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 William Fairbanks, Vice President of Sales for Shop Controller at the Sunrise Automotive Training & Expo (https://www.trainingexpoaz.com/). William discusses how buying an existing shop provides a strong foundation for business transformation. Lucas and David share their thoughts on the industry's resistance to change and the crucial role of modern technology. They also discuss the balance between honesty and oversharing with customers, emphasizing the importance of reputation over profit.

00:00 Requesting pragmatic argument for purchasing vacuum equipment.
03:32 AC technician uses customized equipment for inspections.
08:25 AC vacuuming procedure sparks discussion and offense.
11:17 CEO meets mechanic, joins tech startup journey.
13:36 Leveraging existing customer base for valuable feedback.
17:38 Transition to technology is essential for success.
21:51 Contractors submit low estimates, request multiple supplements.
23:26 Confusion and frustration over changing medical bills.
28:07 Uncertain negotiations over warranty, parts, and price.
30:34 Limited payment, legal protection, defective vehicles from Carvana.
33:18 Carmax assumes, doesn't actually vet cars.
37:29 Advertising became deceptive, difficult to challenge.
39:28 Cover-up of dangerous chemical leads to guilt.
44:42 Technician inspector needs replacement, creating false details.
47:16 Repeat truth, make them feel good - warranty.
48:59 Folks make unethical decisions due to influence.
52:29 Car change leads to pricing dispute.
57:35 Conflict between abrasive, loud, aggressive social media personalities.
58:34 Woman upset over unauthorized recording, threats follow.

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 Becky Witt and Cody Gaddie at the Sunrise Automotive Training & Expo (https://www.trainingexpoaz.com/). Becky discusses the importance of not putting pressure on car repair turnaround times to avoid errors, emphasizing that no car leaves her shop until she's confident in the work done. Cody shares his experiences working in a high-pressure environment and speaks to the health toll it took on him, stressing the need for a balanced work-life environment. Lucas raises concerns about the impact of stress and long working hours on health, citing studies on preventable cancer rates among Americans. 

00:00 Rediscovered passion for repair shop, made changes.
04:39 Finding niche customers led to business success.
10:10 Gaining customer trust by offering what's needed.
11:11 Offering transportation and solutions for vehicle issues.
16:14 Technicians are human and not machines.
18:05 Kip noticed Becky's involvement in ASOG.
21:58 Urgency to avoid interrupting work for car.
24:41 Struggling with finances while caring for employees.
27:27 Refunded due to inability to lift tires.
30:53 College student works 60 hours, struggles to cope.
33:18 ASOG has changed moderator's perspective on members.
36:56 Borrow $50 deposit for gas, return receipt.
42:06 Collaboration with local Napa store benefits business.
43:48 Auto parts shop workers value good treatment.
48:47 Arizona technicians arguing over battery warranty controversy.
51:25 Effective communication fosters mutual respect and growth.
54:06 Employees resent owners' lack of empathy.
56:06 Robots creating job challenges, technicians face issues.
59:15 Self-financed event organized through networking with support.

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 Dipesh Modi, owner of Kinderman's Auto Repair in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dipesh shares his journey into shop ownership, emphasizing the difficulties faced by those unprepared to run a business. The hosts and Dipesh discuss the importance of customer service in the automotive repair industry, highlighting that success depends more on the customer experience than just fixing cars. They also discuss ethical dilemmas in the industry, such as addressing unsafe driving situations and dealing with businesses operating without insurance.

00:00 Requesting video for professional and charismatic speaker.
06:39 Flexible hours allowing time for food truck.
08:10 Hot dog vendor lost job to cafeteria.
10:56 Gave him five stars, it was cool.
14:36 Business struggling, coaching company helps turn fortunes.
17:23 Technicians overvalue car fixing in shop business.
21:51 Customer's persistence triggers service advisor's suspicion.
23:55 Concerns about driving and cutting a wire.
27:06 Employee refuses to lie about undrivable vehicle.
29:55 Sympathetic to situation, unsure how to help.
34:41 Lack of experience, mom's situation, no excuses.
38:44 Not worried about liability for this situation.
42:08 Avoids grappling in jiu jitsu tournament.
43:46 Realization of legal boundaries and consequences.
46:57 Bourbon distribution in North Carolina faces favoritism.
51:40 Auto mechanics' unexpected Ruth Chris steakhouse experience.
53:47 Choosing a restaurant by random, didn't end well.

