Garage Grit Podcast

Mercedes specialist Tyson Fisher breaks down how a 42-year family shop in Gainesville, FL thrives by niching hard, running in-house systems, and obsessing over quality and retention. Shop owners will hear practical ways to tighten invoicing, plan tools/training, and win profitable fleet and Sprinter work.

Guests:
Tyson Fisher — Star Import Service — Gainesville, FL

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):
Niche deep: Mercedes & Sprinter focus wins
Classic vs. modern: how Tyson splits workflow
Why in-house shop software beats cloud risk
Invoice design customers actually understand
Fleet playbook: schedule, pre-approve, deliver fast
SEO targeting by slang + geography filters
Quality control using the 4 C’s framework
When to outsource ADAS calibration profitably

Timestamps
00:00 – Classic vs modern Mercedes cutoff
00:47 – Welcome to Origin & Impact
01:45 – Star Import Service since 1984
03:05 – Smart cars under the Mercedes umbrella
04:10 – Classics vs modern mix of work
05:40 – Paper manuals that still earn their keep
07:35 – Why older info dries up online
09:06 – Rare 1971 case: book on the fender
10:10 – How far customers travel for niche work
11:15 – South Georgia and Jacksonville pipeline
12:35 – Fleet vs RV Sprinter customers
14:10 – From DOS to modern in-house software
16:05 – CDK outage lesson: avoid cloud dependency
17:45 – Make invoices simple, readable, complete
20:05 – Recommendations, estimates, fast approvals
21:42 – WinWorks setup and backup approach
23:00 – Minimal CRM; audits for anomalies
24:55 – Tying bonuses to comebacks
26:35 – Seven-year paper record discipline
27:28 – How customers actually find them (SEO)
29:50 – Geo-targeting and keyword strategy
31:35 – Google Ads that reinforce organic
32:58 – Revenue beyond repairs: what’s worth it
34:30 – EV pullback; invest in ICE tools
36:25 – ADAS: when to keep or sublet
38:02 – 2020 shock and cash decisions
41:00 – Shop environment and tech comfort
43:00 – From near-bankrupt to rebuilt systems
49:06 – PPP timing and hard choices
52:07 – Tools, training, and shifting plans
54:22 – Floor plan for future vehicle sales
55:38 – Reading the cycle and unit economics
57:54 – Programming modules and TRP reality
59:33 – Retention above 98% and why
1:00:42 – Meeting cadence and what matters
1:02:20 – The 4 C’s: Concern, Condition, Correction, Confirm
1:05:42 – Wrap and future panel invites

Call-to-Actions
Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.

Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

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Links
Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit
Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners/
Learn more: https://aashopmarketing.com

A family-run collision & mechanical shop shares a trust-first playbook: transparent inspections, pushing back on insurers, and SOPs that keep quality high and customers loyal. Real tactics you can use tomorrow—without upselling games.

Guests:
Alan Austin — Austin Spencer Collision — Henrietta, NY
Shanley Austin — Austin Spencer Collision — Henrietta, NY

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):

• Build trust by fixing only what’s essential

• How to advocate for customers vs insurers

• Handling total-loss offers and salvage titles

• Turn $21 inspections into lifetime customers

• Train service writers to read each customer

• Write SOPs your team will actually follow

• Use CCC + ALLDATA together effectively

• Recruit techs through local trade pipelines

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro and episode setup
01:30 – Alan’s origin story and first shop
03:30 – Expanding bays and multiple locations
05:00 – Rochester market and competition
07:00 – Family experience vs big DRP shops
10:30 – Fighting for customers on insurance
12:20 – Totaled? Research value and negotiate
17:20 – Trust over upsells on repairs
19:10 – NYS inspection pricing and strategy
23:00 – Red, yellow, green philosophy on work
24:20 – Who talks to customers day to day
27:30 – Hire for personality, train the rest
32:00 – Ditching paper: notes and workflows
36:40 – CCC + ALLDATA and estimate accuracy
41:00 – Salarying a body tech and accountability
44:20 – SOPs that save time (3M book, Notion)
49:10 – Video vs PDF for training retention
55:00 – Recruiting: WEMOCO, Alfred State, LinkedIn
59:50 – Word of mouth and social media plans
01:04:10 – AI predefined notes for estimates
01:08:40 – Growth mindset vs maintaining
01:13:40 – Wrap

Call-to-Actions
Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.
Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.
Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.

