Fix It Right: Erik Rud on Diesel Diagnostics, Tech Training, and Growing Without Selling Out

Erik Rud built Big Thompson Diesel & Automotive in Loveland, Colorado by doing the opposite of what he saw in too many shops: rushing work, chasing clock-time, and treating people like numbers. In this episode, Erik breaks down how he went from frustrated employee to trusted problem-solver and why his shop has become a go-to destination for diesel and diagnostic work that other places can't quite nail down. He talks candidly about building a culture that prioritizes fixing it right the first time, why he pays his techs hourly with profit-based bonuses (not flat rate), and why he keeps his "foot on the brake" with growth to protect quality. You'll also hear Erik's perspective on the training gap in our industry, what's broken, what techs actually need, and what he's doing to develop people instead of constantly shopping for unicorn hires. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Big Thompson Diesel & Automotive: http://www.btdaa.com/