Success Leaves Clues: An Automotive Industry Podcast

In this episode we hear from Brad Emery. We caught up with Brad at Shop Hackers 2024 and talked about his path and the lessons he learned along the way. He shares some great advice on what it takes to win, why it's not about the money, and how to develop your team and be the leader your family, your business, and the industry needs. The conversation also covers his teaching experience, the importance of being coachable, and the significance of leadership and listening.

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In this episode we hear from Tommy Mellow! Tommy is a highly successful and motivating leader and founder of A1-Garage Door. Hear his journey from painting his very first door to developing a $200M business where "everybody wins". Hear his inspirational story from his first childhood negotiation, to his focused attention on winning, and why data is key to rising above everyone else. Know you business, know your strategy, and make no excuses. Tommy is a force who legitimately cares about his people and helping them dream bigger and reach their goals. Tommy was also a keynote speaker at Shop Hackers 2024!

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Join TJ Roberts, Aaron, and Jay as they take a humorous and insightful journey through the humble beginnings of EuroFix and ShopFix. Between riding dirt bikes, racing down back roads, and having an occasional run in with the law, these three have enjoyed the journey. Now the COO of ShopFix, TJ shares with us the lessons he learned along the way and the challenges he and Aaron faced. From thinking they couldn't lose to almost losing it all, they develop the resilience needed to keep moving forward and the balanced working relationship to help steer them in the right direction.

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In today's episode we hear from the one and only, The Berg! We start off with some behind the scenes humor to kick off this walk through Michael Rosenberger's journey to owning his own store and joining Shop Fix Academy. We take some fun rabbit trails hearing how this driven guy found his path into doing what he loves and seeing his family and his industry transformed.

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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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