Changing The Industry Podcast

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, David and Lucas are joined by Monique from Shop-Ware at the Institute Summit 2025. Monique and Lucas discuss the underutilization of Shop-Ware's DVX feature, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing customer interaction and driving profitability. Additionally, Monique shares her practices on integrating test plans into Shop-Ware to standardize diagnostic processes and optimize workflow. Lucas further highlights the importance of aligning parts pricing with competitive market analysis to ensure shops meet their target profit margins. 

00:00 "Dvx: Our Distinct Competitive Edge"

08:35 DVX Data Reveals Higher Close Ratio

15:11 Integrated Digital Inspection Evolution

18:21 Optimizing Shopware with Test Plans

24:12 Discussing Customer Financing Challenges

30:13 Embrace Technology or Fall Behind

34:52 "Optimizing Pricing Strategies"

40:51 Understanding Human Decision-Making

43:08 Observing "Death Scroll" on Planes

50:09 "Technology's Impact on My Life"

53:35 "Guided Pricing Adjustments for Shops"

59:17 Troubleshooting Zoom Call Pricing Issues

01:06:26 "Questioning Genuine Customer Interactions"

01:09:07 Vision Implementation Feedback Loop

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Kim and Brian Walker of Shop Marketing Pros. Kim shares the significance of managing digital asset ownership, underscoring potential difficulties when business credentials are not in the company's name. Brian narrates their experience transitioning their marketing business to focus more on outbound sales and the obstacles encountered. Listeners can gain valuable insights into team management, especially when dealing with challenging situations or unexpected departures, as Brian and Kim recount their stories of growth and resilience.

00:00 iPhone Wax Cleaning ASMR

07:44 Strength Through Adversity

15:48 Building Trust with New Hires

19:46 "Importance of Professional Shop Marketing"

25:32 Business Suite Monetization Issues

31:30 Subscription Management Overload

34:54 The Fragility of Business Trust

37:40 "Office Discovery of Hidden Funds"

42:52 Embracing Positivity Amid Challenges

48:00 "Always Being Watched"

54:27 Employee Rehiring Dilemma

01:03:17 Leadership: Nurturing Talent and Purpose

01:05:17 Costly Car Repairs Discontent

01:12:57 Elliptical vs. Yoga Debate

01:17:03 Physical Therapy Experience Described

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by guest Jake Barnes, who shares his experiences and challenges with diagnostic tools such as Top Don and Snap-on in his automotive career. They discuss the complexities of diagnosing difficult car issues, particularly with a troublesome Mini Cooper that Lucas's shop struggled with extensively. The episode also touches on industry-wide challenges like technician motivation and the gap between skill sets and shop management expectations.

00:00 MRI Review Shows Minimal Issues

08:45 Double Standards in Accountability

12:35 Unfair Billing Practices

17:06 Visiting Apex and Sema Events

24:54 "Tool Subscription Issues Resolved"

29:00 Candid Leadership in Diagnostics

35:31 Reviving Technician Passion and Career

39:56 "Pursuit of Integrity & Knowledge"

47:32 Car Testing: Mileage and Fault Inquiry

49:17 Vehicle Repair Frustration Unresolved

54:46 Botched Wiring Sparks Car Fire

01:02:47 Family Conflict and Blame Game

01:04:51 Aspiring IRS Auditor's Musings

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode of Changing The Industry Podcast, Lucas and David welcome Brandon Crusha of AutoText.me. Brandon shares his extensive background in the industry, emphasizing the crucial role of communication and digital inspections in auto shops. The conversation also explores a debate with a fellow shop owner regarding the ethics and perceptions of high repair quotes, highlighting the importance of transparently presenting all findings to customers. Additionally, David and Lucas passionately discuss healthcare parallels, stressing the significance of comprehensive checks and open communication.

00:00 Switching Dilemma and Solutions

07:40 Comprehensive Car Inspection Importance

10:50 Exorbitant Service Costs Criticized

20:40 "Medical Procedure Discussion"

21:29 Jaundice Incident: Lack of Advocacy

27:21 Dealer Mentality: Cutting Loose Technicians

36:29 Rant on Air Filter Costs

39:53 "Achieving Revenue with MAP Standards"

44:26 "Automated Client Follow-up Strategy"

48:27 "Dirty Mike's Funniest Clip"

55:57 Unexpected Emotional Reaction Test

01:02:38 Outdated Treatment Shortened Her Life

01:06:42 Affordable Direct Lab Testing Service

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Andrew McAllister, Michael Broschart, and Stevon Wright from the Shop-Ware Development Team. Andrew shares insights on the importance of being candid with customers about software updates and timelines. Stevon talks about the challenges of stepping into a role where the code needs to be extended and maintained without compromising performance. Michael highlights the significance of understanding shop owners' workflows and communicating effectively to improve Shop-Ware features. This episode offers a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes development process at Shop-Ware.

00:00 Podcast Feedback Via Facebook Messages

09:42 "True Automotive Hobbyists?"

14:55 Off-Road Mishap and Rescue

19:02 Passion for Cars and Networking

25:17 Parenting Reflection and Understanding

28:08 "From Big Corp to Dream Job"

33:16 Adapting to New Software

39:18 Network Capacity and Communication Issues

46:47 Identifying Pain Points for Solutions

49:44 Unifying Shopware Experience

56:55 Seamless Financing Solution Launch Timeline

01:02:08 Shopware Feature Enhancements Request

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, David and Lucas are joined by Samantha Higdon, a recent winner of the 2024 APEX Service Advisor award. Samantha shares her journey from being a CSR to an award-winning Service Advisor and her transition into a new role focused on marketing and finances. The discussion delves into how her father's experiences running the shop influenced her career path and the importance of robust processes in maintaining a successful business. For insights on effective team management and the impact of family dynamics in the automotive industry, don’t miss this episode!

