You searched for Craig O'Neill - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/ Automotive Repair Business Success Stories Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:37:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://remarkableresults.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-site_icon-32x32.jpg You searched for Craig O'Neill - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/ 32 32 Deferred Work: The Most Overlooked Growth Opportunity in Auto Repair [RR 1101] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1101/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1100/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Most auto repair shops are sitting on a goldmine of untapped revenue without realizing it.

In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes Jimmy Alauria of 3A Automotive & Diesel Repair to discuss how deferred work can become one of your shop’s most effective growth strategies. By pulling just two years of data from his shop’s database, he discovered $3.3 million in potential revenue from deferred services. From better customer communication to smarter follow-up systems, Jimmy explains how to turn yesterday’s declined repairs into tomorrow’s repair orders.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why your customer database is one of your shop’s most valuable assets.
  • How deferred work can create significant new revenue without increasing car count.
  • Why shops should schedule the next appointment before the customer leaves.
  • While DVIs provide excellent transparency, their primary goal should be to educate the customer and help them plan, rather than to force an immediate $5,000 repair order. Jimmy notes that customers decline work not necessarily because they lack trust, but because they need time to budge
  • How categorizing repairs by safety, reliability, maintenance, and appearance improves customer understanding.
  • Understanding the customer’s personal “car goals,” whether they love the car and want to avoid a new car payment, or they hate the car and want to trade it in, is also critical to framing recommendations effectively.
  • The shortcomings of traditional CRM follow-up systems and how AI can improve communication.
  • How AI helps prioritize repairs and translates technical repair language into customer-friendly messaging that drives response.

Deferred work isn’t lost business; it’s future opportunity. By building better follow-up processes, educating customers, and using technology to communicate more effectively, shops can strengthen relationships, improve customer retention, and unlock substantial revenue already waiting in their database.

Jimmy Alauria, 3A Automotive and Diesel Repair, Phoenix, AZ. Jimmy’s previous episodes HERE

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://remarkableresultsradiopodcast.captivate.fm/napaautocare  

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Curing Organizational Drag: The Courage to Fire a Non-Fit Employee [RR 1100] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1100/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1099/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Building a successful auto repair business isn’t just about hiring great people; it’s about creating a culture where the right people can thrive.

In this episode of Episodic Education, Carm Capriotto welcomes Matt Lachowitzer, founder of Matt’s Automotive Center, to discuss the leadership principles that helped grow his company to 11 locations. Matt shares why protecting culture sometimes means making difficult personnel decisions, how investing in employee development fuels long-term success, and why great leaders always begin by looking in the mirror.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why one employee who doesn’t fit your culture can create organizational drag.
  • When letting go of a top performer is the best decision for your team.
  • How leaders should evaluate their own role before blaming an employee’s performance.
  • How 29-day customer follow-up calls build trust and long-term loyalty.
  • How company-wide training events reinforce culture and accelerate growth.
  • The leadership mindset required to build a business that succeeds without depending on one person.

Strong businesses are built by protecting culture, developing people, and leading with both accountability and compassion. Matt’s leadership philosophy demonstrates that long-term success comes from investing in your team, making values-based decisions, and creating an organization where everyone has the opportunity to grow.

Matt Lachowitzer, Matt’s Automotive Service Center, Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota and Minnesota. Listen to Matt’s previous episodes HERE

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://remarkableresultsradiopodcast.captivate.fm/napaautocare  

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Selling to the Curb: How AI Turned More Calls into Customers [RR 1099] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1099/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1098/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

What does it take to build one of the fastest-growing auto repair businesses while leveraging artificial intelligence to improve performance at every level?

In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes Jesse Jackson, Founder and CEO of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she scaled from zero to eight locations in less than five years. Jesse shares the leadership lessons learned through rapid growth, how custom AI tools are helping improve customer experience and operational consistency, and why she believes it’s time to rethink how independent shop owners plan their exit from the industry.

