The same shop management and technician recruiting strategies that were used 30 years ago don’t work like they used to. In this episode, David Cuene, Managing Partner at Broadway Automotive, joins us to discuss several topics, including taking care of your team, adapting to changes in the industry, and more.

(1:27) David’s Background
(7:54) Reevaluating Shop Culture
(22:23) Shifts in the Industry
(31:42) Technician Hiring & Pay
(42:56) Managing Young Technicians

Resources:

Help us reach 1,000 Schools on WrenchWay. Refer a school by emailing [email protected] or checking out our website.

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
David Cuene
Managing Partner, Broadway Automotive
[email protected]

Sponsor:
Don’t lose work - Today’s tech-savvy consumers value instant gratification so they start their searches for service and repair on their computers and smartphones. Did you know that 81% of consumers do online price comparisons before, during, AND after they have already authorized the work?

Gain these customers by becoming RepairPal Certified. RepairPal will introduce you to new customers through repairpal.com. the largest site for auto repair, and through the recommendation of their partners like USAA, CarMax, and Consumer Reports. They also help you with customer retention by providing an independent 3rd party quality and satisfaction certification, and proof of fair prices with their best-in-class estimator.

Don’t get left behind! Head on over to repairpal.com and set up a call to learn more. When you sign up, you’ll get 1 month of service free.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
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• X
• LinkedIn
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• TikTok

When setting a goal, the path to achieving it can be a daunting task that can often derail the outcome. In this episode, Darin Damron, SE Regional Vice President at Jasper Engines & Transmissions, breaks down goal setting, mind mapping, and explains the positive journey of achieving goals.

(2:13) Goal Importance
(8:38) Mind Mapping
(18:54) Power of “Your Why”
(27:03) Positive Mindset
(41:51) Building Relationships & Legacy

Resources:

Learn more about WrenchWay’s $1,000 Monthly Giveaway

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

Darin's last Beyond the Wrench episode: How Technicians Can Develop Strong Habits

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Darin Damron
SE Regional Vice President, Jasper Engines & Transmissions
[email protected]

Sponsor:
OK. Your customer’s engine or transmission has failed. But now is not the time for them to trade their vehicle – not without a working engine or transmission. Besides, would they have kept their vehicle another 3-5 years if their engine or transmission had not let them down?

If you answered “yes” then Jasper Engines and Transmissions is your choice to give your customer’s vehicle new life and many thousands of miles of enjoyable driving performance.

When considering the high cost of a new or newer used vehicle, there’s a pretty good case to be made for replacing a drive train component that has failed or is delivering poor performance – rather than trading their car, truck, van or SUV. Install a quality re-manufactured JASPER product for less than your customer would have to invest in a new vehicle or a newer used vehicle.

Check out their website at jasperengines.com to learn more about the money-saving value of JASPER.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Scholarships lessen students’ financial burden when paying for school. Tune in as Janet Smail, Executive Director of The Hourglass Foundation, covers scholarship criteria, tips for writing scholarship essays, and the various journeys available in the automotive industry.

(1:32) Janet’s Background
(12:06) Scholarship Funding
(19:00) How Students Qualify for Scholarships
(24:25) Selecting Scholarship Criteria
(35:27) Writing Scholarship Essays
(45:15) Perception of the Trades

Resources:

Learn more about WrenchWay School Assist

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Janet Smail
Executive Director, The Hourglass Foundation
[email protected]

Sponsor:
OK. Your customer’s engine or transmission has failed. But now is not the time for them to trade their vehicle – not without a working engine or transmission. Besides, would they have kept their vehicle another 3-5 years if their engine or transmission had not let them down?

If you answered “yes” then Jasper Engines and Transmissions is your choice to give your customer’s vehicle new life and many thousands of miles of enjoyable driving performance.

When considering the high cost of a new or newer used vehicle, there’s a pretty good case to be made for replacing a drive train component that has failed or is delivering poor performance – rather than trading their car, truck, van or SUV. Install a quality re-manufactured JASPER product for less than your customer would have to invest in a new vehicle or a newer used vehicle.

Check out their website at jasperengines.com to learn more about the money-saving value of JASPER.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

We know obtaining ASE certifications can be challenging. Josh Arnold, Master Technician, Toyota of Corvallis joins us to discuss the value of ASE certifications, conquering test anxiety, and how to prepare for an ASE test.

