You searched for updegraff - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/ Automotive Repair Business Success Stories Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:54:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://remarkableresults.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-site_icon-32x32.jpg You searched for updegraff - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/ 32 32 Your Shop’s Toughest Competitor Is in the Mirror [THA 499] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a499/ Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a498/

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

Watch Full Video Episode

Who is your shop’s toughest competitor: the business down the street, or the people inside your own four walls?

Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owners Dwayne Myers and Al Oramas to explore internal competition and why the biggest threats to a shop’s success often come from within. The conversation challenges owners to stop obsessing over competitors and start examining their own leadership, consistency, processes, and customer experience.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why operational consistency matters and how small deviations can create chaos.
  • Why owners can’t effectively lead from the “engine room.”
  • How true delegation requires owners to let go of control and trust their teams.
  • Why “everything speaks” when it comes to the customer experience.
  • How standing at the curb can reveal things owners no longer notice inside their own shops.
  • How simple physical and operational improvements can create meaningful change.
  • Why asking employees what they love and what they would change can reveal the true health of a business.

Your greatest competitor may be staring back at you in the mirror. The shops that grow stronger are willing to look inward, challenge their own habits, listen to their teams, and consistently raise the standard. Leadership isn’t about controlling every detail; it’s about creating the environment, expectations, and trust that allow the entire team to perform at its best.

Dwayne Myers, Dynamic Automotive, 8 locations, Maryland. Dwayne’s previous episodes HERE.

Al Oramas, Pro Auto Care, 2 locations, Denver and Littleton, CO

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/

David Boyes, President of ‘Today’s Class”  David’s previous episodes HERE

Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 7 locations, Austin, TX. Brad’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/

 

 

]]> Engage, Educate, Reward: How Today’s Class Is Changing Auto Repair Training [THA 498] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a498/ Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a497/

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

Watch Full Video Episode

What if the best way to train an automotive team isn’t another four-hour evening class, but a few minutes of learning every day?

Carm Capriotto sits down with David Boyes, President of Today’s Class, and Brad Updegraff, owner of Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, to explore how continuous learning and gamification are creating more engaged, knowledgeable teams.

Brad shares how his seven-location operation uses Today’s Class to support ASE certification, keep experienced technicians current with rapidly changing vehicle technology, and turn training into something employees actually want to participate in.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why daily learning can be more effective than traditional after-hours training.
  • How raffles, auctions, and rewards turn training into a team-building experience.
  • How shop-versus-shop competition can create stronger teamwork than individual leaderboards.
  • How custom training content can identify knowledge gaps and strengthen advisor performance.
  • Why continuous learning is essential as vehicle technology continues to evolve.
  • What’s coming next for Today’s Class, including EV, hybrid, electrical, leadership, and financial training.

Training doesn’t have to feel like a requirement. When learning is consistent, accessible, rewarding, and connected to career growth, it can become part of the culture. Brad and David demonstrate how gamification can turn education into daily engagement while helping automotive professionals build the skills needed for the future.

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/

David Boyes, President of ‘Today’s Class”  David’s previous episodes HERE

Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 7 locations, Austin, TX. Brad’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/

 

 

]]> Building a Foundation to Prevent Employee Turnover [THA 461] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a461/ Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a459/

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

Watch Full Video Episode

Craig Noel, Nicole Bennecoff, and Brad Updegraff share actionable strategies for reducing turnover and creating workplaces where employees genuinely want to stay. Their discussion focuses on hiring for culture, adapting to generational expectations around flexibility, and investing personally in the people who make the business run.

Turnover Prevention Starts in the Interview

Preventing turnover begins long before a new hire steps into the shop. The panel emphasized hiring for culture above all—seeking candidates who align with the organization’s values and want to contribute to its long-term success.

Key hiring insights:

  • Culture Fit Over Experience: Skills can be taught; mindset cannot.

  • Process Buy-In: Especially with experienced technicians, owners must clearly communicate that systems are established and expected to be followed. A growth mindset is crucial.

  • Onboarding & Accountability: Culture discussions start on day one. Many shops rely on a 30–60 day check-in period and a 90-day probation window to evaluate behavior, process adoption, and overall fit.

Retention Is Personal

Retention isn’t one-size-fits-all. Owners must prioritize people and culture over production, recognizing that different employees are motivated by different things.

