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
Building an Essential Skilled Automotive Career [RR 1060]
This episode explores how the automotive industry can attract and retain skilled professionals by transforming both its language and its workplace culture. The words we use shape public perception, influence recruiting, and build long-term respect for the profession.
Beyond language, the discussion dives into the physical and cultural environment of repair shops. Topics include maintaining clean, professional spaces that foster pride, offering work-life balance to prevent burnout, and ensuring fair pay progression with clear career paths.
To build a sustainable future, the automotive industry must evolve in how it speaks, works, and cares for its people.
Professional language, modern environments, fair pay, education, and a sense of pride in quality will redefine automotive careers as essential, respected, and rewarding.
remarkableresults.biz/e1060
The Karen Cooper Foundation: Bringing Christmas to Shelter Dogs [THA 453]
The Karen Cooper Foundation, founded by Bob Cooper and his daughter Michele, honors the legacy of Bob’s late wife, Karen, by bringing Christmas joy to shelter dogs through toys and treats. What began as a family tradition in San Diego has grown into a nationwide nonprofit, gifting thousands of dogs each year while raising awareness for adoption and responsible pet ownership. As a 501(c)(3) charity, every donation goes directly to the animals, providing enrichment, comfort, and hope until they find their forever homes.
The foundation’s roots trace back to an annual tradition Karen and Bob started years ago. Inspired by Karen’s question, “What happens with all these dogs on Christmas morning?” she suggested, “Why don’t we bring Christmas to them?”—sparking a mission that continues today.
In 2023, after life-changing events including Bob’s sale of Elite Worldwide and the heartbreaking loss of Karen in a Memorial Day weekend car accident, Bob and Michele formalized the foundation to honor and celebrate Karen’s legacy.
The Karen Cooper Foundation operates with three key goals:
Bring Christmas joy to shelter dogs, ensuring they experience the magic of the holiday.
Raise awareness about adoption, helping dogs and puppies find their forever homes.
Honor Karen’s legacy, keeping her spirit alive through every act of giving.
Through every gift and act of kindness, the Karen Cooper Foundation ensures Karen’s spirit lives on, bringing hope, joy, and a brighter future to dogs in need.
remarkableresults.biz/a453
AAPEX 2025: The Aftermarket Trade Show Reimagined [RR 1059]
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) returns to Las Vegas on November 4–6, bringing the industry’s biggest names, most advanced training, and a completely redesigned show floor.
Here’s what you can expect:
A major structural change to the show floor, segmenting exhibitors by product category for buyer efficiency.
Keynote speaker announcement: Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One.”
Expanded education with 75+ classes plus a new “Meet the Trainer” segment for direct access to instructors.
AAPEX 2025 is more than a trade show—it’s the industry’s hub for education, innovation, and connection. Come prepared, but leave space for the unexpected conversations and discoveries that could change your business.
remarkableresults.biz/e1059
The Silent Profit Killer: Inconsistent Processes [THA 452]
Too many shops rely on inconsistent, informal methods of “this is how we did it yesterday.” The result? Fluctuating outcomes, missed opportunities, and daily frustration. Imagine four technicians completing a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) in four different ways, which can be confusing for staff, stressful for owners, and costly for customers. The solution is a unified process that everyone follows to deliver consistent results. “Without systems, the owner becomes the system.” Every decision rests on the owner’s shoulders, trapping them in the daily grind. Leaders must shift from being “needed” to being “required”: their role is to create the environment for success, not micromanage.
Systems Win Wars: As Carm Capriotto said, strong systems are the foundation of a profitable and enjoyable business.
Breaking Free from Chaos: Inconsistent methods (“this is how we did it yesterday”) lead to stress, missed opportunities, and fluctuating results.
The Owner’s Dilemma: Without systems, the owner becomes the system. Matt Wagg’s injury showed the necessity of trusting people and processes.
