Honest Garage Podcast

Trent Sweitzer and Noah Warner are not trying to prove that one honest repair shop can survive. They are trying to prove that an automotive company can grow to serious scale without pressure selling, unnecessary repairs, or the kind of upselling that has damaged trust in the industry for years. Trent and Noah are co-owners of Summit Integrity Auto Repair, serving the Kansas City Metro through locations in Lee's Summit, Raymore, Leavenworth, and Fort Leavenworth. Their promise is simple: Only what you need, guaranteed. In this episode, Trent and Noah share how the business grew from three people grinding six days a week into a multi location operation with big goals and a clear point of view. They talk about building the company around different owner strengths, with Noah pushing growth, Trent focused on systems and strategy, and Bobby staying close to the technical side of the business. You will hear how Summit Integrity uses its Integrity Report to document every vehicle, educate customers, and draw a clear line between helpful recommendations and unnecessary upsells. They also get practical about technician development, state inspections, documentation, warranties, customer trust, and why "if it is not written down, it did not happen" became a hard earned operating rule. If you are trying to grow beyond one location, build a repeatable shop system, or prove that honest repair can still be profitable at scale, Trent and Noah's conversation is worth hearing.  

Todd Compton's path into the automotive industry started long before he opened his own shop. His dad worked around racing fuel, Todd grew up wrenching on go-karts and C10s, and by high school he was already getting his hands dirty in shops and community college automotive classes. In this episode, Todd shares how that early exposure turned into a career through the dealership world, including GM training, drivability work, electrical diagnostics, and the mentors and mistakes that shaped him along the way. After years in dealerships, boredom and curiosity pushed him toward side work in a storage unit, which eventually became Compton's Automotive in Charlotte, North Carolina. Todd gets real about the hardest seasons of ownership, including opening in 2005 right as Hurricane Katrina disrupted fuel supply, then later facing COVID with a little more perspective on cash reserves, expense creep, and staying prepared. He also shares the two biggest unlocks that helped the business grow: better communication with staff and customers, and learning the financial side of the shop. You will hear how Compton's Automotive uses technology like Shop-Ware and AutoOps, vehicle inspections, photos, videos, and clear prioritization to help customers understand what is actually happening with their vehicles. Todd also talks about why "honest" is a word that has to be proven through action, not just used in marketing. One of the strongest parts of this conversation is Todd's work around the next generation. Through Tools in Schools and local apprenticeship pathways, he is helping students see that modern automotive work is not just turning wrenches. It is diagnostics, electrical knowledge, computer skills, problem solving, and a real career path for young people who may not even know the trade exists. If you care about building a better shop, improving communication, and helping the industry attract future technicians, Todd's episode is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Compton's Automotive: https://www.comptonsautomotive.com/  

Marshall Atkinson's story is a reminder that a great operator does not always start as the owner. Sometimes they grow into the role by caring enough to take ownership before the title ever catches up. Marshall manages Neal's Garage in Durham, North Carolina, a long-standing independent shop that has served the community since 1950. After serving in the Air Force, Marshall came into the business through a friend, started learning the front counter, and eventually became the person trusted to lead the day-to-day operation while the owner stepped further out of the building. In this episode, Marshall breaks down what it really takes to run a shop well when the owner is not there every minute. It is more than answering phones and moving cars. It is watching the numbers, protecting workflow, setting standards, managing people, making equipment decisions, and creating a customer experience that feels consistent every time. You will hear how Neal's Garage has become more intentional about the work it accepts, including narrowing the vehicle mix, reducing big bay-locking jobs, and keeping the shop focused on profitable, manageable work. Marshall also talks about the details that shape reputation, from cleanliness and uniforms to loaner cars, hybrid service, EV charging, and remembering customers by name. If you are an owner trying to step back, a GM trying to step up, or a shop leader who wants the business to run with more clarity and less chaos, Marshall's episode is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Neal's Garage: http://nealsgarage.com  

Most shop owners ask whether their marketing is working. Jay Power wants them to ask a sharper question: is the shop actually catching the opportunity that marketing already created? In this Expert Spotlight episode, David and Paul sit down with Jay Power, CEO of Oktorocket, to talk about one of the most expensive blind spots in auto repair: what happens between the phone ringing, the advisor answering, and the customer actually showing up. Jay brings a deep background in enterprise software, large scale contact centers, shop communication systems, and real automotive experience. In this conversation, he breaks down what Oktorocket is seeing across shop data, including answer rates, missed calls, advisor workload, close ratio, outbound callbacks, customer retention, and the real revenue impact of small operational changes. You will hear why one in five calls may be a brand new customer, why overloaded advisors can make the wrong numbers look good while the shop stays flat, and how a few points of improvement in close rate or answer rate can create major revenue movement. Jay also gets practical about AI, where it belongs today, where it does not, and why customers still expect a real human during normal business hours. If you want to stop guessing, tighten your front counter, and understand the data already sitting inside your shop, this episode is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Oktorocket: https://oktorocket.com/  

EVs are already showing up in independent repair shops, but Tom Pacheco is not here to scare owners into becoming an EV specialty shop overnight. His message is more practical than that: start with safety, train your people, and build readiness before the wrong vehicle rolls into the bay. In this Expert Spotlight episode, David and Paul sit down with Tom Pacheco, founder of ZEVTech Consulting and executive director of ASA Colorado, to talk about what independent shops really need to know about EVs, hybrids, alternative fuel vehicles, and high voltage systems. Tom breaks down the simple rule every shop should understand first: do not touch anything orange unless you know exactly what it is. From there, he explains why EV readiness starts with low voltage fundamentals, proper disconnect procedures, PPE, gloves, meters, OEM information, and hands-on training that proves a technician can actually do the work safely. This conversation also goes beyond EVs. Tom shares how ASA Colorado is helping shops access training, grants, community college partnerships, internships, and apprenticeship pipelines so the industry can develop the next generation instead of waiting for unicorn techs to appear. If you are a shop owner wondering what EV training is actually worth it, how much you should invest, or how to prepare your team without turning your whole business upside down, this episode is a clear, calm, and practical place to start. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ ZEVTech Consulting: https://electricvehicletechniciantraining.com/ Automotive Service Association of Colorado- ASA CO: https://asacolorado.org/  

