In this episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner, Doug Kaufman interviews David Rogers, COO of Keller Brothers and founder of Auto Profit Masters, about the challenges automotive repair shop owners face with juggling multiple management systems.

Rogers emphasizes that many shops lose thousands of dollars monthly due to inefficiencies stemming from fragmented systems that don't communicate with each other.Rogers introduces Shop4D, an ecosystem solution developed to address these issues. Shop4D integrates various aspects of shop management, providing real-time data and connectivity to empower shop owners, managers, and technicians. This allows for better decision-making, improved efficiency, and increased profitability.

Developed with a $15 million investment and tested in Rogers' own shop, Shop4D aims to give independent shops a competitive edge against larger dealerships and chains by enabling efficiency, transparency, and employee empowerment. Rogers stresses the importance of finding a system where all components are centralized, and the software company takes ownership of any issues, rather than passing the blame.

Shop4D supports multi-shop operations and enables technicians to work better without unnecessary stress, Rogers emphasizes. Ultimately, Rogers hopes to help the entire automotive industry to succeed.

Shop owners interested in learning more can visit Shop4D.com or email David directly at [email protected].

In this episode of "Talking Shop with Shop Owner," Kyle Price, Senior Product Manager at Monroe Shocks, explains about the transition from winter to spring and the importance of suspension maintenance.

Price highlights the impact of winter conditions on vehicles, emphasizing the need for drivers to care for their suspension systems. "With rising prices, vehicle owners are holding onto their cars longer, making suspension maintenance crucial. They want to make sure that their suspensions – shocks, struts, coil springs – are working the way that they should after enduring lifetime of cold and salt during winters."

"We're trying to publish a lot of training and education. The Restore line is designed for the general population; the everyday driver who is looking for performance and a product that's going to keep their vehicle running, at a level that they can afford."

According to Price, there are several key symptoms that bring customers into shops, including noise and ride quality. "Shop owners need to consider vehicle mileage, and have dialogue with customers about their driving habits to recommend suitable options.The suspension system is critical to the safety and the comfort of your customers' rides, and safety is always top of mind," he says. 

This dialogue presents an opportunity for shop owners to have a conversation with their customers to open their eyes to options that are right for their needs. Monroe's new product line, Monroe Restore, was developed to meet the needs of everyday drivers seeking performance at an affordable price.

Price says different options may, in fact, be right for different drivers' needs and encourages shop owners and technicians to explore the Monroe website (www.monroe.com) for training and conversation points to guide customers. He also recommends visting the Garage Gurus (GarageGurus.tech) for expert training that can be tailored to individual shop needs.

In this episode of "Talking Shop with Shop Owner," Doug Kaufman interviews Jason Rainey, VP of NAPA AutoCare and NAPA Autotech, about the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program.

Rainey explains that the program is designed to help shop owners attract and retain technicians by providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs. The program works by allowing shop owners to earn rebates on their NAPA parts purchases, which they can then use to purchase tools for their technicians. Shop owners simply buy NAPA parts and NAPA handles the rebate process in the backside, distributing funds that shops can reallocate to their team members.

This program isn't just about providing tools, Rainey says, but is also about building a strong culture within the shop. "By giving technicians the tools they need, shop owners can show them that they are valued and appreciated. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover. When you're attracting talent, you're saying, 'because we're partners with NAPA, we're able to do this. And so it really is a rising tide raises all ships kind of thing."

Rainey also discusses the NAPA Auto Care Apprentice program, which is designed to help young people enter the automotive repair industry. The program provides apprentices with the training and mentorship they need to succeed. He notes that the program has been very successful, with over 2,000 apprentices currently working in NAPA Auto Care member shops. Rainey highlights the program's competency-based approach, stating, "if they haven't mastered a skillset, they can stay there. There's not the end of the marking period. They can stay there until they're able to master that skill."

Rainey explains that NAPA is committed to helping shop owners succeed, offering a variety of programs and services designed to help shop owners attract and retain technicians, improve their operations, and grow their businesses.


For more information visit NAPAOnline.com.

