Mitch Bruneel serves as President of Retail Operations at Gill’s Point S Tire, where he focuses on employee development, customer experience, and operational growth within a family business rooted in the tire industry for generations. His leadership reflects a commitment to collaborative learning and the shared culture that defines the Point S dealer community.

Walter Lybeck is CEO of Point S Tire USA, helping lead the cooperative’s national growth strategy, dealer branding initiatives, and member support programs. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, family-driven culture, and leveraging collective scale to strengthen independent tire dealers across the U.S.

Patrick Lavoie oversees the retail network for Point S Tire Canada, supporting more than a thousand stores through operational programs, performance initiatives, and cross-market collaboration. Known for his competitive drive and focus on sales performance, he helps shape retail standards and growth strategies across the Canadian network.

David Priddy owns David’s Discount Tire in Oklahoma and has been an active Point S member for nearly a decade. With deep roots in the tire business, he emphasizes buying power, industry collaboration, and customer trust as key drivers behind sustained business growth and community reputation.

Mickie Hall owns Point S American Tire in Gallup, New Mexico, stepping into leadership after inheriting the business unexpectedly. Through operational guidance, coaching programs, and strong team culture, she successfully expanded performance and profitability while honoring her family’s legacy in the tire industry.

Polo Rodriguez Jr. co-owns Rodriguez Point S Tire & Service in Texas and serves as Vice Chair of Point S Tire USA. He focuses on growth strategy, operational excellence, and industry leadership while advocating for customer-first values and collaborative dealer success across the network.

Ron Preston owns Tredz Central Point S in Nebraska and brings decades of tire industry experience, including leadership in cooperative business models. His operations have seen consistent annual growth, supported by strong dealer relationships, shared best practices, and cooperative buying advantages.

Nico De Rouwe is Managing Director of Point S South Africa, overseeing a large network of locations and championing collaborative business models that help independent dealers compete with major corporate chains. His leadership stresses international cooperation, long-term stability, and family-oriented business continuity.

In this episode…

Independent tire dealers face rising consolidation, aggressive national branding, and shifting customer expectations that demand consistency across locations. Standing alone limits leverage in purchasing, marketing, and operational benchmarking. Cooperative alignment continues reshaping how multi-location operators scale without sacrificing local identity.

Recognition from Consumer Reports placing the network among the top tire retail experiences in the United States reinforces the impact of collaboration, operational standards, and shared brand equity. The Point S tire dealer network illustrates how collective strategy strengthens profitability, credibility, and long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:27] Mitch Bruneel on operations, culture, and dealer collaboration

[05:50] Walter Lybeck on cooperative growth and brand credibility

[10:50] Patrick Lavoie on network scale and performance alignment

[14:49] David Priddy on buying power and independent competitiveness

[19:08] Mickie Hall on leadership transition and profitability growth

[25:02] Polo Rodriguez Jr. on expansion goals and organizational direction

[29:33] Ron Preston on annual business growth through cooperation

[33:22] Nico De Rouwe on international dealer collaboration

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mitch Bruneel LinkedIn
• Walter Lybeck LinkedIn
• Patrick Lavoie LinkedIn
• David’s Discount Tires Website
• Point S American Tire Gallup Website
• Rodriguez Point S Tire & Service Website
• Tredz Central Point S Website
• Nico De Rouwe LinkedIn
• Point S Tires Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “Even though we’re, you know, hundreds of miles apart, we all have the, you know, same goals, the same ideas.
• “My goal is to finish one, number one, for sure. So I will do anything to accomplish that goal.”
• “So to me, joining a company like Point S gave me the assurance that my sons will be all right, even if something happens to me.”
• “Buying power is probably the best part of being cooperative.”
• “Our business has grown about 30% a year.”

Action Steps:

1. Assess cooperative affiliations such as the Point S tire dealer network to increase buying leverage, operational support, and national brand credibility.
2. Standardize customer experience processes across all locations to strengthen trust, improve retention, and elevate brand perception.
3. Leverage peer networks for benchmarking, shared insights, and leadership development to accelerate performance improvements.
4. Invest in operational coaching and financial performance reviews to identify profit leakage and drive measurable growth.