What You’ll Learn

  • How Mango Automotive expanded from a startup to eight locations through strategic acquisitions.
  • The leadership challenges that come with rapid growth and why building a corporate support team became essential.
  • The three cultural principles that drive employee engagement: never yell, bonus well, and have fun.
  • How AI is being used to measure standard operating procedures and improve accountability.
  • Why analyzing phone conversations with AI helps advisors convert more callers into customers.
  • How providing realistic price ranges over the phone can improve appointment conversion rates.
  • How AI-driven follow-up processes dramatically increased maintenance rebooking rates.
  • Practical ways any shop owner can use tools like ChatGPT or Claude to evaluate service advisor performance without spending hours reviewing phone calls.
  • Why thousands of shop owners approaching retirement may be leaving significant business value on the table.
  • How Jesse’s cooperative exit model could help independent shop owners achieve substantially higher business valuations than traditional private equity acquisitions.

Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing great leadership; it’s making great operators even better. Combined with a strong culture, measurable processes, and innovative thinking about business ownership, AI can help repair shops improve customer experience, scale more effectively, and create greater long-term value for both.

Jesse Jackson, CEO, Mango Automotive, 8 locations

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Building a Winning Scoreboard For Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1098] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1098/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1097/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video EpisodeWhat if your shop operated like a championship team, where everyone knew the score and was motivated to win together?

Gerry Frank, business coach and former shop owner of 35 years, joins Carm Capriotto to explain how gamification can transform an auto repair business by increasing profitability, accountability, and employee engagement. Rather than relying on pressure or incentives alone, Gerry shares a practical system that turns daily performance into a shared game built around visibility, ownership, and teamwork.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why diagnosing the real business problem is more important than applying quick fixes.
  • How visible scoreboards create accountability and keep the entire team focused on shared goals.
  • Why technicians and service advisors should update their own scores instead of management.
  • Which key performance indicators matter most, including car count, billable hours, margins, and hours presented.
  • Why aligning the front and back of the shop creates stronger teamwork and better customer outcomes.
  • How storytelling helps employees understand the importance behind the numbers.
  • A leadership approach that improves performance by focusing on results instead of criticizing people.

Gamification isn’t about making work feel like a game, it’s about giving every employee clear goals, measurable results, and ownership of their performance. When leaders diagnose problems correctly, track meaningful metrics, and connect the numbers to a larger purpose, they create a culture where accountability, engagement, and profitability naturally grow. Gerry Frank, former shop owner, trainer and coach for Maverick Shop Owners Want a more profitable shop? Start with your service advisor. They are the face of your business, the voice on the phone, and the key to every approved repair. Download ‘Words That Work – The Service Advisor’s Complete Phone Scripts Playbook at https://serviceadvisortraining.com/ Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-careNAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

SPONSOR: NAPA Auto Care

Connect with the Podcast:

]]> How a Purple Heart Veteran Became a 6-Shop Auto Repair Owner [RR 1097] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1097/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1096/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

What does it take to grow from a single auto repair shop to six locations in less than a decade?

Host Carm Capriotto sits down with AJ DeBuono to discuss his journey from serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a successful multi-shop operator. AJ shares the lessons learned through rapid growth, the acquisition strategy that has fueled his expansion, and how military discipline, financial discipline, and a commitment to people have shaped his leadership approach.

Rather than buying struggling businesses and attempting turnarounds, AJ focuses on acquiring profitable shops with untapped potential.

