Garage Grit Podcast

From Milk Deliveries to Multi-Shop Success 🛠️

Kevin Millevoi joins host Brad Hurlock for Episode 3 of the Garage Grit “Origin & Impact” series. What began as a three-bay Exxon gas station in 1965—run by his father, a former milkman—has grown into a multi-generational family of trusted auto repair shops across Northeast Philly and Bucks County.

This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, customer service, blue-collar work ethic, and adapting through economic uncertainty. Kevin reflects on his roots, his leadership evolution, and why earning customer trust always beats chasing ARO.

📌 Topics covered:

• Multi-generational legacy in auto repair

• Navigating family dynamics in business

• From pump jockey to business owner

• Surviving 2008, COVID, and market shifts

• Why trust, not tactics, grows revenue

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🛠️ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196102239998551
📈 More at: https://aashopmarketing.com

⏱ Chapters

00:00 - Intro: Meet Kevin Millevoi

01:09 - Family Legacy: From Milkman to Mechanic

02:33 - Gas Crisis, Expansion, and the Parts Store

05:01 - Opening the Goodyear Shop

06:21 - The Millevoi Family Tree & Roles

07:37 - Work Ethic and Shop Culture

10:36 - Expansion to Jersey & New Locations

11:28 - Overlap and Customer Confusion

14:28 - Could This Be a Franchise?

16:07 - Sharing Customers & Doing Right

17:09 - Parts Shop Shutdown and Competition

19:00 - Economic Cycles: Resilience Over Recession

21:16 - Understanding the Local Market

23:45 - Researching Customers and Income

25:18 - Customer Service Lessons from Dad

27:32 - Don't Chase ARO, Earn Trust

30:00 - First Job: Janitor at Age 12

33:50 - Mechanic's Helper & Learning on the Job

36:03 - Old School vs New School Shop Operations

37:34 - Tracking Hours & Going Digital

41:36 - College, Career Detour, and Romance

43:13 - Back to the Business Full Time

45:47 - Opening the Shop in 1999

46:05 - The Trade vs. College Debate

48:50 - The Gopher Years & Getting Dirty

50:12 - Evolution of the Shop: Hiring Right

53:17 - Letting Go to Grow

55:30 - Family Involvement & Generational Choice

56:27 - Closing Thoughts & Facebook Group Promo

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, host Brad Hurlock interviews Chris Whited from Community Auto, exploring the profound impact of community involvement on auto shop success. Chris shares his journey from a troubled youth to a community-focused business leader, emphasizing the importance of genuine service, building trust, and investing in employees. The conversation highlights how strategic partnerships and a commitment to giving back can transform not only a business but also the community it serves. In this conversation, Chris from Community Auto shares his insights on the importance of teaching philosophy over doctrine, celebrating growth and learning from mistakes, and maintaining integrity in business practices. He emphasizes the significance of community engagement, investing in employee well-being, and the value of open communication. Chris also discusses the challenges of finding the right coaching and mentorship, the importance of honest feedback, and the balance between work and family life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community Involvement

02:46 Building Community Connections

06:07 The Impact of Community Cares Day

09:10 Creating Trust Through Service

12:07 Philosophy of Giving Back

14:59 The Importance of Communication

18:06 Everyday Community Engagement

21:09 Personal Journey and Background

31:04 Building Community Through Youth Engagement

32:45 Transitioning from Ministry to Auto Industry

39:13 A New Approach to Employee Care

41:50 Investing in Personal Development

49:00 Creating a Culture of Care

54:04 Integrity in Business Practices

59:38 Investing in Employee Growth

01:01:24 Coaching and Accountability in Business

01:02:42 The Importance of Mentorship

01:04:40 The Role of Integrity in Business

01:07:25 Marketing with Integrity

01:11:16 The Value of Open Communication

01:13:27 Building Relationships with Employees

01:18:55 Balancing Work and Family Life

01:24:21 Lessons from Personal Experiences

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast's Origin & Impact series, host Brad Hurlock interviews Kevin Bickford, the owner of Fox River Tire and Auto. Kevin shares his journey from a young car enthusiast in Southern California to becoming a successful shop owner in Illinois. He discusses the challenges he faced in management, the importance of building trust with customers, and the transition from employee to owner. Kevin emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive work environment and the need to adapt to changes in the automotive industry. The conversation highlights the lessons learned throughout his career and the values that drive his business today. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of managing a business, focusing on customer relationships, employee transitions, and the importance of accountability and coaching. They share personal experiences that highlight the challenges and successes in navigating these areas, emphasizing the need for growth, trust, and a supportive team culture. The discussion also touches on effective marketing strategies and the significance of maintaining a positive business environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Garage Grit Podcast

