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!

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"

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, 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"

You've been hearing us talk about the benefits of Tekmetric for months now - ready to cave in and give it a try? Do that HERE

Marketing is...let's say...not my strong suit. Good thing there's Turnkey Marketing! Let Carrie-Lynn and her team help you with something that's not your strong suit either HERE

Elite Worldwide is making my shop WORLDS better! I'm so pleased with the results so far. One-on-one coaching is keeping me accountable and it can with you too. Learn more HERE

In this episode, we talk with Neal Maier. Neal is someone who Mike has juuuust a little history with. Good history that is. Hopefully Neal feels the same! Neil and Mike take a trip down memory lane today and talk about their journeys through this industry. Oh and Bryan gets heated over O2 censors....again....

00:00 Mike has a confession

05:01 Tires Sustain Profitability

06:44 "Urgent Repairs Needed: Shaved Ball Joints"

10:59 "Costly Lessons Learned"

15:51 Evolving Marketing for Customer Journey

18:40 "Re-engaging Lost Customers Strategies"

21:01 Focus on Cost-Free Business Gains

25:08 "Pre-Qualified Offers Boost Return Visits"

27:21 Dispatcher's Stress Over Schedule Changes

32:49 Daily Car Processing Plan

36:00 Shop Confession: Off the Rails

40:22 "Laughing at Desperate Decisions"

41:41 Embracing Imperfection in Challenges

47:10 Event Planning and Expo Preparations

49:26 EV Safety Certification & Exam Proctors

53:50 Forklift Side Shift Adjustment

I only mention my sponsors because they have truly made a difference at my shops. I believe they can do the same for you. Visit their site below and learn more!

Tekmetric 

Turnkey Marketing

Detect Auto

Today, it's coaching call number 5. This one is a bit different than the previous four, though. Why? I actually did my job! The strategy Matt and I have been working on is working well for my small shop, but it's not time to stop and celebrate. There is more work to be done. These conversations are a glimpse into what Elite Worldwide does for shops everywhere. Do you have them helping you? 

00:00 Matt is bouche

08:19 Efficient Vehicle Maintenance Integration

11:10 Boosting Adoption of BG Services and Tires

19:19 "Managing Warranty Comebacks Efficiently"

25:52 Warranty Impacts on Free Labor

30:38 "Technician Pay Structure Adjustments"

33:58 Complex Repairs Undervalued in Labor Guides

43:23 Inexpensive Repair Causes Engine Failure

44:01 Ethical Sales and Repair Decisions

51:11 Customer Engagement & Service Strategy

58:04 Efficient Scheduling Boosts Car Count

01:00:50 Optimizing Consistent Car Count

In this bonus episode on Confessions of a Shop Owner, Charlie tells me his story of migrating from Greece to owning a multi-location repair shop. His story is what I think of what "American Dream" is mentioned, because this dude was a hard worker, would not take no for an answer, and found a way to find a way. We can all learn something from guys like Charlie. What is one ingredient he would say made him successful? Listen and find out!

01:25 – Charlie’s Early Years: From Greece to Boston at 17
03:20 – The First Jobs: Gas Stations, Chasing Work, and Learning English
05:43 – Launching Pleasant Car Care: Starting with Almost Nothing
08:11 – Naming the Shop & Choosing a New Standard for the Industry
11:11 – How Coaching Helped Charlie Think Bigger
12:15 – Meeting Todd & Bill: The Crucial Lessons of Early Coaching
13:31 – “Customer Pays for Everything” – A Lesson That Changed It All
15:09 – Moving from Technician to True Business Owner
17:23 – Why Most Shop Owners Think Too Small
19:24 – The Trap of Doing Owner Work Instead of CEO Work
21:04 – Why Your Time as an Owner Is Your Most Valuable Asset
23:14 – How One Decision Could Make Your Shop $6 Million More
24:07 – Four-Day Work Weeks, Six-Day Service: Staffing & Customer Service Debate
25:52 – Letting Your Staff Choose: Four, Five, or Six Days?
26:25 – The Challenge & Opportunity of Sunday Operations
27:17 – Saturdays, Sundays, and Putting Customer Convenience First
28:22 – Why Small Shops Can Be Super Profitable
29:36 – The Power of Efficiency in Small Shops
30:13 – Outro & Final Thoughts from Charlie and Mike