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 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"

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 Nelson Tavarez, owner of Austin's Auto Service. Nelson shares his inspiring journey from working in telecommunications to becoming a successful shop owner, emphasizing the importance of discipline, saving, and seizing opportunities. The conversation delves into the impact of technology like Shop-Ware on shop efficiency and customer experience, as well as strategies for building wealth and financial security for both owners and technicians.

00:00 "Growth, Discipline, and Adapting"

04:53 "Taking a Gamble on Change"

07:20 "Trading Success Leads to Ownership"

13:16 Seamlessly Adopting Shopware Technology

16:19 Targeted Growth for Specialty Auto Shop

18:30 "Shopware's Future is Revolutionary"

22:23 "Personalized Service, Small-Shop Feel"

26:45 Trust, Change, and Lost Security

29:35 Generational Wealth Over Instant Gains

34:12 Maximizing Savings for Children

35:37 "From Rent to Ownership"

40:32 "Delayed Gratification and Society"

41:59 "Rethinking the Grind Mentality"

44:26 Sell What People Want

49:53 "Resilience and Team Effort"

51:33 Employee Prioritizes Family Over Career

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 Eric Joern for a deep dive into the realities of small business financial management in the auto repair industry. Eric stresses the importance of starting with a plan and leveraging professional guidance, rather than relying on risky trial-and-error approaches. The discussion highlights why using proper shop management systems and separating business finances is critical for long-term success.

00:00 "Valuable Business Advice and Insights"

10:15 Sales Tax Responsibilities Explained

15:34 Simple Budgeting for Profit

17:02 "Essential Shop Management Systems"

21:40 Shop Parts Tracking Essentials

29:56 "Seeking Proactive Tax Guidance"

35:04 "Importance of a Knowledgeable Accountant"

38:10 "Proactive Tax Planning Conversations"

43:34 "Inventory's Tax Impact Explained"

49:10 "Smart Tax Strategies Explained"

55:24 Focus on Strengths, Delegate Tasks

01:02:42 Excited for Business Improvement

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 Andy Tirado, co-founder of the ADAS Network. Andy discusses the challenges of delivering relevant, effective technical training across the automotive industry, highlighting the critical need for trainers to adapt content to local cultures and shop-specific needs. The conversation also explores the complexities of ADAS calibrations, from misinformation in service procedures to pressure from insurance companies.

00:00 Struggles with Local Training Participation

08:25 Improving Training Accessibility and Retention

10:24 "Training, Culture, and Communication"

20:09 "Missed Details in Calibration Procedure"

23:44 "ADAS Resource and Referral Network"

28:45 Greed, Insurance, and Right to Repair

33:43 "Taking Control of Business Processes"

40:54 Braking System Safety Concerns

46:09 Counterfeit Parts and Industry Issues

52:21 Car Alignment and Calibration Costs

53:56 "Trusting My Chosen Shop"

01:00:05 "ADAS Insights and Validation"

01:03:33 "Aligned for Selfless Collaboration"

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 Chris Gayne, owner of Dale County Diesel. Chris shares his unique journey from Army attack helicopter pilot to diesel shop owner, highlighting the importance of leadership and integrity in building his team. The conversation covers why prioritizing people and culture over technical skill is critical, the value of honest customer communication, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining passion while running a successful business.

00:00 Garage Trouble Without License

06:19 "Learning Through Experience"

09:39 Truck Repairs and Industry Journey

12:59 "Results Over Passion"

15:55 "Passion and Honesty in Selling"

17:05 "Transparent Auto Repair Process"

20:52 "Morals Over Money"

25:31 "Passing the Torch"

26:24 "Plans for Business Continuity"

29:31 "Failed Recruitment Due to Diploma"

33:14 "Lessons on Hard Work"

37:25 "Maximizing Growth Within Business"

42:09 "Shifting Passion and Letting Go"

45:17 "Work-Life Balance Struggles"

46:32 "Guidance Counselor Tension Escalates"

51:01 "Unexpected Apology on Facebook"

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 John Presnell, a shop owner from North Carolina, who shares his journey in taking over the family business. John discusses overcoming personal and professional resentments as he transitioned from working under his parents to owning the shop. Key topics include the challenges of shop growth and efficiency, strategies for training and developing a younger team, and the importance of personal growth through forgiveness and mentorship.

00:00 "Florida Drivers in Mountains"

04:44 "Slow, Stressful 27-Mile Drive"

08:23 Frustration Over Van Repairs

12:17 "Engine Coolant Leak Fail"

13:43 Flatlands Pickup Talk

19:18 "Overcoming Negativity and Growing"

21:26 "Parables as Framework for Success"

24:34 "Career Choices and Challenges"

28:52 "Family Dynamics and Influence"

33:02 "Accident Leads to Lasting Injury"

34:52 "From Porta Potty to Upgraded Space"

39:05 "Reflections on Growth and Work"

42:51 "Start at the Beginning"

44:59 "Keeping Business Decisions Private"

48:35 "Community Action and Attendance"

50:15 "Over a Barrel Moment"

55:24 "Sense Trade-off in Marriage"

56:09 "Affirmative Response"

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 Uwe Kleinschmidt of AutoTechIQ. Uwe explains how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing the Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) process, highlighting how annotated photos and captions can help customers better understand repair recommendations. The discussion also explores industry coaching advice on customer communication, with Uwe challenging traditional authority-based approaches by emphasizing transparency and customer empowerment.

00:00 AI Streamlines Automotive Service Communication

06:39 "DVI: The Ultimate CRM Tool"

10:11 "Streamlining Auto Flow Processes"

11:51 "Routine Inspections for Vehicle Health"

15:18 "Optimal Vehicle Maintenance Decisions"

18:23 "Transparency Builds Trust in Service"

24:39 "Tech8IQ Delays Dispatch Process"

27:37 "AI Fixing Cost Discrepancies"

30:18 "Autonomy Issues in Service Inspections"

32:48 "Coaching Pushback on Customer Calls"

36:24 "Key KPI: Customer View Rate"

39:25 "Improving Customer Interaction Metrics"

44:27 Shopware Weakness and DVI Feedback

47:05 "Gen Z's Communication Preferences"

51:28 Embedded Comparison Video Idea

53:08 "AI Image Stirs Debate"

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 Ruth Wisniewski, Senior Director of Customer Success at Vehlo. Ruth shares how her team at Vehlo elevates client experience by helping shops leverage software to meet their goals, from boosting efficiency to increasing car count. The discussion explores the importance of building a favorite brand through “moments of truth” in the customer journey, and the role company culture plays in delivering exceptional service.

00:00 "Vehlo Customer Success Leadership"

03:48 "Streamlining Your Shop's Experience"

07:40 "Building Culture Around Experience"

10:46 "DIY Car Fixer Fails"

15:14 "Creative Problem-Solving Improves Outcomes"

18:13 "Sales vs. Customer-Centric Approach"

20:30 Shady Shopware Setup Concerns

25:25 "Customizable Customer Experience at Vehlo"

26:56 "Empowerment Through Vehlo's Support"

31:08 "Customer Experience: A Guided Reflection"

35:50 "Cost of Goods Discrepancy"

36:44 "Reading Release Notes Religiously"

42:16 "Lion's Mane and Nerve Healing"

45:49 "Recovering Without Surgery"

47:06 Lion's Mane for Focus?

52:14 "Best Banana Pudding Ever"

53:18 Raleigh's Amazing Food Scene