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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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 Underwood and David Roman sit down with the insightful and introspective Matthew Lachowitzer at the Ratchet and Wrench Management Conference 2023. 

David challenges conventional thinking and questions the meaning and purpose behind our goals. They dive into the importance of shifting your mindset, exploring whether pursuing more stores, revenue, and profitability is beneficial or simply a self-imposed pursuit of meaningless numbers. They discuss the struggles of running a successful business while maintaining spiritual well-being and proper values. 

Topics Discussed:

00:02:47 Left, talked, drinks, buses stopped, walked. Unfamiliar areas.
00:05:27 "Florida man: known for crazy antics"
00:13:53 Tent cities moved north due to renovations.
00:19:00 Started own business, became successful, expanded.
00:23:30 Seth easily handled issues while David struggled.
00:27:39 Deciding to shift focus to business growth.
00:35:12 Shop owners seek purpose in owning shops.
00:41:01 Goals are self-imposed, meaningless numbers on paper.
00:44:45 Understanding and questioning the impact of success.
00:51:00 Hope and potential inspire expansion despite doubts.
00:57:15 Growing model, making money, questioning purpose.
00:58:55 Challenges: Kids, spirituality, staff, bills, success.
01:07:56 "I Don't care, but I want to help."
01:14:50 Money isn't the only important thing.
01:19:10 Questioning motives, seeking a higher purpose beyond money.
01:20:52 Argument with the family business.
01:29:08 Align goals, create winners, and produce a better workforce.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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 sits with Nathan Bryant, Erich Schmidt, and Lauralee Schmidt from the Ratchet and Wrench Management Conference 2023.

They tackle the importance of branding and its role in the success of a business. They discuss the necessity of insurance and other requirements for starting a mobile business, with an interesting argument regarding the validity of these measures if a business doesn't have clients.

Furthermore, Nathan shares a personal anecdote about a friend who faced criticism for charging a high labor rate. They explore the varying strategies to attract different types of customers and the pitfalls of servicing clients in poor financial shape.

Topics Discussed: 

00:04:23 Questions about branding and shop branding; argument over necessity of insurance and clients.
00:09:45 Diversification and branding are crucial for success.
00:12:48 Problem: lack of training and confidence in business. Technicians struggle as shop owners. Transitioning from technician to service writer. Customers don't understand the value of repairs.
00:19:23 Facebook backlash on friend's high labor rates.
00:25:35 Lost efficiency, and productivity transitioning to a large shop. Small shop strategies on discounting and lack of training.
00:28:44 Outsourcing is crucial for long-term sustainability.
00:35:43 Developing a vision for an organization's success.
00:42:30 People in ASOG vary in response, some listen, some refuse to, and some are indifferent.
00:47:30 Fix cars, feel better, don't eliminate problems.
00:50:47 Seeking help and knowledge for better management.
00:56:45 No linear progression in marketing; no shared focus.
01:03:53 Big money, big problems, tough decision.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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 popular content creator, Chris Enright. They discuss the credibility of reviews, the importance of training for technicians, the struggles faced by both shop owners and technicians in the industry, and the power of networking and self-assessment.

Topics discussed:

00:03:05 Apology, redemption, and offer to help.
00:08:00 People are paranoid and accusatory.
00:11:25 A Suspicious reviewer asked for discounts for problematic repair.
00:16:28 "Crappy owners and techs, find better opportunities"
00:24:48 Technicians should prioritize training for career growth.
00:30:23 George had an epiphany about money.
00:35:20 Raise prices as people complain about everything anyway.
00:40:50 Investment disaster, anger, and costly uniform mistake.
00:47:29 Poor marketing; reach new audiences with influencers.
00:51:05 Paid for Matt's training to educate him.
00:56:27 Networking changed business and improved family life.
01:00:38 People learn to explain things faster.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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 Scott Hicks, Technical Training Instructor with CTI. Scott discusses his concerns with possible business ownership. David draws from his own experiences with opening a business, sharing insights on what worked and what didn't in attracting customers. Before you consider opening your own business or going out on your own as a mobile diagnostician, listen to this episode first!

Topics discussed:

[00:04:49] Are there three sides to every story?

[00:10:32] Shocked by festering issues, struggling with communication.

[00:15:57] You questioned, tensions escalated, unaware of it.

