Success Leaves Clues: An Automotive Industry Podcast

Remembering Aaron - The Best Moments of Success Leaves Clues

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode is a

Berg and Jay sit down to reflect on some of the most impactful moments from the Success Leaves Clues podcast with Aaron Stokes. Together, we revisit the conversations, the wisdom, and the heart Aaron poured into so many people. His ability to encourage, challenge, and lead—always given freely, as he liked to say, at 0%—left a lasting mark on everyone he encountered.

Aaron’s consistent care for shop owners and his passion for helping others succeed is evident throughout these clips. Over the past couple of years, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with incredible people, and this episode highlights some of those unforgettable moments.

We invite you to sit back, reflect, and relive some of the very best of Success Leaves Clues.

As we share this episode, we also want to let you know that the podcast will be taking a short break as we prepare for a relaunch—bringing you even more guests, deeper conversations, and content designed to challenge and inspire you to make a difference in your life.

Stay tuned for what’s next, and thank you for being part of this journey with us.

From Alaska to Arizona - John Pearson Finds a Way

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, John Pearson shares his wild ride from racing Corvettes to joining the Army and eventually moving to Alaska. Through determination, grit, and relentless drive, John carved out his own path to success.

Born in Manhattan… Kansas! John brings humor, fearlessness, and an incredible story that will keep you buckled into your seat for the entire episode.

Want to know what it takes to start an auto repair shop in –40° weather—and then move somewhere with 100° heat and do it all over again? John shares the lessons, challenges, and mindset that helped him make it happen.

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Embracing courage and building your dream life with Jay Huh

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

We’re incredibly grateful to have recorded this episode live at the last Pro Conference with Aaron and special guest Jay Huh.

As many of you know, Aaron has since passed. While his presence is deeply missed, his mission lives on. The Success Leaves Clues podcast will continue — committed to the cause he cared so deeply about: stopping the average small business from destroying the average small family in America.

Aaron believed business should create freedom, not fracture families. That conviction doesn’t end here.

In this episode, Jay Huh brings his unmistakable passion for changing the industry and his call to embrace courage — the kind of courage it takes to build not just a successful business, but an incredible life. Jay is a true force for good and a relentless advocate for helping others rise.

We’re honored to carry the torch.

Enjoy the episode.

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Retiring and Coming Back Again - A Fantastic Time with Doug Rogers

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Get ready to laugh and hear the story of Doug Rogers. Along with his wife, Donna, Doug retired—then jumped back in to kick his multi-million-dollar operation back to life. He shares the mistakes he made, the changes he had to make, and what it really takes to walk away at the right time and under the right conditions. Doug keeps Aaron and Jay laughing as they dive into what he’s learned and what ultimately pulled him back into the business.

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Location Lessons and the Best Million Dollar Mistake with JR Luna

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Aaron and Jay catch up with JR Luna to hear his story of success. JR went from managing a shop to becoming an owner in his late twenties. He quickly learned that running a shop is very different from owning one, and that becoming a lifelong learner was the key to turning his shops around. Now doing millions in revenue at each location, JR shares valuable lessons on selecting the right locations, opening multiple shops with different makes, and expanding his family brand. His passion for seeing people succeed is contagious, and he and his wife, Rita, live that passion every day.

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Why Most Leaders Struggle with People—and How to Get It Right with Joe Stokes

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Joe Stokes joins us for our first episode of 2026 to kick off the year with hard-earned leadership insights. As the leader responsible for managing multiple shops across the country, Joe has seen it all—and knows what it takes to keep operations running smoothly at scale.

In this episode, Joe challenges leaders to lean into what might happen, confront their own ego, and ensure their business is truly profitable—not just busy. His perspective sets a powerful foundation for the year ahead and will push you to take an honest look at your organization, identify what needs to change, and commit to doing things differently.

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2025 Year End Wrap Up! Big things ahead in 2026!

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Join Aaron and Jay as they wrap up an incredible year on the podcast and look ahead to the opportunities coming in 2026. With a standout lineup of guests and powerful stories of growth and change, this year set the stage for what’s next. As the auto repair market gears up for a busy season, Aaron and Jay discuss why sharpening the fundamentals and strengthening your skills will be critical for success in the year ahead.

Thanks to our sponsors in 2025!

The Pain of Family Business - Learning to Succeed with Aaron Miller

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Aaron Miller discusses his business with his brother and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Through many ups and downs, they’ve navigated a difficult path learning how to work together. Between the pressure of simply making payroll and personal life challenges, Aaron walks us through his journey. Hear how he found his path to success—not only in business, but in life and family as well. It isn’t easy, but there is hope, and you can find your own path to success.

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From Broken and Broke to Having a Bigger Purpose with Owen Buchanan

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode Owen Buchanan sits down with us in between sessions at the Shop Fix Pro Conference. Owen spent 10 years grinding it out only to be met with a decision, close the doors or put away your ego and get help. Owen reached out to a friend and got a piece of advice that's changed his life, his outlook, and his purpose. Hear how he went from "below the basement" struggling to changing the way he thinks about money and his business. His story and transparency about how it all happened is inspiring and we're thankful to have had him on the show!

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Family Fallout to Fantastic Success - Paul LeBlanc's Turnaround Story

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Paul LeBlanc (however you pronounce it) shares his path—from jumping into the family business during a difficult time, to navigating a painful fallout with his brother, to ultimately finding his way to a profitable shop and family redemption. His story highlights the importance of seeking help, getting guidance, and developing the right mindset for success. His dedication to family and his commitment to supporting his father through tough times make for an inspiring story you’ll love to hear.

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Million-Month Garage Story with Luke Walker

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we interview Luke Walker, who runs one of the largest—if not the largest—independent auto repair shops in the United States. This single location brought in over $1,000,000 in just one month. Luke’s story is nothing short of miraculous. His battle with depression as a young man nearly ended in tragedy, but instead, it became the driving force behind his passion for auto repair and his mission to help young men and women find direction in their lives. His journey to success and his approach to running a large operation are both powerful and inspiring.

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Do discounts cheapen shops?! Let's talk marketing with Aaron and Jay

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Aaron and Jay dive into the topic of Marketing and how discounts are viewed both negatively and positively. Aaron shares his strategies about marketing and discounts. He digs into how strategy turns into data and data drives his business to higher revenue. This divisive topic seems to spark strong controversy in the industry. Hear how a successful shop owner views the topic and why he just doesn't get it when people get hot on the topic of discounts.