Links
Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspx
Grid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspx
Request a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspx
Join the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspx
Partnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspx
Garage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners

Credit card fees are eating into shop profits, but how you pass them on makes all the difference. In this episode, Rob Davis and David Nacion explain the rules, risks, and real-world options for surcharging, dual pricing, and cash discounting in auto repair shops.

Guests:
Rob Davis — CardConnect / Fiserv — Philadelphia, PA
David Nacion — CardConnect / Fiserv — Philadelphia, PA

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):

• Difference between surcharging and dual pricing

• Why dual pricing covers debit cards too

• Legal limits on surcharges and compliance risks

• How cash discounting works in practice

• Best way to present pricing to customers

• Options for ACH, Zelle, and alternative payments

• Chargeback risks with cards vs. ACH vs. cash

• How customer age and ARO affect pushback

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Credit card fees in shops
02:21 – Surcharging vs dual pricing
03:41 – State rules and compliance
05:56 – How to analyze your fees
07:07 – When surcharging becomes risky
08:48 – Debit cards, rewards cards, compliance
10:14 – Can rates flex by card type?
12:18 – Defining true cash discounting
13:43 – ACH, Zelle, and new payment options
16:48 – Checks, ACH, and instant clearance
18:09 – Zelle adoption across banks
19:14 – Rob & David’s teamwork approach
22:33 – Surcharging rules and caps explained
24:34 – What dual pricing really means
26:18 – Why Visa dislikes added fees
29:57 – How software presents dual pricing
33:17 – Effective rate vs processor markup
35:06 – Fluctuating interchange rates
36:45 – Customer experience and fairness
39:15 – Pandemic shift in payment habits
42:21 – Zelle, QR codes, and easy options
43:49 – Generational differences on fees
47:16 – Customer age and ARO insights
49:05 – Post-COVID normalization of fees
50:55 – 67% adoption across industries
52:04 – Why fees keep climbing
54:48 – State restrictions and compliance
55:11 – Customer complaints and adoption rates
57:04 – Transparency in invoicing
59:40 – Cash vs ACH vs Zelle chargebacks
01:02:10 – Wrapping up and next steps

Call-to-Actions & Contact Info

Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.

Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.

Links
Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit
Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners/
Learn more: https://aashopmarketing.com
Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspx
Grid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspx
Request a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspx
Join the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspx
Partnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspx

Credit card fees are eating into shop profits, but how you handle them can make or break customer trust. In this panel, three operators compare dual pricing, bundling fees, and simply raising rates. They dig into state-by-state rules, POS limitations, and where transparency matters most. You’ll hear what actually triggers pushback and what keeps customers happy.

Lou Cannata explains why he’s tracking card costs to the penny before changing policy. His shop averages roughly $15.26 per card transaction and about 2.2% in processing fees, which reframes the problem at the RO level. He’s watching dealers and collision centers in his market adopt 3% while weighing timing and perception. The goal is simple: protect margin without damaging first and last impressions.

Kevin Millevoi lays out the customer-experience case against tacking on a fee at the end. He folds hazmat and supplies into upfront pricing so the total never “surprises” a customer at pickup. To him, adding a surcharge can feel like insult after an unexpected repair. He’d rather quote the real number once and deliver fast, clean communication throughout.

