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 Chuck Olsen and Josh McFarlin from AirPro to address recent controversy and questions circulating online about AirPro’s Augie calibration tool. Chuck and Josh set the record straight by diving into the rigorous testing process behind Augie, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety and proper calibration. They also discuss the challenges of evolving technology in the automotive industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the need for constructive industry conversations—rather than social media drama—when evaluating new tools and processes.

00:00 Lifelong Automotive Career Journey

06:54 Evolving Career in Automotive Diagnostics

11:21 "Career Exploration to Ford Mastery"

19:07 Air Pro Discussion and Controversy

22:38 "Innovating System Calibration Process"

32:33 Technician's Misunderstood ADAS Calibration

37:41 Q&A: Clarifying Tool Capabilities

39:46 ADAS Calibration Task Force Insights

46:16 Ford's Collision Repair Staffing Imbalance

52:22 Calibration Challenges in the Automotive Industry

57:36 Recall Confusion with High-End Car

01:05:21 Technician Liability and Calibration Risks

01:11:08 Windshield Replacement Without Recalibration

01:13:35 Glass Installation and Calibration Issues

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 Uwe Kleinschmidt, formerly of Autovitals and now with Autotech IQ. Uwe shares lessons from his upbringing in East Germany and his journey to becoming a technology leader in the automotive industry. The conversation explores the challenges and importance of a strong shop culture and process, the need to empower customers through transparent digital vehicle inspections (DVI), and the evolving role of AI in improving shop communication and operational consistency.

00:00 Visit to David's Tense Shop

10:01 California Gas Price Concerns

14:06 Community College Enrollment Surge

19:37 "Value of First-Gen Immigrant Workers"

23:43 Chancellor Cole's Election Strategy

30:57 Engineer Relocates to Boost US Sales

36:48 "Choosing Shopware for Consistency"

40:29 "Adopting Carolyn's Shop Success Model"

45:25 Customer-Driven Sales Approach

48:49 Guided Customer Research Prompts

58:59 "Handle Unknown Text Links"

01:00:21 "Client Portal Development Needed"

01:05:53 The Curse of Knowledge in Retail

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 Samantha Higdon, Kevin Rozema, and Frank Scandura for a lively discussion about shop culture. The group highlights the crucial role of structure and systems in establishing and sustaining a positive workplace environment. They also emphasize the impact of one disruptive individual on team morale and performance, sharing real-world experiences of how quickly culture can improve once a toxic influence is removed. Finally, the conversation explores the connection between strong internal culture and public perception, stressing that shops with clear values and expectations not only attract better employees but also build greater trust with their customers.

00:00 "Schindler's Ongoing Legacy"

05:50 "Defunct Culture Exposed"

09:18 Implementing Shopware Systematically

09:46 Refining Workflow and Company Culture

14:09 Establishing Team Structure and Culture

17:50 Misaligned Hiring Risks Culture

20:04 Workplace Challenges for Technicians

24:45 Unmet Expectations Ruin Cultures

27:08 Shifting Focus for Profitability

31:34 Guiding Aspiring Automotive Careers

35:48 Mandatory Quarterly Education Benefits

39:58 Stop Temporary Fixes, Solve Core Issues

41:41 "Unhealthy Dynamics and Letting Go"

44:56 Toxic Leadership Dynamics

47:24 Shop Manager's Crucial Role

51:53 Promoting Continuous Automotive Education

55:17 "Adaptability: Embrace Change"

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 Nate Winston, who shares the story of leaving a long-term business partnership to open his own shop. Nate discusses the challenges and emotional toll of a toxic partnership, the importance of having clear roles and written agreements in business relationships, and the remarkable improvements in his well-being and shop success after going solo. 

00:00 Affordable Custom Clothing Solutions

09:14 "Business Partnership Gone Wrong"

13:59 Missing Documentation Dilemma

16:46 Unexpected Lawsuit Loss: $15K Withdrawn

26:01 Banter Over Responsibilities with Juan

32:00 "Rarity of Genuine Selflessness"

35:11 Father's Resilience in Adversity

40:24 Increased Work Hours Achieved

46:19 Argument Led to Tragic Outcome

53:49 Goal-Setting Through Strategic Planning

54:52 Effective Goal Management

01:04:23 "Processing Loss and Grief"

01:08:19 Documenting Family Memories Intentionally

01:13:08 Trusting Independence at Age 10

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 Luoma, owner of Jerry’s Automotive in Lansing, Michigan, and his wife-to-be, Lydia. Chris shares the story of stepping into a third-generation family business during a challenging transition, modernizing the shop by implementing systems like DVIs and updated parts and labor matrices, and the impact these changes had on the team and client base. Together, the group discusses the challenges and rewards of growing a single-location business, the importance of maximizing one shop before expanding, and the realities of balancing business ownership with family life.

00:00 Union Carbide Catastrophe

10:19 Focused Expansion of Existing Location

15:27 Avoiding Messy Boundaries

18:28 Family Business Takeover Dynamics

26:32 Elusive Goal of Success

29:27 "Facebook Friend's Unforgettable Prank"

37:11 "Diner vs. Steakhouse Costs"

38:48 Expensive Restaurant Nightmare

44:28 Tragic Cycle of Forgetfulness

48:56 DIY SodaStream Refill Setup Hazard

56:09 Antibiotic Misuse Causes Health Crisis

01:01:52 Innocent Misunderstanding at Dinner Table

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 Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership. Josh explores the challenges of leadership in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of connection and trust-building within teams. The discussion dives into effective onboarding, consistent coaching, and why prioritizing leadership development is essential for sustained business growth.

