My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

I was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERE

Jack Shields is the owner of Jack's Auto and Tire in Chrystal Lake, Illinois. Today, he joins Bryan and Mike to reignite the conversation about free diag, pricing, and the ups and downs of shop ownership. Jack started in the industry working in his father's shop and now runs a brake-focused shop, and stresses being transparent and building trust with customers. 

00:00 "Embracing My Way in Auto Sales"

06:06 Struggling to Delegate Business Tasks

15:03 Strategic Giveaway Advice for Shops

19:51 Improving Mechanic Training Quality

22:26 Specialty Shops' Worth Defended

27:37 Contemplating Business Expansion Decisions

34:34 Cost Breakdown for Labor and Parts

41:34 Car Repair Assistance Overview

48:38 Corporate Takeover of Local Shops

49:47 Retiring Shop Owners Face Transitions

58:34 Mug Club Proposal for Revenue

01:00:15 Exclusive Specialty Auto Shops

01:08:32 "Friday Night Automotive Hangout"

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERE

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERE

In this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by Brandon Dills of Jarhead Diagnostics. They also talk shop ownership challenges when Brandon explains why he closed his shop previously and what inspired him to reopen with a more balanced, focused approach. They also get into the world of manufacturing custom diagnostic tools, discussing how Brandon manages production, responds to one-off customer requests, and the benefits (and headaches) of scaling up using 3D printers.

00:00 Is Bryan a Traitor for Supporting the Changing the Industry Podcast?

10:20 Business Animosity and Expo Popularity

14:19 Product Feasibility Challenges

19:37 Rare Vintage Tools Market Insight

24:13 Fireworks, Boating, Chaos

28:32 Rushed Mistakes with Boat Trailers

33:21 Different Paths to Business Success

40:28 Limited Auto Repair Options

48:20 "Redneck Workout: Tree Lifting"

54:27 Tekmetric New CRM

57:47 Real-Time AI Call Monitoring

Soooooo - a lot has been happening in the groups, and we just had to jump in to share our thoughts. 

00:00 "No Charge Diagnostics Debate"

04:33 Pricing Double Standard in Auto Repair

07:24 Free Diag vs. Paid Service

13:06 Adapting to Market Needs

15:48 "Embracing Different Approaches"

17:05 Daily Automotive Diagnostics Insights

20:19 "Key to Success: Service Strategy"

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

There are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect Auto

Jon Cabak and Josh Oberlander founded the auto repair AI-driven tech company Detect Auto. Today, they talk with Mike about how in the world all this got started and share stories of what they've learned along the way. Even some things they've seen in shops around the country that SHOCKED them. Oh, and there could be a sponsor event happening at ASTA now? Stay tuned for more.

00:00 "Breaking into Automotive Sales"

06:05 Fans Are Nice in Repair Shops

07:19 Automotive Shop Process Automation

12:11 AI-Powered Customer Query Tool

13:33 Streamlined Diagnostic Questionnaires for Technicians

18:18 New Tool Enhances DVI Reports

23:07 Overwhelmed and Exhausted from Events

24:38 "Time to Host Our Events"

29:25 Failed Camera System Project

33:03 "Improving Shop Communication Methods"

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERE

In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership. Josh says that poor communication in the repair shop takes about 18% of a shop's income annually. So, how do you stop this from happening? Josh says one-on-one meetings with staff are effective, along with simply being intentional with each member of the staff.

Check out Josh's podcast Limitless Leadership HERE

00:00 Spelling Is Difficult for Some People (Braxton)

03:25 Four-Day Work Week Benefits

06:58 Shift Schedule: 4 Weeks On, 1 Off

12:50 From Corporate to Faith-Driven Entrepreneur

13:37 Grateful for Industry Collaboration

18:20 "2025 Business Communication Report"

21:32 "Shifting Focus from Negatives"

25:39 Streamlined Estimating Process

29:38 "Value of Technicians' One-on-Ones"

34:05 Managing Team Communication

37:53 Coaching Process Overview

39:28 "Limitless Leadership Blueprint Launch"

45:19 Hiring Decision for Business Growth

48:36 Vision for Limitless Leadership Hub

50:11 Cooperative Facade, Fierce Competition

53:41 "People-First Engagement Boosts Performance"

Coaching call episodes of Confessions of a Shop Owner are when Matt Lofton, from Elite Worldwide, joins Mike to discuss one of his three repair shops. This is the sixth coaching call about this shop so far, and it was the toughest one yet, as the shop operated at a loss for May. There were several factors at play, and Matt helps Mike sort through how they can pick up where things left off in April. (The best month to date for that store)

Learn more about how our sponsors can help you run your shop this summer! 

