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 Tonnika Haynes, second-generation shop owner of Brown's Automotive in Chapel Hill. Tonnika shares the inspiring story of her family’s legacy in the automotive industry, detailing her journey from growing up in her father’s body shop to taking over the business and navigating the challenges of shop ownership. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining strong core values and community involvement, the lessons learned from previous generations, and Tonnika’s commitment to supporting the next wave of automotive professionals.

00:00 Untold Story of Inspiration

06:28 Reflecting on Parental Work-Life Balance

15:27 Realization: "I'm Owed Nothing"

17:13 Gift of Parenthood Reflections

25:29 "Shop Evolution and Inspiring Leadership"

29:29 Buying a Corvette Dilemma

37:09 "Concerns Over Industry Representation"

42:26 "Dedicated and Punctual Workforce"

47:58 Choosing Family Over Long Hours

48:44 No "Kill Switch" for Illness

58:30 Shop Closure Decision Explained

59:37 "Car Service Delay Options"

01:05:55 "Memories of Downtown Snack Shop"

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 Cecil Bullard, who shares his recent experience recovering from major brain surgery and how it’s influenced his perspective on business and leadership. Cecil emphasizes the importance of foundational principles and clear communication in running a successful auto repair shop. The conversation also explores the challenges of pricing, profitability, and the need for a unified, professional standard in the automotive industry.

00:00 Delayed Pituitary Surgery Journey

08:32 Trash Disposal Frustration

13:44 Organized Shops Boost Customer Comfort

20:13 Small Shop Owners' Time Dilemma

23:27 Turning Struggles Into Opportunities

28:23 "Maximizing Profit on Tie Wraps"

35:41 Veteran Diagnostic Tech Dilemma

41:50 Discount Strategy Debate in Auto Shop

44:07 "Technicians Undervalued; Raise Rates"

48:43 Self-Regulate Industry Standards

56:17 Orthodontist Organizes Continuing Education Show

59:59 Airplane Oil Cap Mishap

01:06:00 "Motivation Beyond Money"

01:10:06 Investing in Legacy Over Luxury

01:16:57 "Overwhelming Support Before Surgery"

01:20:18 "Industry's Bright Future Ahead"

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 Nicholas Lerubino, second-generation technician and lead tech at Mark’s Auto Service in Gillette, New Jersey. Nicholas shares how caring deeply about customers and the industry brought both fulfillment and stress, detailing the emotional toll of serving skeptical clients and navigating challenging shop cultures. The conversation examines the importance of achieving a work-life balance in the automotive industry, the realities of technician burnout, and the significance of having a supportive network within the field.

00:00 "Incriminated and Betrayed Heist"

06:03 "Eric's Vital Support"

07:25 Discovering Mario Rojas's Impact

10:40 "Brief Courtesy Call Notification"

15:26 Warranty Work Isn't Profitable

17:15 "Leaving Due to Shop Culture"

21:20 "Handling Employee Write-Up Concerns"

24:08 "Gravy Work vs. Practical Skills"

27:04 Failure to Follow Procedure

28:59 Throttle Body Diagnosed in Minutes

32:10 Fuel Leak and Code Issues

37:06 "Balancing Business and Personal Life"

40:06 "Expectations for Young Men's Work"

42:58 "Prioritize Work Over Leisure"

45:28 "Finalizing Paperwork Concerns"

50:57 "Process Obsession's Daily Impact"

54:04 Nearly Fatal Garage Door Incident

55:08 Avoiding Dangerous Road Stretch

58:20 Identical Specs Uncovered

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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"