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In this episode, Jeff is joined by David Kline, a seasoned technician with over 25 years of experience. David shares eye-opening stories from his time in both dealership and independent shop environments, highlighting the grind of flat rate, toxic workplace cultures, and the impact these have on mental health and work-life balance. Together, they explore the need for genuine recognition of technicians’ expertise, discuss the failures of current compensation structures, and emphasize why reshaping how techs are valued is critical for the entire industry.

00:00 Vehicle Safety Standards Concerns

20:07 Work Dispute With Service Manager

23:34 Trust and Accountability in Dealerships

41:16 "Value Proven, Stress Unnecessary"

49:00 Dealer Talent Drain: A Cautionary Tale

01:01:38 "Diagnosing Chrysler EGR Valve Issues"

01:08:08 Tool Troubles and Young Technicians

01:21:45 Invest in Quality Tools

01:23:19 Competitive Mechanic Memories

01:43:45 "Personality Type and Customer Challenges"

01:50:16 Benefit of the Doubt in Industry

01:54:44 Valuing Co-Worker Relationships

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In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Juwan Fields, a young field service forklift mechanic seeking to transition back into the automotive industry. Juwan opens up about his dissatisfaction with the repetitive and unstimulating nature of equipment repair, contrasting it with his early passion for automotive diagnostics and electrical work. Jeff and Juwan talk about the challenges technicians face in finding fulfilling work that balances intellectual curiosity with financial stability.

00:00 Career Shift: Equipment to Automotive

04:43 Automotive Challenges and Reflections

08:27 Job Transition: Oil Changing Experience

10:38 Seasonal HVAC Job Experience

15:26 Balancing Passion and Providing

18:17 Choosing Stability Over Entrepreneurship

20:16 "Keith Perkins: Expert Car Diagnostician"

23:17 Networking with Industry Leaders

27:51 "Skepticism of 'Specialty' Shops"

30:33 Prefers Diagnostic Programming Over Key Work

36:20 Brian Pollock's Repair Expertise

38:35 "Job Satisfaction Over Money"

39:59 Shop Struggles: Pay and Solutions

45:40 "Aftermarket Parts: Unreliable Choice"

46:34 Efficient On-Site Auto Technician Guidance

52:29 Life-Changing Networking Events

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In this episode, Jeff welcomes Ford Tech J Cole to the show to talk social media influence and the changing auto repair industry. Both Jeff and J Cole have a love-hate relationship with life in the dealership, and shared similar thoughts and feelings about the repair industry as a whole. Hot takes galore on this episode!

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In this episode, Jeff and fellow Canadian shop owner Mike Pereira discuss industry challenges, such as the flat-rate pay system at dealerships, emphasizing how it discourages teamwork and impacts job satisfaction. Both Jeff and Mike highlight the importance of ongoing technical and business training in today’s rapidly changing industry and discuss the need for better collaboration and transparency among local shop owners.

00:00 Some Sports Take WAYYYY Too Long

10:25 Unfair Work Distribution Observed

11:50 Turn Up the Radio Solution

16:02 Flat Rate Challenges in Learning

22:29 Shared Experiences in the Industry

30:46 "Highly Recommend Brian's Class"

34:48 Valuing Time Over Money

38:23 Supportive Owners Embrace Change

45:26 Selective Customer Intake Strategy

49:10 Evaluating Vehicle Part Quality

57:10 Car Enthusiast's Euro Car Insights

01:01:08 Unfair Work Conditions at Dealership

01:05:20 Proactive Work Culture Insights

01:08:18 Training Adjustments at Work

01:18:02 Digital Tread & Rotor Measurement

01:20:28 Vehicle Inspection Photo Transparency

01:25:41 Trust Car Claims Carefully

01:30:41 Focus on Business Skills, Not Tech

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Today, Jeff sits down at Tools 2025 with Paul Danner (ScannerDanner), Keith Perkins, and Check Engine Chuck. Paul shares updates on the SD Charities initiative and highlights the importance of giving back to the community, including a tool auction supporting an auto tech school in Senegal. Keith and Chuck discuss the challenges and rewards of growing their businesses, from shop expansion to personal journeys in technical skill development. The group engages in an honest conversation about industry image, the need for higher labor rates, and the vital role of technician recognition and continued networking.

00:00 "Tools 2025: Meeting Success"

05:24 Supporting Solar for African Schools

12:01 "Striving for Effective Communication"

20:58 Promotional Shorts and Circuit Troubleshooting

24:27 Accountability in Vehicle Repairs

27:36 Online Creators' Ethical Responsibility

33:19 "Revamping Labor Rates in Trades"

40:18 "Profitability of Brake Suspension Work"

47:15 Seeking Appreciation and Change

50:32 "Rethinking Industry Value Perception"

57:21 Paul's Dubious Car Flipping Tactics

58:35 U-Haul's Business Model Explained

01:08:00 Mutual Respect and Encouragement

01:14:01 "Collaborate Beyond Platforms"

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In this episode, Jeff talks with Donald Tyrone to discuss burnout in the auto repair industry. Donald shares his experiences working for a large rental fleet in Savannah, Georgia, contrasting it with his past life at Toyota dealerships and the struggles he’s faced finding fulfillment in his work. Together, they examine issues like toxic workplace culture, the pitfalls of flat-rate pay systems, and the importance of genuine recognition and mental health among technicians.

00:00 Inefficiency and Transparency in Work

06:46 Finding Reliable Service Managers

13:04 "Dealerships: Profit Over People?"

16:00 Automated System Challenges at Work

23:27 Service Department Concerns

30:35 "Job as Retreat from Home"

36:15 Work Smarter, Not Harder

38:07 Aftermarket Parts: Worth the Hassle?

