Here are the two most recent episodes
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
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
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Yellow and Red Envelopes with Seth Thorson [RR 635]
Yellow and Red Envelopes with Seth Thorson [RR 635]
In this episode multishop owner Seth Thorson, Eurotech Auto Repair, explains two important envelopes he has in his office. One is yellow and one is red and they contain key information if he unexpectedly was away from his business.
As shop owners you are constantly working on your business, but did you ever think about what would happen to it if you weren’t around? Where would someone find important passwords or contact information for sustaining your business? No one plans for accidents to happen but it’s important to prepare for the unexpected for your business’s survival, and for your family and employees.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e635
Eric Ziegler and Shop Tour with Carlo Sabucco [AW 050]
Guest Host Eric Ziegler. Eric will talk about the ‘Training in the technological revolution of our industry’. Virtual Shop Tour by Carlo Sabucco from Sil’s Complete Auto Care, Oakville, ON. Listen for the trivia question of the week and the fortune cookie wisdom of the week.
Supreme Court Ruling with Aaron Lowe [RR 634]
Supreme Court Ruling with Aaron Lowe [RR 634]
April 6th, 2021 was a big day regarding a Supreme Court ruling where Google had violated Oracle’s copyright of its API.
Why are we talking about it and what does this have to do with the aftermarket. A lot. I’m honored to have Aaron Lowe, Senior VP of Regulatory and Government Affairs as my guest. Aaron breaks down the impact that the ruling can and will be to the industry.
Where else will you find important and relevant news coverage than the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast! Learn all about it and the impact it will have on our future. The key talking points for this episode reside on remarkableresults.biz/e634
Specialization with Tom Palermo and John Anello [THA 220]
Specialization with Tom Palermo and John Anello [THA 220]
We are here to talk about specialization. Ever wonder what are the pros and cons to being a specialist in a certain field of repair? In this episode, we discuss fleet business with Tom Palermo, Preferred Auto Specialists, and the world of being a mobile diagnostician/programmer and ADAS calibrator from John Anello, Auto Tech on Wheels.
Listen to their approach to specializations and how they’ve adapted to the changes in our industry. This is Knowledge you need to have as you continue to learn what makes our aftermarket tic.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/a220
The Coalition of Automotive Management Professionals (CAMP) with Bob Greenwood, Bill Haas and Brian Gillis [RR 633]
The Coalition of Automotive Management Professionals (CAMP) with Bob Greenwood, Bill Haas and Brian Gillis [RR 633]
If you’re a business owner there is no doubt having a business coach helps you make positive strides in your business and yourself. But what do coaches do when they want to continue to improve themselves? CAMP is the answer. The Coalition of Automotive Management Professionals was created for aftermarket coaches to network with each other. Learn how this organization was created and how their vision will help create a better aftermarket.
With me in this episode about CAMP are founders Bill Haas from Haas Performance Consulting, and Bob Greenwood, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Center. Brian Gillis, Chief You Net Results Strategist also brings his insights to the show.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e633
Keeping Your Shop Floors Clean – Why and How [CC 088]
Stephane Grabina, BMW Excluservice, Rockville, MD, and Scott Pelava, Lonsdale Auto
Works, Lonsdale, MN share the reasons they keep their floors clean. They use a commercial
floor scrubber. Learn how and why these two successful shop owners have invested in
keeping their shop floors clean.
Donnie Hudson and Shop Tour with John Eppstein [AW 049]
Guest Host Donnie Hudson from Troy Auto Care in Troy Michigan talks about the ‘Customer Experience’.
The Virtual Shop Tour by John Eppstein from John’s Automotive Care in La Mesa, CA. .Listen for the fortune cookie wisdom of the week.
Unbreakable Bond Between Brothers with Fernando and Jonathan Osorio [RR 632]
Unbreakable Bond Between Brothers with Fernando and Jonathan Osorio [RR 632]
A common phrase people use is “family over everything.” But how many people truly live that mantra? Fernando and Jonathan Osorio are more than just two brothers owning an automotive business. We hear about their approach to business coaching while their business was only a few months old and the emotional bond when Fernando donated his kidney to save Jonathan’s life.
