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 sit down with Azael "Oz" Sepulveda of Oz Mechanics, a diagnostician, business owner, and successful YouTube star, to tackle the hurdles of business ownership. Oz delves into his journey of obtaining a shop and the complexities he faced with zoning laws and parking regulations, seeking guidance from Tony Robbins' principles along the way. David reflects on the vital yet undervalued skill of setting appropriate charges for specialty shop services, emphasizing the consumer's perception of cost versus value. Furthermore, Oz shares his YouTube channel's inception, inspired by influencers like Scanner Danner, and the importance of producing content that resonates with the audience.

00:00 A Long-time friend's hug made the wife uncomfortable.
08:48 Nickname "Ozzy" started unexpectedly and stuck.
14:17 Customer brings car to shop after unsuccessful repair.
17:28 Content creators struggle to transition from comedy.
24:28 Trouble communicating but still managed to help.
28:19 Networking events help realize the industry's vast opportunities.
31:55 Simplified car troubleshooting process leads to success.
40:17 Technicians seek complex work, but the market is limited.
47:04 Monique points out the embarrassing shadow on the cutout.
49:37 Consumer motivation determines car repair feasibility.
53:00 This Fascinating video is about Indian entrepreneurs returning home.
58:31 Pursue a comic art career through education and practice.
01:04:09 Visiting the American Revolution site and Boston exhibit.
01:13:42 Man remembered father's lively presence at the shop.
01:16:58 Treating location as a savings account, building equity.

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 installment of the Changing The Industry Podcast, Lucas and David welcome Kory Rozema, owner of Rozema's Car Care in Hudsonville, Michigan. Kory shares the successes and missteps of his journey, highlighting the critical transition from confrontational management to fostering a culture of open communication and employee input. 

The trio also touch upon the challenges and etiquette of training events, with particular attention to the contentious issue of employee poaching among shops.

00:00 Miscommunication during the interview led to work frustration.
08:31 Apologizing for being a bad dad and boss.
14:12 The Manager encourages and helps express frustrations effectively.
17:17 Importance of helping struggling shop owners acknowledged.
23:25 We Need more staff to run the shop efficiently.
29:27 Dealership service advisors care about customer ratings.
33:14 Surprising observation about the tutor's appearance and employees.
41:09 Choosing jobs and passion; business adaptability.
47:34 Free training hosted at local shop unsuccessful.
50:56 Facebook groups facilitate local networking for careers.
55:00 Offer value, market well, mobilize for training.
59:07 Betrayal over hiring changes friendship dynamics.
01:04:13 Active board of directors are crucial for success.

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 bonus episode of Changing The Industry Podcast, host Lucas Underwood and co-host David Roman welcome Chris Craig. Known for his social media presence as Chris MF Craig on TikTok, he discusses the critical distinction between management and leadership within the automotive industry context. He shares insights from his experience on how he effectively communicated a price increase to customers by employing coaching and selling techniques rather than relying on authority. The trio also discusses the necessity of establishing trust and respect with those they lead, highlighting that leadership is a skill set that can be improved. Additionally, Lucas shares a personal narrative regarding a difficult experience with a Nissan dealership, underscoring the significance of maintaining trust and effective communication with customers.

00:00 Rich transitioned from technician to service advisor.
05:55 Leading people, not managing numbers, drive change.
06:55 Leadership requires trust, respect, and empowerment.
09:57 Customer service is crucial for dealership success.
14:04 Communication issues with clients cause stress.
16:19 Car diagnosed with oil issue, not transmission.
21:25 Technician must document testing, results, and consequences.
23:38 The Service advisor is puzzled by the transmission concern's relation.
27:24 Volvo sunroof blockage requires removing the headliner.
30:57 Expressed appreciation, outlined minimally invasive approach, and asked for an alternative solution.
34:34 "No bad teams, only bad leaders and standards."
37:53 Employee aspirations for management and delegation challenges.
39:34 Intrinsic motivator is not always money.
41:44 One worker loves their job, and one doesn't.
46:25 Align pay plans to match and motivate.
50:02 The Flat rate system has pros and cons.

