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In this episode, Jeff welcomes Pennsylvania technician Brian DeCesare to discuss how the automotive industry can rebuild customer trust through honest inspections, ethical recommendations, and consistent shop practices. Brian shares his journey from growing up in his father's body shop to working in independent repair shops, reflecting on burnout, poor shop culture, and the challenges of being the only productive technician. The conversation also covers technician training, right to repair, ADAS, TPMS, EVAP diagnostics, mental health, and why industry events are helping create a stronger automotive community.

Timestamps:

00:00 Trust and Estimates
 00:46 Podcast Introduction and Guest
 02:04 Growing Up Around Auto Shops
 04:24 Choosing a Career in Automotive
 05:59 School, Sales, and Training
 07:36 First Shop and Subaru Lessons
 11:30 Dealer vs. Independent Shops
 14:22 Burnout as the Only Productive Technician
 16:47 New Shop, Same Challenges
 26:16 Building a Culture of Teaching
 32:45 Explaining Diagnostics to Customers
 33:39 Training Before the Internet
 34:09 Meeting Industry Mentors
 34:49 Calling Out Dishonest Shop Practices
 38:40 Doing Right by Customers
 41:30 The Reality of Dealership Life
 44:42 Pay Structures and Incentives
 46:38 Recommending Shops and Vehicles
 49:13 Jeep Network Diagnostics
 52:54 Programming Costs and Risks
 57:21 Right to Repair and Over-the-Air Updates
 01:03:53 ADAS Investment Challenges
 01:05:42 Safety Technology vs. Shop Budgets
 01:08:02 Privacy and Customer Trust
 01:08:53 Parking Sensors and ADAS
 01:09:28 Inspection Rules and Technician Responsibility
 01:10:30 The Reality of TPMS Neglect
 01:12:53 Self-Driving Vehicle Lockouts
 01:13:27 Vehicle Subscriptions and Ownership
 01:14:30 The Cost of Right to Repair
 01:16:07 Losing Veteran Technician Knowledge
 01:19:10 Shop Culture and Burnout
 01:23:32 Mental Health and Addiction
 01:28:15 The "Second 40 Hours" Trap
 01:32:39 Pay Plans and Oil Change Pricing
 01:39:56 Licensing and Vehicle Inspections
 01:45:00 Safety Standards and Loopholes
 01:46:57 Defeating Safety Systems
 01:48:18 The Value of TPMS
 01:49:20 Selling Tires with TPMS Sensors
 01:52:15 Advisor Pricing Mindset
 01:53:44 Proper TPMS Testing
 01:55:42 Why EVAP Codes Matter
 01:57:23 Solving the Technician Shortage
 01:59:36 Improving Access to Tools and Training
 02:03:37 Industry Events and Community
 02:08:45 The Future of the Automotive Community
 02:10:16 Reignited by Tools Conference
 02:12:15 Final Thanks and Sign-Off

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In this episode, Jeff welcomes veteran technician Steve Blanchard to compare Quebec's hourly-pay system with Ontario's flat-rate model. Steve shares his journey from GM dealerships in Quebec to working in Ontario, explaining how different pay structures affect technician morale, quality, and shop culture. The conversation explores leadership, service advisor processes, warranty work, EV technology, right-to-repair concerns, and why rewarding quality—not just billed hours—creates stronger teams.

Timestamps:

00:00 Incentives Without Flat Rate
 00:46 Podcast Introduction and Guest
 02:35 Steve's Early Career in Quebec
 05:39 Hourly Pay and Seasonal Layoffs
 12:20 Why Quebec Doesn't Use Flat Rate
 16:48 Moving to Ottawa
 21:03 Red Seal Exam and Flat Rate Shock
 22:53 Hands-On vs. Written Testing
 28:18 How Flat Rate Hurts the Trade
 34:41 Comebacks and Bad Incentives
 36:37 Warranty Work and Cutting Corners
 39:22 Teamwork vs. Competition
 39:49 Training Your Replacement
 40:34 Gatekeeping in the Shop
 42:32 Dispatch Challenges
 44:52 Switching to Hyundai
 45:48 Hyundai Failures and Shop Politics
 49:31 When Flat Rate Becomes a Punishment
 51:40 Warranty Repair Blowup
 56:09 Free Labor and Employee Loyalty
 01:02:27 DIY Repairs and Safety Risks
 01:06:17 EVs and Self-Driving Technology
 01:10:12 Vehicle Data and Privacy Concerns
 01:14:13 Subscription Features and Paywalls
 01:16:52 Software Pricing Challenges
 01:17:28 Affordable EV Truck Discussion
 01:19:51 EV Charging Reality
 01:21:00 EV Lockouts and Liability
 01:22:37 The Right-to-Repair Debate
 01:25:30 Technician Certification Changes
 01:27:11 Remote Vehicle Control and Privacy
 01:30:25 Flat Rate vs. Hourly Pay
 01:32:18 Leadership and Shop Culture
 01:40:04 The Role of Service Advisors
 01:43:03 Injury, Career Longevity, and Exit Plans
 01:44:45 Better Appointment Preparation
 01:55:07 Wrap Up and Closing

