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

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 Ash Kaplan chat with Dan Thieken, owner of Kreager Tire and Service LLC in Millersport, Ohio. Dan opens up about the journey from sweeping floors as a high school student to owning his own shop, emphasizing the importance of building the right team so that owners can eventually step away from day-to-day operations. He also shares his philosophy on why shops should offer tires—not only as a profit center, but as a window into the car's soul that keeps customers from ever needing another shop.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why you should ALWAYS offer tires at your shop
02:11 Dan Thieken's origin story: From sweeping floors to owner
04:32 The leap to management—and whistleblowing on bad leadership
05:25 Not a tech? Why owning a shop is still for you
07:07 People skills: Bartenders, restaurant work, and automotive service
10:41 Building a team so you (finally) can step away
13:31 Small town challenges: Hiring, no running water, and real culture
16:14 The trust fall: Letting go of your “baby” shop
18:17 Shop success = buying back your own time
20:04 The slippery slope of coaching and paying it forward
22:11 What’s your business mix? Service vs. tires, and how it changed
24:22 Two reasons EVERY shop should offer tires
25:10 How selling tires unlocks full-vehicle inspections
26:20 Stop “selling”—just advise and build relationships
28:00 Would Dan ever hire a coach? The answer might surprise you
32:26 Advice for new shop owners: Train your replacement
34:21 The personal side: Boundaries, empathy, and being “too nice”
39:00 Mistakes owners make: Wanting to be absentee too soon
43:12 The real trick: Let your staff learn from their mistakes
46:00 Why Dan feels more at home away from the counter
47:51 Upcoming events, classes, and golf trips

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, Jessica Watkins tells Tonnika and Ash about her time in marketing and how she got into the automotive industry. They bring up the challenges women face, from working in shops without AC or clean bathrooms to building customer-centered businesses. Learn from the ladies on how shop owners can make their spaces more inviting for women and why curb appeal, safety, and clean facilities truly matter.

Timestamps:
00:00 When shops refuse to upgrade: The pain of paper tickets
01:04 Is it hot in here? Real talk about shop air conditioning (or the lack of it!)
02:04 Jessica’s origin story: Tripling sales & demanding more
05:18 Why clean bathrooms and AC matter for customer (and staff!) happiness
07:16 The surprising power of shop curb appeal
10:22 Making the automotive industry friendlier for women
12:10 How Ash built Golden Hour Garage to make shop life easier
14:35 The little things that build trust and boost your brand
17:50 Want higher prices? Start by raising your standards
20:12 Why your marketing matters (and how not to suck at it)
22:46 Nosy people are your next customers. Get visible!
25:41 Safety first: Creating a shop environment everyone feels safe in
28:40 What women notice that shop owners miss
31:14 True service stories: When a shop loses a customer for good
36:29 Why front counter greetings and clean lobbies can’t be ignored
40:13 The secret to staff training and customer loyalty
43:06 Confessions & how to encourage more women to join the shop life
47:25 Lessons (and laughs) from real shop experiences
54:00 How to connect with Jessica and get solutions for YOUR shop!

