High Gear Podcast

Step into the world of automotive innovation and leadership with our captivating podcast, Near Me Radio. Hosted by the dynamic Ryan Burton, this show is a must-listen for automotive professionals and enthusiasts alike. Join us as we uncover the latest trends, insights, and success stories that are shaping the automotive industry.

In our latest episode, we are thrilled to feature a remarkable guest – Steven Fafel, the visionary co-founder of AutoOps. Immerse yourself in his journey and discover how AutoOps is revolutionizing auto shop scheduling with a passion for modernization and efficiency. From reshaping the industry to unveiling exciting plans for the future, this episode is a deep dive into the heart of automotive excellence.

Ryan Burton engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steven Fafel, delving into the origins of AutoOps and the driving force behind its success. Learn how AutoOps is bridging the gap between convenience and personal interaction, enhancing the customer experience while valuing the human touch.

As the co-founder of AutoOps, Steven Fafel brings his unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the significance of specialization in their approach. Discover how their focus on online scheduling is not only streamlining operations for auto shops but also paving the way for future engagement strategies.

Near Me Radio goes beyond the surface, offering valuable insights into the future of auto shop scheduling and customer engagement. As Steven and Ryan explore the possibilities and share their expertise, you'll gain a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving automotive landscape.

If you're an automotive professional seeking to stay ahead of the curve, or simply an enthusiast intrigued by innovation, this podcast is your go-to source for industry knowledge, success stories, and visionary insights. Tune in to Near Me Radio and embark on a journey of automotive excellence.

Listen now and be a part of the conversation that's shaping the future of the automotive industry.

Welcome to Near Me Radio, the ultimate podcast for automotive professionals. Hosted by Ryan Burton, this show explores the world of automotive repair through captivating conversations with industry experts. In this episode, titled "Fixing The Broken," Ryan is joined by Stan Andrewski from Certified Auto Repair.

Stan shares his journey into the automotive repair industry, fueled by his love for cars and a desire to solve problems. Despite facing challenges, he pursued his passion, learning through hands-on experiences and becoming a master certified technician at a young age. Stan's commitment to serving customers and understanding the importance of reliable transportation shines through as he discusses the role of automotive professionals in helping people reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

Join Near Me Radio as they dive into Stan's story, his growth in the industry, and the exceptional service provided by Certified Auto Repair. Gain valuable insights, industry trends, and inspiration from automotive experts like Stan Andrewski. Tune in to Near Me Radio and elevate your automotive knowledge today.

Welcome to Near Me Radio, where automotive professionals gather to explore the fascinating world of auto repair. In this captivating episode, titled "The Auto Repair Artist with Dave McClung," your host, Ryan Burton, takes you on a thrilling journey alongside Dave McClung, owner of Autobahn Automotive.

Dave's captivating story begins with an unexpected twist. Before he became an esteemed figure in the auto repair industry, Dave was a musician who faced a series of car troubles during his daily commute to college. What started as a necessity soon transformed into a passion for fixing cars. As his skills grew, people began recognizing his expertise and offering him payment for repairing their vehicles. Dave's dedication led him to change his major and pursue formal education in auto repair.

Unsatisfied with the practices of large chain stores, Dave yearned for a more transparent and customer-centric approach. This burning desire for excellence motivated him to establish his own repair shop, Autobahn Automotive. His vision was clear: to personally select and install high-quality parts, communicate directly with customers, and provide them with clear explanations of the repair process.

Autobahn Automotive's humble beginnings saw the opening of a small 2500 square foot shop in an industrial park. With Dave at the helm and a small team of technicians, the focus was on delivering exceptional repairs and ensuring customer satisfaction. However, the journey didn't stop there. Dave's unwavering dedication to improvement led him to analyze every aspect of the business. This introspection and attention to detail paved the way for a move to a more visible location, occupying a smaller yet strategically designed 1800 square foot shop.

The evolution of Autobahn Automotive continued as Dave's commitment to excellence paid off. The current location, situated in an affluent town, reflects his unwavering pursuit of perfection. From the moment customers step inside, they are greeted by an ambiance that evokes luxury and comfort. Pristine white floors, fragrant floral scents from wax melts, and meticulous attention to every detail create an unparalleled experience for clients.

Under Dave's visionary leadership, Autobahn Automotive has experienced tremendous growth. From generating a modest revenue of $190,000 in its first year, the shop now boasts an astonishing $3.2 million in annual sales. With the recent addition of two more lifts, Autobahn Automotive now houses six two-post lifts and a lime rack. The team has expanded to include six skilled technicians, a dedicated quality control specialist, two service advisors, a store manager, an in-house bookkeeper, a parts manager, and a talented social media expert who ensures the shop's online presence remains vibrant and engaging.

