Maximum Octane

A new car with 15 fault codes comes into your shop. Your best diagnostic tech is booked solid, and the available staff has never traced a network fault. What do you do? This scenario is common, as master technicians and specialized expertise become increasingly limited.

In this episode recorded at Super Conference 2026, Jason Patel sat down with Elie Massabki of Mechanics Marketplace to discuss how AI tools are used in the shop. 10 years ago, he created Mechanics Marketplace to help shops deal with technician shortages. What began as a recruiting business is now a multiverse where owners can find new technicians and train existing staff to become masters. In this new tech era, he’s helping shop owners understand the value of curated AI tools and how they are changing the way shops handle modern vehicles.

Elie explains some of Mechanics Marketplace’s most popular offerings, including TaskMentor, a structured curriculum for apprentices at independent shops, and EdGame, a game-based tool that uses AI-generated questions to train on the job. Their conversation bounces around but comes back to a common thread. Master techs are becoming more scarce, and AI tools can help shops fill the void. Silled technicians will always be your best asset. That will never change. But Elie notes that training your staff and keeping them up to date with technologies is just as important.

Tune in to episode 155 of Maximum Octane if your bays are filling up with vehicles your team isn’t ready for, or if you want to know where AI fits in a working shop. Elie’s advice is simple. Look at your numbers, find where time is being lost, and don’t stand still while the vehicles keep getting more complex.

Episode Takeaways:

• (01:17) How Mechanics Marketplace became “the ATI of recruiting,” and why hiring led straight to training
• (08:01) How much vehicle complexity has grown in five years, and what 100 million+ lines of code means for your bays
• (12:55) Elie breaks down curated AI and explains whyit hits 95% accuracy where ChatGPT lands around 70%
• (18:38) Where a shop with no AI should start: staffing first, then training as a retention tool
• (28:10) Why today’s master tech won’t stay a master tech for long without ongoing OEM-level training
• (31:04) Book time, beating the estimate, and why efficiency is the first place to look for profit

Connect with Elie Massabki

• Website
• LinkedIn

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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AI in the workplace is nothing new. From bookkeeping to customer relations, the technology is helpful for shop owners. But Josh Oberlander saw a gap on the technician side, where AI can boost efficiency and productivity. Punching in notes into an iPad one finger at a time slows down the day and increases the chance of information getting lost along the way. But what if there was a more effective way? Something simple that kept everyone in the loop, from techs in the bay to front-of-house staff and even the customer.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, host Jason Patel reconnects with Josh Oberlander, co-founder and CRO of Detect Auto, to discuss how his company is revolutionizing auto shops with AI. One example he shares is how Detect Auto uses technology to upgrade DVIs, filling in 15 to 20 maintenance items with one click, and delivering customer-facing explanations that are informative and professional. He also gives listeners a sneak peek at their newest innovation: a voice-driven inspection tool, which was days from launch at the time of this live recording during Super Conference. With this tool, techs can talk and take photos as they surveil the car while the app sorts the inspection and pushes it into Tekmetric. From there, the conversation digs into AI eroding the human touch at the counter and why owners need to get out of the weeds long enough to see what's failing.

Along the way, Josh shares his journey to building Detect Auto. Like many in the industry, he didn’t start in automotive, but he had the drive and entrepreneurial spirit. After starting a tree service business at 24, he met his current co-founders and turned his focus to auto repair. From his perspective, his two failed businesses were the key to success. Now Detect Auto is found in several shops nationwide, and Josh still spends a lot of time inside shops building maintenance programs.

Tune in to episode 154 of Maximum Octane if you're weighing AI tools for your DVI process, or your advisors struggle to sell maintenance. Josh's advice is straightforward: try the technology, think it through before you implement it, and train your people to explain why the work matters.

