Ratchet+Wrench Radio

AI isn’t replacing your team—but it might be the fastest way to multiply their time. In this episode, Seth Thorson shares how shop owners can move beyond the hype and start building custom AI agents that streamline HR, improve technician documentation, and elevate service writer performance.

What really drives your team to perform at a higher level? In this episode, Mike Mooney breaks down how shop owners and leaders can move beyond surface-level motivation tactics to build genuine buy-in. From aligning personal and company goals to challenging outdated processes and creating a culture of accountability, he shares actionable strategies to help teams stay engaged, adaptable, and committed to long-term success.  

From tracking declined services to asking customers how they prefer to be contacted, Keith Mait, Senior Vice President and Auto Leader at Synchrony, outlines practical steps shops can take right now to turn one-time transactions into lasting relationships. He explains why loyalty isn’t a program—it’s a discipline—and how shops that stay connected between visits with timely, relevant communication will win in an increasingly competitive market.

A technician crashes two vehicles and causes $14,000 in damage. Instead of punishment, Louie Sharp chose something different. In Give Up What You Don’t Need, you’ll hear how one decision—to release revenge and lean into leadership—turned a mistake into an investment and transformed an employee into a production manager. If you’re holding onto anger, fear, control, comparison, or even yesterday’s success, this episode will challenge you to ask one powerful question: What do I need to give up to grow? Because sometimes the next level of leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about finally letting go.  

Running a shop doesn’t mean living at work. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, licensed therapist Margaret Light unpacks the mental load of ownership—and how small mindset shifts can help leaders protect their energy, relationships, and businesses.

Michelle Pippin never planned on joining the automotive industry. A broken timing belt on a remote Alaskan highway changed everything. Now, nearly a decade later, she’s leading a movement to intentionally invite, mentor, and empower women in auto repair—and challenging shop owners to rethink how leadership is built inside their businesses.

What if the part your customer needs is already built, already tested, and already on a truck headed your way? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Vince Edivan and Shannon Nordstrom unpack the real story behind recycled OEM parts—how they’re sourced, certified, and delivered—and why forward-thinking repair shops are using them to protect margins, reduce cycle times, and offer customers good-better-best options that keep cars (and relationships) on the road.

What happens when your dad hands you the keys to the shop—and the responsibility—before you’re old enough to vote? In this candid conversation, Tonnika Haynes opens up about legacy, leadership, letting go, and why sometimes the best training is being pushed off the boat and told to swim.

Cell phones, texts, shop software—auto repair shops have no shortage of ways to communicate. But are they actually slowing you down? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, two-way radio expert Stew McClintic talks about why “push-to-talk” technology is still one of the fastest, simplest tools shops can use to improve workflow.

Customer retention doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, business consultant John Waters explains why trust is the real currency of the auto repair industry—and how shop owners can create exceptional experiences that keep customers coming back and referring others.

He built 14 stores. Then he sold 10 of them—one by one—during one of the toughest economic downturns in modern history. In Fearless to Courageous, James Baxter reveals the sleepless nights, payroll fears, and hard leadership decisions that reshaped his company—and why focusing on four strong stores made him more profitable than ever before. If you’re an entrepreneur navigating growth, succession, or tough calls about the future of your business, this episode delivers real-world insight on vision, culture, and the courage it takes to right the ship.  

Seventy-five breakout sessions. Role-based tracks for owners, advisors, and technicians. Big-name keynotes. A coaching debate on one stage. Dedicated technical training on EV service, ADAS calibration, direct injection systems, and new refrigerants. Tektonic 2026 isn’t about theory—it’s about results. In this conversation, Tekmetric owner Sunil Patel explains why hard work isn’t enough, why systems win, and why Houston in April could be the reset button ambitious shop owners have been looking for.

What happens when a lifelong shop owner steps into the COO role of a fast-growing national platform? In this episode, Brian Bates breaks down the walls shop owners hit when scaling, how to balance culture with growth, and why leadership—not capital alone—will determine who wins the next decade in the aftermarket.

Tariffs, inflation, and rising labor costs are putting real pressure on shop margins right now—and I know a lot of shop owners are asking how to recover those costs without upsetting customers. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, I sit down with payments expert Randy Motos to break down surcharging: what it is, how it works, what the compliance rules really are, and why “freedom of choice” at checkout is becoming a go-to strategy for shops looking to offset credit card fees while protecting customer trust.

