In this episode, Lauralee Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care in Springboro, Ohio, discusses her approach to customer appreciation marketing. She also talks about ideas that have worked, ones that haven't, lessons learned, and why shops need a marketing budget.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Nichole Bennecoff of Empower Automotive, formerly The Subie Guys, talks about running a niche Subaru shop and why she's now widening her scope of service, and how she's using driver profiles and data to do it.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Brandon Jones and Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership talk about what it takes for a shop owner to holistically become the leader their team needs from people to process.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, we visit with Alex Noll, owner of ABR Houston European Specialty Repair in Houston, Texas. If you recall, Alex was featured in the February 2024 issue as the featured shop in Shop View. Today, Alex talks about his background in automotive, going to tech school, getting picked up by BMW, going after shop ownership, and what the futu…

In this episode, Steven Fafel of AutoOps shares industry data about the effectiveness of online scheduling and how it adds customers to the shop. He also talks about the latest feature that helps shops close more appointments after hours.Av Ratchet+Wrench

Kieran O'Brien of Shopgenie demos the company's new virtual advisor, Jasmine, and explains how this tech can help shops book more after-hours appointments and how AI is changing front-of-house operations.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Matthew Schwab of Cluth Automotive in Houston, Texas, talks about what shop owners who are ready to turn over the reigns need to do to get a buyer for their shop.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Ceasar Cordon, who heads the Outside Business Development Team for Fifth Gear Automotive, talks about why collaborating with dealerships and competing shops has boosted their new business revenue by nearly 50% ... and how it can do the same for your shop.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, AJ Nealey, owner of Nealey Tire & Auto, which has five locations in Maryland, talks about using the EOS method to standardize his shop and how it has led to massive growth and success across the board.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Brittany Schindler of Rod's Japanese Auto Care in Bellingham, Washington, who was also the 2021 AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year, explains how service advisors can handle customer complaints with grace.Av Ratchet+Wrench

Can predictive maintenance help your auto repair shop schedule more accurate repair appointments for customers? In this episode, Tim Hardin, senior vice president/GM global data services, Epicor, discusses the data that drives predictive maintenance and how it stacks up against the traditional 30/60/90K maintenance model in more accurate scheduled …

In this episode, Chris Cloutier of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas, Texas, discusses how to manage employee conflict in auto repair shops. He identifies what conflict in the workplace looks is, when employees should escalate grievances up to the auto repair shop owner, and how leaders resolve conflict within the team. Sponsored by Chemors…

In this episode, Karim Morsli of Winkler Automotive, talks about going from engineering and IT to auto shop ownership. He discusses how the servant leadership style he learned translated in the shop, and why having a selfless approach as a shop owner can change the shop, and more importantly, lift the industry.…

In this episode, Jeremy Glassco of App Fueled and JJ Mont of JJs Auto Service talk about how using an app has created higher loyalty and retention for JJs shop and why it's smart to market to the phone.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Dr Dana Nkana of Automotive Doctor Consulting and Coaching Services talks about a few key processes that can improve shops.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing talks about how auto repair shops can use AI to improve processes, workflow, customer engagement, and communication. He also dives into some interesting use cases for improving customer service and leveling up your marketing.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench columnist Dutch Silverstein talks about transparency and whether it's just a marketing buzzword to sell services to customers or a way for shops to build a culture that caters to the needs of the people they serve.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, we take a look back on STX 2024 starting with data and industry outlook and moving into conversations with key personnel—Bob Cushing, Shane O'Connor, Rob Morrell, and Chris Salvo. We also speak directly with auto repair shop owners, a technician, and a parts supplier about lessons learned and why they value training.…

In this episode, Maryann Croce, shop owner and founder/coach at Small Biz Vantage, talks about why shop owners can get bogged down by their businesses, what causes it, and seven leadership tips to help them get out of the rut and on top of their game.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Sara Fraser of Haas Performance Consulting dispels myths about Gen Z workers and discusses five traits that make them among the best workers in the workforce.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, the team at FenderBenders, a sibling publication to Ratchet+Wrench covering the collision repair sector, speaks to Drew Barnes and Heather Sebben of North American Council of Automotive Teachers. They're going to talk about what NACAT is and how it serves automotive. They’re reaching their 50th anniversary of operation and will cel…

In this episode, Kendall Warnock of A1 Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska, talks about how auto repair shop owners can turn comebacks and upset customers into raving fans. He also talks about his humble beginnings growing up poor on a reservation and how that became the catalyst to how he learned to treat people and why he cares so much about his cust…

In this episode, Jay Woodall, General Manager of National Accounts Retail/Branded at Interstate and a board member of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, discusses the AACF's efforts to support individuals facing severe financial hardship during disasters, and provides guidance on accessing the charity's assistance for yourself or you…

In this episode, Jamie Cuthbert, founder & CEO of AutoServe 1, talks about the harmony between auto repair shops and their customers when digital vehicle inspections are done with care, intention, and good communication.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Juke Ball of Juke Auto in Austin, Texas, discusses mistakes he made as a young shop owner and the resulting lessons. You can read the story that inspired the episode, "What You Don't Know You Don't Know" on ratchetandwrench.com.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Erich Schmidt talks about the early mistakes he made as a shop owner that have enabled him to become the conscious business owner he is today.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Mike Allen, owner of Carfix Auto Repair & Tires with shops in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area, talks about why he likes to hire fast (as quickly as the same day), how he does it, why it works and why his people stick around.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Bill Greeno of Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, California, talks about his meticulous process for onboarding new team members. Bill was a 2022 Ratchet+Wrench Best Workplaces winner and has a reputation for having a strong shop culture that begins with how he onboards his new hires.…

In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench Editor-in-Chief Chris Jones takes a look back at the events at VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo in Kansas City, and shop owners and other industry professionals share their experiences from the event.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, entrepreneur, speaker, and people-first growth specialist Shari Pheasant gets real about how auto repair shop owners can get down on their team's level, increase emotional intelligence, and build a shop that's truly about putting people first.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Dave Brown of DSB Leadership Group talks about his four keys to ensuring that you get the most out of your conference networking experience.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this replay episode from 2022, Deanna Bumgardner from Employer's Advantage LLC joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about being an emotionally intelligent shop owner when soliciting feedback from your team, why your team fears opening up in the first place, and tips for creating an environment of open communication.…

In this episode, Marc Mawhinney of Natural Born Coaches talks about what makes a great coach, why marketability trumps all, and understanding what your clients want and how to get it to them. He also offers insight into how to level up your coaching business through strategic communication. Take the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey. Register for…

In this episode, Cecil Bullard of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence discusses the various available technician pay plans shop owners can use and their pros and cons.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Bill and Kaylin Walker of Walker's Garage in Brewer, Maine, discuss how they got their shop up and running. Bill had been a solo operator—wearing all of the hats most of the way—until Kaylin joined him in the front of the shop. They market like a big shop and now they're readying for expansion. Here's their story.…

In this episode, Travis Comfort, vice president of Rick's Automotive in Springfield, Missouri, talks about the innovative mind of owner Rick Hughlett, working on fleet accounts, and their modern shop complete with an employee gym.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg of Turnkey Marking talks about direct mail marketing and how auto repair shops can get the most out of it. We also discuss how to create your messaging, target your audience, measure results and how to fit it into your digital marketing mix.Av Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Daniel Wisian of Tech One Automotive in Austin, Texas, talks about what's new at his shop and walks us through his processes as a shop owner. He talks about his hiring and retention practices, expanding his shop, how he budgets for marketing, and collaborating with Tesla early on. Wisian's shop was featured in the March 2023 issue …

In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench Radio host Chris Jones reviews some of his favorite episodes of the year and talks about changes to the podcast for 2024. Sponsord by Ford MotorcraftAv Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Chris Enright of Enright Automotive talks about how he amassed a huge following on social media. To date, he has 53,000 YouTube subscribers, 30,000 TikTok subscribers, 45,000 Instagram followers and his Instagram Reels have over 50 million views. Chris talks about how he did it and how you can find your brand voice on social media …

In this episode, Jeff Furrow of Wellsboro Automotive talks about being a relational leader and how that translates into creating an environment where his technicians can learn, grow, and in turn train their fellow techs. He also discusses his apprentice program and how he finds students. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft…

In this episode, Mike and Susan Henn of Henn Automotive talk about their southern North Carolina shop. Mike talks about getting rejected by the bank for a loan, building his shop with his own hands, how he trains his technicians, and why they stay for the long haul (most have been with the shop for over a decade). Susan discusses managing the front…

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Rachel Spencer of Spencer's Auto Repair shares her journey through shop ownership and how she overcame challenges personally and professionally to become the empathetic and strong leader she is today. Sponsored by Ford MotorcraftAv Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Daniel Stewart, service manager at Oceanside Auto in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, talks about his shop, its future goals, its culture and how he gets the best from his Gen Z technicians. Sponsored by Ford MotorcraftAv Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Stephannie Maneval, owner of Dave's Pro Auto Service in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, talks about her rise from service advisor to shop owner and takes us through her shop and what she loves about being an owner. Sponsored by FordMotorcraftAv Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Doug Grills, owner of AutoStream Care Care Center with multiple locations across Maryland, talks about vetting, hiring and training technicians. Today, he's going to share his processes from: Creating goal posters with his team to cast a vision Why 1-on-1 meetings matter in retaining technicians The need for good communication Why …

In this episode, Dave Boyes and Ron Shanas of Today's Class talk about how shop owners can better coach their teams by understanding how their team members learn and process the knowledge they gain from educational sessions. Sponsored by Ford MotorcraftAv Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode, Connor Tracy, senior regional manager and director of partner relations at KUKUI, talks about ways shop owners can pinpoint gaps in their customer service sequence to increase the likelihood that customers keep coming back. Sponsored by Ford MotorcraftAv Ratchet+Wrench

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Ryan Burton of Leads Near Me. We discuss marketing, what it is, the difference between marketing, advertising and public relations and we get Ryan's reactions to the marketing results in the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey Report. Lastly, we talk about his upcoming High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Confere…

In this episode, Taran Sodhi, owner of Conceptual Minds, an auto repair shop marketing firm, talks about how he helped Wiygul Automotive rebrand its shop and what shop owners need to think about when considering a refacing of their own. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft.Av Ratchet+Wrench