As you immerse yourself in the episode "The Auto Repair Artist with Dave McClung," expertly guided by Ryan Burton, you'll witness the transformation of a passionate musician into an industry-leading automotive professional. Prepare to be inspired by Dave's tireless pursuit of excellence, his commitment to transparency, and his unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Near Me Radio invites you to embark on this enlightening journey, where every episode unravels a new layer of automotive expertise and fuels your passion for the art of auto repair.

In this episode of Near Me Radio "Introducing ShopGenie the Next Generation CRM for Auto Repair Pros" host Ryan Burton talks to Kieran O'Brien, the CEO of ShopGenie. They discuss a new software called ShopGenie that helps auto repair shops. Shop owners can sign up for it now.

ShopGenie is a special platform that can make managing an auto repair shop easier. It has features like reminders for services, appointments, and online scheduling. This helps shops give better service to customers and work more efficiently.

Kieran thinks it's important to use new technology to meet the needs of younger customers, a new emerging generation of shop owners. ShopGenie has things like online scheduling, review generation, marketing automation, and texting. It also connects with other shop management systems to make things easier for owners.

They also talk about how ShopGenie might use AI in the future. It could use data from auto repairs to create a computer assistant that helps shop owners and gives personalized service to customers.

If you want to learn more, listen to the episode of Near Me Radio "Introducing ShopGenie the Next Generation CRM for Auto Repair Pros" and meet Kieran O'Brien.

Welcome to Near Me Radio, the ultimate podcast for automotive professionals hosted by Ryan Burton. Join us as we dive deep into the world of automotive with insightful discussions and interviews featuring industry experts. In this episode, we have Luke Murray, a prominent figure in the ASCCA (Automotive Service Councils of California) and a seasoned automotive professional. This episode is called "Impact on Automotive: The ASCCA's Annual Training Conference with Luke Murray" and in it Luke shares his fascinating journey from starting as an apprentice in a BMW/Porsche specialty shop to becoming an instructor at WTI (World Pack Training Institute) and eventually joining Worldpac as a manager. His dedication to continuing education and his involvement with ASCCA's ETI Committee and the Annual Training Conference showcases his commitment to improving the automotive industry. Discover how Luke's early exposure to the automotive community shaped his career and ignited his passion for education and community development. We also delve into the vital role of ASCCA in supporting aftermarket shops, advocating for legislative issues, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among shop owners. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration from Luke's wealth of experience and expertise. Get ready to rev up your automotive knowledge and join us on this exciting journey!

Introducing "The Right Choices": A Journey from Mobile Diagnostic Business to Multi-Location Success.

Join Ryan Burton on the latest episode of Near Me Radio's podcast, "The Right Choices," as he sits down with automotive professional Rob Choisser, owner of a thriving auto repair shop. In this engaging conversation, Rob takes us back to the early days of his business and shares his remarkable journey from a solopreneur with a mobile diagnostic service to the proud owner of a brick-and-mortar facility.

Rob vividly describes the transition he underwent in 2013 when he moved into his current building after years of it being vacant. The process involved extensive renovations, from pouring new concrete floors to setting up new electrical systems. March of 2014 marked a significant milestone as Rob officially opened the doors to his shop in Davidsonville, celebrating the first decade in business.

Reflecting on those initial months, Rob recalls the unique challenges of shifting from a mobile business to a physical location. The dynamics completely changed as he transformed from a one-man show to a business owner with employees. Insurance, workers' compensation, liability—all these factors demanded his attention. He no longer had the flexibility to accommodate personal schedules, but his customers understood the purpose behind the new operating hours and continued to support him.

Ryan and Rob delve into the financial aspects of the early days, highlighting the dedication and determination it took to establish a solid foundation. Rob's technician's departure to work for Tesla right before the move-in presented an unexpected hurdle. Nevertheless, he learned the importance of building a talented team and charging appropriately for services, a lesson that shifted his mindset from being a technician to becoming an entrepreneur.

The conversation then fast-forwards to the present, with Rob revealing the impressive growth of his business. In 2022, his shop generated over $1.7 million in revenue, thanks to a dedicated and efficient team. With this success, Rob shares his plans for a second location, which is currently in the works. He discusses the challenges of starting a new shop and emphasizes the importance of thorough research, strategic decision-making, and team empowerment.

Listeners will be captivated as Rob candidly shares his experiences and offers valuable insights to single shop owners considering expansion. His story serves as a reminder to always be prepared, even in the face of adversity, and to recognize the right opportunity when it presents itself.

Tune in to "The Right Choices" on Near Me Radio to gain inspiration, learn from Rob Choisser's journey, and discover how to navigate the exciting path of expanding an automotive business.

Near Me Radio is sponsored by Leads Near Me a Marketing company for Auto Repair Shops https://leadsnearme.com/and APAC ATI which can be found at https://apacati.org/

On this episode of Near Me Radio called "Chris Knuth and the Mission of APAC ATI" we catch up with Chris and APAC ATI. We will hear about the Ambassador program, Chris being names a speaker at R+W 2023 and catch up on APAC ATI.

