Beyond The Bay

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, host Peter Cooper speaks with Kevin DeMarco, Owner of DeMarco Equipment Repair in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, about running a profitable repair shop, setting better customer boundaries, and deciding when to step back from the truck. The conversation focuses on profit over busyness, follow-up, customer fit, and how owners can build a business that supports the shop instead of trapping them in it.

Kevin shares how his shop grew from doing road work across fleets, trucks, trailers, and equipment into a five-person operation. His experience on the truck, managing customers, and hiring staff gives a practical view of what changes when an owner moves from doing everything to building systems, protecting cash flow, and creating space for the business to grow.

Key Takeaways

• How to identify which jobs and customers actually make the most profit, instead of confusing busy work with business growth.

• Why setting clear payment terms and customer boundaries protects cash flow, staff morale, and long-term stability.

• The importance of following up on estimates and referrals instead of waiting for customers to come back on their own.

• How to think about labour efficiency before adding more employees, so you do not scale waste.

• Why do owners need to work on the business, not just in it, if they want to get past the growth plateau?

Key Timestamps

00:00 – Teaser

00:59 – Introduction and guest welcome

01:18 – Kevin describes the range of work at his shop

03:55 – Growth through hard work and hiring employees

05:07 – Wanting to step back from constant road calls

06:10 – Peter explains profit, efficiency, and business diagnostics

09:18 – Firing stressful customers and protecting cash flow

12:21 – Setting payment boundaries and using third-party billing

16:42 – Why busy is a warning sign and follow-up matters

18:12 – Dressing for the role you want and working on the business

29:03 – Safety, distractions, and using help or AI where appropriate

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. 

Follow the Guest:

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.demarco.90/ 

Follow the Guest’s Company:

👉 Website: https://www.demarcoequipmentrepair.com/

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demarco_equipment_repair/ 

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demarcoequipmentrepair/ 

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting

👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC 

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, host Peter Cooper sits down with Joseph Puzur, Owner of AD Truck Service & Repair LLC, to discuss the remarkable journey of growing a family-owned diesel repair shop from just 1,000 square feet to a 30,000-square-foot operation with more than 30 employees.

Joseph shares the challenges that come with rapid expansion, including managing cash flow, hiring and developing technicians, building a strong company culture, and transitioning from technician to business leader. The conversation also explores customer payment strategies, marketing through Google reviews, creating scalable business systems, and why long-term success depends on investing in people, leadership, and operational excellence rather than simply fixing trucks.

Expect to Learn

• How to manage cash flow during periods of rapid business growth

• Why hiring for attitude and culture often outperforms hiring for experience alone

• How daily communication and leadership strengthen shop culture

• Why systems, KPIs, and delegation are essential for scaling a repair business

• How Google reviews and reputation drive customer acquisition

• Why shop owners should stop acting like banks and protect their cash flow

• How to transition from being a technician to becoming a true business leader

  
  

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Teaser

[00:01:09] - Introduction and Joseph Puzur shares the story behind AD Truck Repair's explosive growth

[00:06:47] - Managing cash flow, taking calculated risks, and expanding into a larger facility

[00:08:48] - Hiring technicians, developing young talent, and building a winning culture

[00:15:16] - Leadership lessons, daily team meetings, and investing in people

[00:20:06] - Cash flow challenges, customer payment policies, and protecting the business

[00:23:28] - Factoring services, financial discipline, and stabilizing after rapid growth

[00:29:19] - Marketing strategies, Google reviews, and generating consistent customer growth

[00:32:01] - Building systems, KPIs, and making the transition from operator to business owner

[00:38:26] - Future plans, franchising, company vision, and creating opportunities for employees

Follow the Guest:

👉 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-puzur-40b3a2278/ 

Follow the Guest’s Company:

👉 AD Truck Service & Repair LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ad-truck-service-&-repair-llc/  

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting

👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC 

📖 Get our ultimate shop roadmap:⁠ You Don't Fix Trucks Anymore⁠

🎙 Tune in to more episodes: ⁠@petercooperAC⁠

🚛 Build a self-sustaining shop with Ascend Consulting: ⁠www.ascendconsulting.help⁠

What happens when two former Wall Street professionals decide to build a diesel repair business?

