PODCAST · education
Learning Without Scars
by Ron Slee
As a third-generation educator, it is easy to say that teaching and training are in the blood for Ron Slee. From his beginnings as a coach, through his time at McGill University, Ron developed a foundation for the work he does today. From working within dealerships, to operating a consulting company, creating a training business and running twenty groups, Ron has been directly involved in this Industry since 1969. Ron has been known as the industry expert for years, and has brought this expertise to bear through his training programs. Today, Ron provides specialized, job function based internet based subject specific classes, job function skills assessments, as well virtual seminars and webinars. These courses are designed for manufacturers and their dealers, as well as independent businesses in the construction equipment, light industrial, on-highway, engine, and agricultural industries through Learning Without Scars (www.LearningWithoutScars.com). This platform is a continuation o
Episodes
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America Can Rebuild Literacy And Work Readiness
Send us Fan Mail Graduation rates can look healthy while real skills quietly erode, and the NAEP “below basic” numbers make that hard to ignore. We sit down with Ed and George to ask a blunt question: how did a country that once built the best educated workforce in the world drift into producing...
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Stop High-Fiving Revenue And Start Banking Cash
Send us Fan Mail Busy doesn’t mean profitable, and “we sold a ton” doesn’t pay the bills. We’re joined by John Dowling, author of Service by the Boxes, to unpack why so many equipment dealerships grind through full shop schedules, nonstop parts traffic, and big whole-goods numbers, then look up…
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How Educators Build Skills That Stick
Send us Fan Mail Your best learning doesn’t happen when you’re calm and confident. It happens when you’re stuck, under pressure, and finally willing to say, “I don’t know.” That’s where this candid conversation goes with David Griffith and Caroline Slee-Poulos as we pass the baton to the next...
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What If ROI Meant Customers And Employees
Send us Fan Mail Profit talk usually gets framed as cold math, but we’ve learned it’s often the fastest way to uncover what a business truly values. We’re joined by Jonny Havey, founder of eLearning Partners and a former PricewaterhouseCoopers consultant and CPA, to dig into the hidden “profit...
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What If Data Made Your Next Sale Obvious
Send us Fan Mail If your sales plan still depends on a rep’s memory and a “black book,” you’re not just risking missed deals, you’re building randomness into your margins. We sit down with Nick Mavrick to make the case for a more disciplined approach: give salespeople a vetted weekly list of…
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Dealers Must Learn Asset Utilization Fast
Send us Fan Mail Change is hitting the equipment industry from two directions at once, and it’s leaving a lot of smart people stuck. On one side, equipment rental has moved from a “nice add-on” to a primary way customers acquire machines. On the other, artificial intelligence is accelerating…
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AI Only Works When Leaders Know The Business
Send us Fan Mail AI is moving fast enough to feel like magic, but in equipment dealerships that “magic” can just as easily turn into expensive confusion. We sit down with Mets Kramer to get specific about what AI will change in the capital goods space and why the winners won’t be the teams with…
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Stop Skinning The Cat And Start Serving Customers
Send us Fan Mail The fastest way to lose the next generation of technicians is to make the job feel rigged. We sit down with longtime automotive leader Jim Centorbi to talk about what’s really happening in the workforce, why so many young people avoid the trades, and how outdated systems inside…
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Why UCC Filings Mislead Equipment Sellers
Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever planned territory coverage or “market share” off UCC filings and still felt confused, you’re not alone, and you might not be the problem. We sit down with Nick Mavrick of Built Data to question a 60-year industry habit: treating UCC filings as the source of truth…
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How Fractional HR Helps Founder-Led Firms Avoid Landmines And Build Better Teams
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why hiring costs keep rising while performance stalls? We sit down with HR leader turned fractional consultant Seth McColley to unpack how founder-led companies in construction, manufacturing, and distribution can get senior HR capability without a full-time hire.…
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If Best Doesn’t Mean What You Think, What Does It Mean
Send us Fan Mail What if your dealership stopped reacting to problems and started predicting opportunity? We sat down with Mets and Nick, the team behind a from-scratch dealer management platform, to trace how a human-centered CRM evolved into a scalable DMS and where AI now multiplies the…
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Old Tools, New Minds
Send us Fan Mail Two veterans compare notes across decades and land on a surprising culprit: speed. We’ve made decks faster, calls shorter, and data denser—yet clear thinking, discovery, and trust are harder to find. So we unpack how to win in a world that moves this quickly without letting the...
