"'As a younger shop owner, a struggling shop owner, it's a lot to try and find and fix. The ultimate goal is to work on one thing at a time. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

Recorded at the 2025 Institute Summit, discover the transformative power of coaching and accountability within the automotive repair industry. Jennifer Hulbert and Aaron Woods, facilitators of the Institute's performance groups, share insights on how peer support and leadership development can drive significant improvements in shop owners' businesses. They emphasize the importance of personal growth, strategic focus, and the ripple effect of better business practices on employees and communities.

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

This week on Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis and Associates, breaks down the latest market news and legislative updates that directly impact auto repair shop owners. From the return of the BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) report to evolving tax policy discussions and IRS processing delays, Hunt provides a no-nonsense analysis of what’s happening and how it could affect your business.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

✔️ The BOI Report is back—what it is, why it matters, and the March 21st deadline you can’t ignore.

✔️ Trump’s tax proposals—what’s being discussed, what’s likely to pass, and what it means for your shop and your customers.

✔️ IRS struggles & refund delays—why tax processing is slower than ever and what to expect if you’re waiting on an Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) refund.

✔️ Interest rates & the economy—why rates aren’t moving much (yet), and what this means for your financial strategy in 2025.

✔️ The state of small businesses & consumer spending—how last year’s trends impact this year’s outlook, and why customer financial health affects your shop’s profitability.

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS

Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?

It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.

Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com

Thanks to our partner, Promotive

It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.

Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair

Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com

Email Hunt: [email protected]

Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413

Download a Copy of My Books Here:

• Wrenches to Write-Offs
• Your Perfect Shop 

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

The Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: [email protected]
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

1. Blade Runner Monologue Appreciation:

• Matt opens the episode with a reflection on the iconic "tears in rain" monologue from Blade Runner.
• He shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Rutger Hauer improvised the line, making it one of the most memorable moments in cinema history.
• Matt expresses his love for behind-the-scenes stories and the genuine, unfiltered insights into success and creativity.

1. The Role of Luck in Success:

• Matt discusses the often-overlooked role of luck in achieving success.
• He references the "iceberg" analogy of success, where hard work, talent, and drive are below the surface, but luck plays a significant role.
• He emphasizes the importance of giving credit where it’s due and acknowledging the contributions of others.

1. Mailbag Questions:

• Do You Believe in Ghosts?: Matt shares his thoughts on ghosts, explaining why he doesn’t believe in them and how he finds the idea more exciting than scary.
• Fuse Testing: Matt dives into his preferred methods for testing fuses, emphasizing the importance of using a test light with an incandescent bulb and checking for corrosion, especially in rust-prone areas.
• Loss Leaders in Business: Matt discusses the concept of loss leaders (e.g., free diagnostics, cheap oil changes) as a marketing strategy. He explores the pros and cons, including the risk of devaluing services and setting unrealistic customer expectations.
• Cell Phones in the Shop: Matt shares his perspective on allowing cell phones in the shop, acknowledging their utility as tools for diagnostics and service information but warning against distractions.

1. Upcoming Events and Classes:

• Matt teases his upcoming classes, including a hands-on Pico training session with Scott Shot and a key class with Andrew Sexton.
• He highlights Tech Talks featuring Garrett Jacobson on HP Tuners as a diagnostic tool and Zeb Beard on diesel diagnostics.

• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Matt’s passion for genuine, unfiltered insights into success and creativity shines through, whether discussing Blade Runner or the realities of running a business.
• The Importance of Evidence-Based Diagnostics: Matt emphasizes the value of using data and evidence to support recommendations, whether in diagnostics or business decisions.
• Balancing Loss Leaders and Profit: While loss leaders can be an effective marketing tool, they come with risks, including devaluing services and setting unrealistic customer expectations.
• Cell Phones as Tools, Not Distractions: In the shop, cell phones can be powerful diagnostic tools, but they must be used responsibly to avoid distractions.

• "All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain." – Matt reflecting on the Blade Runner monologue.
• "Luck plays an uncomfortably significant role in success, and people don’t like to hear it, but the data is overwhelming."
• "If you give away things, you start devaluing them." – On the risks of loss leaders.
• "Cell phones are step one in us slowly becoming more and more cybernetic."

• Check out the Aftermarket Radio Network for more shows on business, marketing, and communication.
• Attend Matt’s upcoming classes to learn more about diagnostics and tools like Pico and HP Tuners.
• Share your thoughts: Do you believe in ghosts? What’s your take on loss leaders? Let Matt know on social media or via email.

• NAPA Auto Tech Training
• Aftermarket Radio Network
• Blade Runner (1982) – Watch the iconic "tears in rain" scene.
• HP Tuners – Explore this underutilized diagnostic tool.

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

The Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Getting involved in your community is powerful, but how do you share your efforts without sounding boastful? There’s a fine line between successful and selfish self-promotion, and in this episode, Brian and Kim Walker discuss how to highlight your work with authenticity and gratitude—not ego.