[00:20:06] Employee resistance, compliance, rule changes, job dissatisfaction.

[00:23:57] Opinion on coolant; specific Audi coolant needed.

[00:33:17] I love diagnosing cars and helping others.

[00:38:53] Mobile diagnostics, Scott Hicks needs customers- how?

[00:40:03] Budget crucial. Seek industry friends' expense insights.

[00:48:50] Personal assets and house exempt in Kansas.

[00:54:33] Struggling to get customers in my business.

[01:02:39] "Shoploaner.com offers affordable loaner services for shops."

[01:05:27] Shop owners need reliable technicians on call. Owning a business is not freedom, but it is stressful and financially demanding.

[01:12:57] Flippant attitude, questions, incompetent actions, negative reviews.

[01:18:34] Oil level problem, car wash, technician error.

[01:21:05] Apology for the bad choice of words.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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 are joined by Joelle Pollak and Amy Gerardi of Promotive to talk about their work to transform how the automotive industry approaches staffing and job placement.

Their company focuses on matching skilled technicians with the right shops, ensuring a harmonious fit where the employee and the employer thrive. Joelle and Amy share insights on the importance of factors such as fair compensation, great benefits packages, and a positive working environment in attracting and retaining top talent in the industry.

00:04:53 New staffing agency solves automotive industry challenges.
00:10:43 We have partnered with 59-60 shops and fired one. There are few candidates left, but most are successful. Recruiters do a great job.
00:15:41 Invest in relationships, transparency, training, and growth.
00:19:29 Diverse staffing levels, interesting work, trust
00:25:02 Qualifying potential shop partners and matching candidates.
00:29:46 Vetting candidates and identifying red flags.
00:36:12 90% of shops are within a salary range. Some shops adjusted pay after candidate rejection. Benefits vary depending on shop size.
00:40:54 Health insurance concerns for businesses and alternatives.
00:48:42 A-level technicians and diagnostician job conflict.
00:53:17 Inconsistent shop terminology complicates the technician hiring process.
01:01:59 Technological job market struggles, but automotive shines.
01:09:45 High school students excel in automotive projects.
01:12:38 Bringing awareness, happiness, and changing the industry.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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!

David and Lucas are joined by Cecil Bullard from the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence and his clients Erich and Lauralee Schmidt.

Erich and Lauralee share their experience with one employee who did not buy into the company's processes and ideologies and discuss its ripple effects on their business, including being on the verge of closing.

Topics discussed: 

00:04:50 Chrysler tech turned shop owner after bankruptcy.
00:09:11 Career change, business growth, property purchase plans.
00:12:36 Staff turnover and burnout lead to challenges.
00:19:17 Ignorance and lack of care led to business failure.
00:26:28 The Service advisor lacked faith in the team; poor customer service and technician turnover.
00:32:44 We Need to focus on inspections for business success.
00:40:23 Terminated staff and hired new technician. Let others go for performance and financial reasons.
00:47:09 Employee discovers missing money and misunderstands P&L.
00:52:00 Losing focus led to business decline and termination.
00:57:37 Managing a successful business requires attention, problem-solving, and adjusting strategies. Pay attention to key performance indicators, invest in customer retention, and have a hands-on approach with your team.
01:02:04 Rebuilding, money, teaching sales, helping others.
01:07:44 Financial freedom achieved through a supportive team.
01:15:07 They changed the industry, overcoming toxicity.
01:21:51 Stability and clear expectations lead to success.
01:24:01 Appreciation for everyone's presence.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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 David Jackson, the President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, to share his insights on the importance of career path jobs and their value to individuals and the economy. They discuss the growing appreciation for vocational training, the need for mentorship and knowledge sharing, and the opportunities afforded by both.