Personalized retention strategies:

  • Emotional & Financial Support: Small gestures—like a quick text of appreciation or helping a young technician with a bill—can make a big difference.

  • Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Today’s workforce highly values family and personal time. Supporting employees during life moments becomes part of the shop’s culture.

  • The Collective Mindset: Including employees in the shop’s vision builds loyalty. Asking why they stay—or what might cause them to leave—helps uncover individual needs.

Meaningful recognition practices:

  • Use the Language of Careers: Refer to the industry as a career, not just a job or trade.

  • Badges of Honor: Display certifications, achievements, and bios where customers can see them, reinforcing pride and professionalism.

  • Internal Recognition Systems: Performance teams, quarterly newsletters, and other internal celebrations highlight personal and professional wins.

Managing Departures With Grace

Not all turnover is negative. The panel stressed that when separations happen, they should be handled with empathy, effort, and transparency.

  • Remaining staff notice—and appreciate—when leadership goes above and beyond before making a final decision.

  • Often, those who leave for “greener pastures” return, recognizing the strength of the original culture.

Preventing turnover means recognizing that every employee is a unique engine with distinct needs and motivations. The owner becomes the “maestro,” creating a workplace where communication is open, recognition is part of daily life, expectations are clear, and culture serves as the foundation.

A strong culture doesn’t just retain people—it grows them.

Craig Noel, Sun Automotive, Springfield, OR. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE

Nichole Bennecoff, Empower Automotive, Traverse City, MI. Nichole’s previous episodes HERE

Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX. Brad’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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz

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

– 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

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

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

– 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

 

 

]]> Strategies for Addressing the Technician Shortage [FTR 103] https://remarkableresults.biz/ftr/f103-2/ Sat, 14 Sep 2024 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/f103-2/

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments

Brad Updegraff discusses the pressing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry. Brad shares strategies for training and developing technicians, and the importance of creating strong relationships with local schools. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of flexible compensation plans and support for aspiring technicians.

Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX. Brad’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes

  • Watch Full Video Episode
  • Industry Challenges (00:00:34) Discussion on the nationwide technician shortage and the impact of the growing electric vehicle market.
  • Creating a Technician Pipeline (00:01:08) Brad reflects on the long-term strategies dealerships have implemented to develop their technician workforce.
  • Personal Experience as an Intern (00:02:08) Brad shares his early experiences in the automotive industry and the challenges he faced as an intern.
  • Strategies for Training Technicians (00:02:34) Exploration of effective strategies for training technicians, emphasizing building relationships with local schools.
  • NAPA Apprenticeship Program (00:03:11) Overview of the NAPA apprenticeship program and its effectiveness in developing new technicians.
  • Case Study: A Young Trainee (00:04:04) Brad discusses a specific trainee’s experience, highlighting the importance of pairing her with a skilled technician.
  • Adapting Training Approaches (00:05:01) Challenges faced during the training program lead to a need for more flexible and adaptable training methods.
  • Identifying Natural Leaders (00:05:47) Importance of recognizing natural leaders among technicians to foster a supportive training environment.
  • Compensation Structures (00:07:30) Discussion on compensation plans and how to ensure they are attractive to both new and experienced technicians.
  • Selecting the Right Trainees (00:08:33) Brad emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting trainees based on their interest and potential.
  • Encouraging Continuous Improvement (00:09:34) Encouraging technicians to seek growth and development opportunities within the company.
  • Value of Training for Students (00:10:17) Highlighting the need for trainees to understand the importance of continuous education and training.
  • Compensation and Incentive Plans (00:11:05) Brad discusses innovative compensation structures to attract and retain skilled technicians.
  • Tool Accessibility for Technicians (00:12:01) Addressing the lack of tools as a barrier for entry-level technicians and proposing solutions.
  • Flag Rate Compensation Model (00:12:58) Explanation of a flag multiplier system designed to support both green and experienced technicians in learning.
  • Compensation Structure for Technicians (00:14:04) Discussion on the importance of a well-structured compensation plan for technicians and foreman roles.
  • Challenges of Foreman Role (00:15:00) Exploring the difficulties faced by foreman roles during poor traffic times in the shop.
  • Impact on Profit Margins (00:15:49) Analyzing how technician training impacts overall shop output and profit margins.
  • Tool Acquisition Programs (00:16:43) Overview of programs designed to help technicians acquire necessary tools through structured payments.
  • Supporting Local High Schools (00:18:25) Strategies for building relationships with high schools to support automotive education programs.
  • Enhancing Automotive Education (00:19:23) Discussing the benefits of donating equipment to schools to improve their automotive programs.
  • Creating a Pipeline of Talent (00:20:14) Importance of engaging high school students to prepare them for careers in the automotive industry.
  • Selling the Automotive Career (00:21:09) Encouraging technicians to share their career stories to attract high school students to the industry.
  • Engagement with Students (00:21:57) The significance of actively participating in career fairs and building relationships with students.
  • Closing Thoughts on Future Technicians (00:22:48) Emphasizing the responsibility of the industry to nurture future technicians and change lives.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and 360 Payments

Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net

Connect with the Podcast:

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz

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

-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

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

-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com

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

The Aftermarket Radio Network

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

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

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.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Road to NAPA Auto Care Gold Certified: From Technician to Owner of 6 Locations [RR 946] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e946/ Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e946/

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care

Brad Updegraff’s transition from a general service technician to a visionary business owner of 6 NAPA Gold Certified locations is a story of dedication and strategic planning. Discover the milestones and the speed bumps he encountered along the way.

Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX.

Show Notes

  • Watch Full Video
  • Learn more about NAPA Auto Care Gold Certified and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care
  • Transition to the automotive field (00:01:55) Brad’s transition from managing a pizza delivery company to becoming a general service technician in a small gas station repair shop.
  • Seizing the opportunity (00:05:06) The unexpected opportunity that led Brad to become a partner in 2012 and the risks and steps involved in his journey.
  • Building a successful partnership (00:06:15) The partnership with a former homebuilding executive and the successful merging of their expertise for store growth and development.
  • Learning the business side (00:07:25) Brad’s learning curve in understanding the business side, seeking help, and investing in personal and business development.
  • Challenges in growth and expansion (00:10:52) The challenges in advertising, customer base, and geographical analysis that impacted the decision to halt further expansion.
  • Recruitment and training strategies (00:12:29) Brad’s recruitment strategies, including internal referrals and partnerships with local vocational schools for technician training.
  • Promoting the industry to youth (00:14:32) The need for industry professionals to promote the technical nature of the automotive industry to young people and engage with vocational schools.
  • Advisory Board Representation (00:17:10) Importance of representation on advisory boards for independent dealers and community colleges.
  • Community Involvement and Giving Back (00:18:13) Support for charitable foundations, including Make-A-Wish and suicide prevention organizations.
  • NAPA Gold Certification (00:21:28) Benefits and significance of achieving NAPA Gold certification for automotive businesses.
  • Engagement in Training (00:23:18) Strategies for encouraging staff to participate in training and the value of owner involvement.
  • Perpetual Learning and Magic Makers (00:27:16) The importance of perpetual learning, the concept of “magic makers,” and the impact on the organization.
  • Employee Retention and Team Building (00:29:55) Strategies for retaining employees, team building, and celebrating milestones within the organization.
  • Work-Life Balance and Store Visits (00:32:02) Balancing work and personal life, commitment to family, and the importance of store visits for management.
  • Intuition and Common Sense (00:33:14) The importance of intuition and common sense in business decisions and management.
  • Succession Planning (00:34:12) Discussing internal succession planning and opportunities for employees to grow within the company.
  • Industry Challenges and Opportunities (00:34:53) Cyclical nature of the industry, market correction, and fighting for market share.
  • Market Trends and Customer Conversion (00:36:12) Impact of market trends, potential for customer conversion, and the impact of economic factors.
  • Financing Repair (00:38:00) The increasing use of financing options for vehicle repairs and its impact on the industry.
  • Work-Life Balance and Reflection (00:38:54) The importance of work-life balance and reflecting on career choices and experiences.
  • Overcoming Struggles and Mistakes (00:40:49) The journey to success, overcoming struggles, and learning from mistakes.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care

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

Connect with the Podcast:

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

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

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

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

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

-Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz

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

-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

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

-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com

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

 

 

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