02:06 Kevin Bickford's Journey to Fox River Tire

14:03 Transitioning to Goodyear and Family Life

22:03 Moving to Chicago: A New Chapter

34:11 Establishing Fox River Tire and Building Trust

38:11 The Transition of Ownership

39:45 Lessons from Professional Experience

42:11 The Takeover Day

44:07 Understanding the Customer Base

46:38 Initial Challenges and Changes

49:55 The Role of Family in Business

52:05 Navigating Employee Dynamics

55:11 Firing Customers for Better Fit

57:41 Building a Family Culture

01:00:22 Sales Strategies and Customer Trust

01:02:45 Retirement and Staff Changes

01:04:39 Facing Business Ownership Challenges

01:06:17 The Journey of Growth

01:09:07 New Beginnings and Future Plans

01:16:48 The Journey of Leadership and Humility

01:19:24 Building a Supportive Team and Accountability

01:22:32 The Importance of Coaching and Growth

01:24:51 Embracing the Role of CEO

01:25:07 Daily Accountability and Financial Awareness

01:30:36 Expanding the Business: New Locations and Culture

01:37:43 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement

01:42:10 Setting Goals for Future Growth

01:48:57 The Value of Compassion in Leadership

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, host Brad Hurlock delves into the red flags encountered during the hiring process. He is joined by auto repair shop owners Jen, Mark, and Chris, who share their experiences and strategies for vetting potential employees. Topics discussed include the importance of team culture, the impact of the mechanic shortage, effective interview processes, and the growing trend of younger generations preferring text communication over phone calls. The episode also touches upon the potential use of video marketing to showcase shop culture and suggestions for future podcast topics like employee benefits and the integrity of the auto industry.

00:00 Welcome to the Garage Grit Podcast

00:30 Introduction to Today's Topic: Hiring Red Flags

01:03 Meet the Guests: Jen, Mark, and Chris

01:12 Jen's Shop: Small Garage Dynamics

01:51 Mark's Shop: Courtesy Cars and Business Expansion

05:01 Chris's Shop: Unique Setup and Collaboration

07:39 Hiring Practices and Challenges

16:39 Red Flags in Hiring: Real Stories and Experiences

26:44 Generational Differences in the Workforce

34:12 Chris's Formal Hiring Process

35:21 Casual Interview Conversations

35:45 Customer Feedback and Comments

37:14 Staff-Only Interviews

39:00 Final Interview and Job Offer

40:02 Shop Operations and Efficiency

43:22 Hiring and Team Dynamics

57:08 Firing Process and Challenges

01:01:00 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

Show Notes

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, hosted by Brad Hurlock, the focus is on finding alternative revenue streams for auto repair shops to boost cash flow during downtimes and overall business enhancement. The guests, Tyson Fisher from Star Import Service in Gainesville, Florida, and Bill Vallely from Tru-Fix Auto Works in Long Island, New York, discuss their respective experiences and insights. They cover a variety of potential revenue-enhancing strategies, such as selling used parts, detailing services, car rentals, POI (Pre-Owner Inspection) services, and more. They emphasize the importance of leveraging existing resources and customer loyalty while also being cautious of regulatory and liability issues. Marketing tactics for these additional services are also explored, including the effective use of social media, website focus, and community engagement. The episode ends with thoughts on maintaining business integrity, customer trust, and embracing new opportunities while being aware of industry dynamics and economic conditions.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:51 Meet the Guests: Tyson and Bill

