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, guests Mike Allen and Bret Fadely oscillate between the lighthearted – discussing the quirks of marriage and the unexpected uses of automotive tools – and the profound as they delve into the complex world of relationships and the lasting impact of divorce, especially on the children caught in the crossfire.

Mike and Bret open up about their life experiences, sharing their challenges and the wisdom they've gained, the value of camaraderie, dissecting the trials of maintaining a successful marriage, and examining the shifting dynamics within modern families.

00:00 Rushed morning, bathroom leak, waiting for maintenance.
07:55 Maintenance guy accidentally overflows toilet, chaos ensues.
14:37 Struggling with car repair on Jeep Liberty.
17:35 Overcome mental sabotage, believe in yourself, know your numbers.
26:46 Vancouver group talks weight gain, unhealthy wagers.
28:14 Dentist knows someone getting divorced, losing money.
34:37 Prenup advice for billionaire marriages with history.
38:20 Insightful perspective on divorce and relationship endings.
44:49 Funeral eulogy lacks substance and coherence.
50:24 Similar to past rants, considering trading cars.
58:45 Middle-aged man rants against divorce's impact.
01:02:39 Podcast guest reflects on challenging childhood experiences.
01:05:50 Explains statistics and emphasizes the power of marriage.

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 the Changing The Industry Podcast, Lucas Underwood and David Roman have the privilege of delving into the remarkably resilient life of Rich Poisso. From a turbulent upbringing to defying unions, dealing with health issues, and employing gut-wrenching honesty, Rich paints a vivid portrait of an individual molded by choice over circumstance. 

03:25 Returned damaged Dodge Charger to Chicago Enterprise.
10:28 Aggressive keto diet linked to kidney stones.
11:34 Carb-loading led to overindulgence and regrets.
21:06 Uncle and aunt got custody of us.
25:23 Childhood abuse, buying cigarettes for mother, scars.
31:06 Male cop connects dots on body, finds drugs.
37:21 Foster care funding uses deceased grandparents' Social Security.
39:30 Escaping the system for family's love.
44:14 Medical issues from Germany travel cause stomach pain.
51:48 Car work saved my life, added structure.
55:31 Emotional writing brings out violent tendencies.
01:04:15 Fair pay, care, and training without unions. Avoiding issues and promoting prosperity.
01:06:55 Inventory tracking is crucial; lack of preparation hurts.
01:15:06 Leaving union for better opportunities at Dundee Ford.
01:20:57 Advice ignored, regret follows. Father knew best.
01:22:11 Longing for the family while pursuing career goals.
01:28:31 Owners need to set clear expectations for employees.

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

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

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.

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

In this episode, David and Lucas are joined by Matt Ruffman. They tackle personal topics, like the struggle of work/life balance and the importance of valuing family time. 

Topics discussed:

02:38 The show reflects life with a service writer.
04:38 He was supportive but also distracted.
09:28 Struggled to hire due to unappealing package.
10:11 Known quantity referenced, old school, intense work.
13:57 Connection through shared back office experience and goals.
18:12 Diagnostic testing showed the electrical system in good condition.
21:16 Entrepreneur enjoys running a small auto repair shop.
23:17 Diagnostic testing for suspected fuel pump issues.
27:18 Potential repair cost for troubleshooting fuel pump.
31:26 Direct communication without unnecessary pleasantries or questioning.
33:48 Tech doing a trip check. The truck needs a belt.
37:21 Tightened valve cover gaskets. Clients are concerned.
39:55 Struggle with inconsistent rules leading to problems.
43:55 Client declined worn components and blamed misaligned new parts.
47:36 Trained to prioritize customer needs and honesty.
51:24 Customer understanding made for a short weekend.
53:11 Selling cars to buy wife a Jeep.
55:40 Good notes build value for the customer.
59:28 Close at five, out by 5:30.

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!

Brandon Dills of Jarhead Diagnostics joins David and Lucas live from ASTE. They open up a can of worms on firearm safety, the risk of complacency, and his technician's narrow escape from disaster. They dig into workshop hazards, expose the crucial significance of communicating the value of tests to customers, the dynamics of diagnostic fees, and the hidden layers of revenue generation in shops. 