What You’ll Learn

  • How AJ leveraged SBA veteran loan programs to purchase and expand his first auto repair business
  • Why he prefers acquiring profitable shops instead of distressed operations
  • The key performance indicators he targets to quickly improve profitability
  • How military leadership principles influence his management style and business decisions
  • The importance of creating career advancement opportunities through expansion
  • Lessons learned from growing too quickly and navigating financial stress
  • How AJ approaches shop transitions to minimize disruption for employees and customers
  • Why maintaining strong personal relationships with team members remains a priority despite operating multiple locations

Growth is not simply about adding locations. It’s about creating opportunities for your people, building systems that scale, and maintaining the discipline to make smart decisions when the pressure is highest. AJ DeBuono’s story demonstrates that successful expansion comes from acquiring the right businesses, investing in your team, and staying focused on long-term value rather than short-term gains.

AJ DeBuono, Diehl Auto Repair, Chicago, IL

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> 2026 Automotive Training Trends Every Professional Shop Owner Needs to Know [RR 1096] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1096/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1095/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

How are automotive technicians learning today, and who is investing in their future?

Matt Shepanek, President of the ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), discusses the findings of the 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey. The survey offers valuable insight into technician education, training preferences, emerging technologies, and the industry’s commitment to continuous learning.

The conversation highlights significant differences between dealerships and independent repair shops, reveals what technicians most want to learn, and reinforces why ongoing professional development remains essential in an era of rapidly advancing vehicle technology.

What You’ll Learn

  • How dealerships continue to lead the way in training investment, paying for technician education 85% of the time, while many independent technicians still share the cost or pay out of pocket.
  • Why Hybrid/EV systems and Electrical/Electronics training top the list of requested subjects as vehicle technology continues to evolve.
  • What the survey reveals about technician learning preferences and why hands-on, instructor-led training remains the gold standard despite the growth of online education.
  • The wide gap in annual training hours, from technicians receiving no structured education to others completing more than 56 hours each year.
  • Why continuous learning has become a business necessity, not an option, for shops hoping to remain competitive and profitable.

The 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey reinforces a simple truth: the future belongs to technicians and shops that embrace lifelong learning. As vehicles become increasingly dependent on advanced electrical systems, software, hybrid technology, and diagnostics, professional development is no longer a luxury. Shops that invest in training, provide access to relevant education, and foster a culture of continuous improvement will be better positioned to attract talent, improve performance, and thrive in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

Download the 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey: https://bit.ly/4aOaigM

Matt Shepanek, President, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC)

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Anyone Can Teach, But Not Everyone Can Educate: Lessons from 30 Years in Automotive Training [RR 1095] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1095/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1094/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Carm Capriotto sits down with Todd Fortier, retiring automotive professor and program coordinator from Illinois Central College, to discuss a lesson learned over three decades in education: anyone can teach, but becoming a true educator requires purpose, empathy, and continuous growth.

Todd shares how his passion for education was sparked by helping students experience those breakthrough “lightbulb moments” and why the ultimate goal of teaching is not simply delivering information, but ensuring meaningful knowledge transfer. As he prepares for retirement, Todd reflects on the challenges facing automotive education and his mission to help develop the next generation of industry instructors.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why technical expertise alone doesn’t make someone an effective instructor
  • How educators can improve knowledge transfer and student engagement
  • Todd’s “Three C’s” framework: Concern, Cause, and Correction
  • Why connection, empathy, and vulnerability are critical teaching tools
  • How to identify the root causes behind student disengagement
  • The importance of recognizing the personal challenges students bring into the classroom
  • Why many students leave training programs early and how educators can help retain them
  • How trainers and mentors can evolve into true educators
  • The soft skills needed to successfully connect with today’s students and technicians

The best educators do more than share information, they build relationships. Todd Fortier’s career demonstrates that teaching is most effective when instructors combine technical knowledge with empathy, curiosity, and genuine human connection. As the automotive industry works to address technician shortages and workforce development challenges, creating better educators may be one of the most important investments the industry can make.

Todd Fortier, Professor/Program Coordinator, Illinois Central College, ToddFortier@techtoteacher.com

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> From Data to Loyalty: How AI and Hospitality Are Redefining Shop Growth [THA 488] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a488/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a487/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

What happens when artificial intelligence meets world-class customer hospitality?

