You shouldn't have to play detective just to figure out what's happening in your own shop. 😂 If you're ready for all your shop's information in one place, check out Tekmetric HERE

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes chats with Gabby Oglesby, Director of Product at Kukui, about her journey from college basketball to innovator in the automotive tech space. Gabby shares how her background in sports shaped her leadership style, why diversity and representation matter in the industry, and the importance of designing user-friendly products for shop owners.

Timestamps:
00:00 Social media confessions and TikTok addiction
01:34 How basketball built Gabby’s leadership from a young age
02:46 Honored in the Hall of Fame: Gabby’s journey from Guilford College to Kukui
04:57 Wearing the green: The inside truth about Kukui’s infamous uniforms
05:25 Four years at Kukui—bridging product creation and real shop needs
06:22 From country kid to tech leadership: Gabby on moving, growing, and learning
08:24 Designing products with empathy for shop owners and customers
09:08 The power of community & networking at industry events
10:06 How the game (and teamwork) led to a new kind of leadership at work
12:25 Breaking barriers: Black women, LGBTQ+ leaders, and showing up at automotive events
16:31 Why representation and village vibes make the industry stronger
17:19 So many career options in auto, even if you don’t wrench
18:35 Tackling imposter syndrome and showing up
19:49 Being underestimated, finding your voice, and showing confidence
21:30 Masculine-presenting in leadership and the importance of authenticity
22:00 Parenting, adoption, and non-traditional families in auto
23:08 Growing LGBTQ+ visibility at trainings—breaking old assumptions
24:38 How stereotype-busting leads to stronger community
25:48 The real secret: Diversity and curiosity build the best teams
27:46 How Kukui builds new tech for shops—straight from owner input
28:55 Toggles, choices, and making products user-friendly
30:58 Keeping up with tech—old school meets new school shop culture
31:19 AI, customer experience, and the tools that really matter for shop owners
34:39 The loyalty program and the importance of customer retention
36:06 New shops, new competition—standing out with service, not just tech
38:24 Lessons from rapid change: Stick to what works, be wary of shiny new “solutions”
41:00 Lasting legacy: Gabby on commitment, voice, and bringing your full self
43:16 What diversity really brings to your shop—food, flavor, and unstoppable teams
44:00 Why the next generation matters and why you need to be at the table
44:46 Where to find Gabby, Kukui, and upcoming events

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes and JeanAnn SaintGrace get real about the shop ownership journey—no sugarcoating here. JeanAnn opens up about navigating grief, burnout, and leadership after the loss of her husband, sharing how those tough lessons turned into a passion for coaching other shop owners. If you’ve ever felt like you’re celebrating your wins alone, juggling all the hats, or just need someone to unwind with who truly gets it, this episode is for you.

Listen to JeanAnn's podcast "Shop Talk Her Way" here

Timestamps:
00:00 Why shop owners need a place to unload—the birth of Downshift
01:16 JeanAnn’s background: Shop ownership, grief, and a “unicorn” sale
03:39 Returning to the automotive world—coaching through loss
05:47 Why longer coaching calls matter & celebrating client wins
07:04 Loneliness of leadership—why owners need people to celebrate with
08:13 The value of going deep: No “I’m fine” answers allowed!
09:51 Balancing business and friendship—navigating tough employee situations
12:34 Vision for your team: Helping employees look beyond the next paycheck
14:34 Embracing differences—why everyone brings something to the table
16:11 The next great idea can come from anywhere (even the “kid” tech!)
18:18 Smarter people in the room: Building teams that challenge and grow
18:56 The three things employees want most: Communication, recognition, input
20:15 One-on-ones, “date nights,” and loving your team ‘til it’s weird
21:36 Technicians and mental health: Addressing the industry’s suicide rate
24:16 Shop ownership is lonely—creating spaces for real talk and support
26:23 Lacking life insurance and key man insurance? Why it’s a must
29:01 Burnout, overwork, and the power of letting your team support you
32:39 General vs. soldier: Why owners shouldn’t always be “in the trenches”
34:55 Giving yourself grace—especially when hard work doesn’t look glamorous
37:52 Surviving life’s curveballs: The benefits of planning and protection
43:31 Being vulnerable as a leader & building real trust/culture
47:03 Celebrating the little wins—because no one claps for payroll!
56:22 The heart of service: Why connections with customers matter most
59:04 Becoming the “first call”—your shop as the hub of community trust
1:01:25 From fixing cars to fixing lives: Jean Ann’s legacy through coaching
1:04:00 You’re not alone—reaching out for community, resources, and real talk
1:05:10 How to connect with JeanAnn and find your safe space to land