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From Garage to Growth: Eric Walker's Message to All Techs

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Eric Walker of Walker Automotive holds multiple degrees, certifications, and an impressive career history. He’s also a trainer for Automotive Training Group and TechFix. A true technical powerhouse, in this episode we uncover his journey and how he got to where he is today. His message for all technicians is inspiring, highlighting the power of mastering foundational lessons—not only for technical skills but also for business skills. From the small town of Elkton, Kentucky, Eric Walker is doing big things and sharing valuable lessons on how to find your own path to growth.

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Not Letting Your Past Define You with Samantha Wright

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Samantha Wright shares how she became co-owner of Wright Auto Group, a multi-shop business founded on three key pillars: Aim for Happy Customers, Aim for Happy Workers, and Aim for Sustainable Business Practices. Her story—from high school dropout and teen mom to shop owner—is one of determination, learning, healing, and hope. It’s about not letting your past define you, staying open to change, and embracing growth along the way. Samantha is deeply grateful for the inspiration she received from her experiences in previous shops and is honored to join passionate shop owners who make a difference—one customer at a time.

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The Power of One More: Life-Changing Insights with Ed Mylett

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode we have the honor to speak with Ed Mylett right after his keynote presentation at Shop Hackers Conference 2025. Ed is a globally recognized entrepreneur, performance coach, and speaker. He got his start in the financial services industry, achieving incredible success that eventually earned him spot on the Forbes "50 Wealthiest Under 50" List. Since then, he has spearheaded a range of ventures, spanning technology, real estate, health, food/nutrition and more. He shares with us some key insights he's learned in his life including valuing what is most important, the value of one more rep, and why you should consider carefully each new step in life. His views and experiences may shock you. Buckle up!

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The Big Balance. How to be time rich with Jesse Itzler

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Jesse is an out-of-the-box kind of guy. I'm most cases he didn't even start with a box! In this episode, Jesse, who is an acclaimed author, co-founder of the world's largest private jet company, and award-winning musician and producer among other things, dives deep into his approach to balancing professional achievements with family life. Jesse shares insights on the importance of maintaining an underdog mentality, finding wins in various aspects of life, and ensuring that success in business does not come at the expense of family. He also emphasizes the value of praising effort, staying grounded, and being 'time rich.' The discussion highlights the importance of having fun in what you do while focusing on impact and legacy.

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You want to be the BEST? Tommy Mello tells us how!

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Tommy is BACK! Our first time with Tommy was after he was a keynote at the Shop Hackers Conference in 2024. This time Tommy joins us for an hour packed episode sharing how he grew his garage door service company into a massive enterprise with over 900 employees. He shares what it takes to not just be good at sales, but what it takes to be GREAT. His mindset on growth and having a bigger dream is not fluff. It's what allows him to put in motion a path to create a future. Tommy shares it all. High energy and high value. You're going to want to listen to this one more than once!

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The Rise, Realization, and Resilience of Justin Smith: From Mutiny to Mental Health

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, Justin Smith, the charismatic owner of an auto repair shop in Fredericksburg, Virginia, shares his compelling story. Justin recounts working with his father at a young age to opening his own shop at 24, under challenging conditions with no money or local support. Over the years, he navigates through mistakes, such as managing staff poorly and nearly going bankrupt, to eventually finding success. He highlights challenges many owners face such as dealing with depression and failure. Despite personal challenges, Justin emphasizes the importance of perseverance, gratitude, community support, and faith. His candid recounting of his experiences offers invaluable lessons on leadership, mental health, and keeping the passion alive.

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Building from Scratch: Brett and Tonya's Fast Path to Success in Pensacola

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, Tonya and Brett share their dynamic story of starting a successful auto repair shop in Pensacola. From their initial meeting in Philadelphia, Brett's extensive 35-year career in dealerships, and fast pivots in life, their journey is filled with numerous relocations, raising three children, and overcoming major challenges. With their pioneering spirit, they find themselves starting their own shop and learning that details really matter. Through setbacks and successes, they demonstrate the importance of resilience, understanding each other, and the power of creating a lasting brand supporting their customers and their community.

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The Full Story. Edward Caswell's Transformed Life!

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this powerful episode, Edward Caswell, owner of Full Throttle Automotive and Fast Lane Auto Repair shares more than the details behind his successful business. Edward shares the full story of his life of brokenness turned into transformation. Hear how his wife fiercely fought for his future with the support of those around him, allowing him to become the person he is today. An educator turned shop owner, he opens up about how he knew "nothing" about business and how his focus to, "love on people", turned into the realization of what true unconditional love is. His story of struggle and path to freedom will inspire you and maybe even give you the break through you've been looking for.

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Building a Business and Balancing Family: Lauren's Success Story in Auto Repair

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Lauren Keeton shares her inspiring story of shop ownership and how she and her husband David turned it into the life they wanted. Despite growing up in a small family-run shop and initially wanting a different career, Lauren was drawn back into the industry when David pursued his dream of opening his own shop. Lauren discusses the financial challenges, including purchasing a $1 million building, remodeling, and managing tenants. She also talks about balancing work with family life, having four children, and eventually stepping back from daily operations to enjoy a better quality of life. Lauren now also coaches other shop owners, bringing her teaching background into her new role, and discusses the importance of building connections and being willing to be vulnerable in order to grow in the industry.

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Let's go Skibo! One step back, ten steps forward. Creating an amazing life with Jeff Skibo.

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Jeff Skibo shares his story of overcoming business hardships taking steps that felt backwards to move forward. Born and raised in California, Jeff initially resisted joining his family's auto repair business, pursuing a successful landscaping business instead. However, the 2008 economic downturn forced him back to the family shop. After taking over, Jeff achieved significant growth through changes in mindset and process. He eventually outsourced his responsibilities and moved 2,000 miles away, and even opened a second shop remotely! As a coach at Shop Fix, Jeff now helps other shop owners achieve their goals and make an impact in the lives of those around them.

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Jack Getz's Automotive Business Multi-Million Transformation

Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Join TJ Roberts, Aaron, and Jay as they take a humorous and insightful journey through the humble beginnings of EuroFix and ShopFix. Between riding dirt bikes, racing down back roads, and having an occasional run in with the law, these three have enjoyed the journey. Now the COO of ShopFix, TJ shares with us the lessons he learned along the way and the challenges he and Aaron faced. From thinking they couldn't lose to almost losing it all, they develop the resilience needed to keep moving forward and the balanced working relationship to help steer them in the right direction.

