Confessions of a Shop Owner

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen welcomes Rich Falco to talk about the challenges and stories behind running a shop in today’s changing automotive landscape. They focus heavily on why shop owners need to invest in technician training and the difficulties many shops face bridging the gap between what techs want to learn and what the industry demands. A key theme that emerged was the growing impact of ADAS calibrations, the risk of improper repairs, and the increasing need for specialized equipment and procedures.Timestamps:00:00 Scope Drama: Impressive Diagnostics or Just for the ‘Gram?01:05 Poker Nights & Shop Camaraderie02:58 CTI Training Center – Tech Paradise04:44 Bikers, Miatas & Life After Kids05:11 Running a Mobile Calibration Business06:29 Body Shop Calibrations: Bent Brackets & Bad Installs07:05 Small Shops vs. Chains: Who Cuts Corners?08:00 Essential Tools for Mobile Programming & Diagnostics09:11 How Much Does a Well-Equipped Van REALLY Cost?10:49 Why Shops Should Avoid “Hero” Jobs on Exotic Cars13:15 Overconfident Techs (And When Ego Bites Back)14:18 CTI’s Latest: Technician Evaluation & Skills Platform16:17 Closing the Gap: Tech Training You Want Vs. Need19:22 Best Training Tools: Online vs. In-Person21:02 Shop Owners Bringing In-Depth Training to Their Doorstep23:53 Should You Build Up Domestic Programming Skills?24:34 Playground for Technicians: Touring the Research Center25:07 Autel vs. PicoScope Throwdown26:44 Shops Chasing “Hero Work” vs. Profitable Bread & Butter28:18 Building Technician Career Paths—Real Tools for Real Growth30:21 The Real Deal: What Techs Actually Want in Shops32:42 Shop Owner Secrets: Training, Recruiting & Retention34:44 Why the Best Techs Invest In Their Own Training35:37 Networking & Recruiting at Industry Events37:17 Rookie Shop Owners Who Get It Right (And Bring Cocktails)41:47 Short-Form Training – The Secret Techs Actually Use42:39 Why Boring Training Videos Kill Your Shop Culture44:42 Not Reading the Service Info? Big Mistake45:09 ADAS Calibrations, Liability, and Lawsuit Risks47:24 Will Self-Driving Tech Change Everything?52:45 Should We Fear (or Welcome) Our Robot Car Overlords?54:05 Endgame: Cards, Cocktails & Hospitality at the Next Expo

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREThis one was a long time coming. Today, Mike, Bryan and Braxton dig into some of the wildest and most misguided comments from the Confessions of a Shop Owner Facebook page recently. They tackle the notorious “$358k technician” story, breaking down why so many techs can’t do the math—or just don’t want to believe the numbers. You'll have a lot of fun hearing what some people in the industry have to say about some of the hot button issues...or really their lack of understanding. Timstamps:00:00 Techs in the comment section: “Nobody makes that much!” The $350K technician saga02:31 Are you watching the podcast, or just the reels? Context, context, context!05:07 Reggie’s story: Would you leave for a $1/hr raise? Why context gets lost online07:12 Diagnostic skills, cognitive leaps, and why some techs will never make big money10:09 Fairfax, VA: High rent, high output, high pay – breaking down the math11:19 “Crabs in a bucket” and raging over others’ success13:11 Who are the real 1%ers in the shop world? Defining success in auto repair15:03 The service advisor breakdown: Where does all the time go?16:09 Rage-baiting with advisor accountability, tracking every minute in the shop18:29 Punch cards, bathroom codes, and memories of dealership micromanagement20:01 How hard is it, really, to do a 10-minute write-up?21:23 Mediocre service advisor confessions (& Braxton’s epic shade)22:25 Do your employees secretly listen to your podcast?23:45 The all-star “A Tech” myth: Can anyone really “do everything”?25:11 Ego, memory, and those wild open forum stories26:26 Are you really a unicorn tech, or did you just burn a car down?28:00 Training vs. tech evolution: Has the industry outpaced technician effort?29:21 After hours learning: What the top techs are really doing30:26 Commenters vs. reality: Reading comprehension fails (and laughs)33:02 “Never lost to a car” – the world’s biggest shop lie35:01 Toolbox wars and the rolling rig debate: Weight, wheels & wild finance42:02 Remote diagnostics, shop culture, and the power of process49:00 Why context is everything: Dealerships, warranty companies & internet assumptions52:28 If you’re mad at a reel, maybe just listen to the episode (and visit our sponsors)

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, Bryan Pollock sits down for a no-holds-barred conversation on shop ownership, team culture, and social media with Zeb Beard. Zeb shares why he's big on visualizing goals—and how that mindset helped him score a brand-new facility. They dive into why having dedicated roles, like a full-time DVI specialist, can massively boost shop efficiency (and profit). Plus, Bryan and Zeb talk about why they're not afraid to stir the pot with the trolls on social media, and how “playing grab ass” at the shop stalls progress.Timestamps:00:00 Why “100% production” is for amateurs01:18 Why techs need to get off Google and show initiative03:40 The hiring hack: leave info out and see who can problem-solve06:00 Raising independent kids—now considered “dangerous”?!08:26 Can’t = Motivation: Zeb's reverse psychology for success10:02 Visualizing ridiculous goals (and how it landed a new shop)12:13 Social media, comedy, and the birth of the viral “road report”14:11 From slow shop to slammed: the power of relatable content16:11 Why automotive posts attract trolls—and why Brian loves ‘em19:03 Haters gonna hate, but the right customers love the realness20:53 Stop showing brake jobs, start showing personality25:35 Growth mode vs “growing into your skin” after scaling up27:47 The struggle to find talent in rural America30:17 Choosing city vs small town for shop location32:41 Surviving a soft market and approval rate dips35:05 Organic marketing: how the “road report” really moved the needle37:00 Tracking the 10-year cycles in auto repair shop business41:58 Boundary setting: solving the “grumpy shop owner” syndrome43:53 Introducing William, the DVI wizard: why every shop needs one48:04 How a DVI specialist and cleanup guy can outpace 3 extra techs54:15 Unlocking ultimate tech efficiency with multiple bays per tech59:18 Real math: How more bays explode your bottom line01:00:47 Firing low producers—why your shop might actually run better

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Jordan Mosely to talk about growth, technology, and the realities of running a multi-location business. Jordan shares how sticking to a proven playbook has helped him scale his quick lube and hybrid locations, and explains why obsessing over small cost details—like labor and materials—makes a huge impact on the bottom line. The conversation also dives into the pain (and promise) of current AI and software integrations, when Mike and Jordan both agree that the right technology is important, but execution, adaptation, and focusing on the basics are what truly drive success.Timestamps:00:00 Covered wagons and old-school shop software02:14 What really goes down at shop events and happy hours03:15 Playbooks and the secret to sticking with a process04:14 The quick lube model vs. full-service auto repair05:48 Learning from industry “gurus” and finding what works06:38 Car wash business models and subscription secrets08:09 Breaking down car wash economics and margins09:26 Pennies make the profit: expense structure and labor10:22 Why every phone call counts—and how much fumbled calls really cost12:04 AI cameras, call reviews, and upgrading shop tech12:41 Why onboarding new AI tools is painful (but worth it)14:00 Using Rilla, custom AI, and making tech work for your team16:28 Are unified shop platforms possible—or is it always 19 subscriptions?18:42 The challenges of double-entry and why Tekmetric stands out20:54 Tectonic event review: what a professional trade show looks like22:24 Fixing cars vs. trying to code your own AI: why you should pick a lane24:00 Confessions about chaos, change—and the need for therapy26:14 Dealing with online haters in the auto industry27:16 Remote and virtual advisors: the future, or a flop?30:07 The “sales hammer” model and selling from afar31:49 What happens when you try to run a fully remote shop32:35 Why execution is everything for new shop models34:42 20 groups, private equity, and the independent shop owner line36:44 Why big shop owners show up at trade shows38:14 Confession time: Subaru oil change disasters and red flags39:25 High turnover in quick lube—onboarding and training struggles40:05 Why you need to launch that training, even if it’s not perfect41:57 What’s next: acquiring more stores, riding the oil price wave, and 1% daily improvement

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREIn this episode, Mike and Matt talk about how to find and commit to a core operational identity—rather than constantly chasing new ideas or industry trends. True success comes from consistent execution of a strategy you believe in. You will NEVER underestimate the value of training, coaching, and leveraging proven systems like EOS or similar frameworks to help owners and employees gain clarity, stay accountable, and ultimately grow a sustainable, profitable business.Timestamps:00:00 Shop Owner Myths: $200 an Hour and the Truth about Starting Out02:19 Celebrating Good Months04:11 Best Month Yet—Sales Up, Staff Changes & a New Advisor06:40 Fixing What Was Broken: Process, Accountability & a Data-Driven Turnaround07:54 ARO Jumps by 20%—Here’s How They Did It08:27 DVI Process Overhaul: Getting Real Numbers and Customer Buy-In10:12 Tech Average Quotes—Setting and Hitting Profitable Targets11:08 Maintenance Sales Struggles & Industry-Wide Challenges12:23 Next Steps: Boosting Closing Ratios and Ongoing Advisor Training13:09 Sales Presentation, Confidence & Learning to Overcome Objections14:34 Regional Training Events: Why Travel Matters & Team Building15:07 Bridging the Owner-Employee Gap: Training Techs & Advisors for Buy-In17:20 Why Private Equity Buys Shops—Math, Mindset & Community Impact20:19 Winning as an Independent: Local Presence, Team Culture, and Staff Retention21:48 Training Takeaways: Eye-Opening Insights for Non-Owners23:14 P&L and Labor Rate Workshops—Should Your Team Bring Their Books?24:32 Shop Pay Plans & Real Labor Cost Realities26:22 $350,000 Techs: The Truth Behind the Numbers & What’s Possible in Your Market28:19 Pay, Value, and Raising Rates: What Customers Need to See30:30 McDonald’s Drive-Thru vs. Customer Perception: Value & Expectations31:33 Bringing Training In-House: Hosting Courses for Your Shop and Community34:30 EOS, Traction, Rocket Fuel: Finding a System that Clicks36:10 Visionary vs. Integrator: Why Every Shop Owner Should Read These Books38:45 Team Structure, Core Genius, and the Power of Discipline41:08 Identity Crisis? Finding (and Loving) Your Shop’s Unique Advantage43:53 Don’t Change the Recipe—Simplicity and Full Commitment Win46:43 Basketball Offense & Building the Right Team for YOUR System48:46 Discipline, Focus & How Elite Shop Owners Set Themselves Apart51:21 Quality Management Systems: Lessons from Manufacturing52:15 Finding the Right Coach & System—Any Structure Beats None53:46 Elon Musk Clarity: Vision, Discipline, and Blocking Out the Noise