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In this episode, Jeff sits down with technician-turned-shop-owner Caleb Mac to discuss the challenges of leaving the comfort of employment to build a business from the ground up. Caleb shares his journey from dealership lube technician to opening his own repair shop in rural Minnesota, reflecting on poor mentorship, burnout, ethical repair decisions, and the lessons that shaped his approach to business. The conversation also covers pricing strategies, mobile repair, towing, diagnostics, hiring, and balancing entrepreneurship with family life.

Timestamps

00:00 Discomfort Drives Growth
 00:49 Podcast Introduction and Caleb Returns
 02:03 Opening a New Shop in Minnesota
 03:51 Mobile Repair During Harsh Winters
 05:20 Dealership Lube Bay Challenges
 10:43 Learning Without Mentorship
 13:08 Why Caleb Chose Automotive Repair
 16:27 Fast Learning at a Used Car Dealer
 18:27 Safety Standards and Rust Repairs
 22:20 Burnout, Pay, and Tool Costs
 25:32 Raises, Pay Tracking, and Moving On
 34:06 Bad Coworkers and Comebacks
 38:06 Road Tests and Accountability
 39:53 Coils vs. Spark Plugs Debate
 40:48 Looking Beyond the Misfire
 41:34 Hemi Lifter Failures
 43:47 Ethics of Frame Repairs
 49:34 Launching a Solo Business
 54:30 Pricing and Parts Matrix Strategies
 59:08 The Reality of Mobile Repair
 01:02:11 Finding a Permanent Shop
 01:17:47 Tour of the New Shop
 01:22:23 Adding Towing Services
 01:23:25 Insurance and Business Research
 01:24:19 Buying a Tow Truck
 01:25:19 How Towing Quickly Paid Off
 01:25:47 A Challenging Diagnostic Case
 01:27:14 Using Brandon Steckler's Resources
 01:28:39 Shop Owner vs. Technician Responsibilities
 01:31:58 Building a Family Legacy
 01:32:53 Farmall Restoration Project
 01:35:15 Carburetors vs. EFI Swaps
 01:37:42 Hiring During Slow Seasons
 01:39:26 The Physical Toll of Mobile Repair
 01:42:50 Final Advice and Mindset
 01:45:46 ASCA and Industry Networking
 01:48:09 Canada Stories and Fishing
 01:53:12 Wrap Up and Call to Action

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Recorded at Tools in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Jeff sits down with Josh Coomes of Auto Shop Therapy and technician Brian Ramsburg to discuss the realities of running a modern repair shop. Brian reflects on more than 18 years in the trade, the challenges of being a solo technician, and why he enjoys variety in his work, while Josh shares his customer-first approach, leadership lessons, and the importance of protecting a shop's reputation. Together, they explore diagnostics, pay plans, hiring, training, and building a culture that values quality over speed.

Timestamps:

00:00 Listen or Become a Liability
 00:35 Tools in Hershey Introduction
 02:37 Brian's Career Journey
 04:18 Owning a Job vs. Owning a Shop
 07:42 Customer Empathy and Service Standards
 09:21 Turning Away Older Vehicles
 14:48 Favorite Types of Repairs
 18:02 Why They Avoid European Vehicles
 19:40 Shop Scheduling and Profitability
 21:56 Technician vs. Owner Priorities
 25:38 Working Relationship Challenges
 28:28 Hiring and Leadership Lessons
 36:20 Mentoring and a Proof-Based Culture
 40:41 Pay Plans and Team Morale
 42:03 The Starter Diagnosis Debate
 45:41 The Stress of Being the Only Technician
 48:50 Quality Control vs. Book Time
 52:40 Shop Standards and Fair Productivity
 55:27 Workflow and Imperfect Data
 58:51 Flat Rate Pressure Stories
 01:05:10 Hiring Through Working Interviews
 01:10:23 Charging Properly to Grow
 01:12:44 Final Advice and Closing