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The Berg! The Power of the Journey to Reach Your Goal

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In today's episode we hear from the one and only, The Berg! We start off with some behind the scenes humor to kick off this walk through Michael Rosenberger's journey to owning his own store and joining Shop Fix Academy. We take some fun rabbit trails hearing how this driven guy found his path into doing what he loves and seeing his family and his industry transformed.

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Make The Tough Lessons Mean Something - From Parts Guy to MSO with Rick Kersey

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Rick Kersey, a multi-shop owner in Oregon, started his automotive career at a parts counter. His relentless drive and motivation propelled him through the ranks, leading to the realization that owning his own shop was the next logical step. With unwavering focus, Rick took the plunge, navigating the challenging lessons that new owners often face. Undeterred, he developed a deep understanding of what makes a shop thrive. Continually striving for more, Rick ventured into new industries and expansions, learning costly yet invaluable lessons along the way. Through creativity, leveraging his extensive experience, and a strong emphasis on building a robust culture, Rick has not only expanded his business but has also far surpassed his original goals.

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Transformational wisdom with Brandon Peavy : From Firefighter to Entrepreneur

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Brandon Peavy shares his inspiring journey from starting as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic at the age of 16 to becoming a successful entrepreneur managing multiple businesses. He discusses how he transitioned from the fire service to founding an ambulance company and later, an auto repair shop named Route 11 Automotive. Brandon also talks about the challenges he faced in the ambulance industry, particularly dealing with fraud and regulation. He recounts the pivotal decisions that led to the expansion of his auto repair business and highlights the importance of mentorship and community support in his growth. Brandon provides some deep foundational wisdom he's learned in his career helping others. In his words, there is no plateau, you're either going up or down. Get ready to go up with this awesome conversation.

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From Grit to Growth: Shane and Chad's Automotive Journey

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Shane Copeland and Chad Kaemingk discuss their journey from meeting at a dealership to becoming successful business partners in the automotive repair industry. They share insights on how they started their first automotive repair business with limited funds and partnerships, overcame challenges, expanded to multiple locations, and learned crucial business strategies. They share their journey of determination, struggle, and uncovering the secrets that pushed their business forward. It highlights their growth from working in the trenches to becoming business owners managing multiple stores, their partnership dynamics, and the lessons learned along the way.

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Chuck Swain's Journey into Automotive Repair: Turning Challenges into Triumphs

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, Chuck shares his remarkable journey from running a CrossFit gym in Texas to owning an automotive repair shop in Virginia—despite having no prior experience in the industry. Facing numerous challenges, including a declining shop and a difficult transition with the former owner, Chuck managed to revitalize the business. He emphasizes the crucial role of honest and effective leadership, leveraging his HR background to foster a strong team culture. Chuck also delves into overcoming setbacks and the power of community, both locally and within his professional network. By enhancing business processes and hiring trustworthy staff, Chuck has successfully increased the shop's revenue while achieving a better work-life balance and financial stability. Now a coach and mentor, he reflects on the fulfillment of helping others succeed, sharing valuable insights and strategies for aspiring business owners.

Mike Difato : An Entrepreneurial Journey from Pools, Boats, and Auto Repair

Mon, 20 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This episode features entrepreneur Mike Difato who shares his journey from working in medical sales and owning a pool service company to launching a successful chain of auto repair shops with his partners. We explore his strategic partnership with Eric, their first shop purchase, and the subsequent expansion to nine shops with plans for a tenth. The episode delves into the significance of learning from failures, the importance of strategic partnerships to grow fast, and how taking calculated risks can lead to substantial growth. Mike also discusses his side venture into boat repair, highlighting the unique challenges compared to auto repair. Throughout, insights into business growth, mentorship, and investment in staff development paint a comprehensive picture of their success. The conversation concludes with discussions on the importance of data analysis in business operations and Mike's motivation for coaching other entrepreneurs.

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Josh Bird : From Pole Barn to Multimillion-Dollar Auto Repair Business Changing Lives

Mon, 06 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This episode features Josh Bird's remarkable journey from working at a dealership with a six-figure income to owning two auto repair shops with a combined revenue of over four million dollars. Josh shares the pivotal moment when he quit his job and risked everything to start his own business. Despite the hardships, like receiving a cease and desist from the county and working in a barn with ten foot ceilings, Josh's story underscores the significance of perseverance, the impact of coaching, and the power of community in achieving rapid business growth. Josh's account is not only a source of inspiration but also offers practical advice for other owners in the auto repair industry.

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Ryan Hillenbrand : Building a Family Brand and Navigating Success in Auto Repair

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This episode features an in-depth interview with Ryan Hillenbrand, owner of four auto repair shops, who shares his journey into the auto repair industry that reshaped his life, learning perspective, and approach to business. Hillenbrand discusses the value of relationships, trust, and personal development in business growth and leadership. He highlights the transformative role of understanding oneself and improving interactions with others. Through anecdotes and insights, Ryan emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, being open to advice while critically assessing its source, and the power of strong relationships in overcoming challenges and driving success. The conversation also covers his strategies for business expansion, the significance of moving beyond ego, and the actionable advice he's adopted throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

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Zain Syed : Shocking Methods to Get Millions from High-Performing Shops

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Zain operates three shops with laser-focused strategies to increase profit and performance. In this episode he opens up about his "controversial", and in his words "experimental" strategies how a shop can do over $3 million. Through a combination of his strategies and dedicated approach, Zain and his team are pushing boundaries and creating a high-performance authentic culture.

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Tony Tatich : A Story of Rapid Growth, Real Challenges, and Stepping Up to Overcome

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Tony and his family operate five shops in Indiana. In this episode he opens up about his path growing up in his Dad's business, developing a strategy for growth only to have things go sideways, and what it took to recover and grow the business. Tony goes into detail on the power of prioritizing family, simplifying operations, and developing a true list of core values to help be a guide during rapid expansion.

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A Kept Promise Leads to Massive Breakthrough with Tristan Realubit

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Some moments seem pretty insignificant, but later, we realize they were a landmark in our lives, a moment that sparked the change that set us on a course that would forever change our lives. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that these moments tend to happen to us when the pressure is on, when our back is against the call, or when we are at a crossroads --- especially in our businesses. Today’s guest is Tristan Realubit, owner of Real Autohous, with multiple locations in the Chicago area. One of these moments for Tristan was a promise he made to his mom many years ago. In this episode, you’ll hear the amazing aftermath of and how that moment forever changed his life, his family, his company, and countless others. This is one of those stories that will impact your heart as much as your head. Stay tuned.

