The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast

Jason Hladniuk, service advisor training specialist with RPM Training jumps into the podcast this week to talk about important touchpoints for service advisors and those who might have to lend a hand when things get super busy at your shop.You can also watch the video version on the Indie Garage You Tube Channel. 

Multimedia Content & Analytics Associate Hannah Ryder Ross catches up with host Andrew Ross after coverage of the EV & Charging Expo 2026 in Toronto earlier in April. Hannah gives a rundown on the aftermarket panel discussions about EVs as a training and business opportunity, how pros feel about where we're at with the shifting landscape, and encouraging techs to grow along with the EV service sector.For more insight from pros on setting up your shop for EV success, here are some Key Tips for EV Service Readiness in Your Shop on IndieGarage.ca.

Host Andrew Ross sits down with Brett Griffiths, Dean, School of Trades, Technology and Design at Vancouver Community College (VCC), to discuss VCC'S new EV conversion pilot program, as well as the growing relevance in electric conversion overall- and how EV conversion went from niche projects to a full course for techs.To view the course outline and request info on VCC's EV Conversion Course, you can visit the School of Continuing Studies course page here.

Jason Herle, CEO of Fountain Tire, is the incoming chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. Recorded in early March 2026 during preparations for Fountain Tire's 70th Anniversary Conference in Halifax, N.S., he talks about core strengths of the aftermarket, the important role of the association, and the benefits of getting involved.  In speaking on the Right to Repair issue he referenced the report "Unlocking Access: Why Right to Repair Matters for Every Vehicle Owner, authored by MNP Canada" Access the Indie Garage review of that report here, where you will also find a link to the full report.

Whether you are an owner looking to sell your shop, or a young entrepreneur looking for an opportunity, Murray Voth, RPMTraining.net, has some great real-world advice and tips for you! With host Andrew Ross

Key takeways from the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (CIAC) organized by AIA Canada. Quick takes on key points from notable presentations and events by podcast host Andrew Ross. 

Running a business can be overwhelming and that can lead to burnout. Leading Canadian aftermarket trainer and business consultant Murray Voth, RPM Training offers proven step-by-step methods that can bring sanity and success to your business (and your life!). 

Shad's R&R Fundraiser is a cornerstone of Canada's aftermarket as a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Research, attracting participation from across North America (and beyond) to its annual June event. Now, wth a new chair in Charlie Grant, CEO of Grant Brothers Sales, it embarks on a new challenge as it looks forward to its 51st edition and sets its sights on a new goal for the future. For more informaition on how to get involved, visit ShadsRR.ca.

New AIA Canada CEO Emily Chung is looking to use her experience in the aftermarket--an extensive background in the industry that includes 16 years as a shop owner--to bring together the different perspectives of stakeholders and industry members in a way that moves the industry forward. AIA Canada will be exploring industry issues at its Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (CAIC) March 11 and 12. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Scrap tires are piling up all over Ontario, raising the spectre of another Hagersville tire fire disaster that saw 14 million tires burn for 17 days in early 1990. It was that event the forced change in how the province deals with tires, but after Ontario reset the thresholds for tire collection and recycling, shops and collection sites are left dealing growing piles of scrap tires and nowhere to send them. Adam Moffatt, Executive Director of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association (www.otda.com) and Tire Dealers Association of Canada, explains how we got here, and what you can do to help change it. Industrial professionals can reach out to the OTDA at www.otda.com and Adam Moffatt at [email protected] for more on what you can do.

Any aftermarket professional knows that the categories we put tires into --Summer, All-Weather, Snow Tires, Winter Tires and especially All-Season--don't always serve customers well. Ulrik Westergaard, Director, Operations & Sales at Bruno Wessel Ltd., joins the podcast to talk about the TireType.org initiative, and what it could mean to smooth customer communications. Listeners are invited to reach out to Ulrik at TireType.org with their views on the issue, or email Andrew Ross at [email protected].

Bruce Eccles, respected shop veteran and vice-chair of the newly rebranded Automotive Aftermarket Repairers Organization of Canada (AARO.ca) joins host Andrew Ross to talk about what's behind the recent rebrand and what the vision for the future of the storied Ontario association holds as it seeks to broaden its mandate across Canada.