Topics discussed:

00:01:57 Chambers differ in funding, influence, and expertise.
00:06:04 Chambers find members' needs and develop programs.
00:09:40 Regional economist forecasts economic trends for the community.
00:15:25 NC tech paths, community college training + EV mechanic demand/opportunity, AI for job creation, company making sales devices for grocery stores.
00:19:50 Value of efficient and effective education for skilled labor.
00:23:55 The Pandemic forces businesses to value employees.
00:27:04 Skilled trades need structure, education, and opportunities.
00:33:10 Passion-driven teaching transforms students' lives dramatically
00:38:14 Valuing diversity and sharing industry knowledge.
00:42:04 Celebrate trades, diverse paths, and rewarding commitments.
00:45:14 AI won't replace all jobs; new demand emerges.
00:49:58 Align skills with future demand for success.
00:53:27 Parents are creatures of their time, digital generation, soft skills, career choices, education spectrum, and better ways.
00:56:26 Excitement for new trading series and rare card.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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 the host of the Jaded Mechanic Podcast, Jeff Compton. They explore the parallels between biblical stories and clinical psychology and discuss the challenges faced by Moses and the story of the Passion.

Jeff shares an eye-opening training event, discussing framing and open discussions. They also talk about social media pitfalls, seeking understanding, and lessons from the past.

00:02:19 Cancer managed, but the radiation would've caused issues.
00:09:48 Complexities of cancer, medication, and mortality discussed.
00:14:32 Bible stories reveal purpose in life struggles.
00:22:58 Suffering is inevitable, even for devout believers.
00:24:52 "Anxiety, choices, challenges, entitlement, and action."
00:34:32 Lucas on wasted credits, but helping people
00:36:38 Conversations about life, industry challenges, and truth.
00:43:03 Father taught valuable life lessons through work.
00:51:25 Car dealership focused on financing, not selling cars.
00:54:57 Coaching tactics are old and unchanging.
01:03:06 Absence of owner possibly allowing for a successful business.
01:07:07 Franchises succeed by following scalable models.
01:16:22 Techs are unhappy at those shops.
01:19:58 Experience-based businesses fail when ethics are compromised.
01:24:59 Childhood experiences in the family business shaped Lucas.
01:28:07 Family and business define individuals differently.
01:37:11 Job no longer defines me; connecting with others.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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!

Steven Fafel, the co-founder of Auto Ops, joins Lucas and David. They discuss the challenges of scheduling in the auto repair industry, ethical considerations around customer data, and dealing with demanding customers.

[00:02:19] Founder moved to Coreyville, Pennsylvania.

[00:05:20] Companies have different values; Carolyn understands us.

[00:14:53] Popeyes, Burger King are owned by the same company. CEOs invested personal money to revive Burger King. Mindset change is critical to success.

[00:18:03] Changing industries, leaving a lasting impact.

[00:23:20] Scammers targeting shops' clients, charging extra money.

[00:32:02] Closing shop, debt, revenge on customers.

[00:37:08] Assault on employees, fraud, disrespect, workload, unwanted customers.

[00:43:08] Late arrival disrupts schedule; customer demands special treatment.

[00:47:25] Firestone's open seven days a week, teaching customers not to wait. 

[00:52:30] Treating everyone equally and communicating effectively.

[01:02:09] Retention with introverts: service and scheduling.

[01:05:45] Optimize technician schedules, and manage repair orders efficiently.

[01:11:18] Zapier integration causing frustrations in workflow.

[01:16:27] Online scheduling company focuses on customer engagement.

[01:22:04] Informative trade show, connects with industry leaders.

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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month

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, recorded live at ITTC, Ashley Jo and Jeremy Bloom courageously open up about their struggles with hiring someone with addiction and the profound impact it has had on their life and business. They recount the distorted narrative they had created and the dangerous consequences that follow when you refuse to see what's happening in front of you. This episode also explores workplace dynamics, from harassment and responsibility to the challenges of hiring and retaining employees.

Topics Discussed:

[00:03:31] Vehicle inspected, detailed notes, no special treatment.

[00:06:53] I don't know what I'm looking at, broken, fix it, sign and pay.

[00:14:18] Clients want engagement and advice on car service.

[00:15:58] One guy does 90% of the work.

[00:24:40] Ignoring the reds, they focus on the $3,000.

[00:29:42] Reckless technician causes workplace drama, returns twice.

[00:32:10] Employee's erratic behavior caused multiple issues, exits.

[00:41:21] Addiction fuels destructive stories and behavior.

[00:47:37] Mistakes pile up, trust lost, resignation follows.

[00:52:06] Moved to St. Louis for job, reminisces Simpsons DVD.

[00:57:27] Lucas, truck at shop, hiring is awful.

[01:00:07] Addicts blame others, causing trust issues.

[01:09:16] Volvo issues, expensive repair, ruined friendship.