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, Lucas and David are joined by Jason Quillin, owner of Top Notch Auto. Jason discusses the challenges of managing a shop with two separate buildings, emphasizing the inefficiencies and added costs it brings. He also shares his journey from dealership technician to shop owner, highlighting the struggles with employee management and the importance of creating a cohesive team. They delve into the evolving automotive landscape, particularly the challenges with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the reluctance of many shops to adapt to new technologies.

If you're navigating the complexities of shop ownership or grappling with technological advancements in the industry, this episode is a must-listen for you!

00:00 Old Dealership Dilemma

10:09 Audi Calibration and Alignment Issues

13:00 Entitled Mindset at Dealerships

19:02 Insurance Claim Plan Discussion

22:56 Progressive Salary Plan Negotiation

30:50 Forklift Speed and Skill

35:02 Perpetual Budget Inflation Cycle

38:01 Revamping Vocational Education Focus

45:50 "Turn Signal Communication Spy"

51:29 Rural Ingenuity: Self-Reliant Rebuilding

55:03 Opposition Silenced by Authorities

01:00:32 "Young Farm Kid's Work Ethic"

01:03:25 Self-Reliance in Modern Society

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 Frank Scandura, owner of Frank's European Service in Las Vegas and a coach for Transformers Institute. Frank shares his insights on several pressing industry issues, including the challenges posed by increasing costs of business and the strain it puts on shop owners. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong ethical standards and focusing on people over profits, arguing that this approach will ultimately lead to success. 

00:00 "Frank's Industry Insight"

08:14 Evolving Car Industry Loyalty

14:51 Impatient Car Owners

16:44 The Ruthless Business Shift

23:32 Balancing Coach Guidance and Growth

30:44 "Planning for Business Ownership"

35:38 Business Continuity Planning

37:10 Uninsured Flood Devastates Businesses

43:25 Is Solo Business Financially Viable?

50:44 Premium Service Pitch Lacking Training

54:04 Unintended Business Incentive Issues

01:01:47 Advisor Troubles Reduce Shop Revenue

01:03:24 Businesses Lack Flood Insurance

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 Haresh Gobin, Product Development Manager at LaunchTech USA. Haresh shares his journey of merging his computer science background with his family's auto repair business, eventually leading to significant roles in both Bosch and Snap-On before joining Launch. The conversation moves to the crucial importance of legitimate data acquisition and compliance within the industry, highlighting LaunchTech's commitment to working with the NASDAQ security task force to ensure the responsible use of immobilizer tools.

00:00 Advancements in Automotive Diagnostics

04:14 Automated Maintenance Insights

07:52 Comprehensive Tools for All Users

11:44 Thanksgiving Work Dilemma

13:22 Market Undercutting Incident

19:43 Becoming a Park Service Ranger

21:09 Naked Man at Car Fire

26:13 Dealerships: A High School Experience

27:21 "Securing a Job at Dealership"

31:30 Hired by Launch: Five Years

34:23 Think Beyond the Box

38:50 Industry Unity Revealed at ETI

39:47 "Brand Loyalty and Investment"

44:57 Industry Support and Solidarity

46:59 Trust Issues in Industry Relations

49:40 Tool Access and Car Theft Debate

52:22 "Nastif Debate: Money or Protection?"

55:32 No More Waddling!

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 Ron Shanas and Paul Pate from Today's Class. Ron and Paul get into the sophistication of their adaptive learning platform, explaining how artificial intelligence and machine learning tailor training to individual technicians' needs by identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and confidence levels. They highlight the importance of confidence in improving work performance, supported by scientific studies linking confidence to productivity and accuracy. Lastly, they discuss the onboarding process for their training platform, emphasizing the importance of aligning training with business goals to ensure shops gain the maximum benefit from their investment.