Shawn Gilfillan's story is not polished, easy, or overnight. It is busted knuckles, hard lessons, bad hires, a major injury, personal setbacks, and the decision to keep growing anyway. Shawn is the owner of Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber in New Jersey. Together, the two businesses create a smart split. Automotive Magic handles the heavier repair work, while Magic Lube and Rubber focuses on the maintenance lane. Different services, same foundation: trust, professionalism, and relationships that last. In this episode, Shawn shares how he grew up around tools, helped his dad restore a 1962 Corvette, worked through shops where the values did not always line up, and eventually decided to build the kind of place he wished existed. He also opens up about a brutal quad accident that left him hospitalized, bedridden, and forced to run the business from home while his brothers helped keep the doors open. That season became a turning point. Shawn had to stop being the hero in the bay and start becoming a real operator. You will hear how his leadership changed through coaching, self awareness, and a much slower approach to hiring. Shawn talks about hiring for values, emotional intelligence, coachability, and culture instead of just technical skill. He also shares a powerful message for owners who feel overwhelmed: get clear on your purpose, stop trying to do everything yourself, and build a business that lines up with your values. If you are a shop owner trying to grow past survival mode, protect your culture, and become the kind of leader your team actually needs, Shawn's story is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Automotive Magic: https://automotivemagic.com/Magic Lube and Rubber: https://magiclubeandrubber.com/  

Eric Newton is a second generation shop owner, but his story is not about being handed a business. It is about earning a seat at the table, surviving hard seasons, and then stepping into leadership at the exact moment the shop entered a new chapter. Eric is the second generation owner at Curt's Auto Repair in Phoenix, Arizona, a long standing shop known for honest diagnostics, diesel work, brakes, AC repair, and straight communication that builds trust over time. In this episode, Eric walks through how he started in the shop young, worked through years of change, and then navigated an ownership transition that did not go the way he expected. Instead of a simple handoff, two business partners, Jeremiah and Mike, came in alongside him so the original owner could retire fairly and the business could keep moving forward without getting squeezed. Eric also shares what he is focused on now. Cleaner systems, stronger accountability, better hiring decisions, technician pay, and building a shop that can scale with repeatable processes. He talks about concepts like EOS and why the future of the shop has to be intentional, while still keeping the core promise simple, tell the truth, do not sell what is not needed, and protect the team culture. If you are a second gen operator, thinking about partners, or trying to modernize a legacy shop without losing integrity, this conversation is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Curt's Auto Repair: https://mycarhurts.com/  

Chris Keefer did not grow up planning to be a career tech or a shop owner. He was a BMW enthusiast who knew enough HTML in the early 2000s to make a trade with a local BMW shop. Let him work on his car a few days a week, and he would build them a website. He never left. In this episode, Chris shares how a German trained mentor shaped his standards, including a lesson that still drives his leadership today. Knowing when you do not know is part of doing the job right. Over time, Chris became a high level producer, then built Independent Motorcars, a full service European specialist shop in Miramar, San Diego focused on BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, and Audi. You will hear how the shop grew from a 2,500 square foot start into the unit next door, then made the post Covid leap into an 11,000 square foot facility that reflects pride in the work and respect for the people doing it. Chris also gets candid about the business being relationship driven and not easily scalable, why he refuses the private equity style cookie cutter mindset, and how investing in real benefits and a clean, organized environment changes how techs show up for customers. Chris also drops a simple marketing move that actually fits a specialist shop. If you are an enthusiast, join the clubs aligned with your niche because that is where rock solid long term customers come from. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Independent Motorcars: https://www.independentmotorcars.com/  

Brandon Stapley started where a lot of real shop stories start, turning wrenches in his dad's backyard, then grinding through side work and a rough two bay setup tied to a construction yard in the Arizona heat. When that yard went away, Brandon had to make a decision. Fade out or build something real. Today Brandon runs multiple brands in Arizona, including Stapley's Garage in Mesa and Stapley Car Care in Chandler, plus a quick service concept called Oil Buddy. In this episode, Brandon breaks down what changes when you stop being a technician who owns a shop and become an operator building a team across more than one location. You will hear how his hiring philosophy evolved into hiring for personality and coachability, how he protects culture without letting the wrong people take advantage, and why most marketing problems are really operations problems in disguise. Brandon gets specific about missed call opportunity cost, call recording and scoring systems, and why tracking phones and follow up matters as much as ads if you want consistent growth. If you are trying to scale without losing standards, and you want a real look at what it takes to grow multiple locations while keeping people and processes tight, this episode is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Stapley Car Care: https://www.stapleycarcare.com/ Stapley's Garage: https://www.stapleysgarage.com/ Oil Buddy: https://oilbuddy.net/  

Todd Santos did not take the typical straight line into shop leadership. He learned the trade, learned the front counter, and learned what a shop should never feel like for a customer. That mix shaped how he runs the day to day at Ken's Auto Center in San Diego, serving the Mira Mesa and Miramar area since 1999. In this episode, Todd gets specific about what changed everything for their customer experience. Hiring and developing the right service advisor, building repeatable communication habits, and using TechMetric digital vehicle inspections to create real transparency. He talks about why being "thorough" is not a buzzword, it is how you earn trust when you are recommending work. Todd also explains how he thinks about warranties and accountability, including why they stand behind work with clear terms like a 24 month, 24,000 mile warranty on common brake jobs, and why trust gets complicated the moment another shop touches the vehicle. The bigger theme is simple, set expectations early, document clearly, and never sell what is not true. If you want a practical look at improving the front counter, tightening inspection flow, and building a reputation that holds up, this conversation is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Ken's Auto Center: https://www.kensautocenter.com/  