Profit Through Process: Profitability is tied directly to defined, repeatable steps. Systems also eliminate business “friction” and make operations easier.
Key Benefits of Documented Processes: Faster, smoother training & onboarding. Clear accountability for both staff and owners. Ongoing continuous improvement to adapt and grow
Empower Your Team: Trust the people you’ve hired. Give them processes and training, then step back. Empowered teams drive success, customer satisfaction, and owner freedom.
Takeaway: Strong systems aren’t just about profit; they create happier teams, better customer experiences, and sustainable growth.
remarkableresults.biz/a452
2025 Voice of the Technician Survey: Addressing Industry Pain Points [RR 1058]
What does the future of the automotive repair profession look like through the eyes of technicians themselves? Jay Goninan unpacks Wrenchway’s annual Voice of Technician survey with 4,700+ responses, revealing a concerning drop in satisfaction, but also a roadmap for improvement.
Key Insights:
Technician Sentiment: 50% wouldn’t recommend their shop, with negativity dominating social media.
Career Development: Technicians want visible growth paths, certifications, and new specialized roles like ADAS or EV diagnostics.
Compensation: Pay remains the top frustration. Shops need profitability strategies and flexible pay plans (61% prefer hourly/salary with bonus).
Culture & Tools: Proper equipment, work-life balance, and intentional team-building are critical to retention.
Professionalism: Shifting language from “mechanic” to “specialist/technologist” elevates the industry’s perception.
Leadership & Communication: Shop owners must ask “why,” listen to technicians, and implement meaningful change.
Download: https://wrenchway.com/resources/2025-voice-of-technician/#download-report
This isn’t just about attracting new talent; it’s about creating workplaces where technicians feel valued, respected, and see a future in the industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e1058
Business By The Numbers: Insights Into Auto Shop Benchmarks [THA 451]
The conversation draws on insights from the 2025 Paar Melis Benchmark Report, built from verified financials and survey data from hundreds of shops. The report reveals what top performing shops are doing differently and where common challenges remain.
Key Takeaways:
Paar Melis Report Insights: Get a real world look at what drives profitability, efficiency, and growth across the industry.
Track the Right Metrics: Focus on gross profit, productivity, and expense management.
Use Benchmark Reports: Compare your numbers to industry averages to spot strengths and weaknesses.
Seek Expert Guidance: Professional input helps shop owners interpret data and optimize results.
Adapt to Grow: Success comes from knowing your numbers and being willing to adjust processes.
remarkableresults.biz/a451
Process Engineering: Six Sigma for Auto Shop Efficiency and Growth [RR 1057]
David Boyd, Six Sigma Black Belt, emphasizes that defined processes and systems are essential for shop efficiency and growth. Every task follows a process, whether recognized or not, and “rapid toggling” (doing the same job differently each day) leads to chaos.
Key Insights:
Define Processes: Ask “Why do you do it that way?” to uncover gaps and create consistency.
Use DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control, establish “normal” and fix what’s “abnormal.”
Apply Lean Thinking: Reduce wasted motion and idle time (e.g., proper tool placement, faster approvals).
Link KPIs to Action: Observe workflows directly (“management by walking around”), not just reports.
Commit to Continuous Improvement: It’s a loop, not a one-time fix.
For MSOs: Scaling requires standardized systems and local accountability.
The payoff: higher efficiency, stronger customer experience, productive technicians, fewer mistakes, and sustainable growth.
remarkableresults.biz/e1057
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
A Phone Call Is Worth a Thousand Emails [RR 1056]
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
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
Ring to Revenue: The Power of the First Hello [THA 448]
Is your shop’s first impression costing you customers? Did you know the phone is often your closest moment to the sale? Join service advisor training specialists Jen Davis and Doris Barnes from The Transformers Institute as they reveal how to turn inbound calls into a loyal customer relationship.