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREIn this episode, Chris Gayne shares stories from his transition out of a military career and into shop ownership, including the accidental founding of Dale County Diesel. The conversation dives deep into the difference between running a transactional versus a relational business, emphasizing the value of building real connections with customers and staff. Timestamps:00:00 – Transactional vs Relational: What Kind of Shop Are You Running?02:31 – From Military Flight Instructor to Shop Owner: Chris’s Journey06:43 – Surviving a Helicopter Crash (& What It Teaches You about Mistakes)14:02 – Leadership in the Shop: Lessons from Army to Auto Bay19:26 – Why Good Techs Deserve the Right Work—and Right Culture25:09 – How to Handle the “Unfixable”—Being Honest With Your Customers32:04 – Flat Rate vs Teamwork: What Actually Works?37:01 – Confession Time: If There’s a Problem in My Shop, It’s Me44:44 – Hard Policies, Real People: Why Relational Beats Rigidity49:55 – When to Tell Customers: “It’s Time to Move On from This Truck”51:06 – Wrap Up: Honesty, Growth, and Call for Your Confessions

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!What does it take to build a high-performing automotive business that continues to grow while maintaining a strong culture?In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Matt Curry and Richard Tonetti from Craftsman Auto Care to discuss the systems, leadership philosophies, and growth strategies that helped build one of the industry's most respected shop groups. Matt shares lessons learned from growing to 10 locations and $18 million in revenue, including the importance of culture, leadership, sales training, digital inspections, and customer reviews. Timestamps:00:00 The $1 Raise That Changed Everything01:14 Are 4-Day Workweeks Actually Hurting Your Business?03:41 Why “Money Motivated” Isn’t a Dirty Word06:46 From Tire Changer to VP: Growth Stories from the Shop Floor07:16 Matt’s Path: 10 Stores, $18 Million, and a Comeback09:13 The Secret Sauce: Buying Distressed Shops & Turning Them Around10:36 How to Hit $1,000 Average ROs (and Why Volume Per Bay Matters)11:02 The Turning Point: Digital Inspections & Sales Training13:29 Being the Best Shop Cheerleader—Even on Bad Days14:11 Making the Hard Work Fun (Yes, It’s Possible!)19:00 Sales Scripts, Objection Handling, and The “One More Thing” Rule20:05 How to Hire the Perfect Counter Person (It’s Not About Automotive Experience!)22:49 Culture vs. Corporate: Why Good Techs Never Leave25:15 Google Review Domination: Building Trust and Cutting Marketing Costs28:20 Spiffs, Friendly Competition, and Making Reviews a Shop Habit32:10 Small Gestures, Big Impact: The Stuffed Animal Touch35:13 Why Internal Competition Works—But Only with the Right Culture37:46 When Growth Kills Culture (And How to Avoid It)40:36 Can Independents Still Win? Opportunity in a Corporate, Tech-Heavy Landscape43:27 The Blueprint: Build Slow, Build Right, Stay Nimble45:17 Level Up: Giving Back and Training the Next Generation47:04 Growing Your Own Techs & Locking Down Quarter-Million Dollar Talent

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!This episode is Mikeless - just how we like it. HA! Today Bryan rides solo at TOOLS 2026 and talks dynamics between technicians and service advisors Andrew Fischer. They bring up the importance of fundamentals and communication—technicians often overlook basic testing but expect to dive into advanced diagnostics, leading to costly mistakes and frustration. They also talk about ego and misunderstanding: both between team members in the shop and toward customers, highlighting how crucial it is to clearly explain repairs and processes, not just rely on expertise. Timestamps:00:00 The real hardest job in the shop: service advisor confessions03:08 Training struggles, being away from family, and the reality of evening classes05:02 Why owners MUST vet what you’re paying for in auto training07:11 Technicians skipping fundamentals—and how it comes back to bite your shop10:20 Ego, ignorance, and the "alphabet soup" of tech skill levels13:13 Fast techs vs fixed cars: the hidden cost of comebacks and efficiency16:19 Communicating diagnostics: where most techs screw up (and how AI helps)19:06 Why the front counter is pure chaos—and techs can’t handle customers21:13 Explaining diagnoses in a way anyone can understand (with help from AI)25:26 The service advisor’s secret: what customers REALLY want to know28:12 The "zip code" analogy for why testing matters30:28 Shops that charge for time vs selling fixed vehicles—who really wins?32:40 Real-life story: four shops, still not fixed (and how a dead battery fooled them all)34:35 What to do when you just can’t fix the car (real talk and lessons learned)41:33 The problem with technician forums & why the smartest avoid them44:28 Why most technicians will never be ready for business ownership47:46 Full circle: gratitude, getting humbled, and growing as a leader50:02 What every technician NEEDS to understand before running a shop

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Adam Rath, owner of a repair shop in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Adam tackles the challenge of adapting business models to different communities, emphasizing that what works in one area may not work in another. They also explore the importance of process efficiency, particularly in estimate building and digital vehicle inspections. Adam also talks about his role with the ASOG mastermind group, highlighting how peer support and structured programs can help struggling shop owners build a solid foundation.Timestamps:00:00 Efficient Estimates vs. Wasting Time01:31 Podcast Tech Upgrades and Recording on the Road03:03 Behind-the-Scenes: Touring Craftsman Auto Care04:01 Coaching Models: Origins and Overlaps06:00 Meet Adam Rath & the Reality of Shop Locations08:08 Coaching Myths: "That Won’t Work in My Town"09:00 Different Markets, Different Rules11:16 The 300% Rule: Double-Edged Sword12:33 Are You Sticker-Shocking Your Clients?13:33 Presenting Estimates the Smart Way14:09 DVI Tools and Estimating Efficiency15:24 What Do You Show the Customer?17:10 Single-Issue Selling: Helpful or "Slimy"?20:01 Show & Sell: The Theater of Auto Sales22:52 Roleplaying, Sales Practice, and the J Curve24:55 Tech Tools: Detect Auto, DVI Speed, and Pain Points28:40 Remote Estimators: Overseas Teams & Lessons Learned30:41 The Rise and Fall of Remote Estimate Companies33:05 EOS Explained: Visionaries vs. Integrators36:36 Taking the Crystallizer Assessment38:19 Monthly State of the Company at Adam's Shop41:20 When the Team Wins—Even Without the Manager43:13 Building Leadership Skills with the Right Tools44:57 Adam’s Role in the ASOG Mastermind46:33 The Mastermind Format & Growth48:36 Curriculum Overhaul: Tightening the Learning Path50:36 Live Invoice & Call Audits: Growing through Discomfort53:43 Why We Break Process (and How to Fix It)55:15 The Future of the Mastermind: Structure & Guest Coaches57:10 Shop Fix vs. ASOG: The Coaching Disconnect59:48 Buffet Approach to Coaching: Take What Works1:01:47 Guest Coaches, Good Info, and Avoiding Sound Bites1:04:00 Confession Time: When Employees Just Aren’t a Fit1:06:23 Shop Culture: The Right People Stay, Others Go1:07:13 EOS Implementers & Next Steps

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, the podcasts collide for a behind the scenes conversation about what goes on on social media. Are the viral reels a good thing or a bad thing? Tonnika Haynes from Downshift with Tonnika, Jeff Compton from the Jaded Mechanic and Bryan Pollock from Confessions of a Shop Owner circle up to have this conversation with Braxton Critcher, the producer of each show. They also get real about the importance of doing the actual work behind the scenes, emphasizing that growth in your business (and in life) comes from putting in consistent effort, not just watching highlight reels.Timestamps: 00:00 - The uncomfortable truth about podcast discovery and audience habits01:16 - What happens when podcasts collide—introductions and chaos02:23 - Behind the scenes: Group chat antics, tools, and industry jokes03:57 - Social media, reels, and who’s to blame for viral content05:01 - The power (and pain) of online comments and negative feedback06:46 - Why social media works for some shops but isn’t for everyone07:14 - Going viral: 2.4 million views, angry commenters, and riding the algorithm09:03 - Building a brand: Negativity, growth strategies, and five-year plans12:33 - Are most people really “spoon fed”? Podcast challenges explained14:26 - Shop rates, community service, and fixing Chevy trucks for peanuts17:04 - The “must be nice” attitude and its effect on success and envy19:01 - Growing beyond your bubble: Why spicy reels are necessary22:27 - Can podcasts actually change the industry? Or just a few minds?35:01 - Choosing your hard: Highlight reels, business reality, and keeping perspective44:21 - Real talk: Same struggles, different zip codes, focus on YOUR growth49:34 - Excuses vs. results—moving, changing, and finding a way to win54:37 - Visualization, success stories, and putting in the extra work59:38 - “Choosing average”: 9-to-5 mentality and salary realities1:01:09 - Relationships, distractions, and shop staff drama1:03:21 - The only goal: One shop at a time, one listener at a time.

