Automotive Field Theory

Donny Seyfer from the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) discusses the importance of ongoing training for technicians and the challenges they face in accessing information and tools. Seyfer emphasizes the need for collaboration with automakers and lawmakers to improve security measures and technical support.

Show Notes

• Family Background and Career Journey (00:02:23) Donny Seyfer shares his family's history in the automotive industry and his journey into the professional business.
• Formation and Growth of NASTF (00:04:20) 
• Empowering Independent Techs (00:09:39) 
• Evolution of NASTF's Structure (00:11:35) 
• Stakeholders and Board Members (00:13:27) 
• Reprogramming Events and Knowledge Base (00:15:24)
• Challenges in Supporting Legacy Vehicles (00:21:15) 
• Development of Tools for Key Code Delivery (00:25:08) 
• Game Theory Pitch (00:30:50) 
• Secure Data Release Model (00:32:04) 
• Scan Tool Validation Program (00:39:09)
• The VSP Program (00:45:14) 
• Vehicle Theft and Security (00:46:07)
• System Testing and Updates (00:53:55) 
• Engagement with Lawmakers and Automakers (00:54:43) 
• Tool functionality and availability (00:59:58)
• Service information access issues (01:00:31) 
• Tooling and VSP credentials (01:04:51) 
• Addressing illicit tool use (01:07:17) 

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Find out how the movie Mrs. Doubtfire relates to the automotive industry. Matt Fanslow explores the motivation behind self-improvement and giving credit when using someone else's knowledge or ideas.

Show Notes

• Mrs. Doubtfire Movie Analysis (00:01:05) Analysis of the movie "Mrs. Doubtfire" and its characters, discussing the dynamics of the relationships and the impact on the main character's behavior.
• Motivation and Improvement (00:03:23) Exploration of the motivation to improve, drawing parallels from the movie's characters and their impact on personal growth.
• Learning from Others (00:09:30) Discussion about learning from colleagues and other professionals in the automotive repair industry, focusing on gaining inspiration and improving skills.
• Robin Williams and Improvisation (00:13:48) Reflection on the comedic genius of Robin Williams and his unique improvisational skills, leading to a discussion about his impact on the comedy community.
• Robin Williams' Legacy (00:16:16) Reflection on the impact of Robin Williams' passing and his reputation in the comedy world, addressing the complexities of his suicide and the issue of joke theft in comedy.
• Giving Credit to Intellectual Property (00:18:47) Importance of referencing and giving credit when using someone else's knowledge or ideas.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

In this episode of "Diagnosing the Aftermarket," host Matt Fanslow tackles the issue of motivating technicians to attend training. He shares personal experiences and the sacrifices he made to enhance his skills, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing training with work and family life. Matt discusses the intrinsic motivation required for technicians to seek training and the resistance some may have. He stresses the importance of continuous learning in the automotive industry and invites feedback on the topic.