Whether you feel like a "born leader" or not, there are skills you can learn and practices you can put into action that will put you in a proper leadership position (and not just the boss) at your automotive business. Murray Voth, RPM Training, provides excellent starting points and skills to build in your journey to being a better leader. 

Paul Reed, The Showroom Guy, and now VP Business Development with Ritestart (Ritestart.ca) talks the importance of integrated design build in your new store or shop construction or renovation, and why new, upgraded designs matter more than ever. With Host Andrew Ross.

Skilled Trades Ontario CEO Candice White talks about the vision and goals for the province’s still-new apprenticeship agency, getting past growing pains, and what the near future holds for the agency, for apprentices, and for the industry. Recorded October 27, 2025. Industry professionals, stakeholders, apprentices and interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Skilled Trades Ontario. Contact information is at skilledtradesontario.ca/contact-us.

Recorded live at AAPEX 2025: Three young entrepreneurs from Calgary and Vancouver--Eddie Tso, Albert Liu, and Joshua Lin--talk about the importance of building relationships, mentorship, paying it forward, and leaning on each other as they build Pacer Dynamics in the aftermarket. With host Andrew Ross.

Live from AAPEX 2025 in Las Vegas: JF Champagne, President and CEO of AIA Canada, sits down with host Andrew Ross to discuss AAPEX's significance as a global centrepoint for the aftermarket for associations, suppliers and customers; the age of aftermarket renewal and revitalization; and the challenges and wins impacting the industry. Recorded November 5, 2025.

J.F. Champagne, president and CEO of AIA Canada talks details and mechanisms at play with Quebec's Right to Repair now coming into force, as well as related issues surrounding Quebec's unique approach to the issue, and what it might mean for the rest of Canada. With host Andrew Ross.

Canada's automotive service market is estimated to be blowing up to some $18 billion, a significant increase over the last few years, but the data shows that the independent aftermarket shops are slipping in both share of those dollars, and how customers rate them.Driven by some structural factors affecting the vehicle population profile, and the experience and rising expectations of customers, independent aftermarket shops are seeing a slide in their both the dollar share of business they're winning, and customer satisfaction rankings.J.D. Ney, Automotovie Practice Manager--Canada at leading researcher J.D. Power, joins host Andrew Ross on this episode of The Great Canadian AFtermarket Podcast to dig into what the survey data says about where customers at large are saying thei local shops might be falling short, and how to fix what matters most.

Word of mouth is recognized as a key driver for shop business, but are you losing that personal touch in the Facebook and Instagram world of marketing? Are you forgetting to put the customer first?Murray Voth, RPM Training, returns to the show after a break to talk about connecting with customers by focusing on their motivations as people, not just customers and how to keep that personal connection even when you're using modern technology to market your shop. With host Andrew Ross.

The dynamics of the new and used car market play a strong role in shaping Canada's aftermarket. Baris Akyurek, AutoTrader’s VP of Insights & Intelligence, joins host Andrew Ross to talk about shifts happening in Canada's automotive market, and what this can tell us about the evolving aftermarket.

More than 50% of drivers report ADAS issues after service. ADAS is a growing opportunity and area of concern for drivers, insurers and, yes, lawyers. Brunno Moretti, President of ADAS Aftermarket at Ascential Technologies, an ADAS systems supplier, talks about their findings published in the whitepaper  “Driving Down Costs, Driving Up Safety: The Economic Benefits of Universal ADAS Servicing."

Jenn Robson, Director of Operations, Interchange Recycling, joins host Andrew Ross to talk about what a new Yukon initiative means, and how it raises the larger issue of shops and their role in the community. For more information on this initiative, visit Interchange Recycling.

Encore presentation from the archives: Understanding what your business is worth is key to putting succession plans in place but also important for other near-term investments and business planning.  Milene Fort, PDC Automotive (pdcauto.com) and Murray Voth, RPM Training (RPMTraining.net) join host Andrew Ross. Originally posted in November 2022.Recommended reading: The E-MythThe Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast was selected by Feedspot as a Top 10 Canadian Automotive Podcast. From CHAT Media, the people who bring you www.IndieGarage.ca and www.JobberNation.ca.