Recorded live from the AAPEX show floor, Northwood University president Kent MacDonald sits down with editorial director Chris Jones to discuss what Wayne Gretzky’s famous advice means for the automotive aftermarket—and why leadership, entrepreneurship, and education have never mattered more.

Full bays don’t always mean healthy profits. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Hunt Demarest, CPA, partner at Paar, Melis & Associates, and author of Beyond the Bays, to unpack why so many shop owners feel busy but broke—and what they can do about it. From cash vs. profit confusion to overlooked financial fundamentals, Hunt explains how better understanding your numbers can change the trajectory of your business.

What really drove aftermarket performance in 2025—and what signals should shop owners be paying attention to now? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Auto Care Association senior director of market intelligence Mike Chung breaks down the data behind tariffs, inflation, supply chain shifts, and changing consumer purchasing habits. From parts buying to tire trends, Mike explains what the numbers reveal—and how they point to what’s coming in 2026.

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your goals—but how you’re framing them? On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Chris Messer, vice president of transportation at Endeavor Business Media, sits down with Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership, alongside editorial director Chris Jones for a powerful conversation on fighting forward. From personal growth to shop performance, they unpack why focusing on what you want—rather than what you’re trying to avoid—can change your results, your culture, and your leadership impact. If you want a mindset shift that leads to real, lasting change, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Silent partners can be a powerful asset—or a costly blind spot—when it’s time to sell an auto repair business. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Nick Papakyrikos, CPA, to uncover how smart exit planning, clear agreements, and the right tax structure can turn a future sale into a largely tax-free payday.

Fifteen years ago, Kendall Warnock was a technician with a dream, five T-shirts, and a shop name chosen to land at the front of a phone book. Today, he leads one of Lincoln, Nebraska’s most respected repair facilities and has been named Small Business of the Year. Now he’s bringing his hard-won leadership lessons — built through grit, humility, and nonstop self-development — to Ratchet+Wrench readers as an online columnist in 2026. In this episode, we talk about his journey, his mindset, and why he believes helping others is his true calling.

For 100 years, Veenstra’s Garage has served its Michigan community through depressions, relocations, sweeping industry change, and four generations of leadership. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Editor Christine Schaffran sits down with Mike and Jason Veenstra to talk about legacy, modern challenges, the transition from father to son, and what it really takes to keep a shop thriving for a century.

Katie French’s journey from a Power Wheels–obsessed kid to AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year is anything but ordinary. Now, as she joins Ratchet+Wrench Magazine as an online columnist in 2026, she’s bringing real-world experience, raw honesty, and a deep passion for elevating shop culture. On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, editor Christine Schaffran sits down with Katie to talk about her early days in the industry, her mission to amplify overlooked voices, and what shop owners can expect from her upcoming columns.

The automotive industry faces a critical technician shortage—but Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation, is tackling the problem from the ground up. Learn how 2,000 accredited schools across the country are preparing the next wave of skilled professionals, and discover what employers can do to identify and nurture young talent in their own backyard.

With more than 5,000 auto shop fires annually and rising risks from EVs, high-output chargers, changing shop layouts, and aging suppression systems, fire safety has become a moving target. In this episode, Mountain State Fire Protection owner Steve Lockwood joins Christine Schaffran to reveal the overlooked hazards hiding in plain sight, the upgrades that matter, and the must-do inspections every shop should prioritize. If you want to protect your people, property, and profit, this is essential listening.

Ford’s CEO says 5,000 technician jobs are sitting open—and that’s just the beginning. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Christine Schaffran talks with Repairify’s Chief Transformation Officer, Keith Crerar, about the skills shortage, the rise of ADAS complexity, and the real-world technology helping shops stay ahead. From AI to change management to technician training, Keith breaks down what shop owners must do now to stay competitive—and safe.

At SEMA in Las Vegas, Chris Messer and Mike Jones dive into why your mindset—not your skill set—determines the trajectory of your business. From the power of surrounding yourself with the right people to embracing change in a fast-moving industry, this episode challenges shop owners and leaders to elevate their awareness, rethink their environment, and commit to becoming an even better version of themselves. If you want to shift from fixed to growth mindset—and inspire your team to do the same—this conversation is your starting point.

Long hours, physical strain, financial stress, and the weight of customer expectations—life in the automotive industry can take a toll. But you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Margaret Light, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in supporting automotive professionals explores the critical role of healthy support systems, how to build them, and why vulnerability, connection, and communication are key to resilience both in and out of the shop.