Julio Campos has built Dragonfly Automotive in San Diego by obsessing over the things most shops treat as "extras." Communication that is clear. A customer experience that feels intentional. A team that is trained and developed, not just thrown into the fire. In this episode, Julio shares what has actually helped Dragonfly grow in a competitive market like San Diego. He talks about creating a premium experience without losing authenticity, how to build consistency across the shop, and why the real differentiator is not the repair itself, it is how the customer feels from the first interaction to the final handoff. You will also hear Julio's perspective on building people. How he thinks about training, mentorship, and creating a workplace where technicians and advisors can level up instead of burning out. If you want practical insight on running a sharper operation and earning loyalty in a market where customers have options, Julio's interview is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Dragonfly Automotive: https://www.dragonflyauto.com/  

Alex Rodriguez built Euro Cars Southend around a clear promise. If you own a European vehicle and you want it serviced the right way, you should not have to settle for guesswork, vague answers, or a rushed experience.   In this episode, Alex shares how he developed a specialist mindset and why focusing on European platforms changes everything. The tooling, the training, the diagnostic approach, and the standards you have to hold if you want to protect customers from expensive mistakes. He talks about what is working in his shop right now, how he keeps work flowing without sacrificing quality, and why communication is the real difference maker in a premium service environment.   You will also hear Alex's perspective on customer expectations. How to educate without talking down, how to set priorities clearly, and how to build long term loyalty in a niche market where reputation travels fast. If you are building a specialty shop, or you want a better playbook for higher end customer experience and consistency, this episode is worth hearing.   Links    Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com    Euro Cars Southend: https://eurocarssouthend.com/

Brian Parada did not grow up thinking he would own an auto repair shop. He came in through business school, lawnmower engines, corporate tire stores, and a long stretch of learning how the industry really works when you are the one responsible for the customer and the outcome. Today Brian leads AutoTek Automotive Service and Repair in Raleigh, North Carolina, and in this conversation he gets real about the parts of shop ownership most people avoid. The diagnostic work that eats time under flat rate pay systems, the training gap that separates great techs from parts changers, and why Brian refuses to put his name and his warranty on work unless it is done the right way. You will also hear why customer happiness is not just a nice idea, it is survival. Brian talks about running a shop in the digital age, handling reviews, responding to complaints, and building a reputation where the word honesty actually shows up in what customers write. He also shares how communication and updated estimates matter when jobs change mid repair, and why transparency protects both the customer and the shop. If you want practical insight on diagnostics, training, quality control, and what it takes to earn trust at scale, this episode is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ AutoTek Automotive Service and Repair: https://www.autotek.biz/  

Brandon Todd built his entire brand around a promise most shops are afraid to make out loud. Be the honest mechanic people hope they find when they are stressed, busy, and do not know who to trust. Brandon is the owner of My Honest Mechanic in Concord, North Carolina, and in this episode he shares how the name became a mission, not a slogan. He talks about seeing corruption in the industry and refusing to build a business model that pressures advisors and techs to push sales just to protect a paycheck. Instead, he built a pay structure designed to support honesty, with hourly pay and bonuses in the background, so the team can focus on quality work and real customer education. You will also hear why putting honesty in the name creates real accountability. Brandon explains how being a state inspection station can be a breeding ground for shady behavior, and why his shop will not slide illegal tint or cut corners to "help someone out." That conviction is not always popular, but it is the reason customers stick. If you want a clear example of how integrity can be operational, not just inspirational, this conversation is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ My Honest Mechanic: https://mhmauto.com/  

Curt Morgan started Shadow Mountain Auto Service in Phoenix in 2008 with a simple motto: Character counts. In this episode, Curt explains how he has spent nearly two decades proving that character, kindness, and profitability can live in the same shop. This conversation goes deeper than tactics. Curt shares how emotional intelligence shows up in leadership, how to build a team where people actually like working together, and why telling the truth early prevents drama later. He also brings a rare outside perspective because he has served on the Better Business Bureau board and spent years on Phoenix's Automotive Repair Advisory Committee, reviewing serious complaint cases and seeing exactly what separates great shops from the ones that damage public trust. If you want to build a shop that wins long term by doing the right thing consistently, Curt's episode gives you both the mindset and the real world proof. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Shadow Mountain Auto Service: https://shadowmountainauto.com/  

Greg Miller knows something most shops learn the hard way, fixing cars is only half the job. The other half is building a customer experience that earns the next appointment. Greg is the owner of Figs Auto Repair in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in this episode he breaks down the practical habits that turn one time callers into long term regulars. He talks about why they do a full inspection on every vehicle, even oil changes, and how that inspection becomes a trust builder when it is explained clearly, prioritized honestly, and documented well. Not fear based selling, just a better picture of where the car is today and what matters next. You will also hear how Greg thinks about the front counter, including hiring service advisors with and without technical backgrounds, and why communication and consistency matter as much as wrench skills. He closes with a straight answer to a great question, if you had to start from zero in a new town, what would you do in the first 30 days to get cars in the shop, build reputation, and create momentum. His answer covers marketing options like Google ads, Local Services, direct mail, plus the value of coaching and mentorship to shorten the learning curve. If you want a cleaner playbook for retention, inspections, and customer communication that actually works, this episode is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Figs Auto Repair: https://figsauto.com/  

Les Aliff has the kind of story shop owners respect because it is built on reps, not hype. He came up through the work, learned what customers actually need when they are stressed and confused, and built Youngsville Auto Care into a shop that wins through clarity, consistency, and doing the right thing when it would be easier to rush. In this episode, Les shares what he believes separates a good shop from a great one. Diagnosing the root cause instead of playing parts darts, documenting clearly so the customer understands the why, and training a team to think, not just follow instructions. He also gets honest about the hard parts of leadership, setting expectations, holding the line on standards, and building a culture where people take pride in doing it right. If you want a practical conversation about integrity, tech development, and building a shop that customers trust long term, Les delivers. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Youngsville Auto Care: https://youngsvilleautocare.com/  