Eric Raber is the owner of ER Autocare, a multi-location auto repair business with four locations in the Columbus, Ohio area. With roots in agricultural mechanics and early hands-on experience working alongside his father, Eric built his technical foundation long before opening his first shop.

Over the years, Eric has navigated shop growth, rebranding, hiring challenges, and operational scaling firsthand. His experience running multiple locations; including the lessons learned from early naming and branding decisions, gives him a practical, real-world perspective that resonates with shop owners facing similar growth stages and decisions. 

In this episode…

As auto repair shops grow, add services, or expand locations, branding decisions made early on can quietly start working against them. Auto repair shop name mistakes often don’t show up right away, they surface later as customer confusion, hiring friction, or a brand that no longer reflects what the business actually does.

In this conversation, Eric Raber walks through how those challenges showed up in his own business and why naming, clarity, and consistency matter more than most shop owners expect. This episode is especially relevant for operators who’ve evolved beyond a single-location mindset and are now thinking about long-term growth, brand alignment, and how their shop is perceived in the market today.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:07] Introduction to Eric Raber and his multi-location auto repair business

[01:40] Early mechanical experience shaped by family and agricultural work

[03:57] Nontraditional education and entering the workforce at a young age

[05:39] Learning diagnostics and technical problem-solving through mentorship

[09:01] How early shop name decisions created long-term branding challenges

[11:30] Why brand clarity becomes more important as a shop grows

[15:29] Using BNI and relationship-based networking during early growth stages

[20:43] Tradeoffs and risks of consolidating multiple shop brands

[22:41] Maintaining operational consistency behind different brand identities

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Eric Raber LinkedIn
• ER Autocare Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “You have to have a hard consonant in your name somewhere, ideally beginning or end.”
• “Saying that name on the phone 100,000 times is not fun.”
• “It’s not a whole lot of fun selling auto repair on top of a tire shop name.”
• “If I have to explain it every time, that’s already a problem.”
• “Don’t just consolidate brands for the sake of consolidation.”

Action Steps:

1. Audit your shop name for clarity and fit.
2. Test how your brand sounds in real interactions.
3. Gather outside feedback before rebranding.
4. Evaluate branding impact before expanding locations.
5. Separate brand decisions from emotion and habit.

Bryan Call is an Operations Advisor at Schierl Tire & Service, a multi-location tire and automotive service operation with seven stores across Central Wisconsin. With more than 30 years in the industry, Bryan has worked his way up from technical training and shop-level roles into leadership, giving him a ground-level and long-term view of how the business has evolved.

In his current role, Bryan works closely with store managers and teams on hiring, coaching, operations, and retention. His perspective matters because he has lived through multiple industry cycles; shifts in education, technology, compensation, and workforce expectations, making him a credible voice on the realities behind today’s tire industry workforce shortage.

In this episode…

The tire industry workforce shortage isn’t just a hiring problem, it’s a pipeline problem shaped by education pressure, perception, and timing. As technician pay rises and demand for skilled labor grows, fewer young people are entering technical programs, leaving shop owners caught between growing workloads and shrinking talent pools.

This conversation matters right now because the gap is no longer theoretical. Veteran technicians are retiring, technical school enrollment is declining, and many shops are being forced to lower standards just to keep bays full. Bryan Call shares what he’s seen firsthand and why the tire industry workforce shortage is deeply connected to how we talk about trades, career paths, and long-term opportunity.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:01] Bryan Call’s role and leadership responsibilities at Schierl Tire & Service

[01:52] Early work experiences in Wisconsin and the foundations of work ethic

[04:03] Transition from traditional college to technical education and automotive repair

[04:58] Career progression leading to long-term tenure at Schierl Tire & Service

[07:45] Oversight of multi-location operations, hiring, and team development

[08:26] Retention trends across management, technicians, and entry-level positions

[09:20] Declining technical school enrollment and its impact on the labor pipeline

[12:04] Technician retirements accelerating the workforce gap

[14:43] Maintaining hiring standards amid ongoing staffing shortages

[18:14] Role of self-education and digital resources in technician development

[25:55] Leadership mindset focused on accountability and motivating teams

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Schierl Tire & Service Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “When I went to Technical College, there was four classes running concurrently, and now some of the colleges have a hard time getting one class.”
• “The skills gap is getting worse.”
• “At least you got technicians earning what teachers and doctors make.”
• “You got old guys like me that are getting out of the industry, retiring.”
• “If you go in with the attitude that, yep, let’s do it, it makes it a whole lot easier.”