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 welcome Sean Tipping to the Changing The Industry Podcast in this thought-provoking episode. The trio get into a hearty discussion about the evolution of technology in the automotive industry, with Sean sharing his insights on the transformative potential of advancements like augmented reality. The topic of financial education comes to the forefront as they dissect the real-life implications of a technician's costly tool purchase. Meanwhile, the episode also takes an introspective turn as they explore the nuances of job satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of passion in one's career over mere monetary motivation.

00:00 Assumed disbelief in raises, YouTube mischief, misunderstanding.
05:52 Convincing customers is essential for increasing sales.
13:56 Tech buys tool against shop's decision. Miscommunication.
18:08 Many people are unaware of financial tips.
22:20 Mechanics face physical limits and need career preparation.
28:58 Checkbook given. The advisor coach supports technicians and advisors.
35:22 Teaching is intense, demanding work with minimal pay.
41:16 Support for skilled trades in education waning.
43:49 Tech school had young and older students.
51:08 Passionate about nuts and bolts, shops struggling.
52:51 Survival and frustration in daily interactions.
58:50 Movie character's health issues linked to alcohol.
01:04:37 Find purpose in enjoyable work. Seek balance.
01:09:56 Consider changing jobs to enjoy ATV activities.
01:15:30 Dramatic, inconsistent tech guy struggles with jobs.
01:20:39 Surprised by someone's unexpected dining behavior.
01:24:39 Pork is a fundamental barbecue meat.

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 welcome Clint White, a seasoned automotive industry professional and founder of CWI, Coaching With Integrity. Clint articulates the intricacies of successful scheduling and workflow management in the automotive space, which resonates with Lucas's challenges. David shares his struggles with customers questioning repair costs, fostering a candid discussion on customer service standards.

00:00 Struggling to balance workload and scheduling efficiently.
06:45 Thorough car inspections, no excuses, multiple times.
13:43 Service advisor denied client, got terminated, compensated.
16:31 Retain and support workers through environment and culture.
22:08 Customer questions cost and value of service.
30:16 The Company honors staff by closing for religious reasons.
34:27 Surprising staff motivations were uncovered in unexpected ways.
37:07 Serve clients at their desired level professionally.
44:15 Hiring non-traditional individuals for the auto industry.
52:37 Realized trying to be both visionary and integrator.
56:33 Serve, inspire, and be a catalyst.
58:51 Limited knowledge of Nancy's situation and needs.
01:06:32 Need quiet time to process thoughts and recharge.
01:10:57 Man recounts worst injuries while working on cars.

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 installment, hosts Lucas Underwood and David Roman welcome David Macholz to the podcast. David Macholz, with his expertise on technical training, delves into the critical need for upskilling technicians amidst a technology-driven industry shift. He highlights educational challenges and advocates for a competency-based approach over traditional test-based certification programs. As the trio discusses the efficacy and marketing of ASE certification, they ponder its genuine value for technicians and consumers alike.

00:00 Pursuing Ph.D. in automotive, started a vehicle tech company.
10:25 Employers screen employees based on credentials and measuring skills.
13:10 ASE certification's value debated by industry members.
17:13 Experience is essential in certification requirements.
23:53 Discussion about professionalization and low technician salaries.
29:53 Community college provides an ideal skills education system.
34:22 Is paying more devaluing safety education?
38:20 My Grandfather's career influenced my early experience.
46:26 Prepare for the future of electric vehicles.
50:11 UK's approach to education-industry collaboration questioned.
54:22 Professionalism and competency are crucial despite reluctance towards regulation.
01:01:53 Need to advocate for self and career progression.
01:09:02 Instructors claim pressure to steer students to dealerships.
01:12:37 Dealers are concerned about competition, technician, and equality.
01:16:09 Evaluate business, adapt, or quit when necessary.

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 installment, Lucas and David welcome Brian Walker of Shop Marketing Pros to discuss the intricacies of marketing for repair shops. Brian shares his expertise in creating keyword-rich pages and blogs to optimize search engine visibility without falling prey to keyword stuffing. Meanwhile, the hosts candidly discuss the challenges of de-escalation in confrontational situations, with Lucas sharing a personal narrative that underscores the importance of maintaining composure to prevent violence.

