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In this episode, Jeff Compton welcomes Chuck Mitchell, this year's APPEX Giveaway Winner from the Changing the Industry Podcast with Lucas Underwood and David Roman. Chuck shares his story of how he got into the industry from fleet management and parts retail to shop ownership. He's passionate about the current technician shortage and helping younger generations. He and Jeff talk about the importance of cross-industry collaboration among local shops, the need for better training and information access, and the value of mentoring new technicians to create a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.

Timestamps:
00:00 Meet Chuck Mitchell

06:39 "Friend's Growth in Dealerships"

15:05 Balancing Business and Compassion

17:06 Shop Ownership Challenges

22:58 "Building Confidence Through Understanding"

30:19 Improving Industry and Supporting Workers

34:07 Tech Career Paths in Shops

36:44 "EV Direction and Innovation"

43:25 "Reviving Craftsmanship in Auto Industry"

48:24 "Vehicle Repair Challenges Persist"

52:18 Customer Service and Accountability

01:00:09 "AI, VR, and Cost Challenges"

01:03:39 "Nurturing Young Techs"

01:11:31 "Industry Growth Through Connection"

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In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Check Engine Chuck and Ryan Mullen for a conversation about the realities of working in automotive diagnostics. Ryan tells the story of being homeless and in addiction to becoming a sought-after diagnostician, emphasizing the importance of networking and community for professional growth. Check Engine Chuck highlights the power of persistence in tackling complex vehicle problems and the need to continually invest in skills and tools. They also talk about shop politics, technician shortages, and the rewards—and challenges—of building a career in the modern auto repair industry.

Timestamps:
00:00 The Power of Networking

07:13 "Homelessness to Triumph Story"

14:42 Valuing Talent in Industry

18:04 Balancing Work and Family Time

25:23 DRB3 vs. Y Tech Challenges

30:59 "Frustration, Help, and Connection"

36:37 "Patent Dispute and YouTube Fallout"

37:18 "My Tool is the Best"

43:58 "Discovering His Channel Journey"

49:55 Building Connections Through Snapchat

58:33 Addiction, Trauma, and Crime Connection

59:17 Changing Perspectives on Redemption

01:09:09 "Duralast Crank Sensor Solution"

01:12:05 Sequoia Airbag Sensor Fix

01:19:43 "Elite Techs Gather at Vision"

01:21:40 "Adapting Business for Success"

01:28:44 Diagnostic Tech Shortage Crisis

01:32:16 "No Ceiling for You"

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Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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In this episode, Jeff is joined by David Peacock, a mobile mechanic based in Calgary, Alberta. David talks about his life as a subcontractor, pointing out it's pros and it's cons. He's had plenty of run-ins with harsh Canadian winters and long commutes. They also bring up the current  tech shortage and what needs to happen to see it improve.

Timestamps:
00:00 Fort McMurray: Canada's Boom Town

08:28 Leaving Toxic Work Environments

13:57 "Embracing Mobile Work Independence"

17:29 "Automotive Collaboration Challenges"

25:32 Fleet Operating Costs Insights

30:14 Truck Inspections and Frame Issues

35:05 Dealer Warranty Issues Persist

38:22 "Commission-Based Confusion in Charges"

46:06 "Vacation Saved, Gratitude Earned"

52:41 Oil Change Frustrations

57:27 Autel Remote Shop Experience

01:01:35 TPMS Tool Usage Tips

01:07:15 "Low-Maintenance Generational Drivers"

01:10:31 Miscommunication Leads to Customer Frustration

01:20:38 "Advisor Weakness in Auto Industry"

01:23:41 Understanding Oil Leak Perceptions

01:27:49 "Choosing Stability Over Ambition"

01:36:03 Experience Doesn't Guarantee Mastery

01:39:20 Start Small, Build Understanding

01:43:13 "Technician Time and Process"

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Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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Register for Tektonic HERE!

In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Amber Wright, VP of Business Development at Tekmetric, and Aaron Szafran, a former shop operator now with Tekmetric. Amber and Aaron share firsthand insights on how shop management software like Tekmetric can transform daily operations—emphasizing the importance of embracing change, streamlining shop processes, and building trust with customers through transparency and modern technology like DVIs (Digital Vehicle Inspections).