Episode Takeaways:

• 01:19 Josh's path from an environmental science degree to running a tree service business at 24, and the two failed ventures that came before Detect Auto.
• 06:51 How Detect Auto auto-fills 15 to 20 maintenance lines on a DVI with customer-ready explanations, so nobody has to cross-check vehicle history against the maintenance schedule by hand.
• 08:30 A first look at the voice-driven DVI tool: techs talk and snap photos, and the app categorizes the inspection, writes the notes, and sends it to Tekmetric. Beta stores are saving about ten minutes per inspection.
• 11:21 Josh's take on AI and the human touch. Less clicking means advisors can look customers in the eye, ask about budget and how they use the car, and build a plan together.
• 14:47 One engineer can now do what three or four did two years ago, but with vibe coding you still need to know when the output is wrong.
• 18:32 How "disagree and commit" works on Josh's team: everyone pitches ideas early, but once the decision is made, the whole team moves in that direction.
• 20:48 Getting out of the weeds, carving out uninterrupted time to think, and why a coach can point you to the one idea out of 200 you need right now.
• 23:30 Why maintenance is the hardest sale in the shop, and how to show a customer 15 overdue items, sell maybe three, and prioritize instead of throwing the kitchen sink at them.
• 26:11 Josh's parting advice: don't be afraid to try technology. Even his own team at an AI company is scared of AI.

Connect with Josh Oberlander

• LinkedIn
• Website

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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Is your inventory an asset, or is it slowly draining money from your business? Think about that for a second. This small, yet meaningful question can make a big difference in your shop’s daily operations. Most importantly, it lays the groundwork for a conversation about organization and productivity and how companies like Imperial Supplies can help.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, hosts Kim Hickey and Jason Patel speak with Ciandra Patrick, the channel development manager at Imperial Supplies. The hot topic of the hour: Turning your dusty back room into a well-organized shop. A trusted source at Imperial Supplies, Ciandra is well-versed in the subject. She’s seen it all, from coffee cans full of mystery fasteners to random bins packed with bits and bolts. Luckily, she’s eager to share her knowledge with listeners tuning in to ATI’s SuperConference 2026.

The conversation covers the nuts and bolts of auto shop organization, including the best bins for clips, fasteners, and everything in between. The trio also discusses the best practices for reorganizing your shop: The grind of technicians burning flat-rate hours searching for parts, managing inflated inventory accounts, and maintaining productivity. They even touch on the workspace, as Ciandra explains the importance of a clean, uniform space to keep your team happy and thriving.

Tune in to episode 153 of Maximum Octane if you’re ready to declutter and get organized. Beautifying your shop is just one benefit. With these tips, you’ll also reclaim lost labor hours, plug profit leaks, and so much more.

Episode Takeaways:

• 05:03 Kim explains why so many shops carry inflated inventory on their P&Ls, and what it could cost you at tax time, during an audit, or when you sell.
• 07:59 Scan-to-reorder tools, mins and maxes, and a designated approver keep your shelves stocked with what you need and free of what you don't.
• 12:39 Labor is inventory too. Unlike a fastener, an unused labor hour expires and never comes back.
• 14:33 The case of the missing 10mm socket, and why you can't make good decisions about anything you're not tracking.
• 20:02 Organization is a culture issue. Messy shops drive away technicians, and clean, uniform workspaces build pride and teamwork.
• 25:52 Ciandra and Kim agree that every shop, from a one-bay startup to a multi-location operation, needs an inventory system from day one.
• 32:32 Kim's challenge: if you could never charge more than $100 an hour, what would you fix to stay profitable?

Connect with Ciandra Patrick:

• LinkedIn
• Imperial Supplies website

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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Most shop owners assume back-office losses come down to surface issues like bad hires or outright theft. But the real problem is much deeper. As Alex Saladna, co-founder and CEO of Wicked File, explains, complications arise when back-office processes slip, and you can no longer ensure where your money is going. Unfortunately, he learned the hard way when his family’s 10-shop operation lost $180,000 in six months. In that moment, he realized how much damage a lack of repeatable systems and accountability can do.