From Denver, Mitchell Sapuppo shares why his shop includes processing in a “total fees” line instead of a separate surcharge. He sees a clear age split: older customers bring cash more often, younger customers just want the car fixed and don’t fuss over fees when they’ve approved the estimate. The thread across all three shops is communication before authorization, not a surprise fee after the work. The right framing reduces friction and keeps approvals moving.

If you’re deciding whether to implement dual pricing, start with your numbers. Know true card costs per RO, your ARO, and your competitive labor rate band. Consider fee caps, shop-fee structure, and parts/labor mix before flipping a surcharge switch. And check your state’s invoicing rules—line items vs. bundled fees—so your POS matches what’s legal and clear.

Guests:Lou Cannata — Lou’s Car Care and Fleet ServicesKevin Millevoi — Millevoi’s Tire and Automotive — Bensalem, PennsylvaniaMitchell Sapuppo — Maple Garage — Denver, Colorado

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):Calculate true processing cost per ROFrame fees up front to avoid surprisesBundle vs line-item: pros and consState rules that affect surchargingSet shop fees with clear capsAdjust labor/parts to offset feesWhen dual pricing helps or hurtsKnow your market, ARO, and crowd

Call-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.

Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.

LinksListen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritJoin the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners/Learn more: https://aashopmarketing.com

Disclaimer

The views and practices discussed in this episode are shared experiences from independent shop owners. Credit card surcharges, dual pricing, and shop fee structures are subject to state and federal regulations that vary by location. This conversation is not legal or financial advice. Before implementing any fee strategy in your shop, consult with your merchant processor, point-of-sale provider, accountant, or legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Fourth-generation owner Max Blatt of Blatt Tire and Automotive shares how he took over the family shop in Center City Philadelphia, modernized operations, and is plotting new ventures like mobile tire service—all while balancing customer trust, employee loyalty, and his dad’s legacy.

Guests:
Max Blatt — Blatt Tire and Automotive — Philadelphia, PA

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):

• Balancing tires vs. repair revenue streams

• Why speed + inventory win in the city

• Mobile tire service business model and margins

• Managing legacy employees and loyalty

• Transitioning from paper to AutoLeap software

• How reviews build (or erode) trust

• Using murals and history in marketing

• Cash vs. card fee debates in 2025

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Philly roots
01:10 – Shop history & 4th generation story
02:30 – Dad retires but still calls daily
04:00 – Tire vs. repair split explained
05:20 – Why mobile tire service is next
07:00 – Customer conflict story in Philly
09:00 – “Blackmobile” idea for mobile tires
11:15 – Parallels with Netflix’s Tires show
15:00 – Transitioning from paper to digital
16:30 – Struggles with DVIs and AutoLeap
19:00 – Managing techs: results vs micromanage
21:00 – 50+ year employee loyalty stories
22:20 – Building customer trust over decades
23:30 – Review battles & fake 1-stars
27:30 – Vetting coaches by calling shops
30:00 – ROI fears: coaching vs marketing
32:00 – Fixing outdated websites & SEO
34:00 – Philly mural as hero image
38:00 – Coffee shop side hustle idea
40:30 – Taking over after medical emergency
42:00 – Learning by doing: tires, counter, delivery
43:30 – Plans for DVIs & customer education
44:30 – Competitors in Center City footprint
46:00 – Customer logistics: Uber, waiting, rides
48:00 – Could concierge Uber service work?
49:30 – Shop pride, murals, and trust
53:00 – How GGP episodes help shop owners
56:00 – Credit card fee debate
58:00 – Cashless vs cash discounts
1:00:00 – Wrap & sponsor message

Call-to-Actions
Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.

Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.

Links
Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit
Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners/
Learn more: https://aashopmarketing.com

Keywords
auto repair shop growth, Philadelphia tire shop, mobile tire service, hiring technicians, employee loyalty, DVI best practices, AutoLeap software, customer trust, online reviews for shops, shop marketing, shop murals, family succession, cash vs card fees, credit card surcharges, Google reviews management, fleet tire accounts, shop operations Philadelphia, small business marketing auto repair, fourth generation shop owner, customer concierge ideas

From service stations with gas pumps to today’s DVIs, Mike Scaglione of Kempsville Auto Care Center shares 45 years of lessons on running a shop, leading in Virginia, and why he believes inspections and charging what you’re worth matter more than ever.

