Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

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In this episode, Lucas is joined by Eric Jorn of Kaizen CPA and Advisors, who also serves as the Chicagoland chapter leader for the Midwest Auto Care Alliance. Eric shares his unique journey from service advisor at a Toyota dealer to automotive accounting specialist, highlighting the value of having an industry-specific CPA. Together, they discuss the importance of proper financial structures for auto shops, including setting up the correct chart of accounts and understanding operational costs.

00:00 "Importance of Business Coaches"

05:31 Guiding Small Business Accounting Setup

08:34 Learn Accounting Basics Before Outsourcing

11:43 Tax Auto-Categorization Issues

15:36 Auto Repair Costs Need Increase

18:44 Human-Centric Business Value Importance

19:48 Maximizing Business Value Class

23:03 Empowering Employees for Industry Change

27:11 Empowering Ethical Business Leadership

32:08 Ego, Coaching, and Change

33:23 "Solving Meaningful Problems"

39:19 Smart Pricing for Profitability

41:17 Conflicting Financial Strategy Approaches

46:05 Strategies to Minimize Payroll Taxes

48:02 "Rethinking Work Compensation Paradigms"

50:27 Forward-Thinking Accountant Necessity

54:17 Lack of Financial Oversight Warning