Too many shop owners set goals… miss them… and walk away frustrated. In this episode of Driven to Success, we reframe what goals are really meant to do.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation focused on preparing for 2026, and it’s all about clarity, direction, and mindset before execution ever begins.

Vic Tarasik and David Wofford are joined by a powerhouse panel representing three different business models in the aftermarket:

• Bill Baxter

• Chris Cloutier

• Joe Canfield

Together, they unpack why goals should act as a guiding line, not a verdict, and why adjusting, refining, or even changing a goal doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re paying attention.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why rigid goal-setting creates burnout and frustration

• How successful shop owners use goals as direction, not pressure

• The difference between setting goals and building a vision

• Why evolving goals is a sign of leadership, not weakness

• How single-store owners, multi-store operators, and franchise leaders approach planning differently

If you’ve ever said, “We set goals, but life got in the way,” this conversation will change how you think about planning entirely.

Coming up in Part 2: we shift from intention to execution. KPIs, weekly habits, team adoption, and how goals actually turn into results inside the shop.

Subscribe so you don’t miss it, and share this episode with a shop owner, service advisor, technical specialist, or industry leader who wants a smarter, calmer approach to 2026 planning.

Achieve your dreams. We’ll see you in Part 2.

How do leaders across the automotive aftermarket prepare for the year ahead without chasing trends or predictions?

In this episode of Driven to Success, hosts Vic Tarasik and David Wofford talk about preparation, perspective, and progress. From working smarter and improving efficiency to setting written goals, building accountability, and stretching yourself with Big Hairy Audacious Goals, this conversation dives into what it really takes to move forward with confidence.

You’ll hear real stories about leadership, goal setting, habit building, and why being part of a winning team matters more than being comfortable. Whether you’re a shop owner, service advisor, sales professional, or industry partner, this episode will challenge you to think differently about growth and what’s possible in the year ahead.

00:00 – Winning Teams vs Mediocrity
Why success energizes and mediocrity drains.

01:30 – Preparing for the Year Ahead
Perspective over predictions.

03:30 – Working Smarter, Not Harder
Efficiency, organization, and focus.

06:30 – Scaling Through Systems
Duplicating impact with structure and training.

08:30 – One Bite at a Time
Avoiding overwhelm while making progress.

10:30 – Written Goals and Accountability
Why goals must be defined and tracked.

12:30 – Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs)
Stretching without breaking.

15:30 – Fear, Failure, and Growth
What really holds people back.

18:30 – Small Wins Create Momentum
Why progress compounds.

21:30 – Short-Term Courage, Long-Term Payoff
Taking action instead of waiting.

26:30 – Personal Stories, Real Lessons
Leadership, underperformance, and perspective.

30:30 – Habits That Drive Results
Atomic Habits and goal stacking.

35:30 – Energy, Stress, and Sustainability
Why growth should energize you.

Tune in to hear our unique industry perspective. Driven to Success explores every segment that makes up the Aftermarket industry.

Are you ready to hit the ground running in 2026?
In this short teaser episode of Driven to Success, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford preview an upcoming conversation focused on smart goal setting, accountability, and the power of a BHAG, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal.

They touch on why written, measurable goals matter, how accountability accelerates progress, and why stretching beyond what feels comfortable is often the key to real growth. Whether you’re a shop owner, sales professional, or part of the broader automotive aftermarket, this quick preview sets the stage for a deeper discussion on preparing for the year ahead.

The full episode drops next week.

In this episode, Doug Zignoni, the ASE Master Tech of the Year, shares his journey in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of passion, continuous learning, and mentorship. He discusses his early influences, the significance of ASE certifications, and the supportive environment at Frank's Auto Service. Doug emphasizes the need for research skills in diagnostics and the balance between tool needs and wants. He concludes with insights on career growth and the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.

Takeaways

• Doug Zignoni is the ASE Master Tech of the Year.
• His journey began with a passion for cars inspired by his father.
• ASE certifications significantly enhance a technician's career opportunities.
• Frank's Auto Service provides a supportive work environment.
• Continuous learning is crucial in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
• Research skills are essential for effective diagnostics.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in developing new technicians.
• Tools can be a significant investment, but quality matters.
• Passion for the craft leads to greater job satisfaction and success.
• The automotive industry is changing, requiring adaptability and ongoing education.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Master Technician