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes welcomes back Benjie Burris, but this time he brought who we all wanted to hear the first time. The boss! Kristy Burris. Today, they get into what it means to build legacy in the automotive repair industry. They also cover the importance of apprenticeship programs and investing in young technicians to secure the industry's future. Tonnika also unpacks the real story behind shop culture—emphasizing that true wealth isn’t just KPIs, but the impact you have on your community and the next generation.

Timestamps:
00:00 The pressure to go to college—and the reality for grads
01:31 Why Benjie’s “secret weapon” changed the business
02:46 Doing the work vs. coasting through shop coaching
05:00 Kristy’s journey: from classroom to the family shop
09:11 The apprenticeship program and hiring local youth
13:00 Rethinking “special education”—everyone deserves a chance
16:05 The unseen brilliance in non-traditional students
18:28 Why degrees and diplomas aren’t the only path to success
20:07 Building up people, not just technicians
22:22 Real wealth: lessons you can’t measure in KPIs
24:45 Are today’s kids “lazy”? Busting myths about the next generation
27:44 The trap of chasing other people’s goals—set your own
32:34 How mentorship changes lives (and helped Benji calm down!)
36:03 Culture eats strategy for breakfast—here’s what REALLY matters
42:15 Mentorship in action: the new generation leading the shop
45:45 Lessons learned: why serving your community beats the bottom line
48:14 Don’t bring work home—making the family business attractive
51:10 Next-gen ownership: preparing your kids for leadership
55:05 Giving your staff tools that don’t come from a tool truck
57:00 Why feedback (and a good chicken wing) matter
59:10 It’s not smoke and mirrors—shop culture you can FEEL

You shouldn't have to play detective just to figure out what's happening in your own shop. 😂 If you're ready for all your shop's information in one place, check out Tekmetric HERE

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

In this episode, Kassiady Markham joins Tonnika Haynes to share her journey of building Phase Two Automotive alongside her husband from the ground up. Kassiady opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood, business ownership, and overcoming setbacks—including business failures and family health crises. She emphasizes the importance of coaching for growth, setting boundaries at work, and building generational wealth for their family.

Timestamps:
00:00 Kassiady introduction: therapy, humor, and owning half the company
01:02 Shop origins: EMT careers and turning a car hobby into a side hustle
04:08 From “side gig” to baby in the office—juggling kids and business
05:16 Struggles: marriage stress, foreclosure, and raising autistic children
07:00 When the first business collapsed and the comeback began
10:09 Taking a leap (again): Starting over with Phase Two Automotive
13:32 IRS threats and the decision to take full control
14:29 Stepping into leadership: Doing the books, HR, and payroll
16:36 Coaching with Elite: Solving problems, boundaries, and marriage tips
18:45 Why running a family business was the only way
20:01 Who’s in Kassiady corner when it gets hard? Support systems
23:30 How the team runs the shop (including her brother!)
25:38 The crucial role of coaching in unlocking new growth
27:20 The vision: generational wealth, success goals, and involving the kids
30:35 Lessons learned: “It’s not a bad life—just a bad day.”
32:01 Setting work boundaries and prioritizing family
34:19 Therapy as self-care; keeping the marriage strong
39:05 Parenting philosophies and supporting kids to adulthood
41:14 Leading as the only woman in the shop: standing firm
43:19 Customer confrontations and not backing down
44:50 Real advice for women running shops or helping husbands
50:39 Discounting, boundaries, and protecting the shop’s future
54:49 Giving back to the community—doing good when it matters
56:29 Expansion goals: property headaches and future shop dreams
60:08 Rapid fire: first car, dream car, entrepreneurship in one word
61:49 Biggest lesson: Wishing they’d started coaching sooner
62:13 Why she’ll never be without a business coach