Michael Grueneich built Providence Auto Care with a clear mission: take care of people, not just vehicles. In this episode, Michael shares how his faith and family values shape the way the shop operates day to day, from how they communicate, to how they handle tough conversations, to how they train the team to do what is right even when it is inconvenient. He talks about building trust the slow way, consistency, quality work, and transparency that helps customers make confident decisions. You will also hear what it looks like to grow without losing the heart of the business. Hiring with character in mind, setting expectations early, and building a culture where the team actually enjoys coming to work. If you want a reminder that you can run a successful shop and still keep your values intact, Michael's story is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Providence Auto Care: https://providenceautocare.com/  

Mitch Krstovski did not enter this industry through the usual path. He studied business, lived abroad, spent time in New Zealand, and earned an MBA through MIT while based in Shanghai. He was on track for a corporate career in China until life pulled him back home fast. His dad was fighting cancer, his brother was overwhelmed running the family dealership, and Mitch stepped in to help carry the load. That experience changed everything, and it eventually led Mitch to buy 5th Avenue Auto Service in Escondido, California, a full service independent shop known in North County San Diego for clean facilities, honest service, and a customer experience that does not feel like the greasy bay stereotype. In this episode, Mitch gets practical about what most owners actually need right now. Customer retention, service writing, and sales systems that keep a busy shop from turning chaotic. He talks about why he is willing to be intentionally overstaffed in the name of growth, how he thinks about margins and profit, and why transparency through inspections and DVI style communication builds trust faster than any script. He also shares how coaching, EOS, and training environments like ATI shaped his approach to leadership and accountability. If you want to run a real business, not just fix cars, Mitch's story brings a sharp, outside the industry perspective that still respects what happens in the bays. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.  

Marcus McFall grew up in a tire store. He was the kid stacking inventory in the back, watching customers roll in for tires, and learning what makes a shop survive when the market shifts. Today Marcus owns McFall Tire and Auto Repair in the West Valley of Arizona, with two locations serving Goodyear, Avondale, and the surrounding communities. In this episode, he tells the real story behind keeping a tire legacy alive while building full service repair that can carry the business long term. He shares how McFall started back in 1994, how he navigated ownership changes, and how he eventually became the sole owner of two growing stores after reopening and rebuilding a location that had gone dark. Marcus also breaks down a strategy most general repair shops miss. Tires bring constant search traffic, which creates a built in marketing engine. He shares what that mix looks like in real numbers, how tire work feeds the pipeline, and how you build culture and standards when you have one foot in the tire world and one foot in modern mechanical repair. You will also hear why he invests in training, groups, and industry connections to keep evolving as an operator. If you are trying to grow repair while keeping a strong base business, or you want a smarter view of how tires can support your marketing and car count, this episode is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ McFall Tire and Auto Repair: https://www.mcfalltire.com/  

Running a shop is hard. Running a shop with your spouse adds a whole extra layer, especially when the business is growing and the industry keeps changing. In this episode, David sits down with Lee and Kelli Weatherby of Accurate Automotive in Arizona, the hosts of the Underneath the Hood podcast. They share what it looks like to lead together without stepping on each other, how they divide responsibilities, and how they protect culture when the shop is busy and the pressure is high. Lee and Kelli also get real about the behind the scenes work that most owners do not talk about. Building systems, setting expectations, developing people, and keeping communication clean so the shop does not become a constant emergency. They tie it back to a simple goal, build a business you can be proud of and a life you can actually live. If you are trying to grow without losing your marriage, your team, or your standards, this episode will hit home. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Accurate Automotive: https://accurateautomotiveaz.com/ Underneath the Hood podcast: https://podcastunderneaththehood.com/  

Josh King walked through the lean years. No paycheck, low visibility, inherited problems, and the kind of pressure that makes most owners quit. Instead, he helped turn an unprofitable shop into something stable, growing, and worth betting his future on. Josh is the co-owner of Edmunds Automotive Repair in Surprise, Arizona, a veteran and family owned general repair shop serving drivers across the West Valley. In this episode, Josh shares the real work behind the turnaround, what had to change first, what he stopped tolerating, and how leadership looks when you are building trust with customers and rebuilding confidence inside the team at the same time. If you are in a hard season, taking over a shop with baggage, or trying to turn effort into real profit, Josh's story is the kind of perspective you can use. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Edmunds Automotive Repair: https://www.edmundsautomotiverepair.com/  

Victor DiGiuseppi did not come up as a flat rate tech. He came into automotive from the engineering and design world, then built C and S Auto around one big idea. There is a right way to run a shop, and it starts with clear standards, educated customers, and taking care of your people so the business is healthy enough to be there tomorrow. In this episode, Victor shares how he moved from engineering into shop ownership in the Charlotte area and why he refuses to compete for discount tickets. He explains what honest communication looks like when you are not 100 percent sure, how to give customers an educated guess without hiding behind confidence, and why transparency builds trust faster than any sales script. Victor also gets specific about what he will not tolerate in the industry, including scare tactics and recommendations that are not true. He talks about how repeat recommendations show up when customers delay repairs, and how consistent inspection notes help the next tech, the advisor, and the customer stay on the same page. If you want to raise the standard in your shop, keep integrity intact, and build a team culture that can support growth across more than one location, this conversation is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ C and S Auto: https://www.csautoinc.com/  