As the year winds down, charitable giving becomes more than a goodwill gesture—it can be a powerful tax-saving strategy for shop owners. CPA and automotive financial advisor Nick Papakyrikos returns to Ratchet+Wrench Radio to explain how to make donations the smart way, from gifting appreciated stock to using donor-advised funds, navigating upcoming 2026 rule changes, and choosing the right timing based on your shop’s financial performance. If you want your generosity to work harder for both your business and your community, you won’t want to miss this discussion.

You don’t need lavish parties or big bonuses to make your team feel valued. In this episode, small business expert Nick Papakryikos talks about meaningful, budget-friendly ways to show appreciation during the holiday season. From catered lunches and “12 Days of Appreciation” countdowns to handwritten notes and extra paid time off, learn how small, sincere gestures can boost morale, strengthen loyalty, and help your business start the new year on the right foot. To learn more, visit Nick Papakyrikos' website. 

When it comes to auto repair, trust is everything. In this episode, shop owner Gary Hinendes of Gary’s Automotive Repair shares how taking time to educate customers—especially those who feel intimidated walking into a shop—can transform fear into confidence and first-time visitors into lifelong clients. From listening more than talking to training his team on empathy and transparency, Gary reveals why putting people before profits is the smartest business strategy a shop can make.

In this fifth episode of our Endeavor to Discover series, Endeavor B2B’s Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of the Transportation Group, sits down with Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership, and Randy O’Connor, President of D2D Development — also known as the Chief Outcome Officer. Together, they explore what it means to focus on the outcome — how defining a shared vision, owning your commitments, and celebrating progress can transform your business, your leadership, and your life.

As drivers hold onto their vehicles longer than ever, service complexity continues to rise. In this episode, GM’s Aaron Charbonneau, Director of Dealer Service and Warranty Operations, and Patrick Meissner, Director of Strategic Service Initiatives and Accessories, discuss how technicians and shop owners navigate the growing mix of old and new technologies. From training and parts availability to customer trust and predictive maintenance, they share insights into what it takes to deliver a seamless service experience—no matter the model year.

Today, we’re talking with Dwayne Myers, CEO and co-founder of Dynamic Automotive — recently named America’s Top Small Business of 2025 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. What started as a one-location repair shop in Frederick County, Maryland, has grown into seven thriving locations, nearly 60 employees, and more than 1,300 five-star reviews — all built on the belief that customers should be treated like family and employees like owners. We’ll talk with Dwayne about the company’s journey, its people-first culture, and what it takes to build a business that truly endures.

We’re shining a spotlight on an exciting part of the automotive industry — the women who are driving innovation, leadership, and change in the aftermarket. Joining us is Missy Stephens, Community Engagement Manager for Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association. We’ll be talking about their upcoming events at AAPEX 2025 in Las Vegas, including the Women in Auto Care Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, where outstanding women and allies in the industry will be recognized, and the casual evening reception where connections are made and community grows. If you want to learn more about how women are shaping the future of the aftermarket — and how you can be part of it — you won’t want to miss this conversation.

The countdown is on for one of the biggest events in the automotive world—the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This year, the energy doesn’t stop at the convention floor. Outside, the roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the adrenaline of live motorsports will take center stage as OPTIMA powers the weeklong OPTIMA Unleashed experience—capped off with SEMA Fest, the ultimate celebration of car culture. I’m joined by Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events for the Specialty Equipment Market Association. Tom has been shaping automotive events for more than two decades, and he’s here to give us an inside look at what’s new, what’s exciting, and how SEMA continues to push the limits of innovation, performance, and connection across the industry. So buckle up—we’re diving into what makes this year’s SEMA Show a full-throttle experience from start to finish!

In Episode 4 of our Endeavor 2 Discover series, Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of Endeavor Business Media’s Transportation Group is joined once again by Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership. Today’s topic is all about the I Will Attitude—what it means to replace words like I think or I’ll try with the confidence of I will. It’s a simple shift in language that can change the way you lead, the way you work, and the way you show up every day.

