In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Brian Rhodes, founder of Auto Shop Recruiting and a 20-year veteran of talent acquisition, to crack the code on hiring techs and advisors in a market where “Help Wanted” banners are everywhere. Brian explains why the old “post-and-pray” ad doesn’t work anymore—and how independent shops can compete head-to-head with dealers, chains, and even OEM training programs for A-level talent. 

Whether you’re a one-man shop dreaming bigger, or a multi-bay owner stuck in neutral, Elijah’s hard-won lessons on pricing, scheduling, and customer trust will help you shift from survival mode to booming business.

Tune in to learn how a pole-barn passion project became a high-growth auto-repair force—and why your location, lift count, or local economy no longer have to cap your potential.

 In this episode, Jimmy Purdy from Shift’n Gears Auto Repair sits down with Oscar Gomez, founder of Master Automotive Training, for a no-filter conversation about diagnostics, technician training, and the realities of modern auto repair. From network code nightmares to crank-no-start mysteries, they dive into why proper testing matters, how to charge for your shop’s value, and the tricky balance between learning on the job and protecting the customer’s car. Whether you’re a tech, a shop owner, or just someone who wants to understand what’s really going on under the hood, this episode brings honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom from the front lines of the industry. 

  In this brutally honest episode, Jimmy Purdy and Lola pull no punches as they unpack the real chaos behind the scenes in auto repair — and spoiler alert: it's not the techs or the customers. From the constant battle with unreliable parts suppliers to the identity crisis of techs-turned-owners who'd rather rebuild a transmission than sell an oil change, this conversation is raw, relatable, and ruthlessly insightful. If you've ever wanted to scream at a parts counter or felt like you're running a zoo instead of a business, this one’s for you. Lola also shares the emotional toll of nearly losing everything — her business, her confidence, and her sense of belonging. She opens up about the dark days when she had mentally checked out, pursued other jobs, and even contemplated walking away from the auto industry for good. 

Back by popular demand, Another live version of our local call in radio show. 

Nate Winston returns to the podcast one year after a dramatic business split — and he’s not the same guy. In this raw and reflective conversation, Nate opens up about the emotional toll of walking away from a 20-year friendship and 16-year partnership, the legal chaos that followed, and how he's found peace building his own shop from the ground up. From implementing Profit First to sandblasting therapy in the Rust Belt, Nate shares the lessons that helped him regain control, find happiness, and say no thanks to hiring. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or betrayed in business — this one hits deep.

 In this episode, Jimmy sits down with shop owner Josh Rainwater, who’s in the thick of a serious growth phase — and not holding back. Josh talks about what it means to go all in on your business, pushing through those brutal weeks where quitting sounds tempting, and the strategy behind hiring to free himself up from the bay and the front desk. If you’ve ever been stuck between turning wrenches and running the show, this one’s for you. 

A local, live call in radio show, featuring Leigh-Ann Purdy of Shift'n gears auto repair. 

 Private equity firms are flocking to the auto repair industry like never before—but why? In this episode, Jimmy Purdy sits down with industry expert Jim Parker to break down the boom in shop acquisitions, what makes auto repair recession-resistant, and how COVID put the spotlight on blue-collar businesses. Plus, they dive into a shocking stat: 40% of small business owners are nearing retirement, but many aren’t prepared to sell. If you own a shop (or plan to), this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!