In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes Mike DelaCruz, CEO of Overdryve Marketing, and Michelle Tansey, co-founder of Euro Clinic, for a forward-thinking discussion on how auto repair shops can use AI, data, and intentional customer experiences to build stronger businesses.

From using AI as a strategic business assistant to creating a luxury-level customer journey that rivals brands like Ritz-Carlton and Nordstrom, Mike and Michelle share practical insights on what separates average shops from elite operations. They explain how predictive marketing, operational excellence, and deeply embedded core values can transform customer retention and long-term profitability.

What You’ll Learn

  • How AI can serve as your shop’s “big brain” to improve decision-making and uncover blind spots.
  • How predictive marketing can forecast car count, identify customer churn, and improve campaign performance.
  • The concept of the “NASA Shop” and what elite automotive operations do differently.
  • How Euro Clinic creates unforgettable customer experiences through personalized hospitality.
  • The importance of building systems and processes around your shop’s core values.
  • Why strong operations must come before marketing success.
  • How small communication changes can dramatically improve customer trust and confidence.
  • The role data plays in making better business decisions and reducing emotional guesswork.

The future belongs to shops that combine technology with humanity. AI can provide unprecedented insight into customer behavior and business performance, but lasting success still comes from exceptional service, consistent operations, and a culture built around caring for people. The shops that embrace both innovation and hospitality will be the ones that stand out, retain customers, and thrive in the years ahead.

Mike DelaCruz, CEO Overdryve Marketing

Michelle Tansey, Euro Clinic, Santa Clara, CA.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS
NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> Stop Hiring in Panic Mode: Build a Recruiting Pipeline for Your Shop [RR 1094] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1094/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1093/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing independent auto repair shops today: finding and keeping great technicians.

Chris explains why many shop owners fall into what he calls “fire alarm syndrome,” waiting until a technician leaves before starting the hiring process. That reactive approach often leads to rushed decisions, poor hires, and ongoing turnover. Instead, he advocates for an “Always Be Recruiting” mindset, where shops continuously build relationships with potential candidates long before they have an opening.

The conversation explores practical strategies for becoming a destination workplace, creating a recruiting pipeline, and building a culture that attracts top talent in a competitive market.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why reactive hiring creates costly staffing problems
  • How to build a bench of pre-qualified technicians before you need them
  • Why becoming “10-mile famous” can help attract both technicians and customers
  • How culture-focused marketing can outperform traditional help-wanted ads
  • The three things technicians value most: respect, growth, and compensation
  • Why sign-on bonuses often fail and how to structure them more effectively
  • Practical ways to engage passive candidates who are not actively job hunting
  • Resources available through Chris Lawson’s free online community for shop owners

The best time to recruit a technician is before you need one. Shops that continuously market their culture, build relationships with local talent, and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates are better positioned to grow, avoid staffing emergencies, and create a workplace where top technicians want to stay. Recruiting is no longer an occasional task. It is an ongoing business strategy.

Chris Lawson, TechnicianFind.Com

Love your shop? Stay, but stay ready. Auto techs join to level up, find good shops, and keep tabs on top indie jobs nationwide. Techs only. No BS. Independent Wrench Jobs: https://www.skool.com/independentwrenchjobs

Finding Technicians Part 1- Chris Lawson [RR 803]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e803/

Finding Technicians Part 2 – Chris Lawson [RR 816]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e816/

Technician Attraction Blueprint [RR 921]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e921/

Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Automotive Talent [CC 113]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/cc113/

Beyond Babysitters: Developing Strong Managers and Financial Transparency [RR 1076]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1076/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

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Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

 

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> When Personal Stress Walks Into the Shop: How Leaders Protect Performance [THA 487] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a487/ Fri, 29 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a486/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Are you tired of telling your staff to “leave their problems at the door”?
The reality is, what happens outside the shop often follows employees into the bays, the service counter, and every customer interaction throughout the day. Financial pressure, family struggles, burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue all impact confidence, communication, productivity, and sales performance, whether leaders recognize it or not.