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 Ash Kaplan are joined by Justin Allen, Regional Training Representative for Hunter Engineering Company. Justin shares how creating safe and welcoming spaces—like women’s only alignment classes and future Spanish-speaking courses—empowers underrepresented groups in the automotive industry. The conversation dives into the importance of authentic networking, both online and at in-person events, as the true driver for confidence and belonging.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Finding comfort and sharing the lonely seasons
02:34 – Creating inclusive, confidence-building training spaces
03:36 – Why “women’s only” (or any specialty) classes matter
05:47 – How community happens & why it’s sometimes needed
06:39 – Expanding representation: plans for Spanish-speaking classes
08:20 – The impact of generosity, authenticity, and industry encouragement
09:02 – When to dial back or shine bright with your personality
10:19 – Meeting people where they are—connection over performance
12:56 – Owning your style & standing strong, even in a sea of jeans
14:13 – Loneliness, the internet, and plugging into shop community
15:52 – Does teaching/training fill you up or wear you out?
17:01 – Local industry events: why independent owners need wider connections
18:42 – How past and present approaches to networking differ
20:10 – Personality as marketing and the art of standing out
22:17 – The magic of turning a group of strangers into a true learning team
24:06 – Surprises in the journey from sales to teaching
25:08 – Why you never really “finish training”
25:41 – Getting better on camera: simple tips for real engagement
28:19 – The importance of eye contact in video and making viewers feel seen
31:11 – Editing, authenticity, and growing your digital voice
32:00 – Tech gadgets: meta glasses & bringing innovation to the bay
33:52 – Taking pictures that help your shop shine on social
36:44 – The power of networking events, large and small
39:17 – Trade shows, podcasts, and the “chosen family” in auto
42:04 – Passing on the value of community to the next generation
46:14 – Why connection beats Kumbaya: realness at shop gatherings
48:17 – Embracing the power of welcoming the “new kid”
52:00 – Downshift moment: Loneliness, divorce, and finding yourself again
54:36 – Advice for those struggling: “You are not alone” & get plugged in
57:14 – Online groups, resources, and making your first connection
58:17 – Ready to plug in? Where to connect with Justin Allen

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 Josh Parnell talk about probably the biggest buzz word used on this podcast: leadership. They dig into the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure you're not just giving your family or team your "leftovers." The conversation dives deep on the value of building authentic connections with your team—way beyond just numbers and KPIs. They also tackle the crucial yet rarely discussed topic of mental health challenges in the automotive industry, urging owners and leaders to find support and pour back into themselves

Timestamps:
00:00 Building vision and letting your team take ownership
01:20 Making the leap: What brought you to limitless leadership?
03:07 The three C’s: Capability, competence, confidence
04:11 Living as an introvert in an extrovert’s industry
05:05 Refilling your cup—avoiding burnout in leadership
06:28 Bringing your best self home: Boundaries and family
08:16 Why “pouring from an empty cup” hits harder than you think
09:20 The reality behind the social media success story
11:10 Blended families, entrepreneurship, and real-life challenges
12:18 Hiring people smarter than you—trusting your team
13:03 Casting clear vision: When your team expands your mission
16:11 Giving people their flowers—impacting lives beyond the business
18:46 Finding your “why” as kids grow up and business evolves
21:00 Leadership means more than paychecks: Investing in your people
22:13 Connecting with employees on a personal level
23:07 Toolbox talks and one-on-ones: Navigating tough conversations
25:30 How leadership coaching turns intangibles into real results
26:39 The discovery phase: Connection before KPIs
28:01 Engagement is the missing link in most shops
29:29 High emotions, low logic: Regulation and vulnerability
32:04 Shop owners are leading by example (and it shows)
32:35 Why every owner needs a coach
34:03 Comparing playbooks: Continuous growth through coaching
36:41 Mindset drives results: Why counseling and coaching matter
38:09 The blue-to-black budget—allocating for personal growth
39:14 Shop owner mental health: Let’s talk about suicide rates
41:08 Emotional regulation: The pause-process-pivot strategy
42:40 Creating a softer space for yourself and your team
43:42 How to connect with Josh and limitless leadership
45:34 How the community can step up—helping each other
46:26 “It’s okay to not be okay”—Tanika’s open invitation