Encore presentation from the archives: Understanding what your business is worth is key to putting succession plans in place but also important for other near-term investments and business planning.  Milene Fort, PDC Automotive (pdcauto.com) and Murray Voth, RPM Training (RPMTraining.net) join host Andrew Ross. Originally posted in November 2022.Recommended reading: The E-MythThe Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast was selected by Feedspot as a Top 10 Canadian Automotive Podcast. From CHAT Media, the people who bring you www.IndieGarage.ca and www.JobberNation.ca.

Encore presentation from the archives: Having the correct EV strategy for your shop has been on the minds of just about every ASP. Renowned Canadian automotive technician Jeff Taylor has some great advice for shop owners and technicians. With host Andrew Ross. Originally published January 2023.

Encore Presentation from the archives: Host Andrew Ross is joined by Murray Voth, RPM Training and Geoff and Lori Joyce of Shawnee Station Automotive, Calgary, Alta., to discuss effective toolbox meetings. Originally published February 2021.

Encore presentation from the archives: Bruce Eccles, founder of the highly regarded Eccles Auto in Dundas, Ont., talks to host Andrew Ross about how to stay positive about your business and the aftermarket industry and why it matters. Originally published April 2022.The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast was selected by Feedspot as a Top Canadian Automotive Podcast. From CHAT Media, the people who bring you www.IndieGarage.ca and www.JobberNation.ca.

What's your priority when looking at shop management systems? Are you putting your needs as a business owner ahead of your customers? Maybe time for a rethink. Murray Voth, RPM Training, discusses what the priorities should be for the best outcomes for your shops. With host Andrew Ross.

A just-published survey of EV owners in Canada reveals a significant gap that independent aftermarket shops will have to close to succeed in this evolving space. Guest Rick Nadeau, president of Quorus Consulting which authored the AIA Canada study "Electric vehicle maintenance and repair: the Canadian owner’s perspective report"  digs into the detailed revelations, and areas of opportunity for the aftermarket. Also presented in video format at the Indie Garage You Tube Channel. There may be a delay in this episode uploading to You Tube

Trainer Murray Voth, RPM Training, digs into how and why shops in the same market can vary from controlled, comfortable, chaotic, and everything in between, how to transition to the shop you want, and why it matters. Part 2 of 2. With host Andrew Ross.

Trainer Murray Voth, RPM Training, digs into how and why shops in the same market can vary from controlled, comfortable, chaotic, and everything in between, how to transition to the shop you want, and why it matters. Part 1 of 2. With host Andrew Ross.

AIA Canada president and CEO JF Champagne announced he will be leaving the assocation in mid-2026. In this episode he looks back on pivotal issues AIA Canada has been handling over his decade there, and what the future holds for the aftermarket. With host Andrew Rossm publisher and director of content at CHAT Integrated Media. From the people who bring you IndieGarage.ca and JobberNation.ca. Selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 Canadian Automotive Podcasts. 

Alain Primeau, Executive VP at UAP Inc., joins host Andrew Ross to point out the key trends shaping Canada's aftermarket and how he sees UAP and its NAPA are positioned to address them successfully today and in the future.

Even in a market that has seen pressure from larger economic factors like trade uncertainty, Canada's top operators continue to succeed. Zakari Krieger, who leads Fix Network's Prime Car Care retail glass and mechanical initiatives (NOVUS  Glass, Speedy Auto Service) shares his network's insights and outlook for the aftermarket. One operator mentioned in the podcast, Glendale Motors, is featured in the May/June Issue of Indie Garage. READ MORE HERE.

When prices shift, your margins can shift too. Murray Voth, RPM Training, talks about how to make sure that your current margin matrix is on target for your business, and what happens when it isn't! With host Andrew Ross. Also, check out the video edition of this episode at IndieGarage.ca and the Indie Garage YouTube channel to see the pricing and margin matrix discussed. Also, listeners can email Murray for an updated margin matrix at [email protected]

Dean Law, Law's Automotive, Portage La Prairie, Man., has spent the last two years diving deep into EV learning. He offers advice on tools he's looking at and why safety is so important. With host Andrew Ross.The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast was selected by Feedspot as a Top 10 Canadian Automotive Podcast. From CHAT Media, the people who bring you www.IndieGarage.ca and www.JobberNation.ca.