Stephanie and Chris Walsh took a completely different path into the heavy-duty industry. With backgrounds in recruiting, portfolio management, and finance, they built Driven Fleet Services around data, transparency, culture, and a willingness to challenge the traditional way of running a repair shop.

Key Takeaways:

• Hiring for Culture, Not Just Technical Skills
• Making the Numbers Visible
• The Cost of Lost Minutes
• Managing Without Fear
• Listening to Your Team
• Building a Strong Company Culture
• Planning for Growth
• Mobile vs. Brick-and-Mortar

Timestamps:

01:05 Introduction to Stephanie & Chris Walsh and Driven Fleet Services

01:31 From Wall Street to the heavy-duty industry

03:08 Building a primarily mobile repair operation

03:45 Why they started with both mobile and brick-and-mortar service

06:20 Growing the in-shop operation

07:10 Why cultural fit matters when hiring technicians

08:53 How to identify the right candidates during interviews

11:58 Using weekly bonuses to motivate technician performance

13:36 Why transparency with company numbers builds employee buy-in

17:01 Managing employees through numbers and one-on-one conversations

18:00 The $211,000 cost of lost minutes

20:00 Why the industry needs to value its work differently

22:30 Stephanie's experience as a non-traditional shop owner

25:08 When shop owners become too dependent on technicians

27:03 Managing from a place of fear

28:19 Train employees so they can leave, treat them so they don't want to

29:05 Creating an open culture where employees feel heard

30:41 The impact of culture on technician performance

31:41 What's next for Driven Fleet Services

32:08 Building a five-year plan for growth

32:50 Planning the business before growth forces the next hire

Get to know our guest, Stephanie & Chris Walsh:

Website: https://drivenfleetservices.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-walsh-drivenfleet1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063809460387&sk=about

Let's Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-468367133

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

Instagram: @ascendconsulting.help

TikTok: @shopconsulting

X: @PeterCooper9084

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, host ⁠⁠Peter Cooper⁠⁠ sits down with ⁠⁠Cynthia Thomas⁠⁠, Owner & General Manager at ⁠⁠AFS Truck & Auto Repair Center⁠⁠. Cynthia shares her unconventional path from corporate roles in purchasing, HR, and process improvement into the truck and fleet repair industry. With no prior automotive background, she built a multi-location operation by focusing on systems, software, and scalable processes. The conversation explores how she balances operational growth with culture-building, technician empowerment, customer trust, and data-driven decision-making. Cynthia also breaks down how empathy, transparency, and structured processes help her business thrive in a historically distrustful industry. 

Expect to Learn

- How a corporate background in process improvement can translate into running a successful fleet repair business

- How data dashboards and KPIs help manage technician performance and business profitability

- The importance of balancing profitability with long-term sustainability and overhead growth

- Why trust, transparency, and honest inspections are essential in automotive and fleet repair

- How to structure technician autonomy while still maintaining accountability through clear thresholds

- How shop owners can shift from “fixing vehicles” to leading a customer-first service organization

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Teaser

[00:01:07] - Introduction to Cynthia Thomas and AFS Truck & Auto Repair Center

[00:01:33] - Corporate background in process improvement, HR, and software

[00:03:32] - Using process improvement to build systems and operational playbooks

[00:05:50] - Transitioning from technician mindset to business ownership

[00:12:15] - Using KPIs, dashboards, and data to manage shop performance

[00:16:06] - Gamification, incentives, and setting clear performance expectations

[00:18:42] - Why profitability is essential for long-term business value and stability

[00:24:47] - Selling value instead of competing on price

[00:29:42] - Building trust and transparency in a traditionally distrusted industry

[00:36:20] - Customer empathy, flexibility, and resolving service issues effectively 

Follow Guest Cynthia Thomas:

👉 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-t-thomas/⁠⁠

Follow the Guest’s Company:

👉 AFS Truck & Auto Repair Center: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/austinfleetservices/⁠⁠

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/⁠⁠

👉 Website: ⁠⁠https://ascendconsulting.help/⁠⁠

👉 Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745⁠⁠

👉 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/⁠⁠

👉 TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting⁠⁠

👉 X: ⁠⁠https://x.com/PeterCooper9084⁠⁠

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3⁠⁠

👉 Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994⁠⁠

👉 YouTube:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC⁠⁠

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, host Peter Cooper talks with Benito Diaz, Owner of STP Diesel. Benito shares his journey from working at a Ford dealership to founding his specialized diesel repair shop. The conversation explores the real-world challenges of shop ownership, including customer education, process optimization, documenting work, cash flow management, hiring, and evolving from a hands-on technician to a business leader. Benito emphasizes how focusing on communication, quality control, financial systems, and hiring the right people allows shop owners to scale profitably and sustainably.

