Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

In this episode, Jeff welcomes Eric Pierce AKA Drac from TikTok. Eric shares his journey through the dealership, highlighting his challenges with management and the lack of adequate compensation, despite the high door rate. He also talks about the physical toll of the job after his motorcycle accident, which led to pursuing a different role with Lime Scooters. 

00:00 TikTok Algorithm and Life Updates

11:10 Tech Apprenticeship Shift

31:46 Refusing Service: A Mechanic's Stand

35:01 Commission for Service Advisors, Not Techs

52:09 Unmotivated Employee Struggles to Learn

56:39 Teeth Misalignment and Workshop Support

01:05:12 Neglected Car Battery Causes Issues

01:23:09 Easier Work Than Auto Mechanic

01:27:11 Career Reflections: The Grind Culture

01:44:01 Misunderstandings, Not Ripoffs, in Auto Repairs

01:53:07 Government Mandates on Vehicle Efficiency

01:58:31 "Online Dogpiling Concerns"

02:06:18 Technicians, Not Malicious, Often Exploited

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Mickey Leech is the CEO of Schumacher Electric. Today, he and Jeff talk about the EV battery charging market, other industry technological advancements, and how to grow within today's industry. They also discuss how to support and equip young technicians with tools, training, and care, to help the industry over the next few decades.

05:50 Tech Evolution: Overcoming Information Barriers

13:23 Innovative Wireless Charging Solution

18:26 Shift in Appreciation for Loud Cars

25:39 Vintage Schumacher Battery Charger Nostalgia

30:51 Tech Life: Untold Stories

32:45 Embrace New Technology in Business

37:04 "Dealership vs. Independent Shop Dynamics"

46:11 Flexible Work Schedules for Technicians

47:46 Collaborative Workplace Success Strategies

57:05 Seniority Doesn't Equal Leadership

01:01:53 Seniority vs. Skill in Trades

01:04:11 Investing in Employee Tool Development

01:09:29 Excited to Connect at Future SEMA

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

In this episode, Murray Voth from RPM Training chats with Jeff. Murray starts with what he called "emotional discounting" at repair shops, and how the industry needs to shift from this. He also discusses shop owners' challenges when they feel "handcuffed" to their businesses and explores ways to strike a balance between working in the industry and strategizing for its growth. 

00:00 Business Coaching & Consulting Expansion

08:01 "Benefits of Online Coaching"

12:13 "Business Evaluation and Consultancy Insights"

18:30 Bypassing Front Desk for Control

25:30 Behind-the-scenes Business Strategy

30:25 Delegation and Succession Planning

33:16 Business Closure Due to Owner Retirements

41:28 Car Ownership Financial Struggles

45:36 Understanding Personal and Professional Values

48:55 Overlooked Auto Maintenance Education

55:44 Choosing Quality Over Cost

58:49 Learning Technical Skills Hands-On

01:04:08 Streamlined Service Through Effective Communication

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Lester Kovacs is from Dorman Products. Today, he and Jeff discuss the challenges faced by Dorman in obtaining feedback from technicians about defective parts and why they need better communication from the industry. Jeff reflects on the reputation of aftermarket parts and that he's seen Dorman make improvements in that area. Lester also shares what's next for Dorman as they think about the future and the EV market.

00:00 Success in Diesel and Auto Parts

10:14 First Job in Automotive Industry

11:33 Innovative Product Development Role

19:05 Optimizing Automotive Part Reliability

23:06 Technician Ingenuity and Collaboration

31:01 Remanufacturing Enhancements via Failure Analysis

36:01 Communication Gaps in Auto Services

40:09 Tech Training: Progress and Challenges

44:22 Window Regulator Redesign Challenges

48:32 Expanding Beyond Light Duty Fleet

53:10 Tech Issues Render Cars Obsolete

01:01:42 Improving Dealer-Customer Collaboration

01:03:49 Tech Struggles with RF Hub Shortage

01:11:29 Aftermarket Solutions for EV Failures

01:16:41 Constructive Feedback Over Negativity

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Today's guest is Josiah Meiring, the Big Iron Doctor on TikTok. Josiah talks about the issues in the heavy equipment servicing industry, particularly how technicians are severely underpaid. He talks about when he worked at a John Deere dealership and why he left to be a mechanic, saying his diagnostic skills needed to improve. Josiah also shares advice on starting a business, saying it's really important to have proper training and certification.

00:00 Pipeline Equipment Experience

08:33 Working in Extreme Heat: Strategies

11:28 Pipeline Mechanic Opportunity: Higher Pay

18:44 Freelance Mechanic's Journey

22:04 Curiosity and Learning Mindset

30:53 Helping in Hurricane Aftermath

36:39 "Navigating Bootleg Software Challenges"

40:37 Understanding System Technology Reluctance

44:22 Applied Failure Analysis Explained

50:12 Exorbitant Repair Quotes Dispute

54:24 Equipment Maintenance: Big vs. Small Contractors

01:02:51 Minimum Tech Education Demand

01:07:51 Lack of Industry Standard Certification

01:12:56 Not a Truck Mechanic

01:14:19 Complex Truck Systems Challenges

01:19:43 Celebrating Everyday Fixers

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Mike Allen owns Carfix Auto Repair and Tires in Raleigh, NC. He's also the President of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance of North Carolina. He just started a podcast of his own, too! Confessions of a Shop Owner with Mike Allen. Check it out here! 

Today, Jeff and Mike discuss how to treat employees well and learn from past leadership mistakes to start a thriving work environment. Mike also says that ongoing training and self-improvement are crucial for owners, technicians, and service advisors.

