"Training isn't a cost; it's an investment that pays dividends in skills, loyalty, and productivity."

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Automotive Trainer & Technician

Toyota Of Puyallup Inc

Wayne Bridges

In this episode, I sat down with Wayne Bridges, a 50-year veteran of the automotive industry who’s worn many hats—technician, service advisor, service manager, instructor, and now dealership trainer. Wayne shares his incredible journey, from falling in love with cars as a kid to shaping the next generation of technicians at a dealership that’s committed to investing in its people.

Wayne doesn’t shy away from tough topics, like why training is often undervalued in the industry and how mentorship programs can reduce comebacks and increase productivity. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a thriving culture of learning and growth in a dealership, Wayne’s insights are gold.

Watch now and find out why building a training-focused dealership might be the best way to attract and retain top talent.

Let’s get into it.

j.

If you're interested in being on the show or would like to sponsor an episode, please reach out to me Joshua Taylor by DM or email [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:54 Wayne's Early Passion

06:11 The Importance of Early Experiences

09:04 Lessons from the Lube Rack

11:57 The Evolution of Automotive

14:54 The Shift to Electric Vehicles

18:07 The Role of Training

20:56 The Importance of Continuous Learning

23:50 The Future of Automotive Training

34:02 The Importance of Training

38:13 In-House Training Programs

42:39 Creating a Culture of Learning

49:12 Competing for Talent

54:52 Finding Passion

01:00:13 The Role of Mentorship

Takeaways

👉 The first year on the job is crucial

👉 Learning to overcome complacency is a key to growth

👉 Automotive is currently experiencing rapid advancements.

👉 Training is essential for technicians to stay relevant

👉 Employers should view training as an investment

👉 Mentorship can reignite passions

👉 Technicians should take initiative

If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. Wrench Turners Podcast with over 150 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive.

Wrench Turners Podcast Socials

https://wrenchturners.online

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details

"You are not a leader until you've created a leader who can create another leader."

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast,

Mechanic, Enthusiast, and Entrepreneur

Travis Caldwell

In this episode, I sat down with a mechanic who knows firsthand that persistence, a positive culture, and respect are key to success in the shop.

Travis shared how his journey taught him the importance of mentorship and finding a place where you’re valued. We discussed how listening to every team member—and helping them grow—can make a stronger, more successful crew.

His biggest takeaway? Don't let work control your life; invest in mentors who truly support you. It reminds everyone in this industry to keep growing, respect the journey, and lead with purpose.

Let’s get into it.

j.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:59 Travis Caldwell's Journey

06:17 The Importance of Mentorship

12:30 First Year Experiences

16:21 The Role of Leadership

21:17 Favorite Porsche Models

24:07 Lessons Learned from Troubleshooting

26:12 The Challenges of Achievement

29:11 The Importance of Leadership

31:41 Navigating Career Transitions

35:50 The Dynamics of Customer Service

50:05 Balancing Work and Life

56:57 Conclusion

Takeaways

👉 Gratitude is essential in life.

👉 Life experiences shape our growth.

👉 Learning from mistakes is crucial.

👉 Navigating relationships requires effort.

👉 Passion drives our work.

👉 Community service enriches our lives.

👉 Advice from others can guide us.

👉 Reflection helps us understand our journey.

👉 Personal growth is a continuous process.

👉 Embracing challenges leads to wisdom.

----

If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. Wrench Turners Podcast with over 150 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive.

Wrench Turners Podcast Socials

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details

"Once trust is broken, it's hard to recover."

10 Mill Mastery - Wrench Turners Podcast

Series 9, Episode 7

Leading up

The Lads:

Marshall Sheldon

Stephan Dos Santos

Richard Mueller

Russell Wickham

Summary

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of building and maintaining trust within management and leadership roles. They discuss the challenges technicians face in establishing trust with upper management, the importance of transparency, and the necessity of personal accountability.

The dialogue emphasizes that trust is foundational for effective communication and career growth, highlighting the need for technicians to add value to themselves and their teams. The speakers share personal experiences and strategies for fostering trust, ultimately concluding that trust is the core element in successful professional relationships.

Takeaways

👉 Building trust requires transparency and open communication.

👉 Personal accountability is crucial in establishing trust.

👉 Once trust is broken, it is challenging to regain.

👉 Technicians should focus on adding value

👉 Understand the interests of management

👉 Sharing personal information can be a double-edged sword.