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREThis episode was recorded at Tektonic 2026. Thank you to Tekmetric for allowing us to use this recording for an episode. Want to go to Tektonic 2027? Register HEREToday, Mike Allen leads a lively panel of coaches as they tackle some of the auto repair industry's most daunting topics. Things like flat rate and how compensation models impact recruitment, motivation, and shop culture. They also confront the persistent undervaluing of the industry, pointing out the urgent need for better marketing and self-regulation if auto repair is to attract the next generation. Plus, the coaches don’t hold back as they discuss private equity’s growing influence—offering straight talk on exit strategies, business legacy, and the real impact on teams left behind. Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HEREFor years I thought I could handle the hiring process on my own. But, after far too many bad hires, it was clear I needed help. Promotive came through for me with a rock star hire in just a few days and I couldn't be happier. Swallow your pride and bring in Promotive for that open position you have at your shop today. You can thank me later. Learn more HEREAI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERETimestamps:00:00 Why is the auto industry undervalued? The real story behind pay and standards01:06 Flat rate pay: Is it tradition, incentive, or what’s driving the “tech shortage”?02:44 Hourly vs. flat rate vs. blended: Can we finally pay techs what they’re worth?04:06 What performance-based pay REALLY looks like in the real world07:03 Is there even a tech shortage, or just a leadership and culture failure?09:09 Recruiting top techs: Why should someone work for YOUR shop?11:05 Employees want more than money—how culture and environment win12:33 Why we can’t afford to be “broke” shop owners (& why most of us are)13:28 Are we destroying our own value? Party clowns vs. techs and the marketing gap15:56 Leadership confession: We got into cars, NOT for people, and it’s catching up16:26 How to reach the next generation of automotive stars17:17 One shop’s youth welding program that sparks real careers18:06 Why trades like welding are beating automotive for young talent20:03 How do we market the industry and reach parents, not just students?23:39 Got Milk? Why we need a national campaign to sell the value of this business24:53 Raising your labor rate: Genius or a recipe for backlash if you don’t raise value28:28 What customers are REALLY paying for—and how service changes the game30:13 Making your shop irresistible: Clean, beautiful, equipped, and worth the price31:42 You don’t need to wait to raise value—start by fixing your shop now34:36 Relationships and trust: The foundation for customer and team loyalty36:24 The biggest profit leak no one talks about: productivity loss39:35 Private equity: Golden parachute or community killer for auto shops?41:54 What’s your exit plan? How to think years ahead (and why it matters)45:45 Should coaches own shops? The truth about what makes a great coach51:39 Leadership, engagement, and communication: The four pillars of high-performing teams55:54 AI, DVI, and service advisors: The NEXT revolution in customer experience58:04 Why hospitality always wins—technology tools are only part of the story

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Jesse Jackson is the CEO of Mango Automotive and knows a thing or two about scaling an auto repair business. Mainly because she scaled to 8 Figures in 3 Years. Yeah. Pretty good. She tells Mike why it's important to her to help shop owners retire comfortably, the realities of private equity buyouts, and innovative solutions like the new co-op model aimed at giving small shop owners a fairer shot at big multiples.Email Jesse - [email protected]:00:00 Why the gap between private equity & shop owner deals matters01:01 The surprising drag bar origin of the podcast logo02:14 Jessee’s family business journey: three generations, tough choices03:29 Why Jessee hated the shop as a kid…and college “studies”04:21 Why teaching wasn’t in the cards—parenting, patience, and expectations05:57 Public vs. private school and family debates about education07:06 Trades, college alternatives & raising hands-on kids08:33 Kids figuring out life—boomerangs and avoiding $100k mistakes10:06 Official intros: Mike Allen, mother of seven, owner of eight shops10:35 Mike’s unconventional leap from environmental engineer to automotive mogul11:46 Growth secrets: from 0 to $17M in four years13:10 The ultimate session: “Growing from zero to eight figures”14:41 Acquiring shops: The stories, motivations, and the human side16:35 Shop owners and retirement dreams—how Mango is changing the game19:11 The “1 to 3 out of 100” rule—finding shops worth acquiring20:05 The evolution of Mango’s team and Jesse’s focus on marketing & acquisitions22:45 Which shops do they buy? Turnarounds vs. high performers23:10 Shattering revenue records—and a little friendly competition24:32 Can the next gen kids take over? Mike’s family talks legacy26:08 The 30-by-2030 vision: getting rolled up with equity27:01 Why the current system feels broken—and how the Mango co-op could fix it29:35 Jessee’s TechMetric ad break – Shop life made simple31:09 The real question: Is selling to PE a betrayal or a smart exit?32:06 Getting honest: Life, legacy & why helping owners matters34:43 How the Mango co-op actually works—details & process36:44 What’s next? Growth, challenges & why five years feels like a lifetime39:00 Favorite markets, new territory, and expansion goals40:29 The thrill of the shop game—and the hunt for the next big thing41:44 Want to sell your shop or join the co-op? 

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this crossover episode, Mike Allen teams up with Tonnika Haynes from Downshift with Tonnika to give you a preview of the upcoming ASTA Expo in Raleigh, NC this September. ASTA Board Member and shop owner Benjie Burris joins alongside his daughter, Callie Johnson, ASTA’s new Membership & Events Manager, to talk about what makes the Expo special and how building a strong shop culture can create lasting success both inside and outside the business.The conversation dives into the power of showing up for your local community, building authentic relationships, and why giving back has played a major role in long-term growth. They also share first-hand ASTA Expo experiences, what makes the event different, and why the connections made there can impact both your business and your life.Oh, and you'll also hear the story of how Benjie met his wife. Let’s just say it’s one of those stories you definitely won’t see coming.Learn more about the ASTA Expo and how you can be there HERE Timestamps:00:00 The funniest icebreaker ever (yes, fake boobs are involved)00:53 Live from Fueling Connections 2026 – ASTA at UTI Mooresville02:22 Audio chaos: Why your own tools matter (and how NOT to record a podcast)04:10 The rise of Downshift and the weirdness of being told “I listen to your podcast!”05:03 Social media hacks: Engagement, trolls, and managing the comment chaos09:19 A blueprint for a family-run business culture that actually works10:29 Turning community support into real shop growth (and why service matters)13:42 Small steps, big progress: Building a shop “patch by patch”14:42 The real reason community work succeeds (hint: It can’t be faked)18:25 Real talk on supporting schools, teachers, and being boots-on-the-ground22:22 Dealing with “big city” demands and setting shop boundaries23:46 ASTA’s new Membership & Events Manager shares social media tips26:53 The ASTA Expo: Networking, parties, and the least clicky vibe in the industry28:29 Conversations that change careers—and lives30:46 Competitors or community? Why ASTA shops help each other32:07 Going from local to international—how ASTA keeps its family feel36:04 Must-attend classes, what’s next for ASTA, and seriously, don’t miss the hospitality suite39:29 Why Downshift is different: Focusing on legacy, mindset, and leveling up

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREIn this episode, Mike and Matt talk about daily shop performance and the importance of defining what a "perfect day" looks like for the team. One concept Matt brought up was the need to move away from subjective evaluations and instead implement objective, binary metrics—like technician hours worked, appointments attended, and gross profit targets—for more effective management. One trick for shop owners is to use actionable mid-day check-ins to quickly identify and respond to potential issues, raising the floor on performance rather than merely chasing bigger highs. Timestamps:00:00 Setting the Standard: Defining a "Perfect Day" in Shop Management01:46 Upcoming AI Training Class: Why Early Adoption Means Opportunity04:13 Building the Event Calendar: Fall Shows, Course Selection & Hospitality Suite05:47 April Recap: Revenue, Profit, and Running a Leaner Team07:27 Unlocking the Numbers: ARO, Close Ratio & Tech Metric Deep Dive08:10 The DVI Dilemma: Why Process Slippage Hurts Your Bottom Line10:06 Only One-Third of Customers See Your DVI?! Here's Why That Matters12:06 Triggers for Action: When to Audit and How to Respond13:01 The "Perfect Day Plan" and Real-World Contingencies15:47 Scorecarding the Day: Checks at 10AM, 2PM, and Raising the Floor18:00 Subjective vs. Objective Reporting: What REALLY Tells the Story21:25 The Problem with Overreporting & What Data Actually Matters23:21 Real-World Action Plans: Handling Cancellations, No-Shows & Dead Days25:21 VIP Customers, Deferred Work, and Making Today Count27:01 Maximizing Opportunity: Not All Cars (or Customers) Are Equal28:35 Do You Exclude State Inspections From Your Numbers? The Truth Behind the Data30:03 Stepping Beyond Express Lube: Changing What Business You’re In32:01 Retention Rates & Why That Second Visit is GOLD35:10 Turning State Inspections into Repeat Business: The REAL Strategy40:14 Role Playing, AI in Training, and How Owners Stay Sharp42:22 Overcoming Price Objections: Getting Down to What Matters Most44:10 Fly With the Eagles & Masters Training: What’s Coming Next47:47 Hosting at ASTA Expo: Deep Dive, Hot Topics & Real Owner Conversation

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREBrad McAllister & Jay Power from OktoRocket join Mike to dig into the power of analytics for shop owners. They break down how tracking call conversions can translate into serious revenue, revealing that just a 6% bump in close ratio could mean an extra $24,475 per month. The guys also share their take on leaderboard motivation—why it can drive some team members and demotivate others—and discuss the relentless advance of AI-powered features like agent assist and Rocket Shield to keep shops ahead of the curve.Get the OktoRocket 2025 Industry Report HERE Timestamps:00:00 Game-changing stats to motivate your business growth01:17 Tektonic 2026: Rooftop parties, Texas-shaped pools, and industry networking03:00 Turtle races and finding your pace in a crowded event05:05 Meet the OktoRocket team and their journey from shop floor to SaaS leaders05:37 How OktoRocket connects, analyzes, and grows shops of every size08:25 Tools for shops, marketing companies, and analyzing your campaigns10:17 Decoding call conversion, inbound sales, and the analytics that matter most12:11 Should you use leaderboards? Shop culture, competition, and motivation dilemmas16:41 What makes great management & using data to coach your people17:14 Drill down into conversions: marketing calls, repair orders, and tracking ROI22:44 Tagging high-value customers—Are your ads bringing the right cars to your bay?24:29 The real numbers: Industry report highlight reel and surprises28:28 Close rates are dropping—what does it mean for your shop in 2025?31:38 Just a 6-point close rate boost could net $24k/month—here’s how32:49 Real talk on gross profit, compensation, and fixing margins34:46 OktoRocket’s founders share their shop careers and why they built it40:45 Staying ahead with rapid dev, AI, and never getting outcompeted44:27 New tech rolling out: AI phone agents, Rocket Shield, and beyond47:37 Your wish list: Real-time scripts and objection handling coming soon?