On this episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner, host Doug Kaufman dives into the incredible journey of Ritchie Wimmer, a man whose passion for cars transformed his life and the lives of those around him.
Ritchie Wimmer wears many hats: shop owner, teacher, racer, and technician. But his story is more than just a resume—it's a testament to perseverance, adaptability and the importance of paying it forward in the automotive industry. His journey began with a childhood fascination with cars that evolved into a career shaped by life-changing moments.
After building his first race car and learning the trade through hands-on experience, Wimmer faced a life-threatening accident that could have ended his career. Instead, it ignited a new purpose: teaching. Now, as an instructor at Morro Bay High School, he is combining his expertise as a shop owner with his love for education to train the next generation of automotive technicians.
From organizing his high school’s auto shop into a professional-grade learning environment to taking students to SEMA and connecting them with industry leaders, Ritchie Wimmer is bridging the gap between education and the automotive workforce. He’s passionate about solving one of the industry’s biggest challenges—the shortage of skilled technicians—by inspiring students to see the trades as a fulfilling and exciting career path.
Wimmer's story isn’t just about teaching; it’s about creating a legacy. By sharing his knowledge and experiences, he’s helping students realize their potential while addressing the critical need for future technicians in an ever-evolving industry.
Whether you’re a technician, educator, or industry supplier, Richie’s story is a call to action: get involved, support local training programs, and inspire the next generation. Because as Richie proves, one person’s passion can drive lasting change.
This episode of Talking Shop with Shop Owner is presented by AAPEX, the premiere business and networking event in the automotive industry. AAPEX.20 24 was a huge success recently in Las Vegas and next year is already on the calendar – November 4–6, 2025 at the The Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. For information or to sign up to be notified when AAPEX 2025 registration opens, visit AAPEXShow.com.

America loves competition and will tune in to watch competitors battle on TV. Forget about watching washed up fighters slap at each other - you can watch REAL champions compete at the U.S. Auto Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama  for the title of 2024 U.S. Auto Tech National Champion.
In this episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner, host Doug Kaufman, editor of ShopOwner Magazine, chats with Andy Buehler, automotive technology instructor and 2024 champion of the US AutoTech National Championship, and Kim Arnold from Intersport’s Elite Trades Championship Series about the program.  They discuss the competition, which highlights the importance of skilled trades, celebrates automotive technicians, and addresses workforce shortages.
Andy shares his journey in automotive technology, teaching, and competing, while Kim elaborates on the competition's structure and its impact on inspiring the next generation of technicians. Listeners also learn about the camaraderie among competitors and the significant prizes and support provided to participants.
The program aims to elevate the trades' prestige and encourage more professionals and students to join. Key takeaway: The championship is not just a competition—it’s a movement to champion skilled trades as vital and rewarding careers.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation celebrating innovation, education, and the future of automotive technology. The competition's final round will air Friday, December 27th at 8:00 pm on CBS Sports Network. Visit USATNC.com for more information.
Talking Shop with ShopOwner is presented by AAPEX.

In this episode of Talking Shop with Shop Owner, Lucas Underwood, owner of L&N Performance Auto Repair in Blowing Rock, NC, discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene on the automotive repair community in North Carolina. Lucas describes how his shop and nearby repair businesses have rallied to support their devastated communities. Local shops have cooked meals for first responders and neighbors, helped with road clearing and offered free repairs for those in need.

The discussion between Doug Kaufman, ShopOwner’s editorial director and Underwood highlights the strong bonds within the automotive repair industry, emphasizing how professionals come together in times of crisis. The Automotive Service and Tire Alliance of North Carolina (ASTA) set up a GoFundMe campaign to support affected shops, which quickly raised over $100,000. Additionally, organizations like WorldPac and Scanner Danner joined in, providing essential resources.

Lucas and others will continue sharing this story and gathering support at the AAPEX show in Las Vegas, which serves as a central gathering for automotive professionals to connect and collaborate. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity within the automotive repair community.

For more on how to support the relief efforts, visit ASTA’s website or Samaritan's Purse, a local organization involved in disaster relief.

Talking Shop with ShopOwner is presented by AAPEX, the premier automotive industry networking and educational event. The 2024 AAPEX Show will be held in Las Vegas, November 5-7. AAPEXShow.com
ASTAUSA.org
SamaritansPurse.org

What's the best type of training? Cheap, convenient, and quick might seem to be the best answer. It costs your shop money when your techs are not repairing vehicles, right. Well consider this: training may seem expensive, but continuous training isn't a cost. It's an investment in employees to retain talent and provide high quality service in the automotive repair industry.