(1:52) Value of ASE Certifications
(8:55) ASE Test Anxiety & Pressure
(27:55) Shop Support on ASE Testing
(33:20) Preparing for an ASE Test
(41:55) Coaching Others on ASE Tests

Resources:

Learn more about Reverse Job Posts

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Josh Arnold
Automotive Technician, Toyota of Corvallis
[email protected]

Sponsor:

Sonic Tools’ direct distribution model offers affordable prices, without sacrificing quality and service. Their goal is to increase the efficiency of every technician with equipment solutions and Sonic Foam System that organizes quality tools in ways that award every technician with the opportunity to excel. Visit sonictoolsusa.com to learn more.

Connect with us on social:

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This generation of technicians learns differently. Tina Zwolinksi, CEO & Founder, skillsgapp, shares her knowledge on how gamification can engage the younger generation and attract them to technician careers.

(1:02) Guest Background
(3:12) Defining and Communicating with Gen Z
(17:12) Embracing the Digital World
(23:01) What is Gamification?
(33:29) Familiarizing Young Kids with the Industry
(52:11) skillsgapp Gamification

Resources:

Learn More about WrenchWay’s $1,000 Monthly Giveaway

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Tina Zwolinksi
CEO & Founder, skillsgapp
[email protected]

Sponsor:

WyoTech is one of the nation’s leading automotive, collision and diesel training schools found in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

With hands on training 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, their graduates are career ready in 9 months!

WyoTech offers 3 core programs in automotive, diesel and collision. WyoTech also offers 6 specialty programs in High Performance Power Trains, Trim and Upholstery, Advanced Diesel, Applied Service Management, Street Rod, and Chassis Fabrication. Countless opportunities for students to work with their hands, never online.

Check out WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming by visiting WyoTech.edu

WyoTech starts students four times a year allowing many opportunities for students to start their career in the trades.

America is built on the trades and needs skilled technicians now! WyoTech is the place to get the training you need for the jobs America needs TODAY.

Know your brand. Forge your path.

Connect with us on social:

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To make an impact as a leader, build trust within your team. Jen Ellestad, Fixed Operations Director of Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road in Madison, Wisconsin explains the importance of building trust, communication styles, and finding the right people for your shop.  

(2:17) Guest Background 
(16:06) Challenges When Communicating with a Big Team
(21:00) Getting Good People into the Shop
(26:24) Technician and Service Advisor Relationship
(33:51) Challenges in Recruiting 
(44:32) Evolution of the Industry
(54:03) Building a Cool Brand

Resources:

Learn more and check out Shop Talk

Watch Jen's Session of TechMission

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Jen Ellestad
Fixed Operations Director, Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road
[email protected]

Sponsor:

OK. Your customer’s engine or transmission has failed. But now is not the time for them to trade their vehicle – not without a working engine or transmission. Besides, would they have kept their vehicle another 3-5 years if their engine or transmission had not let them down?

If you answered “yes” then Jasper Engines and Transmissions is your choice to give your customer’s vehicle new life and many thousands of miles of enjoyable driving performance.

When considering the high cost of a new or newer used vehicle, there’s a pretty good case to be made for replacing a drive train component that has failed or is delivering poor performance – rather than trading their car, truck, van or SUV. Install a quality re-manufactured JASPER product for less than your customer would have to invest in a new vehicle or a newer used vehicle.

Check out their website at jasperengines.com to learn more about the money-saving value of JASPER.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

The best thing a dealership can do is create a place of employment technicians want to work at. Ed Roberts, Chief Operations Officer, Bozard Ford Lincoln is back on the podcast to discuss how to create a strong employer brand, finding the right personalities for a shop, changes in the industry, and so much more! 

(1.07) Guest Background
(6:23) Being a Brand Techs Want to Work For
(10:56) Technician Satisfaction 
(17:01) Finding the Right Personality 
(23:30) Creating a Comfortable Environment
(29:43) Showing a Successful Career Path
(34:41) Creating a Strong Employer Brand
(42:26) Changes in the Future of the Industry

Resources:

Check out WrenchWay Tops Shops

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Ed Roberts
Chief Operations Officer, Bozard Ford Lincoln
[email protected]

Sponsor:

Don’t lose work - Today’s tech-savvy consumers value instant gratification so they start their searches for service and repair on their computers and smartphones. Did you know that 81% of consumers do online price comparisons before, during, AND after they have already authorized the work?

Gain these customers by becoming RepairPal Certified. RepairPal will introduce you to new customers through repairpal.com. the largest site for auto repair, and through the recommendation of their partners like USAA, CarMax, and Consumer Reports. They also help you with customer retention by providing an independent 3rd party quality and satisfaction certification, and proof of fair prices with their best-in-class estimator.

