Join host Brad Hurlock on the Garage Grit Podcast for an engaging Origin & Impact episode (#027) featuring Jeremy Bucy, owner of Alan Cox Premier Auto Care in Marietta, Georgia. In this episode, Jeremy shares his journey from sweeping floors to owning a shop specializing in Asian makes, with a unique side division for vintage car restorations. Discover how Jeremy navigates the challenges of a competitive market, builds trust with customers, and differentiates his shop through personal service.

Key topics include:

🔧 Transitioning from a Honda-focused shop to servicing all Asian makes
👷 Empowering service advisors to deliver personalized customer experiences
📋 Balancing old-school and digital marketing to attract new customers
🚗 Building high-end vintage car projects, like a 1968 AMX with a Hellcat motor
💡 Avoiding the race to the bottom in a competitive auto repair market

Don’t miss Jeremy’s insights on growing a business while staying true to quality and community! Subscribe to the Garage Grit Podcast for weekly episodes, and join our Facebook Group to continue the conversation with Brad, Jeremy, and other shop owners.

Join the Garage Grit community:

🌐 Website: https://aashopmarketing.com
📱 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners
🎙️ All Episodes: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/garagegrit
🎥 Check out our panel discussion on service intervals from February/March 2025: [Insert link to panel episode]
🏠 Visit Alan Cox Premier Auto Care: https://www.alancoxautomotive.com/

Chapters
⏰ 00:00 – Introduction to the Garage Grit Podcast and Jeremy Bucy
🏪 01:21 – History of Alan Cox Premier Auto Care
💸 05:25 – Educating customers on the value of specialized repairs
🤝 15:02 – Using digital vehicle inspections to build trust
🚗 29:08 – Inside Jeremy’s vintage car restoration division
👥 38:26 – Personal service as a core tenet of customer relationships
💡 48:07 – Combining old-school and digital marketing strategies

Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, including our monthly panel discussions and Vendor Insights series!

Join host Brad Hurlock on the Garage Grit Podcast for an insightful Origin & Impact episode (#026) featuring Paul Marquardt, owner of Clintonville Automotive Repair in Columbus, Ohio. In this episode, Paul shares his journey from technician to shop owner, offering practical insights into building trust with customers, empowering employees, and running a high-value auto repair business. Learn how Paul transformed a 50-year-old shop into a modern, customer-focused operation while maintaining a commitment to fairness and transparency.

Topics include:

🔧 The importance of trust in auto repair and how to build it with customers

👷 Strategies for empowering employees to make decisions and fostering a positive work environment

📋 The 100-100-100 inspection approach for transparent customer service

💳 Navigating credit card fees and why Paul chooses not to pass them on

💰 Balancing customer care with business profitability

Don’t miss Paul’s inspiring story and actionable tips for taking your auto repair shop to the next level! Subscribe to the Garage Grit Podcast for weekly episodes, and join our Facebook Group to continue the conversation with Brad, Paul, and other shop owners.

Join the Garage Grit community:

🌐 Website: https://aashopmarketing.com

📱 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners

🎙️ All Episodes: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/garagegrit

🎥 Check out our panel discussion on work-life balance from June 24, 2025: [Insert link to panel episode]

🏠 Visit Clintonville Automotive Repair: [Insert website link, if available]

Timestamps:

⏰ 00:00 – Introduction to the Garage Grit Podcast and Paul Marquardt

🏪 01:28 – Overview of Clintonville Automotive Repair

💸 05:46 – Discussing credit card fees and customer trust

🤝 19:16 – Transparency in pricing and building customer relationships

✅ 29:23 – The 100-100-100 inspection approach

🤲 36:12 – Developing trust through detailed vehicle inspections

🚗 56:22 – Paul’s journey from technician to shop owner

👥 1:17:33 – Creating a decision-making culture for employees

💡 1:30:28 – Why auto repair is a people business

Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, including our monthly panel discussions and Vendor Insights series! #AutoRepair #ShopOwner #GarageGrit #Entrepreneurship

From humble beginnings to a thriving Roswell shop, Renan Souza shares how grit, quality, and family values turned BR Auto Repair and Collision into a standout in a crowded market.

This episode of the Garage Grit Podcast is part of our Origin & Impact series—real stories from shop owners who built their business from the ground up.

Brad Hurlock sits down with Renan Souza of BR Auto Repair and Collision to dig into Renan’s origin story, the challenges he faced starting out with just $13K, and the impact he’s making for his team, customers, and community. Renan opens up about lessons learned from working with his dad, building a family-first culture, focusing on quality over quantity, and standing out among fierce local competition.

If you want to hear how real shop owners create lasting impact, you’ll want to catch every minute of this conversation.

Join the Garage Grit community:

Website: https://aashopmarketing.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners

All Episodes: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/garagegrit

Like, comment, and subscribe for more true stories of shop origin and impact!

