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, 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.

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!

Special guest, Dan Vance, President and Founder of Advanced Local, join Lucas Underwood and David Roman from ITTC 2023. They discuss a diverse range of topics, from the latest advancements in AI to the importance of effective communication and the impact of automation on skilled trades. They also dive into the intriguing world of AI-generated content and its implications on society.

Topics Discussed:

[00:01:01] COVID skewed numbers, closer to death, depressing.

[00:04:56] Construction and quality of mattresses are the same everywhere.

[00:09:07] Shop owner struggles with overpowering emotions and urges reason.

[00:10:06] Unhealthy coping taught, crucial for parenting.

[00:14:21] Man steals, interviews ex-cons, exposes prison system.

[00:16:57] Baidu's AI answers questions, unlike Chat GPT.

[00:20:57] Using periods and commas improves communication.

[00:24:22] Human skills lost with automation in industry.

[00:28:17] AI understands language, manipulation and has autonomy.

[00:30:08] Online misinformation treated as reality; convictions for election-related memes raise concerns about AI-generated content.

[00:33:11] AI produces wrong and fake results. Miscommunication is an issue. Caution is necessary when using AI.

[00:36:24] Gary Vaynerchuk pushed for being voice-first.

[00:40:43] Microsoft bought OpenAI; we are using AI.

[00:44:27] Fake AI conversation between Chat GPT and Joe Rogan.

[00:48:06] Improved customer service through a personalized phone app.

[00:50:07] "All-in-one Google Maps integrated messaging app."

[00:53:03] CRM companies can use AI to improve marketing.

[00:56:10] AI connects and finds truth in your mind.

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!

How important do you think it is for service technicians to understand the inner workings and theory of operation of the vehicles they work on? How does this knowledge affect the quality of their work?

In this episode, David and Lucas speak with Mini & Land Rover expert Tom Morgan and Justin Kidd, the Technical Sales and Service Specialist at ATS Carbon Clean from ITTC 2023.

Topics Discussed: 

[00:00:06] Controversial New Yorker mocks his badge.

[00:05:37] Rock drummer turned car dealership employee turned marine tech.

[00:09:18] Switched from BMW to Mini Cooper dealership, disaster.

[00:13:41] Service manager challenges the technician, who exceeds expectations.

[00:16:26] Efficient method earns big but causes trouble.

[00:19:03] Using tools efficiently and getting positive results.

[00:23:51] From music to cars, finding my path.

[00:25:11] Moved from New York to California, favorite technician experience in a dealership. Organized chaos, workflow, and efficient systems.

[00:29:00] Accidents became an opportunity, leading to success.

[00:33:12] IPR connector issue causes high oil pressure.

[00:37:16] IScan saves money. Check VGT for issues.

[00:38:25] Recalled trucks pose problems for dealers and customers.

[00:44:37] No coolant, cylinder head lifting off the block. Costly engine repairs needed, unhappy customer.

[00:46:42] Chevys have faulty turbo engines.

[00:51:29] Strange events lead to a man buying a car.

[00:55:44] Expensive European remake, old cars are making a comeback.

[00:57:11] Invest in cool factor, if you can 

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!

MSO Bill Adams sits down with Lucas and David to discuss his solution to increasing productivity at his shops.

Topics discussed:

00:00:07 Flying in cramped seats is uncomfortable.
00:07:53 Old car repair is specialized.
00:19:10 Overcoming challenges in business.
00:24:11 Building a solid team is crucial.
00:27:27 Triangle offense for service advisors.
00:32:10 Triangle offense streamlines car repair.
00:40:20 Effective communication is critical.
00:45:22 Hiring the right people is vital for growth.
00:51:46 Adapt and leverage technology for efficiency.
00:54:01 Shift perspective for business success.
01:00:08 Importance of customer experience.
01:06:36 Adapt to changing technology quickly.
01:11:41 Leverage team strengths 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 episode, recorded live at ITTC 2023, David and Lucas sit down with Michael Christopherson, Diagnostic and Immobilizer Tool Specialist at OE Alternatives. 

