“Stop Turning Wrenches—Build a Bench and Lead” — Roger Kaufman | GGP #046

Roger Kaufman went from dealership team lead to shop owner, learning how to step out of the bay and run the business. In this episode, he breaks down how he stabilized car count, rebuilt a fractured team, and created a hiring “bench” so staffing never blindsides him again.Starting from a three-lift unit in 2009, Roger grew Kaufman’s Auto Repair to 7 lifts plus an alignment rack, processing ~40–45 cars a week. He invested in office space and systems so he could shift from technician to owner—while front-of-house pros like Sabrina (service writer) and Dwayne (CSR) became the daily “face” of the shop.The hardest chapter: dropping from four techs to one after hurricanes and fit issues. Roger responded with continuous recruiting (BetterTeam), culture-first screenings, and even bringing back a retired “substitute tech” for coverage during vacancies and vacations. He also leans on ATI coaching and a 20-group to pressure-test KPIs and processes.Operationally, the shop wins techs with an air-conditioned shop and no Saturdays. On parts, Roger’s loyalty is to the customer—mixing NAPA AutoCare, dealer OE when reliability matters (certain sensors), and name brands for starters/alternators and timing systems, backed by warranty and rebates.Shop owners will walk away with a blueprint: speak goals out loud, build a bench before you need it, let advisors be the face, and manage quality and warranties with vendors while protecting margin and trust.Guests:Roger Kaufman — Kaufman’s Auto Repair — Sarasota, FLWhat you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):Hire for culture; keep an always-on pipelineUse a “substitute tech” bench for coverageLet advisors be the face; owners leadAir-conditioning + no Saturdays attract techsBalance OE/aftermarket; warranty for trustShift from in-bay to management with spaceTrack efficiency, comebacks, profitabilitySpeak goals; use peers/coaches for accountabilityCall-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.LinksNext Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxGrid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxRequest a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxJoin the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxPartnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxGarage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownersSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MFNXgGMqMQzKCeDuslkkg?si=42fc7c4da4834993YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketingPodcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritKeywordsauto repair marketing, shop owner leadership, ATI coaching, hire technicians, service advisor training, DVIs and communication, technician efficiency, comeback rate, parts warranty strategy, NAPA AutoCare, dealer OE parts, Google Business Profile, four-day work week, recruiting pipeline, BetterTeam hiring, air-conditioned shop, no Saturdays policy, succession planning, shop growth strategies, customer trustEPISODE METADATAEpisode number: 46Guests: Roger KaufmanShop name: Kaufman’s Auto RepairCity/State: Sarasota, FL