Don’t get left behind! Head on over to repairpal.com and set up a call to learn more. When you sign up, you’ll get 1 month of service free. That’s repairpal.com.

Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

As a technician, managing your budget and making wise purchases isn’t always easy. In this episode, Rob Frohwein and Kathryn Petralia, Co-Founders of Keep Financial, share their expertise on how technicians and shops can discuss pay, benefits,  flexibility, and advice on budgeting. 

(1:23): Guests Background
(8:19) Removing Barriers to Make Life Easier
(11:31) Discussing Pay with Employees
(15:00) How a Company Uses Keep Financial
(23:38) Teaching People How to Budget
(32:53) Using Flexibility as a Recruiting Tool
(41:46) Advice on How to Approach Benefits

Resources:

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guests:
Rob Frohwein
Co-Founder, Keep Financial
[email protected]

Kathryn Petralia
Co-Founder, Keep Financial
[email protected]

Sponsor:

Are you okay paying a bunch of added fees for credit card processing? How about waiting for hours or days for a call back from tech support at your payment processor?

Wind River Financial is not okay with it either. In fact, a desire to get rid of the empty promises of the payments industry is one of the reasons this merchant services company was formed back in 1999.

Now, over two decades later, family-owned Wind River continues to thrive by bringing integrity, transparent pricing, and a higher standard of service to its customers.

They’ve been serving the automotive industry for over 20 years and would love the opportunity to serve you too. Give them a call at 833-274-5875 or visit windriverfinancial.com.

Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
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• X
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• YouTube
• TikTok

Meredith Collins from Ducker Carlisle joins us to discuss the results of their latest technician survey. The survey includes responses from about 30,000 technicians and dives deep into technician demographics, compensation, workload, and more.

(1:27) Guest Background 
(6:59) Advice to Young People Interested in the Industry
(10:05) About the Survey
(14:09) Technician Demographics
(22:51) Technician Compensation
(37:16) Technician Workload
(45:24) Taking Care of Service Advisors
(50:57) Warranty Work

Resources:

Check out WrenchWay's Shop Talk feed

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Meredith Collins
Insights Director, Ducker Carlisle
[email protected]

Sponsor:

OK. Your customer’s engine or transmission has failed. But now is not the time for them to trade their vehicle – not without a working engine or transmission. Besides, would they have kept their vehicle another 3-5 years if their engine or transmission had not let them down?

If you answered “yes” then Jasper Engines and Transmissions is your choice to give your customer’s vehicle new life and many thousands of miles of enjoyable driving performance.

When considering the high cost of a new or newer used vehicle, there’s a pretty good case to be made for replacing a drive train component that has failed or is delivering poor performance – rather than trading their car, truck, van or SUV. Install a quality re-manufactured JASPER product for less than your customer would have to invest in a new vehicle or a newer used vehicle.

Check out their website at jasperengines.com to learn more about the money-saving value of JASPER.

Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

If a shop isn’t growing its own technicians, turnover and retention will continue to be a huge problem in the automotive industry.

Lindsey Trett, Director of Talent Acquisitions of Walser Automotive Group, shares her expertise on how shops can grow their own technicians by creating a solid career path.

(1:50) Guest Background
(13:51) Senior Leadership Needs to Believe in the Shop
(16:46) Growing Your Own Technicians and Creating a Career Path
(25:01) How to Get Real Feedback From Technicians
(30:15) Adapting to the New Way Technicians Learn
(35:12) Career Growth and the Emerging Leader Program
(48:15) Handling Technicians Fear When First Starting at a New Shop
(53:38) Gauging the Culture of a Good Shop

Resources:
Watch Lindsey Trett's session of TechMission 2022

Learn more about WrenchWay’s $1,000 Monthly Giveaway

Download the free WrenchWay mobile app:
App Store
Google Play

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:
Lindsey Trett
Director of Talent Acquisitions, Walser Automotive Group
[email protected]

Sponsor:
Are you okay paying a bunch of added fees for credit card processing? How about waiting for hours or days for a call back from tech support at your payment processor?

Wind River Financial is not okay with it either. In fact, a desire to get rid of the empty promises of the payments industry is one of the reasons this merchant services company was formed back in 1999.

Now, over two decades later, family-owned Wind River continues to thrive by bringing integrity, transparent pricing, and a higher standard of service to its customers. 

They’ve been serving the automotive industry for over 20 years and would love the opportunity to serve you too. Give them a call at 833-274-5875 or visit windriverfinancial.com.

Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok