Beyond the Wrench

Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, shares why shops thrive when service advisors put technicians first. With years of experience coaching advisors, Rena explains how stronger collaboration between advisors and technicians leads to better shop culture and performance. She also dives into challenges such as high service advisor turnover, the lack of respect advisors often face, and why she believes nearly 50% of shops are short-staffed at the front.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Rena Rennebohm, Empowered Advisor, [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/

Connect with us on social:

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

In this episode, Dave Anderson, President of Learn to Lead, gives leaders actionable strategies for handling tough situations while earning trust and respect. He shares practical advice on holding even high-performing team members accountable, making confrontation conversational, and avoiding the loss of credibility.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Dave Anderson, Learn to Lead, [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/

Connect with us on social:

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

Lenny Fumarolo shares his journey from working in NASCAR to becoming a Protective Armored Specialist for the United States Secret Service (USSS). He breaks down how others can follow in his footsteps, what daily repairs and maintenance look like in such a high-security role, and how tools, uniforms, and the overall environment differ from typical shops.

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

About the Episode

• Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
• Guest: Lenny A. Fumarolo, United States Secret Service

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:

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

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]

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:

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

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

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:

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

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/

Connect with us on social:

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

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/

Connect with us on social:

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

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/

Connect with us on social:

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

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/

Connect with us on social:

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

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/

Connect with us on social:

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