APAC ATI, which stands for Automotive Professionals Advancement Center for Automotive Technical Instruction, is a non-profit organization that is making a profound impact in the automotive community. Their mission is to serve various marginalized groups including veterans, the recovery community, formerly incarcerated individuals, and other at-risk communities. Through their comprehensive programs, APAC ATI aims to empower individuals by equipping them with both the technical skills and personal growth tools necessary to excel in the automotive industry.

With over 26 years of experience, Chris Knuth is not only a successful business owner but also a respected mentor to automotive industry professionals worldwide. His expertise and guidance have transformed the careers of countless individuals, helping them achieve remarkable success in the field.

On this podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Chris Knuth and explore the vision and impact of APAC ATI. We discuss the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing quality automotive training and how APAC ATI is bridging that gap. Through our conversation, we uncover the transformative work being done by Chris and his team, shedding light on the ways in which they are changing lives and empowering individuals to create a better future for themselves.

Join us on this informational episode as we delve into the world of APAC ATI, discovering the incredible opportunities and resources they provide for aspiring automotive professionals. Through captivating stories and insightful discussions, we aim to shed light on the importance of technical training and personal growth in the automotive industry, while showcasing the tireless efforts of Chris Knuth and his team at APAC ATI.

Tune in to Near Me Radio and be inspired by the remarkable work being done by APAC ATI, as we explore the intersection of automotive expertise and personal development, and discover how it can shape the careers of individuals in the industry.

Welcome to Near Me Radio, a podcast dedicated to automotive professionals. Join your host, Ryan Burton, as he brings you insightful discussions and engaging stories from the industry's experts. In today's episode, "Uniting Shops for a Breast Cancer-Free Future", we have two extraordinary guests, Laura Frank and Leigh Anne Best, who will take us on an inspiring journey through the remarkable initiative known as Brakes for Breasts.

Brakes for Breasts is an organization passionately committed to supporting research for a breast cancer vaccine. Co-founded by Laura and Leigh Anne, this groundbreaking initiative unites independent auto repair facilities and industry vendors in a common cause. It's truly awe-inspiring to witness competitors setting aside their differences and joining forces to drive breast cancer research forward.

In this episode, we delve into the origins of Brakes for Breasts, exploring its profound impact and the incredible achievements it has attained. Laura and Leigh Anne will also shed light on how auto repair shops can actively participate in this uplifting campaign. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the powerful work of Brakes for Breasts and the dedicated individuals steering the fight against breast cancer.

Brakes for Breasts: Where independent auto repair shops join forces against breast cancer. During the month of October, customers receive free brake pads, only paying for labor and any additional parts required. And here's the best part – 10% of the total proceeds go directly to the Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. Together, we put the brakes on breast cancer, united in our mission to prevent and conquer this disease. Join us in making a difference and offering hope for a future free from breast cancer. Brakes for Breasts: Uniting for a breast cancer-free tomorrow.

In this podcast episode "Why Everyone Needs an Accountability Coach" Near Me Radio host Ryan Burton speaks with Eric Twiggs, a coach for the Automotive Training Institute (ATI). With over 14 years of experience, Eric is an expert in helping shop owners achieve their goals and dreams of running a successful shop. They discuss Eric's journey as an accountability coach and his passion for helping automotive professionals take their business to the next level. Eric emphasizes the importance of mindset, communication, and building trust with customers. He also explains how ATI's coaching philosophy includes a sales process that coaches use to help shop owners communicate value to customers effectively. The episode ends with Eric stressing the importance of having a coach to help overcome blind spots and achieve success.

Near Me Radio is sponsored by Leads Near Me a marketing company for auto repair shops https://leadsnearme.com/APAC ATI which can be found at https://apacati.org/ and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference November 29th to December 1st, 2023 in Atlanta https://highgearconference.com/

Welcome to Near Me Radio, the podcast for automotive professionals. In this episode, Ryan Burton talks about an exciting event for anyone in the auto repair industry - the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing conference.

Ryan shares that tickets for the conference will go on sale on May 5th at 10 AM Eastern Time, but for Leads Near Me clients, there is a special presale starting on May 3rd at 10 AM Eastern Time. This presale gives clients the chance to purchase tickets early and secure their spot before general ticket sales begin.

The conference takes place from November 29th to December 1st in Atlanta, and Ryan promises it's going to be something special. The conference will be limited to only 200 shop owners, and speakers are already being confirmed. Ryan assures listeners that this event will be a unique experience for attendees and offer something that's never been done before in the auto repair space. The goal is to help shop owners grow and develop their marketing strategies, and Ryan is confident that this event will be a substantial boost.

For those interested in sponsoring the event, opportunities will be available at all levels, and they will be affordable in the first year so everyone can participate and contribute to the conference's success.

If you're interested in attending, mark your calendar for May 3rd or May 5th, depending on whether you're a Leads Near Me client or not. Visit highgearconference.com to learn more information and purchase your tickets.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Near Me Radio, and don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date with the latest news and events in the auto repair industry.