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE

In this episode, Tonnika welcomes Nick Yannessa & Chi Wong to talk about how they started a auto repair shop. Nick brought up how he thinks it's dangerous to judge customers based on their car or background—presenting recommendations equally is key for success. They all discuss the importance of efficiency and processes, especially for one-person operations, with strategies ranging from shop layout to streamlined part sourcing. The discussion explored how relationships—whether through peer support, coaching, or personal connection with customers—can make or break both morale and business success.

Timestamps:
00:00 Growing up in the business, judging customers & learning not to assume
03:00 The wild origin story of a Philly-area repair friendship
07:00 Shop ownership journeys: from dealer frustration to Craigslist finds
13:15 Shop expansions, partnerships, and the big pains of growing fast
16:30 Management mistakes: Getting hurt by the wrong coaching advice
22:30 Why shop friendships (and roasting each other) drive real growth
26:00 Breaking out of the tech mindset — why process & sales skills matter
35:00 Single bay or big staff? How to thrive as a one-man show
41:30 Efficiency hacks: leg surgery for your shop layout
47:00 The power of batching tasks, double-dipping on equipment, and finding your warehouse
51:00 Bootstrapping a new shop, from free desks to Techmetric (or not)
59:00 Real-life sales training: How to pitch brakes and win trust
1:12:00 Dealership vs. Indie: Why premium service isn’t just about the brand
1:20:00 Body shop margins, insurance games, and why service rocks
1:33:00 The secret sauce: Making your shop unforgettable
1:39:00 Building trust over time (without a single DVI)
1:44:00 Health, happiness, and generational wealth—success beyond KPIs
1:46:00 Why driving a free CR-V might beat flexing a Cadillac
1:52:00 Building benefits for your people, and leveling up your future
1:58:00 Final rants and why you need to be the “dive bar” your customers love

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes welcomes Anders Gustafson to discuss the real journey of shop ownership, from humble beginnings to scaling up. Anders shares the challenges of starting a shop with little experience, reflecting on the lessons learned from opening a second location and the importance of picking the right spot. Together, they get real about the mental toll of comparing yourself to others on social media, the need for community and coaching in the automotive industry, and why self-growth matters more than flashy online wins.

Timstamps:
00:00 The Comparison Trap: Social Media and Shop Owner Wins
01:26 East Coast Roots: Moving for a Dream
02:15 Breaking into Automotive: From Office Job to Shop Life
03:38 U-Hauls & Humble Beginnings—Opening Shop in Virginia
07:27 Location Matters! Lessons from Two Stores
11:01 Second Location Struggles & Mistakes
14:36 Going It Alone: The Cost of Not Getting Industry Support
17:32 Social Media: More Harm Than Good?
19:02 Measuring Growth: Why the Only Race is With Yourself
25:02 Teaching & Tectonic: How Humor Changes the Game
28:23 Tech-Enabled Services: ShopLevers Explained
32:46 Business Partners: Horror Stories & Happy Endings
37:04 Boondoggling Across the Globe: Adventures Post-Shop Life
41:40 Real Shop Drama: Roller Coasters, Jabronis & Jalopies
44:00 The Power of Coaching, Training, and Community
46:53 From Fear to Freedom: Finding Your Shop Owner Tribe
49:01 Shop Ownership = Roller Coaster (and Why You Should Love It)
52:44 Google Reviews, Value, and Standing Your Ground

You shouldn't have to play detective just to figure out what's happening in your own shop. 😂 If you're ready for all your shop's information in one place, check out Tekmetric HERE

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes sits down with Andrew Klement and Caleb McElmurry to dive into the realities of young shop ownership in the automotive industry. Andrew and Caleb talk candidly about their rough starts, the importance of being profitable (and actually charging the right prices), and how building a supportive community has made all the difference.