Action Steps:

1. Reevaluate how you talk about careers in your shop by actively positioning technical roles as long-term, high-income professions, not fallback options contributing to the tire industry workforce shortage.
2. Build relationships with local technical schools and instructors to create early visibility and access to students before they exit the pipeline.
3. Maintain hiring standards even during staffing pressure by focusing on coaching and development instead of short-term fixes.
4. Encourage self-learning by giving technicians access to online training resources, diagnostic tools, and time to build skills.
5. Prepare for retirements proactively by identifying future leaders and mentoring them well before gaps appear.

Tim Winkeler is the President and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, a multi-location tire and auto repair company operating nearly 80 locations across the Northeast. With decades of experience in automotive retail and operations, Tim has played a key role in scaling the business through disciplined growth, strategic acquisitions, and a strong focus on operational consistency.

Under his leadership, VIP has prioritized long-term customer relationships, clean data, and systems that support both employees and customers at scale. Tim’s perspective is shaped by running a large, complex organization while staying grounded in what actually works inside the store and after the vehicle leaves the bay.

In this episode…

Auto repair shops are under more pressure than ever to retain customers, protect their reputation, and operate efficiently across multiple locations. Yet many owners still treat what happens after the visit as an afterthought. This conversation focuses on why auto repair customer follow up has quietly become one of the most important growth levers in the industry and why ignoring it now comes at a real cost.

Tim Winkeler explains how intentional communication, automation, and clean data change customer behavior without relying on discounts or constant promotions. The discussion highlights a growing gap between shops that deliver great service once and shops that stay connected consistently. For owners trying to improve retention, reduce no-shows, and build long-term trust, auto repair customer follow up is no longer optional.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:03] Who is Tim Winkeler?

[01:21] Discussion of repeat guest appearances and long-term industry relationships

[08:09] Overview of VIP Tires & Service footprint and current store count

[09:49] Decision to transition CRM and customer communication systems

[10:34 ] Immediate impact of CRM change on Google reviews and customer engagement

[14:07] Consolidating reputation management into a single platform

[15:25] Challenges of CRM transitions and the importance of clean customer data

[18:55] Integrating customer data with phone systems

[20:44] Announcement of VIP Tires & Service approaching its 100th anniversary

[22:24] Plans for customer and employee events tied to the centennial celebration

[25:11] Why longevity and consistency matter to customers and employees

[26:53] Emphasis on relationships as the foundation of auto repair service businesses

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tim Winkeler LinkedIn
• VIP Tires & Service Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “I can tell you that the month that we turned over all of our CRM, our five-star Google reviews tripled.”
• “Our mission as a company is to earn a customer for life.”
• “So much of the experience is teed up prior to the visit and also post visit.”
• “Digitally, you have to be connected to your customers.”
• “Our customers are looking for reliability, stability, and consistency.”

Action Steps:

1. Audit your current auto repair customer follow up process to identify where communication stops after the visit.
2. Implement automated appointment reminders to reduce no-shows and improve vehicle count.
3. Clean and consolidate customer data to avoid duplicate records and inconsistent messaging.
4. Centralize reputation management so reviews, feedback, and responses live in one system.
5. Treat auto repair customer follow up as a core operational function, not a marketing add-on.

Jon Kloosterman is the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Auto Group, a six-location auto repair organization based in Michigan. With more than 17 years in the business, Jon has grown alongside the company, stepping into the COO role in early 2020 during one of the most disruptive periods the industry has faced.

Having experienced growth from the ground level through executive leadership, Jon brings a practical, operator-first perspective on scaling auto repair shop teams. His experience navigating multi-location expansion, team development, and cultural alignment makes his insights especially relevant for shop owners and leaders managing growth without burning out their people.

In this episode…

What if the real challenge with scaling auto repair shop teams isn’t growth itself but how leadership shows up once growth starts moving faster? Many shop owners push harder on metrics, processes, and controls, only to find their teams more stressed and less effective.