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What If The Normal Distribution Is The Biggest Lie In Your Business
Send us Fan Mail If 3 percent of your customers drive 60 percent of your revenue, how much of your budget do they actually get? We open the hood on the equipment industry’s quiet math—where rental term length dictates margin, customer concentration drives fragility, and blended sales-rental…
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How Concentration, Clean Data, And Customer Choice Beat Giants
Send us Fan Mail What if the fastest path to growth isn’t “more leads,” but fewer, better customers you serve so well they never leave? We dive into the uncomfortable truth most teams avoid: value is concentrated, churn is predictable, and the difference between winners and strugglers is a…
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Finding Joy in the 9-to-5: How Comedy Transforms Corporate Culture
Send us Fan Mail What if the key to workplace productivity isn't another productivity app or time management system, but something far more elemental – laughter? Kevin Hubschmann, founder of laugh.events, reveals how strategic comedy breaks are revolutionizing corporate culture and employee...
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Data Before Decision: How AI Enhances Dealer Operations
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you combine 40 years of dealership experience with cutting-edge artificial intelligence? Troy Ottmer returns to share how he's becoming "an augmented individual with an expanded toolbox," using AI to amplify his industry knowledge rather than replace it. Troy...
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Business Value and the Human Connection
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you strip commerce down to its essence? In this thought-provoking conversation between industry veterans, we explore the fundamental truth that all business boils down to two people exchanging value—and everything else is just overhead. Steve Clegg opens with a...
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Value First, Technology Second: The AI Implementation Playbook
Send us Fan Mail Technological revolutions come and go, but the fourth industrial revolution – powered by artificial intelligence – promises to transform business in ways we're only beginning to comprehend. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how organizations can harness AI's...
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Human Intelligence in the AI Era: The Future of Recruitment and Leadership
Send us Fan Mail The talent crisis in heavy equipment has reached a critical point. In this eye-opening conversation, recruiting veteran Jay Lucas reveals why technicians remain the industry's Achilles heel and how leadership failures are exacerbating the problem. Drawing from 30 years of...
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Two People, One Transaction: The Naked Truth About Money
Send us Fan Mail The economic revolution we've been waiting for isn't just coming—it's already here. In this eye-opening conversation, Steve Clegg brings decades of financial expertise to explain how artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are fundamentally restructuring global commerce by...
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From Conventional Dealership to AI-Driven Operations: A Conversation with Troy Ottmer
Send us Fan Mail Troy Ottmer brings forty years of dealership experience to a forward-looking conversation about artificial intelligence and its profound impact on the equipment industry. Drawing from his unconventional career path—spanning automotive, medium-duty, construction equipment,...
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The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Navigating Change
Send us Fan Mail Are you prepared for the unprecedented transformation sweeping through the equipment dealer and rental landscape? In this eye-opening conversation with industry veteran Nick Mavrick, we dive deep into how technological advancement, market consolidation, and changing buyer…
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AI is not your competition—it's your most powerful ally in business.
Send us Fan Mail The artificial intelligence revolution isn't coming—it's already here. For equipment dealerships caught in the crossfire of technological disruption, adaptation isn't just recommended; it's essential for survival. When Ron Wilson attended a birthday party and learned that two...
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Growing From Within
Send us Fan Mail Are you constantly searching for new growth opportunities while overlooking gold mines within your existing business? In this eye-opening conversation with industry veteran Ron Wilson, we explore how equipment dealerships and service-oriented businesses can substantially increase...
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The Profitable Path: Transforming Service From Cost Center to Profit Engine
Send us Fan Mail What if everything you thought about running a service department was backward? That's the provocative question at the heart of this eye-opening conversation with John Dowling, author of "Service by the Boxes" and decorated Marine. The fundamental misconception crippling most...
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Breaking Down Dealer Reviews
Send us Fan Mail Dealership operational excellence has never been more critical than in today's consolidated market. Troy Ottmer, a seasoned dealership executive turned consultant, dives deep into the often-overlooked opportunity of departmental reviews and their power to transform profitability....
