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In this episode, Jeff Compton and Lucas Underwood get real about the realities of shop ownership and the repair industry. Lucas harps on why you need to build better systems and processes, mainly to avoid burnout. They both get heated about the technician pay structure, industry culture, and the crucial need for personal fulfillment and meaning beyond monetary success.

00:00 Intense Storms, Tornado Near Miss

06:15 "True Champions Plan for Success"

10:49 Complex Challenges in Industry Dynamics

20:06 Self-Reflection and Employee Turnover

25:07 Owner's Struggles with Management

30:23 "Chaotic Kitchen Reflections"

31:12 Automotive Industry Training Challenges

41:23 Welfare System Critique: Misallocation Concerns

45:03 Track and Tax Unbilled Services

47:12 Business Finance Transparency Needed

56:07 Rethinking Success Beyond Money

59:04 Career Pathing Concerns Discussed

01:03:14 Fishing: A Passionate Escape

01:12:29 Navigating Professional Boundaries

01:14:36 "Embracing Emotional Connections"

01:20:59 Helping Each Other: A Pipe Dream?

01:27:13 Eco Diesel Truck Dilemma

01:32:17 Online Complaints Over Car Repairs

01:38:54 Unnecessary Changes Disrupt Growing Shop

01:40:52 Emotion-Free Decision Making

01:46:20 "Challenging Stagnant Business Practices"

01:52:54 Building Character Through Purposeful Work

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In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Brett T. Fadley to discuss the upcoming TOOLS training event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Brett shares how TOOLS got started and how far it's come, but then gets into the challenges the auto repair industry has today. To get where the industry needs to be, events like TOOLS are critical.

Sign up for TOOLS here!

00:00 Understanding Financial Struggles of Shop Owners

05:46 In-Person Networking's Hidden Value

12:37 Business Challenges and Implementing Processes

19:56 Improving Shop Efficiency Discussions

23:38 Rust Advisory for Ontario Car Sales

29:48 Mechanics' Career Transition Paths

34:50 Car Repair Recommendations Debate

39:44 Changing Industry Perceptions Needed

47:55 Exit Scheduling Success in Auto Services

51:37 "Networking: Reducing the 'Suck' Factor"

54:46 Grateful for Career Purpose

59:28 Engine Installation Decisions in Shops

01:08:17 Limited Podcast Space Allocation

01:12:26 Summer Event Invitation

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In this episode, Jeff chats with Ben Dellaria from the Three T's Automotive YouTube Channel. Ben reflects on his journey from working at dealerships and independent shops to becoming a successful mobile mechanic, emphasizing the importance of professional conduct and strategic decision-making in business. Jeff and Ben discuss the significance of transparency, particularly when addressing mistakes, highlighting how it builds trust with clients.

00:00 Podcast Recognition Milestone

06:17 Outdated Carburetor Lessons in 2001

15:36 Stagnant Career in Auto Shops

21:17 DIY Mobile Auto Repair Journey

24:47 Critique of Mobile Auto Repair Jobs

29:16 Optimizing Mobile Business Efficiency

35:19 Transmission Repair Dispute Explained

39:07 TikTok's Impact on Job Viability

45:38 Incentive-Pay Myth in the Auto Industry

51:47 "Focused on Vehicle Condition"

59:25 Nissan Clutch and Compressor Failures

01:02:11 Chevy Communication Issues Explained

01:09:08 Repair Value Beyond Hourly Rate

01:14:12 Florida Estimate Quoting Regulation

01:17:49 Drawing the Line

01:23:21 Corporate Dealer vs. Independent Dynamics

01:31:22 "Resentment Towards Unqualified Technicians"

01:36:27 Ignoring Advice: Miscommunication Issues

01:40:14 Avoid High-Liability Jobs

01:45:42 ASTA Networking: Transformative Experience

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In this episode, Jeff is joined by Joshua Taylor. Joshua says accountability is important for both technicians and management to have a successful business. He and Jeff also discuss the disconnect between pay and job satisfaction, uncovering that care, empathy, and validation are often more significant than financial compensation. They also uncover the alarming mental health statistics within the automotive industry.