In this conversation, Jon Kloosterman breaks down why sustainable growth depends less on dashboards and more on people. As shops expand from one location to many, the pressure to standardize everything can quietly erode trust, ownership, and collaboration. Jon explains why scaling auto repair shop teams requires leaders to simplify, step back, and let culture mature especially when the numbers look good but something still feels off.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:08] Jon Kloosterman and his role at Westside Auto Group

[01:20] Growing up and working in the same Michigan community

[03:40] Entering the auto repair industry unexpectedly

[04:59] Stepping into the COO role during the COVID shutdowns

[06:40] Expanding from three to six locations over four years

[09:29] What differentiates Westside Auto Group in competitive markets

[13:14] Recruiting through internal referrals and trusted networks

[14:20] Balancing technical ability with cultural fit

[18:17] Simplifying KPIs to align teams around shared goals

[21:31] Encouraging ownership through internal communication

[24:46] A guiding leadership principle for collaboration

[25:35] Book recommendation that shaped service and culture thinking

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Jon Kloosterman LinkedIn
• Westside Auto Group Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “There is no one of us that’s smarter than all of us.”
• “It all comes down to the team.”
• “Process and procedures are going to get you a certain distance.”
• “When you have teams start to gel, that’s when the cool things really start to happen.”
• “We can teach a lot, but culture fit takes time.”

Action Steps:

1. Reevaluate how you approach scaling auto repair shop teams by prioritizing cultural alignment before adding more KPIs or controls.
2. Simplify performance tracking so teams focus on shared goals instead of individual metrics.
3. Use internal peer groups or messaging channels to encourage problem-solving without constant top-down direction.
4. Hire for attitude and team fit first, then invest in training to build technical capability.
5. Give leaders real ownership by involving them directly in financial and operational reviews.

Andy Fiffick is the President & CEO of Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, overseeing a network of multi-location auto repair shops in the Cleveland, Ohio area. With more than 50 years in the automotive industry, Andy began working on cars at a young age alongside his father, a diesel mechanic who instilled a “do it right the first time” mindset that still guides his leadership today.

After formal automotive training and a decade at Ford Motor Company while earning his business degree, Andy left corporate life to build his own repair business from the ground up. His experience as both an operator and franchisor gives him a grounded, real-world perspective on what actually drives sustainable growth and long-term employee retention in today’s auto repair shop culture.

In this episode…

If you’re feeling the strain of hiring, retention, and morale right now, this conversation hits close to home. The episode centers on auto repair shop culture and why it’s become one of the biggest differentiators between shops that constantly churn staff and those that keep people for decades. This isn’t theory, it’s about what happens in the bays, the break room, and the everyday decisions owners make.

The tension is simple but uncomfortable: most shop owners say culture matters, but far fewer are willing to change how they personally show up. From training and accountability to work-life balance and leadership presence, this discussion explores why auto repair shop culture is under pressure today and why getting it right matters more now than ever for owners, managers, and multi-location operators trying to grow without burning out their teams.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:05] Who Andy Fiffick is and his role in the auto repair industry

[02:08] Early automotive upbringing and finding a lifelong career path

[05:29] How technology reshaped training and technician expectations

[09:39] Using mistakes as coaching opportunities instead of discipline

[11:54] Employee recognition and everyday engagement practices

[13:27] Protecting work-life balance without hurting shop performance

[16:40] Reducing turnover through consistent owner involvement

[19:47] Monthly leadership meetings and cross-store collaboration

[21:44] Why quarterly check-ins outperform annual reviews

[24:06] Franchising as a growth and accountability strategy

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Andy Fiffick LinkedIn
• Rad Air Complete Car Care & Tire Centers Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “I never ask our people to do anything I’m not willing to do myself.”
• “If you’re trying to teach responsibility and accountability, why aren’t you going to the training with your guys?”
• “You never degrade someone for doing something wrong, you use it as a coaching and learning experience.”
• “Our guys want to live their lives, and that excuse of always working is no longer acceptable.”
• “You can’t expect your team to do a great job if you don’t give them the tools they need.”

Action Steps:

1. Audit your auto repair shop culture by identifying where your actions don’t match the standards you expect from your team.
2. Attend the same training sessions as your technicians to reinforce accountability and shared learning.
3. Replace annual performance reviews with quarterly one-on-one check-ins focused on support and growth.
4. Create systems that protect work-life balance, such as adjusted hours or operational alternatives that don’t rely on burnout.
5. Build regular cross-store or team meetings to encourage collaboration and shared problem-solving across locations.