00:00 Training: One Size Doesn't Fit All

05:53 Streamlined Vehicle Inspection Process

09:04 Car Repair Estimate Process

11:34 Auto Repair Support for Complex Cases

15:01 Technicians Resist Changing Write-Up Process

18:09 Service Communication Issues

19:47 Diagnostic Decision: Cost vs. Certainty

25:09 Transparent Interview Process Benefits

27:16 Natural Leader's Journey

30:42 Generational Impact of IGO Expo

33:35 Expanding Perspectives through Dialogue

36:06 Commitment to Business Process

41:42 Disagreement on Shop Owner's Reputation

44:56 Changing Communication in Skilled Trades

46:45 Career Advice for Young Tradesperson

50:00 Balancing Growth and Workforce Priorities

53:08 "Top Technician in Industry"

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Mark Elliot, a TikTok creator, joins Jeff Compton today. Mark discusses the importance of smaller, focused training sessions for effective learning, sharing his recent experience with a modern turbos diagnosis course. Jeff and Mark also talk about the challenges and benefits of finding dedicated trainers for the industry. 

00:00 Transitioning from technician to business side discovered.

09:52 Unique approach leads to success and teaching.

13:22 Advocate for quality car repairs, and prioritize safety.

19:27 Scope learning curve is inefficient; test light suffices.

24:58 Instructors emphasize fundamentals before using lab scopes.

28:50 Indian immigrants employed at Winnipeg businesses.

35:13 Open collaboration and learning through equipment experimentation.

38:27 Understanding volt drop through practical insights.

43:15 Trainers prefer daytime courses; shops must adapt.

50:17 I have a secret shirt idea to share.

56:58 Made Inuit friends, tried raw caribou, recorded video.

58:09 Enthusiastic about experiencing Inuit culture and food.

01:04:48 Events promote learning and networking opportunities.

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Jeff Compton is joined by Tonnika Haynes, owner of Brown's Automotive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Tonnika talks about growing up in the family business and what it's like to now carry on her father's legacy. Jeff draws on his memories of his father's meticulous craftsmanship, touching on their work's legacy and personal impact.

00:00 Talk about ASTA

05:49 Not a speaker, rarely talked, encouraged otherwise.

09:24 Dad's craftsmanship was recognized years later, as an impactful legacy.

11:07 Projects took longer than planned, and extra effort was required.

15:24 Reflecting on memories with humor and family.

16:41 Inspired by helping others in the collision industry.

20:04 Became more prominent while he faded.

25:00 Unexpected discoveries about Jesus' side jobs.

27:17 Perseverance despite challenges, no quitting allowed.

32:00 Jordan oddly fixes car lights; doesn't understand cars.

35:46 Evaluate post-visit behavior; mostly well-behaved.

38:13 He wants a barndominium for his lifestyle.

39:44 Prefers Caravan customers to Viper owners.

43:37 Discusses discomfort with medical procedures and measurements.

46:42 Chat GTP's impact: resumes misleading, desire honest employees.

49:49 Young people struggle to clean thoroughly, frustratingly incomplete.

52:25 People still playing Pokémon at 21 years old.

57:21 Conferences show success is achievable with choices.

01:00:06 Please like, share, and auto-download podcast.

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Sunil Patel is the founder of Tekmetric and Kieran O'Brien is the co-founder of Shop Genie

In today's episode, Kieran emphasizes training service advisors to improve sales performance through enhanced communication and technology adoption. Sunil shares his journey from medicine to founding Tekmetric, explaining how modern digital tools like digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) can streamline operations. Jeff highlights the challenge of convincing older shop owners to adopt new technologies despite the clear benefits for efficiency and customer experience.

00:00 Physician switched careers to open repair shop.

05:14 Matt inspired my journey in business ownership.

08:10 Focus on customer service ensures business success.

10:37 DVI revolutionized customer-technician interactions; and enhanced efficiency.

14:34 TechMetric consolidates vendors, saving businesses money.

16:23 Shop Genie: Solving automotive scheduling with technology.

21:18 Sales skills are crucial for auto repair success.

23:21 Prioritize sales training for advisors over EVs.

28:55 Recall past recommendations; address at next appointment.

29:46 Long-term customers may opt for new cars.

32:41 Customer experience drives business success in 2024.

36:39 Technology trends impact all age groups.

40:04 Waiting affects efficiency; cultural fit varies significantly.

44:59 Maintain transparency without scaring customers away.

45:49 Old methods required; dealership knowledge outdated.

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job, or help you hire. Touch HERE for more.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Jeff Compton is joined by Becky Witt, who shares her experiences and strategies for running a successful auto repair shop. Becky discusses the critical importance of hiring skilled front counter staff who excel in customer interaction, emphasizing that technical skills are not always necessary at the front counter. She highlights the significance of preventive maintenance and proactive customer communication, sharing her approach to diagnosing and managing vehicle issues. Finally, Becky delves into the challenges and solutions she has implemented to attract and retain valuable employees, including unique work arrangements and focusing on specific car brands.

00:00 Becky simplifies business success and culture effectively.

07:45 Add dollars until gross profit aligns.

11:08 Closed Fridays; seeking unicorns for a productivity boost.

18:13 Proactively replace batteries and tires for safety.

25:50 Service, product knowledge; prolonging battery and tires.

28:38 Interview is successful; the candidate is impressively prepared and equipped.

32:00 Joe Gibbs: Super Bowl coach, NASCAR team owner.

40:01 Dealership advisors: hustlers, multitaskers; independents struggle.

47:10 Struts need replacing; loose nut chewed threads.

50:37 Focus on training front staff, not diagnostics.

57:27 Farmers produce prized, tender Interstate 80 beef.

01:01:05 A Technician's job is tough, demanding, and underestimated.

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232