Timestamps:
00:00 "Community and Growth in Industry"

06:40 Shop Efficiency and Cost Challenges

14:53 Building Trust Over Efficiency

20:29 Adapting to New Shop Systems

21:59 Cloud Transition and Data Security

31:02 Proactive Customer Care Benefits

36:46 Enhancing Customer Journey Communication

38:03 Overbooking Risks in Auto Shops

46:59 Defining "Fair" in Business Pricing

51:42 "Decisions Driving Customer Experience"

53:59 "Powerful Customer-Focused Tech Support"

01:01:47 Truthful Advocacy Without Tough Spots

01:08:03 Seamless Business Transition Process

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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

Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE

In this episode, Jeff welcomes Sherwood Cook II and Sherwood Cook III of Royalty Auto for an in-depth conversation at ASTA 2025. The trio highlights the importance of advocacy in the automotive industry, emphasizing honest communication and putting the customer’s safety and best interests first. They discuss the current challenges facing independent shops, from the technician shortage to the escalating costs of tools and access to training, and explore ways to attract and retain the next generation of technicians.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Safety Over Inconvenience Prioritized"

05:41 "Rapid Channel Success Explained"

11:12 "Sharing Training for Struggling Techs"

18:27 "Passion for Lifelong Training"

22:16 Micah's Creative Remote Control Hack

30:24 Streamlined Auto Service Conversations

35:31 "Assessing Vehicle Needs Insightfully"

39:45 The Dilemma of Discounting

43:11 "Practical Repairs Over Perfection"

48:44 Passionate Mechanic's Reflection

57:09 "Mentors, Survival, and Tool Humor"

01:00:51 "First Tools and Truck Shop"

01:04:14 Budget Tools vs Premium Quality

01:08:34 Bought Used Scanner, Regret Depreciation

01:14:47 Tech Industry Workforce Shortage

01:22:30 Hands-On Summer Skills Camp

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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This episode was recorded at the ASTA Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. You should go next year!

Jeff Compton, Ethan Whidden and Stacy Black from Promotive have a conversation about how Promotive is now using AI with their virtual recruiter, Paige, to pre-screen candidates around the clock and ensure no great technician is unhappy at work. They also talk about how both shop owners and technicians need a good shop culture, continued training, and flexibility in benefits like PTO and four-day workweeks.

Timestamps:
00:00 Recording at ASTA Expo - Looking Forward to AAPEX

08:02 Shop Culture and Expectations

15:29 "Missing the Shop Dogs"

18:13 Embrace Continuous Technical Training

25:55 Headset Restrictions Spark Workplace Debate

29:52 "Prioritizing Safety Under Pressure"

36:01 Shop Owners' Hiring Frustrations

37:06 Hiring: Reputation and Compatibility Insights

45:46 Decision-Making and Consultation Process

47:27 Balancing Tech and Shop Perspectives

54:44 "Service Advisors Need Empathy Training"

58:27 Effective Brake Maintenance Communication

01:03:38 Aligning for Industry Improvement

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Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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

Register for Tektonic HERE!

In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Joel McLearn, shop owner from Nova Scotia. Today, he and Jeff get into the nitty-gritty shop management conversation from decisions about hiring and firing, to handling parts quality and pricing, and navigating the emotional side of customer service and business partnerships. And wait till you hear about the car battery incident! 

Timestamps:
00:00 It's Getting COLD in Canada!

20:26 Confusion in Brake Inspection Practices

30:19 "Effective Rust Prevention Techniques"

31:47 Enduring Ford Engine Issues

51:17 Minimum Charges in Service Industry

56:28 Embarrassing Car Battery Incident

01:12:58 Bridging Dealer-Aftermarket Divide

01:21:30 Choosing Cost-Effective Car Repair

01:24:00 Car Emission Testing Process Updated

01:39:44 Effective Communication Strategies

01:47:40 Misleading DVI Practices at Dealerships

01:56:29 Proving Value Through Repairs

02:06:51 Service Advisor Accountability Required

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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

Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE

In this episode, Jeff is joined by Mathieu Patenaude, a mobile heavy truck technician from the Ottawa area. Mathieu shares his journey from working for a school bus company to running his own mobile diagnostic business, explaining the challenges of adapting to rapidly changing truck technology and industry standards. They both talk about the challenges of working in harsh Ottawa winters, the unique demands of fleet maintenance, and the importance of thorough diagnostics and road-testing in the trucking world.

