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

Greg Buckley is the owner of Buckley's Auto Care in Wilmington, Delaware. Today, he tells Mike and Bryan about his latest venture - opening an online radio station for repair shops...AND...writing podcast theme music for Confessions of a Shop Owner?? Yep. This could get out of control quickly. 

00:00 Unique Hospitality Suite Design

07:04 Tire Question: 22 GMC Denali Sierra

13:33 Owner's Secret: "I Sell Used Tires"

18:38 Adapting Shows for Podcasts

21:58 "Greg Shows Off His Music Writing Skills

32:30 Vocal Processing in Live Music

37:19 "Reluctant Sumo Suit Challenge"

41:31 Panther Chase School Tradition

47:13 Doctor Approves Drinking Alcohol

53:08 Buick Misfire Issue

57:21 "Switching to OE Tooling"

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 and Bryan are joined by John Firm of Firm Automotive in Fort Worth, Texas. John talks about how he focuses his shop around fleet work, saying fleet accounts provide a lot of stability. The guys also bring up the cons of being a "hero" shop, pointing out that knowing your niche and charging your value is a smarter business model. Also, just wait till you hear the latest shop confession story.

00:00 "The Hero Shop Trap"

08:23 "Questioning Job Performance Value"

15:50 Preventing Employee Disengagement

17:40 Fuel Strategy Documentary

23:20 Cowboy Style Origins

28:59 Journey to Amazon Fishing Expedition

34:27 Cultural Perspectives on Size

39:54 "Exotic Wildlife at Low Fence Ranch"

48:30 Confident in Technician's Expertise

53:23 Letting Go: Business Challenges

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 talk about an up-and-down summer at Mike's small shop. Matt brings up the importance of setting clear goals and trigger points for accountability within the management team, and how Mike needs to act quickly on underperformance. Mike talks through recent staffing challenges, hiring decisions, and fine-tuning systems for both the front and back of house.

00:00 Striving for Consistent Excellence

05:24 Improving Customer Agreement Strategies

09:47 Performance Assessment and Action Plan

13:35 Performance Audit and Response Strategy

14:53 "Quick Solutions for Team Efficiency"

18:26 Rapid Impact on Underperformance

23:34 "Goal Setting for Revenue Efficiency"

25:53 "Optimizing Employee Impact on Revenue"

28:08 Optimal Employee Productivity Range

32:03 Service Revenue and Support Staff

36:52 Evaluate Sales Momentum

39:57 Optimizing Pre-Booking Appointments Strategy

42:52 "Easter Giveaways and Money Strategy"

45:29 Predicting Sales Opportunities

48:51 Sumo Suit Fun and Tips

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 and Bryan are joined by Erich Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care. Erich talks about the time he nearly fell victim to an elaborate online truck sales scam and details the red flags that helped him catch it just in time. The guys also talk about their shared obsession with motorcycles, and Erich describes his diverse collection and the role riding plays in his life. Erich also talks about how his recent professional growth and industry networking have contributed to his business’s record success.

00:00 Meet Erich - He Likes Bikes

05:01 Motorcycle Collection Overview

07:10 Off-Road and Supermoto Passion

11:37 "Sunday Rides on Kentucky Roads"

14:39 Motorcycle Journey: New Orleans to Jacksonville

18:21 Efficient Workshop Equipment Organization

20:12 Technician Burnout and Tesla Hiring

26:14 Facebook Marketplace Truck Search

28:40 "Reluctant Road Trip Avoided"

31:59 Dealership Doubts and Financial Precautions

35:37 "Deciding Against Potential Scam"

38:08 Photo Theft at Florida Dealership

41:31 Mystery of Tipton Motorsports Location

45:52 Hiring Boosts Efficiency and Revenue

48:33 "Learning from Friends' Insights"

52:01 Passion for Automotive Industry Growth

54:16 Reflecting on Missed Business Opportunities

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

Nathan Ward and James Hornak recently opened Inconceivable Automotive in Raleigh, NC. Today, they tell the CRAZY story of how they became friends, fell into business ownership (starting by stealing a van off a man with Alzheimer's), and listen to advice from Mike. They all discuss openly the lessons they’ve already learned, such as the importance of clear communication, networking with other shop owners, and maintaining well-organized business processes from the outset. 

00:00 "Morning Bloody Mary Bar"

03:48 Injury Recovery Leads to Adventure

07:12 General Repair: Passion Meets Profit

12:29 Balancing Workload and Priorities

13:49 Repo Equipment Bargain Success

18:10 Subcontracting Head Gasket Repair

22:28 Stick to Normal Procedures

24:21 "Building Connections with Elite Coaching"

26:55 Sumo Wrestling Match at ASTA

30:30 Business Partnership and Profit Sharing

35:20 "Starting a Small Business Guide"

36:59 Prioritizing Business over Income

40:00 "Convenient Truck Service Location"

44:43 Proactive Learner Praised

47:15 "Toys Indicate Business Struggles"

50:07 Electrical Misunderstanding Magic

53:59 "Shop Owner Confessions"

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, Bryan and Mike are joined by Kirby Sawyer, owner of Super Rupair in Boulder, Colorado, a shop specializing exclusively in Subaru repair. Kirby shares the story of building a thriving, high-volume specialty shop, including his unique journey from employee to future owner. Of course, they get into charging for diag and why training is critical. 

00:00 "Meet Kirby Sawyer"

03:34 "Mobile Diagnostics and Accountability"

06:55 "Nissan's Legal Name Battle"

11:40 Obsolete Subaru Glass Stockpile

14:48 Economical but Prone to Corrosion

16:27 Bar Trick with Number Cards

19:47 Endless Subaru Cycle

24:27 "Awkward Car Exchange Moment"

28:58 Battery Tester Insights

32:34 Turnover and Pay Plan Success

33:23 Techs Improve Efficiency Rapidly

37:38 Offer to Buy High-Mileage Accord

39:43 Car Sales and Friend Recommendations

44:44 Expo Hospitality Suite Sponsored

48:47 "Refusal and Recommendation Story"

51:18 "Shop Dog Comfort Gone Awry"

54:16 "Farmer's Essential Values Test"

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!

Today, Mike and Matt switch things up and talk about Elite's new coaching program. Matt covers the five keys for shop success, including financial literacy, maximizing car opportunities, streamlined customer experience, retention strategies, and effective leadership and employee management. 

00:00 Elite's New Program

06:05 Networking Insights for Business Growth

07:16 Streamlining Business Success Program

10:52 Profit-Driven Automotive Management Strategy

14:12 "Door Rate vs. Effective Labor Rate"

19:17 "Maximizing Automotive Repair Revenue"

21:27 Streamlining Automotive Service Processes

26:22 Customer Retention Strategies

30:02 Streamlined Recruitment and Quick Offers

32:06 Effective Employee Management Strategies

38:18 Improving Business by Slowing Down

41:58 Balancing Urgency and Business Foundations

43:50 Affordable Shop Management Pricing

46:38 Staffing and Performance Challenges

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

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"

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 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"