Guests:

Mike Scaglione — Kempsville Auto Care Center — Virginia Beach, VA

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):

How service stations evolved into modern shops

Why DVIs boost sales and protect your shop

State inspections: burden or business builder?

Balancing customer trust with photo/video evidence

Local zoning battles and expansion challenges

VAA membership benefits for shop owners

Passing credit card fees vs. absorbing costs

Work-life balance and importance of date night

Timestamps

00:00 – Mike’s shop intro

01:07 – From service stations to food shops

02:55 – Early manuals and time guides

05:30 – Internet replaces phone books

07:39 – Math errors cost real money

09:36 – Why DVIs matter

12:39 – Handling customers with photos/videos

14:01 – Trust vs. oversharing inspections

15:00 – Cars visit shops less often now

16:45 – Work-life balance in the early years

19:14 – Using DVIs for comebacks

20:49 – State inspections in VA and PA

23:54 – Should more states require inspections?

25:52 – Inspection costs and politics

28:03 – Is it worth keeping inspections?

29:57 – Safety and liability on the road

32:00 – Rising ownership costs with ADAS

32:48 – Autonomous cars in the future

35:39 – Freedom, rural vs metro pushback

40:07 – Why service stations still exist

41:36 – Local zoning and shop expansion

44:05 – Elections and zoning impact

47:11 – Environmental rules: runoff ponds

48:06 – Recycling water and gray water use

49:55 – Virginia Automotive Association (VAA)

52:12 – $350 membership pays for itself

54:37 – Today’s time crunch for shop owners

56:40 – Relying on your team

58:02 – DoorDash now delivers parts

01:01:08 – Family life vs. shop chaos

01:05:36 – Charging credit card fees

01:08:50 – Marketing cash discounts

01:12:54 – Fishing after hurricanes

01:15:50 – Offshore windmill farms debate

01:20:00 – Final lessons on saving and balance

01:23:52 – Upcoming VAA meet and greets

01:24:36 – Ongoing training and events

01:26:32 – Closing reflections

01:28:40 – Wrap

Call-to-Actions

Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.

Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.

Links

Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit

Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners/

Learn more: https://aashopmarketing.com

Loaner cars aren’t a “nice-to-have”—they’re a sales tool that closes RO’s, reduces chaos at the counter, and lets independents compete with dealerships. Laura Tierney from Shop Loaner breaks down how to do it safely and profitably.

Guests:
Laura Tierney — Shop Loaner

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):

Why loaners close higher-dollar repair orders
How to structure a separate rental LLC
Insurance basics and driver-first liability
What your legal agreement must include
When to lease vs. repurpose lot vehicles
Fleet sizing math: 2 cars per active bay
Tablet/text workflows that speed handoffs
Policies that prevent horror-story abuse

Timestamps:
00:00 – Why loaners matter now
02:05 – Laura’s origin story
03:44 – From dealerships to independents
05:18 – COVID shift to virtual forms
07:10 – Two brands, same core tools
08:32 – Software + service explained
09:06 – State rules and liability basics
10:40 – GPS language and terms
12:18 – Separate LLC to protect assets
14:05 – Vehicle condition and expectations
15:42 – Repurpose customer turn-ins
17:22 – Courtesy vs. paid rental standards
18:58 – The #1 reason shops add loaners
20:06 – Compete with “dealership alternative”
21:22 – Insurance set-up the right way
22:56 – What every agreement must capture
25:05 – Photos, walkarounds, credit cards
26:32 – Real-world horror stories
29:02 – Do-Not-Rent list controls
31:20 – Cost mindset vs. growth mindset
33:18 – How many cars to start with
35:28 – Revenue lift example (Euro shop)
39:36 – Shuttle risk vs. clean process
42:10 – Valet pickup/delivery workflow
44:12 – Clear next steps and contact
45:40 – Where to reach Laura
46:30 – Wrap

Call-to-Actions:

Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.

Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.

Links
Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit

Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners/

Learn more: https://aashopmarketing.com

Learn more: https://www.shoploaner.com/

How do you scale a six-bay shop without burning out your team—or your customers? Elite Automotive Center’s co-owners share how they’re growing the right way: fill capacity first, lock in systems, and win with relationships (not transactions).

Guests:
Philip Korbel & Brian Teberg — Co-owners, Elite Automotive Center — Fargo, North Dakota

What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):

• Why an owner shortage (culture/leadership) beats a “tech shortage” narrative

• Car-count math: 260–280/month now, ~360 before adding bays

• Building a high-school pipeline (career academies, toolbox help, real training)

• Relationship selling: remembering pets & trips > being “transactional”

• DVIs with transparency + ride-alongs for “can’t duplicate” noises

• Customer experience that lowers anxiety (hotel-lobby vibes, kid-friendly perks)

• Training cadence (NAPA/O’Reilly + TechFix) and paying techs to attend

• Hiring/firing: 2-stage interviews, red flags, acting faster

• Tech stack realities: Mitchell pros/cons, online scheduling, OctoRocket, texting

• Fleet growth via speed, quality, fair pricing—and referrals

• Coaching, tribes, and how local politics/zoning impact expansion

00:00 – Intro, FB group, Aug ’25 panel
01:29 – Fargo market & rural pull
02:25 – State line rules (ND/MN)
03:45 – Shop size (6 bays)
04:43 – Grow after capacity
06:21 – Car count goals
07:32 – High-school hire
08:13 – “Owner shortage” quote
11:11 – Career Academy pipeline
13:11 – Student tech training
14:34 – Meet Andrea (advisor)
16:02 – Relationships > transactions
18:14 – Pre-trip DVIs
19:13 – Comm preferences
19:58 – Calming waiting room
20:30 – Comfort touches
21:57 – Family-friendly perks
23:31 – DVIs + ride-alongs
24:17 – Ongoing training
25:45 – Reviews & paid training
27:17 – Origin story (2013)
29:32 – Forced move
30:57 – New building → COVID
31:34 – Why Philip co-owner
35:39 – Division of labor
36:56 – Hiring funnel
37:27 – Firing lessons
43:49 – Competitors nearby
45:12 – Grow the pie
46:27 – DVI video tradeoffs
50:11 – Parts matrix wishlist
51:31 – ShopGenie & Kikui
52:49 – Online requests
54:07 – Phones & OctoRocket
55:52 – Digital Concierge option
56:12 – Fleet growth drivers
57:40 – Brian’s path
59:30 – Coaching & conferences
1:01:14 – Shop tours cadence
1:02:07 – Tribe accountability
1:06:23 – Local politics & permits
1:09:24 – Future panel topics
1:11:10 – Rides vs. loaners
1:11:49 – Wrap-up

• Questions for Philip & Brian? Comment below or post in the FB group—they’ll jump in.

• Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

• Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.

Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit
Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners/
Learn more: https://aashopmarketing.com

auto repair shop growth, auto repair business management, hiring technicians, technician shortage solutions, shop owner culture, DVI best practices, customer experience auto repair, service advisor training, fleet accounts strategy, parts matrix pricing, Mitchell shop management, online scheduler auto repair, ShopFix coaching, car count goals, ride-along diagnostics, small business hiring and firing, recruiting from high schools, Fargo Moorhead auto repair, North Dakota auto repair, auto repair marketing

