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 Underwood and David Roman are joined by Ira Waldman and Tim Iezzi, who share their experiences with technical training and diagnostics in the automotive industry. Ira Waldman explains the value of comprehensive accident investigations and how data pulled from vehicles is increasingly crucial for liability and repairs. Tim Iezzi and Ira Waldman detail their hands-on training classes, emphasizing the importance of practicing with equipment to build real skills. Throughout the conversation, the group discusses challenges facing trainers—including undervaluation and barriers to fair compensation—while reflecting on what true success looks like in the industry.

00:00 Consulting work and accident investigations

04:58 Calibration data and liability concerns

08:48 Lab scope training launch

11:32 Practicing lab scope basics

15:25 Common mistakes using scopes

19:03 Importance of planning and tools

20:10 Teaching procedural oil change steps

24:46 Improving technician education

27:00 Training value and budget changes

32:48 Challenges faced by fitness trainers

36:16 Launching the training company

39:46 Impact of low-cost car markets

41:29 Covid’s impact on auto repairs

47:30 Troubleshooting equipment issues

50:25 Defining personal success

52:21 Interviewing successful people

54:28 Thanking the audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cole Tanner, a veteran technician, who shares his journey through family business transitions, personal struggles, and the realities of working in the automotive industry. Cole opens up about overcoming addiction and trauma, emphasizing the importance of honest conversations about mental health in the trades. The group discusses technician frustrations regarding compensation, shop inefficiencies, and the vital need for support structures within the industry.

00:00 Frustrating restaurant wait experience

06:25 Growing up with my parents

08:11 Discussing childhood challenges

12:51 Breaking cycles of family trauma

16:25 Losing friends to addiction

19:34 Discussing compensation challenges

22:25 Consistent vs erratic performance

26:35 Running an efficient repair shop

27:42 Technicians disconnected from inspection value

33:12 End-of-month sales pressure

36:27 Improving communication and accountability

37:58 Discussing future plans and concerns

41:13 Finding balance and past experiences

46:02 Struggles with drinking habits

47:53 Hitting rock bottom moments

50:40 The dangers of addiction

53:47 Pushing for constant improvement

56:52 Taking responsibility after prison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Matt Clarke of Clark Automotive. Matt shares his journey back to his family's auto repair business, emphasizing the importance of refining operations and focusing on delivering high-quality service rather than chasing high car counts. The group discusses the evolving role of business coaching and training, including the value of accountability partners and the need to adapt to new technology in the industry.

00:00 Trade Show Costs Are Ridiculous

03:47 Union Inefficiency and Consequences

09:13 "Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity"

11:58 "Evolving Business Learning Challenges"

14:35 "Epiphany in Management Training"

18:14 "Refining Craft, Scaling Doubts"

22:03 Choosing the Right Coach

24:48 "Struggling with Accountability"

28:06 "Unexpected Family Connections"

33:15 "AI-Generated Estimate Dispute"

37:26 "Balancing AI and Personal Touch"

39:32 "Fitness, Gear, AI, and Darkness"

44:37 "Unfiltered Critique of a Guru"

45:20 "Mastery vs. Fake Expertise"

48:44 "Adapting Teaching to Audience"

54:39 "EV Market Resistance Analyzed"

56:42 "Building Growth and Connections"

58:38 "Vespa Culture: New York Only"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by David Veldman, who shares his personal journey coping with the recent loss of his father and its impact on his direction and motivation in the automotive repair business. The conversation explores how major life events, such as grief or health struggles, can affect business owners, especially those without strong support systems or sustainable operations. David Roman provides a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus toward the next generation and building a business that can survive without constant owner involvement.

00:00 "Grieving Without a Rudder"

10:05 "Finding Aim Through Adversity"

12:08 "Finding Direction and Motivation"

17:14 "Dad's Varied Career Path"

24:37 Machine Shop Succession Challenges

30:13 "The Box That Changed Me"

34:50 Efficient Flywheel Machining Strategy

39:58 "Importance of Knowledge and Processes"

47:09 "Pay Taxes Like an Employee"

51:14 "Tax Payment Delays Explained"

57:40 "Sad Start, Weird Ending"

01:03:03 Lakeside Anniversary Offer

01:04:49 "Possible Marijuana Overdose"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Darryl and Jackie Beech to explore the dynamics of running and transitioning a family-owned automotive business. Darryl reflects on the importance of having strong business processes and work-life balance, sharing his motivation to set Jackie up for long-term success as she steps into a larger leadership role. Jackie opens up about the challenges—and privileges—of carrying forward her father's legacy, focusing on the value of maintaining strong customer relationships while preparing for inevitable changes.

00:00 "Doubting His Radio Future"

04:40 "Family, Loss, and Betrayal"

08:19 "Mismanagement and Lack of Structure"

10:42 "Shopware's Lifesaving Support"

14:53 Forensic Analysis in Auto Failures

18:21 "Tailored Vehicle Maintenance Advice"

21:31 Transitioning Business Leadership and Operations

23:38 "Balancing Business and Social Hurdles"

28:52 "Senior Tech Rejects Management Training"

31:54 "Saving a Family Legacy"

35:02 Navigating Tough Clients Effectively

38:49 "Embracing Leadership Humility"

40:32 "Early Career Diversification Needed"

44:45 "Growth Through Decisions and Challenges"

48:08 Managing Stress and Support Systems

49:55 "Overcoming Recession and Struggle"

53:34 "Navigating Family Life and Struggles"

56:48 "Childhood Memories: The Good Side"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Kevaughn Williams, Operations Manager at 360 Payments. Kevaughn underscores the importance of company culture in building a motivated, accountable team, highlighting how 360’s values of transparency and peer-to-peer accountability support both employees and customers. The discussion covers practical strategies for automotive shops to protect themselves from payment chargebacks, with Kevaughn outlining red flags to watch for and offering tips to improve payment security. 

