Mercedes-Benz Shop Foreman Joey B joins WOTPod to break down technician development, flat rate vs hourly pay systems, dealership leadership, and what real mastery looks like inside a service department.

If you’re an automotive technician, dealership tech, shop foreman, or fixed ops leader, this conversation dives deep into:

• How to become a shop foreman

• Flat rate vs hourly pay for technicians

• Why certifications don’t always equal real skill

• Automotive technician mentorship systems

• Training entry-level techs without burning them out

• Building efficiency inside a dealership shop

• Creating a growth culture in the service department

Joey shares how he structures pay progression, mentors young automotive technicians, balances productivity with development, and leads inside a Mercedes-Benz dealership environment.

This episode is for technicians who want to grow, leaders who want to retain talent, and shops that want long-term performance — not short-term production spikes.

1% better every episode.

Join us on Patreon for exclusive automotive leadership content and behind-the-scenes conversations: https://www.patreon.com/c/WOTPod

In this episode of WOTPod, we sit down with Keith “Verge”, a 40-year industry veteran, shop foreman, and technician who has seen this trade evolve from carburetors and distributors to hybrids, ADAS, and modern diagnostics.

This conversation is about longevity.

Verge shares his journey from sweeping floors at 13, serving in the Army, working independent shops and multi-brand dealerships, stacking master certifications, and building a career that has supported his family for decades.

We talk about:

• Surviving and thriving in flat rate for 30+ years

• Why mindset matters more than the job you get

• Efficiency, production, and the real math of dealership life

• Beating flat rate times without cutting corners

• The difference between experts and true masters

• Why you must love this trade to survive it

• Tool debt, shop culture, and training the next generation

Verge also breaks down his “Rules of Auto Repair”... a set of hard-earned principles that every young technician should hear.

If you're serious about building a long-term career in automotive, this episode delivers real perspective from someone who has lived every phase of this industry.

Support WOTPod on Patreon and subscribe for more conversations that push technicians forward.

https://www.patreon.com/c/WOTPod

1% better every episode.

In Episode 020 of WOTPod, we sit down with Chris, better known as Dr. AMG, to talk about what it really takes to reach the highest levels as a Mercedes-Benz technician.

Chris walks us through his journey from community college to becoming one of the most recognized Mercedes master technicians in North America. We dive into the Centralized Diagnostic Technician path, what elite-level diagnostics actually demand, and why discipline matters more than raw talent in the long run.

This conversation goes beyond certifications and titles.

We talk about:

• The grind of the first five years in the automotive industry

• Financial discipline and working through flat rate pressure

• Mastering automotive diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting

• Communication skills and technician professionalism• Shop culture and accountability

• Why comparison destroys growth in flat rate environments

• Building a personal brand while staying grounded in the trade

Chris also shares stories from working on high-performance Mercedes and AMG platforms, becoming an AMG Product Expert, and how social media unexpectedly expanded his influence within the automotive industry.

If you’re an automotive technician looking to sharpen your diagnostic skills, elevate your mindset, and build long-term credibility in the shop, this episode delivers real perspective from someone who has lived it.

Follow Chris:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoramg/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doctor_amg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorAMG

Support WOTPod on Patreon for early access and extended conversations, and subscribe for more discussions that push technician growth forward.

https://www.patreon.com/c/WOTPod

1% better every episode.

In this episode of WOTPod, we sit down with Paul Dosescu, a national training consultant with a deep background in fixed operations, to break down one of the most overlooked skills in the automotive industry: communication.

Paul shares his journey from sales into service advising, management, and training, and explains why the advisor–technician relationship is the backbone of a successful service department. We talk about how diagnostics are presented to customers, how to build value in technician time, and why educating customers is more effective than simply quoting prices or saying “we couldn’t duplicate it.”

This conversation dives into real-world scenarios advisors and technicians face every day, including customer objections, AutoZone code scans, warranty concerns, and internal friction between the service drive and the shop. Paul explains how better communication improves efficiency, trust, technician morale, and long-term customer loyalty.

If you’re a technician, service advisor, manager, or fixed ops leader looking to improve workflow, reduce friction, and build stronger teams, this episode delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.

Support the show by subscribing and consider joining Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/WOTPod) for extended conversations and behind-the-scenes discussions.

1% better every episode.

Follow and Connect with Paul:

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldosescu/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/pauldosescu/

TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@pauldosescu

This episode is different.

For the first time on WOTPod, we brought together an all-star panel of master technicians across multiple brands to have an honest, unfiltered conversation about what actually separates average technicians from top earners and why so many techs are leaving the industry.

We dive deep into the non-mechanical skills that matter most at the master level: communication, mentorship, accountability, mindset, organization, and leadership. The panel doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of flat rate, warranty work, shop politics, or burnout, but they also break down what actually works for technicians who want long, sustainable careers.

This conversation covers:

• Why culture keeps technicians in the trade, not passion alone

• The real reasons young techs struggle in flat rate systems

• How mentorship shapes technician confidence and growth

• What high-earning techs do differently every day

• Why accountability and mindset matter more than chasing gravy work

• How leadership inside the shop impacts retention and performance

If you’re a technician, foreman, service manager, or fixed-ops leader, this episode is required listening. These are the conversations the industry avoids, but desperately needs.

Support the show and join the conversation on Patreon and don't forget to subscribe to  ⁨@WOTPod⁩  to help raise the standard for technicians.

Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/c/WOTPod

Curtis' Site- https://stan.store/techgnarr

Jalid's Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/nobucks_js/

1% better every episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Eric, better known as @SerratedMobius, to have one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet about flat rate, technician burnout, pay transparency, and what happens when passion runs head-first into a broken system.

Eric shares his journey through multiple dealerships, becoming a Mercedes master technician, and how flat rate, warranty times, and management culture can quietly drain motivation and mental health. We talk about what it feels like to give maximum effort and still fall behind, why so many skilled technicians feel trapped, and what actually brings motivation back when money, stress, and workload collide.

This episode isn’t about complaining. It’s about telling the truth, understanding your value, and pushing the industry toward better systems that keep good technicians in the trade instead of burning them out.

If you’ve ever questioned flat rate, struggled with slow weeks, or felt like your effort wasn’t matching your paycheck, this conversation will hit home.

Eric on YT- @SerratedMobius

Eric on Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/serratedmobius/

Also check out Eric’s show: https://linktr.ee/flagtimepodcast

There’s a real gap between knowing procedures and consistently performing at a high level in today’s automotive shops.

In this WOTPod episode, we sit down with Perfect Performance Brandon (PPB) to break down what technician performance actually means in the real world. Not just speed, but repeatability, workflow, training, accountability, and process. The fundamentals that separate technicians who struggle from those trusted with complex diagnostics and high-responsibility work.

We talk about technician development, shop standards, efficiency, quality control, and why performance breaks down when structure, coaching, and clear expectations are missing. Brandon shares insight into how mindset, preparation, and disciplined processes directly impact flat rate performance, consistency, and long-term career growth.

If you’re focused on improving as an automotive technician, building reliable shop performance, or developing stronger teams, this episode is worth your time.

Find PPB on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/perfect_performance_brandon/

Support WOTPod on Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/c/WOTPod

Connect with Curtis- https://stan.store/techgnarr

Jalid's Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/nobucks_js/

This episode of WOTPod features an important conversation with Dave Johnson, President and CEO of ASE, about the past, present, and future of technician certification and professional development in the automotive industry.

Dave shares his journey from turning wrenches on the farm to leading global service operations and ultimately stepping into his role at ASE. We talk openly about the purpose of ASE certification, common criticisms from technicians, and why certification is meant to reflect technician competence, not define it.

We dive into real data around ASE certification, including higher productivity, fewer comebacks, improved retention, and increased earning potential. Dave explains how ASE tests are built using working technicians as subject matter experts, how relevance is maintained, and how feedback from the field directly shapes future test content.

The conversation also explores where the industry is headed, including EVs, hybrids, ADAS, vehicle calibration, locksmith and key programming certification, and how technicians are already working on rolling robots whether they realize it or not. We discuss technician shortages, education pipelines, brand-to-brand mobility, and how ASE Connects is helping bridge the gap between schools, shops, and dealerships.

This episode is essential listening for technicians, shop leaders, educators, and anyone who cares about the credibility, sustainability, and future of this trade.

1% better every episode.

Connect with Dave on Linkedin: David J. Johnson | LinkedIn

ASE Website: Home - Automotive Service Excellence

In this episode of WOTPod, we sit down with thePOVmechanic to talk about real technician life inside the shop. From coming into the industry with little to no formal training to navigating flat rate, brand changes, and dealership culture, this conversation hits on the realities most technicians experience but rarely talk about openly.

We cover what it’s like learning on the fly, switching brands, and adapting to a new environment. We also dive into flat rate pressure, slow periods, warranty labor times, and how pay structure affects mindset, motivation, and long-term sustainability in this career.

The conversation goes deeper into technician mental health, burnout, and the stress that comes with being responsible for safety-critical work while trying to provide for a family. We also talk about video MPIs, the value they bring, why technicians feel undervalued at times, and how humor and content creation have become an outlet to connect with other techs going through the same challenges.

We wrap up with advice for new technicians on finances, tools, brand switching, mentorship, integrity, and why playing the long game matters more than chasing fast money early.If you’re a technician trying to find your place in the industry, stay motivated through flat rate cycles, or understand that you’re not alone in the challenges you face, this episode is for you.1% better every episode.

Connect with or Follow thePOVmechanic:

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thepovmechanic/

TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@pointofviewmechanic

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576899360085

Youtube- (2) POVMECHANIC - YouTube

In this episode of WOTPod, we break down the real reality of flat rate pay, slow seasons in the shop, and how automotive technicians can stay mentally and financially prepared when work slows down.

We talk honestly about what happens when bays go empty, how slow weeks affect morale and income, and why many technicians struggle during industry cycles. We also cover warranty pressure, shrinking labor times, dispatch challenges, and the responsibility leadership has in supporting technicians when volume drops.

This episode is about understanding the long game. Flat rate has highs and lows, and the technicians who last are the ones who manage money well, continue learning during slow periods, and stay disciplined when things are quiet so they are ready when work returns.

If this podcast helps you think differently about your career as a technician, consider joining the WOTPod Patreon. Patreon members help keep these conversations going and get early access, bonus discussions, and behind-the-scenes content focused on real technician growth.

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about technician life, flat rate, shop culture, and career development.

1% better every episode.WOTPod Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/cw/WOTPodTechGnarr Training- https://stan.store/techgnarrJalid's Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/nobucks_js/