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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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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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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.

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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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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 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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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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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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Curtis Gardner is an Audi Master Guild technician. Today he joins Jeff to talk about his perspective on flat-rate pay, emphasizing both its financial upsides and its negative impact on technician mental health and work-life balance. They also share stories of the challenges and drawbacks of dealer politics, as well as the undervaluing of skilled problem-solvers—known as the "Jims" of the shop—who often keep shops running but aren’t compensated accordingly.

00:00 Chrysler: Embracing Opportunity for Growth

15:41 Rear Alignment Challenges and Costs

28:59 Flat Rate vs. Guaranteed Pay Debate

39:23 Prioritize Addressing Urgent Issues

48:11 Auto Repair Estimate Dilemma

54:00 Unwanted Vehicle Inspection Alerts

01:04:53 Need for Persistent Problem Solvers

01:18:40 Entrepreneurial Journey: From Gym to Business

01:24:38 Technician Money Management Struggles

01:41:41 "Advice for Unfulfilled Tech Workers"

01:49:23 Advocating Conversations for Technicians

01:56:35 Balancing Work and Family Struggles

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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 Dory Carlin, co-owner of a two-bay independent shop in Western Pennsylvania. Dory shares his unconventional journey into automotive repair, reflecting on lessons learned from both good and bad management throughout his career at dealerships. They discuss the challenges of growing a small shop, emphasizing the importance of valuing diagnostic expertise and standing firm on pricing, and touch on the evolving roles and support needed for young technicians entering the trade. 

00:00 Jeff can't take the heat!

06:20 Valuing the Auto Industry Fairly

13:02 Reflections on Childhood Acquaintances

19:32 Dealership Dynamics and Challenges

25:55 Customer Choice in Service Quality

27:16 Shop Owners' Part Choices Critique

34:11 Luxury Brands Use Flat Rate

42:18 "CSI: The Imaginary Priority"

44:43 Success Depends on Team Dynamics

51:07 Collaborative Learning Boosts Business

58:00 Customer Satisfaction: Word-of-Mouth Impact

01:00:35 Public Transit: A Modern Solution

01:05:34 Closer Job for Family Time

01:12:04 "My Ex-Girlfriend, My Wife"

01:17:51 Industry Dynamics and Control Shift

01:25:31 "Vehicle Repair Access Concerns"

01:27:27 Tesla: Pioneering Car Subscription Features

01:33:51 Hiring Biases Against Young Workers

01:39:14 Car Troubleshooting Conversation

01:45:27 "Navigating Automotive Service Rates"

01:50:18 Car Sales: Prioritize Quality and Integrity

01:57:35 Understanding Trauma in Different Professions

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In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by his longtime friend and colleague Bryan Pollock. Bryan remembers stories of diagnostic mishaps and stresses the importance of following proper service information and thorough quality control processes. Together, they highlight the critical need for ongoing technician training, investing in apprenticeship programs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the shop. 

00:00 Jade Mechanic Podcast: Frustration Episode

10:26 Accountability in Automotive Repairs

12:00 Cost of Staff Training Commitment

20:59 "Diagnostic Limits in Auto Shops"

25:37 "Effective Group Communication Tip"

29:13 Nissan Programming Challenges

33:58 Tool Investment Strategy

39:02 Flaws in Production-Based Pay

44:57 Multiple Children Shadowing Experience

50:13 "Social Media & Royalty Auto Insights"

53:15 Training and Career Progression Importance

59:21 Delayed Realizations and Regrets

01:05:02 Chrysler Pacifica Clutch Issue

01:09:39 "Identifix: Underappreciated Diagnostic Tool"

01:20:02 Mystery of the Lake's Knowledge

01:21:02 Cost-Effective Local Training Option

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