Here are the two most recent episodes
Process Engineering: Six Sigma for Auto Shop Efficiency and Growth [RR 1057]
In today’s fast paced industry, automation and digital tools like texts, emails, and online bookings make business easier but often leave interactions feeling “people free.” Convenience can come at the cost of real customer relationships, reducing decisions to price alone.
Mike Carrillo, founder of Autoshop Follow-Up, reminds shops that while automation has its place, nothing replaces the power of a phone call. His company helps shops bring back that personal touch, building the know, like, and trust factor every business depends on.
Why phone calls matter:
• Build trust and loyalty by making customers feel valued.
• Prevent lost business by uncovering issues before they turn into bad reviews.
• Gain insights you can’t get from analytics alone.
• Challenge digital norms: 40% of calls get answered, even by younger generations.
• Ensure consistency with dedicated ambassadors who represent your shop’s culture.
Texts are great for generating reviews, but they miss the middle ground where future revenue lies. A thoughtful follow-up call turns transactions back into relationships, because at its core, auto repair is a people business.
remarkableresults.biz/e1056
Recruiter’s Playbook: Overcoming Ghosting and Hiring Roadblocks [THA 450]
Ghosting, when candidates or employers suddenly stop communicating, is one of the biggest frustrations in the automotive hiring process. It impacts everyone, from fresh tech school grads to 30-year veterans, and makes filling roles even harder.
For Candidates
Be Honest: Shops value transparency about skills and areas for growth.
Make a Strong Impression: Be punctual, dress appropriately, and communicate delays.
Stay in Touch: Keep recruiters and shops updated, communication builds trust.
For Shop Owners
Move Fast: Top technicians field multiple offers. A quick verbal offer after a strong first interview can secure them.
Be Clear: Write detailed job ads that set expectations and filter unqualified applicants.
Mind Your Reputation: Shop appearance, online reviews, and culture shape candidate perceptions.
Show the Opportunity: Highlight training, career growth, wages, and benefits beyond just pay.
Prepare for Counter Offers: Be ready to show long-term value when candidates get tempted to stay put.
Recruiters like Promotive help both sides by prepping candidates for interviews and matching shops with the right cultural and financial fit.
The bottom line: honesty, communication, and speed are the antidotes to ghosting. Treat the hiring process like a first date, make it the start of a strong, lasting connection.
remarkableresults.biz/a450
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Technician Tools and Jocko [THA 298]
Do wages today support the tools technicians need? What are they spending? Are owners using tool purchase programs for their employees? Andy Bizub from Midwest Performance Car, Chicago, shares his perspective on tool programs in his shop. Andy also discusses his experience at Jocko Willink’s ‘Echelon Front’ Muster conference that he is sending his people to and why it is ‘next level’ training.
remarkableresults.biz/a298
What We Can Learn From Our Dentist [RR 789]
Why is adapting to technology important? Keeping up with the latest technology is key to any successful enterprise. It is a requirement today. It increases flexibility, streamlines operations, and helps you adjust your forward progress. I’m with Chris Cloutier and Craig ONeill at ASTE 2022, and we discuss the four ‘Ts’ … technology, touch, trust, and transparency. The inspiration for this episode stemmed from Tracy receiving a video from an orthodontist’s office and how it can be easily implemented in our industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e789
We Built the Building, But the Building Built Us – Tara and Dan Topel [AW 127]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Tara and Dan Topel, Topel’s Service Center, Lake Mills, WI. Tara and Dan had a dream 15 years ago to completely rebuild their 2nd generation family shop.
remarkableresults.biz/aw127
Reach for Help – Stay In Business – Chris Cotton [RR 788]
Why is reaching out for help so hard for so many people? Let’s break down the barriers and formalities and dive into what the first call to a business coach can be like. I’m with Aftermarket Radio Network host Coach Chris Cotton at ASTE 2022. Look, you don’t have a hobby you have a business that needs your attention to profitability. Never stop improving yourself and your business. Embrace accountability partners, peer groups, and coaching, and watch what you can do.
remarkableresults.biz/e788
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
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