Show Notes

• Supporting intrinsically motivated technicians (00:02:18)
• Challenges of motivating technicians (00:04:23) Exploring potential reasons for technician resistance to training and addressing challenges.
• (00:05:35) The changing perception of training value over time and the importance of continuous learning.
• (00:09:09) The impact of training on technician satisfaction, turnover, and shop profitability.
• (00:10:12) Compensation, travel, and anxiety are factors affecting technician training motivation.
• (00:14:44) The role of training in career progression and increasing income levels.
• (00:17:14) Technician's challenges in attending training after work, including family responsibilities and time constraints.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Aircraft mechanic Alicia Pollock shares her journey from aspiring astronaut to aircraft mechanic, emphasizing the extensive documentation required in her field. She discusses the detailed record-keeping for each maintenance task, the specialized training for different aircraft components, and the importance of precision and safety. The conversation also highlights the rigorous testing and practical exams for aircraft mechanics, contrasting the strict regulations in aviation with the automotive industry's standards.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Matt Fanslow dives into personal territory, discussing his father's health and the impact it has had on his perspective. He reflects on the changing nature of his aspirations and the delicate balance between pursuing goals and being thankful for current blessings.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Father's Health Update (00:00:12) Matt discusses his father's health, including his assisted living, heart condition, and recovery.
• Changing Hopes and Wishes (00:02:34) Matt reflects on how his hopes and desires for his father's recovery have evolved over time.
• Gratitude vs. Ambition (00:06:36) Matt compares changing expectations for his father's recovery to the balance between gratitude and ambition in professional and personal life.
• Appreciating What You Have (00:10:28) Matt emphasizes the importance of appreciating one's current situation and the value of gratitude in both personal and professional aspects of life.
• Striving for Better (00:14:14) Matt discusses the balance between striving for improvement and greed, emphasizing the importance of shared ambitions and continuous improvement.
• Reflection and Appreciation (00:18:20) Matt reflects on the need to appreciate the blessings in life while continuing to push for improvement.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Matt Fanslow and guest Margaret Light, a licensed marriage and family therapist, dive into the complexities of grief. They discuss the inevitability of loss, the importance of acknowledging grief, and strategies for self-support during the grieving process, such as maintaining routines and honoring loved ones. They also cover how to support others who are grieving, offering practical help and emotional support. The conversation touches on the challenges of dealing with grief in the workplace and the need for understanding and patience. Additionally, they explore the concept of surrendering to grief and the dangers of using work or other distractions to avoid dealing with emotions.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Margaret Light: https://www.equilibriumtherapyservices.org/
• The Unspoken Reality of Grief [RR 885]
• Matt's personal experience (00:01:12) Matt shares a personal experience about his father's health issues and his own feelings of grief and survivor's guilt.
• Understanding grief (00:05:29) Margaret explains the broad concept of grief, including different types of loss and the idea of complicated grief.
• The process of grief (00:12:36) Discussion on the non-linear nature of the grief process, the stages of grief, and the need to experience and process grief.
• Supporting individuals experiencing grief (00:18:06) Matt and Margaret discuss the challenges of navigating grief in professional settings and provide pointers on how to support individuals experiencing grief.
• Supporting Ourselves When Grieving (00:19:31) Tips for self-care during grief, including creating routine, seeking support, and honoring the loved one.
• Supporting Someone Who's Grieving (00:23:08) Practical ways to support a grieving person, such as providing childcare, acknowledging their grief, and avoiding false platitudes.
• Learning to Live with Loss (00:30:54) Discussion on the process of learning to live with the loss of a loved one and the challenges of accepting mortality.
• Dealing with Loss and Control (00:34:44) Exploration of the fear and loss of control associated with unexpected or unexplainable events, and the frustration of not being able to fix emotional pain.
• Grieving requires attention (00:37:28) Discussion on the intentional effort needed to be present and attentive during the grieving process.
• Surrendering to grief (00:38:03) Exploring the concept of surrendering to grief and accepting difficult emotions.
• Recognizing red flags in grief (00:41:22) Identifying signs of unhealthy coping mechanisms and behaviors in response to grief.
• Reintegration and moving forward (00:49:06) Exploring the reintegration phase of grief and the purpose of grief in helping individuals move forward in life.
• Acknowledging the value of grief (00:51:21) Recognizing the significance of grieving as a reflection of love and the importance of feeling strong emotions.
• Challenges in addressing emotions (00:54:35) Discussing the difficulties in addressing emotions, especially in male-dominated industries, and the need to learn to navigate and apply emotional understanding.
• Grief and Emotional Intelligence (00:56:33) Discussion on the benefits of emotional intelligence, the downside of suppressing emotions, and the importance of addressing grief.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Matt Fanslow recounts the emotional journey of his father's sudden cardiac event days before Christmas 2023. He shares the shock and vulnerability felt during this crisis, the critical role of CPR performed by his brother, and the agonizing wait for medical updates. He describes the importance of empathy, direct communication from doctors, and maintaining hope amidst uncertainty. Matt's story underscores the fragility of life and the need to cherish every moment with loved ones.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Are shop owners blindly giving out benchmarks/blindly following them?