👉 Develop a tight-knit group of trusted colleagues

👉 Training and personal development enhance trust

👉 Trust is foundational for effective leadership

👉 Navigating trust requires careful consideration

Chapters

00:00 Building Trust and Morale

00:29 Earning Trust from Management

05:02 Conflicting Interests and Trust

10:26 Being Brutally Honest

16:15 Adding Value and Gaining Influence

21:52 Transparency and Personal Boundaries

26:49 Trust and Communication with Management

32:31 Building Trust and Fostering Growth

36:38 Trust as the Core Element

Remember:

Negative Pushes,

Positive Pulls,

and always clean your toys

before you put them away.

Let's get into it.

j.

—

Want to be a guest, or sponsor the show?

Email me at [email protected]

Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube

Wrench Turners Merch

Wrench Turners Website

Business Focused Content

Fun Content

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

https://grip-puppy.com/

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details

“Just because someone can produce doesn’t mean they’re ready to lead.”

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast,

Mechanic and Service Manager

Scott Auto Group

Willie Carter

In this episode, I sat down with Willie Carter, a former mechanic turned service manager who knows what it takes to rise in the ranks. Willie shares his journey, from fixing up a beat-up Hyundai Scoupe in high school to leading a team at a major Honda dealership.

He doesn’t hold back on the tough lessons he’s learned along the way—like why taking on the jobs no one else wants can be the key to advancing your career. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from the shop floor to management, Willie’s story is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Watch now and find out why “getting comfortable in the uncomfortable” might be the best advice you’ll hear today.

Let’s get into it.

j.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:19 Becoming a Mechanic

06:28 Challenges and Learning

12:10 First Steps in Automotive

18:22 Transitioning to Leadership

26:12 The Importance of Hard Work

32:26 Advice for Aspiring Mechanics

Takeaways

Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube

Wrench Turners Merch

Wrench Turners Website

Business-Focused Content on LinkedIn

Entertainment Content on TikTok

"True leadership starts when you realize that every person you lead brings their own strengths and stories to the table."

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast,

Mechanic, Fixed Operations Director, and Coach

Bozard Ford Lincoln

Jeremy Stephens

In this episode, I got to sit down with a technician-turned-fixed-ops director, who’s proof that grit and character drive success in the automotive world.

Jeremy shared how his journey taught him that the tough experiences—especially those early days on the shop floor—shaped him into the leader he is today. We talked about building a culture where positive energy matters, and where listening to every voice in the shop creates stronger teams.

His biggest takeaway? Invest in yourself every day and don’t shy away from honest feedback. It’s a powerful reminder for anyone aiming to lead with heart and purpose.

Let’s get into it.

j.

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

01:09 Jeremy’s Start

04:25 Early Days

06:00 Learning the Ropes

10:22 The Value of Tips

13:26 Stepping into Leadership

15:56 Discovering Leadership

18:32 Building a Positive Workplace Culture

21:59 Handling Challenges

26:47 Getting Feedback

29:57 Advice for Young Technicians

35:27 Investing in Personal Growth

37:32 Finding Mentors

41:10 Key Takeaways

J.

Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube

Wrench Turners Merch

Wrench Turners Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details

"You need to earn their trust."

10 Mill Mastery - Wrench Turners Podcast

Series 9, Episode 6

How to Build Your Shop Influence

The Lads:

Marshall Sheldon

Stephan Dos Santos

Richard Mueller

Russell Wickham

Summary

In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by leaders in the automotive industry, particularly in mentoring younger technicians. Exploring generational differences in work attitudes, the importance of building trust and influence within teams, and strategies for effective communication. Our dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their team's dynamics and to foster an environment where younger technicians feel supported and motivated to learn.

Chapters

00:00 Stephan Dos Santos

02:18 Marshall Sheldon

07:22 Russell Wickham

09:20 Richard Mueller

15:44 Joshua Taylor

Takeaways

👉 Don't beat yourself up too much

👉 You need to adjust your approach to connect

👉 Building influence starts with being approachable

👉 Trust is essential for effective leadership

👉 Recognize and reward positive behaviors

👉 Understanding the pulse of the shop is crucial

👉 Not everyone is suited for the automotive industry

👉 Morale boosters should align with the team's preferences

👉 Leadership requires autonomy and authority

Remember:

Negative Pushes,

Positive Pulls,

and always clean your toys

before you put them away.

Let's get into it.

j.

—

Want to be a guest, or sponsor the show?