00:00 Kim's comment led to Crocs helping foot pain.
09:54 Substitute pork fried rice with bread quinoa.
15:03 Consolidate podcasts, creators, and audience for unity.
16:29 Encouraging trainers to submit their classes.
21:44 Frustrated customer finds express check-in solution.
28:17 Determining realistic SEO expectations through initial queries.
37:22 Notepad for questions helps create relevant content.
38:40 Saves time by creating detailed content once.
46:14 SEO and social media build business authority.
50:38 Google favors quick oil change over auto repair.
56:35 Embarrassed by past altercations, knows capabilities.
01:03:52 The Sheriff's department confirmed past aggressive behavior.
01:05:31 Conflict escalates; should have called authorities.

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 engaging discussion, Lucas and David welcome Stan Stokes of Iron Fist Consulting. With over two decades of experience, Stan offers valuable insights into the art of converting customer calls into successful appointments, underscoring inefficient industry standards and the imperative to dissect consumer behavior. 

Drawing from the advanced use of AI and call analytics, he delves into the power of tailored communication in enhancing conversion rates. The trio also explores the significance of assessing employee roles and strengths, an area where Stan foresees breakthroughs with his upcoming employee performance prediction platform. Additionally, they address the broader industry challenges, like the shift toward instant gratification in customer service, reflecting on the strategies required for transitioning and scaling up automotive service facilities. 

00:00 Encouraging introverts to build a supportive network.
10:21 Frequent head injuries from moving too fast.
12:32 Chasing rabbit hit a tree, knocked out cold.
21:12 Layoff led to a career change into digital marketing.
24:52 Marketing tracking is crucial for proactive strategy.
28:56 Implementing transcription technology, creating training content summary.
33:54 People are key, using assessments for potential.
41:04 Seek assessment for cultural fit and collaboration.
48:23 Transitioning from small to large business challenges.
51:05 Shop owners eliminate problems by addressing issues.
55:20 Analyzed industries where commitment equals 100% stick.
01:00:25 Enhance consumer engagement through personal interaction.

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, hosts Lucas Underwood and David Roman sit down with Murray Voth, a veteran consultant to the industry. Murray emphasizes the critical nature of business expenses, urging listeners to consider every aspect, like rent, insurance, and staff benefits, before jumping into business ownership. He also delves into the importance of customer service experiences and how they're shaping modern automotive shops. The trio discusses technicians' responsibilities in recommending necessary repairs and the legal and moral implications of shirking them.

00:00 Plans to do something in Canada, training differences.
06:05 Jeff's location is pretty, no reindeer necessary.
14:34 Jeff mentioned the challenges of legalizing pot in states.
21:14 Encourage friends to value their services more.
25:55 Focus on efficiency to avoid burnout and struggles.
30:07 Phone payments, unknown experience leads to surprise.
36:44 Entrepreneurs grew with coaching and reached success.
39:21 Lack of knowledge may lead to risk.
44:50 To lead, go on a purposeful journey.
52:34 Canadian program enables success from 10th grade.
56:58 Encouraging young people to invest in careers.
01:03:35 Addressing repair recommendations and taking ownership of issues.
01:06:19 Same laws apply to shops and courts. The ethical obligation to inspect, not sell.

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 sit down with industry expert Rick White to delve into the intricacies of running a successful automotive business. Rick articulates the necessity of establishing solid relationships with customers, turning them into loyal, repeat clients. He expounds on the importance of shop owners transforming their mindsets from mere technicians to full-fledged business operators, emphasizing self-education and financial preparedness. Moreover, the trio explores the rising labor rates in the industry, with Rick advocating for shop profitability and the well-being of the team.

00:00 Concern about return on investment for staff training.
06:34 Media redefining recession due to economic impact.
11:11 Teach clients to think critically and independently.
18:54 Protect company account from possible lawsuit claims.
25:18 Aim for a million, face disappointment, and stress follows.
28:40 Outsourcing tasks, but responsibility remains a burden.
36:57 Man refused to manage stores for low pay.
41:43 Building trust through structured conversation is essential.
46:40 Woman suing shops works for coaching organization.
52:36 Couple helps friend change business, faces obstacles.
56:57 Ensure learning sticks with effective coaching methods.
01:02:23 Shop owners are understanding business, raising labor rates.