Chuck Space is the Executive Director of the Texas Tire & Automotive Association (TTAA) and the founder of Space & Associates, an association management and consulting firm. With more than two decades of experience working alongside tire dealers, auto repair shop owners, and trade organizations, Chuck has built a career focused on advocacy, governance, and strategic growth for industry associations.

Before leading TTAA, Chuck worked in public service, lobbying, and association leadership, giving him a rare perspective on how legislation, regulation, and business realities intersect. His work matters to shop owners because he operates at the point where policy decisions become real operational consequences: fees, compliance issues, labor challenges, and business continuity.

In this episode…

For many tire dealers and auto repair shop owners, joining a state association feels optional until it isn’t. This conversation centers on the real-world value behind state tire association benefits, especially when regulatory pressure, local government disputes, or unexpected legal issues surface without warning.

Rather than framing association membership as a perk or obligation, the discussion explores why collective representation, peer access, and advocacy matter more today than they did a decade ago. Rising costs, shifting regulations, and increased scrutiny make it harder for independent operators to stand alone, and this episode challenges the mindset of “I’ll deal with it when it happens” before that moment arrives.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:07] Who Chuck Space is and his role in the industry

[01:50] Early background and upbringing in Texas and New Mexico

[04:05] Career path into association leadership and consulting

[06:46] Advising associations on strategy, governance, and growth challenges

[07:35] Why tire and auto businesses should participate in state associations

[12:05] Real-world example of association support resolving a local dispute

[16:35] Texas’s business-friendly environment and industry growth context

[20:30] How Texas tire businesses can join the state association

[22:31] Practical value of peer guidance and shared experience

[24:37] Legal guidance and attorney access as a member benefit

[26:36] Leadership philosophy and personal values guiding Chuck’s work

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Chuck Space LinkedIn
• Texas & Tire Automotive Association Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “You don’t need to sit there and scratch your head and try to guess what you should do as a member.”
• “It allows you to have a mini board of directors where you have the resources there that you can call on.”
• “When you come together, you speak with a louder voice.”
• “What one business can’t do by itself, the association can help accomplish.”
• “Very few legislators understand the indirect effects of what they pass.”

Action Steps:

1. Evaluate the state tire association benefits available in your market, focusing on advocacy, legal access, and peer support rather than discounts.
2. Identify one regulatory or operational risk in your business that would be easier to address with collective representation.
3. Build a habit of seeking experienced peer input before making major service, staffing, or compliance decisions.
4. Treat association membership as a risk-management tool, not just a networking opportunity.
5. Review whether your business has a clear path to legal or regulatory guidance before an issue becomes urgent.

Mike Edge is the host of the Gain Traction Podcast and a long-time voice in the tire and automotive repair industry. With more than two decades of experience spanning internet marketing, small business consulting, and industry media, Mike has worked closely with tire dealers, auto repair shop owners, and multi-location operators across the country. His background includes early involvement in digital marketing before it became mainstream in the automotive space, giving him a front-row seat to how the industry has evolved.  

Through the Gain Traction Podcast, Mike has interviewed hundreds of industry leaders; from independent shop owners to executives at national brands, bringing tire industry podcast insights that center on people, leadership, and long-term business health. His perspective matters because it’s shaped not just by theory, but by years of listening, observing patterns, and reflecting on what actually helps shops grow and sustain strong cultures.

Tony O’Billovich is a seasoned tire and auto repair industry leader with decades of hands-on experience managing and growing multi-location operations. Having overseen everything from daily retail operations to large-scale expansion projects, Tony now leads the Master Shop Program at Point S Tire USA, where he coaches and mentors independent shop owners on profitability, leadership, and business growth. Known for his practical, down-to-earth approach, Tony helps tire shop owners take control of their businesses by focusing on pricing strategies, employee development, and operational efficiency, all while preserving the legacies and community roots that make independent shops unique.

In this episode…

This episode steps away from surface-level recaps and leans into tire industry podcast insights that quietly shape how leaders think and act. Framed as a year-in-review, the conversation turns the focus onto reflection, what happens when you truly listen to different voices across the industry and allow those perspectives to challenge your assumptions about leadership, communication, and people.