Prepare to be inspired as you listen to this heartwarming episode. Thanks to the Osorio brothers for sharing this great story.
The key talking points for this episode can be found on the website remarkableresults.biz/e632
Tires as a Profit Center [THA 219]
Tires as a Profit Center [THA219]
Did you know that roughly 33% of tires that come through your shop on customer’s vehicles need to be replaced? Are you willing to see that money go to someone else? It’s time to turn your business into a one-stop shop for your customers! Find out how in this episode with shop owners who love tires!
You can also watch the show’s video and get the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a219
EOS Part 3: People with Barry Barrett [RR 631]
EOS Part 3: People with Barry Barrett [RR 631]
In this Part 3 of our 7 part series on the Entrepreneurial Operating System with Barry Barrett, a certified EOS implementer we discuss the vital essence of any business, its people. Are you surrounding yourself with the right people? Are they doing the right job in your business? Do they share the same core values as yourself? Barry challenges the way you think about yourself and your people.
The key talking points for this episode with Barry Barrett reside at remarkableresults.biz/e631
Carolyn Coquillette and Shop Tour at Maximilian MotorSports with Maxmilian Macdonald [AW 048]
Guest Host Carolyn Coquillette from Luscious Garage in San Francisco and CEO of Shop-Ware interviews Carm. The Virtual Shop Tour by Maxmilian Macdonald from Maximilian MotorSports in Chehalis, WA. Trivia Challenge: What was the classic three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz meant to initially symbolize? Listen for the fortune cookie wisdom of the week.
ASE Educational Foundation [RR 630]
ASE Educational Foundation [RR 630]
Many of us support education at the high school and college level giving of our time, guidance, and advice to advisory boards. If you are not I highly recommend getting involved. There are not enough independent voices on advisory boards. This is an important show where you will learn the role of the ASE Education Foundation in our schools and who is the biggest poachers of technician talent.
Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e630
Managing Family Business Dynamics [THA 218]
Managing Family Business Dynamics [THA 218]
Too often we are subject to the stereotypes associated with family working in business together…favoritism, entitlement, a cloudy culture. But with a clearly defined role, you can actually celebrate having family involved and enjoy watching your business flourish. My panel shares their wisdom on walking the fine line integrating family into your business.
The panel: Judy Walter, Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA
John Klarkowski, AutoPro Auto Service, Brooklyn Park, MN
Joe Hanson, Gordies Garage, Roseville, MI.
Find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a218
Scan Tools Part 1 [RR 629]
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
Women Shop Owners Round Table [CC 087]
In honor of March’s Women History Month, I assembled a panel of lady shop owners to discuss the women’s role in the aftermarket. The ladies brought some wide-ranging perspectives and I loved the trajectory of this discussion. No matter your position or gender in our beloved aftermarket give this episode your due. The ladies were on fire.
Judy Haglin and Shop Tour at Fine Tuned Auto with Ken Wedow – [AW 047]
Guest Host Judi Haglin from Haglin Automotive talking about getting back to basics. The Virtual Shop Tour by Kenny Wedow from Fine Tuned Auto in Broomfield, CO. Kenny recently built a brand new facility. Trivia Challenge: What do Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Audi, Ducati, and Porsche have in common? Listen for the fortune cookie wisdom of the week.
From Hobby to Drift Racing Career with Matthew Haugen [RR 628]
From Hobby to Drift Racing Career with Matthew Haugen [RR 628]
Has your love of cars turned from hobby to career? Was it on the backburner as you pursue other ventures but somehow you always circled back to it? In this episode with 28 year old Matthew Haugen we learn his journey from being a baby in diapers trying to take off the wheels of his dad’s corvette, to becoming a professional drifter and successful YouTube influencer, with a special trip to Japan in between. Find out how he did it!
Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e628
Auto Repair in the Decade of the Nineties [THA 217]
Auto Repair in the Decade of the Nineties [THA 217]
It’s quite fitting this episode is being released on a Thursday…because it is the quintessential #throwbackthursday. My panel is taking a trip down memory lane in the 1990’s…the era of OBD2 and the huge shift in technology. Change is never easy but it is always a necessity, hear how my guests handled the changes and adapted in order to move forward. You can watch the video of this episode and find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a217
How to Have a Four Day Work Week with Eric Henley [RR 627]
How to Have a Four Day Work Week with Eric Henley [RR 627]
As a shop owner, how does a 4 day a week schedule sound to you? Would you like some extra time with family and friends? In this episode find out how Eric Henley
from H-Teck Auto Care does it! Be careful, you might free up some quality time!
The key talking points for this episode that make for a great meeting agenda reside at remarkablersults.biz/e627
Chris Cotton and Shop Tour at Midwest Performance – Andy Bizub [AW 046]
Guest Host Chris Cotton from AutoFix SOS discusses hiring. Shop owner Andy Bizub provides a virtual shop tour from one of his Midwest Performance shops in Chicago, IL Trivia Challenge: The Most Expensive Car in 2021. Listen for the fortune cookie wisdom of the week
A Very Personal Story with Kevin Eckler [RR626]
A Very Personal Story with Kevin Eckler [RR 626]
Do you see good in people when they don’t? Do you have a heart for people that struggle? Do you try to pull out qualities from good people?” If you answered yes to these questions then you know what it’s like to invest emotionally into friends, family and employees.
In this transparent episode, Kevin Eckler, from Foreign Car Specialists in Poughkeepsie, NY explains a situation in his business that pulled at his heartstrings but also hurt his business culture. Kevin takes you on a journey that changed him and his business. A very personal story.
Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e626
Have You Started Your Apprentice Program? [THA 216]
Have You Started Your Apprentice Program? [THA 216]
How many times have you heard “there is a technician shortage problem.” Is there really a technician shortage or is the real problem that there is a shortage of qualified technicians?
In this episode, we discuss the entire apprenticeship journey through the eyes of Jason Molinar. Find out how Jason literally switched gears as a pharmacy technician to becoming McNeil’s Auto Care’s most recent apprentice graduate.
As a business owner, the solution to staffing issues and shortages is…you. Now’s the time to build an apprentice program and “grow your own” technician. Jason’s story is powerful and should motivate you to start. A must listen to help ensure your business continues into the future.
Employee Review Process with Bryan Kelley [RR 625]
Employee Review Process with Bryan Kelley [RR 625]
Employee Review …two dreaded words for both the owner and the employee. But, with my guest Bryan Kelley’s unique approach it might be something everyone looks forward to. Bryan owns Valley Automotive Electric, Covington, WA, and is the ASA Northwest President. Brian and I did an episode on Hiring practices in Feb 2021 episode 611 and is the perfect pairing to this episode.
In this episode, we dive into a role reversal with employee reviews. Should it always be the owner that does the reviews? Are they the ones observing the day-to-day pulse of the business? Some are … some not. What if the employee reviews were done with everyone in the business as a collective group once a week? The culture of your business is dependent on the attitudes of your employees. It’s time to sit back and listen to what your people have to say.
Mitch Schneider and Shop Tour at Mark’s Independent with Colleen Yarger [AW 045]
Guest Host Mitch Schneider from Mitch’s World and Misfire the Book. Virtual Shop Tour by Colleen Yarger, owner of Mark’s Independent in Chatsworth, CA. Trivia Challenge: What did Ford Motor Company introduce as an audio option in 1965? Listen for the fortune cookie wisdom of the week
EOS Part 2: Vision with Barry Barrett [RR624]
We are on part 2 of our 7 part series on the Entrepreneurial Operating System with Barry Barrett a certified EOS implementer. The EOS system includes simple concepts and practical tools that help entrepreneurs get the most out of their business. There’s finally a system to build your leadership team through vision, traction and healthy disciplines
In this part we are covering “Vision,” the foundation of your business. As a business owner, it is critical to get everyone on board with where you are going and how you will get there. And that starts with establishing your core values and focus within the business and mapping out short-term and long-range goals. It’s time to put your ideas and brainstorming thoughts on paper.