In this conversation, Jason and Alex dig deep into common shop financial issues, including invoice tracking, parts reconciliation, and vendor accountability, to understand how they lead to loss in even the most well-run shops. They also discuss AI-powered tools and how they can help close the gap. Moving from monthly to weekly or daily reconciliation can be the small change that shifts everything, especially when it comes to financial leakage.

Having the tools isn’t exactly helpful if they’re not being implemented properly. That’s where Alex and Wicked File come in. He shares a key example, highlighting how his company can pull invoices through automated email integration instead of using manual processing. As the conversation continues, he also tackles practical internal issues like employee resistance to new processes and the difference between valid feedback and pushback. Whether you run one shop or ten, this episode is a practical look at where money disappears in the back office and what it actually takes to stop it.

Tune in to episode 152 of Maximum Octane if you've experienced loss or are curious how to improve your back-office processes to prevent a devastating discovery in the future.

Episode Takeaways:

• (04:20) Alex's family shops lost $180,000 across their locations in six months due to the absence of a repeatable chain of accountability for tracking parts from purchase to installation or return.
• (07:28) AI tools can multiply back office capacity without adding headcount, helping to close that gap, effectively turning a five-day job into seven days of output.
• (10:02) Most leakage is accidental, not theft. Alex is clear that the majority of lost money comes from things like unreturned cores or missed vendor credits, not intentional wrongdoing.
• (12:30) Unused software capability is its own kind of leakage. Shops often pay for tools like DVI features already built into their shop management software but never build the process or expectation to actually use them.
• (17:37) Accountability is the ultimate litmus. Alex notes that a lack of documented processes and accountability is one of the biggest things that shrinks a shop's valuation.
• (19:57) Managing team dynamics when new processes and systems are being implemented.
• (24:59) Alex shares a testimonial from Wicked File, showing how beneficial the work is.

Connect with Alex Saladna

• Wicked File Website
• Website
• LinkedIn

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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As a shop owner, you tackle big issues like bay efficiency, DVI compliance, marketing, and advertising spend. But what about phone calls and operational communications? While it may sound mundane, recording your calls is one of the single most important factors in maintaining a healthy customer connection.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, host Jason Patel sits down with David Boyd, an expert in communications and operations in auto repair and the founder of Call InBound. As a process engineer, he helped build serious internal communication networks. 10 years later, his focus has shifted to small businesses in the auto space, but his passion for connecting shops with the people who value them most remains true.

Recorded live at Orlando’s SuperConference 2026, the two chat about call center communications, specifically the benefits of call recording. David opens the conversation with a strong point about how it can amplify the effectiveness and efficiency of calls when used correctly and build better relationships. The first 15 to 20 seconds of a phone call can tell a lot about your customer's feelings. And if you're not recording it, you could be missing out on vital data. It's a common blind spot many shop owners miss, but David offers insight into the solution and tips to help you get back on track. He also discusses AI tools in the industry, the current state of VoIP adoption, and why over-scripting often leads to a less personable customer experience. Shop owners, GMs, and service advisors, this one is for you.

Tune in to episode 151 of Maximum Octane if you've ever wondered how to improve your customer communication but didn’t know where to start.

This one's for shop owners, GMs, and service advisors who know their phone skills matter but have never had a real system for improving them, and especially for multi-location owners trying to keep the customer experience consistent from one shop to the next. If you've ever wondered what's actually happening on the calls you're not listening to, this episode will make you want to find out.