Expect to Learn

- How specializing in diesel pickups creates a profitable niche

- Why clear communication with clients is critical for trust and retention

- The importance of multi-point inspections, documentation, and quality control

- How small gestures like engine bay cleaning can differentiate your shop

- Managing cash flow, understanding margins, and using accounting tools effectively

- How to transition from technician mindset to business leadership

- Hiring strategies, front-office management, and delegation for growth

- How owner mindset impacts shop performance and long-term success

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Teaser 

[00:01:04] – Introduction to Benny Diaz and STP Diesel [00:01:54] – Benefits of specializing in diesel pickup trucks and targeting a niche market

[00:03:26] – Shop size, team structure, and owner involvement in daily operations

[00:05:45] – Using shop management software to improve communication with clients

[00:06:08] – Multi-point inspections: pictures, videos, and data for client understanding

[00:07:34] – Upselling ethically while building trust with clients

[00:12:24] – Documenting work to prevent disputes, including pre- and post-repair reports

[00:17:32] – Challenges in cash flow, accounting, and managing growth for self-funded shops

[00:24:46] – Owner evolution: delegating, hiring, and taking responsibility for business growth

[00:25:59] – Understanding margins, pricing work appropriately, and valuing your shop

[00:32:56] – Final Conversation

Follow Guest Benito Diaz:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benito-diaz-2b8517381/

Follow the Guest’s Company:

👉 STP Diesel: https://stpdiesel.com/

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting

👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC 

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, host Peter Cooper talks with Steve Bourdin, Owner of Steve’s Diesel Repair in Edmonton, Alberta. Steve shares his journey from starting out as a certified heavy-duty technician through Canada’s apprenticeship system to running his own diesel repair shop. The conversation explores the real-world challenges of shop ownership, including hiring skilled technicians, dealing with changing workforce attitudes, improving customer acquisition, and maintaining profitability in a competitive industry. A key focus throughout the episode is how successful shop owners must shift their mindset from purely technical work to business leadership, systems, and financial discipline in order to build a sustainable operation.

Expect to Learn

- How the Canadian diesel technician apprenticeship system works

- Why the skilled trades are struggling to attract new workers

- How to identify motivated and reliable job candidates

- Why referrals are one of the strongest growth strategies for shops

- How flexible leadership improves employee retention

- Why understanding finances is critical for shop owners

- How to transition from technician mindset to business ownership mindset

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Teaser

[00:01:07] – Introduction to guest Steve Bourdin, shop operations and team structure

[00:04:12] – Challenges in skilled trades education and workforce development

[00:06:31] – Student mindset issues and modern apprenticeship concerns

[00:09:50] – Hiring strategies and filtering entry-level candidates

[00:13:42] – Customer acquisition challenges and marketing issues

[00:16:34] – Financial discipline and separating personal vs business spending

[00:19:55] – Referral systems and customer growth strategies [00:25:54] – Employee retention, flexibility, and workplace culture

[00:29:34] – Importance of business education and closing advice

Follow the Guest’s Company:

👉 Steve’s Diesel Repair: https://www.stevesdiesel.com/

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting

👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC 

In this episode of the Beyond The Bay Podcast, Peter Cooper sits down with Dylan Parfitt, owner of Parfitt Truck Repair LLC. Dylan shares how he started his operation servicing commercial vehicles, including pickup trucks, vans, and class eight trucks. They discuss how to prioritize profitable work, avoid low-margin or draining customers, and structure pay to motivate technicians. Dylan also talks about leveraging preventative maintenance, road service, and fleet PMs to increase revenue and efficiency.

