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

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up HERE

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.

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton evaluate property values and location choosing for automotive repair shops. Matt gives tips on assessing both leasing and purchasing options, saying it's important to look at environmental inspections to avoid costly site contamination issues. Together, Mike and Matt break down how to quickly run the numbers on a new shop – from demographic analysis and competitive research to calculating realistic revenue projections based on shop capacity.

Timestamps:
00:00 Choosing a Business Location is Crucial

05:27 Building Investment Due Diligence

07:56 Renovation Challenges and Parking Plans

12:48 Commercial Property Appraisal and Inspections

15:35 Soil Testing and Abatement Costs

18:59 "Essential Due Diligence for Buyers"

23:33 Creative Lease Negotiation Strategies

24:39 Lease Agreements with Conditional Terms

28:33 Impact of Gentrification on Leases

32:17 Landlord Intentions and Investment Strategy

35:36 Local Demographic Analysis Strategy

37:39 Assessing Location Viability

43:43 Competition and Location Assessment

45:49 Maximizing Building Productivity Feasibility

50:13 "Rent Budget and Growth Constraints"

52:33 Managing Building Costs and Overheads

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERE

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up 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

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Josh Coomes and Josh Rainwater. New co-hosts of "The Morning Drive with Josh and Josh"? Hmmmm. Josh Rainwater shares the recent story of when Josh Coomes visited his shop and helped him identify and correct key operation and process issues. Josh Coomes emphasizes the importance of structured processes and having the financial stability to step away from your shop, all while the group reflects on the value of mentorship, coaching, and industry events like ASTA for growth and relationship-building.

Timestamps:
00:00 ASTA Expo 2025 Logistics and Staff Efficiency

05:02 Improving User Experience Suggestions

07:14 "Satire Becomes Reality"

10:59 Breaking Point Amid Work Pressure

15:21 "Building Structure for Business Freedom"

16:18 "Fired Technician for Integrity"

20:31 "ASTA Mastermind for Startup Shops"

23:38 Volunteer Mentorship with Accountability

27:42 Key Tagging Streamlines Operations

29:14 "Levels of Coaching Explained"

33:28 Gratitude for Trust and Support

36:43 Aligning Processes for Team Growth

40:00 "Streamline Systems to Retain Clients"

44:38 City Comparison by Car Dealerships

45:19 Improving Repair Sales Strategies

51:23 Training Gap and Emotional Strain

53:20 "Role-Playing with Chat GPT"

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

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code Confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up HERE

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

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

Today, we ask the hard questions. Is investing in ADAS equipment worth it in auto repair? And if you do, should't you charge more for it? Mike, Bryan, and Justin Allen and Jim Cokonis answer these questions while at the ASTA Expo. They also dig into the difficulties of properly training staff and building processes that ensure quality work—rather than just chasing numbers and cranking out volume.

Timestamps:
00:00 God Has FINALLY Allowed This Recording

03:44 "Podcast Heist Confession"

09:51 "Training vs. Pressure in Workplaces"

11:36 "Expertise Takes Time"

14:54 Road Forcing Tire Balance

17:41 "Rebooting Problem-Solving Processes"

23:33 ADAS Misuse and Optimization

25:39 Data Ignored, Decisions Misguided

28:22 ADAS Calibration Investment Challenges

33:28 GM Suspension Idler Arm Issues

34:15 Truck Steering Issue Escalation

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

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up 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.

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

In this episode, Mike, Bryan and Bret Fadely get way off topic. But, that's normal around here! Bret opens up about the impact of staff turnover on his business and how attending this year's ASTA Expo helped rebuild trust and team morale. The guys also dive into the realities of shop ownership and customer service, including when to go above and beyond for clients—even if it means renting a work vehicle after multiple repair failures.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Who is Wearing the Better Jacket?"

04:30 "Claiming Credit, Dodging Blame"

09:19 "Reinvigorated by ASTA Event"

10:29 "Reflecting on Expo Attendance"

14:27 Transmission Failures and Delays

17:28 "Customer Satisfaction Over Costs"

21:01 Technician Mix-Up Over Transmission

26:15 "COVID Hospital Scare"

27:31 Bryan's Health Scare

31:42 "Super Saturday Training Event"

36:24 "Building Stronger Membership Together"

40:01 "Best Hurricane ASTA Moment"

42:04 "Bar Preparedness for Events"

46:25 "Charity Plans with SD Charities"

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

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up HERE

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.

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

Tommy Markham owns Markham's Automotive in Constableville, New York, and is a HUGE supporter of charging for diagnostic....this should be fun. Mike, Bryan and Mark talk about why you should charge for diagnostic and why you shouldn't. They also discuss the challenges and marketing benefits of investing in ADAS calibration equipment, even when the return on investment is hard to measure.

Timestamps:
00:00 What Will Mike Say/Do When He's Not President?