02:16 The Importance of ASE Certifications

04:54 Early Influences and Passion for Cars

06:47 Career Development and Learning Experiences

08:44 The Role of Environment in Success

10:34 Frank's Auto Service: A Model Workplace

13:31 Team Cohesion and Problem Solving

15:31 The Evolving Role of Automotive Technicians

17:42 Curiosity and Critical Thinking in Diagnostics

19:25 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

20:51 Research as a Diagnostic Tool

26:16 Mentorship and Simplifying Complex Tasks

31:17 The Reward of Teaching and Mentorship

32:29 The Importance of Passion in the Automotive Industry

33:24 Employer Responsibility and Employee Ambition

35:00 Industry Changes and Opportunities for Growth

38:14 Investing in Tools: Needs vs. Wants

41:25 The Role of Passion in Success

44:08 Striving for Excellence in Every Role

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Vic Tarasik and co-host David Wofford gather friends from across the automotive aftermarket for a heartfelt, unscripted round-table on gratitude, growth, and the power of people.

In this special episode, you'll hear honest reflections from leaders representing The Pronto Network, The Parts House, Fast Undercar, AutoFlow, and more, each sharing what shaped their year, the challenges they overcame, and the moments that mattered most.

From family milestones, new babies, and cross-country moves… to shop expansions, service to local communities, faith, journaling, and the everyday “small moments” that remind us why this industry feels like home, this conversation captures the spirit of Thanksgiving in a way only the aftermarket can.

Along the way, Vic and David add their own reflections on relationships, work-life balance, the heart of independent repair shops, and the gift of serving a community built on great people.

Whether you’re in the bays, behind the counter, supporting shops, or leading a team, this episode is a warm reminder that no matter where you stand today, there is always something to be thankful for.

Featuring:
Pepper Wilson • Steven Ng • Julie Fowler • Matt Porter • Chris Cloutier • David Wofford • and host Vic Tarasik

From our family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving.

When passion meets purpose, the results are unstoppable. In this episode, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Ray Lopez, a lifelong automotive pro whose career proves that helping others win is the fastest route to success.

Ray shares how professional discipline, clear goals, and a heart for people transformed his path from the parts counter to business development. Along the way, he drops practical insights on leadership, shop growth, and why every service center needs a marketing engine as strong as the cars they fix.

From goal-setting to Banner programs, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies for shop owners, advisors, and anyone ready to turn good intentions into measurable results.

Takeaways

Ray Lopez emphasizes the importance of helping others in the automotive industry.

Setting high goals can lead to greater achievements, even if not fully met.

Professional discipline is crucial for success in any career.

Marketing strategies can significantly impact service center growth.

The Banner program offers valuable marketing support to service centers.

Understanding customer needs is key to effective service delivery.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in a changing economy.

Building partnerships can enhance business opportunities.

Effective communication with service centers can lead to better outcomes.

The automotive industry requires a balance of technical skills and business acumen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:02 Retail vs. Wholesale in the Parts Industry

01:03 The Importance of Relationships in Business

04:28 Setting Goals and Objectives

07:40 Marketing Strategies for Service Centers

At seventeen, Ray Lopez took an after-school job at a local parts counter to make a few bucks and talk cars. What he didn’t realize was that the smell of oil and the sound of impact guns would set the course for a lifetime in the automotive industry.

In this episode of Driven to Success, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Ray to talk about his first Pontiac, his early days behind the counter, and how curiosity, hard work, and a few Chilton manuals built a career that still fuels his passion today.

You’ll hear how selling spark plugs led to lasting relationships, what Ray learned from the technicians who shaped his path, and why a simple opportunity can turn into a calling.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of saying “yes” to small opportunities

• Lessons learned from the retail counter and early mentors

• How curiosity and consistency shape a lifelong career

Follow the show, leave a review, and share this story with someone just starting out in the automotive world.

In Part 2, Clay Millican, we go beyond the starting line and into the heart of what drives him. Clay opens up about the people who shaped his path, the power of gratitude, and the personal loss that gave his passion new purpose.

He shares how faith, family, and friendship keep him grounded at 330 mph, and why joy is still the most important gear you can have in life or business.

When the news isn’t pretty and the clock says 5:50 p.m., leadership shows up in what you do next. Vic Tarasik and David Wofford get real about communication across the chain, from manufacturer to WD to the bay. You’ll hear the 5:50 scramble that turned a blown delivery into trust, why drivers are the face of the brand at your door, and how a simple “I’d like to start over” can rescue a relationship after emotions run hot.

Inside the shop, we talk about running short, structured team huddles (without the gripe-fest) and the rule that every complaint must come with a solution. Bottom line: communicate early, value your people, lead with solutions, and when you miss, own it and reset.

You’ll learn:

• Why early, honest ETAs beat silence

• How appreciation for drivers creates real speed

• A simple framework for productive team huddles

• The reset line that rebuilds trust after a blowup