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Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.com

Shop Fix Acadamy’s sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

Quick Clue: Why You Can't Find High-Performers with Thomas Hays

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 05:30:00 -0500

Here's another episode in the Quick Clue mini-series. In this episode, you'll learn 3 important insights that can help you find and hire incredible employees.

This mini-series is designed to give you something to think about, something to improve your shop, and help you make the most of the week ahead.

Another full-length episode will drop next week!

Becoming Unrecognizable with Darren Adams

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 09:45:00 -0500

Today, we're diving deep into the transformative power of personal development. Personal development isn't just about reading a specific book, attending a seminar, or doing a few workouts -- it's about fundamentally altering how you perceive yourself and your potential. This week's guest is Darren Adams, owner of Dryfork Diesel in Missouri. Years ago, Darren found himself heartbreakingly stuck with a broken body, limiting beliefs, and an underperforming shop. In this episode, he’ll share his wild journey of self-discovery and doing the HARD work to transform himself in mind, body, and spirit to become absolutely unrecognizable from his previous self, truly becoming the beast-mode version of himself who serve his family, shop, and community in ways he never thought possible. Change is hard, but staying stuck is harder. Choose your hard.

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Quick Clue: Is Your Car Count Being Manipulated? With Thomas Hays

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:45:00 -0500

We are going to try something new!

As you know, each month, we interview some incredible folks in our industry in long-form interviews. We've been so honored by your support for the show, and are truly grateful. This week Thomas is introducing a new will be new mini-series called “Quick Clues”. The episodes will be about 5 min long… no guests, no dramatic intro, and no editing, it’s just you, Thomas, and his microphone. The goal is to give you something to think about, something to share with your team, something that can help you improve in specific areas, and most of all, be encouraged. So, we’ll try this out for a bit, and see how it works out. Perhaps make it a regular part of the podcast. Do us a favor and send us an email if you like this (or hate it) to Thomas@SLCAutoPodcast.com… Also, just to confirm, We will still be posting full-length episodes like always, 2x a month.

This week's Quick Clue: Is Your Car Count Being Manipulated?

Car count (or lack thereof) is a big topic right now. Your ability to analyze the specifics of your car count is CRITICAL to being able to grow your car count. In this episode, Thomas will break down how to tell if your shop is meeting marketing demand, or if it's being artificially held back.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

How Humanizing Your Metrics and Data is a Cheat Code for Your Shop with Mike Difato

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0500

So often, when we think about our numbers, metrics, and KPI's we get caught up in the "facts" we learn from these, creating a very rigid interpretation of them. Curiosity goes out the window, and we bulldoze our team with what we think is the problem. We forget that making stark assumptions often leads to flawed conclusions and our team's confusion and frustration. This week's guest is Mike Difato, Owner of three successful auto and boat repair brands with six locations across FL. An early experience in Mike's career in corporate America forever shaped how he uses data and allowed him to unlock an absolute cheat code to build a better team and an incredible shop. He also brings other powerful insights on a few other topics to help you further level up your leadership skills.

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This Episode is for the Techs with Lowell Greene and Phil Quillen

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0500

This one’s for the techs. Without you, our world would look very different: Parents wouldn’t be able to make it to their kid's games, food wouldn’t make it to stores, and the world as we know it wouldn’t exist. Yet despite this, historically, your role hasn’t been appropriately respected or appreciated. The good news is that there is a massive movement to change this from organizations that want to find and train the next generation, change public opinion, and help techs build a lucrative future. My guests today are Lowell Greene of TechFix and Phil Quielln, Company Forman of EuroFix, AutoFix, and Mike’s Auto in TN. In this episode, we give an insider's perspective, covering topics few are willing to discuss --- the good, bad, and downright ugly. We hope it inspires you and encourages you. Technicians, thank you for all you do.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

How Trauma and Our History Shape Us As Leaders with Kyle Meadows

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Our effectiveness as leaders, employees, or any other role in our lives is often profoundly shaped by our past experiences- good and bad. Some experiences like trauma and other huge losses can leave us with deep wounds that, if left untreated, profoundly hinder our abilities in many areas of business and personal life. Moving forward is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys we can take. This episode's guest is an incredible shop owner named Kyle Meadows. He took on that quest and overcame some huge blows he took from his past, allowing him to build an incredible repair shop, thrive in his personal life, and now be able to support others through their struggles. This is a powerful episode. Stay tuned.

NOTE: There are mentions of overdose, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (call or text)

SAMHSA Substance Abuse Hotline: 888-662-4357

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

The Longest Closing Day Ever with Phil Webster

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:30:00 -0500

If you’ve ever purchased a shop, a house, or even a car, then you know that the closing table can sometimes be a bit tense, unnerving, and even have some surprises. Sometimes, just getting to the closing table can be a considerable challenge. When we encounter these challenges, our character, core beliefs, quick thinking, and keen negotiation skills have to shine… otherwise, the deal may be off. This is precisely where our guest Phil Webster found himself. Phil is a multi-shop owner in a small community in Illinois. In this exciting episode, Phil gives us the play-by-play of the events leading up to and closing his second shop. If you want to learn how to create win-win deals, this episode is for you!

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

The Real Reasons We Have A "Tech Shortage" with Lowell Greene

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0500

We've addressed the tech shortage topic from several angles here on the show, but this conversation truly surprised and inspired me. There are so many layers to the problem, so when you hear a unique perspective like the one you're about to hear, it brings a level of clarity that "obvious" answers just can't give you. This week's guest is Lowell Greene. Lowell is lifelong tech, a former shop owner, a business coach for Shop Fix Academy, and the creator of Tech Fix which launches on 7/1/2023. Lowell delivers some incredible insight and solutions to the problem which, though may be hard to hear for some, will inspire you to drive changes in your shop which will allow you to build a shop culture that increases hire and retention rates through the roof. If you want to be a part of the solution, stay tuned.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

A Story From Someone Who Serves Us with Ryan Burton

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0500

First off, let's address the elephant in the studio: This episode features our friend Ryan Burton who is the founder of Leads Near Me, which is a sponsor of this show. But rest assured you, he paid NOTHING to be interviewed on the show. We asked him to be on the show because Ryan is a master at marketing, running a successful service business, and building brands. As those in Auto Repair, it’s not only important for us to hear from our fellow owners and employees but also from those that serve our shops. Ryan came from Canada and had no intention of serving the Automotive community - it found him. His story is a shining example of the American Dream. In this show, you’ll hear how he got started, why is loves auto repair, and be given a few surprises. You’ll love getting to know the man behind the brand.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

Creating a Company Culture That Retains Great Techs with Phil Quillen

Mon, 29 May 2023 10:15:00 -0500

It's a well-known fact that the auto repair industry that we are in the middle of a nationwide technician shortage. In my observation, there are shops that have faired better than others. These shops tend to focus on creating a culture and system where techs know they won't have to deal with drama, can make great hours, and have a great career. In this podcast, I chat with the great Phil Quillen, who is the company Foreman for a multi-location auto repair company in Middle Tennessee. You'll love this conversation because it gives so many unique perspectives, tactics, and ideas that you can deploy to really change the game in your shop. Wanna build your dream team? Then this one is for you!