Watch Full Video Episode
Inside this episode:
The Hidden Cost of Bad Calls: Missed opportunities like quoting a price without context don’t just lose sales, they damage your brand and waste marketing dollars. First impressions are made in a fraction of a second.
Beyond Price Shopping: Most service advisors unintentionally train customers to shop for price by failing to ask questions, build rapport, or show genuine curiosity. Price is often just the conversation starter.
Empathy, Education & Reasoning: Learn the three pillars of phone success that shift calls from transactional to relationship-driven, positioning your shop as the trusted solution.
From First Call to Lifelong Customer: Strategies to move customers past a single visit and build loyalty by marketing to the third visit—a critical milestone for long-term retention.
Hiring the Right People: Why finding “good stock” naturally empathetic, ethical, and willing to learn makes all the difference in creating consistent, 5-star customer experiences.
Don’t let poor phone skills drain your marketing investment. This is a must-listen for shop owners and service advisors ready to sharpen their skills and elevate every interaction from the very first ring.
remarkableresults.biz/a448
The Showtime Mindset: How Top Shops Keep the Spotlight on Service [RR 1054]
Jason Hladyniuk, service advisor coach at RPM Training, draws inspiration from the world of music to show how shops can be fully “in tune” and “showtime ready” the moment their doors open each morning.
In this episode, you’ll learn how this approach helps service advisors:
• Deliver an outstanding client experience without getting lost in paperwork or daily chaos.
• Lower stress by anticipating needs and having everything ready before clients arrive.
• Read their “audience” and adjust communication, whether through a quick text or a detailed face-to-face chat.
• Lead with consistent professionalism, not sales tactics, just as a dental hygienist confidently recommends treatment.
• Use pre-appointment communication to set the stage for stronger client relationships at drop-off.
• Commit to continuous practice and training, because like world-class musicians, the best advisors never stop rehearsing, adapting, and growing.
Don’t miss this episode, it’s your backstage pass to delivering a flawless performance every day and creating lasting harmony with your clients!
remarkableresults.biz/e1054
The Personal Touch in a Digital World: Why Outbound Calls Still Matter [THA 447]
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
From Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve, To Will, Can, Do: Auto Repair Business Done Right [RR 1053]
Keith Katz shares practical insights from decades of running a successful auto repair business, offering shop owners real-world strategies to adapt and grow. From navigating the challenges of ADAS and EV technology to making bold investments in team training, Keith explains how the right decisions can set your shop up for long-term success.
You’ll also discover why shifting from being a hands-on technician to a strategic business leader is essential, how proactive succession planning protects the future of your shop, and the one move Keith wishes he made sooner—hiring a business coach. His honest reflection and actionable advice make this conversation a must-listen for any shop owner ready to evolve, embrace new technology, and secure lasting profitability.
remarkableresults.biz/e1053
Uber, Loaners, and Shuttle Solutions for Automotive Clients [THA 446]
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.
Discover why providing customer transportation rather than leaving them to figure it out is quickly becoming a game changing differentiator in the automotive industry.
We break down three powerful options:
Loaner Cars & Rental Programs: Remove the “transportation barrier” for customers and make it easier for them to approve bigger jobs. Learn about the ROI, and how forming a separate rental company can slash insurance costs.
Uber Business: Keep customers moving and increase your average work order by allowing them to approve more work without the wait. Fully web-based and trackable for simple management.
Shuttle Services: Turn travel time into relationship building time. Using the “FORD” method (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams), your staff can connect on a personal level and create customers for life.
Tune in to hear how each option impacts ROI, boosts efficiency, satisfies evolving customer expectations, and helps you overcome objections, ultimately locking in long-term client loyalty.
remarkableresults.biz/a446
Muscle Memory for the Counter: Service Advisor Training with the Practice Bot [RR 1052]
Dan Malloy unveils a game-changing tool for your client advocates: the practice bot. Discover how this innovative AI-powered system is transforming sales training and driving unprecedented success on the service counter.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
– Orchestrate Sales Success: Learn how to get your entire team, your “orchestra of client advocates,” to “sing the same song” in unison, reflecting your business’s unique vision and culture in every customer interaction.
