General Manager, Fixed Operations Director, Coach - T.C. Coleman

Join us as we delve into the compelling career journey of T.C. Coleman, a seasoned leader whose roots in automotive passion were planted in childhood, nurtured by his father's engineering role at Nissan. T.C.'s early exposure to the mechanics of car maintenance and the automotive industry's inner workings ignited a lifelong passion, steering him away from his initial interest in sports to a dynamic path in automotive leadership.

With over two decades of experience, T.C. reflects on his evolution from an enthusiastic car enthusiast to a revered leader in the automotive sector. His career, marked by significant stints with prominent brands, showcases his adeptness in mentoring, team-building, and strategic leadership.

In this episode, T.C. unravels the layers of effective leadership within the high-stakes environment of automotive dealerships. He shares practical wisdom on:

Takeaways:

👉 Cultivate a culture of proactive learning

👉 Respectful communication achieves operational excellence

👉 Learn conflict resolution to harness individual strengths

This conversation is not just an exploration of T.C.'s professional milestones but also an instructional guide on transforming everyday workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership.

For automotive service professionals aiming to elevate their career trajectory or anyone interested in the nuances of impactful leadership, this episode offers a wealth of insights and actionable advice.

Let's get into it.

PS. Always looking for guests to be on the show. Reach out by email, link in bio!

j.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Gearhead to Automotive Leader

08:30 Listening to and Respecting Technicians

14:10 Effective Communication

20:00 Strategies for Building Team Unity

27:00 Insights on Balancing Career

36:20 Empowering Technicians to Speak Up

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 160 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive.

Wrench Turners Podcast Socials

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Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify

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"Success Leaves Clues"

General Manager,

BMW of West Houston

https://www.bmwwest.com/

Charles Cannon III

In this inspiring conversation with Charles, we explore a career journey that started with a desire to become a veterinarian but took a turn into the automotive world: a move that would shape Charles' life in unexpected ways.

From his humble beginnings in sales to leading both Lexus and BMW dealerships, Charles' story is a testament to the power of adaptability, discipline, and mentorship.

As Charles recounts:

"Success leaves clues. Watch who you hang out with, because you’ll become like them. If you surround yourself with high performers and show you're serious, they’ll help you grow."

He shares insights on how technicians, advisors, and managers can take ownership of their success. From developing structured game plans to fostering genuine relationships, Charles provides actionable steps to level up in any automotive role.

One standout lesson:

"Close mouths don’t get fed. Speak up about your goals, your challenges, and even your solutions. Leaders can’t help if they don’t know what you need."

If you’re looking to climb the ranks or simply be happier and more productive in your current role, this episode is a goldmine of advice and motivation.

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 to Charles

03:00 From Veterinary Dreams to Automotive Success

08:30 Learning Through Mentorship

14:10 The Value of Discipline and Game Plans

20:00 Becoming a High Performer

27:00 Leading by Example in Dealerships

36:20 Advice for Technicians: Speak Up

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

"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."

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