They dive into actionable strategies for managing customer expectations, capturing emergency service calls, and creating a service truck that functions as a mobile workshop. Peter and Dylan also explore the mindset required to separate emotion from business, focus on growth, and implement processes that scale with a small team.

Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on High-Margin Work: Identify and prioritize the jobs that generate the most profit rather than chasing large-ticket but low-margin work.

2. Employee and Customer Alignment: Listen to your team and selectively work with customers that fit your business model and culture.

3. Road Service as Growth Driver: Road service and fleet preventative maintenance create consistent revenue and strengthen customer relationships.

4. Productivity-Based Pay Structures: Align technician pay with productivity to motivate efficiency and increase profitability.

5. Follow-Up & Communication: Promptly answering calls, following up, and emphasizing “we can help” over pricing builds trust and captures more business.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser

• [00:49] – Introduction to Dylan Parfitt & Parfitt Truck Repair

• [02:47] – Choosing Work That’s Profitable and Efficient

• [04:38] – Preventative Maintenance as a Profit Center

• [07:48] – Implementing Productivity-Based Pay for Technicians

• [10:37] – Firing the Wrong Customers & Team Morale

• [13:43] – Competing on Value vs. Price

• [15:53] – Fleet Services & Asking Customers the Right Questions

• [21:35] – Importance of Capturing the Truck First

• [23:04] – Follow-Up and Availability for Emergency Calls

• [26:23] – Origin of Road Service & DIY Mobile Shop

• [29:21] – Closing Thoughts & Leadership Mindset

Follow the Guest and his Companies:

👉 Parfitt Truck Repair LLC: https://www.parfitttruckrepair.com/

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting

👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC 

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, Peter Cooper sits down with Jamie Chapman, the owner of Chapman’s Garage, LLC, a heavy duty truck repair and road service company. Jamie shares how his business started in 2005 by washing trucks and grew into a full garage operation that handles 24/7 road service. He talks about the importance of managing all customer calls himself, adding new revenue streams like truck parking, and competing with large dealerships by offering faster service. Jamie also explains the lessons he learned while running his shop, including working with family members, using flat rate pay to motivate technicians, and pushing a clear vision to his team.

Jamie shares the challenges he faced while growing his business, including the struggle of finding technicians with the right mentality and dealing with building doors that are too low for big trucks. He talks about his role as a dealmaker rather than a mechanic and the control he maintains by answering every phone call himself. Jamie also highlights how adding unique revenue streams like daily truck parking, using flat rate pay to boost efficiency, and sticking strictly to his personal standards have helped him build a successful company.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing a Dealmaker Mindset: Jamie talks about focusing on making deals and talking with drivers instead of working as a mechanic to run his business.

2. Finding New Revenue Streams: Jamie shares how adding truck parking through an online app helped him get easy money and utilize empty lot space.

3. Answering Calls Around the Clock: Jamie highlights the importance of taking every single customer phone call himself because he wants total control.

4. Sticking to Strict Standards: Jamie explains that keeping his personal standards high and doing things his way keeps his company name protected.

5. Leading with Clear Vision: Jamie shares how sharing his personal vision with his technicians helps the team come together with the same mindset.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:18] - Introduction to Jamie Chapman & Chapmans Garage, LLC

[01:34] - Figuring out Business History and Origins

[02:35] - Managing Technicians and On-Site Facilities

[04:09] - Handling Call Control and Work Routines

[07:47] - Adding Extra Revenue with Truck Parking

[12:59] - Adapting Business Models Beyond the Dealership

[15:14] - Prioritizing Speed and Word of Mouth

[16:59] - Utilizing Flat Rate and Efficiency Pay

[20:43] - You don’t have to like, if there’s a job that you don’t want to do in your business.

[25:04] - If a technician has ten places to work, you need to know why they’d choose to work for you.

[27:39] - This captures the wrap-up of the conversation about delegating tasks and hiring. 