Episode Takeaways:

• (01:19) From Six Sigma to auto repair. How David's background as a corporate process engineering led to the development of Call InBound. His outsider's eye is a big part of why his advice lands differently than the typical industry vendor.
• (05:42) David pushes back on the fear that spiked a couple years ago when AI hype first hit the industry. 
• (07:55) David estimates at least 50% of aftermarket shops have moved to voice-over-IP, and even shops that think they still have an old landline are often running VoIP underneath it. 
• (09:44) What does the front office sound like, feel like, smell like. He splits communication into two buckets worth auditing separately, effectiveness and efficiency.
• (14:00) "That phone is your cash register." A line David borrowed from a fellow SuperConference instructor.
• (15:27) The Graham Auto Repair example. A two-location MSO in Washington where the second, newer location wasn't delivering the same customer experience as the flagship shop. 
• (17:12) The "Care Composite." David explains Call InBound's system that runs calls through an AI analysis built around a specific prompt of what a good call should include, scoring against nine or ten attributes 
• (31:31) Guardrails, not a center line. David's closing advice on call center and call recording best practaces.

Connect with David Boyd

• Website
• LinkedIn

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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Customer communication is essential for success. But what does that really mean? Too often, shop owners are relying on outdated software installed on day one. It’s not the best, but it works, right? Wrong. This episode is all about learning to utilize multi-channel communication strategies that actually help you and your customers stay connected.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, hosts Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Melanie Sypolt and Robert Whitehurst from Epicor Service CRM. Together, they have over a decade of customer relationship experience with a specific focus in auto repair and retail shops.

The conversation covers the basics of correspondence and the importance of customer outreach. Both are topics most shop owners deal with daily, but the group digs deeper, giving an in-depth analysis of what can happen when you put the right systems in play. For example, text and email blasts for promotional use or getting creative with social media campaigns to increase engagement. They even talk about AI and best practices in this customer-facing business. The idea is to improve not just your customer relationship but also retention rates and ultimately drive revenue to your establishment.

Tune in to episode 150 of Maximum Octane if you’re looking for new ways to keep your customers coming back, marketing campaigns, engaging ideas for slow months, or effective strategies to grow your customer base.

Episode Takaways:

• 03:49 Customer care goes beyond the shop and can be the catalyst to building a long-lasting relationship.
• 06:40 “Don't set it and forget it. You've got to stay involved." Melanie and Robert talk about the importance of personalized automated messaging.
• 13:02 Why “blast marketing,” whether in the form of text or email, can be an effective tool during slow months
• 15:16 Transparency can make or break a customer relationship in today’s competitive landscape. 
• 18:03 How to overcome marketing hurdles like a professional and industry veteran
• 21:04 The role of AI in marketing, including how to maximize its benefits to easily implement things easily
• 24:42 Communication has changed over the last 10 years, but these tips are essential if you want to stay current.
• 26:53 Meeting customers where they are is a great way to build a lasting relationship.
• 29:06 The Smart Quoter: a twenty-four-hour day, seven days a week service advisor, giving a quote within about thirty seconds

Connect with Melanie Sypolt 

• LinkedIn

Connect with Robert Whitehurst

• LinkedIn 

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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Money can make or break your dream, but securing it isn’t always easy. SBA loans, KPIs, and retained earnings? It can all sound like gibberish to the untrained ear. Instead of sifting through the acronyms like parts at a chop shop, enlisting a specialist can be the key to reaching your goals. 

In this episode, host Kim Hickey chats with PJ Scalf from Seacoast Bank to get to the nitty-gritty of shop financing. PJ specialises in SBA lending and works exclusively with auto shops across the United States. His experience gives him a unique perspective on the industry and makes him a valuable resource for owners looking to expand. Whether you’re looking to acquire commercial real estate or simply amplify your reach, capital is essential, and PJ’s expertise can help.

His conversation with Kim dives deep into the SBA loan process, a common hurdle for many small shop owners. Over the 30 minutes, they cover hot topics like what to consider before applying as well as the loan’s limitations. PJ breaks down the structure of the two main SBA loans, the 504 and 7A, showing how they can be used in tandem to solve big money problems without assuming all of the risk. They also cover the importance of maintaining a good credit line, how to leverage it, and how it can put you in the best position for expansion.