Timestamps:
00:00 Young shop owners introduce themselves, plant mom stories, and moving from mobile to brick-and-mortar
04:36 Caleb describes his dealership beginnings, lessons from a used car lot, and why integrity matters
06:35 Andrew shares his “started from the lawnmower” story, learning on the job, and meeting the right mentors
12:27 Why both left bad bosses and how they leveled up their skills
13:55 Building a customer base: overcoming $20 repair mindsets and finding the right clients
17:15 The hardest part of moving from technician to owner—payroll, pricing, and pressure
21:21 Learning to price (and value!) your work: Big mistakes shop owners make
25:28 What it actually means to take care of your community—and yourself
34:12 Balancing family and business: honest talk about shop life with kids
39:16 The shop mistake neither will EVER repeat again
43:03 Coaching, community, and why there’s no single right way to win in this business
57:00 Are you building a legacy? Talking new generations and what it means for your shop
1:01:50 What to know before you open your own shop (spoiler: it’s harder than you think!)
1:16:10 Why undercharging and sacrificing profit is hurting everyone in the industry
1:21:55 Being proud of what you’ve built—yes, you deserve that truck!
1:29:12 Marketing in small towns & finding the customers who value your shop
1:33:09 There’s more than one way to run a shop—and that’s okay
1:39:09 Real talk: mental health, community, and lifting each other up in the industry
1:44:01 Wrapping up: finding your people, making it your own, and why the journey is worth it

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE

What does it really take to run a thriving auto shop without living in the bays? Today Rick White and Buckaroo Bob join Tonnika to break down the journey from wrench-turner to true business builder. Hear firsthand stories about learning to trust your team, why “hiring smarter” is the real secret, and how the right coaching can seriously change your shop’s future.

Plus: Why you need to delegate, why “set it and forget it” marketing frees you up to lead, and why building your network is as important as building your car count.

Timestamps:

00:00 Are you running your shop—or is your shop running you? 
02:07 Letting go: When Bob's son joined the family business
03:43 The long road from working IN the business to working ON it0
6:03 Bob’s transformation: Training yourself out of a job0
7:25 How group coaching built an unstoppable shop owner family
10:03 ARO breakthrough: From $252 to $820 by trusting the process
12:00 Control freaks, “Mama syndrome,” and learning to let your team lead
14:50 Why you must hire people smarter than you—and how to spot them
15:43 Book club for bosses: “One Minute Manager” and more game-changers
18:01 Coaching: Are you looking for a coach—or just a cheerleader?
21:20 Rick’s journey: From micromanagement to true leadership
25:51 Letting go: Real growth means they don’t need you every day
30:26 Training is NOT optional—why you’re never too good to learn
31:39 The three reasons shop owners skip coaching (and how to fix it)
33:02 Your only entitlement: Opportunity, not comfort
35:59 Facing big challenges—without carrying all that baggage
39:02 If you’re still taking technical classes… you’re not leading your shop
40:34 Simple details that set your shop apart—yes, the smell matters!
41:21 Saying yes to more—adventure, networking, and stepping outside your comfort zone
43:22 Big invitations: Family reunions, cookouts & open mic wisdom
44:07 Upcoming advisor training and summer events—don’t miss out!

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

In this episode, the conversation focused on the Amazing Women in Automotive group and its mission to recruit, retain, and engage more women in the industry. One concept discussed was the importance of mentorship and how even new members can offer fresh perspectives to the group. A key theme that emerged was the challenge—and the necessity—of giving yourself permission to evolve as a leader and embrace new roles as your business and life change.