Matt Fanslow, Jeff Barnes, and Bryan Pollack discuss the challenges in the automotive industry, including the overload of information, the lack of standard practices, and the need to understand specific business models. They also discuss the complications of hiring a diagnostic technician, the importance of career development opportunities, the importance of marketing, the challenges of investing in equipment, financial management, and the significance of retaining and training good employees.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• The challenges of navigating information (00:01:10) Discussion on the abundance of information in the automotive industry and the lack of tailored information for specific shops.
• The lack of industry standards (00:03:28) Exploration of the absence of standardized practices in running an automotive shop and the difficulty in determining who is the authority.
• Choosing the right business model (00:06:55) Importance of understanding the specific business model of a shop and making informed decisions based on that, rather than blindly following advice from others.
• The challenges of hiring a diagnostician (00:08:49) Explains the consequences of hiring a diagnostician without proper training and how it affects the shop's efficiency and profitability.
• The difficulties of determining the right diagnostician for a shop (00:09:59) Discusses the challenges faced by shop owners in finding the right diagnostician based on the size and workload of their shop.
• The challenges of finding skilled technicians (00:16:47) Discussion on the difficulty of finding and retaining skilled technicians in certain geographical areas.
• Different business models and the pressure to grow (00:17:20) Exploration of the pressure on shop owners to grow their businesses and the potential negative consequences of pursuing growth without considering the specific business model.
• Questioning the definition of success (00:18:14) Examining the concept of success in the automotive industry, beyond just financial numbers, and the importance of personal happiness and work-life balance.
• The challenges of navigating the automotive industry (00:23:39) Discussion on the importance of continuous training for technicians to keep up with evolving technology.
• Understanding legal and ethical considerations in running an automotive shop (00:26:02) Conversation about the importance of having an accountant, insurance agent, and attorney, and the potential legal and ethical implications of certain actions.
• The challenges of advertising in different areas (00:32:30) Discussion on the difficulties of advertising in different locations, including the effectiveness of different advertising methods based on the size and demographics of the area.
• The importance of targeted marketing (00:34:49) The need for targeted marketing strategies to reach the right audience and avoid wasting advertising budget.
• The challenges of investing in equipment and key cutting machines (00:40:01) The guests discuss the challenges of investing in equipment and key cutting machines, especially for smaller shops and those located near dealerships.
• The changing landscape of the automotive industry and the misconception about shops without a diagnostician (00:41:00)
• Chasing numbers and the prioritization of car issues (00:52:07) Discussion about the pressure to meet certain numbers in the industry and the prioritization of car issues based on customer needs.
• The challenges of chasing false numbers (00:56:32) Discussion on how some shops miss out on hiring good technicians because they focus on a false number instead of considering the technician's value.
• Understanding benchmark numbers vs. goals (00:56:54) Exploration of the difference between benchmark numbers used for measurement and goals that shops should focus on to achieve long-term success.
• Retaining good people and training (01:03:36) Importance of retaining and training good employees as a key factor for success in the automotive industry.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Matt Fanslow pays tribute to the late Jim Linder. Matt reflects on his experiences attending Linder's training classes and conferences, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning for technicians. Matt encourages listeners to remember influential figures in the automotive industry and to invest time in learning about their contributions.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Jim Linder's Legacy (00:01:18) Jim Linder's contributions to the automotive industry, particularly in fuel injector services and solutions.
• Guru Classes and Training (00:06:17) Information about the week-long Guru Classes organized by Jim Linder, including the instructors involved, the location of the classes, and the impact they had on participants.
• The Linder Conference (00:12:22) Discussion about the Linder conferences and the benefits of attending, including access to training programs and career development opportunities.
• Technician's Jeopardy (00:15:47) Participating in Technician's Jeopardy at the conference, including the prizes and Matt's intention to come in second place to win a Pico scope.
• Remembering influential figures in the automotive industry (00:26:03) Discussion about the importance of remembering and honoring influential figures.
• Quality training and resources provided by Jim Linder (00:28:15) Appreciation for the quality of training materials and resources provided by Jim Linder, including well-printed books and good food during training events.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: [email protected]

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

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

Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow dive into the increasing role of technology in the automotive industry and how it's revolutionizing the way we approach vehicle repairs and maintenance. They propose the term "Technology Specialist" for automotive technicians, emphasizing the importance of their expertise. This designation not only acknowledges their expertise in handling advanced vehicle technology but also elevates their professional standing. Changing the language and perception of technicians as professionals is crucial for the industry's growth and success. Will you take part in this language movement?

Show Notes

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• Watch Full Video
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• The passionate discussion with Isaac Rodell and Rich Falco (00:00:17) Carm and Matt discuss the episode with Isaac Rodell and Rich Falco- Batteries, Diag Pay and Gwar, Oh My! [E108]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/108
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• The transformational episode with Bob Heipp (00:00:58) They talk about the episode with Bob, which was transformational and discussed physical and mental health, and how it can save lives. Exploring Relationships, Health, and Personal Growth with Bob Heipp [E109]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/109
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• The proposal for a professional designation (00:07:23) Carm proposes the term "technology specialist" for automotive technicians, emphasizing the importance of investing in knowledge and skills in technology.
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• The need for professional designations (00:08:47) Discussion on the different job positions in the automotive industry and the proposal for a professional designation for technology specialists.
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• Respect and titles in the industry (00:10:22) Comparing the use of titles like "chef" in the culinary industry to the need for respectful titles in the automotive industry, such as "mechanical specialist" and "technology specialist."
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• Collaboration between technology and mechanical specialists (00:18:24) Exploration of the collaboration between technology and mechanical specialists, using the analogy of medical professionals working together in surgery.
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• The need for professional designation (00:25:15) Comparing the automotive industry to regulated professions like doctors and plumbers, and the need for a professional designation in the industry.
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• The importance of journaling and documentation (00:30:06) Discussing the benefits of journaling and documenting experiences and knowledge in the automotive industry, using tools like Google Docs.
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• The role of mobile tech in shops (00:33:46) Exploring the benefits of having a mobile technician for shops that work on multiple car lines and may not have the car count to justify a dedicated technology specialist.
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• Pay plans and hiring bonuses (00:35:43) Discussion on the fairness and impact of hiring bonuses on current technicians, and the need for better communication and compensation plans in the industry.
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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

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