Topics discussed:

03:01 Nightmares of potential crisis, business owner's realization.
09:36 Rescue man from the car and check he's okay.
13:18 Truck falls, legs trapped, narrowly escapes injury.
17:25 NC law requires Workman's Comp for 4+ employees.
21:39 Shop didn't finish the car and gave a false excuse.
27:02 Tech shop owners collaborate with used car dealers.
32:48 Sudden realization of miscommunication during pricing.
39:53 Consumer informed of non-warranty repair options.
44:29 The Line wasn't replaced and leaked fuel due to damage.
48:51 Employee bragged about unethical practices, then left.
55:00 Charging for information access: a necessary step.
01:01:22 Large operations prioritize reputation and profitability, often clandestinely.

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, Mike Edge of Tread Partners and the Host of the Gain Traction Podcast join David and Lucas live at ASTE. Mike discusses a career journey that saw him transition from industrial sales to the world of Internet marketing during the rise of Google, sharing his experiences and strategies in curating concise campaigns that deliver high ROI.

Topics discussed:

02:38 Love transforms with a child's primal need.
07:06 Avoid falling into old thoughts and behavior patterns.
11:57 Friend's dad in prison due to past.
17:20 Keeping kids close to God leads to maturity.
24:25 Father: Protector, provider, and old-school gentleman.
28:39 No fighting in the house, boys.
35:07 Prestigious tri-state area, successful client acquisition.
42:10 Consider returning to the automotive industry, which requires due diligence.
47:22 MSOs struggle to allocate a budget effectively for ads.
49:07 Expertise in cost-effective online customer acquisition. Manage resources.
53:25 Leverage expertise and experience to gain advantage.
58:40 Neil considered offering a guarantee for effectiveness.
01:04:02 TV ruled messaging. Now, it's dispersed.

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, recorded live at ASTE 2023, David and Lucas are joined by Kristin and Paul Danner of ScannerDanner.com. They take on many topics, from reflection on missed opportunities to the importance of education and the struggles businesses face. They discuss the importance of giving back, pursuing material possessions, and the path to personal and financial freedom.

00:03:44 I like her. She can stay.
00:08:51 Cars: twists, wires, changes, excitement, research, algorithms.
00:15:55 Education aims to adapt to modern distractions.
00:17:46 Millions of dollars worth of tools, including scan tools, tire changers, balancers, and alignment rack. Volvo Master technician brings excitement and innovation. High school instructors lack teaching focus.
00:23:01 Podcast guest teaches class to CEOs. 
00:27:53 Rich is crying, trying not to cry.
00:34:20 Taking rights for granted, lack of unity.
00:38:33 People want to get paid to learn.
00:44:19 George's journey: prison, addiction, abuse, resilience.
00:49:21 Career changes, kids leaving, new opportunities.
00:59:00 Donating money, doing charity work, losing soul.
01:04:59 Chasing after value, not material possessions.
01:05:42 Financial freedom allows for flexibility and security.

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

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

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.

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

In this episode, David and Lucas sit down with Jeff Compton, industry veteran and the host of the Jaded Mechanic Podcast. Jeff dives into the dynamics of the industry, shedding light on the shady characters and greedy individuals that sometimes overshadow the hardworking majority. He also highlights the importance of taking action and not being afraid to charge what is necessary to move the industry forward. 

They then discuss strategies for attending shows and training events, the significance of asking relevant questions when looking for employment, and the role of technology and automation in the industry. They also discuss overcoming logistical challenges and share insights from their experiences visiting different shops and observing various practices.

00:02:23 Canada Night at Apex near Toronto is popular.
00:05:43 Few will travel cross-country for this.
00:11:42 Car conventions provide efficient solutions for businesses.
00:16:37 Chaos at trade show, want Canadian involvement.
00:23:18 Bill C 18 restricts access to Canadian news.
00:30:49 Desire for background story reveals personality traits.
00:35:14 Witnessed others overcoming challenges and succeeding.
00:39:51 Desire for customer satisfaction and value delivery.
00:47:24 Robots won't threaten my career. There are too many variables.
00:48:45 CNC machine crashes are dangerous and costly.
00:53:31 Benefits not important; ask better questions.
01:01:01 Cluster screw, dumb system, bad logistics. Limited waiting area, inefficient hoist setup.
01:07:52 Jam oil in, no startup issues, $200.
01:11:04 Techs are making $100,000 but paying their benefits. Choose a small repair shop for flexibility. MSOs offer security and revenue.
01:15:05 Greedy, shady sobs; scared to charge.