Tekmetric 

Turnkey Marketing

Detect Auto

In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Bill Brusard of JB Auto Care and Now Auto Care. Bill tells the story of meeting industry lightning rod Todd Hayes and how that meeting changed his life. Now, Bill has goals to build generational wealth, rather than just running a shop. They also talk about the strategy of private equity deals with the Houston-Boston Partnership, and why Bill believes giving back is important. 

00:00 From Technician to Shop Owner for Bill

05:18 Meeting Big Daddy Todd Hayes

06:43 Choosing Quality over Quantity

10:00 Defining Success with Hayes

13:30 "Maximize Your True Potential"

17:53 "Second Bite: Bigger Equity Return"

22:26 "Failed Business Dreams"

23:25 "No Question Off Limits"

In this episode, the goal was to get David fired up. Mission accomplished. We talk free diagnosis, the value of technicians vs service advisors, and whether AI could ever truly replace a skilled shop foreman or technician. Oh yeah, and I'm trying the Summer Ozempics. 

This show would not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors. If you enjoy the show, consider supporting them and let them know you heard about them on Confessions of a Shop Owner! Touch the sponsor's name below for more.

Tekmetric 

Turnkey Marketing

Elite Worldwide

Timestamps

00:00 Who Has The Best Podcast Logo?

05:36 "Streamline Shop Management with Tekmetric"

11:26 Olympic Athletes' Ozempic Struggle

17:11 Unexpected Mid-Flight Illness

29:40 David's Weight Journey

35:07 "Faulty Fuel Pump Repair Fiasco"

42:30 Separate Billing for Brandon's Expertise

48:11 "Diagnostic Strategies and Methods"

53:54 Rethinking Management Roles

58:05 Women's Bathroom Mess Challenges

01:00:09 Bathroom Door Mishap Explained

01:07:38 Event Space and Scheduling Challenges

01:12:11 Collision Industry Insights & Challenges

01:17:43 Struggle with Letting Go

Dan Thieken is the owner of Kreager Tire and Service in Millersport, Ohio. Today, Dan talks through losing nearly his entire staff in a VERY short period, but somehow kept the shop afloat. 

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS! We wouldn't tell you about them if we didn't believe they could help you at your shop! For more about each sponsor, touch their name below. 

Tekmetric

Turnkey Marketing

Elite Worldwide

Timestamps:
00:00 Dan's Shop and an Update

13:42 Lack of Communication Criticized

18:04 Aftermarket Shop Offers Better Opportunities

26:33 Ted's Blunt Conversation on Expectations

28:31 Health Insurance Search for Team

37:28 Conflict of Interest Avoided

43:02 "Unwarranted Expense: $6,000 Bottle"

49:26 Helping Cousin's Demo Class Thursday

55:06 Mentorship Transforms New Shop Owners

58:21 Prioritizing Family Over Work

Today, we play a voicemail from Bryan's biggest fan. Or shall we say, biggest fan of his feet...oh yeah - and Tonnika Haynes joins to talk shop. And confess things, too. 

Support the show by supporting our awesome sponsors! 

Touch HERE and start using the best Shop Management Software there is. Tekmetric.

For help with your shop's marketing, use who I do - Turnkey Marketing. Touch HERE

Find the stuff you're missing at your shop with Detect Auto - click HERE

00:00 Funny Social Media to Watch

08:50 Overworked and Overcommitted

10:49 "Becoming a Shop Owner" Workshop

13:44 Sales Tactics and Decision Dynamics

19:46 "Unlock Hidden Auto Shop Revenue"

20:50 "Napa Encounter: Charismatic Persuasion"

26:19 "Cultural Fit Over Potential"

27:27 Balancing Tech Skills and Estimation

30:45 Insurance Influence on Repair Shops

35:56 Sibling Roughhousing Consequences

37:15 "Challenging Training for Real Skills"

43:21 EV Safety Certification with Avtech

43:58 Certification Test Opportunity Details

49:11 High-End Carlisle Equipment Discounts

51:05 Busy but Available for Fun

55:57 "Brian's Foot Finder Request"