– Develop “Muscle Memory” for the Counter: Just like professional musicians or athletes, your service advisors need “muscle memory” to confidently handle customer conversations. Discover how daily, consistent practice with a bot can make effective communication feel natural.
– Conquer the Price Shopper: Understand the “killer” impact price shoppers have on closing rates (e.g., dropping from 81% to 42% for oil changes, or 35% to 17% for tires). Learn how the practice bot and Dan Malloy’s approach equip your team to handle these crucial conversations without immediately giving a price.
– Embrace AI for Data-Driven Growth: Explore how AI goes beyond traditional “keyword spotting” to analyze calls, score performance automatically, and provide invaluable “language KPIs.” Understand how this data on communication directly drives your traditional business KPIs and profitability.
– Mandate Daily Practice: Learn why the best companies are making bot practice mandatory, just like opening the store or running batting cages, and how it fosters a high-level, professional team
remarkableresults.biz/e1052
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
Assume Nothing: Our Duty to Educate and Understand the Next Generation [RR 1051]
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on how we prepare the next wave of talent in the auto repair world.
It’s not just “training” anymore – The future of our industry needs more than just teaching people how to turn wrenches. It’s about real education that prepares them to think, solve, and lead.
The repair bay of tomorrow – Imagine clean, high-tech “surgical rooms” with white lab coats, big screens, and smart tools—where cars are diagnosed like patients.
Let’s make this career sexy – To attract today’s tech-savvy, digital-native crowd, we’ve got to show them this is a career filled with innovation, tech, and opportunity.
Soft skills are a big deal – Communication, confidence, and life skills are just as important as technical know-how.
Training isn’t cheap, and that’s okay – One expert says shops should spend $3,000 to $5,000 a month on education. Yep, even the small ones. Because falling behind costs more.
Leaders: don’t gatekeep – Share your tips, be open to different learning styles, and remember that even the small stuff you know can make a huge difference to someone starting out.
remarkableresults.biz/e1051
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
Retention Starts with Recognition: Why Pay Is Just the Beginning [RR 1050]
This episode dives into the real challenges of technician retention and why it’s time to rebrand automotive careers, moving beyond the outdated terms “mechanic” or “technician” to embrace the title of “specialist.” Craig Noel unpacks the urgent need to move away from traditional flat rate pay systems and toward compensation models that prioritize fair pay, financial security, and work-life balance. He also shares his own innovative pay structure designed to reward skill and dedication while keeping top talent engaged.
remarkableresults.biz/e1050
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
The Power of Accountability: You Can’t Grow Alone! [RR 1049]
Recorded at the Institute Summit 2025, Tracy Holt and Patrece Holt Vance, a brother-sister duo from a family owned shop, share how their business transitioned into a new era of strategic growth and profitability under their leadership. They credit much of their progress to the accountability and peer support they found through the Institute’s Peer Groups. Tracy and Patrice also open up about the critical role of workplace culture and employee well-being in their success, and Tracy reflects on how a personal tragedy reshaped his “why” and fuels his drive today.
remarkableresults.biz/e1049
Transportation as a Lifeline: The Hidden Power of Your Shop [THA 442]
This episode highlights the life-changing impact of reliable transportation and the power of volunteerism in the automotive industry. Featuring Hands of the Carpenter in Denver and Onramp DFW in Dallas-Fort Worth, two organizations that provide vehicles and repairs to people in need, it explores how mobility creates freedom, opportunity, and lasting change.
Shop owner Chris Cloutier shares how supporting these efforts boosts morale within shops and gives employees a renewed sense of purpose. Listeners are encouraged to give back by donating time, services, or resources, reinforcing the industry’s unique ability to uplift lives and strengthen communities.
remarkableresults.biz/a442