We’ll discuss framing your message to focus on the cause, aligning community service with your company culture and purpose, and sharing stories that connect and inspire rather than just promote. Plus, we’ll share real-life examples—like our team’s work with Our Daily Bread Food Bank—and how to encourage others to get involved.

Tune in now to learn how to support your community while staying humble and making a real impact!

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops. 

Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Start with Why - By Simon Sinek

Our Daily Bread Food Bank

Commission Mankind

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10) Brian introduces the podcast and the topic of community involvement.
• Topic Suggestion Acknowledgment (00:00:34) Brian mentions Doug DeLuca's suggestion for the episode topic.
• Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:01:00) Brian thanks RepairPal for sponsoring the episode.
• Technical Issues Discussion (00:01:30) Brian and Kim discuss technical issues and Brian's experience with braces.
• Community Involvement Concerns (00:03:44) Kim shares a friend's hesitation about promoting community involvement due to fear of appearing boastful.
• Successful vs. Selfish Promotion (00:05:44) Discussion about the fine line between effective promotion and self-promotion.
• Promoting Community Engagement (00:07:24) Kim emphasizes the importance of spacing out promotional posts about community involvement.
• Starting with Gratitude (00:07:46) Kim suggests starting messages about community involvement with expressions of gratitude.
• Importance of "Why" (00:09:09) Discussion on the significance of explaining the reasons behind community involvement.
• Examples of Community Involvement (00:09:15) Brian and Kim share experiences of their community service activities.
• Promoting Community Work (00:11:25) Brian discusses the importance of promoting community service to demonstrate business values.
• Messaging about Community Involvement (00:12:21) Kim provides examples of how they communicate their community involvement on social media.
• Team Engagement in Community Work (00:14:20) Brian reflects on the team's connection with community members during service activities. 
• Closing Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:15:14) Brian thanks RepairPal again for supporting the episode.
• Community Engagement Strategies (00:15:26)   Discussion on how RepairPal helps auto shops gain customers through certification and fair pricing.
• Customer Loyalty Apps (00:16:25)  Introduction of App Fueled, a customer loyalty app designed for auto service shops.
• Highlighting Community Work (00:17:11)  Tips on emphasizing organizational missions instead of personal achievements in community involvement.
• Authentic Community Involvement (00:17:54)   The importance of sharing community efforts without seeking personal recognition or return.
• Sharing GoFundMe Campaigns (00:18:51)  Encouragement to promote charitable causes without boasting about personal donations.
• Industry-Specific Support (00:19:16)  Discussion on giving back to the auto repair industry and local communities.
• Respecting Privacy in Sharing (00:19:39)  The balance between sharing community involvement and respecting the privacy of those served.
• Educating Marketing Teams (00:22:43)  The need to guide marketing teams on how to portray community involvement authentically.
• Collaborating with Other Organizations (00:24:17)  Benefits of partnering with local businesses for community service efforts.
• Celebrating Local Teams (00:25:38)  Highlighting local sports teams and community events to promote goodwill.
• Telling the Story of Donations (00:27:40)  Importance of sharing the personal connection behind charitable contributions.
• Personal Anecdotes from Mission Trips (00:28:28)  Sharing impactful stories from mission trips to illustrate the importance of community support.
• Personal Anecdote on Community Support (00:29:29)  Kim shares a personal story about supporting organizations that assist her brother with disabilities.
• Encouragement to Join Facebook Group (00:30:44)  Kim invites listeners to join their Facebook group for further engagement and community building.
• Request for Podcast Reviews (00:31:03)  Brian asks listeners to leave reviews for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of feedback.
• Closing Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgment (00:31:36)  Brian concludes the episode, thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to tune in next week.

Thanks to our Partners,

RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.

App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”

Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound

In this episode, our host Craig O’Neill welcomes his friend and colleague, Brandon Crusha to discuss a simple but often uncomfortable topic among practitioners of change.

The slogan:  “This Sucks - and it Works!”

Craig was inspired to discuss this topic with Brandon after reading a post about slogans that don’t really work well - and the phrase above was suggested as an alternative to some others.

This stood out, because Craig has literally stood in a room with Brandon as Brandon spoke nearly that exact phrase to a group of tire specialists.

Brandon has a background in the automotive industry, in software, and rather significantly, the Marine Corp.  The latter component is a thing which makes Brandon uniquely effective when coaching and onboarding in his role at Autoflow, and in other endeavors Brandon is engaged in.

Listeners will appreciate hearing Brandon's stories, hard earned wisdom and will find a pragmatic approach to learning that emphasises acknowledging that changes are tough, but embracing the suck is the way to get through.

Additional insights:

The three ways of learning according to Brandon’s instructor in the Marine Corp

1.)  Pain

2.)  Repetition

3.)  The repetition of pain

We appreciate Brandon's service and the sacrifices he’s made in service to our country. We know our listeners will too.