00:00 ASMR Audio: Balance Needed

06:10 Vulnerability and Life's Unexpected Turns

08:16 Workaholic's Transformative Wake-Up Call

12:37 Family and Career Decisions

16:05 Advisor Experience and Challenges

18:14 Effective Client Process Management

19:43 Process Consistency or Client Frustration

23:48 Becoming a Natural Leader

27:34 "Audio Venture's Overnight Success"

31:51 "Storyline Over Acting"

33:03 Distracting Meth Head with Digging

38:17 Competency Over Gender Bias

41:08 Generational Struggles and Addiction

43:30 Mechanic Treatment System Challenges

48:29 Performance Accountability Challenges

49:34 Hiring a Non-Accepting Manager

53:31 Q7 Maintenance and Mileage Report

57:14 Teen Restrictions and Choices

58:59 Technician Tearful Over Beetle Convertible

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

n this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tim Iezzi, owner of Iezzi's Auto Service, and Ira Waldman, part-owner of Mallue Automotive. Ira emphasizes the importance of consistent training for technicians and how the lack of it affects the industry's capability to grow qualified professionals. Tim highlights the necessity for shop owners to understand and read service manuals, an often-overlooked essential skill that can drastically improve diagnostic accuracy. They also discuss the geographical differences in how shops operate, focusing on the fast-paced, often cutthroat environment of the Northeast versus other regions.

00:00 "Online Training for Professional Growth"

09:03 Reading and Skimming Skills Benefit

12:29 Navigating Client Communication Challenges

18:53 Diagnostic Efficiency vs. Over-Testing

24:57 Beware Tech Tunnel Vision

31:28 Trust and Ethical Balance Dilemma

35:28 "Job Security Concerns Raised"

37:55 High Payroll Strains Family Business

43:50 Business Contingency Planning Concerns

52:50 Dad's OnlyFans Skit Hilarity

55:45 "Vegas Aftermarket Lips Critique"

01:00:09 Continuous Diagnostic Work Flow

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Kathleen Callahan, who delves into her role in fostering relationships within the automotive industry through her involvement with Women in Auto Care and ACA. Kathleen shares her eye-opening experience of testifying before Congress on HR 906, emphasizing the importance of supporting independent shop owners in the legislative process. The conversation also touches on the impacts of right-to-repair legislation and the need for better collaboration between shop owners and manufacturers. Before you think the automotive industry isn’t for you or consider the legislative impacts on your shop, make sure to tune in!

00:00 Writer's Creative Autonomy

08:32 "Unexpected Heatwave Adventure"

14:44 Female Front Desk Success

15:52 Manufacturer Vision vs. Engineering Teams

25:51 Tent Lunch Tensions Erupt

26:45 Women Leaders in Auto Care

32:39 Florida Lawsuit over Shared Driving Data

37:02 Collaboration Over Conflict in Auto Industry

43:56 Compounding Pharmacies and Price Gouging

48:36 Back Pain, Dispensary, Police Encounter

56:23 Concerns for Vagrants' Well-being

57:27 Missing Person's Human Story

01:02:40 Membership Sign-Up Button

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Allison Jones, Senior Vice President of Circular Economy at Stellantis. Allison explains the concept of a circular economy and its three main components: using less material, extending the life of products, and ensuring recyclability at the end of their lifecycle. David shares his frustration with other manufacturers' tendencies to design parts as single-use, contrasting it with Stellantis' commitment to remanufacturing and sustainability. Allison also discusses the potential benefits of their e-commerce platform, Bparts, which facilitates the trade of certified used parts and can help alleviate the issue of backordered parts. This episode offers insightful perspectives on sustainable practices in the automotive industry, making it a must-listen for those interested in environmental responsibility and innovation.

00:00 Aldi's: No-Frills Shopping Experience

06:01 Innovative, Sustainable Remanufacturing Benefits

09:44 Designing for Circular Economy

10:22 Expanding Remanufacturing Beyond Engines

15:47 Certified Wheels: Warranty & Guarantee

18:53 Circular Economy in Vehicle Design

22:47 Automaker EV Strategy Confusion

23:46 Battery Innovation Revolution

28:31 EV Range Anxiety Experience

30:20 Promoting Affordable, Sustainable Solutions

34:01 Alternator Options: New vs. Remanufactured

36:32 Masked Mischief with a Straw

41:29 Sustainability and Trash Bag Management

43:29 Promoting New E-commerce Platform

46:42 Expanding Automotive Opportunities

48:54 Edible Straws in the UK

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Jeff Eddy from Chrome Auto Repair. Jeff shares his unique journey from working in radio and TV production to becoming a successful auto repair shop owner. The conversation reveals key insights about the challenges and transitions involved in running a business, including the shift from being a technician to a business leader. Furthermore, the discussion dives into the significant impact of personal health choices on professional success, with Jeff detailing his own health journey following a heart attack. Whether you’re already in the auto repair industry or considering a career shift, this episode offers valuable perspectives on business growth and personal well-being.

00:00 "Masterful Reel-to-Reel Splicing"

10:35 Journey to Becoming a Car Mechanic

15:14 Unexpected Heart Attack Diagnosis

18:50 "Managing Daily Business Challenges"

25:47 Track Eating, Alter Habits

30:34 Discovering Weed in Vegas

36:38 Dedicated Work Ethic Ritual

39:40 Stuck in Youthful Indulgence

47:07 Price Negotiation Success

52:13 Advanced Hiring Process Success

57:58 "Adopting a Forward-Thinking Mindset"

01:01:56 Evolving Business Giving Philosophy

01:04:29 "Group Member's Weekly Surprise"