The Evolution of Roles with Eric & Brent Raber

Fri, 19 May 2023 12:30:00 -0500

There’s a saying that I really love, that I’ve lived by for many years. “Find a need and fill it”. This saying speaks to service, but also making room for yourself to grow. The employees and even owners that I’ve seen become the most successful seem to really follow this saying too. They do things beyond what they are paid for because it needs to be done, they put the mission above their “title”. In my observation, when someone does this, success seems to be inevitable. This week's interview really drives this home. Eric and Brent Raber and not only brothers, but they own a highly successful 4-location repair shop company in Ohio. This concept is a theme throughout their story. If you work with family or are trying to level up in your shop or give your team opportunities, then this one is for you.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

Part 3 of 3: Become A Dependable and Powerful Leader with Joe Stokes

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0500

This is the final part of an incredible 3 part series with our friend, the very wise, Joe Stokes who is the Regional Director for EuroFix, AutoFix, and Mike's Auto in Middle Tennessee. If you’ve missed parts one and two, then we highly recommend you listen to those too as the Truth Bombs are many. In this great episode, we focus on how to build the superpower known as Emotional Intelligence. This is the skill of learning to manage your emotions, mindset, and even how your body reacts to stress. We reveal how every role in the shop can utilize this tool to improve their relationships with the team, the customer, and even in their personal life. Want to get ahead? Want to level up? Then you’ll love this episode.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

Part 2 of 3: Become A Dependable and Powerful Leader with Joe Stokes

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 09:15:00 -0500

Part two of this three-part series is focused on what it takes to open one (or more) stores at once. Joe Stokes, Regional Director for a fast-growing Middle Tennessee Auto Repair company, and I dive into how to find the locations, where to find and how to hire the staff, help new employees from out of state, the logistics of overcoming the Tech Shortage, and how to have the right leadership team in place. In addition, we have a great discussion on the mindset of techs at dealerships vs. independent shops. If you’re an owner, a tech, or anyone involved in a growing auto repair company, then this episode is for you. As you may have noticed Joe and I can TALK, so this is another long one, but well worth the listen all the way through. Stay tuned!

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

Part 1 of 3: Become A Dependable and Powerful Leader with Joe Stokes

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Our guest this week is the amazing and very wise, Joe Stokes who is the district manager for EuroFix, AutoFix, and Mike's Auto in Middle Tennessee. This is Joe’s second time on the show and if you’ve not heard his first interview, we'd highly recommend it. In fact, it was one of our top listened-to episodes. I asked Joe to come back and share some more wisdom, and share he did! We recorded a 3-part series which we are so excited for you to hear. In this first part of the series, we discuss how Joe dealt with a store that had been affected by an underperforming manager. Yes, this is a long episode, but let me assure you that the actionable “clues” which will help you be a better leader are non-stop.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

A Shop Model That Provides Financial Advocacy For Our Customers With Rob Choisser

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Customer Advocacy. It’s a big part of what we as automotive professionals. Technicians advocate with complete and accurate inspections, and our Advisors help customers understand what is needed on their cars. What would happen if we took this concept to the next level? That’s exactly what guest Rob Choisser of Choisser Automotive Services did. He found himself furious at the fact that so many people make poor financial decisions about their cars from a lack of financial education, the lies told to us by society, and misconceptions about the nature of the car itself. So, Rob built his entire shop model around helping his customers gain freedom from this trap. The result is a thriving, profitable shop, with raving multi-generational customers who are actually financially better off because of his process. This concept is a game-changer for our shops, our customers, and the industry.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

How to Shipwreck Your Shop with Ryan Blair

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Having a shop is much like steering a large ship in new waters. Your crew is looking to you for leadership, your passengers trust you to do the right thing, and your family needs you to be successful. Without the right experience, braving these new waters can result in peril, hurting everyone around you and costing you a fortune in money, time, and, ultimately, your future. In this episode, Ryan Blair, managing partner of Simple True Automotive Group, will share the heartwrenching story of when he shipwrecked his shop and how he recovered and made things right. This emotional episode will help anyone struggling to overcome a considerable blow. Stay tuned.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

How to Make Your Shop A True Force For Good with Matt Carlson

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500

What is the point of becoming profitable? I’ve talked to hundreds of shop owners, and not a single one wanted to become rich for the sake of being rich. Almost all of them opened their shop to better the lives of their families, their employees, and their community. While this is a great goal, sadly, many don’t achieve the necessary profit to make this happen. But what if there was a more efficient model you could deploy to make this goal a reality in less time? This is exactly what Matt Carlson of Fix It Forward Auto Care has discovered. In this episode, he’s going to share what he’s accomplished and give you the practical steps so you can deploy some of these strategies in your own shop.

To learn more about Matt's model, please visit his website, or email him.