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 Josiah Martin, the owner of Limitless Auto Center in Oley, Pennsylvania. Josiah discusses his realization that opening a second location was premature due to inefficiencies at his first shop. David emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing financial numbers to ensure profitability. The conversation also covers the emotional strain of balancing business commitments with family life and how financial planning relieves some of this pressure.

00:00 Struggle with socializing causes strife in marriage.
08:46 Started as tech, then became service advisor.
13:46 Planning expansion: separate or same business name?
16:40 Industry guys question comments without data.
24:42 Don't wait for someday, make changes now.
27:31 Regret over missing childhood moments with daughter.
35:23 Focus on adding value, not unnecessary extras.
39:24 Limited perspective on shop performance and competition.
46:06 Navigating challenges with strategic media manipulation.
51:03 Customers returning despite mailing list mistakes, 2019.
56:36 Avoid old models; certain makes, 2001 or newer.
01:01:24 Consider parts availability before buying a car.
01:08:46 Plan to profit by showing b hole.
01:09:22 Media appearances for my story, internet past.

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 Dan Thieken, the owner of Kreager Tire and Service in Millersport, Ohio. Dan shares his insights on transitioning from a tire-centric to a service-heavy business model and highlights the significance of genuine product recommendations. They discuss the complexities of sales tax compliance and shop owners' challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding state-specific regulations.

00:00 Man boasts about raunchy jokes amid women's safety.
07:34 Expanding tire program to boost shop revenue.
11:42 Reduced margins, targeted marketing, and streamlined promotions.
18:40 Tire dealer and distributor registration requirements.
22:35 High elevation, snow-capped mountains, stunning scenery.
28:13 Use cardboard to fill a raised garden bed.
34:14 Debate on potential business liability and tax.
39:47 Car dealers exploit tax exemption loopholes.
46:39 Debt collection impact: zero revenue, makes no sense.
49:16 Unpredictable medical bills cause frustration and confusion.
53:22 Extreme illness in the middle of the night.
59:58 Shop Marketing Pros is the best company.
01:03:36 Excited about freedom from the phone for directions.

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 Fischer to discuss the pitfalls and manipulation of social media. Andrew then discusses the impact of technology on technicians, sharing concerns about AI and Chat GPT potentially reshaping the role of technicians. The conversation also covers the importance of mindset in the industry, emphasizing the contrast between a paycheck-focused approach and one that seeks progress and satisfaction.

00:00 Hilarious episode when discussing "God's chicken."
06:10 Near steel mills, bp amoco, and beach.
09:22 Shop specializes in quick emissions-related repairs.
11:11 Jeff missed, wife and kids needed him.
14:37 Recognized toxicity, left to support growth.
18:10 Finding balance and relating to others' experiences.
20:06 Jeff and I discussed technician's attitudes.
24:40 Struggling to change, discussing work and ownership.
26:09 High school and community college instructors struggle.
29:45 City barbecue cost too much, not useful.
32:58 Lengthy, slow process for discussing laws.
35:46 Challenges getting everyone on the same page.
38:50 Dealers not updating, new bosses surprise.
44:38 Monitoring daughters' friends' cell phone usage.
45:16 Kids naturally use AI for information search.
50:11 Technology aids customer service but doesn't replace.
52:18 AI has broad thought process, deduce answers.
57:29 Fear of brown recluse; mistaken identity.
58:42 Colleague confronts drug issue, acknowledges truth.

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 Roman are joined by David Barden, who shares his unique journey in the automotive diagnostics industry. David discusses diagnosing network problems and identifying a faulty module, emphasizing the importance of understanding vehicle communications. The conversation highlights the use of hexadecimal data in diagnostics and the complementary role of scan tools in the repair process.