Topics discussed: 

00:05:49 Pay diagnostic techs a salary.
00:06:24 Financials surrounding diagnostic work is challenging.
00:17:43 Skilled diagnosticians are in demand.
00:19:23 There's a need for change in the automotive industry.
00:24:14 Planned obsolescence in automobile manufacturing.
00:34:45 Education system needs reform for critical thinking.
00:35:27 Education system undervalues blue-collar workers.
00:43:47 Charge what you're worth.
00:47:09 The customer misunderstands car issues.
00:55:30 Right to repair is crucial.
00:59:18 Complexity of modern vehicles
01:02:21 Repairing circuit boards can save money.

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!

Recorded live at ITTC 2023, David and Lucas are joined by Ryan Giddings, owner of Church Street Garage.

Topics discussed:

How did you get into the industry? (0:00)

What makes a good shop? (6:06)

What will happen if you don’t talk to the customer? (14:11)

You buy the blue sky. (19:47)

Hard to work for while in a tech position. (22:02)

Do you ever put your dad voice on? (24:00)

How can losing clients lead to burnout? (29:03)

Raise your rates! (37:37)

The problem with comparing yourself to plumbers. (44:07)

Knowing what the shops around me are charging. (51:21)

Working for people who can't afford to pay you. (53:07)

Educating consumers on how to get discounts. (1:00:31)

Complaints from customers about trucks. (1:02:33)

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 ITTC 2023, David and Lucas speak with Gary Smith and Adam Robertson of Diag Nation.

Topics discussed:

00:00:30 Remote support for guided diagnostics.
00:07:09 Immerse yourself in learning.
00:11:06 Embrace learning to stay relevant.
00:14:02 Visualize failures with lab scopes.
00:18:58 Scope is a great value.
00:24:35 Technology advancements in headlights.
00:28:33 Emerging car technologies are complex.
00:33:29 New technology for car diagnostics.
00:42:02 Diagnostic approach needs improvement.
00:43:42 The importance of embracing new technologies.
00:50:35 Manufacturers should support the aftermarket.
00:52:29 Key security program criticized.
00:57:29 Industry needs Amazon-like model.
01:02:03 Liability for automotive calibration.
01:07:03 Litigious society leads to lawsuits.

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!

Kieran O'Brien of Shopgenie.io joins David and Lucas to discuss the narrative that success can only be found by attending college first. Kieran shares his path to success while giving his thoughts on what made the difference.

Topics discussed:

A/C sniffers and leak detectors. (0:00)

Kieran’s background. (5:00)

How did you get started in marketing? (7:11)

How did you become interested in software? (12:36)

Some of us aren’t designed for school. (18:37)

The problem with reimagining education. (22:57)

I have no idea what it is about. (28:05)

There are good apples and bad apples. (33:40)

Do you have a mentor? (35:09)

The importance of preparing the next generation for success. (40:43)

How did you come up with the idea to use AI? (43:07)

Building a customer experience platform for shops. (46:45)

The problem with online scheduling. (52:25)

Why is online scheduling so difficult? (55:25)

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!

Dutch Silverstein is presented with the Founders Award at ETI Tool Tech 2023. He also gives his perspective on the information he gained while attending and how he'll adjust as a shop owner. 

Topics Discussed: 

Recording our thoughts on ETI. (0:00)

What do you look at when choosing a trade association? (5:34)

Why manufacturers are becoming more aggressive with over-the-air updates. (6:45)

Taking advantage of the stereotype of a technician. (10:50)

Why do you think that it’s the shop owners that complain? (16:33)

What is swot analysis and how to use it? (23:05)

Self-discipline is the key. (29:30)

The importance of having a budget for profit. (33:23)

A typical shop owner’s mindset. (40:14)

The difference between a problem and a real problem. (46:41)

The importance of introspection and discipline. (52:44)

The importance of saving for a rainy day. (57:04)

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!

David and Lucas sit down with the Head of International Technical Training and Public Affairs with Hella Gutmann Solutions GmbH, Pete Bradley at ETI Tool Tech 2023.

Topics discussed:

Pete’s background. (0:00)

The technician shortage in the industry. (6:26)

How LED technology has changed the world. (13:18)

The future of e-tools. (19:27)

The problem with ADAS. (24:36)

Mark Allen’s statement about how he solves a consumer problem. (31:06)

Understanding the reliability of electric vehicles. (40:49)

How to get into the automotive industry? (48:35)

The attitude of shop owners. (53:34)