00:00 AI-Driven Adaptive Learning

06:01 "Learning, Emotion, and Memory"

12:17 Persistence in Music Mastery

17:59 Ineffective Training Retention

23:58 Adult Learning: Autonomy and Recognition

30:51 Streamlining Training Through Data Insights

35:00 Make or Break Moment

40:46 Fuel Trim Case Study Mystery

47:33 "Embrace Struggles in Business Learning"

52:06 Teaching Reading and Decoding

56:11 Cohort-Based Shop Data Training

01:03:33 Personalized Training Challenges

01:06:52 "Fostering High-Level Team Discussions"

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 Rick White of 180biz, and Mike Himes, a shop owner from Brookville, Pennsylvania. Rick highlights the importance of valuing your services to ensure customers do the same. Mike shares his experience raising prices and how it helped eliminate problematic customers. The group also discusses the strategic use of technology and digital tools to enhance customer communication and streamline operations.

00:00 Reduce customer charge from $1,800 bill?

09:56 "You should consider trying another approach."

15:28 Self-value is essential for business success.

18:01 Labor costs inflated through hidden markups.

21:21 Braxton's repeated car shop visits discussed.

31:22 Celiac disease, no peripheral vision caused clumsiness.

34:03 Planning future roles and managing life changes.

42:15 Raising prices eliminated problematic, non-paying customers.

47:18 Embrace growth through uncomfortable client interactions.

51:24 Superior product: Follow guidelines, replace necessary parts.

56:51 Mike Allen supports skilled tradesmen with benefits.

01:03:36 Inspection must be thorough and well-communicated.

01:04:31 They approve, organized process, explained with pictures.

01:14:08 Digital Concierge tracks, analyzes, transcribes phone calls.

01:14:52 Avoid rapid growth for quality assurance.

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 Brandon Sloan. Brandon discusses resolving a tricky issue with a 2014 Sierra by identifying a hairline fracture in a spark plug. Lucas criticizes flat-rate pay systems, emphasizing they unfairly burden technicians and reflect poor management practices. Lastly, Brandon and the hosts discuss the repercussions of misinformation in the industry, highlighting the importance of expertise and transparency.

00:00 Story emphasizes changing priorities over passion.

07:50 Misdiagnosis due to incorrect identification of part.

14:47 Costs demand sufficient revenue to justify wages.

16:31 Understaffed machinists struggling with workflow demands.

21:18 37" tires damage Dodge Ram transmission quickly.

26:25 Dealers avoid ECM tuning for big trucks.

33:45 Acknowledging being a flawed shop owner.

38:12 Pricing changes for engine modifications and upsells.

47:03 Lower cost means lower quality expectations.

51:28 Inspecting 2014 GMC Sierra transmission. Converter replaced.

57:17 Educated customer on spark plug resistance issues.

59:47 Cam actuator caused DTC; updated software fixed.

01:04:30 Lucas Underwood was murdered by fake friends.

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 Ryan Ragan, the new executive director for an automotive service alliance in North Carolina. Ryan discusses the importance of developing team members into experts, emphasizing the need for dedicated time and resources. He also highlights the value of vocational training over traditional college pathways, aiming to reduce debt and increase job readiness for new technicians. Lastly, the episode delves into strategies for organizational transparency to avoid rumors and misinformation while fostering an inclusive environment. 

00:00 Therapy offered school escape amid family issues.

05:20 He's mobile, unlike Kirk Cousins, Brady-like.

09:38 Intensive effort invested in finding the candidate.

12:55 Effort essential for associations' relevance and success.

13:28 Providing real value through cutting-edge training.

16:53 Access exclusive training, networking, and negotiation benefits.

22:51 High industry turnover due to management and career paths.

25:50 Collaboration improves the industry; Changing the Industry Podcast.

28:34 Excited for development training at NC State.

30:27 Focusing on Charlotte market strategies and training.

35:39 Collaborative, adaptable approach; future plans underway.

37:52 Event location crucial for out-of-state attendees.

39:44 Exciting future improvements for upcoming show.

43:41 Stupidly drove pink truck into Bronx danger.

