Shop Soup Podcast

Welcome to SoupRadio Podcast. I'm your host Greg Buckley, a 60 year old, multi-automotive repair shop owner in Delaware. Today's guest is Todd Hayes, a highly successful entrepreneur that is bring back customer service to the automotive aftermarket in a HUGE way. He is the COO of Adams Automotive in Houston along with the CEO of his private equity firm, Houston, Boston Partnership.

In this engaging interview, Todd Hayes shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a successful automotive industry leader. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, exceptional customer service, and innovative business strategies that have transformed his businesses and impacted lives. In this engaging conversation, industry veterans Todd Hayes and Greg Buckley share insights on transforming the auto repair industry through customer service, technology, and efficient business models. They discuss the importance of industry roots, leveraging AI, and building a culture of excellence to achieve sustainable growth and wealth.

Keywords For The Show

auto industry, customer service, business growth, discipline, automotive success, legacy business, private equity, auto hospitality auto repair, customer service, AI, business efficiency, industry transformation, auto hospitality, private equity, technician recruitment

Key Topics In The Show

Discipline in business and health

Customer service as a differentiator

Legacy building and business growth Industry roots and customer service excellence

Leveraging AI for customer relationships

Building a high-performance auto repair business

Key Points

Customer-Centric Model

Efficiency Framework

Auto Hospitality Model

Practical Tips To Build The Client Relationship

Implement AI tools for customer profiling

Train staff on customer service excellence

Adopt the Ritz Carlton auto hospitality standards

"Customer service is the key to industry success."

"Building a team that respects each other is essential."

"Focus on the customer, and success will follow."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

01:48 Health Journey and Resilience

03:42 Discipline in Life and Business

07:25 Early Career and Business Foundations

11:29 Customer Service and Industry Changes

17:10 Legacy and Community Focus

24:19 Transforming Auto Shops into Customer-Centric Businesses

28:38 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Family Values

32:27 Changing Lives Through Business and Community

37:16 Innovative Customer Service Strategies in Auto Repair

44:06 De-risking Business Portfolios and Growth Strategies

50:11 The Importance of Communication and Customer Relationships

01:00:18 Revisiting Business Fundamentals

01:01:12 The Evolution of Business Models

01:01:49 Harnessing Technology for Customer Engagement

01:02:58 Building Relationships Through AI

01:04:24 Efficiency in Service Delivery

01:06:27 The Importance of Customer Experience

01:08:16 The Role of Team Dynamics in Business

01:12:24 Customer Service as a Core Value

01:14:10 The Need for Respect in the Workplace

01:16:13 Choosing the Right Business Model

01:18:50 The Importance of Cleanliness and Presentation

01:23:28 The Future of Private Equity in Business

01:31:42 The Importance of Winning in Sports and Business

01:33:11 Running a Business Like a Pro Football Team

01:35:56 Discipline and Professionalism in the Workplace

01:37:51 Navigating Industry Events and Networking

01:39:40 Customer Service as the Core of Business Success

01:43:02 Honoring Mentorship and Industry Relationships

 resources

Auto Shop Answers - https://autoshopanswers.com

Todd Hayes on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/todd-hayes

AI Development by Michael Floyd - https://aidev.com

Auto Shop Answers - https://autoshopanswers.com

Adam Coffey's Private Equity Books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Adam+Coffey

TechMetric - https://techmetric.com

Bryce's Auto Service Event - https://theaslconference.com

 guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/todd-hayes

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/greg-buckley

Welcome to SoupRadio Podcast. I'm your host, Greg Buckley and today the topic for the show came from my visit to the local YMCA. For many of us, being accepted by others is important. When we feel that we are, we thrive. When we aren't, we shrivel up. Opening up a conversation with others is the easiest way to an understanding and that leads to acceptance. Accepting that you are the same as one another OR you are polar opposites. But in any case, you understand and respect each other.

Greg Buckley shares personal insights on aging, health challenges, acceptance, and the importance of open conversations in community and industry. He discusses upcoming events, personal health struggles, and the value of understanding and mutual respect.