Jeff Corwin is not trying to be everything to everyone. He built JC's British and 4x4 by leaning into a clear lane and getting exceptionally good at it. In this episode, Jeff shares how specializing changes the entire business. The customers are different, the expectations are higher, and your process has to be tighter because the work is rarely simple. He talks through what it takes to earn trust with owners who love their vehicles, including clear inspection communication, setting expectations up front, and being willing to tell a customer the truth even when it costs you a sale today. You will also hear the operator side of running a specialty shop. Jeff gets into parts decisions, workflow, and why having standards matters more when you work on vehicles that other shops do not want to touch. He also explains how reputation compounds in a niche community, especially with Land Rover, British, and 4x4 circles where everyone talks and referrals can make or break your month. If you want to build a shop that people drive past other options to get to, Jeff's interview is packed with real lessons on focus, quality, and earning loyalty. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ JC's British and 4x4: https://jcbritish.com/  

Rick Becker is a shop owner who is still a technician at heart, and it shows in how he thinks about the business. He owns Monsoon Automotive in Tucson, Arizona, and has grown it into a two location operation in an environment where independents are getting squeezed harder every year. In this episode, Rick shares how his love for the trade started early, working with his dad, fixing cars for classmates, then getting a pivotal opportunity through a Mercedes Benz master tech that helped shape his standards. From there, we get into what it really takes to scale a shop today without lowering the bar. Rick breaks down the problem most customers never see, manufacturers and dealers are increasingly gatekeeping information and pushing subscription tools that make diagnostics harder, slower, and more expensive. He gives a real example of tech time being eaten up just trying to get tools to communicate properly, then explains why those barriers make it harder to pay technicians appropriately and ultimately raise costs for drivers. You will also hear what Monsoon hangs its reputation on, honest recommendations, clear communication, competitive pricing, and a 2 year, 24,000 mile nationwide warranty on most repairs. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Monsoon Automotive: https://monsoonauto.com/  

Johnathan and Josh built the shop they wish existed when they were dealership techs. They are the co owners of Serenity EV Repair in Surprise, Arizona, an EV only shop created for owners of modern vehicles who want answers without the chaos. The name Serenity and the dove logo are intentional. They want the experience to feel calm, clear, and confidence building, even when the repair is complicated. In this episode, Johnathan and Josh share how they went from Tesla and other dealer environments into independent ownership, and why EV work is a different world. There is no steady diet of oil changes or maintenance packages. Most of the work is failure driven repairs on complex systems like suspension, air conditioning, and high voltage components. They also get honest about the business side of a specialty shop, including the turning point when they finally set proper parts margins, and realized customers did not push back when the value and communication were there. A big theme in this conversation is education. Johnathan explains why he loves teaching customers what is happening, and how transparency builds trust fast, especially in EV repair where parts, process, and safety are not familiar to most drivers. If you want a real look at what EV only ownership looks like, and how to build trust in the next generation of automotive service, this one is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Serenity EV Repair: https://serenityevrepair.com/  

If you do not understand your numbers, you end up running your shop on stress instead of facts. In this Expert Spotlight episode, David sits down with Hunt Demarest, partner at Paar Melis and Associates, a firm that works heavily with auto repair shops. Hunt breaks down the core financial truths that quietly control everything in a repair business, including why profit is a trailing indicator, and why the leading indicators that actually move the needle are sales and gross profit. He also explains how to assign the right scoreboard numbers to the right roles, advisors focus on sales and gross profit, techs focus on hours, owners keep the full picture tied together. You will hear a clean framework for thinking about shop health, including the common 50 30 20 model and the simple rule behind it, your gross profit percentage needs to be at least twenty points higher than your overhead if you want twenty percent net income.  Hunt also gets practical about marketing and advertising spend, including why an average benchmark can mislead you, and how to use it as a sanity check. He shares that many shops land around three percent of sales on advertising, but the better question is value and customer acquisition cost, not the cheapest option. If you want to make decisions with clarity, not guesswork, this episode will help you see your business the way a great operator should. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Paar Melis & Associates: https://paarmelis.com/ Hunt Demarest podcast page: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-by-the-numbers/id1611355257  

Sean Gordon has lived on both sides of the automotive world. High end performance, hot rod and custom work, plus the everyday reality of general repair where trust is the product. In this episode, Sean shares how he took that background and built APA Total Car Care into a brand that can do both without confusing customers. Sean walks through the early days of opening APA in Gilbert, growing it fast, then launching the Queen Creek location and adding a dedicated performance shop so they could serve daily drivers and serious go fast projects under one banner. He gets real about the challenge most shops underestimate, branding and marketing. Fixing old online footprints, cleaning up SEO, dialing in the Google Business Profile, and making sure the market understands what APA actually is today. You will also hear Sean's definition of honesty in a modern shop. Digital inspections that show the customer what is real, zero tolerance for fake recommendations, and even sending a car back to the dealership for warranty work when that is the right call. He ties it all back to one operator mindset, watch your numbers, watch your reputation, and build a system that keeps your bays full with the right work. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ APA Total Car Care: https://apatotalcarcare.com/  

Glen Hayward has been in the automotive world since the mid 1970s, and his story is not a straight line. He started wrenching in Milwaukee, survived a gasoline explosion that left him badly burned, and later spent nearly nine years serving on the mission field in Mexico, keeping vehicles alive in conditions where breakdowns were not just inconvenient, they were a problem. In 2004, Glen came back and opened Good Works Auto Repair in Tempe, Arizona using a home equity loan, then steadily grew it from a small owner operated shop into a modern facility. Along the way, he made a big bet on where the industry was going. Good Works became one of the early independent shops in Arizona to specialize in hybrid repair and hybrid battery conditioning, eventually partnering with The Hybrid Shop and working on everything from Priuses to Teslas. This conversation is packed with practical operator insight. Glen breaks down why transparency matters, how they use video and inspections to help customers see what is real, and why their five year, sixty thousand mile warranty only works if parts quality and process stay non negotiable. He also shares how coaching and being around other shop owners helped him learn business skills most techs never get taught. What makes this episode different is the heart behind the shop. Good Works supports Helping Hands for Single Moms, runs service clinics through local churches, and treats community involvement as part of the job, not a marketing angle. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Good Works Auto Repair: https://goodworksautorepair.com/  