In this insightful episode, Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, and service advisor coach and shop owner Rachel Spencer, challenge the old-school mindset of “leave your problems at the door” and explore what modern leadership really looks like in high-performing repair shops.

The strongest shops aren’t built only on process and productivity; they’re built on leaders who understand people.

What You’ll Learn

  • How personal stress impacts sales performance and customer communication
  • Why technician morale directly affects advisor confidence and trust
  • The connection between emotional stability and shop productivity
  • How great leaders identify performance struggles before KPIs decline
  • Why empathy and accountability must work together
  • The importance of daily check-ins and emotional awareness
  • How negativity spreads through shop culture and how leaders can stop it
  • Why “soft skills” have become essential leadership skills in auto repair

When employees feel supported, understood, and valued, communication improves, confidence grows, and performance follows. This episode offers practical insights for shop owners and managers who want to protect team performance, strengthen culture, and lead more effectively in today’s high-pressure auto repair environment.

Rena Rennebohm, CEO and Creator of Empowered Advisor. Rena’s previous episodes HERE.
Rachel Spencer, Spencer’s Auto Repair, Krum, TX. Rachel’s previous episodes HERE
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS
NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> From Guesswork to Process: Modern Diagnostic Strategies for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1093] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1093/ Tue, 26 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1092/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, Carm Capriotto sits down with automotive trainer Ken Zanders to discuss the importance of ongoing technical education, building efficient diagnostic processes, and adapting to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. Ken explains why too many shops still rely on a chaotic “grocery list” approach to repairs and how a structured diagnostic strategy can dramatically improve technician efficiency, profitability, and customer trust.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why inefficient diagnostic habits directly reduce technician productivity, shop profitability, and overall earning potential.
  • The importance of following a structured diagnostic workflow instead of guessing and replacing parts.
  • How electronic relative compression testing with a lab scope and amperage probe can reduce diagnostic time from hours to minutes.
  • How modern vehicle technologies like GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates are changing diagnostics and repair procedures.
  • Why continuous education is no longer optional for automotive professionals working on today’s advanced vehicle systems.

The biggest takeaway from this episode is that repair shops cannot afford to operate in constant chaos and guesswork. A reactive “grocery list” approach to diagnostics leads to wasted time, unnecessary parts replacement, lower profits, and poor customer outcomes. To succeed in today’s increasingly complex automotive industry, shop owners must create a year-round training strategy that helps technicians diagnose efficiently, think critically, and continuously improve their skills. Structured processes, modern testing methods, and ongoing education are no longer advantages; they are necessities for survival and growth.

TST Big Event: https://tstseminars.org/

Ken Zanders, Dorman Training

Don’t Base Your Success On Probability – Ken Zanders [RR 822]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e822/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

 

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Failing at Retirement: Building Eight Shops in Eight Years [THA 486] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a486/ Fri, 22 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a485/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Carm Capriotto talks with Matt Curry and Judy Curry of Craftsman’s Auto Care about building one of the automotive industry’s most respected multi-shop operations twice.

After growing Curry’s Auto Service to 10 locations and retiring in 2013, the Currys returned to the industry with a new vision, launching eight Craftsman’s Auto Care locations in eight years. Matt shares his role as the visionary leader driving momentum and ideas, while Judy explains how operational discipline, marketing, and customer experience keep the business grounded and scalable.

The conversation explores their “5 Ps” philosophy: People, Policies, Processes, Procedures, and Profits, along with their commitment to employee development, strong culture, customer transparency, and community involvement. The Currys also discuss how Digital Vehicle Inspections and an intentional customer experience helped them earn nearly 10,000 five-star Google reviews.