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In this episode, Jeff is with Josh Forbes of Maxim Muffler in Winnipeg talks about his unconventional path into the automotive industry. What started with constant breakdowns on his first car—a 1993 Ford Tempo—turned into a career built through hands-on learning, apprenticeship experience, and years of navigating different shop environments. Josh shares lessons from dealership life, the importance of shop culture, why employee appreciation matters, and his concerns about the future of right-to-repair legislation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Tools and Debt Lessons
 00:45 Podcast Introduction
 02:44 Shop Schedule and Weather
 03:27 First Cars and Fuel Costs
 08:22 Tempo Breakdowns That Started It All
 12:24 College Training at Fanshawe
 14:17 Choosing the Trade Path
 17:54 Ford Dealer Quick Lane Reality
 24:19 Book Time vs. Real Repairs
 36:41 Why He Left the Dealer
 39:06 Finding the Right Shop
 41:29 The Culture That Changed Everything
 45:21 Appreciation Over Pay
 52:17 How Bad Culture Breaks Technicians
 55:04 Forever Apprentice Mindset
 58:44 Trade Pay Gap Debate
 01:02:19 DIY Repair Horror Stories
 01:07:54 Training Service Writers
 01:16:24 The Right to Repair Fight
 01:21:22 Quality Control Basics
 01:23:46 Training Instead of Punishment
 01:27:35 Oil Leak Case Study
 01:31:46 Recognition and Longevity
 01:37:35 Smart Tool Buying
 01:40:05 Diagnostics, Process, and School
 01:47:00 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

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Recorded at the TOOLS in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Jeff sits down with Canadian shop owners Frank and Margarita Wiebe of 3D Auto to share their first destination training event and the lessons they're bringing back to their shop. They share how the welcoming community helped them build new relationships, the value of technical and service advisor training, and why effective customer communication starts with selling value—not price. The conversation also covers diagnostics, shop processes, professionalism, preventive maintenance, and building a culture focused on continuous learning and integrity.

Timestamps:
00:00 Honesty With Customers
00:46 Meet Frank and Margarita Wiebe
01:42 Road Trip to Hershey
03:39 First Destination Training Event
04:26 Finding Community at TOOLS
06:30 Women's Dinner Experience
08:34 Their Podcast Journey
09:38 Tire Lifting Tips
11:12 Women in the Shop
13:18 Safety and Leadership Lessons
15:09 Favorite Training Sessions
21:11 Hershey Lodge Experience
23:32 Improving Customer Estimates
27:50 Building a Professional Shop Brand
29:48 Training Technicians and Using Lab Scopes
33:41 Battery Testing Best Practices
34:55 Preventive Maintenance Mindset
36:12 Doing Maintenance the Right Way
37:26 Advocating for Customers
39:04 Fleet Maintenance Success Stories
41:41 Why Phone Estimates Don't Work
43:51 Diagnose Before Replacing Parts
46:14 Handling Difficult Customers
51:39 Pricing and Setting Priorities
54:05 Free Services and Due Diligence
01:00:22 Tekmetric Experiences
01:04:13 A/C Season and Fleet Planning
01:06:31 Final Takeaways and Wrap Up

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Recorded at Tools Pennsylvania 2026, this discussion brings together Jeff with Bryan Pollock, Tonnika Haynes and Braxton Critcher to talk about the realities of growing a podcast and business through social media. They explore why short-form content and reels are essential for reaching new audiences, the downside of viral clips attracting negative comments, and the challenge of balancing attention-grabbing content with long-term brand integrity. The conversation also covers dealing with online criticism, protecting your mental health, and staying focused on helping people make meaningful changes instead of chasing internet arguments.

Timestamps:
00:00 Do You Focus?
01:34 Disc Golf Banter
01:52 Emotional Support Wiener
02:10 Tools PA Roundtable Introduction
02:30 Group Chat Chaos
03:32 Reels Are the Devil
05:05 Why Social Media Matters
06:51 Viral Reels and Online Hate
09:29 Deleting Ignorant Comments
11:01 Rage Bait vs. Clickbait
15:00 Shop Rates and Industry Reality
16:24 Producer Clip Strategy
20:58 Can You Change the Industry?
23:53 Choosing Positivity
29:34 Why Good Content Still Gets Hate
32:42 The "Must Be Nice" Mindset
34:40 Handling Large Audiences
35:53 Protecting Your Peace
36:16 Keyboard Warrior Stories
38:34 Why Viewers Get Angry
41:01 You Can't Save Everyone
42:30 The Highlight Reel Trap
48:24 Stop Complaining—Start Changing