01:20 Bill's Background and Shop Details

02:54 Tyson's Journey and Shop Insights

05:22 Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry

07:48 Exploring Alternate Revenue Streams

17:31 The Business of Buying and Selling Cars

21:23 The Complexities of ADAS Calibration

32:03 Customer Service and Additional Offerings

47:07 The Importance of Standardized Processes in Car Inspections

48:39 Balancing Market Value and Disclaimers

49:40 Pre-Owner Inspections: A Service for Loyal Customers

53:05 A Case Study: Saving a Customer from a Bad Deal

59:01 Marketing and Promoting Additional Services

01:02:30 Exploring New Revenue Streams: Rentals and More

01:03:46 Challenges and Opportunities in the Auto Industry

01:24:53 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

01:28:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, Brad Hurlock of AA Shop Marketing discusses the misleading information from car manufacturers and dealerships regarding extended service intervals. Joined by guests Jeremy Bucy and Mitch Fasnacht, they delve into the consequences of adhering to the 10,000-mile oil change myth and share insights on how shops can rebuild trust with their customers. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, customer relations strategies, and the importance of proper vehicle maintenance. Tune in to learn how to educate your customers and keep their cars running smoothly.

To watch this podcast on Youtube Click Here

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

01:18 Meet Our Guests: Jeremy and Mitch

03:18 Mitch's Background and Shop Details

04:35 Jeremy's Journey and Shop Insights

13:43 Building Trust with Customers

22:28 Challenges with Manufacturer Service Intervals

32:33 Customer Stories and Maintenance Challenges

33:17 Educating Customers on Oil Changes

37:04 Building Trust with Customers

39:09 Maintenance Programs and Customer Relationships

48:18 Technical Explanations and Customer Communication

52:05 Marketing Tips and Ethanol Discussion

55:58 Industry Trends and Vehicle Technology

01:02:05 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

Building Strong Community Connections for Auto Repair Shops

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, host Brad Hurlock from AA Shop Marketing converses with shop owners and managers, including Paul Hurst, Sarah Warfield, and Jason Musser, about the importance of community connections for auto repair shops. With detailed discussions around various community involvement strategies, such as sponsoring youth sports teams, volunteering, offering educational classes, collaborating with nonprofits, and creative marketing tactics like placing advertisements on DMV envelopes, the episode explores how these connections can bolster a shop’s reputation and customer loyalty. The guests share insightful experiences and practical tips on breaking down barriers with customers, emphasizing the value of trust and relationships in the automotive repair industry.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

02:51 Meet the Panelists: Paul Hurst

03:31 Meet the Panelists: Sarah Warfield

05:25 Meet the Panelists: Jason Musser

05:51 Community Connections: Examples and Initiatives

08:30 Challenges and Strategies in Community Engagement

09:24 Innovative Ideas and AI in Customer Interaction

12:11 Nonprofit Initiatives and Community Support

24:05 Vocational Training and Youth Engagement

32:30 Sponsorships and Local Community Involvement

36:09 Building Customer Connections

36:49 Community Outreach Efforts

37:51 Engaging Women and Young Drivers

39:01 Marketing Strategies and Challenges

51:14 Collaborations with Local Businesses

01:02:00 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

01:02:13 The Power of Social Media and Reviews

Car Rental and Shuttle Services for Auto Repair Shops

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, host Brad Hurlock of AA Shop Marketing discusses solutions for customers who drop off their cars and need another ride. The discussion features three auto repair shop owners: Stephan from Indiana, Brian from Michigan, and Brian from Iowa. They explore different approaches like shuttle services, rental programs, and ride shares, sharing their successes, challenges, and insurance implications. The conversation also touches on the benefits of offering loaner vehicles, strategies for slow-day marketing, and the importance of personalization in customer communication.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic

00:44 Meet the Shop Owners

01:02 Brian from Finkle Automotive Shares His Approach

02:17 Brian Rooney's Current System and Challenges

03:04 Stephan Carroll's Hybrid Approach

04:11 Discussion on Shuttle Services and Customer Preferences

04:53 Challenges and Solutions in Providing Loaner Cars

17:07 Insurance and Liability Concerns

17:48 Stephan's Evolution to a Rental Fleet

28:14 Weather Considerations and Customer Experiences

33:20 Exploring Shuttle Services

34:35 Building Customer Relationships

35:39 Luxury Shuttle Ideas

36:24 Concerns and Safety Measures

41:32 Insurance and Rental Programs

47:51 Handling Customer Complaints

56:03 Managing Courtesy Vehicles

58:30 Final Thoughts and Future Topics

01:01:52 Marketing Strategies for Slow Days

In this episode of the Garage Grit podcast, host Brad Hurlock from AA Shop Marketing leads a discussion with three experienced shop owners: Moira from Karma Auto Care in Georgia, Kendall from A1 Automotive in Nebraska, and Matt from Carz R Us in Illinois.