📺 Tune into Jamie Chapman on YouTube for unfiltered political commentary and gaming streams.Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@JamieChapmanFES 

Follow the Guest and his Companies:

👉 Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JamieChapmanFES

👉 Chapman’s Garage, LLC: https://chapmansgaragellc.com/

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting

👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, Peter Cooper sits down with Kevin Roberts, President of Roberts Repair Inc, a repair shop owner with 37 years of experience working on everything from lawn tractors to emergency vehicles and classic cars. Kevin shares how he built his business from a one-bay shop into a specialised operation and explains the importance of maintenance systems, technician training, and critical thinking in the repair industry. He also discusses shop culture, hiring the right people, and the challenges modern vehicle technology creates for technicians and business owners. 

Kevin shares the challenges facing the repair industry, including the growing gap between modern vehicle technology and the skill level of new technicians entering the field. He talks about the importance of critical thinking, proper training, and following best practices to improve safety and repair quality. Kevin also explains how strong shop culture, clear systems, and hiring people with the right attitude have helped him build and maintain a successful business for nearly four decades.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building Strong Maintenance Systems: Kevin explains how proper maintenance schedules helped emergency vehicles last longer and reduced major repairs.

2. The Importance of Critical Thinking: Kevin shares why technicians need to understand facts, basic principles, and best practices instead of relying only on habits or opinions.

3. Hiring for Attitude and Character: Kevin highlights the value of hiring people with the right mindset and training them to become skilled technicians.

4. Creating a Strong Shop Culture: Kevin discusses how clean shops, clear systems, and strong leadership help businesses operate more successfully.

5. Adapting to Modern Vehicle Challenges: Kevin talks about the growing complexity of vehicle technology and the need for ongoing training in the repair industry.
   

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:12] - Introduction to Kevin Roberts & Roberts Repair Inc

[02:15] - Working on Emergency Vehicle Fleets

[05:48] - Extending Vehicle Life with Maintenance Systems

[08:27] - Emissions Systems and Emergency Vehicles

[14:30] - Using Facts and Data in Repair Decisions

[17:22] - Creating Better Shop Systems and Standards

[29:01] - The Challenges Facing Modern Technicians

[33:31] - Hiring Technicians with the Right Attitude

Follow the Guest and his Companies:

👉 Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-roberts-201381136/

👉 Roberts Repair Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roberts-repair-inc/

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting

👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084

Listen to Beyond the Bay Podcast:

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC

In this episode of Beyond The Bay Podcast, Peter Cooper sits down with Joe Gallaher, the Chief Executive Officer of Gallaher Fleet Solutions, a diesel truck and trailer repair company. Joe shares how he started in 2019 with a single service truck and grew into a business with two shop locations and a mobile service team. He talks about the importance of offering benefits to attract skilled technicians, building a strong company culture, and leading with transparency. Joe also explains the lessons he learned while scaling his business, including hiring for behavior, developing leaders, and creating systems to support long term growth.

Joe shares the challenges he faced while growing his business, including the struggle of finding good talent and the cost of offering health benefits. He talks about the transition from being a technician to a business owner and the need to delegate tasks to scale. Joe also highlights how focusing on transparency, hiring for the right behaviors, and creating a winning playbook for every role have helped him build a successful company.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shifting from Technician to Business Owner: Joe talks about moving from being a technician to a business owner to scale the company and improve people's lives.  

2. Investing in People and Benefits: Joe shares how offering health insurance and benefits helped him attract the best technicians and compete with larger fleets.  

3. Transparency in Business: Joe highlights the importance of being open with his leadership team about finances and problems to help them solve issues together.  

4. Hiring for Behaviors: Joe explains that hiring people with the right attitude and then training them for skills is the key to building a strong culture.  

5. Leading with Vision and Purpose: Joe shares how having a big dream and a clear mission helps keep his team aligned and motivated to win as a group.
   

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:05] - Introduction to Robert Patritti & Rapid Diesel Repair

[01:14] - Transitioning from Technician to Shop Owner

[03:22] - Navigating the Cost of Health Insurance

[06:19] - Building Culture Beyond Pay and Family

[09:24] - Practicing Openness and Financial Transparency

[11:23] - Implementing Profit Sharing and Mindsets

[16:37] - Hiring for Behaviors Over Technical Skills

[22:54] - Training with Playbooks and Apprenticeships
Follow the Guest and his Companies:

👉 Joe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-gallaher-b1b599a3/

👉 Gallaher Fleet Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gallaher-fleet-solutions/

Follow Host Peter Cooper on:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/

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