Matt@fixitforwardautocare.com

https://www.fixitforwardautocare.com

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

From Working In the Fields to Millionaire Shop Owner with Juan Acevedo

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 16:45:00 -0500

There’s a saying that says, “You can’t change your stars” It implies that the family line, situation, or status you are born into will determine what you can accomplish and how far you can succeed. Challenging this notion is the very essence of the American Dream, which declares: “Anything is possible with God, grit, and determination.” Few people I know embody this better than my guest Juan Acevedo of Trustlane Automotive in Salinas, CA. Juan’s story proves that you can accomplish great things despite your circumstances. In this episode, Juan will share his incredible journey and truths you can apply to your life and business.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

Don't Walk Through Hell Alone with Adam Preusser

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Sometimes things at our shops take some pretty sharp turns, and sometimes those turns are into a ditch, but other times it’s straight into a canyon! What do you do? Perhaps it's ego, but for many of us, the first instinct is to hide the pain and fear and try to figure it out on our own. When we are alone, stuck in our heads, in fear, and experiencing pain, it’s hard to think and move forward. Years ago, our guest Adam Preuesser of Motor Works in Minnesota found himself in that canyon. In this episode, Adam will share what happened, how he got out, and how that foundation helped him build an incredible multi-location operation and a life of impact.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

Becoming a Resilient Shop Owner Who Can Overcome Anything with Stan Andrewski

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Becoming resilient is one of the most critical traits to becoming a successful shop owner, tech, advisor, or anyone else in this challenging industry. In my observation, resilience is the ability to MOVE FORWARD from the traumas, setbacks, and embarrassments from the past. It’s the ability to acknowledge the past but not get stuck in it. It’s looking forward with hope. This trait allows you to overcome excuses, have self-discipline, and have genuine joy in the present moment. Stan Andrewski of Certified Auto Repair in VA embodies resilience. He has overcome a difficult past and found the strategies that allowed him to cultivate resilience and create an incredible life. The clues he leaves apply to anyone trying to move from surviving to thriving.

Thanks to our sponsors, Leads Near Me and Shop Fix Academy. They serve our industry and help make this show possible. Learn more about them below.

Leads Near Me is a full-service online digital presence provider for automotive repair shops. Let Leads Near Me effortlessly increase your car count by reaching them at 888-953-2379 or by visiting them online at LeadsNearMe.com

Shop Fix Acadamy’s sole purpose is to stop the average small business from destroying the average family. Call 615-645-3683 to speak to someone on our leadership team about seeing if Shop Fix Acadamy is a good fit for your shop. Learn more at ShopFixAcademy.com

What If You Had To Start Over From Scratch? With Glenn Todd

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0500

What if you had to start over from scratch? Like one day, you have a shop, and the next day you don’t. Where would you start? What resources would you pull from? -- From buildings, to contracts, to hiring, to marketing — as anyone who’s opened a shop from scratch can tell you… it’s a massive undertaking. This is the situation that Glenn Todd of Glenn’s European Auto Repair in PA found himself in. Glenn pulled on his resources, mentors, friends, and incredible self-discipline to create an almost instantly profitable shop in just months. In this episode, Glenn will share this wild story and, in the process, share some incredible clues you can use in your shop whether you're starting out or are decades in. You don’t want to miss this one!

Redeeming A Relationship with Dad with Veille Arthur

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Every son longs to have a good relationship with his dad. Sometimes though, as many, including myself, can attest, that doesn't always happen. Now take that pain, and imagine trying to run a shop together. That's the exact situation that my guest Veille Arthur experienced. For years, Veille and his dad painfully struggled in their relationship and with their shop. Veille was diligent in his pursuit of building the shop into something great while trying to redeem the story of himself and his father.

How an Unlikely Friendship Became a Triple-Brand Auto Repair Company with Eric Rutherford

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

This week our guest is Eric Rutherford of Prestige European Auto Service in Florida. This episode explores how an unlikely partnership allowed for the creation of an incredible auto repair brand in Florida. Eric started out as an owner on his own, but then met his business partner, Mike through a very interesting situation (You gotta hear this story!). Eric was a Master Tech, and Mike was from Corporate America. in this episode, Eric drops some incredible strategies which you can use to create a powerful brand of your own!

From Bartering Repairs for Pepsi to 3 Million in Sales with John Lonas

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500

If you're a tech with a dream to open your own shop or an owner who is not seeing the success you dreamed of, then this episode is made especially for you. Today's guest, John Lonas of Autoworks Service and Repair in Prescott Valley, AZ, has one of the most genuine love for cars of anyone I've met. Sure he has his favorites, but John loves the freedom they create. He transformed this love into a successful career as a tech and then ventured into ownership. He struggled greatly in the beginning, even losing his first shop. On his second shop, many years in, he still found himself chained to the shop, just barely getting by and rarely able to cash his paychecks. At one point, his accountant called his shop the "Titanic." OUCH! John decided this had to change, so he started making critical decisions that dramatically changed his life. In this episode, John will explain what worked for him, who helped him do it, and what life is like now. This episode is truly inspiring.

The Creation of a Happy and Successful Service Advisor with Ashley Wright

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Is it Service Advisor or Service Writer? Either way, it's one of the most critical roles in the shop because if the sales aren't there, the techs don't have hours to turn, and the owner sees no profit. In addition to sales, the Service Advisors or Writers ;) Must be great at multitasking, customer service, logistics, and sometimes even counseling! Great advisors can do these things, create incredible customer experiences all while keeping a smile on their faces, and even have some fun while doing it. I believe those successful in this role aren't just born that way. They bring their natural skills and are fostered by great training and the guidance of a great owner. Today, one of the most successful writers I've met is our guest. Her name is Ashley Wright. I won't mention her shop because some of you may get the idea of trying to hire her. Sorry, she is very happily employed. If you're an owner, you'll learn some inside tips to help your advisors, and if you're an advisor listening, you'll learn some powerful tips and tricks to become a happy and successful advisor too.

Finding Massive Breakthrough After 16 Years of Complacency with Fred Young

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0500

Complacency is a killer. It lulls us into a false sense of security by making us believe that our status quo is good enough or even a safe and prudent place to be. The problem with this mindset is that we shortchange our futures and ignore the possibility that we could be in an even better place. Sometimes it takes being shaken and woken up to see the truth. This happened to my guest Fred Young of Young Automotive in WI. By all counts, his shop was doing fine and cruising along for 16 years, but then he was awakened to the possibility that there was MORE --- more for him, his family, and those connected to his shop. He made some hard choices to break free and become a now growing and thriving business. If you feel like you need to get unstuck, then this is the episode for you!

Becoming a Compelling Leader with Jay Huh

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Becoming a compelling leader unlocks doors to moves that others simply can’t make. Moves like successfully expanding your shop during a global pandemic or growing the revenue by nearly 50% two years in a row. This is exactly what my guest Jay Huh of Carmedix in North Carolina, accomplished. In this process, he discovered four major keys to leading a team to greatness. In our interview, Jay will tell his important story and share the keys he discovered. If you want to be a better leader, this episode is for you!

Coming out of Addiction and Creating a Thriving Shop with Chris Knuth

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0500

It seems if you do just a little research, we can find that addiction is a prevalent trait in many business owners and high-performers. Left unchecked, addiction can create subtle and not-so-subtle problems with our shops and make it hard to live life on life's terms. The good news is that there are solutions and paths we can take to overcome these vices and create a life of wholeness, health, and power. Today's guest, Chris Knuth of Star Motors European Service in CA, will share his journey from being addicted and stuck to recovering and thriving.