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Breaking Down Service By The Boxes: A Marine's Methodology
Send us Fan Mail What separates thriving heavy equipment dealerships from struggling ones? The answer might surprise you. It's not their sales volume or brand lineup—it's how they manage their service departments. Marine Corps veteran John Dowling transformed an agricultural dealership from $40...
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From Black Books to Watchlists: The Evolution of Modern Sales
Send us Fan Mail What if the key to sales success isn't working harder, but targeting smarter? Nick Mavrick of Built Data joins Ron for a candid exploration of how construction equipment dealers can revolutionize their sales approach by embracing the Pareto Principle—the idea that 20% of…
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The Vanishing Distribution Channel: A Candid Look at Dealer Challenges
Send us Fan Mail Troy Ottmer brings a unique perspective to the equipment and commercial truck industry that few consultants can match. Having started as an automotive technician in 1987, Troy deliberately worked across every dealership department, developing a comprehensive understanding of how...
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Your Business Is Already a Target, Whether You Know It or Not
Send us Fan Mail Every dealership has fallen victim to a cybersecurity incident – they just might not know it yet. In this eye-opening conversation with Kevin Landers, IT veteran and cybersecurity expert at RocketWise, we pull back the curtain on the digital threats silently targeting equipment...
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Listen More, Talk Less: A Business Leader's Secret Weapon
Send us Fan Mail David Griffith takes us on a fascinating journey through his multi-faceted career, revealing timeless leadership principles that transcend industries and decades. Starting as IBM's top salesman in the late 1970s, Griffith rose through corporate ranks before pivoting to lead a...
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Transforming Sales with Smart Data Strategies
Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging episode as we dive into the transformative power of data in the sales environment with Nick Mavrick from Built Data. In this conversation, we explore how a new approach to data can unlock the potential of sales teams seeking to enhance their performance....
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Ron Wilson's Insights on the Future of Machinery
Send us Fan Mail What if you could unlock four decades of industry secrets from a heavy machinery veteran? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Ron Wilson as he takes us through his 40-year journey in the heavy machinery industry. From his humble beginnings at Empire to his influential...
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Rethinking Business Systems: Innovation and Adaptation for Success
Send us Fan Mail Revolutionize your understanding of business systems with insights from Mets Kramer, a leading innovator in the capital goods industries. We challenge the status quo by questioning if traditional transactional systems are holding us back from true efficiency and innovation. This...
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Navigating the Future of Equipment Manufacturing and Dealerships: Insights from Industry Veteran Steve Day
Send us Fan Mail Steve Day, a recently retired executive with over four decades in the equipment manufacturing and dealership industry, joins us to share his unique perspective on the evolution of this dynamic field. From his start in inventory control with Komatsu in 1978 to witnessing the...
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Connecting Technicians to Customers Efficiently
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how the machinery repair industry could mirror the convenience of hailing a ride? Meet Alex Kraft, the visionary behind Heave, a game-changing platform that's redefining how heavy machinery repairs are conducted. With insights drawn from his journey from a…
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Adapting to Change in a Multigenerational Workplace
Send us Fan Mail What if navigating the fast-paced world of automotive and construction equipment could unlock profound insights into leadership and adaptability? Troy Ottmer, a veteran of these industries, joins us to share his incredible journey from an automotive technician in 1987 to a…
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Reimagining Retail and Workforce Empowerment
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of employee development and performance reviews with insights from our esteemed guest, Emily Hardin, who is the Vice President of Culture at a large equipment dealership. We explore the art of aligning job targets with company culture using modern tools like…
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Driving Innovation: Transforming Flatbed Trucking Through Safety, Training, and Technology
Send us Fan Mail Discover how two visionaries, Dan Shipley and Daniel Kinsman, are transforming the flatbed trucking industry with an unwavering focus on safety and security. Dive into their journey as they identify critical gaps in driver training and take bold steps to address them, from…
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From Critique to Conversation Transforming Workplace Reviews
Send us Fan Mail Discover how performance reviews can transform from dreaded rituals into opportunities for genuine dialogue with insights from Bruce Baker, a seasoned HR expert from South Africa. Bruce offers a compelling metaphor, likening managers to orchestra conductors, guiding their teams...