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, host Brad Hurlock of AA Shop Marketing is joined by Mike from Grinnell Firestone, Steve Finzel of Finzels Master Tech, and Kelly and Lee Weatherby from Mesa, Arizona to discuss succession planning for automotive repair shops. The panel shares insights into transitioning business ownership, dealing with unexpected changes, and the importance of written procedures and systems. They delve into the challenges and strategies around training, customer service, managing employee expectations, and setting up a business for sale. Additionally, the podcast highlights the key elements to focus on when preparing for succession, such as creating operational procedures, understanding your role, and making the business attractive to buyers. The conversation is a blend of personal anecdotes, professional advice, and practical steps for shop owners looking to plan for the future.

00:00 Introduction and Passion for the Job

00:33 Customer Service and Business Philosophy

00:58 Welcome to the Garage Grit Podcast

01:40 Introducing the Guests

01:49 Mike's Journey and Business Evolution

03:24 Steve's Business Transformation

04:03 Kelly and Lee's Retirement Transition

05:11 Challenges and Strategies in Succession Planning

10:51 Private Equity and Business Valuation

15:11 Employee Involvement and Ownership

18:10 Reflections on Family Business and Future Plans

30:51 Advice for Skeptics and Final Thoughts

33:53 Key Player Involvement and Ownership Phases

34:07 Dealing with Skepticism and Plan B

34:34 Creating a Detailed Succession Plan

35:15 Preparing Your Business for Sale

36:24 The Importance of Organizational Structure

37:41 Adapting and Evolving Business Plans

41:14 Training and Documentation Strategies

44:41 The Role of a Utility Player

47:55 Customer Service and Business Continuity

52:22 Steps to Effective Succession Planning

01:00:16 The Value of Peer Review and Coaching

01:03:44 Addressing Technician Shortages and Leadership

01:04:59 Future Podcast Topics and Closing Remarks

"The Three Jobs of a Shop Owner Are Marketing, Hiring, and Training" – Kevin Bird of JM Auto Service | Trust, Team Culture & Coaching
Kevin Bird of JM Auto Service in Eveleth, Minnesota, breaks down the three jobs every shop owner must master—marketing, hiring, and training—while sharing how he built customer trust, shaped team culture, and embraced coaching to grow his shop.

I’m Brad Hurlock, host of the Garage Grit Podcast and founder of AA Shop Marketing. In this Origin & Impact episode, I sit down with Kevin Bird of JM Auto Service in Eveleth, Minnesota.

Kevin shares the story of taking over a long-standing repair shop, the lessons he learned from corporate life, and how he’s applied them to running a 12-bay operation in a small northern town. He talks about the realities of earning customer trust, creating a culture where his team thrives, and why investing in coaching groups has helped him level up as an owner.

At the heart of this conversation, Kevin lays out a simple but powerful truth: the three jobs of a shop owner are marketing, hiring, and training. If you’re an independent shop owner, this episode will challenge you to refocus on what really drives growth and long-term success.

Listen anywhere: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketing
Learn more: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/
Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196102239998551

👉 Subscribe today and join the Garage Grit community for more stories, insights, and straight talk from shop owners like you.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Kevin’s background
01:35 – Overview of JM Auto Service and serving a rural community
06:30 – Balancing longtime customers with new ones
12:00 – Shop management, TechMetric, and building trust with customers
17:00 – Transitioning from previous ownership and shop culture changes
23:00 – Team dynamics, daily meetings, and culture outside of work
28:40 – Kevin’s path into shop ownership and lessons from corporate life
32:30 – Hiring strategies and building the right team
38:40 – The three jobs of a shop owner: marketing, hiring, training
44:40 – Marketing lessons, mailers, reviews, and Google visibility
52:00 – Training processes for techs and service advisors
57:30 – Moving from growth to consistency
1:01:00 – Loaner car program and liability setup
1:08:00 – Coaching groups, ShopFix, and the value of a tribe
1:12:30 – Closing thoughts and invitation to the Garage Grit community