Aging, Health Challenges, Acceptance, Community, Industry Insights, Personal Growth, Greg Buckley, Auto Service Leaders, Vision KC, Auto Industry Events

Aging and health challenges

Acceptance and mutual respect

Industry events and community engagement

"You're not going to be here forever"

"Acceptance makes you feel understood"

"You're not young forever"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events

02:09 Reflections on Aging and Personal Growth

06:03 Health Challenges and Personal Experiences

10:16 Community, Acceptance, and Mutual Respect

14:16 Sharing Personal Stories and Overcoming Fear

17:42 The Importance of Conversation and Understanding

20:13 Final Thoughts and Industry Engagement

 resources

Auto Service Leaders Conference - https://asleaders.com

Vision KC - https://visionkc.com

Soup Radio Podcast - https://soupradio.fm

Greg Buckley's Email - mailto:[email protected]

Welcome to SoupRadio Podcast @SoupRadio247. I'm your host Greg and today I had some thoughts I wanted to share with my industry colleagues about the need to bring our industry to the communities we serve by showcasing THEIR voices.

Greg Buckley discusses the importance of community engagement, sharing knowledge, and leveraging media platforms to strengthen the automotive industry and support local communities.

keywords

community engagement, automotive industry, media platforms, industry support, local communities, content creation, industry advocacy

 key topics

Community engagement in the automotive industry

Using media platforms for industry advocacy

Supporting local communities through content and outreach

 sound bites

"We have every right to struggle"

"Different trades, same commonality"

"It's time to make a change"

Chapters

00:00 Community Engagement and Responsibility

08:36 Amplifying Voices in the Industry

16:41 Building Connections Beyond the Automotive Sphere

 resources

Frank Lutz - Wrench Nation - https://www.wrenchnation.com

Shop Fix Academy - https://shopfixacademy.com

302.fm Buck Stops Here - https://302.fm

Welcome to SoupRadio and the SoupRadio Podcast. Today we have the pleasure of talking to one of the best shop owners, a longtime coach of Elite Worldwide and dear friend, Gene, "Mr Fantastico" Morrill of Certified Auto in Glendora, California.

Keywords

Elite Conference, business motivation, customer retention, wealth building, automotive industry, shop management, personal growth, mentorship, business strategies, small business

Summary

In this conversation, Greg Buckley and Gene discuss their experiences at the Elite Worldwide Ignite Conference, focusing on the importance of inspiration and motivation in business. They share insights on transitioning to a smaller shop, the significance of building wealth through effective business practices, and strategies for retaining customers. The discussion emphasizes the value of mentorship and the importance of understanding vehicle maintenance and value in the automotive industry.

Takeaways

The Elite Conference provides valuable inspiration and motivation.

Transitioning to a smaller shop can lead to better management and profitability.

Building wealth is crucial for long-term success in business.

Customer retention is more cost-effective than acquiring new customers.

Understanding the true value of a vehicle is essential for customers.

Effective communication with customers enhances trust and loyalty.

Mentorship plays a significant role in personal and professional growth.

Business strategies should be tailored to individual shop owners' goals.

Maintaining vehicles can save customers significant money in the long run.

Creating a positive work environment leads to better staff performance.

"Best move of my life."

"You can do whatever you want."

"Make money and build wealth."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Conference Overview

02:45 Inspiration and Motivation in Business

05:40 Transitioning to a Smaller Shop

08:19 Building Wealth Through Business

11:24 Customer Retention Strategies

14:01 Understanding Vehicle Value and Maintenance

Welcome to @SoupRadio247 and our latest podcast. I'm your host Greg Buckley and thank you for listening in.

Keywords

automotive marketing, business growth, SEO, security breach, emotional resilience, industry conferences, family support, Lyft Automotive Marketing, Kelsey Outram, Elite Conference

Summary

In this conversation, Greg Buckley interviews Kelsey Outram from Lyft Automotive Marketing at the Elite Conference in Arizona. They discuss Kelsey's journey into automotive marketing, the unique approach of his company, and the challenges faced in business growth, including a significant security breach. Kelsey shares insights on emotional resilience, the importance of family support, and the value of industry conferences. They also touch on personal interests and future goals for the business.

Takeaways

Kelsey Outram started Lyft Automotive Marketing in 2020, focusing on the auto repair niche.

The company differentiates itself by offering exclusive services to clients within a specific radius.

SEO is a major focus for Lyft Automotive Marketing, providing long-term value to clients.

Kelsey emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients, especially in the early stages.

Industry conferences are vital for networking and continuous learning in the automotive sector.

Kelsey faced a significant security breach that impacted his business operations.

Emotional resilience and family support played a crucial role during the crisis.

The company is looking to expand into other automotive-related verticals.

Kelsey enjoys CrossFit as a personal outlet and values family time.

The experience has made Kelsey more aware of the vulnerabilities in business operations. 