Rethinking Your ASE Certification [THA 215]
Rethinking Your ASE Certification [THA 215]
Did you know you need a license to cut hair but you don’t need a license or certifications to change brakes on a vehicle? And why do industry owners and technicians not value ASE certifications? That is the question of the day.
Joining me on this lively discussion on ASE is Trish Serratore, Sr. VP Communication, ASE, Mark Murphy, Lead Technician, Dynamic Automotive and technician and mentor Bryan Stafford from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, AR
A great way to attract and keep customers is by letting them know YOU have certified technicians working on their vehicles. It is also a strong part of your value proposition. Now think about this …… If you value your ‘career’ in our industry wouldn’t ASE Certification be at the top of your list?
Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from taking the tests, there are practice tests and plenty of support located on the ase.com website to guide you along the way including the new recertification app.
Lessons on 3rd Generation Family, Networking and the Front Counter- Steve Mancinelli [RR 623]
Lessons on 3rd Generation Family, Networking and the Front Counter [RR 623]
I caught up with Steve Mancinelli, AMAM, who proudly wears the scars of battle as a 3rd generation shop owner. Family business, networking, and learning how to run a great business are challenges we all face and Steve shares his many moves through the labyrinth of barriers that got him to where he is today. In his section of Denver, there have been 6 shops and 23 service bays have closed since the pandemic hit. Either they liquidated, retired, or moved due to high rent in the downtown area during the pandemic. Besides many wise thoughts, Steve talks about women at the front counter.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e623.
Chris Cloutier – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 622]
Chris Cloutier – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 622]
Here is another 20 Questions in 30-minute episode with Chris Cloutier of AutoText.me and Golden Rule Auto Care.
This unique format puts Chris in the driver’s seat as he answers some tough questions about his passions, business, and life in general. This is one of those interviews that I enjoy doing, and you’ll hear that Chris and get lost in his answers.
The key talking points for this episode with Chris Cloutier resides at remarkablersults.biz/e622.
Preventing Zoom Burnout [THA 214]
Preventing Zoom Burnout [THA 214]
Ever get burnt out on a zoom meeting or call?
The pandemic has caused us social creatures, to go indoors and away from our friends at conferences and training events. However, Technology stepped in to keep us ‘in the loop’ and engaged. Zoom was embraced along with other video conferencing platforms to give us virtual training and even cocktail parties.
Just talking to industry friends I found that for the majority we are ‘zoomed out’. Is that a real verb? So it was time to talk about it.
This panel says they are maxed out on virtual training, but we took it a step future. We all realized that virtual is here to stay. We will have hybrid training, some face-to-face and some virtual and we talk about it.
The panel says the presenters need to learn new virtual training techniques and the participants need to participate. A very eager panel that has some really great ideas on how to zoom!
This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a214
The Virtual Service Advisor [RR 621]
The Virtual Service Advisor [RR 621]
Amidst the pandemic scare, shops have taken advantage of VoIP, cloud services and new technologies to serve their customers. Some have had to put their service advisor working from home for various reasons. Imagine having support for your counter in the virtual world. Is there is a future for a Virtual Service Advisor?
Our guest today, Robbie Bunch became a virtual service advisor because of the pandemic and has excelled at it. His previous experience helped make this a reality for a shop he supports. Not only is Robbie Bunch doing Virtual Service Advisor work for a shop he continues to work for his other business “Platform Digital Marketing.”
Robbie and I toss out the idea of creating an entire industry of Virtual Service Advisors to support shops when your business is growing but not in need of a full-timer or when you lose a Service Advisor and while you are looking to hire a new person to rely on a Virtual Service Advisor to take up the slack. This episode will get you thinking.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e621.
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