Hopefully your shop hasn't had to deal with a ransomware attack. You don't want your shop's digitally stored information to be stolen and held hostage.

While that's an extreme case, the steps you can take to avoid these situations are also great guidelines for computer use in your shop. 

Chris Deater is the team lead for technical support at Sage Microsystems, which is now part of the DRB Systems brand. He goes through what a ransomware attack is and follows with a bunch of easy, effective tips for safe computing.

For a newer Jiffy Lube franchisee, Stonebriar Auto Services, they've ramped up their franchising since joining the Jiffy Lube family in June 2019. Now, they have seven different Jiffy Lube Multicare centers in five different markets around the United States. And within the next five years, Stonebriar is looking to open over 150 locations across the nation.

So, what's their growth strategy being in so many spread-out markets? Staff writer Abby Patterson talks with Steve Isom, Stonebriar's executive vice president, on managing these franchises [4:20], dealing with roadblocks [6:55], and advice on their overall strategy [11:56].

You might remember Jason Nastasi from the November 2019 NOLN story, in which he shared his dream for building an Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers shop in Oldsmar, Fla.

Back then, he was in the middle of construction. Today, he's gone through a grand opening in the middle of a pandemic and has plans for a second shop. 

To get all the details of his ground-up build, plus the challenges that went along with opening, check out this Top Trends episode of the podcast.

Associate Editor Matt Hudson speaks with Jim Oberhofer, who runs a Victory Lane Quick Oil Change in Plano, Texas.

Prior to that, he was the team general manager and crew chief on NHRA driver Doug Kalitta’s top fuel drag car. He has some great stories about working in the racing world and how the lessons he learned during that time informed his current career as a quick lube owner.

Plus, he's still helping out with a drag car team! Hear all about it in this cool episode of The NOLN Podcast.

Have you seen MPGe ratings and wondered what that little "e" is about? It doesn't stand for electric, but it does have to do with EVs. 

In this episode, take a look at the development and calculations behind MPGe as an EPA rating. Plus, you'll hear about all the other ratings that will be important to consumers as more and more battery-electric vehicles are sold off the lot.

For this extra episode of The NOLN Podcast, take a dive into the development and numbers behind the measurement of EV efficiency.

Did you know there have been 20 updates—yes, 20—to the Paycheck Protection Program since it's release mid-March? That's all according to Brad Mewes, Principal at Supplement Advisory, an automotive advisory firm, who has been helping business owners across the country on the confusing and crazy process these past couple of months.

Disclaimer: On July 4, the Paycheck Protection Program was officially extended through Aug. 8.

Wanting to still apply? Here are some go-to resources:

• MBE Capital Partners

And for those of you looking for further help, reach out to Brad Mewes at [email protected].

With the stay-at-home orders in most states being lifted, operators are finally able to get back to work. However, it's safe to say there's a new normal that all businesses will need to adhere to. To help navigate, staff writer Abby Patterson talks with Scott Wheeler, President of Automotive Consultants Group, Inc., on what operators should expect and how to adapt to new customer expectations.

Morris Clement is an interesting guy, and it's clear from listening to him that he's always working on ways to improve his shop.

He's been in the quick lube business a long time, but when shutdowns happened amid COVID-19, he had thoughts like many did.

“I was like a lot of owners. I was sitting there thinking, ‘You know, I want to sell this place and get out of this,’" he says. "But once I started this, I feel like I’ve been rejuvenated. I get up early, and I’m here, and I’m all excited about doing things, making the production of it.”

What he started was production of Fast-Tizer hand sanitizer right in his shop. And he didn't do it halfway. He converted his fourth bay into a production facility.

This is a fascinating episode full of information on Clement, his shop and how he got into the hand sanitizer business. 

With the coronavirus pandemic affecting businesses worldwide, quick lube operators are having to get creative. And the key to that creativity is preparing for anything that may come your way. That's why staff writer Abby Patterson sat down with Dwayne Myers, owner of Dynamic Automotive, to discuss ways he's switched up usual business practices to keep the business moving.

Stay up to date with the latest in NOLN's coronavirus coverage.

This Top Trends episode of The NOLN Podcast is a bit of a preview for an upcoming magazine article. Associate editor Matt Hudson spoke with Brian Faulkenberry of NCM Associates, which operates one of the only quick lube 20 Groups in the country.

If you're interested in 20 Groups or new to the concept, Brian shares some great nuts-and-bolts information about how members push each other toward success, what numbers they examine and how new members become part of the group.

This episode is packed with information, and it's just a taste of the upcoming full article. Enjoy!