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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Bob Leonard from Mobility Works. Bob shares his unique path from studying music to a long career in modifying mobility vehicles, detailing what drew him to working with adaptive equipment for individuals with physical disabilities. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards in automotive education and training, from Bob’s passion for sharing knowledge to his observations on why the industry sometimes "eats its young."

00:00 Avoid Overcommitting Tasks

07:57 Hiring Red Flag: Unused Parts

12:27 "Understanding Disabilities Naturally"

22:00 "Rejecting Traditional Education Path"

25:39 "Bad Boss Experience at Gas Station"

28:46 Passion for Teaching vs. Gatekeeping

38:24 "Maximizing Young Workers' Potential"

41:39 Automotive Technology Evolution

49:05 Car Repair: Unclogging Sunroof Drains

51:43 Dealer Visit After Service Warning

59:08 "Use 'Q' Hardware to Prevent Squeaks"

01:04:32 Intricate 3D Wood Flooring Designs

01:07:30 "Spending Choices: Cars vs. Dining"

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Jesse Sammons and Todd Compton for an honest discussion on the challenges of running an automotive repair shop. Todd shares his experience of a dramatic drop in car count and revenue after switching marketing companies and tightening the types of jobs his shop accepted. The group explores the unintended consequences of restricting work too much, the importance of regularly reviewing shop processes and phone interactions, and the ongoing struggle to balance technician autonomy with effective leadership.

00:00 "Distant Busy Ties"

04:52 Google Ads Issue and Solution

07:41 Narrowing Service Scope Over Time

10:57 "Post-Trip Staff Meeting Insights"

16:11 Balance Between Growth and Rest

17:28 "Admitting Mistakes, Fixing Them"

23:48 Relentless Commitment to Research

27:24 Teaching Complexity: Duplication Challenge

29:27 Letting Go to Empower Growth

32:12 Mechanic Dedication Scale

36:52 Efficient Learning for Complex Systems

37:52 Intermittent Electrical Fault Challenges

41:38 Shifting Focus to Client Experience

46:55 Technician-Owner Relationship Dynamics

48:03 Unhelpful Car Inspection Practices

52:32 Technician Motivation and Performance Dilemma

54:39 Accountability Over Authority

58:13 Embracing Empathy Today

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David sit down with Justin Allen at TOOLS 2025 to talk about Justin’s journey in the automotive industry and his transition from sales to training with Hunter. Justin opens up about his struggles, the importance of building connections, and how past challenges have shaped his approach to supporting others in the industry. The discussion also covers the value of ongoing education, the impact of effective feedback and leadership styles, and the critical role that personal relationships and work-life balance play for shop owners.

00:00 "Childhood Relocation Impact"

10:00 "From Commune to Career Opportunity"

15:46 Collaborative Improvement, Not Direct Feedback

17:48 "Attracting People Pleasers"

21:55 Pursuit of Improvement Insight

27:43 "Balancing Freedom and Overcommitment"

36:31 "Reluctance to Embrace New Information"

41:07 Encourage Quiet Connections

44:27 "Networking Confusion: Forgetting Adam"

48:16 Overwhelmed by Financial Stress

56:29 Reluctant School Event Attendance

01:00:41 Landscaper's Business Growth Insights

01:04:06 "Online Distractions and Guilt"

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Anders G. Gustafson, a former shop owner turned mentor, coach, and advisor. Anders reflects on his transition from corporate strategy and data analysis to shop ownership and eventually coaching, emphasizing the emotional toll and challenges of running a repair business. The conversation examines the distinctions between corporate and independent shop operations, the evolving complexities of the automotive industry, and the crucial importance of prioritizing employee satisfaction over customer satisfaction.

00:00 "Customer Care Drives Success"

05:55 "E-Commerce Business Consideration"

13:56 Career Path: Shop Chain Opportunity

20:33 Managing Large Retail Operations

22:25 Troublesome Nationwide Parts Store

28:42 "Strategies for Repair Shop Success"

35:03 "Replica 1992 Pizza Hut Idea"

38:41 Nostalgic Blockbuster Prediction Moment

45:04 Volvo's Pioneering Truck Safety Technology

47:42 Automotive Entrepreneurship Opportunities

57:42 Guiding a Friend's Journey

01:00:06 "Discussing Insecurities and Sibling Rivalry"

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas is joined by Jason Rainey, head of the Napa Auto Care program, and Matt Crumpton, Director of Program Development. Jason and Matt break down what makes the Napa Auto Care program valuable for shop owners, including a wide range of benefits from business development support to a robust nationwide warranty. They also discuss Napa's efforts to attract and retain technicians, highlighting new initiatives like the Team Tool Rebate program and ongoing investments in technician training.

00:00 Napa's Future: Innovation and Partnership

06:03 AutoCare Program: Supporting Member Growth

08:45 Elevating New Partnerships Strategically

10:09 Napa Auto Care Advisory Insights

13:18 NAP's Shift to Professional Market

19:08 Leveraging Napa Programs Effectively

22:03 Top-Tier Napa Auto Tech Training

23:17 Auto Care Recruitment and Retention Initiative

28:26 Senior Techs Advise Against Costly Tools

31:03 Evolving Technician-Support Dynamics

34:47 Carlyle Tool Rebrand Announcement

37:56 "Auto Care Education and Outreach"

40:52 "Comprehensive National Warranty Program"

43:27 "App Autocare's Nationwide Warranty Service"

48:24 "Napa's Century of Partnership"

52:27 Managing Partner Expectations Through Transparency

53:40 Improved Warranty Tracking Needed

56:58 Maximizing Member Engagement

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Lisa Coyle and Joelle Pollack from Promotive to discuss the evolving landscape of hiring in the automotive industry. Lisa explains how Promotive has grown by building a strong candidate database, highlighting the persistent challenges of matching technician ability with shop needs. The hosts and guests explore the importance of shop culture in retaining employees, sharing actionable advice on transparency, leadership, and communication with teams.