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Coaching Over Commanding in Modern Management
Send us Fan Mail What if the secret to enhancing productivity and workplace harmony lies not in authority but in empathy? With seasoned people-management expert David Jensen as our guide, we embark on a journey of discovery into effective workplace practices. David shares his wealth of…
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Cultivating Engagement and Adaptability in the Workplace
Send us Fan Mail What if performance reviews could be transformed from dreaded annual events into opportunities for growth and connection? Join us as Sonya Law, the innovative General Manager of People and Culture at D&E Air Conditioning, shares her transformative approach to employee performance...
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Innovative Paths to Workforce Development
Send us Fan Mail Curious about how the digital age is reshaping business models and workforce dynamics? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Sara Hanks, the brilliant mind behind Leverage4Data, as she navigates the shift from traditional transaction-driven businesses to innovative,...
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Data-Driven Transformation: Navigating the Equipment Industry's Future
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of data-driven business strategies in the equipment industry with our fascinating guest, Nick Mavrick, the visionary founder of BiltData. From corporate life to entrepreneurial success, Nick shares how data analytics is revolutionizing customer service and...
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Navigating Change: Strategies and Challenges for Growth in the Construction Equipment Dealership Industry
Send us Fan Mail What happens when traditional risk-taking in the construction equipment dealership industry meets a new generation of risk-averse leaders? Join us for an enlightening conversation with expert Andy Fanter as we explore this intriguing shift. As Andy dives into the intricacies of...
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Revolutionizing Business and Life with Data Analytics
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how data analytics can revolutionize your business and even daily life? Join us as we sit down with Luke Kominsky, a seasoned data analytics expert who takes us through his journey from the corporate world to exploring the globe, and back to the warmth of family…
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Mastering Marketing in the Heavy Equipment Industry: Insights and Strategies
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to mastering marketing in the heavy equipment industry with Stephanie Smith from Grind Marketing Collection and Mets Kramer from Visibility. Gain valuable insights into leveraging data to create powerful marketing strategies and understand why accurate data...
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Revolutionizing Strategies with Expertise
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets behind data-driven marketing and discover how actionable insights can transform your business strategies. This week, we sit down with marketing maestro Mets Kramer, who shares his expertise on moving beyond basic data reports to harness the power of data...
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From Machinist to Executive: Technician Training, Retention, and Industry Evolution
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to rise from a machinist to an executive in the heavy equipment industry? Join us as we chat with Jim Dettore, whose career journey from off-road truck customization to executive management is nothing short of inspiring. Jim shares his insights on the...
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Revolutionizing Dealership Security and Marketing
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your business with insights from our latest episode on data security and its far-reaching impact across industries. You'll meet Stephanie and Mets, our expert guests, who bring valuable perspectives on the alarming frequency of cyber breaches in...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
As a third-generation educator, it is easy to say that teaching and training are in the blood for Ron Slee. From his beginnings as a coach, through his time at McGill University, Ron developed a foundation for the work he does today. From working within dealerships, to operating a consulting company, creating a training business and running twenty groups, Ron has been directly involved in this Industry since 1969. Ron has been known as the industry expert for years, and has brought this expertise to bear through his training programs. Today, Ron provides specialized, job function based internet based subject specific classes, job function skills assessments, as well virtual seminars and webinars. These courses are designed for manufacturers and their dealers, as well as independent businesses in the construction equipment, light industrial, on-highway, engine, and agricultural industries through Learning Without Scars (www.LearningWithoutScars.com). This platform is a continuation o
HOSTED BY
Ron Slee
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Learning Without Scars have?
Learning Without Scars currently has 177 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Learning Without Scars about?
As a third-generation educator, it is easy to say that teaching and training are in the blood for Ron Slee. From his beginnings as a coach, through his time at McGill University, Ron developed a foundation for the work he does today. From working within dealerships, to operating a consulting...
How often does Learning Without Scars release new episodes?
Learning Without Scars publishes regularly with 177 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Learning Without Scars?
You can listen to Learning Without Scars on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Learning Without Scars?
Learning Without Scars is created and hosted by Ron Slee.
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