For shop owners and operators navigating constant pressure; from staffing issues to cultural shifts, this discussion matters right now. The themes that keep resurfacing are the ones that don’t go away: trust, accountability, clarity, and the cost of ignoring communication. Rather than prescribing answers, the episode invites listeners to pause and ask whether they’re building businesses that support people as much as profits and whether they’re actually hearing what their teams are telling them.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:15] Why reflecting on conversations reveals deeper leadership insights

[02:48] Mike Edge’s background and entry into internet marketing and the tire industry

[07:17] What drives long-term passion for the tire and automotive repair space

[09:36] Leadership lessons from Rob Williams and a dealer-first mindset

[12:36] Stepping back from daily operations to lead the business more effectively

[16:08] Leadership perspectives drawn from Melanie White’s industry involvement

[18:42] Increasing female participation and representation in automotive

[22:20] Generational shifts and preparing the future workforce

[23:15] Insights on Gen Z’s growing role in the automotive industry

[28:44] The impact of poor communication on business performance

[30:32] Why open communication and accountability define strong leadership

[34:39] Integrity and culture lessons from long-tenured industry leaders

[35:57] Episodes and themes that resonated most with listeners

[38:01] Advice for technicians and mechanics starting their careers

[40:13] Guidance for first-time managers on clarity and accountability

[43:21] The biggest challenges facing tire and automotive dealers today

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Point S Tire Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Gain Traction Podcast Ep#202 with Rob Williams
• Gain Traction Podcast Ep#194 with Kamard Johnson
• Gain Traction Podcast Ep#203: Behind the Wheel at SEMA 2025: Meet the Industry Game-Changers - Part 1
• Gain Traction Podcast Ep#195 with Josh Parnell
• Gain Traction Podcast Ep#207 with Gary Skidmore
• Gain Traction Podcast Ep#136 with Mike Graber

Quotable Moments:

• “I liked his honesty, and specifically his honesty with himself.”  
• “Poor communication costs shop owners 18% of total salaries being paid out on an annual basis.”  
• “If you’ll keep communicating, you’ll always figure it out.”  
• “Everybody has something to offer you, and that knowledge can be a gift.”  
• “We’re all going to make mistakes, just be accountable for them.”

Action Steps:

1. Schedule regular leadership check-ins to reflect on communication gaps and address them before they become costly issues, strong tire industry podcast insights consistently point back to clarity and follow-through.
2. Audit where your time is spent as an owner or manager and identify tasks that should be delegated so you can focus on vision, culture, and financial oversight.
3. Create structured opportunities for open feedback with your team, making it clear that accountability is expected but mistakes are part of growth.
4. Invest in soft-skills training for technicians and frontline staff, including communication, professionalism, and customer interaction.
5. Actively mentor younger employees by being direct, honest, and consistent; supporting long-term workforce stability rather than short-term fixes.

What if your emails actually brought customers back in? Visit Cinch.io to learn more.

Jason Eich is a multi-location auto repair shop owner based in Evansville, Indiana. After spending more than two decades in a corporate career, Jason made an unexpected leap into independent auto repair ownership; a move that eventually led to operating multiple successful shops. Drawing from his background in leadership, discipline shaped by his time in the Marines, and hands-on experience scaling operations, Jason brings a grounded, real-world perspective on what it truly takes to grow an auto repair business.

In this episode…

Growth is often the goal for shop owners but knowing how to grow an auto repair business beyond a single location is where many hit a wall. Expansion isn’t just about opening another shop or increasing car count. It requires a fundamental shift in leadership, mindset, and structure.

Jason Eich explains that real growth begins when owners stop forcing the same systems everywhere and start building operations that fit their local markets. From customer loyalty and geography to staffing and traffic patterns, Jason shares why understanding market dynamics is critical when scaling an auto repair business.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Jason Eich to unpack the transition from operator to owner. Jason outlines the leadership changes required to grow sustainably, why developing managers is non-negotiable, and how having hard conversations early creates clarity and accountability. His insights offer a clear roadmap for shop owners who want to grow faster without sacrificing culture or stability.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:09] Jason Eich’s background and path into auto repair ownership