00:00 Name with unique spelling can backfire later.
09:36 Engineers aim for serviceable cars with standard tools.
13:39 Hook used to simulate and identify car issues.
20:42 Missed opportunity for a great working relationship.
24:24 EPA regulation for recycling refrigerant in facilities.
31:52 Lack of engagement in cool new tools.
33:30 Power Probe acquired by MGL, expanding capabilities.
38:19 Wheelchair van wire break, fixed with overlay.
46:18 Intermittent hard start due to loose chain.
51:58 Understanding scan tool data communication in cars.
58:02 Connecting with industry professionals to enhance products.
01:00:41 Car keys left close to car questioned.

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 Henrik Rosseland and Christoffer Weber from Wiretronic. Christoffer introduces an innovative AI-powered app designed to recognize car parts and revolutionize the part identification and ordering process. Lucas shares his frustrations with incorrectly cataloged automotive parts and the potential for AI technology to alleviate these challenges.

00:00 AI presentations: overhyped, not so scary.
07:31 We sell to OEMs, customize, and process.
11:38 Approaching German OEMs, struggling to find parts.
18:59 Issues with BMW valve cover gasket replacement.
21:26 Company sends wrong brake discs, causing delays.
28:08 Ordering parts was usually mechanics' responsibility.
32:53 Transition from Lisa to iPhone; struggles with UX.
38:58 Training on local GPUs, inference on cloud.
45:26 Presentation emphasized human element and information efficiency.
51:03 Vernacular uncommon, AI-generated text lacks human touch.
57:48 Video documentary on chip technology investment.
59:41 Producing cases for different OEMs is complex.

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 Ben Johnson from Repairify. Ben discusses the complexities and potential malfunctions of modern car features, such as electronic parking brakes and key fobs, critiquing the trend of over-engineering. The hosts express frustrations about the high costs and impracticality of advanced vehicle technologies, including unnecessary buttons and features. Additionally, the conversation highlights the challenges independent shops face with modern diagnostics and scan tools and how Repairify’s solutions aim to bridge that gap. 

00:00 Retired briefly, now excitedly working in industry.
03:09 Repairify pioneers remote vehicle access technology for repairs.
06:20 Remote OE tool scans and reprogramming services.
09:50 Issue of increasing need for car programming.
13:44 Skilled workers essential, tech shortage misconception.
16:45 Proposing standardizing vehicle access security for autocare.
19:43 Standardization crucial for secure V2V and V2X.
22:35 Adas think helps identify and recommend repairs.
27:38 Efficient use of OE tools drives satisfaction.
29:26 Positive outlook on uncertain future pricing strategy.
33:46 Expanding repair business by setting up hubs.
36:49 Comfortable salvage yard relationship, rules engine summary.
39:56 Internet service programming caused issue with car.
44:05 Parking brake caliper adjustment for reliable performance.
48:05 Shopware, a simple and unique shop manager.
49:19 Unique shop management approach, focused on problem-solving.
53:59 Over-reliance on technology causes driving issues.
56:06 Google directs driver onto winding driveway instead.

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!

Lucas and David weigh the pros and cons of service-driven versus sales-centric business models in the auto repair industry by reacting to Dutch Silverstein's Ratchet & Wrench article "Business as Usual Must Die." They highlight how effective conflict resolution and marketing investment are crucial for growth and employee retention.

00:00 Public skepticism toward auto repair industry prevalent.
05:02 SDCC and MMSc owners share profit, service.
08:27 New businesses need financial concessions for growth.
10:26 Drive numbers, hit close rate, generate business.
14:41 Employee retention has significant financial impact.
19:22 Cost is minimal for specific skills gained.
20:55 Sales-centric owner prioritizes profit over customers' needs.
26:14 Health insurance costs funneled to minority users.
27:19 Healthcare and automotive industries facing dire consequences.
31:55 Higher education adapting to meet workforce demands.
36:25 Warning about expensive amenities in shops for consumers.
38:26 Different consumers prioritize varying expenses and experiences.
43:01 Each brother views family business differently.
44:04 Adapt to meet consumer demands for success.