Timestamps:
00:00 Ottawa Business Overview with Matthew

06:08 Old School Car Troubleshooting

13:03 Ottawa's Troubled Transit Project

16:57 Parking Lot Truck Challenges

21:34 Trailer Safety Overload Experience

26:20 Renting Trucks vs. Specialized Equipment

35:11 Pursuing a Career with Mercedes?

37:16 "Tech Diagnostics: Knowledge Builds Over Time"

43:47 Rising Door Rates in Canada

47:29 "Shop Pranks with FUE Cans"

56:12 "Rethinking Trade Apprenticeships"

58:15 "Encouraging Thoughtful Problem Solving"

01:08:05 Importance of Failure Analysis

01:08:43 Incomplete Failure Analysis Practices

01:15:40 Procrastinating Vehicle Maintenance Woes

01:20:54 Changing Car Culture Impacting Youth

01:25:32 Paving His Own Path

01:30:48 Tech Distractions in the Workplace

01:39:01 Transmission Fluid Level Check Process

01:45:46 Handle Both Car Batteries

01:47:07 Critiquing from an Ivory Tower

01:51:39 Hidden Car Defects Dilemma

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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

Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE

In this episode, Jeff Compton welcomes Marshall Sheldon. Marshall stresses the importance of selecting apprentices based on personality and willingness to learn rather than experience. Jeff and Marshall also talk about flat rate vs hourly, and how the industry might just replace service advisors soon.

00:00 Meet Marshall Sheldon

06:02 "Mentorship to Independence"

13:49 Personable Candidates over Technical Skills

19:46 Advocating For Technician Training

24:04 Employee Retention Through Treatment

28:43 Certificate of Qualification Reflections

37:18 "Mechanic's Night Shift Challenges"

41:11 Entrepreneurship: Balancing Risk and Reward

43:55 Innovative Technician's Essential Impact

49:03 Rework Incentives: Fair or Not?

54:31 Budgeting Training Costs

01:03:50 "Stop Performing DVI for Free"

01:07:35 Improving Advisor Communication Skills

01:11:07 "Three-Year Engine Warranty Assurance"

01:16:38 Hands-On Mechanical Training Guidance

01:22:12 "Commitment to Quality Repairs"

01:31:04 Autel vs. Zeus Tool Dilemma

01:33:11 Auto Programming with Autel Device

01:38:16 Dealership Mentorship and Financial Guidance

01:45:52 Jeep Module Issue and Dealer Solution

01:48:20 LinkedIn: Showcasing Technical Professionalism

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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

Register for Tektonic HERE!

In this episode, Jeff talks with Josh Parnell from the Limitless Leadership Podcast. Josh shares why recognition, rather than pay, is the number one reason that technicians stay vs leave their jobs. They also talk about the importance of meaningful one-on-ones and consistent follow-through for building trust and accountability in the shop.

Check out the Limitless Leadership Podcast with Josh Parnell HERE

Sign up for the ASTA Expo happening September 25-28 HERE

00:00 Technician Retention Beyond Pay

09:19 "Effective Leadership: Embrace One-on-Ones"

13:11 "Now is the Time"

17:22 "Safety, Trust, and Clarity"

26:11 "Culture and Pride in Work"

29:09 Empowering Lives Through Auto Repair

34:35 "Embracing Life's Lessons"

39:36 Empowering Leaders Through Coaching

43:51 Instincts and Individual Methods Matter

52:10 Teaching Enhances Understanding

54:22 Empowering Change Through Questions

01:01:20 Prioritizing Friendship in Workplaces

01:05:32 Foundation Through Core Values

01:11:19 Service Mindset vs. Problem Solving

01:15:14 ASTA Attracts Social Media Influencers

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