Brady Lehr is the owner of High Country Performance 4x4 in Colorado, and his story is equal parts shop growth and personal comeback. He started out cleaning toilets in the same building he now leads a team in, then built a career around the fun side of the industry. Lift kits, armor, axles, gears, fabrication. As Brady says in the interview, nobody needs what they do, it is all want based. That changes everything about the sales process. In this episode, Brady breaks down the question that drives every build at High Country. Why. Why does the customer want this truck, and how are they actually going to use it. Overlanding, rock crawling, camping with the family, daily driving. From there, they mix and match the right parts across brands to build a package that fits the use, not just what is sitting on the shelf. Brady also opens up about hitting a personal wall, addiction, and what life and leadership look like on the other side. If you are building a specialty shop, trying to sell with clarity instead of pressure, or you need proof that you can rebuild after a hard season, this episode is worth hearing. One more thing, Brady sent over something personal after the interview. He wrote a motorsport themed hype song about recovery. If you want to use it, great. If not, feel free to share it with someone who might need a lift. His hope is simple, that it helps the right person at the right time. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ High Country Performance 4x4: https://hcp4x4.com/   Hype song about recover:  https://open.spotify.com/track/3v27PKtstlKnhyn8CTWrAh?si=D_NIhK8CTOKRwDc_ypQSgA  

Alex Jones did not buy a shop to "own a job." He bought it to build an operation that can scale. In this episode, Alex shares the real story behind stepping into ownership at AutoWits in Scottsdale, Arizona, after retiring from professional basketball and taking some early hits in business. He talks openly about what changed when he went from learning business in theory to learning it with payroll, customers, and real consequences on the line. You will hear how Alex is rebuilding the shop from the inside out, including implementing EOS (Traction), defining core values, running a leadership book club, and operating from a long term vision that is clear, aggressive, and measurable. He also gets practical about the daily operator work, tightening process, improving inspections, building a team of techs you can trust, and marketing in a way that supports growth without sacrificing standards. If you are a shop owner who wants more than survival, and you are trying to build something scalable on purpose, Alex's episode is a strong listen. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ AutoWits: https://www.autowits.com/  

Jim Mueller is not just running shops, he is building something that holds up over time. Jim owns Repair Masters Automotive in Boulder and Louisville, Colorado, plus The Auto Repair Place in Boulder. Three general repair locations within a few miles of each other, and a team culture so sticky that some of his core people have been with him since they were teenagers. In this episode, Jim shares what it actually takes to grow without turning your business into a revolving door. He talks about why relationships matter more than shortcuts, how he thinks about leadership with a multi generational team, and what it looks like to take care of people in a way they never forget, including bringing the whole crew and their families on Thanksgiving trips. You will also hear the behind the scenes story of how his third location came to be, and why he refused to grow in a way that would hurt the people already in the building. He also gets real about customer expectations, warranties, and how trust is earned one decision at a time. If you want to build a shop that customers stay loyal to, and a team that stays with you for decades, Jim's story is worth hearing. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Repair Masters Automotive: https://repairmastersauto.com/ The Auto Repair Place: https://theautorepairplace.com/  

Jeff Owen and Melissa Velasquez are the kind of leaders every shop owner hopes they can find, then keep forever. They run the day to day at Jeremy's Garage in Pueblo West, Colorado, a family owned NAPA Gold and AAA approved shop that has served the community since 2008. In this episode, Jeff and Melissa get tactical about what it takes to keep a busy shop smooth and accountable, even when the owners are not in the building. You will hear how they built systems that remove chaos, including a defined repair order flow that keeps every ticket moving through the right hands at the right time. From diagnostics, to the lead writer, to sales, to parts ordering, to parts receiving, to final delivery. They also talk about quality control checkoffs after repairs, key tracking, and why digital inspections help customers see the full picture without turning every update into a phone tag nightmare. Melissa also shares how they built an apprenticeship program after realizing the old hiring pipeline was not coming back. They started with a national program, then customized it into a paid, hands-on path that supports real life, real families, and even includes EV training as part of the progression. If you want to build a shop that can grow past the owner bottleneck, and you want a clearer playbook for ops, culture, and training, this episode is for you. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Jeremy's Garage: https://jeremysgarage.com/  

Stephanie Corbin spent more than 25 years in corporate IT, then helped build Bullet Automotive and Diesel from a simple idea sketched on a Chick fil A napkin into a growing multi location operation on Colorado's Front Range. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what it takes to scale without losing the thing customers actually care about, trust. She shares the four pillars Bullet is built on, honesty, integrity, reliability, and transparency, plus how those values turn into real systems inside the shop. You will hear how they designed vehicle inspections, how they write recommendations, and how they quote and explain work so customers understand what they are paying for and why. If you are trying to grow beyond one location, tighten your process, or build a shop that wins on clarity instead of hype, Stephanie's story will give you practical ideas you can use. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Bullet Automotive and Diesel: https://bullet-automotive.com/  

Ken Stafford spent decades in the collision world, sold his business, and tried retirement. It did not stick. What started as a small "keep busy" shop quickly turned into something bigger, especially once Chris Oatman came in and Ken handed him the keys to run day to day. In this episode, Ken and Chris unpack how Next Auto Care in Highlands Ranch, Colorado grew from a side operation into a real business with a real team. They talk about what it takes to scale without losing quality, including hiring with culture in mind, creating trust through consistency, and adding layers of support that most shops skip. You will also hear the "next level service" details that customers actually notice, like mini detail touches after the repair, plus a dedicated quality control role to help prevent comebacks and protect the customer experience. If you want a clearer picture of how to grow steadily, stay people first, and build a shop where customers and employees want to stick around, this one is worth your time. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Next Auto Care: https://nextautocare.com/