With the inflationary impact of tariffs and other factors, it's critical for shops to have the right strategy in place to maintain and even build profit. Murray Voth, RPM Training, digs into what works. With host Andrew Ross.The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast was selected by Feedspot as a Top 10 Canadian Automotive Podcast. From CHAT Media, the people who bring you www.IndieGarage.ca and www.JobberNation.ca.

Quebec has formally recognized the Right to Repair, a development that could reshape the Canadian automotive aftermarket—if successfully implemented. Now, the focus shifts from legislation to regulation—and making sure this win doesn't get lost in the details. On the show: Emily Holtby is Vice President of Government Relations at AIA Canada. David Boudeweel is an independent government relations consultant, and has been driving the initiative alongside the AIA Canada’s Quebec division and its members since 2021. With host Andrew Ross.

As crazy as it sounds, statistics say some 70% of shops do not have a succession plan. Bruce Williams, Rivers Edge Services, Prince George, B.C., joins Murray Voth, RPM Training and host Andrew Ross to talk about what's in a proper succession plan and why you should get started on yours.

New AIA Canada Chair Tony Kuczynski has a passion for cars. He's gone from tech to CEO, with a lot in between. Now CEO and President of Mister Transmission, he's seen the importance of teams to the success of businesses large and small, and the importance of leadership. Recorded live with host Andrew Ross at the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference, March 19, 2025.

Jason Dale, Executive Director of the Automotive Business School of Canada and Stephanie Quinn, Training Coordinator, climb aboard a 72 VW Westfalia camper with host Andrew Ross to talk what's new at the school for aftermarket professionals. Recorded live March 19, 2025 at the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference.Find out more information on the new Automotive Aftermarket Management Certificate program HERE.

Jeff Oakes, Automotive Apprenticeship Instructor at Ontario's Conestoga College talks about why he authored the "Canadian Automotive Red Seal Exam Prep" guide and what apprentices are really looking for from shops to help them succeed. Canadian Automotive Red Seal Exam Prep is available from Amazon.ca 

It's no secret that recent trade tensions have caused a rise in Canadian patriotic sentiment. It's the single biggest marketplace trend in the country. Bob Jaworski, owner of Auto Electric Service in Regina, Sask., and former chair of AIA Canada and John "Satch" MacDonald, whose family ran Ideal Supply in Listowel, Ont., and who still stays connected to the industry, joins host Andrew Ross to talk about what they see as key elements to this significant development and what it means for the aftermarket.

With tariffs coming into effect, Canadian aftermarket business owners, and those connected to U.S. businesses selling into Canada need to stay informed on several key aspects to effectively navigate this new landscape and where the aftermarket stands right now. Read more on JobberNation.ca at Tariffs are in effect: Here’s what you need to know.

Recorded February 19, 2025: Todd Campau, Aftermarket Practice Lead wtih S&P Global offers insights and effective measures aftermarket businesses can take to deal wth a changing Canada/U.S. trade environment in the context of what is already a complex set of business forces.  With host Andrew Ross

Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to build their business, but sometimes you can chase opportunities that don't fit and don't give you what you need. Murray Voth, RPM Training, provides insights on the right things to focus on to build your business the smart way. With host Andrew Ross

As it looks forward to its 50th event this June, cornerstone Canadian aftermarket charitable event Shad's R&R has provided valuable funding to Muscular Dystrophy Canada that has had real, direct, lifechanging benefits. Brad Shaddick, chair of Shad's R&R is joined by Stacey Lintern of Muscular Dystrophy Canada to detail the event's history and the real benefits that have flowed from the more than $5 million raised.For more info, visit https://shadsrr.ca/

Artificial Intelligence, AI, is top of mind for many people these days. But how does it really fit into what you do in your shop every day? How can it really help you do what you do? Chris Garcia, of AI solutions provider Anyline joins host Andrew Ross to dig into what it means for your shop, your techs, and your customers.

Outspoken automotive journalist David Booth, "Motormouth", gives his views on the chaotic end to the EV incentives in Canada, what the future may hold as a Trump Administration readies to take control, and it all might mean for the aftermarket. David Booth will also be hosting a Driving into the Future Vitrual Panel discussion January 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. ET. Register for free at https://events.driving.ca/