Downshift With Tonnika

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

Your techs don’t need another YouTube rabbit hole—they need real answers to the problem in front of them. SWAT Training and Diagnostics brings the tech support and hands-on, virtual, and just-in-time training to help them fix today’s car and be ready for the next one - LEARN MORE HERE

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

Your techs don’t need another YouTube rabbit hole—they need real answers to the problem in front of them. SWAT Training and Diagnostics brings the tech support and hands-on, virtual, and just-in-time training to help them fix today’s car and be ready for the next one - LEARN MORE HERE

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