/e783
Avocados and Automotive – Rena Rennebohm [AW 124]
Guest Host and Avocado Farm Tour with Rena Rennebohm, Owner of Casa Cielo Farms and CEO of Empowered Advisor. Find out how avocados relate to our industry.
remarkableresults.biz/aw124
Localized Training Trend [RR 782]
Imagine a group of shop owners that get together to have local training for their area. They aren’t concerned with the competition between each other or the poaching of their technicians. Believe it or not, it is happening in Florida with FASTT (Florida Automotive Service Technician Training). Jason Stretch has a passion for training and created this group for technicians to acquire real-world information that can be applied immediately. Find out how FASTT is elevating our industry’s training and gain insight on how you could apply it to your area.
remarkableresults.biz/e782
Right to Repair Update and a Trip to Washington [THA 294]
As one of the top 10 industries in America, we need to advocate consumer choice in a competitive market, and if we don’t do what is pro-consumer and pro-aftermarket, the dealers will get all the business. I’m with Bill Hanvey, CEO of the AutoCare Association, Paul McCarthy, CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), and Ryan and Andrea Goff, shop owners that went to Washington to speak to their representative and to show support for the Right To Repair initiative. Have you signed the petition? Go to RepairAct.com so easy to tell your congressperson you support the Right to Repair. Stay tuned for an important episode that affects ALL OF US.
remarkableresults.biz/a294
Customer Perceptions Part 3 – Bob Cooper and Chris Monroe [RR 781]
We are wrapping up our 3 part series with Bob Cooper and the Q&A discussion with a customer panel at the 2022 Elite Invitational. Chris Monroe joins us as we discuss websites, google ads and cause marketing. Don’t forget to download your complimentary Customer Care Guide and an Owners Job Description Guide by going to eliteworldwide.com/ARN or find the link in the show notes.
remarkableresults.biz/e781
Customer Buys Legacy Shop, Grew 400% – Todd Cole [AW 123]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Todd Cole, TC Auto Service, Corpus Christi, TX. Four years ago Todd left his medical sales job and became the new owner of TC Auto Service.
remarkableresults.biz/aw123
Building a Reliable Mentor/Mentee Program – Marc Brune [RR 780]
Did you know that 70% of change initiatives with new programs/systems will fail due to a lack of leadership commitment? I want to focus on mentor/mentee and apprenticeship programs, which are most critical to our industry’s survival. You can lose your way without processes, procedures, and accountability to mold your apprentice into your shop. Too much talk and not enough action is the breakdown. Luckily for you, my guest, Marc Brune, has a program focused on helping businesses develop entry-level technician mentoring programs with the tech shortage in mind.
remarkableresults.biz/e780
What Should We Call DVI’s? [THA 293]
In the world of the customer, do they know what DVI stands for or what an inspection really is? Have you thought about calling it a “Vehicle Health Check?” My panel discusses the importance of transparency with your customer and why you might want to change the term ‘DVI.’
remarkableresults.biz/a293
NAPA Focused on EV Tech, Tools and Parts – Susan Starnes [RR 779]
Another informative episode with NAPA’s VP of Emerging Technology, Susan Starnes. We talk about NAPA’s support for all their customers as they focus on providing tools, parts and training to meet all the future technology needs so we can seize every opportunity to repair the newest high-tech vehicles.
remarkableresults.biz/e779
Satellite Location: Diamond in the Rough – Jorge Gilligan [AW 122]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Jorge Gilligan, Revolution Motor Works, Finksburg, MD.
remarkableresults.biz/aw122
Preparing For The Next Five Years [RR 778]
If only we had a crystal ball to peak at the next 5 years. As a shop owner, you might still be booked out 2-3 weeks, but with gas prices, inflation, the great resignation, interest rates, and new and used car costs, what do you need to pay attention to in the short term to continue to be profitable and relevant?
remarkableresults.biz/e778
Brakes For Breasts 2022 Webathon for a Breast Cancer Vaccine [CC 108]
Learn about the national automotive aftermarket fundraiser for a breast cancer vaccine, where every dollar raised goes to vaccine research. This grassroots program has raised over $1.4 Million, and it is so easy to participate. www.brakesforbreasts.com. Join many other shop owners throughout north America and support this cause that is into phase one clinical trials.
Why Speak to Fifth Graders? [THA 292]
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Raising the image and perception of our industry starts with getting involved with schools. If you’re involved in your local community college or high school, I would like to put out a challenge that you also visit the elementary and middle schools. The students are buzzing with energy, questions, and already have a leg up on technology. If you’re not involved with any schools, what’s stopping you? You can’t afford to not put your time into students, teachers, and school counselors. The impressions you leave on the youth are critical to creating opportunities for our industry’s future.
remarkableresults.biz/a293
Customer Perceptions: Part 2 – Bob Cooper and Darrin Barney [RR 777]
We are on Part 2 of our 3 Part series about customer perspectives with Bob Cooper. In this episode, Bob asks a panel of consumers at the 2022 Elite Invitational in San Diego about pricing competitiveness and how to recover when something goes wrong with a customer experience.
remarkableresults.biz/e777
Maximizing Space and Efficiency – Bob Noreiga [AW 121]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Bob Noriega, AutoWorks of Tampa, Tampa, FL.
remarkableresults.biz/aw121
Electric Vehicle Outlook with Derek Kaufman [RR 776]
Derek Kaufman is constantly scanning future trends in vehicle design and aftermarket challenges, including how recent events in electric vehicles are affecting our near-term and longer-term futures. This is your podcast resource, committed to bringing the future and forward-looking information you can use to inform and map your road ahead.
remarkableresults.biz/e776
Customer Amenities [THA 291]
Customer amenities aren’t just a snack bar and some coffee k-cups. It takes more to deepen a relationship. My panel of shop owners goes beyond the free wifi and beverages to really wow their customers and make that lasting impression. Amenities are your ultimate marketing tool for your business. Take Note!
remarkableresults.biz/a291
Car Coach Reports with Lauren Fix [RR 775]
Carm here from the Aftermarket Radio Network and my guest is Lauren Fix. Lauren is a nationally recognized and trusted automotive expert, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker and radio and television host. Lauren is also from my hometown, Buffalo, NY. I caught up with Lauren, and we discussed her take on electric and autonomous vehicles, supply chain issues, and her passion for cars that are propelled by an Internal Combustion Engine.
remarkableresults.biz/e775
Big Success in a Small Town – Jeff Grassman [AW 120]
Big Success in a Small Town – Jeff Grassman [AW 120]
remarkableresults.biz/aw120
Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) – Peter Coll and Andy Fiffick [RR 774]
Founded in 1981 as the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS), now called Mobile Air Climate Systems, its focus is to provide unbiased information to shop owners and technicians, including technical resources and training for automotive air conditioning technicians. Let’s dive into MACS together and also learn about the benefits of becoming a member because no matter what the future holds, vehicles will need climate control.
remarkableresults.biz/e774
Numbers Don’t Lie, They Also Don’t Tell the Truth [THA 290]
The gang’s all here; we have the entire Aftermarket Radio Network together for an important episode inspired by the movie Moneyball. We all have experience with people who are not our top performers, but are we better to have them on the team than not? You know them; they are consistent, reliable, steady, and contributors. Are they worth replacing? Will they become the best or top performers, or do they help strengthen our overall performance? A great discussion among your peers.
remarkableresults.biz/a290
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