00:00 "360 Culture and Leadership"

04:28 "Honesty and Accountability Matter"

08:13 "Impactful Workplace Culture Insights"

11:16 "Towing Office Experience Reflection"

14:50 Car Rental Customer Support Journey

15:54 Rental Car Upgrade Mishap

21:08 Mandatory Work Schedule Change

24:40 Building Youthful Team for Success

27:58 "Disney Trip as Life Milestone"

28:40 Prioritizing People Over Business

34:51 Preventing Text-to-Pay Fraud

38:11 Fraud Awareness and Payment Precautions

39:06 DocuSign ID and Card Verification

44:24 Chargeback Fraud at Local Shop

48:02 "High-Risk Account Threshold Explained"

50:23 Transparency and Informed Decisions

53:22 "David's CSP Concerns"

56:19 "Buttoning Debate Unresolved"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Australian shop owners Kosta Ka and Peter Leondis. The group explores the differences between the Australian and American auto repair industries, focusing on challenges with access to technical information, parts quality, and emerging certification hurdles for EVs. Kosta and Peter share insights on the importance of clear communication with clients and building strong shop cultures, while Lucas and David reflect on succession planning and the risks of lacking a solid business exit strategy.

00:00 Generational Gaps in Apprenticeships

05:39 "OnlyFans: Limited Choices Commentary"

15:31 Repair Shops Face Ebb and Flow

20:31 Aftermarket vs. Dealer Parts Pricing

23:47 "Licensing Drives Underground Competition"

31:33 Cultural Differences in Communication Styles

36:57 "Planning Beyond Fixing Cars"

40:20 Business Succession and Exit Challenges

47:01 Overcoming Founder Syndrome

50:49 "Core Values Drive Business Success"

55:13 Australian Auto Training Revolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Mike Allen to preview the Vision KC conference and share industry stories. Mike recounts his challenges recording at the Elite Ignite conference and the ongoing technical mishaps that come with capturing live content. The hosts dive into shop pricing strategies, including how costs like diagnostics and amenities are often rolled into the final bill for customers. Plus, David gives a local's guide to the best food options in Kansas City, breaking down must-try barbecue, tacos, and team-dinner spots as Vision attendees prepare for their trip.

00:00 "Improper Merging Rant"

06:29 "Chicago Shop Success Story"

08:20 "Advisor's Hilarious Customer Story"

10:38 David's Intense Pre-Workout Effects

16:26 "Misheard Conversation in Restroom"

17:24 "Facebook: Scroll and Toilet Talk"

22:43 Kansas City Dining Overview

23:29 Alternative Dining Options Near Vision

28:33 Restaurant Struggles Amid Tight Margins

32:49 Rare 9+ Pizza Reviews

38:10 Jack Stack Barbecue Recommendation

40:46 "Bananas and Rice Identity"

46:18 "Manscaping Mishap and Spider Trap"

54:24 TPMS Law and Repair Ban

56:57 "See You at Vision"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tyler Wonderlic from Steer and AutoOps. Tyler explains the value of a CRM for shop owners, emphasizing its role in centralizing customer communication and improving retention. David shares his frustrations with customer miscommunication and online reviews, sparking a conversation about managing reputation and crafting thoughtful responses. Lucas and Tyler also discuss the importance of segmenting customer experiences to meet diverse expectations.

00:00 "Realizing Athletes Are Kids"

09:11 "Save $1,300 or Time?"

12:24 Steroid Loopholes Exploited by Chemists

20:41 "Bad Reviews, Full Parking Lots"

24:36 Learning from Criticism Strategically

26:42 "CRM Value and Subscriptions"

35:58 "Customizing CRM for Business Goals"

41:09 "Challenges with Accurate Data Analysis"

43:04 "Customer Service Expectations Rant"

51:51 "David's Family and Loss"

57:35 "Balancing Service and Spending"

59:34 "iPhone Over Safety Concerns"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ken Miller to preview the Northeast Trade Show and discuss the growing intersection between the collision and mechanical segments of the automotive industry. Ken highlights the expanded focus on mechanical education at this year’s show, emphasizing the importance of ADAS calibrations and the need for proper training and documentation. The discussion also covers the challenges created by industry consolidation, different approaches to compensation and workflow, and the shared responsibility for safety and professionalism in both mechanical and collision repair.

00:00 "Discovering the Northeast Show"

05:13 Real-World Expertise in Training

08:42 "Lessons from Collision Experience"

10:42 Aviation Error and Accountability

16:30 "Calibration Challenges in Repair Shops"

19:30 "Collision Shop Negligence and Exploitation"

23:22 Documentation: Key to Authentic Calibration

26:26 Dangerous Counterfeit Airbags Warning

28:58 TPMS Sensors and Dealer Liability

34:01 Collision Industry Consolidation Insights

34:58 "Understanding Business Value and Protection"

41:09 ADAS Reducing Accidents and Claims

43:52 "Value of Networking at Events"

45:19 Bridging Gaps in Automotive Teams

50:45 "Collaborating to Share Industry Knowledge"

52:18 "Empowering Industry Through Education"