[04:23] How a casual conversation led to buying his first auto repair shop

[07:33] What surprised Jason most about the auto repair industry

[08:48] How Jason’s Marine Corps experience shaped his leadership style

[11:59] Why running a shop isn’t always about fixing cars

[13:52] Jason’s perspective on right to repair and access to OEM data

[17:25] How Jason approaches growth beyond two locations

[20:03] The mindset shift from operator to business owner

[22:48] The leadership principle Jason lives by

[23:54] The best way to handle hard conversations as an owner

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Jason Eich LinkedIn
• Eich Brothers Automotive Website
• Dartt Automotive Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “Growth doesn’t mean being in every bay, it means building people you trust.”
• “Cars don’t fix themselves, and neither do problems in your business.”
• “If you want to scale, you have to stop forcing one system everywhere.”
• “Leadership means owning the outcome and having the hard conversations.”
• “Structure and accountability are what make growth sustainable.”

Action Steps:

1. Evaluate your readiness to scale: Ask whether your shop can operate without you in the day-to-day.
2. Build managers before expanding: Growth stalls quickly without leadership in place.
3. Adapt systems to local markets: Geography, loyalty, and traffic patterns matter.
4. Have hard conversations early: Clarity prevents bigger problems later.
5. Shift from operator to owner mindset: Work on the business, not just in it.

What if your emails actually brought customers back in? Visit Cinch.io to learn more.

AJ Nealey is the owner and “Chief Cheerleader” of Nealey Tire & Auto, a rapidly growing multi-location auto repair business in Maryland. A self-taught technician who began his career turning wrenches in a one-bay garage behind his home, AJ built his company through relentless curiosity, hard work, and a passion for serving people. Over time, he shifted from technician to leader and eventually into multi-store ownership; a journey marked by both breakthrough growth and painful lessons. His story highlights how vision, faith, and perseverance can transform a small operation into a purpose-driven organization.

In this episode…

Growing an auto repair business is never a straight line and the wrong decisions can derail even the strongest momentum. Many shop owners underestimate how quickly expansion can expose weaknesses in leadership, staffing, finances, and operations. So, what are the biggest mistakes shop owners make when scaling, and how can they avoid them?

According to AJ Nealey, it starts with understanding the difference between opportunity and danger. In this candid conversation, AJ opens up about the auto repair business mistakes that nearly halted his growth, including buying distressed shops that required more time, money, and emotional energy than expected. He explains the hidden challenges behind reviving broken locations and why shop owners must stay aligned with their values, systems, and operating model before expanding.

AJ also shares the mindset shifts that helped him evolve from technician to leader. From learning the business side through RLO Training, to letting go of the tools, to building a team-based culture centered on service and purpose. AJ reveals what truly drives sustainable growth. The episode also explores how his faith shapes the way he leads, mentors employees, and views his business as a platform for service.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with AJ Nealey to discuss the realities of scaling an auto repair business, the mistakes that taught him the most, and the vision that continues to move his company forward.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:03] Who is AJ Nealey?

[01:34] How AJ entered the auto repair industry as a self-taught technician

[06:40] The biggest challenge he faced in buying his first store

[08:09] How moonlighting in a one-bay garage became the start of Nealey Tire & Auto

[09:01] The turning point: discovering RLO Training and learning business fundamentals

[11:20] The long road to opening his first full shop location in 2016

[13:39] What AJ learned about hiring, delegation, and transitioning into leadership

[15:53] The expansion mistake he warns shop owners never to repeat

[18:10] Why AJ doesn’t regret the struggle and how hardship built resilience

[22:18] What motivates him internally and how faith shapes his business

[26:30] The mantra AJ lives by as a leader and business owner

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• AJ Nealey LinkedIn
• Nealey Tire & Auto

Quotable Moments:

• “Don’t buy a dumpster fire.”
• “You have to go through the valley to appreciate the win.”
• “It’s not what you get paid for the hour, it’s the value you bring to the hour.”
• “Customers vote with their wallet.”
• “We look at our business as a ministry.”

Action Steps:

1. Evaluate expansion opportunities carefully: Avoid distressed shops that drain time and capital.
2. Strengthen your leadership skills: Learn to delegate, coach, and develop your team.
3. Align acquisitions with your operating model: Ensure new stores fit your systems and values.
4. Invest in training: Like AJ, consider formal business education to support smarter growth.
5. Build a purpose-driven culture: Lead with service, celebrate wins, and create meaningful employee experiences.