"We became closer together."

"We're not going backwards."

"I was really into CrossFit."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Elite Conference

02:41 Kelsey Outram's Journey into Automotive Marketing

05:43 The Unique Approach of Lyft Automotive Marketing

08:24 Overcoming Challenges in Business Growth

11:02 The Importance of Networking and Learning

13:55 Dealing with a Major Crisis: The Google Ads Hack

19:34 Emotional Impact and Family Support

25:22 Looking Ahead: Goals and Future Plans

Welcome to SoupRadio. Radio for the automotive aftermarket. In this episode I sit down with legend, Joe Marconi from Elite Worldwide to talk training, his after life and what he did to his classic chevy to make book ends with it.

FYI - To our listeners. The audio is a little rough due to the fact that it was recorded in a large lobby area. Unfortunately no quiet space was available to make the recording so we did the best to edit what we could. Thank you.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Greg Buckley interviews Joe Marconi at the Elite Worldwide Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Joe shares his journey from a technician to a successful business owner and now a coach, emphasizing the importance of personal values, family, and community in the automotive industry. He discusses the unique approach of Elite in coaching and the significance of networking among shop owners. Joe also reveals his passion for woodworking and how it complements his life outside of business. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of relationships and the value of the Elite organization.

Takeaways

Joe Marconi has a rich history in the automotive industry, starting as a technician.

He emphasizes the importance of personal values and family in business.

Coaching should focus on individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Networking is crucial for growth and learning in the automotive community.

Woodworking is a significant passion for Joe, reflecting his creative side.

Joe transitioned from business owner to coach to help others succeed.

The Elite organization offers tailored support to its members.

Joe values the relationships he built with customers over the years.

He believes that a business should enrich one's life, not consume it.

The Elite Worldwide Conference fosters a supportive community for automotive professionals.

Sound Bites

"I had no business being in it."

"I love woodworking."

"It's a hell of an organization."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joe Marconi and His Journey

05:28 The Unique Approach of Elite Coaching

11:09 Personal Life and Hobbies of Joe Marconi

16:46 Reflections on Business and Transitioning Careers

Keywords

Joe Marconi, Elite Worldwide Conference, automotive industry, coaching, personal values, woodworking, networking, business transition, family life, community

Welcome to another batch of SoupRadio. In this episode I'm super excited to be talking with Ryan Stevenson CEO of Shoresmoke Seasoning and shares the title of co-founder with his wife, Nicole, for Stevenson Foundation and the Delaware Seafood Festival. Don't ask me how they do it all, but they do. Take a listen and learn what true hard work and entrepreneurial spirit is all about.

Introduction: In today’s world, many entrepreneurs have found a way to turn challenges into opportunities, and Ryan Stevenson is a perfect example of this. In a recent podcast episode, Ryan shares his journey from a cybersecurity job to building a thriving business and making a significant impact in his community through the Stevenson Foundation. 

1. **The Birth of Shoresmoke Seasonings**  

Ryan Stevenson’s entrepreneurial journey began in an unexpected way. While working in cybersecurity, the onset of COVID-19 left him with unexpected downtime. Instead of succumbing to the challenges, Ryan’s wife, Nicole, encouraged him to explore selling his homemade seasonings. This suggestion turned into a birthday gift of a business license, setting the stage for Shoresmoke Seasonings. Ryan recalls, "We decided, hey, let's just kind of do it locally and sell some seasonings at some local fairs." This initial step was critical to his business's growth.

2. **Community Support and Growth**  

The community played a pivotal role in the success of Shoresmoke. Ryan emphasizes, "The community around us is really what would help drive the business and make it successful." They began by distributing samples, using creative methods like filling jello shot containers. This grassroots approach led to organic growth through word of mouth, showcasing the importance of community support in small business ventures.

3. **Innovative Seasoning Creation**  

Ryan’s journey into the world of seasoning was fueled by creativity and experimentation. He started by mixing ingredients he had at home, leading to the creation of his first product, Game Day Seasoning. "The first seasoning we ever had is when it was our game day seasoning. It’s our number one seller," Ryan shares. His approach to developing new flavors is inspired by the dishes he wants to create, making culinary exploration an integral part of his process.

4. **The Role of Influencers and Ambassadors**  

As Shoresmoke Seasonings gained traction, Ryan and Nicole leveraged social media and influencers to expand their reach. Ryan notes, "We handed out a bunch of samples to the community... and that was the biggest thing that happens organically locally is just word of mouth." Their strategic partnerships with influencers helped propel Shoresmoke into the limelight, leading to collaborations with major brands and personalities in the food industry.

