Shop Fix Academy Podcast

Rick Kersey, a multi-shop owner in Oregon, started his automotive career at a parts counter. His relentless drive and motivation propelled him through the ranks, leading to the realization that owning his own shop was the next logical step. With unwavering focus, Rick took the plunge, navigating the challenging lessons that new owners often face. Undeterred, he developed a deep understanding of what makes a shop thrive. Continually striving for more, Rick ventured into new industries and expansions, learning costly yet invaluable lessons along the way. Through creativity, leveraging his extensive experience, and a strong emphasis on building a robust culture, Rick has not only expanded his business but has also far surpassed his original goals.

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In this episode, Brandon Peavy shares his inspiring journey from starting as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic at the age of 16 to becoming a successful entrepreneur managing multiple businesses. He discusses how he transitioned from the fire service to founding an ambulance company and later, an auto repair shop named Route 11 Automotive. Brandon also talks about the challenges he faced in the ambulance industry, particularly dealing with fraud and regulation. He recounts the pivotal decisions that led to the expansion of his auto repair business and highlights the importance of mentorship and community support in his growth. Brandon provides some deep foundational wisdom he's learned in his career helping others. In his words, there is no plateau, you're either going up or down. Get ready to go up with this awesome conversation.

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Shane Copeland and Chad Kaemingk discuss their journey from meeting at a dealership to becoming successful business partners in the automotive repair industry. They share insights on how they started their first automotive repair business with limited funds and partnerships, overcame challenges, expanded to multiple locations, and learned crucial business strategies. They share their journey of determination, struggle, and uncovering the secrets that pushed their business forward. It highlights their growth from working in the trenches to becoming business owners managing multiple stores, their partnership dynamics, and the lessons learned along the way.

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In this podcast episode, Chuck shares his remarkable journey from running a CrossFit gym in Texas to owning an automotive repair shop in Virginia—despite having no prior experience in the industry. Facing numerous challenges, including a declining shop and a difficult transition with the former owner, Chuck managed to revitalize the business. He emphasizes the crucial role of honest and effective leadership, leveraging his HR background to foster a strong team culture. Chuck also delves into overcoming setbacks and the power of community, both locally and within his professional network. By enhancing business processes and hiring trustworthy staff, Chuck has successfully increased the shop's revenue while achieving a better work-life balance and financial stability. Now a coach and mentor, he reflects on the fulfillment of helping others succeed, sharing valuable insights and strategies for aspiring business owners.

This episode features entrepreneur Mike Difato who shares his journey from working in medical sales and owning a pool service company to launching a successful chain of auto repair shops with his partners. We explore his strategic partnership with Eric, their first shop purchase, and the subsequent expansion to nine shops with plans for a tenth. The episode delves into the significance of learning from failures, the importance of strategic partnerships to grow fast, and how taking calculated risks can lead to substantial growth. Mike also discusses his side venture into boat repair, highlighting the unique challenges compared to auto repair. Throughout, insights into business growth, mentorship, and investment in staff development paint a comprehensive picture of their success. The conversation concludes with discussions on the importance of data analysis in business operations and Mike's motivation for coaching other entrepreneurs.

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This episode features Josh Bird's remarkable journey from working at a dealership with a six-figure income to owning two auto repair shops with a combined revenue of over four million dollars. Josh shares the pivotal moment when he quit his job and risked everything to start his own business. Despite the hardships, like receiving a cease and desist from the county and working in a barn with ten foot ceilings, Josh's story underscores the significance of perseverance, the impact of coaching, and the power of community in achieving rapid business growth. Josh's account is not only a source of inspiration but also offers practical advice for other owners in the auto repair industry.

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This episode features an in-depth interview with Ryan Hillenbrand, owner of four auto repair shops, who shares his journey into the auto repair industry that reshaped his life, learning perspective, and approach to business. Hillenbrand discusses the value of relationships, trust, and personal development in business growth and leadership. He highlights the transformative role of understanding oneself and improving interactions with others. Through anecdotes and insights, Ryan emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, being open to advice while critically assessing its source, and the power of strong relationships in overcoming challenges and driving success. The conversation also covers his strategies for business expansion, the significance of moving beyond ego, and the actionable advice he's adopted throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

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Zain operates three shops with laser-focused strategies to increase profit and performance. In this episode he opens up about his "controversial", and in his words "experimental" strategies how a shop can do over $3 million. Through a combination of his strategies and dedicated approach, Zain and his team are pushing boundaries and creating a high-performance authentic culture.

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Tony and his family operate five shops in Indiana. In this episode he opens up about his path growing up in his Dad's business, developing a strategy for growth only to have things go sideways, and what it took to recover and grow the business. Tony goes into detail on the power of prioritizing family, simplifying operations, and developing a true list of core values to help be a guide during rapid expansion.

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Some moments seem pretty insignificant, but later, we realize they were a landmark in our lives, a moment that sparked the change that set us on a course that would forever change our lives. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that these moments tend to happen to us when the pressure is on, when our back is against the call, or when we are at a crossroads --- especially in our businesses. Today’s guest is Tristan Realubit, owner of Real Autohous, with multiple locations in the Chicago area. One of these moments for Tristan was a promise he made to his mom many years ago. In this episode, you’ll hear the amazing aftermath of and how that moment forever changed his life, his family, his company, and countless others. This is one of those stories that will impact your heart as much as your head. Stay tuned.

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Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.com

Shop Fix Acadamy’s sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com