What You’ll Learn

  • How Matt and Judy Curry scaled multiple successful shop operations
  • Why leadership balance and “staying in your lane” matters
  • The “5 Ps” framework for building a strong shop culture
  • How employee investment drives long-term success
  • Why transparency and DVIs build customer trust
  • How culture and customer experience fuel growth and retention

Sustainable growth in automotive repair comes from more than technical expertise. It requires intentional leadership, strong systems, a healthy culture, and a commitment to both employees and customers.

Matt and Judy Curry, Craftsman Auto Care, 8 locations, Virginia
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS
NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> The AI-Driven Auto Repair Leader: Using Technology as Your Strategic Thought Partner [RR 1092] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1092/ Tue, 19 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1091/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

In this forward-looking conversation, Carm Capriotto and Chris Cloutier, CEO of AutoFlow and owner of three Golden Rule Auto Care locations, explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the automotive repair industry; not as a replacement for people, but as a powerful tool that helps shop owners lead smarter, communicate better, and operate more professionally.

Chris shares firsthand experiences using AI inside both his software company and his repair shops, revealing how the technology can dramatically reduce time spent on leadership and administrative tasks while improving workflow efficiency and customer communication. From refining technician notes to helping build business plans and expansion strategies, AI is becoming what Chris describes as a ‘thought partner’ for today’s shop owner.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why AI should be viewed as a strategic business partner, not a threat to the automotive repair profession
  • How effective prompting and providing context can dramatically improve AI-generated results
  • Ways AI can streamline major business tasks such as SBA loan preparation, SWOT analyses, and growth planning
  • How AI-powered technician note rewrites improve customer communication and strengthen professionalism
  • Why clear, polished communication acts as a “curtain of professionalism” that builds customer trust
  • How AI can help bridge language barriers by translating repair orders and inspection results
  • The risks and humor of “AI versus AI” hiring practices, where both employers and applicants rely heavily on artificial intelligence
  • Why Chris believes today is the least expensive AI will ever be, and why shop owners should begin learning it now

The biggest takeaway from this episode is simple: AI will not replace highly skilled automotive professionals, but it will absolutely enhance the shops that learn how to use it effectively. From improving efficiency and communication to elevating the image of professionalism, AI offers tremendous advantages for modern repair businesses. However, Carm and Chris emphasize one critical principle throughout the conversation: trust, but verify. Just like quality control in the service bays, AI-generated information should always be reviewed carefully before being shared with customers or used to make important business decisions.

Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care, and CEO of Autoflow. Listen to Chris’ other episodes HERE

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

 

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> The Rise of the Specialist: Redefining Automotive Professionalism [THA 485] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a485/ Fri, 15 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a484/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

Host Carm Capriotto is joined by shop owners Craig Noel, Brett Beachler, and Tom Palermo for an important discussion on how “The Rise of the Specialist” is moving from idea to implementation inside automotive repair shops across the industry. Written by Carm Capriotto, “The Rise of the Specialist” is a growing movement and declaration designed to elevate the language, image, professionalism, and culture of the automotive service industry.

In this episode, the panel shares how they are actively implementing “The Rise” within their own businesses, from changing terminology and redefining job titles to elevating customer communication, shop presentation, and team culture. The conversation highlights the real-world challenges and successes of shifting away from outdated labels like “mechanic,” “wrench,” and “technician” and embracing the more professional and accurate title of “specialist.”

Carm explains that this movement is more than a branding exercise; it is a professional evolution aimed at helping the industry better reflect the expertise required to service today’s highly advanced vehicles. Modern automotive professionals are diagnosticians, calibration experts, technology specialists, and problem-solvers operating in one of the most sophisticated skilled professions today.

Throughout the discussion, the shop owners explain how adopting the language and principles of “The Rise” has strengthened team pride, improved customer trust, and helped create a more professional identity within their organizations. The panel also explores how service advisors play a key role in communicating the value of diagnostics, testing, and specialist-level expertise to clients in a way that builds understanding and confidence.