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In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Kansas technician Eric Schoenberger of Holt Motor Company. Having grown up around Chrysler dealerships alongside his father, a veteran drivability and transmission specialist, Eric shares his experiences in dealer life and why he ultimately transitioned to the independent repair world. The conversation explores flat-rate frustrations, warranty and recall work, shop politics, diagnostic strategies, transmission repairs, evolving technology, and the value of ongoing training. Eric also discusses how independent shops offer less stress, and a different approach to customer service and technician growth.

Timestamps:
00:00 Podcast Welcome and Holiday
00:45 Kansas Guest and Vision Talk
01:30 Shop Intro and Dealer Roots
06:03 Family Influence and Career Path
08:12 Flat Rate and Recall Frustrations
17:25 Favorite Dealer Work and Transmissions
23:03 PT Cruiser Love-Hate Jobs
25:35 Diagnostics and Techline Support
27:49 Dealer Life and Shop Politics
32:37 Misfires, Burnt Valves, and Borescopes
36:31 Pentastar Problems and Tips
41:26 Diesel Disasters
44:04 Recall Work Realities
49:21 Hybrid Battery Discussion
52:37 Leaving the Dealer World
55:47 Advisors, DVI, and Communication
01:01:38 Training Great Advisors
01:08:35 Transmission Service Debate
01:14:38 Moving to Independent Shops
01:16:27 Learning Through Service Information
01:18:46 Oddball Repairs and Old Mopars
01:27:05 Caravan Rear A/C Repairs
01:33:05 Training Events and Mentors
01:38:49 Shop Culture and Dispatching
01:40:44 A/C Diagnostics and Leak Testing
01:47:37 Parts Support Challenges
01:54:02 Technician Pay and Flat Rate
01:56:23 Gravy Work vs. Diagnostics
02:02:27 Independent Shop Mindset
02:12:28 Training and Networking
02:20:06 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

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In this Jaded Mechanic Podcast episode, Jeff sits down with Canadian technician Daniel Whitey to discuss his journey through the automotive trade. Daniel shares how a Chrysler co-op program at Centennial College led to an apprenticeship, dealership experience, and eventually a move into fleet maintenance. They discuss the realities of flat rate pay, mentorship, shop culture, tool investments, diagnostics, and why Daniel ultimately chose the stability of a straight-time fleet position. The conversation also explores technician mental health, career development, and advice for new technicians entering the industry.

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome 
00:51 Meet Daniel Whitey
03:48 Career Origins and Licensing
09:09 Centennial Chrysler Co-op
10:58 Chrysler Dealer Experience
21:30 Mentorship and Flat Rate Life
35:12 Diagnostic War Stories
42:04 Hybrids and EV Discussion
44:15 Leaving Chrysler
50:46 Transition to Hyundai
56:45 Hyundai Challenges
01:01:34 Fleet Shop Life and Benefits
01:08:38 Daily Fleet Pressures
01:18:53 Leaving Dealerships Gracefully
01:21:11 Saturday Flat Rate Grind
01:25:35 Recall Day Stories
01:35:46 Advice for New Technicians
01:46:44 Licensing and Competency
01:52:37 Mental Health and Closing Thoughts

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Recorded at Tools in Hershey, PA, Jeff Compton features Cody Kirkenester of Fadely’s Auto Masters. After 15 years as a technician and shop foreman, Cody transitioned into the service advisor and shop manager role. He shares his journey into the automotive industry, the training culture that helped shape his career, and a memorable diagnostic breakthrough using a lab scope. Cody also discusses mentoring technicians, managing customer relationships, parts quality challenges, AI in the shop, and one of his fears.

Timestamps
00:00 Meet Cody Kirkenester
00:56 From Tech to Advisor
02:27 Early Car Obsession
04:25 School and First Shops
07:40 Joining Faidley’s Auto
08:33 Training Culture
12:31 Diagnostic Breakthrough
15:08 Corvettes and Specialty Cars
20:16 Team Development and Mentoring
28:09 Moving Into Management
38:45 Challenges of Being a Service Advisor
47:51 Parts Quality Issues
51:43 Recruiting Young Talent
55:55 Scopes and AI Tools
58:44 Succession Planning
01:01:20 Legacy and Leadership
01:07:41 Wrap Up and Next Steps

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