Timestamps:
00:00 Belonging in Automotive: Propping Each Other Up
00:40 What’s Amazing Women in Automotive REALLY About?
01:15 The Origin Story: Creating Space and the Mission
02:12 Men, Listen Up: Why This Matters for Everyone
03:24 Safe Spaces & Real Talk—NOT a Kumbaya Circle
05:07 Welcoming Newcomers and Building Confidence
06:22 Mentoring & the Power of Fresh Eyes0
7:09 Automotive Auntie: Why Mentorship Matters
08:20 There’s a Community Out Here—Don’t Miss Out
09:09 Transferable Skills: You DON’T Need to Be a Tech
10:10 Bringing Marketing, Accounting, and More to the Shop
11:16 Events, Retreats & Partnering with Schools
12:13 It’s OK to Focus on You—Permission to Refuel
13:38 Balancing Motherhood & Shop Life: Permission Granted
14:41 Leading at Work, Leading at Home: Raising Leaders
16:00 Why Don’t We Give Ourselves Enough Credit?
17:15 Permission to Say Thank You (& Mean It!)
18:14 Auntie Advice: Sometimes You Just Need a Dance Party
19:25 AI, SOPs & Finding Time—Give Yourself Grace
21:05 Getting Women Out of Their Shell & Into Community
22:33 Technician Engagement: Cultural Differences and Challenges
24:21 Why You Need to Show Up—Even if You Think You Don’t
25:20 Weekly Encouragement & Why Laughter Matters
26:07 Tears, Tough Days & Doing Leadership the Right Way
27:31 Letting Go: Empowering Your Team and Yourself
30:13 Redefining Your Role—No More Mom Guilt
32:12 Coaching, Leadership & Sharing the Wins
34:05 Raising Leaders at Every Level of the Shop
36:00 When Your Why Changes—Identity, Shifts & Legacy
40:43 How to Join Amazing Women in Automotive!
41:18 The Power of Community & What’s Next

You shouldn't have to play detective just to figure out what's happening in your own shop. 😂 If you're ready for all your shop's information in one place, check out Tekmetric HERE

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes and Josh Oberlander break down why slowing down and focusing on process can actually turbocharge your shop’s growth. Tonnika shares hard-won lessons about moving from high car count and burnout to prioritizing quality over quantity, showing how DVIs (with more photos!) increase both trust and repair order value. Josh jumps in with actionable advice on building team buy-in, gamifying new processes, and leading from the top. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Leading from the top: Why technicians and advisors must buy in
00:35 The untapped power of free training for shop owners
01:17 Doing less for more: Getting profitable work from fewer cars
02:16 Maximizing ARO by slowing down and focusing on DVIs
03:07 The quick lube trap: Saying yes to everything vs. building real value
03:23 Photos = trust: How transparent DVIs win more jobs
03:34 Josh shares shop success with upping DVI photo counts
04:04 Protecting your shop with good photos (and covering your … liability)
05:01 Why busy shops are still "broke"—the cost of missing training & coaching
06:10 Saying 'no for now': The hardest lesson for shop owners
06:41 Why oil changes almost never build loyalty (and what to focus on instead)
06:53 Coaching your team: Breaking through resistance to DVI and new processes
08:04 Gamifying buy-in: Whiteboards, numbers, and making it a challenge
09:20 The 60- or 90-day challenge: Real tracking for real results
10:00 Why photo & video DVIs build trust—and prevent burnout
11:19 Video in the shop: When and why you want to use it
12:08 Technicians, not actors: Keeping DVI videos authentic
12:25 The magic of just one extra hour per ticket
12:36 Team buy-in starts at the top—stop relying on "because I said so"
13:18 Creating a culture of “disagree and commit”
14:20 How team input drives goals, ownership, and commitment
15:08 Buy-in that sticks: When your team runs the shop without you
15:53 Setting the next big goal (and getting your team hyped!)
16:06 The never-ending work of real leadership
17:01 The payoff of openness: Why your team should know the numbers