Reach out with any questions to [email protected]

You can also thank Brandon directly here:  [email protected]

The Word of the Day: Arduous

Adjective

• involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring
• "an arduous journey"

Watch Full Video Episode

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected]
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Recorded at the 45th annual Mobile Air Climate Systems Conference (MACS 2025) in Orlando, Florida, this episode dives into the evolving world of thermal management in vehicles. Our panel discusses the shift from traditional air conditioning to a more advanced approach, driven by the growing complexity of modern vehicles, especially EVs. They explore why maintaining optimal temperatures for batteries, electric motors, and other components is just as critical as passenger comfort. The conversation also covers alternative refrigerants, particularly blends, as a way to boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to changing battery technologies. With these advancements, the need for technician training and industry adaptation is greater than ever. Our experts emphasize the importance of collaboration across the industry to ensure a smooth transition and deliver effective solutions for both OEMs and aftermarket service providers.

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Closing your shop on Saturdays might sound like a risky move, but could it actually improve your business? In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, explores the real financial and operational impact of shutting down on Saturdays. Is it worth it? What factors should you consider before making the switch? Whether you're thinking about a 5-day workweek, reducing hours, or making strategic changes to your shop’s schedule, this episode is packed with insights to help you make an informed decision.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why auto repair shops are moving away from Saturday hours

✅ The financial impact of closing on Saturdays—and how to make up for lost sales

✅ How to determine if your shop can afford fewer workdays

✅ The role of employee preferences in business hours

✅ Attracting top talent by offering a 5-day workweek

✅ Strategies to transition customers from weekend scheduling

✅ Real-life case studies of shops that successfully cut their Saturday hours

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS

Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?

It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.

Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com

Thanks to our partner, Promotive

It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.

Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair

Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com

Email Hunt: [email protected]

Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413

Download a Copy of My Books Here:

• Wrenches to Write-Offs
• Your Perfect Shop 

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: [email protected]
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

• Fuel trims are a common topic in professional forums, classes, and diagnostics, often leading to bold diagnostic decisions.
• Matt shares his experience of quickly diagnosing vehicle issues using fuel trims, even before leaving the parking lot.

• The more you learn about fuel trims, the more nuanced and complex the topic becomes.
• It’s difficult to generalize fuel trim behavior across all vehicles, as each system has unique characteristics.
• Fuel trims are just one piece of data that must be factored into a broader diagnostic process.

• Definition: Fuel trims are adjustments made to the base fuel schedule by the engine control unit (ECU).
• Matt credits Matt Ragsdale on iATN for one of the best explanations he’s seen.

1. Speed Density Systems:

• Relies on the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor and engine RPM as primary inputs.
• Engine control algorithms tend to be more complex.

1. Mass Airflow (MAF) Systems:

• Uses the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) and crank sensor (RPM) as primary inputs.
• Simpler in design compared to speed density systems.
• Modern systems often blend elements of both speed density and MAF systems.

• Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of fuel trims and how they vary across different vehicle systems.
• He plans to dive deeper into the topic in future episodes, providing more detailed insights and practical examples.

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

The Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Sometimes life just doesn’t slow down, does it? Between running a business, managing a team, and balancing everything else, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in tasks. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Hi, I’m Kim Walker, and today I’m sharing my personal journey through a season of overwhelm—and how I’m finding my way back to productivity and peace. This episode isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about giving yourself the grace to start where you are and take small, meaningful steps forward.

So, take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and let’s get organized—because even in the chaos, we’ve got this

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.

Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com 

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Stephen Covey's Time Managment Matrix 

Remarkable Tablet 

Time Blocking

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10)  Speaker introduces herself and the topic of managing time and tasks when feeling overwhelmed.
• Personal Challenges (00:01:24)  Speaker shares her personal story of recovery from back surgery and her mother's declining health.
• The Impact of Loss (00:03:49)  Reflects on the challenges of returning to work after her mother's passing and managing a heavy workload.
• Overcoming Overwhelm (00:06:02)  Discusses feeling lost and overwhelmed upon returning to work and how to tackle a massive to-do list.
• Time Management Strategies (00:10:22)  Introduces Stephen Covey's time management matrix and how to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Massive Brain Dump (00:08:02)  Explains the process of conducting a brain dump to organize thoughts and tasks without order.
• Prioritizing Tasks (00:11:20)  Describes how to categorize tasks by urgency and importance using color coding.
• Using Google Calendar (00:12:20)  Details how to integrate tasks into Google Calendar and set reminders for better organization.
• Self-Care and Breaks (00:12:28)  Emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and practicing self-care during overwhelming times.
• Time Blocking (00:14:40)  Introduces the concept of time blocking for focused work sessions and minimizing distractions.
• Brain Dump and Prioritization (00:15:49)  Speaker discusses her routine of brain dumping and prioritizing tasks weekly to manage overwhelm.
• Community Engagement (00:16:56)  Speaker  invites listeners to share their experiences and connect through the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Facebook group.
• Resources for Time Management (00:17:55)  Speaker mentions links in the show notes to assist listeners in managing time and tasks effectively.
• Podcast Recommendations (00:18:27)  Speaker wraps up by encouraging listeners to explore other shows on the Aftermarket Radio Network.

How To Get In Touch

Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind

Website - shopmarketingpros.com 

Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 

Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book

Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 

Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.