00:00 NADA Conference Insights

07:50 "Lack of Technician-Focused Tech Solutions"

12:24 "Technician Shortage and Dealership Challenges"

20:48 Comeback Strategy in Auto Shops

23:14 Work Order Communication Challenges

27:16 Raising Accountability Standards

36:13 Unicorn Productivity: Unrealistic Shop Standards

38:21 "Maximizing Team Potential Gradually"

44:31 "Ownership in Decision-Making"

52:49 Technicians' Pay Vs. Job Satisfaction

54:52 Parts Counter Frustration

01:01:30 Persistent Communication on Equipment Damage

01:06:39 High Demand for Skilled Workers

01:11:17 Seeking Validation: A Men's Issue

01:20:41 "Beyond Pay: Valuing Technicians"

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Today, Jeff is joined by Keith Perkins from L1 Training and Diagnostics. Keith gets fired up about investing in your own skills and tools to succeed in the automotive repair industry. They both comment on issues with flat rate systems and how they can negatively impact the teamwork culture within a shop. Additionally, Keith shares his journey of starting L1 as a mobile diagnostic and programming service, emphasizing the need for proper diagnostic processes and the challenges faced with aftermarket parts.

00:00 "Finally Got Keith on the Podcast!"

06:21 "High Crime and Prison Density"

13:00 Christian Brothers Franchise Challenges

18:15 Invest in Self-Toolkit Development

21:46 "Flat Rate Industry Frustrations"

27:09 Quick and Dirty Car Repairs

35:46 Engine Troubleshooting Steps

39:16 "Basic Diagnostics: Data Scans First"

46:26 Admiring Unique Perspectives

49:46 "Intense Training Experience Reflected"

54:04 Faulty PCM Causes Car Malfunction

01:02:10 Hiring Tension Among Technicians

01:07:31 Hourly vs. Flat Rate Talent Debate

01:10:02 Winning Arguments with Confidence

01:13:43 "Frustration with Unanswered Questions"

01:21:44 Employee Benefits and Compensation Issues

01:23:41 Industry Challenges and Perseverance

01:32:15 "Impact of Time on Flat Rate Work"

01:35:45 Car Part Procurement Challenges

01:39:47 Holistic Approach in Auto Repair

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In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by fellow podcaster Sean Tipping. Sean talks about his journey in the automotive industry and how he got to where he is today. He highlights the challenges and rewards of working on complex automotive diagnostics, such as parasitic draws and network-related issues. Sean also addresses the balancing act of time management and discusses his decision to take a break from podcasting.

00:00 Simplifying Concepts for Teaching

05:54 Industry Engagement and Mobile Shift

15:37 "Call Sean for Network Issues"

16:57 Parasitic Draw Challenges in Auto Repair

25:43 Therapeutic Reflections in Business Interviews

28:32 Taking a Break from Routine

35:57 Revealing Industry Secrets to Laymen

40:16 Finding Career Fulfillment

45:51 "Mobile Diagnostics Challenges"

47:56 Car Repair Value Debate

55:08 Diagnostic Challenges in Car Repairs

59:09 Tiered Diagnostic Pricing System

01:04:41 Faulty Scan Tool Misleads Diagnosis

01:11:02 "Podcast Promotion and Gratitude"

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In this episode of The Jaded Mechanic, Jeff Compton chats with Tom from Big Dog Custom Diesel. Tom remembers his appearance on Monster Garage and how that kickstarted his career transition from working at a Ford dealership to starting his shop. He and Jeff also cover the struggles of running a business, especially on finding quality staff and managing business finances.

09:13 "Reconnecting Over Hot Dog Cart"

12:09 Trailer Upgrades and Requirements

19:49 "Overcoming Financial Struggles"

24:16 Experience vs. Theory: Importance

28:29 "Prioritizing Expensive Repairs"

33:57 North Carolina Store Transformation

41:36 Challenging, Self-Inflicted Positivity

45:47 Efficient Work Strategy Debate

47:44 Old School Toolbox Enthusiast

57:10 Weird Industry Perception of Discounts

01:00:02 Vehicle Brake and Rotor Issues

01:05:34 Striving for Excellence

01:09:25 "Tekmetric's Impressive Features"

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In this episode of The Jaded Mechanic podcast, Jeff Compton is joined by Zach Cypert from L1 Diagnostics. Today, he and Jeff talk about the outrageous things people say in popular Facebook groups, and share stories about misdiagnosed or improperly repaired jobs. 

00:00 Journey to Automotive Shop Career

08:03 Pro Tech Program Experience

13:53 Shop Communication and Inspection Practices

16:47 Diagnostic Charges Misunderstood

24:06 Efficient Roadside Auto Service Solutions

32:12 Workplace Frustration and Unpaid Labor

37:39 Complaints and Profitability Concerns

38:28 Documenting Job Duties and Expectations

48:20 Avoiding Online Drama

52:09 Cost Assessment in Business Decision-Making

57:30 Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection Process

01:02:36 Dealership Encounter: PCM Update Challenge

01:07:39 Auto Repair and Diagnostics Offer

01:10:20 Truck Fuel Efficiency Insight

01:17:41 Cautious Communication and Humility

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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

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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

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