Collin Ettienne built RI Automotive in Tampa the hard way, starting with one lift in a storage unit, wrenching nights and weekends, and (for a season) balancing the shop while working as a firefighter. But the real turning point wasn't opening the doors, it was having the guts to reinvent the business. For years, RI was heavily performance-focused: big builds, fast parts, fun projects… and brutal cash flow. In this episode, Collin breaks down the pivot he made after getting around other operators and training environments, shifting toward a sustainable general repair model that could support a team, systems, and long-term growth. You'll hear Collin get honest about what made the change hard: ego, the need to be "the guy," and learning how to lead without doing everything himself. He also shares what they've put in place to build real A-players; training rhythms, team communication, and using tools like DVIs to drive clarity and trust. If you're stuck in "busy-but-chaotic," or you've built a shop around what's exciting instead of what's scalable, Collin's story will hit home. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ RI Automotive: https://riautomotive.net/  

Preston Callahan's shop story starts the way a lot of real ones do: wrenching at 16 in the shade of a tree in front of his parents' house, then making the leap to ownership at 23, working out of the driveway and betting on himself. Today, Preston runs Callahan Auto & Diesel in downtown Mesa, Arizona, plus a separate arm focused on 24-hour emergency roadside service for trucks and RVs. In this interview, Preston walks through what it actually took to grow, moving from a small 1,850 sq. ft. space to a facility of 10,000+ sq. ft.—and the lessons that only show up once you're responsible for payroll, margins, and the "everything breaks at once" reality of running a shop. You'll hear him get candid about the mistakes that happen when you don't know your numbers fast enough, the constant balancing act between parts margin, labor margin, and staffing, and why even years in, he's still experimenting and learning (including what he calls his "Google business degree"). Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Callahan Auto & Diesel: https://callahanautoaz.com/  

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

If hiring feels like a fire drill this one is your reset. In this Expert Spotlight episode, David sits down with Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find, to break down what actually works when you're trying to hire great techs (and why most shops keep losing candidates even when the pay is solid). Chris walks through the recruiting framework he's used with shops across the country: How to create a consistent flow of applications (and why you "can't optimize zero") Why most technician ads look identical and how to write ads that stand out and convert The reality that only about 1 in 4 applicants will be qualified and how to filter fast The backend mistakes that cause ghosting (slow follow-up, weak rapport, messy process) and how to tighten your systems + offer so good candidates don't slip through the cracks Why speed-to-lead matters more than most owners think because top techs are talking to multiple shops at once If you want a real hiring system instead of another "post-and-pray" cycle, this episode will give you a playbook you can implement immediately. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Technician Find: https://www.technicianfind.com/  

Steve Mancinelli is a third-generation shop owner who's spent more than half a century in the automotive industry and he's still pushing his team to stay ahead of where the market is going. Steve runs Mancinelli's Auto Repair Center in downtown Denver, a family shop that's operated out of the same location since 1950. In this episode, Steve shares how a shop with deep roots avoids getting stuck in the past, by combining old-school relationship service with modern execution: thorough digital inspections, factory-level tooling, and a serious commitment to ongoing training (including 60+ hours per tech each year). You'll also hear Steve's personal turning point, he originally considered becoming a doctor, but realized he couldn't separate the emotion from the work. Instead, he brought that same care into the bays and built a reputation for solving the vehicles other places can't, especially late-model European and electrified (hybrid/EV) platforms. If you want a real look at what "staying relevant" actually means for independent shops, without losing the human side, this episode is packed with perspective. Links: Honest Mechanic Marketing (HMM): https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/ Steve's shop: https://mancinellis.com/  

Darrell Weddell is the kind of operator who doesn't chase hype, he builds the business brick by brick.  🚗 https://hinsdaleauto.com/ In this episode, Darrell shares how he took a struggling Hinsdale Automotive in Littleton, Colorado and steadily turned it into a 7-figure shop known for honest diagnostics, clear communication, and top-quality work on both gas and diesel. He talks about the real path that led him there, tech school, dealership experience, independent shops, even time supporting a construction fleet, and the moment he realized shop ownership wasn't just a dream, it was a plan. You'll also hear Darrell get practical about what actually matters at the growth stage: building systems knowledge, tightening your process, making smarter marketing decisions, and approaching hiring like a long-term investment, not a panic move. If you're trying to scale without losing your standards (or your sanity), this one delivers. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with real shop owners. ➡️ https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/

Dennis Goodhue built Diamond G Repair in Montrose, Colorado the hard way—through long days, constant reinvestment, and an obsession with doing the job right even when nobody's watching. https://www.diamondgrepair.com/ In this episode, Dennis breaks down what it takes to run a high-trust, high-accuracy shop in a smaller market—where word travels fast, one bad review can outrun the truth, and your reputation has to be earned every single day. You'll hear why Dennis invests heavily in training and tooling, how his team leans on inspections + clear communication to help customers actually understand what they need, and why educating the public is part of the job if you want the industry to win long-term. If you're trying to level up your diagnostics, build a team that keeps improving, and grow a shop that customers believe in—Dennis's interview is packed with real operator perspective. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with real shop owners. https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/

Corry Brown didn't stumble into leadership, he earned it the old-school way: starting at the bottom, getting coached by strong mentors, and stacking reps until he knew how a great shop should actually run. Now Corry is the co-owner of McCormick Automotive Center and McCormick Quality Tires & Lube in Fort Collins, Colorado, operating two different business models under one roof of standards,  a full-service AAA-approved repair shop and a quick-service tire/lube store just minutes away. https://www.mac1auto.com/ In this episode, Corry gets extremely practical about the real problem most shop owners are facing: finding and developing technicians who want a career, not a job. He breaks down the structured system he built to create a pipeline: including GS-level progression, hourly-to-performance pay, tool support, and bonuses that reward senior techs for training the next generation. He also shares why he hires for attitude + punctuality, how he thinks about controlling comebacks, and what it takes to build a team that takes pride in doing it right. If you're tired of hiring roulette and want a repeatable way to grow talent inside your shop, this one will give you ideas you can actually use. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations with real operators. https://Honestmechanicmarketing.com    