00:00 "Hucklebuckle Lesson Learned"

05:33 "Hilarious Job Site Misunderstanding"

13:53 Basketball Tournament Encounter

19:01 Cultivating Strong Workplace Culture

26:28 Commitment to Leadership Development

28:16 Hiring Challenges and Cultural Framework

32:33 Improving Shop Communication with Data

42:19 "Clarifying Goals for Travel and Business"

43:48 Career Transition Concerns

50:58 "Handling Client Upsets Maturely"

54:53 "Owner Expectations vs. Technician Reality"

01:00:09 Shop Owner Retirement Challenges

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Greg Schuler, Christian Beyer, Chad Kaemingk, and Joseph Augustine to discuss the realities of shop ownership and what they wish they’d known from the start. Joseph shares his experience with the pitfalls of hiring friends and family, stressing the benefits of implementing production-based pay for technicians and clear roles for staff. Greg emphasizes the importance of establishing systems and processes, particularly when transitioning leadership and ensuring team members understand what success looks like. The conversation also touches on the changing expectations of today’s workforce and the value of leadership that goes beyond simply “fixing cars.”

00:00 "From Engineering to Maintenance Leadership"

06:50 Unexpected Journey into Family Business

07:14 Family Business Challenges and Changes

14:20 Scaling Challenges with Specialized Business

19:35 Struggling with Multiple Roles

20:21 Struggling to Find Work-Life Balance

28:46 "Proven Business Methodology Essential"

30:39 Operational Protocols and Responsibilities

33:47 "Accountability Requires Clear Standards"

38:06 "10-Year System Development Insights"

43:01 Lack of Business Systems Leads to Fraud

43:41 Implement Systems for Success

49:23 "Don't Hire Apprentices First"

54:15 Business Chaos Without Clear Financials

56:28 Lack of Business Knowledge

58:22 "Daughter's Crochet Creations Soar"

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Lauralee Schmidt at Vision. Lauralee opens up about the challenges she faced with a former shop manager who, she later learned, had attempted to bankrupt her shop to buy it at a low price. The hosts and Lauralee also discuss the importance of processes and policies in running a successful automotive business, including Lauralee’s recent experience teaching a class on this topic. The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as the group delves into industry relationships, social media habits, and the challenges of balancing business ownership with family life.

00:00 "Shop Spotlight Ambitions"

10:41 "Workshop Dynamics and Adaptation"

15:58 Uncovering a Manager's Hidden Scheme

22:03 Suspicious Cash Deposits

27:29 Messy Eater Confession

30:57 Social Media and Self-Worth Discussion

35:36 Gideon Ridge: Scenic Mountain Dining

39:40 Family Homestead Dream

49:57 DIY Disaster and Eviction

54:49 "Rent Out Multi-Unit Properties"

57:31 Living Large, Spending Small

01:01:18 Sugar Restrictions in Childhood Memories

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tom Ham, Ryan Snow, and Eric Mrozinski to discuss the pivotal lessons they have learned in shop ownership and management. Tom shares the importance of hiring "nice" people and the critical role of setting and knowing your shop's numbers. Eric highlights how implementing a robust shop management system transformed their workflow and overall business efficiency. Ryan and the group discuss the challenges of acquiring versus starting a shop, as well as the necessity of strong processes, people, and incremental improvements in building a successful business.

00:00 Transmission Shop Workflow Challenges

05:45 Career-Changing Aha Moments

07:18 "Embracing Change and Growth"

11:26 Software Integration Aha Moment

14:17 Leadership Challenges in Established Business

18:23 Navigating Family Business Leadership Shift

22:13 Service Advisor to Business Partner

26:45 Insights on Experience and Perspectives

27:51 Strategic Acquisition and Hiring Plan

32:31 "Deciding the Shop's Future"

37:15 Adapting Pricing Strategy for Success

40:16 Value of Replica Car Repairs

42:12 Mercedes Repair Cost Expectations

48:04 "Financial Literacy for Business Owners"

50:31 Unexpected Encounter During Riots

54:37 Luxury Car Client Expectations

56:28 Shift to Human-Centric Investments

59:37 "Slow Changes for Business 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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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 

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by David Veldman at Vision KC 2025. David Veldman shares the real-world challenges of shop ownership, from the struggles of expanding to a larger location to the tough decisions involved in managing staff. The conversation covers the impact of team dynamics on shop culture, the complexities of setting boundaries between personal and professional relationships, and the ongoing battle with financial management as a business grows.

00:00 Joe Rogan's Ad-Filled Show

09:00 Shop Challenges and Staffing Issues

13:22 Employee's Troubling Decline Noticeably Ends

21:12 Ultimatum for Managing Attendance Issues

24:55 Struggling with Staff Turnover

27:23 Technical Troubleshooting Leadership Insights

34:47 Unexpected Movement Caught on Camera

42:14 Urgent End-of-Day Money Deadline

44:07 Financial Planning Tool Consideration

53:20 Struggles with ADHD and Meth

57:33 Dangerous Drug Behavior Spread

59:34 Managing Drug Side Effects

01:08:17 Read Food Labels, Choose Wisely

01:09:50 Modern Wheat Causes Gluten Issues