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, Bryan Pollock and Mike Allen take a shot at service advisors. Well...not out of hate, out of a comp on how we treat technicians. Why can shop owners treat techs a certain way, but when they approach advisors with a similar stance, it's the end of the world? Something to chew on. They also dissect the myth that more advisors are always the answer, showing how deep-dive analysis can reveal wasted hours and productivity bottlenecks. And of course, they have some spicy, unfiltered fun, taking swings at industry sacred cows like the “300% rule” and sharing why making your own AI tools (and adopting top-tier shop software like Tekmetric) can boost both sanity and profits.Timestamps:00:00 Kicking off with a classic: Service advisors and efficiency “WTF” moments03:44 Are podcasts ruled by ADHD? (Spoiler: Absolutely)04:36 Lessons from Becky Witt & Hunt Demarest07:13 Techs-to-advisor ratios and what shops get wrong08:52 Where does the advisor’s time really go? Company-wide honesty hour10:07 The “unaccounted for” hours—every shop’s dirty secret12:24 Why mental gear-shifting kills productivity (and everyone’s guilty)14:07 Investing big in software and still doing things “the old way”16:07 Bridging the front-to-back gap: Should advisors have to see every repair?19:31 Switching to Tekmetric: Will Bryan ever actually do it?22:59 Real shop, real talk: One tech per bay and the volume game27:20 Training, conferences, and why small events can outshine the big names29:31 Free diagnostics, efficiency, and why some shops should re-think their value31:35 Can great techs break the rules? The real value of experience34:08 Should customers pay for your learning curve?38:38 Average effort = average pay (and why that’s actually okay)40:49 Diagnostic rates, shop profitability, and the marketing money trap42:45 Getting left behind: AI, chatbots, and the future of shop work43:09 Upcoming class: Build your own AI shop agent & get your hoodie!48:53 Final confessions, hoodie reveals, and a not-so-subtle jab at 300% stores

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, Mike Allen, Greg Buckley and Dan Theiken break down the nuts and bolts of tire sales, sharing strategies for maximizing profits without getting buried in equipment costs. Greg dives into how strong local marketing (along with a well-branded shop van) has helped his shop stand out in a busy market. The crew also explores the fast-moving shift toward AI in the automotive aftermarket, from building smarter workflow tools to the dream of AI-powered estimating. Timestamps00:00 Does selling tires boost suspension work?03:00 Upcoming AI workshop & live shenanigans05:17 International golf trips, shop talk, and bourbon07:49 Who’s who: Meet Greg Buckley & Dan Theiken10:30 Tire sales strategy: Margins, GP/hour & labor costs13:03 Affordable tire equipment for small shops15:59 Managing tire inventory without a giant warehouse17:50 Tire protection plans, TPMS, and upsell opportunities19:43 Growing tire sales in different markets21:02 Local marketing, rolling billboards, and community outreach23:54 Shop expansion, buying land, and creative waiting rooms26:06 What AI is doing to the auto industry—real talk27:30 Building custom AI tools for shop owners29:39 How prompt writing is becoming a must-have skill31:30 Using AI (and Tekmetric!) for smarter shop management34:56 AI-generated content for training and onboarding35:55 Replit, podcasting, and next-gen marketing36:56 Songwriting, creativity, and AI tools like Suno41:01 AI’s impact on creative arts (and your Spotify playlist)42:10 AI avatars, digital influencers, and the automotive connection43:42 The AI “holy grail”: Instant estimates and DVIs44:42 Comparing shops: How AI is shifting sales and workflow46:55 Shop advisor roles, relationship-building, and speed47:33 Integration overload: The single-source dream48:16 Soup Radio: Building a multi-location media presence

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREAniz Lavji is a Canadian shop owner and new podcaster! Today, he and Mike reflect on Aniz's growth over the last year and how attending his first trade show (ASTA Expo) sparked a major shift in both mindset and operations, especially after adopting Tekmetric (the best software ever, obviously). They also talk about the explosive role AI is already playing in shop management, the importance of shop culture and community, and how Aniz plans to continue growing this year. Timestamps: 00:00 There MUST Be a Day Limit onLoaner cars01:14 First trade show jitters, family stress, & Niagara Falls survival09:25 Building heart-centered shop culture & supporting your community13:04 Miata confessions, advisors, and the subculture of small cars14:03 QuickBooks to Tekmetric: The leap that sparked 50% growth22:07 Shop struggles: 454 cars in one month & tech shortages23:12 Planning for the future, hiring advisors, and stepping back24:47 Will AI take over? Balancing efficiency and human connection25:24 Loaner car policies: Leadership, responsibility, and big lessons30:15 North Carolina vs. Ontario: Shop culture & competitive spirit33:04 Trade association impact, collaboration, and ethical business38:45 Go-kart racing, trophies, and shop owner bragging rights40:44 Rage bait, social media, and “winning” on YouTube

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERESam Freeman is the Partner Manager with Promotive Ethan Whidden is a Sales Representative. Today, they share with Mike what they've learned about the challenges of recruiting in the automotive repair industry. They discuss the unrealistic expectations shop owners often have when looking for that elusive “A tech” and why most owners should reconsider what they truly need in their shops. The conversation covers the importance of clear communication—both when hiring and when working with vendors—and the need for accountability on both sides of the hiring process.Timestamps:00:00 - The reality of open bays & shop hopping01:14 - Walking the trade show floor & exhibitor life03:23 - Ethan Whidden on joining Promotive, shop culture, and genuine conversation07:27 - Mike Allen confesses: why he hesitated to use Promotive08:45 - Effort vs. results in recruiting—Matt Lofton’s tough love09:01 - Why most shops think they need A-techs (and why they’re wrong)14:47 - Defining technician levels (and what “A-tech” really means)17:26 - Expectations vs. reality: shops, techs, and unicorn hires18:09 - The shop owner who took “unrealistic” to new levels19:31 - Diagnosing your real hiring needs20:01 - Chaos coordinators & fixing the front office21:02 - You don’t need a unicorn—you need to be a better owner24:01 - Shop competition: Mario Kart, go-karts, and Monopoly battles27:02 - Epic neighborhood parties and community building33:06 - Localized guerrilla recruiting vs. Promotive (can you DIY?)34:03 - Why shop owners make terrible customers for vendors35:09 - Communication, unspoken expectations, and messy outcomes37:58 - Candidate screening, accountability, and whose fault is it, really?41:41 - Hiring stories: ghosting, no-shows & offers used as leverage51:14 - Why techs really leave—(hint: it’s not always money)01:00:05 - What you SHOULD pay your B-techs and A-techs in 202601:06:09 - Boasting moms, cheer championships, and motivation01:11:08 - Code yellow, code red: shop bathroom confessions

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Today, Ashley Butler and Rochelle Gotsdiner join Mike Allen to break down how to scale your repair shop through strong processes. Ashley shares how clear communication and consistent customer updates can set your shop apart—because most of your competitors get it wrong daily. They also chat about how embracing AI and innovative training methods can solve the industry’s notorious people problem and unlock serious growth.Timestamps: 00:00 Why “saying yes” matters and how to stop losing business03:56 Ashley Butler introduces her shop story and scaling to 14 stores04:46 How Ashley Butler structures her week for maximum impact08:42 Succession planning, family business, and running on “auto-pilot”10:18 The secrets to working with your spouse without disaster12:05 Turning crisis into opportunity: Creating a top-tier training center14:51 On a mission for talent: Training novices into flat-rate techs15:56 Why community involvement and university ties pay off18:18 Maximizing space, remodeling battles, and why your waiting room matters20:39 The “speed” advantage: Serving customers before they even ask27:31 Game-changing customer communication habits—so the phone never rings at 3pm32:22 Trust, integrity, and what it really takes to keep your reputation bulletproof35:14 Shop processes, procedures, and how competitors make you look good35:59 Integrating AI into shop training and HR: first steps and big potential41:10 How anyone can build custom AI tools for their shop43:35 Private equity, big chains, and why it’s opportunity (not threat!) for indies46:11 Guerrilla recruiting: real-world tactics for poaching top techs and advisors49:57 Shop owner black belt: Using networks and timing to score the best deals51:26 Why perfect policies don’t exist (and that’s okay!)

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, Matt Lofton and Mike Allen talk through Mike's shop's performance in March. Matt talks about the importance of pre-building estimates and leveraging tools like Detect Auto to maximize tech average quote and streamline workflow. Mat also shares his approach to combating misleading "vanity flush" services in the market, emphasizing transparent communication with customers.Timestamps: 00:00 – The “Vanity Flush” Confession: Why $99 Services Aren’t What You Think02:24 – eBay Hero Cards, Shop Swag, and Why Autographs Still Matter04:14 – Record First Quarter, March Recap, and Looking Ahead05:50 – Fly With the Eagles Recap: What High Performers are Learning08:52 – DIY Shop AI: How to Create Your Own AI Agents and Save Big12:03 – Struggling with Close Rates? Blame (or Bless) Your Advisor14:09 – Prebuilding Estimates for Maximum Tech ARO16:13 – Setting Up Customers: Deferred Work, Maintenance, and Upsells17:33 – BG Programs, Fluid Service Sales, and Overcoming Industry Myths20:01 – How Corporate Store Pricing Drives Shortcuts (and Dirty Tricks)23:05 – Value-Add vs. Price-Only: The Ruth’s Chris Cheeseburger Analogy24:49 – How to Fill Tomorrow’s Bays with Opportunity, Not Just Oil Changes28:16 – The Pit Stop Program: Getting Customers Back 4x Fast30:48 – The Loyalty Cliff: Retaining vs. Losing First-Time Customers33:12 – Risky Repairs and the Real Cost of Saying “Yes”39:45 – Ritz Carlton vs. Motel 6: Finding Your Shop’s Sweet Spot43:04 – Social Media “Rage Bait”: Marketing Tactics and Lessons Learned44:58 – Worry About Your Own Shop! Why Community Trumps Competition48:21 – Peer Groups and Getting Ahead—Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREThis one was fun - put three popular podcasts in a room for an hour, and you never know what will happen...THIS WAS NO EXCEPTION Today, Lucas Underwood, Mike Allen, and Tonnika Haynes open up about the real challenges of shop ownership, podcasting, and share some crazy stories along the way.They dive deep into the difficulties of managing growth and the importance of setting boundaries—especially when it comes to family businesses and succession planning. Timestamps:00:00 Lucas and Mike Make it Awkward01:42 The infamous Benji story and awkward work gaffes02:46 How Tonnika went from outsider to industry board member04:31 Reflecting on diversity, intimidation, and leadership in the industry06:36 Board politics, cleaning up after the "old guard," and learning the ropes08:01 Confessions about podcasting: growth, ego boosts, and business neglect09:37 On loving people (to a fault), hiring headaches, and why feelings can't run a business12:10 Tough lessons learned: leadership critiques gone wrong14:05 Reeling back commitments to avoid burnout and family drama16:45 Discussions about business hours, staff, and shifting industry cultures19:03 Why every shop is different and one-size-fits-all advice doesn't work20:13 Coaching, cult-followings, and why shop owners get fiercely loyal22:44 The weight of influence: why podcasters and coaches impact real lives24:31 When business coaching turns into a fraternity (and how to break free)26:20 The coaching gold rush: who's really helping, who's just cashing in28:33 Podcast production goes legit—systems, processes, SOPs34:25 Therapy time: handshake deals, business agreements, and life after podcasts36:32 Family business confessions—succession nightmares, buyout basics, and trust-but-verify50:43 Lessons learned the hard way—and why you’ll survive51:33 Practical advice: documentation, buy-outs, and avoiding family business disasters

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREJay Huh is the owner Carmedix in Durham, NC. Today, he tells Mike how he figured out how to run a shop the hard way. After years of struggling, he has built an efficient, highly profitable shop that gives him total freedom. They also talk about ShopFix and what the coaching company is doing after the loss of Aaron Stokes. Timestamps:00:00 – Jay's confession on not making enough money02:17 – Why sharing mistakes online changed everything04:40 – Living on $1,000 net per shop and barely making it06:07 – Consolidating down, shop tours, and landing in the “anchor” spot08:19 – Do we really need so many shop owner groups? Breaking down the division09:35 – Shop culture, coaching, and why too many owners are still broke10:45 – Shop Fix vs. other coaching: It’s about heart, not just numbers13:07 – Haters, jealousy, and why everyone thinks their way is best14:43 – Growing the right way—efficiency before expansion and protecting family time15:16 – Let’s talk cruises! Why Speaker A rides MSC and the yacht club life16:46 – Degenerate gambling confessions: Blackjack, craps, and cruise ship casinos18:01 – Owning a beach house: Boats, depreciation, and gathering your crew20:00 – The exit plan: Cashing out vs. the freedom of autopilot shops21:10 – The guardrails: How Speaker A uses daily numbers, not vibes23:00 – Forget top-line revenue, focus on real margin25:17 – Shop meetings, keeping techs and advisors rowing together26:01 – Why the multi-store “dog” life isn’t for everyone26:30 – The danger of scaling without the cash to back it up27:59 – Shop size vs. profit: Luke Walker’s $1M store reality check29:05 – The secret: Hire high skill, pay well, and net more31:12 – Money loves speed: Adapting shop processes for today’s customers32:13 – Show & sell: Finding the urgent fix, but always telling the whole story35:20 – Ethics, shortcuts, and hiring for integrity36:05 – Losing Aaron: Leadership, legacy, and moving Shop Fix forward39:14 – What’s next? Shop Fix’s plan and why the mission’s stronger than ever

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Seth Thorson and Keith Perkins own shops and are both on the NASTF board. Today, they talk about AI and how shop owners can leverage Chat GPTs and Chrome extensions to streamline operations and keep their customer data protected. Keith weighs in on the future of technician roles, pointing out that while robotics and AI may eventually change the landscape, hands-on skills and adaptability will be critical for years to come.Timestamps: 00:00 Techs replaced by AI?06:25 AI and data ownership09:41 Learning the GTP foundation10:18 Teaching effective coding practices13:15 Teaching basic and premium features17:19 Using AI to access online data20:20 Circuit City vs. Best Buy insights25:37 Son considering trade school program31:28 Starting with the basics35:48 Putting in extra effort37:22 Learning through hard work42:59 Michael Brody-Waite's leadership approach43:38 Seth's class for shop owners49:18 Concerns about AI and human thinking51:12 NAPA's augmented reality training53:32 Balancing textbook learning and hands-on56:37 Mike's 90-day check-in

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Hunt Demarest is a CPA with Paar, Melis, and Associates. Today, he joins Mike to talk shop financials, tax credits, and private equity. Hunt breaks down why consistent improvement—just 3% better each quarter—is more sustainable than chasing explosive growth. He offers a candid warning about risky investments, sharing his own hard lesson with a too-good-to-be-true real estate scheme. Finally, Hunt dives into the rise of private equity buying up repair shops, explaining how that's driving up valuations and changing the market for owners looking to sell. Timestamps:00:00 Incremental improvement beats unrealistic growth—why 3% better every quarter wins01:10 Teaching personal finance at Vision 2026 (and why accountants don’t read your Social Security statements)02:07 The truth about R&D tax credits and audit nightmares03:44 What you must ask before taking any credit—defending yourself at audit time05:03 Hunt’s background: how he got into auto repair accounting08:08 Will AI replace your bookkeeper or CPA? Real talk, not hype10:32 Why shop owners need to understand financial statements & what current ratio means for your cash12:18 Managing AR, cash flow, and the case for paying vendors weekly14:43 Shop profitability: 8 months out of 12 is the norm, not the exception15:43 Trends: The scale and extremes of shop margins have changed MASSIVELY17:21 Labor rates at $386/hr and what actually drives profit18:54 The 20% net profit “gold standard”—and who really gets there19:34 Why comparing owner compensation plus net income tells the real story21:26 What’s the average net profit for shops? (Spoiler: it’s better than you think)22:15 Beware public “industry average” surveys—actual profits vs. reported tax returns23:01 Why working with an industry-specialized CPA beats a generic accountant every time24:14 The inner circle: who should be on your financial “advisory board”25:00 The most common (and WRONG) beliefs about shop accounting29:53 Hunt’s biggest personal mistake: the $25k investment gone wrong (and what to learn from it)32:10 Private equity: what’s happening, who’s buying, and what it means for YOUR exit36:10 Should you sell now? How PE offers stack up vs. passing to family37:06 Why PE doesn’t care about your P&L—sometimes it’s all about your customer count38:02 Final thoughts, lessons learned, and why even the pros get it wrong sometimes

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton go deep on the realities of starting a business partnership. Mike Allen shares lessons learned from his own experiences establishing partnerships, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements and communication. Matt Lofton draws from his experience with both successful and failed partnerships, highlighting the dangers of handshake deals and the need for thorough “what-if” planning.Timestamps: 00:00 "Spring Break, Partnerships, Feedback"03:17 "Partnerships: Risks and Considerations"08:27 "Clear Terms Before Partnerships"11:39 "Dissolved Partnership and Planning"15:49 "Partnerships and Business Assets"19:43 Private Equity Incentives Explained21:55 "Effectiveness of Profit-Based Incentives"26:23 "Financial Deep Dive Workshops"29:27 "Key Points in Partnership Agreements"31:14 "What-If Scenarios and Alignment"38:38 "Managing Business Equity Dynamics"41:50 "Front-End Business Agreement Setup"45:03 "Revisit Business Agreements Regularly"47:35 "Partnership Structure and Agreements"52:26 "High-Value Networking & Insights"53:38 "Best Shop Owners Seek Growth"

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERETravis May and Mike Martin are shop owners who coach with Elite Worldwide. Matt Lofton, as many of you know, is the Director of Coaching for Elite (and my personal coach/therapist). Today, we all talk about how having coaches through Elite have literally changed our lives and helped us in ways we may never be able to truly explain.Timestamps:00:00 Falling in love with your own success: Absentee ownership pitfalls01:08 Meet the guests: Legacies, buyouts, and shop owner backgrounds05:21 The journey to Elite: Why top shop owners chose coaching06:30 Humbling lessons—how the Elite Master Service Advisor program changes everything10:09 Accountability, habit-building, and real growth with ongoing coaching12:17 2025 Recap: Big wins, tough months, and lessons learned14:31 The owner’s struggle: Profit discipline & staying out of “the cookie jar”16:02 Finally closing the building deal: How perseverance pays off17:19 Navigating post-pandemic reality: The “sugar rush” is over18:46 Big goals for 2026: Celebrating wins—and moving forward20:40 The power of taking action: Why implementation beats excuses23:45 Personal growth, team impact, and communicating with your staff24:32 Best event takeaways: Coffee Bean Analogy & daily goal setting28:15 Why community events and peer networks make all the difference33:11 Biggest struggles today: Generational gaps & trusting your process38:55 Parting wisdom: If you don’t have a coach, get one!

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Ash Kaplan is first and formost a friend of the show. Secondly, she's the founder of Golden Hour Garage. Today, Mike learns all about Ash and the new adventure of buisness owernship she's on. Ash Kaplan shares her vision for Golden Hour Garage, focusing on optimizing efficiency for shops through remote estimate building, warranty processing, and innovative advisor training. The conversation also highlights the importance of building meaningful customer relationships, as well as the value of attending industry events like the ASTA Expo for personal and professional growth.Learn more about Golden Hour Garage HERE Timestamps:00:00 "Ignite 2026 Wrap-Up Reflection"05:28 "Golden Hour Garage Vision"09:25 Intentional Onboarding and Quality Control12:14 "Warranty Costs vs Estimate Service"14:21 "Streamlined Warranty Estimate Solutions"17:58 "Empowering Shops Through Connections"21:23 "Optimizing Processes for Transparency"25:46 "Adapting for Growth in Business"27:27 Struggling to Sustain Employee Growth30:18 Do You Use a Bidet?35:51 "Free Beer Disappointment"38:18 Customized Pricing Approach Explained41:48 "Life-Changing ASTA Experience"42:42 "Red String Connections"48:06 Maximize Networking at Trade Shows49:28 "Breaking Isolation in the Industry"54:24 "AI Phone Systems Discussion"

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Joe Marconi and Sabrina Wilkerson are with the best coaching company in the world: Elite Worldwide. Today, they and Mike talk about how to build a strong, service-oriented shop culture. Sabrina shares how the Elite Masters program aims for long-term behavioral change with advisors, blending bootcamp-style training with months of accountability. Joe explains how Fly with the Eagles evolved to help not just shop owners but managers, advisors, and lead techs master the business side of operations.Timestamps:00:00 "Elite's Culture and Purpose"04:32 "Fly with the Eagles Commitment"07:53 Advisor Training with Long-Term Impact10:22 Evolving Shop Owner Training Workshop14:17 "Client Auto Repair Struggles"17:41 Customer Experience Over Details21:08 Creating Welcoming Customer Experiences22:51 "Touchpoint Process Optimization"27:21 "Record Year, Growing Partnerships"32:22 "Topshop 180: Foundational Support Program"35:20 Inspired Writing Journey37:12 Trust the Process42:53 "Smart Room Change Request"

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HERECarrie-Lynn Rodenberg is the founder of Turnkey Marketing. Carrie-Lynn explains how her team uses advanced, but fully legal, geo-targeted digital marketing to help auto repair shops reach customers right when they need services. Together, they reflect on the challenges and responsibilities that come with rapid business growth, especially as Carrie-Lynn balances running a large team and raising a family. Finally, they share honest confessions about time management, the dangers of distractions (like doomscrolling), and the evolving role of a business leader.Timestamps:00:00 Kicking off with shock collars for kids and hidden fences01:02 The power of geo-targeted marketing and “Big Brother” advertising03:33 Is hyper-targeted marketing actually legal? Carrie-Lynn explains05:14 Shop owner confessions: When your marketing team knows you better than you know yourself07:48 Growing the team: Challenges of explosive business growth09:58 Parenting confessions: Having 3 kids in under 4 years10:59 Letting go: Why shop kids don’t need to be bubble wrapped12:03 Childhood nostalgia: Drinking from the hose and living to tell the tale14:16 The emotional cost of success: Stepping up and supporting your team17:01 How to keep evolving as a leader—and why it matters18:00 Structuring your goals (without losing your mind)20:05 When shiny objects (like podcasts) derail your business21:26 The trap of doom scrolling and living with intention24:11 Building real connections versus losing time on social media25:06 Next-level onboarding: How Turnkey Marketing works with new shops28:04 Shop marketing myths: Grocery store receipts and bus benches? No thanks!

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREToday, Mike Allen is joined by Eric Merchant and Andrew Klement to talk about Eric's recent shop expansion and how Andrew has found IMMEDIATE success with free diag. Yes, he pays he techs, he just doesn't charge the customer for the diag. Don't get your panties in a wad! Timestamps:00:00 The Free Diag Debate: Paying Techs and Shop Owner Risks00:53 Live from Ignite 2026: Scottsdale (or “Snotsdale”) and Shop Size Rivalries02:58 Landing Airplanes on Shops & Zeb the Legend05:46 Meet Andrew: Quitting a Job & Opening His Own Shop07:58 Used Alignment Machine Drama & DIY Repair Stories10:00 The Swingline Stapler Mystery – Office Space Reference Exposed12:11 Barrett-Jackson Recap and Shop Marketing Tactics14:13 Paying Techs Fairly, Navigating Free Diag, & Owner Lessons Learned16:32 Charity Work & Community Service: Shop Owner Outreach18:53 YouTube Fame from Contractor Nightmares21:26 Confession Call-Ins and Vanity Phone Number Strategies31:43 Bonus: Crushing Spirits at the Elite Pro Service Racing Challenge32:56 Alignment Maintenance Advice & $14K in Equipment Headaches35:14 Wrapping Up: Shop Ownership is Never Boring

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about how weather disruptions impact sales at the shop. Matt says that's why it's important to divide yearly goals by 48 weeks instead of 52 to account for lost days. They also discuss employee compensation strategies for inclement weather, highlighting the need for clear PTO policies and communication plans. Timestamps:00:00 Ignite Event Exceeds Expectations05:31 "January's Weather Impacted Business"09:20 Weather Days and Compensation Policy11:31 "Creating Weather Policies for Business"13:49 "Challenges of Post-Storm Operations"19:08 Maximizing Car Count Strategies23:04 "Impact of Snow on Sales"26:11 "Commitment Over Convenience for Success"30:10 "Making Prepaid Offers Work"33:34 Reviving Maintenance Habits Strategically36:17 "Pre-Booking Boosts Service Sales"41:20 "Stressful Front Counter Reflections"44:56 "Pre-Booking Strategy for Success"45:54 Optimizing Slow Months Momentum

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Today, Jamie Caldwell from Jamie's Garage joins Bryan Pollock and Mike Allen as Jamie shares the story of scaling from one stressed-out location to five thriving shops. How? He hired character over skill. They also talk about different pay structures when Jamie shares why his team isn’t paid commissions—and how that’s improved culture and teamwork.Timestamps:00:00 "Stolen Truck Insurance Windfall"04:35 "Extended Warranty Dispute Strategy"07:59 "Mastering Scripts Before Freestyling"12:17 "Shifting Focus to Good People"15:15 European Auto Shop Journey18:13 Private Equity Impact on Auto Industry20:07 Future Possibilities and Industry Impact24:45 Relational vs. Transactional Business27:22 Hiring Challenges and Compensation Talks33:57 "Flat Rate vs Teamwork Culture"38:15 Embracing Transparency in Leadership41:55 "Discovering TikTok During COVID"44:33 Race Car Engine Connection48:59 "Business Over Social Media Earnings"

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HERETodd Speciale is the founder of Make Sales Great Again and best selling author of The Ultimate Sales Bible. Today, he and Mike discuss the reputation of salespeople and the keys to selling with integrity. Todd also shares the story behind his company and book, emphasizing the importance of honesty and culture in building successful sales teams.Find out more about Todd hereTimestamps: 00:00 Who do people distrust most in sales? 01:00 Todd’s keynote that broke all Mike’s rules02:30 Why Todd Speciale speaks—his personal story and passion for helping others05:06 The real meaning behind “Make Sales Great Again”07:00 Why Todd left timeshare & how the right sales tactics can change an industry09:00 Dirty sales: How to SELL and still sleep at night10:30 Sales from the negative—flipping the pitch with integrity12:00 Firing the top 1%: Why the best sales aren’t always the best people14:00 Blocking objections & how to own the conversation16:05 Who does Todd’s consulting actually help—and how?18:00 How can auto shops attract high-level sales talent with lower ceiling pay?19:45 The power of culture: 71% hate their jobs—how to fix that!21:00 Best industries for ethical sales training—and the truth about training23:10 Door-to-door horror stories: What it REALLY teaches you25:30 Who invests the most in their teams? The inside scoop on insurance, real estate, roofing & more29:35 Inside Todd’s books: The Ultimate Sales Bible & more33:00 Why the sales process hasn’t changed—but the buyer sure has36:00 Old school vs. new school: Changing prospects and tactics38:53 The compensation trap—can performance pay ever reward ethics?41:00 How to weed out the wrong hires before they cost you44:20 Where to find great trainable sales talent: Youth, servers, and bartenders47:00 Mythbusting the “kids don’t want to work” narrative—how to develop the next generation50:52 How to reach Todd Speciale and learn more

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERENate Winston owns Winston's Complete Auto Care in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Today, Nate shares with Mike how he and a friend one day decided to start a shop...with ZERO experience in the industry...They talk candidly about the challenges of business partnerships—including the fallout from a partnership built on a handshake deal—and offer hard-won advice for anyone considering opening a shop with a friend. Like the episode? Call 704-CONFESS or email [email protected] to share your stories or feedback! Timestamps: 00:00 Business Partnerships: Like Marriage...Without the Sex 02:02 Meet Nate Winston: From Blinds Factory to Auto Shop Owner 03:29 Starting a Shop with Zero Experience 06:08 Living in the Shop: Early Struggles as Entrepreneurs 08:25 Growing the Business & Chamber of Commerce Involvement 11:47 Partnership Breakup: What Went Wrong? 14:16 Why Every Partnership Needs an Agreement 17:17 Building a Business “Prenup” vs. Friendship 18:23 Opening a New Shop: The Leap to Solo Ownership 20:17 Coaching, Training & The Value of Events for Shop Owners 22:50 One-Man Operation: The Challenges and Plans for Hiring 24:58 Biggest Challenges in 2026 and Beyond 26:13 Cutting Out Heavy Work: Focusing on the Right Jobs 28:34 Tektonic 2026 Preview & Vendor Networking 

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Jon Cabak is the co-founder and CEO of Detect Auto. Today, he shares with Mike about Detect Auto’s maintenance recommendation tools and talks about their new partnership with BG Products to streamline customer education and shop efficiency. The conversation also explores how AI is already transforming shop operations, from business analysis to coaching service advisors, with Jon sharing practical ways shop owners can leverage these technologies today.Timestamps:00:00 Introducing The "Maintenance Recommendation System" & the Struggle for a Good Name01:05 Jon Cabak's whirlwind trip: Meetings, markets, and minimal sleep02:11 Jon's goals at C&R AAPEX: Building partnerships and sharing tech02:47 Who is Jon Cabak? CEO of Detect Auto, building better tools for shops03:06 How Detect Auto helps service advisors ask the right questions04:06 New features: BG Products partnership & integrating educational content for customers05:00 Educating customers with videos, Tekmetric integration dreams06:16 The power of video explainer tools for maintenance sales07:13 Coaching new shops: How to launch a maintenance program07:49 Why shops struggle to sell maintenance—and how to avoid “kitchen sinking” new customers09:13 Making a maintenance plan not a one-time sales event10:11 Detect Auto’s printable/PDF maintenance planning tool11:02 “SUN”: The new name for maintenance—Shit You Need!11:46 AI’s best use in shop ownership, ChatGPT in action, and practical subscription tips13:06 Voice tech, call analysis, and smarter prospecting with AI14:00 Pipe dream or next reality? AI that writes your service tickets15:00 Using AI for real-time scripts and to improve advisor performance16:45 Ongoing upgrades: Overcoming latency and training obstacles18:31 AI for pre-service surveys and reducing customer friction19:10 Practicing objections and role-playing with voice AI21:11 Upgrading your AI subscription — Is it worth it?21:57 Using AI to analyze business trends and shop performance22:42 Grok, Gemini, Claude: Testing the new AI tools for shops23:44 Will software engineers be replaced by AI? Real talk about tech careers25:19 What Detect Auto features are most valuable to shop owners?27:09 How onboarding and training shops faster drives ROI

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Bryce Evans is the founder and editor-in-chief of Auto Service Leader. Today, Bryce and Mike talk about the future of automotive media, the role of independent journalism, and how Auto Service Leader's innovative magazine is reshaping the information gap for shop owners. Their model puts content ahead of advertising, giving readers practical information they can actually use. They also cover the current state of journalism, the challenges of maintaining editorial integrity in today’s click-driven media landscape, and what independent shop owners can do to navigate an industry rapidly changing due to private equity and consolidation.See Auto Service Leader's work HERETimestamps: 00:00 Can True Investigative Journalism Survive Today’s Media Landscape?01:05 Auto Service Leader’s Magazine Model – No Ads, Just Content03:27 Building a Consistent Brand & Publication Experience05:00 How Shops & Partners Get Featured in Auto Service Leader06:19 Bryce Evans’ B2B Publishing Background & Ratchet Wrench Insights08:46 Filling the Information Gap: What Shop Owners Really Need09:53 Auto Service Leader’s Searchable Resource Hub Explained11:09 What’s Next for Auto Service Leader in 2026?13:12 Bryce Evans’ Journey: Journalism, Moving Into Automotive17:09 Lessons from Newsrooms & What Changed His Career Path20:58 Why Community and Peer Groups Matter for Shop Owners22:15 Is Print Media Dead? Newspapers vs New Media23:27 “Everyone’s Got a Podcast” – Modern Media Challenges25:17 Media’s Role in Political Division & Clickbait26:19 Absolutism and the Importance of Nuance in the Auto Industry29:44 The Art of Interviewing: Insights for Great Journalism33:25 Dealing With Agenda-Driven Coverage as a Business Owner36:57 Is Print Here to Stay? Why High-End Magazines Matter38:09 Navigating Hot Button Topics: Relational vs. Transactional Selling41:32 How Auto Service Leader Handles Problematic Sources42:32 Private Equity & Consolidation’s Impact on the Automotive Industry

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen and Bryan Pollock talk with Mr. Subaru. Mr. Subaru talks through his experiences navigating drama in the automotive influencer space and addresses accusations of clickbait content. He shares some colorful stories from his time as a Snap-on dealer, including the challenges of repossessing toolboxes from delinquent customers. Finally, Mr. Subaru discusses his upcoming plans to build a new shop on his property and the future direction of his YouTube content.Timestamps: 00:00 - Are you a Clickbait Creator? Mr. Subaru on Online Drama00:19 - The Truth About Tool Content—Is It Clickbait?01:08 - Rock Hill & South Carolina’s Automotive Scene03:03 - Content Creator Drama & Automotive Industry Comparison07:09 - Shop Builds: Mr. Subaru Gets Bank Approval for His New Shop08:51 - How It All Started: Mr. Subaru’s First YouTube Videos10:59 - The COVID Boost: Explosive Growth on YouTube12:12 - Monetization Woes: TikTok, Facebook, & Instagram13:33 - The Snap-On Dealer Experience—Sales, Credit, & Repos17:15 - Wild Repo Stories: Guns, Knives, & Toolbox Sting Operations21:30 - The Biggest Toolbox Sale Ever26:03 - Market Insights: Charlotte Money, Shop Opportunities, & Area Growth29:12 - Podcasting & Automotive Media Scene in Carolina29:37 - Drama vs. Good for the Industry: Podcast Growth Strategies33:08 - Rage-Bait vs. Thoughtful Content: Finding Balance35:55 - Instant Opinions & The Problem with Social Media Hate37:00 - Shop Anonymity & Weirdos—Dealing with the Downside of Fame39:16 - Diagnosing for the Diagnostically Challenged: Mobile Work Stories45:27 - B-Techs, A-Techs, and Weaponized Incompetence Rant47:22 - Diagnostic Training on YouTube: Scanner Danner & Self-Learning48:53 - What’s Next for Mr. Subaru? Shop Builds & New Content51:19 - DIY vs. Shop Content: Who Does It Serve Best?54:02 - Upcoming Events: Visions, Asta, Farm Show, and More56:08 - Favorite Training Classes & Shop Stories57:37 - Sumos, Hurricanes, and Confessions—Podcast Outtakes

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton break down 2025's financial results from the shop, and talk about what went wrong and what went right. Matt encourages Mike to work towards pre-booking appointments to drive repeat business, and Mike states his goals for boosting net profit in 2026.Timestamps: 00:00 Matt thinks Mike should only focus on the shop?01:15 Confessions intro03:02 Recapping the year: top-line numbers, gross profit, and performance metrics05:07 Gross profit calculation, labor rates, and tech efficiency09:35 Ad spend breakdown—what’s working, what’s wasted11:15 Setting ambitious but achievable 2026 profit targets13:43 Staffing, productivity by the billable hour, and role expectations16:03 Navigating seasonal slowdowns and weather curveballs21:21 Drilling into process—team consistency and customer experience26:16 Tech inspections, quality DVIs, and closing rate improvements33:04 The #1 process change to add 10% net profit34:16 How (and WHY) to start pre-booking appointments for consistent car count39:00 Pre-booking accountability & reminder hacks that actually work41:51 Retention challenges with new customers & recapture campaign ideas45:14 Why “state inspection only” tickets kill profitability48:48 The key takeaways—retention, consistency, and focusing on fundamentals

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Jared Haleck is the new Chief Product Officer at Tekmetric, and today he talks with Mike about the rapid innovation happening in automotive shop management technology. Jared shares his perspective on how AI tools can streamline service advisor-customer interactions, making it easier to gather, document, and translate repair information for technicians. The conversation also explores the future potential of AI in automating repair estimates and improving digital vehicle inspections—emphasizing that the biggest barrier to integrating these tools is just shop owners’ creativity.Timestamps:00:00 – Will Tekmetric take over the world??00:21 – Confessions of a Shop Owner Presented by Tekmetric01:13 – Speed Vegas recap: Racing exotics, leaderboard drama, and surprises05:15 – Jared Haleck’s background & first impressions of Tekmetric08:43 – What does a Chief Product Officer actually do? (And, yes, nerds are involved)10:39 – The AI revolution: Early adopters, ChatGPT, and what every shop should know13:04 – Practical AI: Intake conversations, tech translation, and smarter service writing16:25 – Summarization, speech-to-text, and eliminating “translation loss”20:03 – Why voice (and phone) is key to the next auto shop breakthrough25:33 – Wish list: AI-powered digital vehicle inspections & visual documentation32:30 – Word choices, loss aversion, and writing the story customers need34:44 – The real trick: Getting creative with AI prompts and trying new ideas36:12 – Gemini, Claude, or GPT: Which AI platform works best?39:54 – Where can shop owners get the most bang-for-their-buck with AI today?41:25 – Fast hacks: Using iPhone Notes for instant transcriptions42:29 – What’s next? The roadmap to automated estimate building44:32 – Why Tekmetric is leading the innovation race (and how to join)

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Jimmy Purdy is the host of The Gearbox Podcast and owns Shift'n Gears Auto Repair in Paso Robles, California. Today, he and Mike Allen talk about how Jimmy nearly doubled his business in 2025 using the sometimes unpopular AutoShop Answers method. The conversation also covers the challenges of balancing profitability with company culture and how shop owners often struggle to find the one “silver bullet,” when success is really about picking up the right gold nuggets along the way. Timestamps: 00:00 The golden rule: fully inform the customer before doing any repairs01:08 Trade show tricks: why veteran vendors bring two pairs of shoes02:08 Shoe disasters, hiking stories, and quick-thinking hacks03:28 Shop growth: Doubling sales, why net profit isn’t the whole picture04:41 Breaking revenue ceilings: Big changes and new sales processes05:37 Shiny object syndrome and tracking the right KPIs06:21 Learning to filter industry advice and run the shop your way07:36 Sales process overhaul: From tech mindset to customer experience08:53 What great client experience actually means—beyond the inspection10:10 Shop coaching, sales training, and implementing what works for YOU12:25 Adapting big shop advice for smaller or rural markets13:55 Customizing processes, balancing growth and team happiness15:11 Efficiency breakthroughs: Improving inspections and workflow17:37 Overcoming DVI inconsistency and getting buy-in from your team21:50 Estimating strategies: Why quoting everything isn’t always best25:22 Lessons in sales: The “kitchen sink” rule and sales fatigue29:13 Team training, scripting, and crushing phone intake times34:43 Bringing team to trade shows for real buy-in (and to avoid “Black Monday”)39:11 Evolving customer expectations and modernizing shop experiences44:39 The myth of the universal “right way” to run a shop51:06 Seven-day work weeks, shop culture, and the truth about tech retention54:13 Letting your team find their own wins—even new gloves count56:06 Shop life, family life, and defining your own success as an owner57:17 Where to find more: Jimmy’s Gearbox podcast & how you can get involved

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HERERick White is the founder of 180Biz, and he hates people who do free diag. So.....this is awkward now...Today, Mike learns more about Rick and his coaching philosophies only then to stir the pot and bring up everything he opposes Rick on. What do you think? Is free diag a smart marketing move, or a decision only idiots make? Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome Rick White to the Show - Now Let's Fight!06:10 – Why Men Struggle with Feelings (and How That Shapes Shop Leadership)10:00 – Building a Coaching Empire: Rick White’s Approach to Scaling and Staying Grounded17:45 – How to Interview a Coach (and Why Some Clients Get Fired)24:12 – One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Franchise Model vs. Tailored Shop Coaching29:40 – Private Equity in the Auto Industry: Boon or Bust?35:18 – Passing the Shop to the Next Generation: Equity Equivalence & Creative Solutions41:55 – “You Do You”: Why There Are Many Ways to Run a Successful Shop45:03 – The Real Cost of Free Diag: Metrics, Marketing, and Moneyball Tactics57:10 – Coaching Confessions: Ego, Impact, and the Danger of Explosive Growth1:07:50 – Final Thoughts: What Matters Most for Shop Owners Right Now

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen, Bryan Pollock, and Braxton Critcher look back on a year of "Confessions of a Shop Owner". They play back the top moments on the podcast in 2025, and each give their most embarrassing confession thus far. Oh, what a year it has been, and oh, what a year 2026 is setting up to be. Remember, this is the last episode that Mike is current ASTA President...this is about to get good...Finally. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The Year of "Edit That Out" (But Did We?) 01:12 – Amateur Podcast Setups & Tech Fails 03:12 – 65+ Episodes Later: What Did We Even Do?! 04:30 – Are We the Best Automotive Podcast in the Galaxy? 05:10 – Going Viral: Social Media Buzz & Darren’s Big Weekend 08:07 – Most Memorable Guest: Darren Barney Shares a Vulnerable Story 12:16 – The "16-Foot Trailer" Incident with Zeb Beard  17:00 – When Guest Rage Turns the Podcast Upside Down – David Roman Goes OFF! 22:00 – Saturday Shop: Do Employees Actually Want to Work Weekends? 24:36 – The Great Staffing Challenge & "Short Term Gain, Long Term Pain" 27:47 – Our Most Embarrassing Tech Confessions & Social Media Mishaps 32:43 – Confession Time: When Braxton Lost All the Podcast Files 33:43 – Misspelling Sponsor Names… and the Tattoo Bet is On! 35:01 – Who’s REALLY The Fastest Driver in the Crew? 39:09 – The All-Time Most Embarrassing Shop Owner Confession 43:20 – The Viral Aftermath & Listener Group Chat Chaos 48:30 – Hospitality Suite Stories: Couch Shopping & More Debauchery 50:00 – The Greatest Hot Mic Moment That Will Never Air 52:37 – Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Confessions in 2026? 54:24 – Favorite Moments & Listener Shout-Outs 56:06 – Parting Thoughts & Why We Love This Podcast

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this special Christmas Coaching Call, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about goal setting for the New Year. They did into the details of how to properly project technician hour capacity and slow and busy seasons. They also discuss the importance of a strategic marketing budget, saying that marketing should generate opportunity—not just sales—and how matching tactics to team strengths is crucial for success.Timestamps: 00:00 Farmer Analogy for Shop Owners: Understanding Harvest Seasons00:20 Why Bad October & August Can Sink Your Year01:00 Navigating Health Insurance Options for Your Team03:05 Payroll Mistakes = Free Health Insurance?!04:20 Christmas Episode Intro & Why Shop Goal Setting Matters05:19 Goal Setting Philosophy: The “Elite Pro Service” Approach06:53 Grounding Goals in Math, Not Hope07:54 Calculating Real Shop Capacity with Tech Hours09:01 Factoring Satellite Locations into Your Planning10:02 Breaking Down Staff Roles & Realistic Productivity13:01 Training & Growing Technician Skillsets15:00 Risks & Rewards of Upskilling Your GS18:24 Effective Labor Rate & Parts-to-Labor Ratio Explained20:15 The Monthly Capacity Game & Avoiding Average Traps26:36 Why August & October Are Your Make-or-Break Months28:02 Adapting Your Monthly Goals to Holidays & Vacation29:02 Getting Your Team Singing from the Same Goal Sheet30:00 Coaching Your Team: The Basketball Analogy32:09 Communicating Daily Goals for Technicians & Advisors36:59 Tracking Approvals, Car Count, and Setting Realistic Targets40:29 Translating Manager Math into Daily Team Wins42:38 Setting Your Marketing Budget (3-5% or Up to 10%?)44:08 Google Ads vs. Direct Mail: What Works for New Shops?47:30 The Myth of Bad Customers—Fixing the Real Problems54:21 Community Events, Brand Building, and Consistency55:36 Wrapping Up: Getting Linked Up With Elite & Your Shop’s Growth55:37 Christmas Family Fun Gone Wrong! Elf on the Shelf Stories

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Aniz Lavji owns a shop in Canada, and met Mike Allen at ASTA 2025. It was in Raleigh where Aniz thought his life was in danger because of Mike and his ESO Miata. They relive that story on today's episode. Turns out, Aniz might be turning into an ESO himself. The guys also talk tires, and why many shops miss opportunities by not doing tires right. Timestamps: 00:00 – Tire Hustles & Leveraging Trades: How Aniz Lavji turned tires into rare Lego sets05:34 – Earning the "evil shop owner badge" – disposing tires, creative deals, and industry banter07:16 – Embarrassing moments: Shop meetings gone awry and podcast stories spilled to the family11:35 – Why tire storage is big business in Canada (and how Aniz Lavji manages hundreds of sets)16:31 – Shop equipment talk: Hunter vs. Coats vs. Corgi, and keeping employees happy with cool machines25:31 – Family business backstory: Dial Attire, Waterloo, and how Aniz Lavji gets mom & dad on vacation31:09 – Big conferences, industry networking, and why ASTA Expo matters41:12 – ADHD, podcast behind-the-scenes, and dealing with "wasted time"53:03 – Used tires vs. new tires: How the tire business evolved56:01 – Offshore tire brands, hilarious mascots, and challenges selling "Triangle" tires1:02:38 – Why Teslas flood Aniz Lavji's shop — EV referrals, repairs, and donut diplomacy1:07:15 – Saturday madness: Shop emergencies, wild tire stories, and customer demands1:13:32 – Building relationships with vendors and parts suppliers1:22:01 – Wrapping up with the worst American cars ever made and naming mishaps

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREUwe Kleinschmidt is the Founder of AutoTech IQ, and today shares stories of growing up in East Germany. He also brings up how service advisors need to utilize AI to improve their technical expertise and lean into their people skills. He and Mike also talk about the importance of customer education, and Uwe explains how empowering customers with clear information leads to higher approval rates and better shop retention.Timestamps: 00:00 Uwe Helped Bring Down the Berlin Wall? 04:14 Mike Doesn't Listen to Podcasts Anymore08:01 Reality Behind the Facade11:55 Dual Citizenship Made Easier16:35 "AI Dependency Dumbs Down Skills"20:06 DVI's Potential in Customer Education24:39 "Educating on Filter Cleanliness"25:42 "Empowering Autonomous Decision-Making"31:06 "Improved Workflow for Service Shop"35:20 "We Are the Problem"36:01 Building Trust with New Customers42:01 Empowering Motorists Boosts Approvals43:35 "Text-Only Customer Communication"49:24 "Inspection Process Explanation"

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREMy marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HEREMake your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERESend your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREIn this episode, Mike learns that fish hung on a wall are just plastic. He, John Firm, Michael Guenther, and Jeff Compton also get into some ESO talk, free Diag, and if free oil changes are ruining this industry. They also share firsthand experiences managing small-town customer relationships, including the challenges of offering credit and dealing with overdue invoices.Timestamps: 00:00 Mounted Fish Aren't Real??09:51 Rising Star in Auto Industry14:46 "Efficiency Concerns with Machine"17:28 "Free Car Diagnostics Explained"22:42 "The Cost of Your Dream Car"28:44 "Oil Change Pricing Dilemma"32:02 "Fish of a Thousand Casts"42:31 "Local Store Credit System"47:44 Customer Loss After Payment Struggle50:06 "Bronx Tale $10 Lesson"55:37 Fishing Etiquette at Docks

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!In this episode, Mike Allen confesses to Matt Lofton that he thinks his customers aren't finding the value in using his repair shop. Matt says that value is defined by what customers are actually willing to pay for, reminding listeners that shop processes only matter if clients perceive them as worthwhile. They also talk about employee retention, noting how turnover can set a business back and why keeping the right team in place should be a top priority. Timestamps: 00:00 Mike's Vegas Wardrobe Malfunction10:36 "Retention and Sustained Growth Focus"13:29 Client Service & Repair Strategy19:19 Team Process and Standards Updates23:07 "Pricing Concerns and Reputation"33:35 Labor Rate Adjustment Explained34:56 Employee Feedback Reflects Trust43:39 Front Counter Compensation Debate47:50 "Defining Value Beyond Features"52:05 "Handling Customer Objections Effectively"59:06 "Discussing Brake Replacement Concerns"01:01:59 Pricing Strategy and Break-Even Analysis

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREIf you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Chris Enright owns Enright Automotive in Alexandria, Ohio and has one of the biggest industry followings on social media. Jeff Compton from the Jaded Mechanic also sits in for Bryan Pollock. Today, they get into the importance of communication among techs, advisors, and owners to avoid costly mistakes and improve efficiency. Chris brings up how techs shouldn't have to pay for their own tools and gives advice on how to by affordable tools, especially for techs just starting out. Timestamps: 00:00 French Drivers vs Retired People from Florida06:24 Navigating SEMA and AAPEX15:33 "Industry Issues Stem from Communication"19:41 "Know Your Rights as Technician"24:43 "Tool Industry Perspectives Divide"28:22 Technician-Owned Tools Debate32:43 OEM Tools and Tool Truck36:59 "First Encounter with Electric Tools"46:29 Labor vs Parts in Modern Cars51:10 "It's Not an Issue Until Issues"55:08 Money Motivation vs Quality Talent01:01:43 "Success by Getting Outself's Way"01:04:36 "Challenges Keeping Up with Cars"01:12:13 Brake Job: Rotors and Pads Together01:14:59 "Defending Ethical Repair Practices"

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREWhen I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HEREDarrin Barney is the CEO of Elite Worldwide, Mike's Coaching Company of choice. Last time he was on, he cried. So, guess what he did this time? Yep. He cried. What brought on the tears was how proud he is when he sees one of his kids overcome adversity. Like when his daughter proved the doctors wrong when she was born. They also discuss the evolution of Elite’s coaching programs, highlighting the new 180 program designed to support shop owners at every stage. Timestamps: 00:00 Darrin Barney is Back!06:22 "Drive-Thru Wallet Struggle"09:09 "Defining Childhood Moment"10:39 "Million Dollar Baby Struggles"13:45 Cultivating Grit in Privileged Kids16:42 "Life Lessons From India"21:24 "Weekend Rush and Crash Tale"25:38 "Racing Isle of Man Before Death"26:18 "Racing Memories and Reflections"30:32 Business Development Training Programs35:39 Racing Addiction Never Ends39:02 From Employee to Business Owner40:43 "Watching Results Through Reviews"44:18 "Networking for Fresh Perspectives"47:54 Evolution of Pro Service50:11 Unexpected Opportunity: Tire Shop Dilemma54:12 Elite's Impact on Legacy