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 sits down with Sara Fraser and Chrisi Falco from Auto Ignite Management (AIM) to talk all things hiring. Chrissy shares why finding the right fit is about making genuine connections—not just filling a seat. The conversation dives into the challenges of matching candidates and shops, the importance of clear communication (ditch the tech jargon!), and why letting go as a shop owner is crucial for real growth.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why working 50 cars a day is a no 
01:00 Meet the AIM team: Industry roots, passion for matchmaking, and growing connections
03:10 Are there really no techs? Why it’s about relationships, not shortages
05:50 Should you keep a “bench” of techs? The ethics of recruiting & shop loyalty
07:00 Why Chrisi refuses to work with just any shop—setting a high bar for culture
08:30 What are you even offering? Shop owner introspection and culture checklists
10:00 Women connecting in auto care: From awkward networking to authentic friendships
12:15 Real talk on imposter syndrome and why even “superstars” get nervous
14:35 Learning to follow up, build real connections & support the women in your network
17:30 Teaching shop teams: Building trust (not confusion) with your customers
19:00 Communicating repairs like a human—forget the tech jargon
21:00 When the dealership totally misses your actual problem (and how to do better)
24:00 Interview horror stories: “Honey, darling, babe”—and why culture fit matters
27:00 Price matching, value selling, and the scary jump from dealership to independent
31:00 Why coaching & confidence count more than the perfect resume
34:00 Real interview answers that make (and break) a candidate
38:00 Letting go: Why shop owners struggle to step back (and why you should!)
41:30 Building a team that actually lets you leave—while your shop THRIVES
45:00 You’ve earned your break, boss—embracing leadership, legacy, and life outside the bay
49:00 AIM’s not just recruiters—they’re your matchmakers for growth

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

You can almost taste the cornbread listening to this episode!!! Boy oh boy, Benjie Burris and Zeb Beard on the same podcast for the first time ever??? Yes way. Today, Tonnika and the guys talk leadership, training, and the future of the trades. Benjie and Zeb reflect on their similar upbringings, sharing how old-school mentorship and tough love shaped their approach to running successful shops. The crew digs deep into why young people aren't entering the industry like they used to, pointing to a breakdown of family structure, lack of respect, and a missing "village" mentality.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why feelings and political correctness are overrated
01:02 How Benjie & Zeb’s shop life and upbringings shaped their leadership
05:32 Did they ever dream they’d get this far? Facing doubts and never dialing it back
08:45 Biggest lessons learned—they’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to
12:00 How screwing up (and getting up again) builds better techs
15:04 Tough love truth: The best AND worst thing about this business is people
18:05 Coaching up a new generation—pushing young techs out of their comfort zones
25:00 Why there aren’t enough young people in the trades (and what’s REALLY to blame)
31:40 “It Takes a Village”—what happened to respect and community?
35:00 Petting vs. pounding: Can you train techs if you’re too soft?
40:03 Whose responsibility is it when things go wrong in the shop?
44:00 Why shop owners bear ALL the risk and how that shapes leadership
47:00 Investing in real training—who’s actually willing to learn?
52:00 Not all shop owners are created equal (and why some are holding you back)
55:00 Independents vs. dealerships: what the next-gen needs to know
58:15 Level up or get out—finding and keeping the hungry ones
1:03:00 Final tough love: Stay real and keep growing—this industry needs YOU

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, Josh Oberlander, co-founder of Detect Auto, sits down with Tonnika Haynes and Ash Kaplan to share his unconventional path into the automotive industry, including how failed ventures and persistent learning led him to build software that makes shops more efficient. Josh talks about the importance of mentorship and coaching—how having the right guidance can help you focus on what really matters in growing your business. The episode rounds out with an honest discussion about balancing entrepreneurship with life’s pressures, and Josh introduces some exciting new tools from Detect Auto designed to help shop owners build consistency and deeper customer relationships.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Kicking Off: Why Your Business Is Your Lifeline
01:44 – Meet Josh Oberlander: From Trees to AI Tools
02:38 – The Hard Road: Failure, Pivoting, and Finding the Right Problem
04:44 – Building the Team: Partnering with "Brainiacs"
06:26 – Lessons from Selling to Real Shops (and Failing Fast)
09:14 – First Success Stories: Finding Shops Willing to Take a Chance
10:07 – What Entrepreneurs Really Underestimate
11:16 – Industry Respect: How Josh’s Perspective Changed
12:09 – The Trust Issue: Why Car Repairs Need More Love
14:19 – Starting a Business Scared? Real Talk from the Trenches
17:05 – Wearing All the Hats: The Truth About Going Solo
18:03 – Shifting from Fear to Excitement as You Grow
19:36 – The Power (and Price) of Coaching & Mentorship
21:51 – You Don’t Need a Fancy Coach to Level Up—Best Practices & Books
23:48 – Why Focus Wins: Consistency, Habits, and Not Burning Out
25:59 – Small Habits, Big Impact: The Magic of “Making Your Bed”
28:26 – Motivation, Mindset, and Getting Real About Priorities
32:01 – Don’t Let Social Media Rush Your Timeline
35:49 – Building a Business That Lets You Be Present for Life
39:01 – What’s Next for Detect Auto? AI, Tools, and 1-Year Plans
41:22 – Will AI Replace Service Advisors? The Real Answer
43:05 – How Relationship Building Wins Over Tech
44:38 – Josh’s Live Pitch: What Detect Auto Actually Does
49:34 – Maintenance Sales: Why Most Shops Get Stuck (and How to Fix It)
54:53 – Training, Coaching, and Raising the Industry Standard
56:09 – Tech Teaser: Tackling Language Barriers & Inspection Apps
60:34 – Try Detect Auto Free + Final Words from Tonnika & Josh

