Darrin Barney shares his journey from running a family-owned shop with his brother to becoming CEO of Elite Worldwide. He talks about the early struggles of building a profitable business and the importance of having the right team in the right roles. Darrin also opens up about buying the company that changed his life and how he now helps shop owners build more successful businesses—and better lives.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Darrin Barney, Elite Worldwide, [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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Lauren Reinhold, Director of Training & Education at Kirk NationaLease, shares her journey from technician to teacher to leading a technician training and apprenticeship program. She discusses how connecting with students on a personal level helps them succeed, and she breaks down key parts of the program she's building. Lauren also highlights the disconnect between industry and education that’s impacting the technician shortage.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Lauren Reinhold, Kirk NationaLease, [email protected]
• Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions

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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Curtis Gardner, Audi Master Guild Technician at Sewell Audi of North Houston and Founder of Gnarred LLC, shares what young technicians need to know to build a respectful and lasting career. With 15+ years of experience, he covers common mistakes, how to survive your first months in the shop, and why discipline and strong workflows matter.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Curtis Gardner, Sewell Audi of North Houston & Gnarred LLC, [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 Roberts, Shop Foreman at Metro Toyota, didn’t plan to be on the podcast—but his insights were too good not to share. In this episode, John breaks down the powerful difference between training and mentoring, shares how he builds confidence in his team, and explains why becoming a top-tier technician takes more than just skill—it takes the right mindset.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: John Roberts, Metro Toyota, [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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Marc Erickson, National Sales at AutoMeter Products, Inc., grew up in a drag racing family and naturally found his way into the automotive world. Over 20 years ago, he started at AutoMeter, and his passion for the brand has only grown. In this episode, Marc discusses the importance of credibility and honesty with customers, offers an inside look at AutoMeter’s brand and customer service, and shares stories from his first drag race to meeting some famous industry names.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Marc Erickson, AutoMeter Products, [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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In this episode, Dan Aldrich, Director of Automotive Technical Training at Christian Brothers Automotive, dives into what sets top technicians apart—a growth mindset paired with strong mentorship. Dan explores why soft skills are just as crucial as technical skills, how mentorship can transform many careers, and why investing in yourself is key to moving forward in the industry. 

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest:  Dan Aldrich, Christian Brothers 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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Bryan Robbins, Owner & Lead Instructor of Hot Rod High School, is bringing auto tech education to students at home through online lessons and take-home kits. What started during COVID now reaches homeschooled students and beyond. Bryan shares his journey of following in his dad’s footsteps as a teacher, how Hot Rod High School found success, and how he pitched shops Shark Tank-style to gather funds.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest:  Bryan Robbins, Hot Rod High School, [email protected]
• Sponsor: ASE - Automotive Service Excellence

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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Joel Adcock, Director of Partnerships & Business Development at Revv, joins us to talk about the growing demand for ADAS calibrations in today’s vehicles. He explains how often calibrations are needed—even after basic repairs—and why prescans should be part of every job. Joel also highlights the need to better educate drivers on what ADAS is and how fast vehicle technology is changing.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
Sign Up for the ADAS Empowerment Community Group 

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Joel Adcock, Revv, [email protected]
• Sponsor: ASE - Automotive Service Excellence

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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Miles Bell, General Manager of Dave’s Auto Center, shares how his family’s shop built a combined following of over 4 million on social media to help grow their independent auto shop. He talks about how he and his dad, Dave Bell, have learned to work together by playing to each other’s strengths, their “secret sauce” for social media success, and the valuable lessons—and mistakes—they’ve made along the way.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Miles Bell, Dave’s Auto Center, [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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Dave Bell, Founder of Dave’s Auto Center, joins us to share his real journey from growing up in poverty to starting a successful shop and building a loyal social media following. He walks us through how he made the leap from being an operator in the business to becoming a true owner, why mentorship matters so much to him, and the one quality that separates great technicians from the rest.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Dave Bell, Dave’s Auto Center, [email protected]
• Sponsor: ASE - Automotive Service Excellence

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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• LinkedIn
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