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
RR 058: Robert Redding from ASA
Bob Redding, ASA Legislative Representative goes ON-POINT with an eye opening discussion on the 2nd annual Safety Inspection Forum at the Hunter Engineering Center in St. Louis this year on December 2nd, 2015 … Noon till 4PM. ASA is a co-host again this year with ASA Midwest and the Missouri Alliance of Automotive Service Providers. …
RR 057: John Passante discussing the Women’s Board Book on Leadership
Dr. John Passante is an important contributor in an important, never been done before, industry project that will be introduced at AAPEX 2015. It’s a new book highlighting the success stories of some of today’s leading female aftermarket professionals and it will be unveiled at AAPEX 2015. The book, “A Woman’s Perspective on Leading” is…
RR 056: Multi-Shop Ownership: Opportunities & Challenges
Jose Bueso is partner in Dynamic Automotive in the Maryland Washing DC area. Along with partners Dwayne Myers and Lee Foreman they’ve have three locations, been a Motor Age top shop in 2014 is involved with the Auto Care Association, Car Care Professional Network. This partnership team was just recognized with a ‘Head Of The…
RR 055: Louis Efron from Telsa
Louis Efron is this year’s keynote speaker at the AAPEX General Session on Wednesday, November 04, 2015, 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM, in the Palazzo Ballroom at The Venetian. The event is open to all AAPEX and AAIW attendees and there is no fee to attend. Louis Efron, currently at Tesla Motors, is a contributing…
RR 054: Social Media Best Practices
Greg Buckley of Buckley Auto Care says it was a thrill working alongside his dad, when he was eight years old, helping with his brother to build the 49 year legacy business. He is a busy man being a member of ASA, an ATI Coach, and is Car Seat Certified and is on the…
RR 053: Danny Sanchez from Autoshop Solutions
Danny Sanchez is owner and founder, of Autoshop Solutions and grew up spending countless hours working around his dad’s auto repair shop in California, eventually taking over and running the business himself. Autoshop Solutions started in 1998, when Danny founded Auto Web Solutions. The Internet was starting to take off, and Danny took great interest…
RR 052: Mike Davidson from Parkway Automotive
Mike Davidson from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, Arkansas, been in the industry for 31 years and a business owner for 18. His team includes 6 techs who support eight lifts and seven bays with a shop foreman, two service advisers and an estimator. He’s on track to do $1.7 million this year. Mike is…
RR 051: Bill Hanvey from AASA
Bill Hanvey is the Sr Vice President of AASA (Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association). He has oversight of AASA’s internal operations while leading their marketing and new member initiatives while serving as executive director of the Brake Manufacturers Council and the AASA Marketing Executives Council. His resume is impressive with The Schaeffler Group USA, Dorman, Fleet…
RR 050: Joe Sevart of I70 Auto Service
A special thanks to Joe Sevart, in celebrating a milestone, as the 50th podcast guest! Joe Sevart from I70 Auto Service in Kansas City, MO, received a very high honor from NAPA in 2014 as their NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Please watch this special video done as a tribute to Joe: http://i70autoservice.com/joes-award/ He’s a…
RR 049: Bob Greenwood from AAEC
Bob Greenwood, AAM is President and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. AAEC is a company focused on providing Business Management Resources and Development for the Independent Sector of the aftermarket industry. Bob has over 40 years of Business Management experience within the Independent sector of the automotive aftermarket industry in North America, consulting with…
RR 048: Jeff Matt from Victory Auto Service
Meet Jeff Matt owner and founder of Victory Auto Service & Glass, a family-owned, award-winning auto repair and auto glass business with six locations in Minnesota and Florida, is known for its honest, dependable service. Before opening Victory Auto in 1997, Jeff worked as an automotive technician and dreamed of opening a shop where the customer always felt…
RR 047: Trish Serratore SR Vice President of ASE
Trish Serratore is the Senior Vice President of ASE along with being President of the National Automotive Technicians Education foundation (NATEF) and the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES). She works closely with all of the organizations within the ASE Industry/Education initiative, which also includes ASE and the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC), to help provide…
RR 046 Greg Skolnik from Motor Works
Greg Skolnik from Motor Works in Rockville, MD is a 40 year industry veteran and a shop owner for 37 years. Greg has a 3,000 SQ FT facility with 6 bay/lifts plus an alignment bay. The shop team is made up of 2 techs, one apprentice, one service adviser, one ops manager and a shuttle…
RR 045: Kim Walker from 5 Stones Media
Kim Walker from 5 Stones Media is a social media expert, but before she became involved with Five Stones Media she was a school counselor and a teacher. Her husband Brian, started his own shop while he was a Mercedes technician in North Carolina. Then asked Kim to leave her school job and join his…
RR 044: Rick Bilger from Advanced Auto Pros
Rick Bilger a 40 year service professional owns Advanced Auto Pros in Greely, CO. His Grandfather and Dad were mechanics/technicians and Rick practices his craft in a 10 bay facility with 4 techs, and two service advisors. Rick, a pilot, offers some very interesting and unique strategies in this episode. Much to learn from this episode.…
RR 043: Trish Serratore President NATEF & AYES
Trish Serratore is the President of the National Automotive Technicians Education foundation (NATEF) and the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) as well as Senior Vice President at ASE. She works closely with all of the organizations within the ASE Industry/Education initiative, which also includes ASE and the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC), to help provide…
RR 042: Dave Toole from Tooles’ Garage
Dave Toole, owner of Toole’s Garage in San Carlos, CA has a family affair, with Dave’s entire family working in the business. A great discussion on family and a few challenges as every family business knows. However he knows his role; as the glue of the organization. He keeps it going and all together. Dave…
RR 041: Jim Murphy from Elite Worldwide
Jim Murphy prefers to use only one word when describing himself: coach, “That’s all I am, and honestly, that’s all I want to be,” he says. In nearly every position Murphy has held throughout his 30-plus-year career in the repair industry, his work has revolved around shop improvement. After graduating from Oregon State University, Murphy…
RR 040: Roger Lanctot from Strategy Analytics
Roger Lanctot, Associate Director Global Automotive Practice from Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm that provides insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. Roger Lanctot has a powerful voice in the definition of future trends in automotive safety, powertrain, and infotainment systems.…
RR 039: Bill Nalu from Interstate Auto Care
Bill Nalu form Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, MI has a very interesting story … he tells it well so I won’t spoil much of it. He has 30 years in the business to include some time as a Shell dealer. He and his brother are partners in the business. Let me say that…
RR 038: Kathleen Schmatz from the Auto Care Association
Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association shares her views and thoughts on the industry and the association she has led for the last 11 years. Before becoming President and CEO Kathleen served as executive vice president. She joined the Auto Care Association after 30 years with Babcox, a leader in aftermarket…
RR 037: Bill Moss from EuroService Automotive
Bill Moss, Owner and Certified Master technician of EuroService Automotive in Warrenton, VA. Bill has been fixing cars since before he was old enough to drive them. Such a strong desire to be around cars led to his first job at an Arlington service station when he was 16 years old. While home from college,…
RR 036: Peter Meier from Motor Age
Pete Meier the Director of Training for the UBM Advanstar Automotive Group of publications goes ON-POINT here in episode 36. I’m sure you’ve read Pete in either Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World or Dealer News. His primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed. Pete is an ASE certified…
RR 035: Jerry Kezhaya from The Auto Shop
Jerry Kezhaya from The Auto Shop in Plano Texas has been in business since 1981. Plano is a northern suburb of Dallas with a population on 280,000. According to Jerry it is the top growing county in the US. His shop is large 35,000 sq ft. He has 21 lifts and has two flats per…
RR 034: NACE-CARS 2015
Enjoy a narrative from Carm Capriotto as he recounts the four days spent in Detroit at the NACE/CARS 2015 Expo and Conference in July 2015. Listen to his observations and actual quotes from speakers along with specific ‘hot’ subjects having an impact on the aftermarket right now! Get out your pen and paper and get…
RR 033: Donny Seyfer from Seyfer Automotive
Co-Owner of Seyfer Automotive, in Wheat Ridge, CO. Donny Seyfer, a 3rd generation owner, has over 30 years of automotive experience as a technician, manager and service consultant. His Dad started in 1961 and his grandfather was building race cars before that. Seyfer Automotive provides general repair, and maintenance with a special focus on diagnostic…
RR 032: Malcolm Sissmore on Telematics
Malcolm Sissmore is a wealth of knowledge on telematics and provides great insight on the subject. Malcolm is with Delphi Product and Service Solutions. He is the North American Sales Director: Traditional Markets & Telematics and the Country Director Canada. Many of our guests have discussed telematics technology as a potential disruptor or opportunity. Besides…
RR 031: Todd Holiday from Winchester Tire
Meet Tod Holiday the second generation owner of the 43 years young Winchester Tire and Alignment in Memphis, TN. Like so many of our podcast entrepreneurs this is a great story on growing up in a family business when before school and after-school were all about being at the business helping out. (I’m sure you…
RR 030: Donny Seyfer Chairman ASA
In May 2015 Donny Seyfer was named Chairman of ASA. He says it is a ‘NEW’ organization that is changing in many positive ways. Donny shares his inside view on the Automotive Service Association and discusses the biggest benefits to the membership. He also talks about their big expo and conference NACE/CARS, in July 2015,…
RR 029: Andy Massoll from Curt’s Service
Curt’s Service started out as so many shops did back in the day as a Sunoco Station. That was 34 years ago that Curt Massoll got the bug. Andy Massoll, second generation owner of Curt’s Service in Oak Park Michigan. Guest Andy Massoll is second generation owner and has a top shop designation from Motor…
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