00:00 Father-Son Love and Acceptance

08:12 Consolidating Cosmetics Ventures

14:03 Pioneering Black Woman in Men's Grooming

18:45 High-Quality Personal Care Products

23:25 Expert Insights on Corporate Culture

28:48 "Effective Communication and One-on-Ones"

34:33 Embracing Self-Doubt and Awareness

40:01 Reassuring Client After Bad Experience

44:43 Mastery Through Focused Practice

49:40 "Prioritizing Vacation Time"

58:55 Passion Fuels Diagnostic Mastery

01:00:12 Over-Invested Technician Dilemma

01:09:19 Strategizing Scenarios for Clarity

01:12:11 Muscle Supplements: Dosage and Effects

01:15:26 Podcast Musings: Seeking Direction

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 Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision. Alexander shares his expertise on consumer psychology, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding what customers value and how this impacts success in the automotive industry. The discussion covers the challenges and misconceptions around electric vehicles, including why EV adoption has faced so many hurdles in the U.S. Alexander also offers actionable advice for shop owners and service advisors, stressing the need for honesty, responsiveness, and clear communication to earn customer trust and long-term loyalty.

00:00 "Consumer Hesitance on EV Adoption"

08:11 "Breach of Trust in Service Choices"

12:10 "Politics vs. Practicality in Environmental Policy"

17:33 Chinese Auto Industry Challenges

26:23 Political Predictions & Public Sentiment

27:57 "Politically Driven Policy Challenges"

34:21 Chinese EVs Surpass in Quality and Innovation

42:09 Focus Group Shifts on U.S. Finances

45:08 Innovation Crucial for U.S. Progress

50:22 Overseas Hiring Reality Check

56:25 Automation Threatens Gig Economy Jobs

01:02:52 Respect Leads to 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, Lucas and David are joined by Ben Johnson at ETI ToolTech in San Diego. Ben shares his insights from this year’s show, emphasizing the importance of industry panels that represent a range of perspectives, especially highlighting the challenges shops face with ADAS calibrations and the gap in education for shop owners and technicians. The conversation dives deep into the problems with calibration procedures, the liability and insurance risks associated with improper ADAS repairs, and the critical role that documentation and process play in protecting both shops and consumers.

00:00 "Education Key to Solving Tech Issues"

09:20 "Vehicle Service Info Challenges"

14:44 Fleet Company Declines Repairs

18:43 Blind Spot Monitoring Misalignment

24:18 Insurance Lessons: Misunderstanding Umbrella Coverage

27:14 Uninsured Calibration Risks

34:48 Calibration Center Business Insight

39:20 Shop Evolution: Adapting to Mainstream Challenges

42:15 OE Statements Ensure Reimbursements

51:50 Toyota's Multi-Fuel Energy Strategy

57:12 Changing Mindsets Over Three Years

01:01:13 Understanding Emerging Tech in Auto Repair

01:04:49 Industry Collaboration Realization

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 Jacob Wierengo, Brandon Ballou, Thomas Andrews, and Brett Hunziker for a deep dive into shop workflow and productivity. The group discusses the common challenge of scaling processes as independent repair shops grow, emphasizing the need to move shop operations and workflow out of the owner's head and into documented, team-driven systems. They also underscore the importance of regular staff meetings and ongoing training in fostering buy-in and consistency among the team. Plus, the conversation touches on adapting workflow tools and technology—like the use of Shop-Ware—to fit the unique needs of each shop.

00:00 Overdosing on Medication

07:56 Streamlining Shop Workflow Insights

15:32 Challenges in Shop Workflow Transition

19:23 Improving Customer Communication

24:40 Streamlining Shop Operations Independently

32:09 Shop Process Optimization Strategy

33:18 Overlooked Soft Skills in Training

41:07 "Streamlining Meetings with Otter AI"

43:48 "Workshop Workflow Coordination Process"

53:06 Job Pricing and Buffer Strategies

58:35 "Building a High-End, Honest Brand"

01:02:46 "Unpaid Rotating Tech System"

01:05:13 Car Troubles: Efficient Scheduling

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 Vlad Shishkaryov, founder of Bridge Learning Tech. Vlad dives into the evolution of technical training in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging, high-fidelity training content that adapts to shorter attention spans. The conversation explores the challenges and limitations of virtual and augmented reality training tools and highlights the need for scalable, accessible solutions that don’t require costly new equipment. Vlad also discusses the ongoing struggle to build customer trust in automotive service and how innovative training and transparent practices can help bridge the gap between legacy and newer technicians.

00:00 Engaging Training Techniques with AI

03:19 "Education's Relevance in Tech Era"

08:01 AR/VR Training Cost Concerns

12:37 Challenges in Technician Training Buy-In

16:24 "Incentives Crucial for Technician Jobs"

17:35 Wiring Glitch Causes Fan Malfunction

20:05 Surveillance and Intrigue in Pakistan

25:58 Expanding EV Safety Certification Outreach

29:32 Streamlined Digital Learning for Certification

31:13 From Kia to Consultancy

35:42 Overcoming Complex Dealer Pay Plans

37:01 "Video Tech Enhances Auto Inspections"

41:43 Dealership Service Contract Dispute

45:09 Finance Training: Manipulation and Omission

47:49 Ongoing FCA Case and Consumer Impact

52:18 "Leap Forward Podcast Launch"

55:21 Calibration Practices Debate in Auto Shops

57:03 "Solving Communication and Trust Issues"