Ratchet+Wrench Radio

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges shop owners face: cutting through the nonstop noise of media and actually connecting with customers. With so many flashy ads and constant messages hitting us from every direction, how do you make your shop stand out?

The answer might surprise you — it’s not about being the loudest, but about telling a better story. In today’s conversation with Lola Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care, we’ll explore how to define your brand’s tone, engage with your community, and keep your marketing story alive. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical steps to build a brand that people trust, remember, and come back to. Long live your story!

Jonathan Larsen from Auto Care Association discusses the expansion of ACES and PIES standards into Latin America. Learn about the challenges of international standardization, upcoming March software releases and features, and why having a "common language" for parts mapping is transforming the automotive aftermarket globally.

This week, host Chris Jones sits down with Michael Suttle, chief development officer at Christian Brothers Automotive, to explore how this growing franchise is revolutionizing technician training in the automotive repair industry.

In this episode, Michael shares the exciting details behind Christian Brothers' $12 million investment in a state-of-the-art 14,000-square-foot technology and training center, set to open in 2027. Discover how this facility will help their 315 locations stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology, particularly in the critical area of advanced driver assistance systems.

In this episode of Ratchet + Wrench Radio, we sit down with Natalie Dixon, PhD, who leads the technology and marketing teams focused on advancing Chemours’ Opteon™ portfolio, to cut through the myths, answer common technician questions and break down what every shop owner needs to know about R-1234yf. 

Fear of public speaking affects 75% of Americans, but for automotive shop owners, effective communication isn't optional—it's essential for success.

In this episode of Ratchet and Wrench Radio, host Chris Jones sits down with leadership communications trainer Dave Brown of SDB Leadership to tackle the communication challenges that hold shop owners back.

Whether you're delivering difficult news to a customer, conducting one-on-one meetings with employees, or presenting to a group, Brown reveals why every conversation is essentially a public speaking event. He shares actionable strategies for reframing your mindset, building genuine confidence, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Brown is the closing keynote speaker at the 2025 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference.

Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at Endeavor Business Media—Ratchet+Wrench's parent company, sits down once again with leadership coach Mike Jones of Discover Leadership to tackle the powerful concept of frontline leadership — what it means to lead from the front, why vision and accountability matter, and how every member of a team, regardless of title, has the opportunity to be the leader in their role.

Join Chris as he sits down with Jeff Cox, President of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, and Andrew Car from SSI to explore the game-changing world of Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI). Learn how the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) is setting industry standards for repair recommendations, and discover why shops using visual DVIs see triple the approval rates for their recommendations.

From eliminating "shop speak" to giving customers the tools they need to make informed decisions, this episode reveals how technology is building unprecedented trust between auto shops and their customers. Whether you're a shop owner still using paper inspections or looking to optimize your digital workflow, you'll walk away understanding why pictures truly are worth a thousand words—and potentially thousands in additional revenue.

In this episode, Mike Bennett takes us on a deep dive into the auto repair industry's remarkable 2025 journey—from the challenging spring months when consumer confidence plummeted to the record-breaking summer that has shops back on track for projected growth.

This episode explores the economic forces shaping the industry, from tariff impacts to electricity cost surges, and reveals the strategies successful shops are using to build stronger customer relationships while navigating financial uncertainty.

Mike shares valuable insights on how the aging vehicle fleet is creating massive opportunities, with nearly 250 million vehicles over four years old representing the industry's primary market. The conversation covers innovative financing solutions, supply chain strategies, and the critical importance of adapting presentation techniques to serve customers across different economic segments.

 In this Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference teaser episode, Kinja Dixon reveals how his doctor's orders and a moment of vanity sparked a transformation that led to international sales awards, early retirement at 34, and becoming a sought-after speaker who's inspired thousands worldwide. Dixon discusses his Four Pillar system (Purpose, Health, Emotions, Knowledge) and why change is happening whether we choose it or not.

In this episode, Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, returns with Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at Endeavor Business Media, to discuss what it takes to be a person who follows up and follows through in a business setting.