46:01 Brake Wear and Rotor Issues

51:01 Struggling to Find Balance

53:38 Teaching Barriers in Automotive Education

01:02:21 Confidence, Questions, and Feedback Dynamics

01:06:13 Overworked Saturdays, Unappreciated Efforts

01:13:15 Seeking Understanding and Purpose

01:14:10 Reach Out with Good News

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In this episode, Jeff and Fluffy Mexicanik talk through their ups and downs in their automotive repair careers. They both get pretty raw about dealership life, touching on topics like flat-rate pay, the challenges of warranty work, and the growing influence of social media for technician networking and learning.

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00:00 Unfriendly Service Manual Navigation

06:19 Faulty Deliveries: CVT Issues Occurring

12:11 Vehicle Repair: Diagnosing to Maximize Time

16:57 Power Probe Tools Misdiagnosis Issue

23:02 Seam Sealing for Leak Prevention

29:13 "Engine Troubles Due to Timing"

34:17 "Service Integrity vs. Profit"

37:24 Recycled Auto Parts Controversy

47:24 Jaded Perspective on Car Guarantees

49:09 Guaranteed Pay Requires Presence

54:29 "Frustration Over Unpaid Labor Time"

59:03 Uncertain Pay and Motivation

01:09:16 Dead Battery Dilemma

01:12:37 Unpaid Diagnostic Time Issue

01:18:32 "Wind Noise Repair Challenges"

01:24:44 Dealership Challenges with Older Cars

01:31:07 Augmented Reality Auto-Repair

01:35:12 Honda-Focused Business Success

01:38:04 Networking for Business Success

01:42:23 "Social Media's Impact on Mechanics"

01:52:01 "Redraw Industry Boundaries"

01:56:10 Discovering Deeper Connections

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In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Liz Tate, partner at Level 5 Drive, an ADAS calibration company in southern Ontario. Liz discusses her unconventional path into the automotive industry and the challenges she encountered working as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. She shares candid experiences from her time in both dealership and aftermarket environments, highlighting issues such as poor management, internal politics, and the difficulties around proper vehicle safety and used car inspections. 

00:00 "Jaded Mechanic: Celebrating 100 Episodes"

08:47 High School Educational Tracks Divide

12:41 "Balancing Podcast Dreams and Career"

19:00 Mentorship vs. Efficiency Conflict

26:01 Customer Complaints Post-Oil Change

30:52 Parts Pricing and Accountability Issues

32:22 Dealership Service Frustrations

41:31 Catalytic Converter Solutions in Canada

47:28 Dealership Culture and Resistance to Change

52:22 "Challenges in Car Shop Margins"

54:30 "Beware Unlicensed Car Technicians"

01:03:00 "Flawed Program Lacks Accountability"

01:06:08 Industry Evolution and Innovation Insights

01:10:26 ADAS Calibration Challenges in Aftermarket

01:18:47 Decaying Truck Neglect

01:24:58 Communication Breakdown in Auto Repairs

01:26:39 Insurance Struggles in Auto Repairs

01:32:52 3D Puzzle vs. Road Map Understanding

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In this episode, Jeff is joined by Lisa Coyle and Joelle Pollak from Promotive! Lisa emphasizes the importance of choosing a workplace based on people and culture, not just pay, while Joel shares insights on the multi-step vetting and placement process Promotive uses to ensure strong fits between shops and technicians. Jeff also reflects on his career journey, highlighting how finding the right shop culture made all the difference in his job satisfaction and performance.

We're so thankful for the support of Promotive as a sponsor of the podcast! Show your support for this show by thanking them for their sponsorship. And use them if you're looking for a job!

00:00 Work's Impact on Personal Life

06:09 Discover Interests Beyond Resume

11:20 "Impact of Declining Practical Skills"

19:47 "Challenges in Attracting Talent"

25:58 "Unicorns: The Elite Problem Solvers"

27:31 Value Beyond the Job

37:11 Rejecting the Flat Rate Work Model

39:03 Unicorn Diagnostic Tech Traits

47:07 "Work Boot Replacement Benefits"

49:54 Beer Exchange Rumor at Shops

56:31 "Challenges of Working Interviews"

01:00:53 "Honeymoon Phase in Dealerships"

01:07:17 "Quirky Industry Changes"

01:09:09 Consider Job Fit Before Switching

01:17:30 "Tire Tech Job Dilemma"

01:19:42 Mechanic's Seasonal Job Struggle

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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 Tom Schearer of Schearer Sales and Service. Tom talks about the complexities of used car sales, emphasizing the importance of honest communication with customers and building long-term relationships over short-term profits. The conversation also touches on investing in specialized tools and training to stay competitive, and the value of strong shop culture and effective team collaboration.

Want to go to TOOLS? Register HERE

00:00 Challenges in Used Car Dealership

08:34 "Dealers Prefer Used OEM Brands"

12:13 Limited Used Car Warranty Realities

19:53 "Tackling Car Repairs Holistically"

22:58 "Leadership Transition and Delegation"

26:16 Inconsistent Terminology Causes Confusion

35:17 Post-Warranty Car Maintenance Shift

38:33 Dealerships: Balancing Sales and Relations

45:36 Employee Transition Concerns

47:25 Chrysler Dealers' Hiring Agreement

56:23 Recognition Over Pay: Valuing Appreciation

01:01:36 Overcoming Fear: Embrace Collaboration

01:06:14 "Collaborative Collision Repair Insights"

01:12:32 "Importance of Knowledge Sharing"

01:14:50 Retirement and Mentorship Goals

01:18:49 Apology and Anticipation

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