48:49 Defendant prepares poorly for court with advice.

50:13 Airsoft gun prank mistaken for robbery panic.

53:37 Gun unsnapped: scared, unshined shoes: lazy.

58:14 Judge Ginn: Family friend, praised fair legal process.

59:16 Breakdown led to appeal due to oversight.

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 Compton and Keith Perkins. Jeff discusses a scenario involving dishonesty in auto repair, specifically the improper use of tensioners and resistors. Keith shares his experiences and frustrations with repair malpractice, emphasizing the importance of consumer education over financial gain. The group also delves into the legal and ethical challenges surrounding the use of reconditioned car parts, highlighting the need for repair shops to balance cost savings with safety. 

00:00 Crash data complicates module replacement process.

05:34 Found wired resistors near seatbelt pretensioner.

15:24 Confrontation revealed deception; honesty followed.

19:38 Son requested name removal; legal threats ensued.

25:10 Uncertainty about aftermarket windshield safety standards.

28:26 Must arbitrate Disney disputes, can't sue.

32:36 Sometimes too cautious, emphasizing legal documentation.

40:51 Class discussion quiet; had to elicit responses.

46:03 New legislation mandates state-issued locksmith identification.

48:16 Thieves violently steal cars in Canadian neighborhoods.

53:18 Argument on security vetting and second chances.

01:01:48 Seeking seals for polar bears near Churchill.

01:04:16 Social media exposes mistakes in auto repair.

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 Steve Schlaff and Michael Hilzley, experts leveraging fleet management within their businesses. Steve emphasizes the importance of performing Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) tailored to customer goals, which helps avoid future disputes and builds trust. Lucas reflects on the challenges of managing fleet maintenance and maintaining consistent profit margins, sharing insights on effective customer communication. Michael highlights how maintaining relationships with fleet clients during emergencies can build long-term loyalty. 

00:00 Shifted focus from large fleets to small businesses.

09:50 H Vac company faced frequent DEF lockout issues.

12:09 Fleet now committed to regular maintenance after issues.

20:49 Include comprehensive parts for sustainable GP/hour.

26:56 Truck's bad gearbox risks crash; owner unconcerned.

30:51 Technicians understand technical gravity better, easier.

35:23 Business obligations, fleet management, system-building process.

40:41 Leadership hindered by constant meddling and changes.

44:45 Consistency in fleet service billing causes concern.

49:24 Struggled with vehicle maintenance approach mindset.

55:17 Plan fails; detainee breaks out of car.

01:00:34 Obligation to alert vehicle owner about issues.

01:04:48 Build trust, adjust expectations, understand fleet goals.

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 Derick Van Ness from Big Life Financial. Derick discusses the impact of state tax deductions on federal taxes, with a focus on high-income earners in states like California and New York. David shares his relaxed attitude towards financial management, explaining how he balances cash flow despite economic struggles. Derick also highlights the importance of having a reliable team and establishing a financial operating system for business owners. 

00:00 Considering hiring a forensic accountant for business review.

05:15 Evaluate current advisors; start with taxes.

07:39 R&D entails credits for system upgrades efforts.

12:01 Limiting state taxes as federal write-offs.

14:52 Conference and event travel cause financial strain.

16:31 Bank crisis caused financial ruin, power loss.

23:02 Shop owners often overlook tax seriousness.

24:00 CPAs busy auditing, rarely offer proactive advice.

28:32 Automate savings early for financial security.

31:46 Recommended savings percentage and retirement amount?

34:07 Aggressively save; build income streams beyond business.

36:10 Budget for two months' shop expenses buffer.

41:50 Real estate improves over time with depreciation.

44:54 Pursue passion freely, enjoy life without constraints.

47:45 Alternative investments offer consistent income for retirees.

50:21 Intangible capitals determine your EBITDA multiplier.

52:27 Prepare for unexpected events despite profitability.

55:57 Send info to stream on Facebook page.