Steve Horvath literally grew up in the automotive business—then spent decades evolving a family legacy into a modern, trusted operation. Steve is the owner of Gino's Auto Service in Littleton, Colorado, a AAA-approved shop that's been serving the community since the early 1980s. In this episode, Steve breaks down what it really looks like to expand and modernize a long-standing facility—without losing the "neighborhood shop" feel that built the reputation in the first place. https://www.jenosautoservice.com/ You'll hear Steve's real-world lessons from adding space and bays (including the stuff nobody tells you about: timelines, banks, inspectors, architects, electrical surprises, and why you "can't fight City Hall"). He also shares how building a strong operator network—through ASA Colorado, shop groups, and even Denver radio—shaped his decisions, improved communication, and helped him see problems through the customer's eyes. If you're thinking about expanding your building, leveling up your systems, or simply making smarter owner decisions faster, Steve's episode is packed with practical perspective. https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/auto-repair-marketing/

Chris Whited doesn't talk about his shop like it's just a business — he talks about it like it's a responsibility. Chris is the managing partner (and future sole owner) of Community Auto in Fort Collins, Colorado, and his path to leadership is anything but typical: he started in automotive as a teenager under a mentor, stepped away for 11 years to serve as a full-time pastor, then came back to the bays with a totally different perspective on people, money, and what "success" should look like. [https://www.communityautoinc.com/] In this conversation, Chris breaks down what it means to run an employee-first shop in a tough industry — including the real decisions behind a four-day work week, hourly pay with bonuses instead of flat rate, 100% paid health insurance + HSA, profit sharing, and even plans designed to help team members become homeowners. You'll also hear why Chris believes integrity is a growth strategy, how it shows up in the way they diagnose and communicate, and why sometimes the "right choice" costs money — but earns something bigger. If you're trying to build a shop that wins long-term by taking care of people first, this episode will challenge (and sharpen) how you lead. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations with real operators. Honest Mechanic Marketing - [https://honestmechanicmarketing.com/]

Robert Blaes didn't just build a repair shop — he built a family operation, a training ground for young techs, and a community hub rooted in a lifelong love for Mustangs. Robert is the owner of Stang Auto Tech in Broomfield, Colorado (serving the area since 1980), and in this interview he gets extremely practical about what it takes to scale trust beyond the owner. He shares how defining clear core values + a real mission helped him stop micromanaging, empower his team, and maintain quality without "looking over everyone's shoulder." Then he gets into one of the most interesting moves you'll hear from an independent shop owner: when he couldn't find an apprentice the traditional way, he partnered with local schools and Front Range Community College to build a paid internship + state-recognized apprenticeship pipeline—complete with an in-house mentor—so students can go from classroom to productive technician. You'll also hear how Robert uses a community appreciation day + car show (BBQ, band, giveaways, 100+ cars) to turn customers into real relationships — not transactions. If you care about building a shop that lasts — with values, people development, and community baked in — Robert's story is worth hearing.  

Austin Hatchell has worked his way through the industry the hard way—turning wrenches, working the counter, and even stepping into car sales long enough to realize the "sell it at all costs" mindset wasn't for him. Now he's the General Manager at Lake Arbor Automotive & Truck in Westminster, Colorado, leading a team through the kind of transition most shops struggle with: stepping into leadership, earning trust, and improving operations without burning people out or lowering standards. In this episode, Austin breaks down: What it takes to lead a shop when you're not the owner Why silos form between advisors and techs—and how to tear them down without drama The operational shift from "advisor + two techs" to centralized dispatching How to keep work flowing based on capability and availability, not turf and bottlenecks If your shop feels busy but not efficient—or you're trying to scale without losing the culture that got you here—Austin's story will give you real, practical clarity. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations built for real operators.  

The Honest Garage Podcast exists for one reason: to bring honest conversations back to the automotive industry — the kind that help good shops become great without losing their integrity. In this episode, David sits down with Wiley Faris, owner of Landmark Automotive in Conifer, Colorado, to talk about taking over a small mountain-town shop and building a reputation strong enough that people will tow past the big chains to get to his bay. You'll hear Wiley's take on what "honest" actually looks like day-to-day: no collecting money before a car is truly finished, quality control that includes road testing, and being a straight shooter with customers—even when the truth is uncomfortable. He also breaks down one of the most practical hiring plays in today's market: stop chasing the unicorn tech and start hiring for attitude, then training for skill. If you're trying to grow a shop the right way—through trust, standards, and community—this one's a must-listen. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations with real operators.  

The Honest Garage Podcast exists for one reason: to bring honest conversations back to the automotive industry, the kind that help good shops become great without losing their integrity. In this episode, David sits down with Ryan Masterson, owner of Phoenix Auto Repair in Colorado Springs, to talk about rebuilding a life, rebuilding a reputation, and building a shop where trust is earned—one decision at a time. Ryan shares what it looks like to lead with humility, drop the ego, and put transparency at the front of the process, especially when you're trying to win back your community. You'll hear practical, shop-level takeaways like why Phoenix inspects 100% of vehicles, how they use DVIs and in-shop walk-throughs to help customers see the truth, and why "tell them the whole picture up front" is the fastest path to long-term trust. If you're serious about running a shop you're proud of—and building something that lasts—this episode is a must-listen. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations with real operators.

The Honest Garage Podcast exists for one reason: to bring honest conversations back to the automotive industry — the kind that help good shops become great without losing their integrity. In this episode, David sits down with Jake Clark to talk leadership, culture, and what it takes to build a shop people want to work for. You'll hear hard-earned lessons on developing your team, raising standards, and why the best operators don't blame the market — they build the kind of shop that wins anyway. If you're serious about becoming a better leader and building something that lasts, this episode is a must-listen. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations with real operators.