John Melendez, Owner of JDM Collision, discusses the immense value of carrying technical skills into management and other industry roles. He covers his evolution from technician to industry leader, the lasting impact of effective mentorship on the next generation, and how leveraging certifications directly drives higher pay.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: John Melendez, JDM Collision, [email protected]

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About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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Marc Poulsen, National Accounts Manager, shares how AutoNet TV helps shops build trust with customers and why it’s essential. Learn why showcasing ASE-certified technicians matters, the public’s misconceptions about the technician role, and the challenges of explaining maintenance and complex repairs to customers.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Marc Poulsen, AutoNet TV, [email protected]

Links & Resources

Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list


About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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Bill Demaree and Aaron Blount join us to share how Tom Wood University brings high school students into the dealership for hands-on automotive learning. They discuss the “why” behind the program, the importance of ownership support in building a marketplace of future technicians, and how they structure the curriculum to prepare students for real-world success in the industry.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guests: Bill Demaree & Aaron Blount, Tom Wood Auto Group

Links & Resources

Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list


About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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In this special episode, the tables turn as Beyond the Wrench host Jay Goninen takes the hot seat! Guest host and longtime friend Josh Arnold, a technician himself, interviews Jay about his roots in the family auto shop, the journey to co-founding WrenchWay, and his favorite memories from the last five years of hosting Beyond the Wrench.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Josh Arnold, Subaru Senior Master Technician, Connect on LinkedIn
• Guest: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]

Links & Resources

• Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list

About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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Chris Craig from RockED joins WrenchWay to discuss their partnership offering free soft skills training to schools and students. They talk about why soft skills matter for today’s technicians, what training is available on the RockED app, and how schools and students can get free access to the training.

View the full webinar video and slides

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Chris Craig, RockED, [email protected]

Links & Resources

• Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
• Get free soft skills training for your school or students: rocked.us/solutions-tech-schools

About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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Sunil Patel shares how his path from medical school to shop owner to Founder and CEO of Tekmetric shaped his approach to leadership. He discusses how a personal shop struggle inspired Tekmetric, why staying focused on your vertical drives success, and the leadership lessons he’s learned building a platform for automotive repair shops nationwide.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Sunil Patel, Tekmetric, [email protected]
• Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions

Links & Resources

Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list


About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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John Perez, Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition at Sonic Automotive, shares how they built a junior apprenticeship program for students under 18. From earning executive buy-in to keeping kids safe in the shop, John breaks down how they’re developing the next generation of technicians by starting earlier than most.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: John Perez, Sonic Automotive, [email protected]

Links & Resources

Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list

About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events at SEMA, shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning the SEMA Show 2025. He talks about how the show continues to evolve, what goes into making it run smoothly, and his best advice for first-time attendees.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Tom Gattuso, SEMA, [email protected] 
• Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions

Links & Resources

Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list\

About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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Eric Rusch, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, breaks down two exciting new products technicians will love—the M12 FUEL™ Subcompact Impact Wrench and the M12 FUEL™ Gen 2 Ratchet—live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event. He shares key product features, how Milwaukee Tool has evolved to meet industry needs, and why it’s so rewarding to see these tools come to life for mechanics.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Eric Rusch, Milwaukee Tool

Links & Resources

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About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

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Jason Isaacs, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, dives into shop lighting—how Milwaukee Tool develops durable products, key lighting solutions for technicians, and advice on the best lights for those just starting their careers.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Jason Isaacs, Milwaukee Tool

Links & Resources

Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list


About WrenchWay:

• For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
• For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
• For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/

Connect with us on social:

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