The episode draws powerful comparisons to professions like medicine and culinary arts, emphasizing that automotive specialists deserve the same respect given to highly trained experts in other industries. Just as chefs and medical specialists earn recognition through mastery and continuous education, today’s automotive professionals must also be seen as specialists whose expertise protects the safety and reliability of every vehicle entrusted to them.

“The Rise of the Specialist” has already gained momentum throughout the industry. Carm’s signature keynote, The Rise of the Specialist, has been delivered to influential audiences across North America, including the ASE Board of Governors, Ford Motor Company, and hundreds of forward-thinking automotive professionals.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why “The Rise of the Specialist” was created and what it represents
  • How shop owners are implementing “The Rise” in their businesses
  • Why the industry must move beyond outdated titles like “technician” and “mechanic”
  • How language shapes customer perception, professionalism, and team culture
  • The role service advisors play in explaining specialist-level diagnostics and repairs
  • How hospitality, presentation, and communication strengthen customer trust
  • Why this movement can help attract the next generation of automotive professionals

This episode demonstrates that “The Rise of the Specialist” is no longer just a concept; it is becoming a real cultural shift within the automotive industry. By adopting language that reflects expertise, elevating professionalism throughout the customer experience, and embracing the identity of the specialist, shop owners are helping reshape how the industry sees itself and how the world sees it.

Download ‘The Rise of the Specialist’: https://remarkableresults.biz/rise
Craig Noel, Sun Automotive, Springfield, OR. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE
Brett Beachler, Beachler’s Vehicle Care & Repair, Peoria, IL. Listen to Brett’s previous episodes HERE
Tom Palermo, Preferred Automotive Specialists in Philadelphia, PA. Tom’s previous episodes HERE
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS
NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class
Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/
Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI
Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/
Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty
You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/
Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

]]> 15 Headlines in 30 Minutes: Rapid Fire Automotive News For Shop Owners [RR 1091] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1091/ Tue, 12 May 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e1090/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode

In this fast-paced episode, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, Tom Ham, breaks down 15 major industry headlines in just 30 minutes, offering insight into the rapid changes reshaping automotive service, technology, and consumer behavior. From artificial intelligence and electric vehicles to rising car ownership costs and the exploding demand for automotive repair, this conversation connects today’s news with what it means for shop owners, technicians, and the future of the industry. Along the way, Ham also shares several quirky and entertaining stories making waves across the automotive world.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why major tech companies are investing heavily in AI and what that could mean for jobs, pricing, and the future workforce
  • How rising vehicle prices and soaring monthly payments are changing consumer behavior
  • Why maintaining and repairing existing vehicles is becoming a smarter financial decision for drivers
  • How the average age of vehicles on the road is creating unprecedented growth opportunities for auto repair shops
  • Why automotive specialists and skilled trades are becoming some of the most valuable careers in the economy
  • What slowing EV sales mean for automakers and the growing demand for EV-trained technicians
  • How repair shops can benefit from changing economic trends, including larger tax refunds and deferred maintenance
  • Fun and unusual industry stories, including remote-controlled vehicle heaters, backup camera cleaning devices, and vintage vehicle restoration programs

The automotive industry is entering one of the most profitable and transformative periods in its history. While technology, AI, and shifting consumer habits continue to disrupt traditional industries, the need for skilled automotive professionals is only increasing. As vehicles stay on the road longer and repair demand rises, shops that adapt, invest in training, and embrace emerging opportunities will be positioned for long-term success.

Tom Ham, Automotive Management Network. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.

Running a shop is a never-ending cycle of preventing problems and looking for solutions. Automotive Management Network is a 15,000+ member Website full of high-value documents, resources, and tips. Being a member gives you quick access to all the information you need to run a smooth, profitable shop.

https://www.automotivemanagementnetwork.com/

https://laborratetracker.com/

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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