06:47 Diagnostic Charging Debate

08:01 Billing for Expertise Costs

13:26 "Job Value Reflects Readiness"

16:24 BMW Repairs and Water Damage

19:05 "Humble Confidence and Skill"

23:28 Exclusive ADAS Calibration Facility

24:32 ADAS Profit Challenges for Shops

28:02 "Public Education Challenges"

33:55 "Customized Signs for Visibility"

34:04 "Branded Car Complaint Story"

38:48 "Confidence and Abrasiveness"

42:28 "Career Dilemma and Choices"

46:17 Rental Car Damage Documentation

50:02 Mitsubishi MUT3 Critique

52:16 Mitsubishi's Missing Key Data

53:48 Mitsubishi Ownership Verification Issue

58:22 "Car Repairs and Priorities"

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERE

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up 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

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HERE

In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Ashley Kaplan of Hub Shop Solutions. They start by talking about an odd tattoo she has on her arm and whether or not she would give away from Hub Shop for life if a customer got a Hub Shop tattoo. Mike points out how much Hub Shop has helped his shop shop save time by handling estimate writing and warranty calls. Time that service advisors can spend with customers to improve sales. Oh, and if given the opportunity, Bryan would SHUT DOWN Mitsubishi??

Timestamps:
00:00 Do you Prank Spam Callers?

10:08 Ashely Loves Sales

12:25 Focus on Bigger Priorities

16:08 Connecting Beyond Transactions

24:52 $43 O-Ring Dilemma

28:37 Efficient Cost-Effective Hiring Alternative

33:09 Efficient Diagnostic Documentation Advice

41:41 Timing Troubles and Steering Lock

47:02 Tracking Estimates and Performance Feedback

51:43 Experimenting for Success

54:34 Hub Shop: Growth-Focused Shop Solution

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

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code Confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up HERE

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

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

Lucas Underwood and Jeff Compton join Mike today to stir the pot, reflect on Jeff cheating in the sumo wrestling match at the ASTA Expo, and how it's okay for shop owners to run their shop differently. The conversation also covers the constant push/pull of personal fulfillment vs the desire to make money for shop owners, and that for this industry to change, it starts with owners investing in themselves and their people.

Timestamps:
00:00 ASTA Sumo Wrestling Bout Recap

08:59 Short-Sighted Industry Tactics are Harmful

14:06 Challenging Traditional Auto Industry Tactics

16:52 "Embracing Unreasonable Hospitality for Change"

26:39 Communication in Workplace Performance

28:49 "Understanding Industry Challenges and Growth"

36:35 Front-End Inefficiency Costs Profits

41:01 Realizing Leadership and Business Skills

46:50 Failed Shop Sales Insights

52:10 Rediscovering Purpose After Feeling Lost

57:41 "Bobby, Send Mike Home!"

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

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up 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.

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

Sunil Patel is the Founder and CEO of Tekmetric. Today, he and Mike unveil Tekmetric's new set it and forget it marketing solution, that allows shop owners to effortlessly bring in new customers with just the flip of a switch. Sunil even brings up that they are ready to dip their toes into the AI space with call scoring. If Sunil and his team aren't busy enough, in 2026 they are hosting their own industry event "Tektonic". Hear he and Mike talk about that and more today!

Register for Tektonic HERE!

Timestamps:
00:00 Simplified Marketing for Repair Shops

03:44 "Tekmetric: Efficient and User-Friendly CRM"

09:27 FCC Tightens Rules on Mass Texting

13:03 VoIP Call Scoring Development

14:22 Excitement for Analytics-Driven Technology

18:07 Inclusive Industry Conference Initiative

21:37 AI-Enhanced Vehicle Repair Orders

25:28 Digital Shift in Vehicle Services

28:12 "Digital Auto Repair Authorization"

33:45 Test Drive Disaster: Car Engulfed

35:31 Sunil with a confession

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

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up HERE

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.

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

Mike Allen and Matt Lofton jump into coaching call number nine and talk mainly about how to increase sales at Mike's shop. Matt shares research from Brian Tracy, saying that service advisors MUST spend more time engaging with customers to boost closing rates. They also talk about the strategy of splitting repair estimates into more manageable repair plans and the value of setting customer expectations during intake.

Timestamps:
00:00 Increase Customer Interaction to Boost Sales

03:55 Finding Time to Exercise is HARD

09:50 August Repair Order Analysis

12:26 Sales Process Challenge or Estimation Issue?

17:24 Optimizing Sales and Inspection Strategy

19:17 Costly Repairs Lead to Car Disposal

22:17 Two-Stage Vehicle Repair Approval Process

26:55 "Impact of Tech Quote Changes"

28:31 Choosing Repair Strategies Effectively

33:06 Improving Preventative Maintenance Estimation

36:54 Importance of Effective Intake Process

40:33 Enhancing Customer Interaction Experience

42:35 Maximize Sales by Reducing Admin Tasks

45:22 Customer Engagement Improves Experiences

48:40 Addressing Customer Fear with Transparency

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERE

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square, dog! Register now and use code confess25 for $25.00 off your registration. Sign up 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

Tired of your shop’s social media looking like every other repair shop on the internet? Stand out with 47 Consulting. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Jessee Potter and Ryan Ragan to preview NEXT WEEK'S ASTA Expo. Ryan highlights the exciting new location and expanded logistics, making the event more accessible and enjoyable for all attendees. Jessee shares details about the social events, including a unique on-site pre-party with sumo matches and interactive games, as well as the return of Casino Night with a new money booth and great prizes.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Pre-Expo Stress and Travel"

04:22 Seamless Event Facility Upgrade

06:50 Event with Food, Games, and Drinks

13:12 Cigar Rolling Event Announcement

14:03 Innovative Event Feedback Approach

19:02 Comprehensive Auto Shop Training Event

21:29 Trade Show: Fun & Transformative Training

26:05 Expanded Trade Show Timing

28:27 Event Meet-and-Greet Vision

32:43 Show Planning: Big Picture to Details