In this episode of Talking Shop with Shop Owner Doug Kaufman highlights the significance of continuous learning for technicians, service advisors and managers. Bill Snow, VP of franchise development at RadAir Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, joins to discuss various training methods and the challenges shop owners face in keeping employees up to date with the latest industry developments. 

The conversation underscores that training isn’t just about gaining technical knowledge; it’s about fostering personal growth and strengthening relationships within the team and the industry.

Talking Shop With ShopOwner is sponsored by AAPEX 2024, the premier business and networking event in the automotive industry.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 5,000 fires in automotive service and repair facilities each year. These fires cause an estimated $108 million dollars in direct property damage, result in about 10 civilian an 3 firefighter injuries, and often spread beyond the initial location resulting in even more damage and even deaths.
The worst news? They’re usually preventable.
In this episode of "Talking Shop With ShopOwner," ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman and Steve Lockwood from Mountain State Fire Protection in Mesa, AZ, discuss fire safety in automotive repair shops. They discuss the potential threats in the automotive industry, such as combustible liquids and sparks from equipment. They also mention the importance of maintaining electrical equipment and the common occurrence of fires in automotive shops. 
Steve recommends shop owners keep their shops clutter-free and provide employee training on fire safety. He suggests reaching out to local fire protection companies or fire departments for resources and assistance.  They also touch on the importance of sprinkler systems and the legal requirements for fire safety in shops.
This episode of Talking Shop with Shop Owner is presented by AAPEX 2024, the premiere business and networking event in the automotive industry. Training is one of the key aspects of AAPEX - For more information about the huge number of onsite training sessions or to register, visit AAPEXShow.com.- On September 28, the price increases to $120. During registration, you can add individual training sessions for $150 each. For more value, choose the AAPEX Seminar Package and get five sessions of your choice for only $400 ($350 in savings).
Visit Mountain State Fire Protection or your local fire department or fire protection agency to get more helpful tips.

Knowing the different personalities and dominant traits of team members helps with communication and prevents internal conflicts, says John Wade, owner of Super Eagle Auto Care in Charlotte, NC.
In this episode of Talking Shop With ShopOwner, Doug Kaufman discusses the challenges of finding, hiring and implementing your next ideal team member.

Flexibility and constant adjustment are necessary for successful teamwork. Finding the right employees who fit the team can be a challenge for owners.  Growing too quickly without sufficient cash flow can lead to struggles.

The conversation   touches on the challenges of employee retention and finding the right fit for the team and delves into the decision-making process of when to grow a business and the risks involved. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of effective customer communication and service advisors in driving growth. 

Talking Shop with ShopOwner is presented by AAPEX2024. For more information visit AAPEXShow.com.

We all know the value of training - or do we? Is it always valuable? Is it alway effective? Should it always take top priority?
Naturally, you want to say yes, but experts say the RIGHT training for your team's needs is what's really crucial.
Today's episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner focuses on the challenges of training technicians and service advisors in the automotive industry. The guests, Dave Boyes and Ron Shanas from Today's Class, discuss the importance of training in a rapidly changing technological landscape and the difficulties shop owners face in finding time for training amidst busy schedules.
Together, they introduce their training platform, which offers daily training sessions in three to five-minute increments, tailored to the individual's role and experience. The platform uses adaptive technology to adjust the training based on the user's knowledge and provides feedback and opportunities for deeper learning. In a free-form conversation with ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman, the guests emphasize the importance of consistency in training and the benefits of their approach in terms of knowledge retention and engagement. They also discuss the flexibility of the platform, which can be configured to align with the shop's specific needs and services.
The guests highlight the ongoing development of the platform's content and its ability to adapt to changing industry needs. They also address common concerns and fears of shop owners, such as the perception of training as a game and the return on investment. They explain how the platform addresses these concerns and provides measurable outcomes, such as improved knowledge and performance, which can be used for salary increases, hiring decisions, and overall business improvement. 
The guests invite listeners to visit their website (ShopSquadOnline.com) for more information, to participate in webinars or to learn more about the platform. 
This episode is sponsored by AAPEX 2024, the premier business and networking event in the automotive industry.  Visit AAPEXShow.com to learn more about the show, being held November 5-7 in Las Vegas.