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

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

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.

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

In this episode, David and Lucas sit down with Russell Richey, research director at Endeavor Business Intelligence. Russell presented a survey at the Ratchet and Wrench Management Conference 2023, showing the public's perception of the automotive industry as a career option. They discuss the results of the survey as well as the move away from relying on outdated structures when attempting to attract new talent into the industry.

Topics discussed:

00:02:00 Quarterback breaks down plays in a concise way.
00:07:09 Pushing for improved collaboration between local schools and colleges.
00:12:47 Workforce development focus, lack of opportunities.
00:20:35 Lucas watches the crane dismantling from heights.
00:21:51 Kids today: coding, mechanics of the present
00:31:54 Python pro writes code that has flexible working.
00:34:17 Understanding clients, meeting their demands, and market adaptation.
00:42:49 Asta shop commits to helping young technicians.
00:47:48 The Association offers programs for member discounts.
00:49:34 Requirement: Training before the podcast, sensitivity, and data for industry understanding.
00:55:20 Get a 4-year degree in Applied Sciences to save money.
01:00:12 Endless cycle of schooling and investment.
01:05:04 Interested technicians drive innovation in automotive.

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, recorded live at the Ratchet and Wrench Management Conference 2023, David and Lucas sit down with Jonathan White, the owner of Phil's Pro Auto Service in Greely, CO. We dive into topics ranging from the dynamics of small towns affected by oil production to the importance of trust in a family business. Jonathan shares his transition from employee under his father to becoming the owner and the progression the business has made under his leadership.

00:03:00 Want a Lucid? Congrats! They're awesome!
00:07:38 AG support and tech sectors cause town growth.
00:13:05 Inflated salaries approved after increasing taxes.
00:21:35 Luxurious tasting with aged cheese and scenic view.
00:25:27 Weird off-the-beaten-path restaurant with fantastic food.
00:32:44 College graduate falls into the successful car business.
00:37:08 Trust in Dad's business, legacy, backing off.
00:40:43 Tech burnt out, low wages, now successful.
00:45:54 Improving processes, maximizing efficiency, maintaining reputation.
00:53:42 Decline in automotive technicians; perception unchanged.
00:56:36 Long diagnostic process, uncompetitive price for repair.
01:05:13 Business model like Congress paying off special interests. Future generations will suffer consequences.
01:08:32 Oil change controversy: quality vs. cheaper options.
01:12:26 Use cheap parts, deceive clients, and get the job.
01:21:57 Coupons, mailers, discounts, no cheap oil changes.
01:24:33 Trade in after two years hold for 7.

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!

Brett Kinsfather of Shopmonkey & Roy Wragth of Wragth Motorsports joins David and Lucas to preview their SEMA panel discussion. They plan to have legendary shop owners crack open their shop playbooks and share key strategies to running a well-oiled, high-performing shop.

Make sure to join them on Monday, October 30 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm in Room N257 (Located on Level 2 of the North Hall).

00:05:20 SEMA educational sessions, technology-driven speaker panel.
00:09:53 Managed evening shift, integrated self-driving software. Learn and apply skills from various programs.
00:13:09 Web developer Roy engaged with the SEMA event.
00:17:32 Panel discusses shop software and misconceptions.
00:18:36 Components of customer experience, setting expectations, shop organization, communication, technology usage, teaching and outsourcing work.
00:21:46 Shop owners seek innovation and profitability.
00:27:44 Daily influx of messages, automated responses used.
00:29:19 Shop owners not fully utilizing available resources.
00:31:51 People need encouragement to try new things.
00:37:22 Networking and learning are worth the effort.
00:38:46 Networking and stepping out of comfort zone.
00:41:40 Monday, Oct 30, experts share knowledge.