Tune into episode 149 of Maximum Octane if you're interested in boosting your finances, expanding your business, or learning more about the money moves behind the scenes. 

Episode Takeaways:

• 03:56 The benefits of working with a banker specializing in auto shop finances.
• 05:48 Understanding the Small Business Administration and the basic principles behind their lending process.
• 08:01 How to use SBA lending for succession planning and maintain your independence as a shop owner.
• 11:00 The difference between 504 and 7A loans, including the minimum and maximum dollar amounts the SBA works with.
• 14:20 How to navigate the requirements and language of your loan so you can make the most of your new funds.
• 15:34 When to consider an SBA loan, and who you should call for debt management if the ship goes overboard.
• 18:54 What to know about interest rates in today’s economic climate and how to utilize that knowledge when applying for an SBA loan.
• 23:03 Marketing advice for the lean and fruitful months that will blow your mind.
• 26:26 PJ explains why having an unused line of credit can be more beneficial in the long run.

Connect with PJ Scalf: 

• LinkedIn

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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At some point, every shop owner questions the keys to success. Is it customer retention? Good leadership? Or maybe it’s having a strong digital footprint. The good news is you don’t go at it alone. Enter: KUKUI, the California-based auto repair shop marketing platform, working with shops to grow in every capacity.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, hosts Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Connor Tracy, KUKUI’s director of partner development, to discuss the importance of partnerships. Their organic conversation feels like shop talk at the highest level, as they discuss the key factors affecting shop owners today.

As Kim explains, Connor is a true jack of all trades in the industry. Within his 18-plus years of experience, he’s done it all, including nurturing shops, building websites, and analyzing market trends. In this open discussion, he tackles the top issues shop owners face and offers guidance on how to navigate them in the future. For example, the significance of time management, the misconceptions of AI’s capabilities, and the evolution of the digital footprint. 

Tune in to episode 148 of Maximum Octane if you're ready to take the next step to keep your auto shop current in the ever-evolving landscape. With platforms like KUKUI and experts like Connor Tracy, you’re sure to be one step ahead.

Episode Takeaways:

• 03:36 The value of a good partnership: how KUKUI works with you from day one to maximize the footprint of your shop.
• 06:43 How AI tools can help support your shop and, more importantly, why you and your partners need to understand the basics.
• 10:31 The paralysis by analysis: why shop owners are constantly becoming overwhelmed by new technologies and how to avoid it.
• 14:13 Connor stresses the importance of time management and carving out moments to ensure your marketing tools perform at the intended level.
• 16:56 Handling customer issues with care is shop 101, but this data proves that common interruptions can have a lasting impact on your business goals.
• 19:40 Website performance trumps aesthetics every time in this industry, so why not invest in platforms built for efficiency and customer loyalty instead of cool graphics?
• 22:22 Conner explains that while social media is evolving, it can still be a vital asset if you modernize your marketing approach.
• 29:39 Conner locks in how to leverage AI tools for success, emphasizing that they work best when you put in the extra effort.

Connect with Connor Tracy:

• LinkedIn
• KUKUI website

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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Human resources often gets a bad rap. It’s been stigmatized as the last resort for managing harassment claims and inner office conflicts. But the department and the people behind it do so much more.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, Jason Patel sits down with Lindsay Kvasnik, an HR veteran with over 17 years of experience and founder of Rosebud Consulting HR. She’s held almost every position in the field, including recruiting, coordinating, and managing. Now she’s changing the narrative, helping companies build upon their vision to grow and thrive in different industries.

Throughout the conversation, Lindsay tackles pressing topics such as strategies for business growth, the importance of company culture, AI’s impact on HR practices, and navigating state-specific regulations. She also talks about what HR looks like for small business owners and entrepreneurs, sharing her own experience building a team and a dependable company for her employees. The key lies in the foundation, which Lindsay notes can only be improved with a great HR team.