As you'll learn in the show, part of his journey was to start an incredible non-profit called APAC ATI, which works to solve the technician shortage and change the industry. If you'd like to learn more, here's the link: https://apacati.org/

Taking Complete Ownership for Our Mistakes with Joe Valind

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0500

In shop ownership, sometimes we make big mistakes, experience massive failures, and are presented with incredible challenges. Some of these can hurt a little, but some can create massive pain for us and those connected to us. As leaders in our shops, these circumstances are ultimately our responsibility. This episode's guest, Joe Valind of Auto Saftey Center in WI has experienced the full weight of this concept firsthand with a bad business deal that almost closed his shop. In this episode, Joe will share the intimate details of what happened and, more importantly, how we came out on top.

The Bank Called Your Note… Now What? with Jonathan Ortiz

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0500

"Your note has been pulled." Those are some pretty scary words to hear for almost anyone. The thought brings up many questions: What would you do if that happened to you? How would you survive? Would you lose your shop, your house, your way of life? How do you come back from that? This scenario happened to our guest Jonathan Ortiz of Foreign Affairs Auto in Florida. Not only did he and his family fight and survive through this situation, but they are also now completely thriving. On today’s show, Jonathan will share his incredible story on how to make it through when life tosses you something you can’t control.

Replay: Breaking Free From Old Identities with Michael Rosenberger

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0500

Today is Friday, July 29th, and NEXT WEEK I’m grateful to be a part of the annual Shop Hackers conference in Nashville TN. If you’re attending that conference, please come and say 'hi'! Because of the conference this week I’m reposting one of our top episodes for anyone who’s not heard it.

FYI, there won’t be a new episode next week, but on Friday 8/11, and going forward, I’ve got some incredible interviews in the pipeline that I can’t wait for you to hear.

This week we revisit my conversation with none other than 26-year industry veteran and Ratchet and Wrench cover star Michael Rosenberger aka "The Berg".

Michael started in the industry literally sweeping the floors in his dad's shop. Through a series of big moves, painful blows, and incredible lessons, he now owns 2 great shops in Texas.

In the episode, he shares how we broke free from old mindsets and became the owner he needed to be.

This was an incredible interview.

Visiting Shops Across America with Nate Winston

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0500

After being in the automotive industry for a while now, one word that comes to mind for me when describing us is COMMUNITY. Though it seems individualism ranks high in the traits of most of us, I’ve experienced that those in our community are incredibly willing to help one another out when called upon. But, how do you ask for help? How do you engage someone you want to connect with, and why is it so important to do that anyway? Our guest, Nate Winston, co-owner of ECP Auto Repair & Service in Ohio, will answer these important questions for us. Nate has made a splash this year on Facebook by visiting nearly a dozen shops and recording his experiences through Facebook Lives. His recordings not only show his experiences, but they set an incredible example of what being in a community can look like. I enjoyed this interview and getting to know Nate… you will too.

"You're the Problem!" with Todd Baldridge

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 18:00:00 -0500

What if you found out all along you that YOU were the problem that was causing your shop, or even your life to not be where you wanted them to be — that you were the source of your own discontentment and frustration. I feel that so many people run from such a thought because honestly, I think when we acknowledge that we have that much power, it would mean we have to take responsibility and change. It was this train of thought that transformed today’s hero, Todd Baldridge owner of Buckeye Complete Auto care in Columbus OH. Todd owned his responsibility in his situation and it changed everything. This revelation propelled him to create a thriving shop where his team loves working there and his customers have to fight over parking spots just to get in. There are so many great nuggets in this great interview.

How to Build a Successful Family Business with Doug Hillmuth

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0500

Building a business from nothing, growing it into a family empire, and then passing it on to your kids. It’s the full circle. It’s the dream. It’s the goal that so many shop owners have, but how many actually get to see it happen successfully. This episode's guest is Doug Hillmuth, co-founder of Hillmuth Certified Automotive in Maryland. Doug actually accomplished the dream. In this episode, he'll share how he did it. If this is your dream too, then this is THE episode you need to listen to.

From Angry and Burnt Out to Thriving with Joe Stokes

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0500

Angry, burnt-out, and stuck. Those are some words that would describe where Joe Stokes found himself years ago. He was an incredible tech, made good money, and by all counts lived a good life, but he was miserable. He was angry. He was burnt out. His state became unbearable. He found himself forced to make a choice to either give in to the despair or somehow find a way to break free. Luckily, Joe found the way out, and in this powerful episode, he'll reveal how he did it and call you to do the same.

Joe Stokes has been in the auto industry for 20+ years. He is the District Manager for EuroFix, AutoFix, and Mike's Auto in Nashville TN.

Joseph’s Reading List

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham
Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu
The Like Switch by Jack Schafer
The Ultimate Jim Rohn Library by Jim Rohn
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Leadership & Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute
How to win friends & influence people by Dale Carnegie
Who not How by Dan Sullivan
Crucial Confrontation by Kerry Patterson
Motive by Patrick Lencioni
The 5 dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Leadership 2.0 by Travis Bradberry
How to do the work by Dr. Nicole LePera
The Tao of Seneca by Seneca/Tim Ferris
Exactly What to Say by Phil M Jones

The Long Journey to an Overnight Success with Ashleigh Civitello

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0500

During my years in the industry, I’ve heard many stories of how owners started their shops. Of those, there are a few stories that come to mind of owners that seemed to have almost overnight success with their new shops.

While these stories can be inspirational, more commonly those that observe the overnight success may miss the power of the journey that was traveled to actually get there. In this episode, we’re going to pull back the curtain on one of those stories.

Our guest is Ashleigh Civitello of Simply Euro Automotive Repair in Castle Pines CO. Ashleigh opened her shop during the pandemic, but had cars from day one, and achieved profitability within 90 days — by all counts an overnight success. In this powerful interview, Ashleigh will share the journey she went on and reveal the clues that allowed her to have such success. And here’s a hint… it was not an overnight journey.

The Power of Becoming Less Important at Your Shop with Will Dunford

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Are you an owner or manager who feels ineffective, overwhelmed, or stuck in "Mom/Dad Syndrome" at your shop? Or do you struggle to get your team to trust and listen to you?