The conversation focuses on building and maintaining a positive shop culture, with each guest sharing their unique experiences, challenges, and strategies. Topics include team-building activities, personal development, mentoring young technicians, and the impact of shop culture on customer relationships. The episode also highlights the importance of continuous improvement and community involvement to create a supportive and engaging workplace environment.

00:00 Introduction to GarageGrit Podcast

00:40 Meet the Guests: Moira, Matt, and Kendall

00:59 Moira's Journey: From One Tech to Two Shops

02:16 Matt's Unique Path: From Band Teacher to Shop Owner

03:32 Kendall's Success: Building a Second Location

04:10 The Importance of Shop Culture

07:08 Challenges and Triumphs: Real Estate and Relocation

10:58 Recruitment Strategies: Finding the Right Fit

12:31 Building a Supportive Work Environment

18:07 Vision Boards and Personal Development

36:11 Generational Shifts in Shop Culture

41:21 The Importance of Continuous Learning

41:47 Reading vs. Audible: Different Approaches

42:09 Book Recommendations and Discussions

44:20 Implementing Lessons from Books

46:38 Building and Maintaining Shop Culture

47:37 Personal Development and Leadership

54:01 Vision Boards and Goal Setting

57:32 Team Collaboration and Compensation

01:05:13 Customer Experience and Shop Culture

01:18:17 Challenges of Expanding to Multiple Locations

01:20:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Resources:

Join the private Facebook group.

Our Podcast Website

Matt's Book Recommendations:

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

by Patrick Lencioni

The Dream Manager

by Matthew Kelly

Kendall's Book Recommendation:

The Courage to Be Disliked

by Ichiro Kashimi and Futema Guga

Moira's Book Recommendations:

Profit First

by Mike Michalowicz

All In

by Mike Michalowicz

Do It Differently

by Mike Michalowicz

In this comprehensive series of the Garage Grit podcast, host Brad Hurlock of AA Shop Marketing, gathers insights from three seasoned auto repair shop owners: Kevin Millevoi of Millevoi's Tire & Automotive in Bensalem, PA; Bill Stegich of Hynes Auto Service in Glenview, Illinois; and Jeremy McQueen of B.A.T. Boys in Branson, Missouri. The discussions cover a wide range of topics crucial to the auto repair industry, including the importance of transparency and communication with customers, optimizing estimates and invoicing practices, and balancing parts and labor costs. The episodes delve into maintaining customer trust through detailed invoices, educating customers about vehicle maintenance, and effectively handling seasonal fluctuations and warranty challenges. Guests share their experiences with digital vehicle inspections, pricing strategies, and addressing generational differences in customer expectations. They emphasize the significance of proper diagnostics, transparent pricing, and customer education in ensuring both customer satisfaction and business viability.

00:00 GGP October 2024

00:50 Today's Topic: Transparency and Communication

01:00 Meet the Guests: Shop Owners from Different States

03:08 Challenges of Seasona l Business

03:53 Customer Communication Strategies

08:20 Pricing and Estimates: Best Practices

27:38 Handling Warranties and Extended Services

34:11 Maintenance Tickets and Multi-Point Inspections

36:21 Customer Communication Strategies

36:31 Jeremy's Maintenance Ticket Process

37:13 Importance of Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs)

38:07 Handling Safety Concerns and Maintenance

39:36 Detailed Invoices and Customer Trust

41:56 Carfax Service History and Fluid Checks

43:12 Challenges with Customer Communication

44:26 The Role of DVIs in Customer Transparency

52:36 Estimating Repairs Over the Phone

01:00:27 Credit Card Fees and Customer Demographics

01:11:15 Financing Options and Discounts

01:12:04 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up