Tune in to episode 147 of Maximum Octane if you’re interested in improving your company’s HR practices or gaining a better understanding of how HR functions, especially as the climate shifts under the weight of AI.

Episode Takeaways:

• 06:39 Why planning in smaller bits as opposed to setting big, audacious goals can help your business hit major milestones and grow
• 09:31 The second biggest mistake Lindsay sees business owners make: Failing to implement policies and procedures in your auto shop 
• 10:24 How to manage lateness in your auto shop and why it’s important to be flexible with your staff
• 12:45 How staying true to your original mission helps build company culture and why it’s important in the workplace
• 14:15 Thinking about the bigger picture, “what you want your business to do moving forward”, and creating a plan for your business to evolve
• 16:54 Should business owners still be writing their own policies? Lindsay explains why AI tools can be beneficial for new shop owners without an “HR mind”
• 20:02 How to use AI to help your business grow and its true place in the HR world 
• 23:21 Rosebud Consulting can service all 50 states, meaning they know the nuances of state-specific regulations and how to navigate them
• 25:44 How to use HR to your advantage and turn your business into a lasting success 

Connect with Lindsay Kvasnik:

• LinkedIn
• Visit Rosebud Consulting HR’s website

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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Most collision shops have spent the last 50 years letting insurance companies bring them work and calling it a strategy. It worked for a long time. It's working a lot less now, and the shops that haven't built any presence outside of their DRP relationships are starting to feel it. This episode is for every body shop owner who has ever said "we don't need to market" and is now wondering why the bays are quiet.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey, Jason Patel, and ATI collision team leader Mike Paim sit down with Daniel Burkholder, founder of BodyShop Marketing and author of a complete internet marketing guide for the collision industry. Daniel grew up in his family's collision shop, spent years in shop management, and in 2023 launched the only marketing firm in the country built exclusively for body shops. He has seen the same blind spots across shops coast to coast, and he is not shy about naming them.

The conversation covers why the collision industry's historic dependence on DRPs has created a marketing blind spot that is becoming a real liability, why SEO and AI search results are now the highest ROI channel for body shops, and why spending money on marketing only when things get slow is exactly backwards. They get into brand building, the difference between search-based and awareness-based marketing, the importance of tracking every dollar spent, and why the shop that does not tell its own story is letting the algorithm write one for it. Daniel's two-part closing message is about as direct as it gets.

Tune in to episode 146 of Maximum Octane if you own or coach a collision shop and you are still relying on referrals and insurance relationships to fill the calendar. The market is shifting, the search landscape is shifting, and Daniel makes a compelling case that the shops building their brand right now are the ones that will be standing when it does.

Episode Takeaways:

• 01:54 Why body shops came out of COVID fully booked and still skipped marketing, and why that mindset is exactly what puts them in a bad spot today
• 07:01 The marketing spend benchmarks most collision shops have never heard: 5% of revenue to maintain, 10% to grow, 15% to grow aggressively
• 09:21 How decades of DRP dependence became a limiting belief, and why shops convinced they "can't market" are wrong but not entirely without reason
• 13:51 Why younger shop owners who think they can handle marketing themselves are making the same mistake as owners who have never touched it
• 20:26 Where BodyShop Marketing sees the best ROI for clients right now: organic search, Google Ads, and the rapidly growing AI search landscape
• 21:28 The second biggest problem Daniel sees across the industry: shops spending money on marketing with zero tracking and no idea what's working
• 25:15 Why you can't turn on marketing when things get slow, and why Daniel will turn away shops that are already in trouble
• 26:10 The long game of brand building: what it looks like when a shop owner's name becomes what people are searching for, not just the service
• 29:29 The Safelite and Nike argument for why collision shops should be marketing even when they are fully booked
• 34:32 Daniel's two closing takeaways for every shop owner: start marketing now, and track every single dollar you spend

Connect with Daniel Burkholder:

• LinkedIn
• BodyShop Marketing

Connect with Mike Paim:

• LinkedIn

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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