Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo 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

This episode was recorded at Tektonic 2026. Thank you to Tekmetric for allowing us to use this recording for an episode. Want to go to Tektonic 2027? Register HERE

Today, Mike Allen leads a lively panel of coaches as they tackle some of the auto repair industry's most daunting topics. Things like flat rate and how compensation models impact recruitment, motivation, and shop culture. They also confront the persistent undervaluing of the industry, pointing out the urgent need for better marketing and self-regulation if auto repair is to attract the next generation. Plus, the coaches don’t hold back as they discuss private equity’s growing influence—offering straight talk on exit strategies, business legacy, and the real impact on teams left behind.

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

For years I thought I could handle the hiring process on my own. But, after far too many bad hires, it was clear I needed help. Promotive came through for me with a rock star hire in just a few days and I couldn't be happier. Swallow your pride and bring in Promotive for that open position you have at your shop today. You can thank me later. Learn more HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Timestamps:
00:00 Why is the auto industry undervalued? The real story behind pay and standards
01:06 Flat rate pay: Is it tradition, incentive, or what’s driving the “tech shortage”?
02:44 Hourly vs. flat rate vs. blended: Can we finally pay techs what they’re worth?
04:06 What performance-based pay REALLY looks like in the real world
07:03 Is there even a tech shortage, or just a leadership and culture failure?
09:09 Recruiting top techs: Why should someone work for YOUR shop?
11:05 Employees want more than money—how culture and environment win
12:33 Why we can’t afford to be “broke” shop owners (& why most of us are)
13:28 Are we destroying our own value? Party clowns vs. techs and the marketing gap
15:56 Leadership confession: We got into cars, NOT for people, and it’s catching up
16:26 How to reach the next generation of automotive stars
17:17 One shop’s youth welding program that sparks real careers
18:06 Why trades like welding are beating automotive for young talent
20:03 How do we market the industry and reach parents, not just students?
23:39 Got Milk? Why we need a national campaign to sell the value of this business
24:53 Raising your labor rate: Genius or a recipe for backlash if you don’t raise value
28:28 What customers are REALLY paying for—and how service changes the game
30:13 Making your shop irresistible: Clean, beautiful, equipped, and worth the price
31:42 You don’t need to wait to raise value—start by fixing your shop now
34:36 Relationships and trust: The foundation for customer and team loyalty
36:24 The biggest profit leak no one talks about: productivity loss
39:35 Private equity: Golden parachute or community killer for auto shops?
41:54 What’s your exit plan? How to think years ahead (and why it matters)
45:45 Should coaches own shops? The truth about what makes a great coach
51:39 Leadership, engagement, and communication: The four pillars of high-performing teams
55:54 AI, DVI, and service advisors: The NEXT revolution in customer experience
58:04 Why hospitality always wins—technology tools are only part of the story