Timestamps

00:00 – Origin & Impact intro: Meet Renan Souza

01:00 – Opening BR Auto Repair in the “auto district”

02:00 – Parking, shop setup & scaling in a tight space

04:00 – Focusing on quality, not volume

05:30 – Standing out from dealers & the competition

07:00 – Customer trust, team culture, and leading by example

10:30 – How “family-first” became a core value

11:35 – Balancing collision and mechanical services

14:40 – Working with insurance companies

16:50 – Why combined shops require teamwork

18:00 – Real talk: the years it takes to build a winning team

19:40 – Starting over after family changes

21:30 – Tracking costs and what really matters in profit

23:00 – Growing up in the business and going solo

25:00 – The impact of college (and what matters more)

28:00 – Surviving hard times and starting with $13k

32:00 – Keeping business balanced between services

35:00 – Marketing & messaging when you “do it all”

38:00 – Lessons in bootstrapping and building trust

44:00 – Team meetings & continuous improvement

46:30 – Why family always comes first

49:00 – Wrap-up & how to join the Garage Grit community

Subscribe for more Origin & Impact stories that help real shop owners win.

Website: https://aashopmarketing.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners

Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/garagegrit

Join host Brad Hurlock for another Origin & Impact episode of the Garage Grit Podcast! This week, we sit down with David Light of Lighthouse Automotive, located on the iconic Outer Banks of North Carolina.

David shares how he and his wife built their auto repair business from the ground up—literally starting with a backyard, a tree, and a metal shed. Hear how they grew to two locations, how they weathered a changing industry, and what it takes to build relationships that last decades.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Starting a shop from scratch in a small, tight-knit community

• The unique challenges (and opportunities) of running a business on an island

• Building a team by hiring entire service departments

• Creating a “grandmother” level of customer care

• The importance of coaching, peer groups, and tracking your numbers

• How word-of-mouth can build (and sustain) a business for decades

• The next chapter for Lighthouse Automotive

If you’re a shop owner, operator, or anyone curious about what it really takes to build a sustainable business, you’ll get value from David’s journey and hard-earned insights.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below about your own shop’s origin story or lessons learned!

🔗 Learn more about AA Shop Marketing:
https://aashopmarketing.com

🔗 Join our Facebook community for auto repair shop owners:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners

🔗 Listen to all Garage Grit episodes:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/garagegrit

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Starting from scratch on the Outer Banks
02:40 – Building a team by hiring specialists
04:15 – Customer care: Treating everyone like family
07:00 – Training, coaching, and continuous improvement
10:00 – Running a business with your spouse
12:50 – Finding and keeping customers in a small town
17:30 – The power of coaching and tracking KPIs
25:00 – The impact of peer groups and community
34:30 – Managing for growth, not just survival
36:00 – What’s next for Lighthouse Automotive

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, host Brad Hurlock of AA Shop Marketing discusses the challenges of work-life balance in the auto repair industry with guests David Light from Lighthouse Automotive, Paul from Clintonville Auto Repair, and Kevin from Fox River Tire and Auto. The conversation covers various aspects of managing work-life balance, such as delegating responsibilities, the importance of using technology and automation, and the value of having a coach. The guests share personal stories and professional strategies on how to maintain harmony between their business and personal lives, emphasizing the need for planning and prioritizing family time. They also touch on topics like growing technicians, proper pricing, and creating standard operating procedures to streamline shop operations. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of not waiting to live life fully and advice to shop owners on creating a sustainable balance.

00:00 Introduction to Lighthouse Automotive

00:28 The Importance of Work-Life Balance

01:02 Welcome to the Garage Grit Podcast

02:11 Meet the Panelists

04:08 Personal Stories of Work-Life Imbalance

07:58 Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance

13:31 Delegation and Trust in Business

18:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life

27:54 Recognizing Signs of Imbalance

33:46 Recognizing and Managing Stress

34:01 Skateboarding as a Stress Reliever

35:24 Social Media Marketing for Business

35:50 Team Activities for Stress Relief

36:16 Scuba Diving and Other Calming Activities

38:08 Work-Life Balance in Business

41:54 Automation and Delegation in Shops

52:07 The Importance of Coaching

57:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics

59:48 Charging What You're Worth

Join Brad Hurlock on the Garage Grit podcast as he sits down with Kelli Weatherby, co-owner of Accurate Automotive in Mesa, Arizona, for an inspiring "Origin and Impact" story!

In this candid conversation, Kelli shares the remarkable journey of building Accurate Automotive from the ground up with her husband, Lee, starting from an unexpected decision to quit a dealership job. Discover how they transformed side work into a thriving business, focusing on their core philosophy of "friends serving friends".