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 Brandon Steckler talk leadership, technician training, and the messy but beautiful journey of managing a team. They bring up the challenges techs face when moving into ownership and leadership roles, the importance of building standard operating procedures to turn mistakes into teachable moments, and why raising up the next generation means focusing less on judgment and more on mentorship.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Balancing helping vs. enabling: How to stop being a crutch for your team
01:32 – Early career: From dealership routine to independent challenges
03:02 – Rapid growth, confidence, and being humbled by new experiences
04:32 – The importance of mentorship and finding your “Jim Morton”
07:00 – Becoming the teacher: Facing nerves and winning over your peers
08:22 – Explaining things differently: The power of analogies in learning
09:40 – Training new techs: Building a shop “bootcamp” for growth
10:54 – Managing personalities: From future prodigies to lovable pains
13:11 – Why investing in young staff pays off (despite the daily chaos)
14:52 – Hard truths about leadership and letting go of micromanagement
15:49 – Turning losses into SOPs: Learning from mistakes as a team
17:01 – The importance of asking instead of always answering
17:58 – Becoming a student again: Leveraging Audible and ongoing learning
20:26 – Redefining shop culture for Gen Z techs
22:55 – “Raising” techs vs. just hiring: Creating a rewarding path
23:55 – Progression, promotion, and transferable skills for your team
25:05 – Why today’s tech workforce is lost, not lazy
28:24 – Finding purpose in mentorship and building shop legacy
31:00 – On the road, new classes, and giving back to the industry
33:55 – Building a leadership blueprint—with a little tough love

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 Downshifts with Jimmy Lea, Vice President of Business Development at The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence, to talk about the real journey of becoming a successful shop owner. Jimmy breaks down the importance of bringing value whether you’re on stage speaking or working with your team at the shop. He shares how coaching can transform not just your business but your life, giving practical advice on moving from chaos to control and learning to delegate effectively.

Timestamps:
00:00 Bringing Value vs Chasing the Spotlight – The Key to Longevity
02:13 The Recharge Routine: Thriving as an Industry Extrovert
04:04 Honing Your Craft: Speaking, Coaching, and Constant Growth
06:03 Connecting with Your Audience: The Secret Sauce of Great Presenters
07:45 Daily Mindset Practices for Owners & Leaders
09:09 Jimmy's Journey from Call Tracking to Industry Rockstar
13:43 Nailing Your Niche: How to Stand Out & Grow in the Automotive Space
16:18 Why Shop Owners, Service Advisors, and Trainers All Need to Bring Value
21:28 The Power of Coaching: Why You Can’t Afford To Go It Alone
26:06 Technician to Owner: The Real Phases of Shop Leadership
30:25 From Chaos to Control: The Blueprint for Scaling & Letting Go
34:52 Delegation and Team Building – Getting Out of Your Own Way
35:10 The Real Payoff: How Coaching Impacted Tonnika Haynes’ Team and Life
40:06 Raising Labor Rates, Elevating the Industry & Gaining Community Respect
43:00 Trade Schools, Teen Techs, and Changing Perceptions
51:10 Shop Lessons vs College Degrees – Real-World Business Smarts
58:07 Final Takeaways: Coaching, Mindset, and Rethinking What “Success” Looks Like