If so, then THIS is the PERFECT episode for you. And frankly, even if you think you’ve got it figured out in this area, this is still a great episode and worth your time. Being an incredible leader was a learned skill for guest, Will Dunford… but it’s one that he now excels in. Will is the regional manager for the Atlanta market for the Simply True Auto Group. In this powerful interview, you’ll learn how to get your employees to finally trust you and lead them to create a win-win situation for the shop and them personally.

Finding Confidence and Creating Culture With Jason Smith

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 16:00:00 -0500

How would you like to build such a great culture in your company that people come looking to work for you instead of you chasing them down? How would you like to be so confident in your team, that you'll let candidates ask them any question? This week our guest is Jason Smith, owner of M&M Car Care with three locations in Indiana. He didn’t build a culture in his shop like that by accident… it was the result of finding his confidence, doing hard work, cultivating a passionate "why", and having a dedication to serving others. In this episode, Jason will share the clues he learned along the way.

Overcoming our Mental Roadblocks to Build a Thriving Repair Shop with Dave Markert

Thu, 26 May 2022 12:00:00 -0500

In the course of building a successful shop (or in our guest's case, 8 of them), there are mental roadblocks that can get in our way, such as fears, feelings of inadequacy, and a sense of overwhelm. The truly sad part is that most DON’T actually overcome these feelings and unhelpful ways of thinking. Instead, they let these roadblocks dictate their actions leading to stagnation and limitations on growth. My guest, Dave Markert of True Automotive will reveal the clues that helped him push through and overcome these challenges which allowed him to build an incredible, thriving auto repair company.

The Power of Being Curious and Breaking the Rules at the Shop with Kevin Roth

Thu, 19 May 2022 12:00:00 -0500

From a young age, we are taught to follow the rules. We were told to follow the rules or there will be consequences --- follow the rules at all costs! Because of this, many people make that their mantra and stick to their rules, no matter what. BUT what happens when the rules don’t make sense? What happens when new information is introduced to a situation that makes you question the rules? In this episode our guest Kevin Roth, owner of Kevin's Auto Repair Service, in Swoyersville Pennsylvania. has made being curious and breaking the rules a cornerstone of his shop's culture. Today he’ll share the wild story that started this journey for him and reveal some killer clues along the way.

Dealing with Our Egos with Ryan Hillenbrand

Thu, 12 May 2022 08:00:00 -0500

The Ego is defined by the oxford dictionary as "a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance". Now that doesn’t sound too bad, does it? We all have an ego of some sort. Everyone should have self-esteem and some measure of self-importance… but what happens when this important facet of our minds gets magnified into something unuseful or even widely damaging to ourselves, our shops, and our families. How would you even know if your ego was out of control? More importantly, what would you do about it? In today’s episode, I talk about this with Ryan Hillenbrand, owner of Urbs Garage and Tire in Kentucky. He’ll share about how his own ego got out of control, what this caused, and then his journey to change this and transform into an incredible leader, husband, father, and friend. He shares some incredible lessons and in the end, gives some great clues on how you can master your ego and live a more fulfilling life.

Growing Yourself to Grow Your Shop with Juan Barrera

Thu, 05 May 2022 13:00:00 -0500

Knowing the numbers and KPIs in your shop is critical, but I would argue that if you’re not growing yourself and your team through personal development, you’re simply not going to be as successful as you could be. Today we are going to dive into this subject with my guest Juan Barrera, Owner of Auto Solutions in Orland Florida. Juan will share the incredible journey of his personal development and how he went from knowing NOTHING about cars to becoming a successful, profitable, and happy shop owner.

The Power of Authentic Relationships in Your Business with Mike Wandrey

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Our shops are filled with cars, lifts, tools, fluids, desks, and a whole bunch of other stuff… but they are BUILT on the relationships of our team.

I feel many of us don’t TRULY recognize is just HOW important they are, or perhaps we really struggle to foster and maintain relationships with our team without it feeling forced or being fake.

In this episode, I’ll discuss this with my guest and 23-year industry veteran, Mike Wandery. Harnessing the power of relationships is his superpower. I love his story because along with each milestone, he recognized and learned the secrets to having HEALTHY, BALANCED, MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL, and STRATEGIC relationships.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn the clues you need to do the same in your shop. These clues will help you whether you’re an owner, an employee, or even a vendor supporting the shop.

How to Be a Great Manager with Guy Roberts

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In this episode, our guest Guy Roberts shares with us the time he went from being a Service Advisor to a General Manager, and THEN going from General Manager to a District Manager. He’ll share what he learned about how to be a great manager, and leave some great clues on how owners can support their managers and how managers can support their team.

If you’ve got a service advisor who you think could become a manager, then this episode would be great for them too!

Learning to be Unstoppable with Richard Weis

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0500

How would you like to be so driven and so confident that you’d achieve your goals that it scared you a little? What if you were so willing and able to do anything to reach those goals that it made you feel virtually unstoppable? Our guest, Richard Weis has cultivated a life where this is his reality. In this episode, Richard will share his incredible story of growth, and at the end he’ll provide the unexpected clues that allowed him to build a 6 store empire, creating a wonderful life for himself, his family, and his team.

Top Service Advisor Moves Seats on the Bus with Anje Clay

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0500

There is a business analogy about your business is like a bus and the seats are different roles in your business. Making sure your team is on the right seats or roles is of course CRITICAL to the success of both the employee and the business. What happens when an employee needs to move seats? How do you navigate this change? In this episode guest, Anje Clay will share her story about this very situation and how she and her shop handled the transition well.

The Importance of Knowing When To Defend Your Shop with Lowell Greene

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0500

When was the last time you were put into a situation where you felt you had to defend your Shop? The tendency in these situations is to fight hard because doing anything less feels like we aren't doing the right thing by our business or our team. In this episode, our guest Lowell Greene will share the unique formula for handling this mindset that’s made him more successful, less stressed, and more valuable to those around him.

Lowell has been in our industry for over 30 years, is a master-certified technician, a former shop owner, and for the last 6 years a coach to Shop owners.

Breaking Free From Old Identities with Michael Rosenberger

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0500

This week we dive into our FIRST EPISODE with an interview with none other than 26-year industry veteran and recent Ratchet and Wrench cover star, Michael Rosenberger aka "The Berg".

Michael started in the industry literally sweeping the floors in his dad's shop. Through a series of big moves, painful blows, and incredible lessons, he now owns 2 great shops in Texas. In this episode, he will share his transformation and leave some clues you don't want to miss.

Introducing Success Leaves Clues: An Automotive Industry Podcast

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

A brief summary of this episode