5. **Lessons Learned Along the Way**  

Ryan reflects on the lessons learned during his entrepreneurial journey: the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community. "When you're a small business, you got to kind of figure out what works and what doesn't real quick," he advises aspiring entrepreneurs. His experience serves as a reminder that success often comes from perseverance and a willingness to learn from challenges.

Conclusion:  

Ryan Stevenson’s story is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. From starting a small seasoning business during a global pandemic to making a significant community impact through the Stevenson Foundation, Ryan exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit. Key takeaways from his journey include the importance of community support, the value of experimentation, and the ability to pivot in the face of challenges. For those looking to follow in his footsteps, remember that the journey may be tough, but with determination and the right support, success is within reach.

Tags: Entrepreneurship, Small Business, Community Impact, Seasonings, Culinary Innovation, Influencer Marketing, COVID-19 Business Stories.

Welcome to this week's show on Soup Radio. Mobile Mechanics: Are they a threat to traditional brick and mortar shops?

On a few social threads the topic came up about how the mobile mechanic side of our profession is heating up a bit and guys are busier than ever. So the question was asked, "are they taking away from regular shops?" With this episode, I look at a few things that are similar to me just having to go to an Urgent Care facility due to contracting the Flu.

Keywords

mobile mechanics, traditional mechanics, automotive repair, urgent care, service industry, customer experience, healthcare, business models, client acquisition, future trends

Summary

In this episode, Greg Buckley discusses the evolving landscape of automotive repair, particularly the rise of mobile mechanics compared to traditional brick-and-mortar shops. He shares personal experiences related to healthcare and draws parallels between urgent care and mobile mechanic services. The conversation explores the implications of mobile mechanics on customer service, business models, and the future of the automotive repair industry, while also reflecting on personal health challenges and the importance of adapting to changes in the market.

Takeaways

Mobile mechanics serve a purpose but have limitations.

Urgent care experiences can parallel mobile mechanic services.

Coordination of records between services is crucial.

Mobile mechanics may not be equipped for major repairs.

First impressions in service can lead to client acquisition.

The market for automotive services is evolving positively.

Mobile mechanics can offer convenience but may lack resources.

Understanding the business model is essential for success.

Safety concerns exist for mobile mechanics in certain areas.

The future of automotive repair may include more mobile services.

Song Titles:

“Rock n’ Roll Doctor” - Black Sabbath From The Album, Technical Ecstasy “Dr. Feelgood” - Motley Crue From The Album, Dr. Feelgood

"Should we be afraid of mobile mechanics?"

"I wish I could feel better right now."

"I hope it comes out okay."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Health Update

02:24 Mobile Mechanics vs. Traditional Services

07:12 The Role of Mobile Mechanics in the Industry

13:08 The Future of Mobile Services in Automotive Repair

16:44 Closing Thoughts and New Year Wishes

Thanks for your time today. SoupRadio is built for the automotive aftermarket and the great people that are part of it. My name is Greg and I'll share some of my experiences along with those of my guests. You can also hear us on SoupRadio.net or download the app at the App Store or Google Play.

Keywords

starting, passion, lifelong learning, overcoming fear, podcasting, technology, personal growth

Summary

In this episode of the Super Radio Podcast, Greg Buckley discusses the significance of starting new ventures, embracing passions, and the importance of lifelong learning. He emphasizes that retirement should not be a goal but rather a transition into new opportunities. Greg shares his personal experiences with podcasting and technology, encouraging listeners to overcome their fears and take action, regardless of their starting point.

Takeaways

Retirement should be stricken from our vocabulary.

You have to start. Don't hesitate.

Passions can run dry.

It's all for a learning situation anyway.

Don't be afraid to start.

You got to have something to do.

The worst thing you can do is not start.

You have to put yourself through the trial and error.

Look how far you've come.

Don't stop learning.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Starting Anew

06:17 Embracing New Technologies and Learning

12:36 Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice

Hey.. it's the end of 2025. Merry Christmas turns quickly to Happy New Year as we look to close out one year and begin another.

This show ads a little different element of the show: Music. Yup. Shop Soup is now SoupRadio and broadcasts live at SoupRadio.net

You can also download the radio app in the AppStore so make sure you put us on your home screen so you can EASILY listen to each episode and listen daily if you want. It's real radio.

Thank you.