Key Discussion Points:

• Building a Legacy: Hear about their longest-tenured employees, who have been with them for over 20 years, growing alongside the business.
• Family & Business: Kelli opens up about balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship and how their children forged their own paths outside of auto repair.
• The Power of Relationships: Learn how Accurate Automotive cultivates deep trust and loyalty with customers, treating them like family.
• Navigating Challenges: Kelli discusses adapting to changing customer behaviors, the impact of hybrid work on car maintenance, and the unique challenges of operating in Arizona's extreme climate.
• The Importance of Coaching: Understand how a 20-group and business coaching helped them embrace digital advancements (like DVIs) and overcome hurdles, including emotional discounting.
• Succession Planning & Resilience: A transparent look into their multi-year succession planning efforts, why it didn't go as planned, and their resilience in returning to the shop.
• Embracing Change: Kelli's personal philosophy on facing fear with spontaneity and a "let's get it done" attitude.

Connect with Accurate Automotive: Visit their website for more information and to schedule an appointment: www.AccurateAutomotiveAZ.com

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction to Kelli Weatherby & Accurate Automotive0:00:57 Longevity of Employees & Building the Shop from Scratch0:02:00 Current Staff Structure & Shop Operations0:03:45 Lee's Health Journey & Easing Back into Work0:05:16 Work-Life Balance in Auto Repair0:06:34 The Importance of Self-Care for Business Owners0:08:06 "Friends Serving Friends" - Core Philosophy0:10:13 Real-World Examples of Customer Relationships0:15:02 Why Car Count is Down & Adapting to New Realities0:16:06 Impact of Arizona's Extreme Weather on Cars0:17:15 Reaching Younger Generations of Customers0:20:22 Valuing the Consumer: Nordstrom vs. Target Analogy0:21:24 Social Media for Shops: People First, Cars Second0:22:34 Getting Back into Content Creation & Authenticity0:25:34 Team Dynamics & Fostering a Supportive Environment0:29:24 The Power of Compliments & Validation0:32:13 The Decision to Start Accurate Automotive0:36:44 Baby Steps to Building a Business0:38:18 Kelli's Background & Transition to Business Owner0:40:38 Transition to Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) & Coaching0:42:12 The Value of a Business Coach & 20 Groups0:45:02 Challenges with Employee Loyalty & Accountability0:47:59 Helping Employees Find the Right Fit0:51:53 Overcoming Emotional Discounting in Pricing0:55:49 Charging Fairly for Expertise0:58:41 The "Secret" Strategy for Influencing Decisions1:01:05 Investing in Marketing & Growth1:03:02 The Long Journey of Succession Planning1:06:00 Why Their Succession Plan Didn't Work Out1:07:06 The Risks of Business Ownership & Spousal Support1:08:58 The Shift to Digital Manuals & Training1:11:05 Kelli's Initial Reaction to Starting the Business1:12:11 Embracing Change & Spontaneity1:13:12 Kelli's Tough Upbringing & "Run to the Danger" Mentality1:14:41 Lee's Work Ethic & Meticulous Nature1:16:10 Initial Fears for Family & Lifestyle1:17:33 Gratitude for Early Support (Brian Roy)1:18:18 Aligning Goals: Brian Roy's Business Model1:20:03 Thank You & Concluding Remarks

In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, hosted by Brad Hurlock of AA Shop Marketing, shop owners Mike, Josiah, and Kevin discuss the significant impact coaches have had on their automotive businesses. They describe their varied backgrounds and experiences in the industry, emphasizing the importance of finding the right coach who aligns with their values and goals. The panel delves into topics such as overcoming emotional discounting, employing effective pricing strategies, and utilizing digital vehicle inspection tools. They also share insights on the benefits of being part of coaching groups, or 'tribes,' and advocate for regular reassessment of shop practices. The episode aims to demonstrate how coaching can lead to substantial business growth and operational improvements, urging shop owners to invest in coaching to advance their shops.

00:00 Introduction to the Virginia Automobile Association

00:23 The Journey from Accounting to Automotive

00:37 The Importance of Coaching in the Automotive Industry

01:26 Welcome to the Garage Grit Podcast

02:48 Introducing the Panelists

02:54 Mike's Background and Shop Details

04:46 Josiah's Background and Shop Details

06:10 Kevin's Background and Shop Details

09:54 The Evolution of the Automotive Industry

14:18 The Role of Coaching and Training Programs

29:57 The Impact of Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI)

30:44 Switching to DVI Programs

31:01 The Role of Coaching in Decision Making

31:37 Challenges and Benefits of Cloud-Based Systems

31:58 Personal Stories and Experiences

32:22 Choosing the Right Platform

33:21 The Importance of Coaching

34:06 Overcoming Emotional Barriers in Business

35:48 The Impact of Community and Market Conditions

37:02 Recruitment and Industry Perception

38:01 Pricing Strategies and Labor Rates

42:24 The Value of Coaching Groups

44:40 Finding the Right Coach

57:35 Concluding Thoughts and Community Engagement

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

👇 Join the Garage Grit community:
🛠️ 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