Email me at [email protected]

Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube

https://youtu.be/FOlB2NS0YgY?sub_confirmation=1

Wrench Turners Merch

https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/

Wrench Turners Website

https://wrenchturners.online

Business Focused Content

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

Fun Content

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

https://grip-puppy.com/

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details

"Just shut up and listen."

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast,

Mechanic and Assitant Service Manager

https://www.scottautogroup.com/

Brooklynne Morse

As an assistant service manager and former mechanic, Brooklynne shares her journey in the automotive industry and offers advice for mechanics to be happier, healthier, and more productive. We chat and emphasize the importance of attention to detail and the ability to adapt to different tasks.

We also discuss the significance of making mistakes and learning from them, the value of effective communication with customers, and listening to their concerns. The key point is finding the silver lining in challenging situations and we encourage mechanics to always strive for improvement and to find joy in their work.

Let’s get into it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Starting in Automotive

02:17 Spatula's to Hammers

03:01 Consistency in Automotive

03:56 Learning from Mistakes

05:28 Importance of Detail

06:46 Transitioning from Culinary to Automotive

08:30 First-Year Challenges

10:52 Training and Income

11:25 Specializing in Unpopular Tasks

12:00 Income Potential

14:18 Challenges in Automotive

16:05 Super Tech Program

17:08 NVH Tools and Techniques

18:06 Water Leaks

20:32 Challenges with Specific Models

21:28 Leadership Aspirations

23:08 Customer Interaction

24:36 Importance of Listening

26:01 Key Skills for Mechanics

27:07 Mechanics Aspiring to Leadership

28:15 Conclusion

J.

Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@wrenchturners

Wrench Turners Merch

https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/

Wrench Turners Website

https://wrenchturners.online

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details

"You have to make decisions and whether the decision leads you down the correct path or not, you don't know until you start walking it."

Click for YouTube

"It's 10 times harder than it's portrayed on social media."

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast,

Entrepreneur and owner of Vehicle Reman

Jonathan Carr

https://www.vehiclereman.com/

We cover topics such as entrepreneurship, the benefits of vehicle remanufacturing, the importance of repair and remanufacturing in the automotive industry, urban development, property appreciation, the importance of communication between technicians and service advisors, and the resurgence of the trades.

Jonathan and I also touch on the nostalgia of repairing rather than replacing, the personal motivations behind starting a business, the potential for growth in Automotive Leadership, and success in the industry.

Let’s get into it.

J.

—-

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Riverside recording platform

00:55 The mission of the Wrench Turners Podcast

13:26 The importance of clear communication

21:03 The challenges and expertise of technicians

23:51 The Challenges of Running a Service Center

28:26 Delegation, Automation, and Deletion

40:14 The Joy of Working on Motorcycles

45:51 The Need for Vocational Training

53:13 Catalyst for Vehicle Reman

54:16 Vehicle Remanufacturing Process

57:49 Repair vs. Replacement

01:00:43 Repair and Remanufacturing

01:04:54 Nostalgic Appeal of Repair

01:07:46 Vocational Training and Business Ownership

01:16:09 Fostering a Positive Work Environment

01:21:27 Advice for Technicians

01:26:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4

Wrench Turners Merch

https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/

Wrench Turners Website

https://wrenchturners.online

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast,

Mechanic and Content Creator

David Crossland aka Mechanic Mouse

Summary

In this episode, David and I discuss his journey as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) Technician and content creator. He shares insights on the importance of mentorship in the trade, the challenges and benefits of creating online content for mechanics, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance. David emphasizes that being a mechanic is not just a job but a lifestyle and highlights the value of passion and continuous learning in achieving excellence.

Key Takeaway's

👉 Prioritize your health and life

👉 Be passionate to excel in your work

👉 Start with basic human decency

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guidelines

02:59 Journey into the Automotive Trade

09:46 From Fabricating to Diagnostics Technician

16:37 The Role of Mentors in Skill Development

22:12 Content Creation and Knowledge Sharing

24:47 Simplifying Concepts: Understanding and Explaining

26:55 The Value of Continuous Training

27:57 Respect and Camaraderie in the Workshop

29:22 Building a Supportive Online Community

42:58 Finding a Work-Life Balance

Let’s get into it.

J.

—-

Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4

Wrench Turners Merch (supports my addiction to Motorcycles)

https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/

Wrench Turners Website

https://wrenchturners.online

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK

Main: Deggy

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765R

Crappy Amazon mirrors

Crappy Amazon Rear Paddock stand Knobs

Make-shift trailer plate bracket

Project: (I need a name, help please)

1999 Suzuki SV650S

Still working on the Details