Meet Robin Reneau—once a single mom who didn’t know how to check a dipstick and went through three broken-down cars in four years. Fast forward to today: she’s the first Black woman mechanic to own an independent repair shop in Georgia, running Rob the Blonde Mechanic, LLC. Robin’s journey from high school dropout to shop owner and community leader is all about resilience, representation, and proving what’s possible when you refuse to shrink yourself.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges shop owners face: cutting through the nonstop noise of media and actually connecting with customers. With so many flashy ads and constant messages hitting us from every direction, how do you make your shop stand out? The answer might surprise you — it’s not about being the loudest, but about telling a better story. In today’s conversation with Lola Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care, we’ll explore how to define your brand’s tone, engage with your community, and keep your marketing story alive. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical steps to build a brand that people trust, remember, and come back to. Long live your story!

This week, host Chris Jones sits down with Michael Suttle, chief development officer at Christian Brothers Automotive, to explore how this growing franchise is revolutionizing technician training in the automotive repair industry. In this episode, Michael shares the exciting details behind Christian Brothers' $12 million investment in a state-of-the-art 14,000-square-foot technology and training center, set to open in 2027. Discover how this facility will help their 315 locations stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology, particularly in the critical area of advanced driver assistance systems.

In this episode of Ratchet + Wrench Radio, we sit down with Natalie Dixon, PhD, who leads the technology and marketing teams focused on advancing Chemours’ Opteon™ portfolio, to cut through the myths, answer common technician questions and break down what every shop owner needs to know about R-1234yf. 

Fear of public speaking affects 75% of Americans, but for automotive shop owners, effective communication isn't optional—it's essential for success. In this episode of Ratchet and Wrench Radio, host Chris Jones sits down with leadership communications trainer Dave Brown of SDB Leadership to tackle the communication challenges that hold shop owners back. Whether you're delivering difficult news to a customer, conducting one-on-one meetings with employees, or presenting to a group, Brown reveals why every conversation is essentially a public speaking event. He shares actionable strategies for reframing your mindset, building genuine confidence, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Brown is the closing keynote speaker at the 2025 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference.

Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at Endeavor Business Media—Ratchet+Wrench's parent company, sits down once again with leadership coach Mike Jones of Discover Leadership to tackle the powerful concept of frontline leadership — what it means to lead from the front, why vision and accountability matter, and how every member of a team, regardless of title, has the opportunity to be the leader in their role.

Join Chris as he sits down with Jeff Cox, President of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, and Andrew Car from SSI to explore the game-changing world of Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI). Learn how the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) is setting industry standards for repair recommendations, and discover why shops using visual DVIs see triple the approval rates for their recommendations. From eliminating "shop speak" to giving customers the tools they need to make informed decisions, this episode reveals how technology is building unprecedented trust between auto shops and their customers. Whether you're a shop owner still using paper inspections or looking to optimize your digital workflow, you'll walk away understanding why pictures truly are worth a thousand words—and potentially thousands in additional revenue.

In this episode, Mike Bennett takes us on a deep dive into the auto repair industry's remarkable 2025 journey—from the challenging spring months when consumer confidence plummeted to the record-breaking summer that has shops back on track for projected growth. This episode explores the economic forces shaping the industry, from tariff impacts to electricity cost surges, and reveals the strategies successful shops are using to build stronger customer relationships while navigating financial uncertainty. Mike shares valuable insights on how the aging vehicle fleet is creating massive opportunities, with nearly 250 million vehicles over four years old representing the industry's primary market. The conversation covers innovative financing solutions, supply chain strategies, and the critical importance of adapting presentation techniques to serve customers across different economic segments.

 In this Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference teaser episode, Kinja Dixon reveals how his doctor's orders and a moment of vanity sparked a transformation that led to international sales awards, early retirement at 34, and becoming a sought-after speaker who's inspired thousands worldwide. Dixon discusses his Four Pillar system (Purpose, Health, Emotions, Knowledge) and why change is happening whether we choose it or not.

In this episode, Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, returns with Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at Endeavor Business Media, to discuss what it takes to be a person who follows up and follows through in a business setting. 

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Glenn Piccolo, managing partner at Adams Automotive in Houston, Texas, breaks down the customer service framework behind Adams Automotive's seven-day service model. It's a philosophy they refer to as "auto hospitality." It takes concepts that make retail successful and implements them into the shop's workflow for greater customer satisfaction and retention.

In this episode, a sneak preview of his lunchtime keynote for the 2025 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, Rob Pietrowski, VP Research at IMR/Endeavor Business Intelligence, reveals shocking inflation data that's reshaping the automotive aftermarket: vehicle costs are up 57% since 2019, annual maintenance and repair spending has jumped 50%, and the ripple effects are hitting every level of the industry, based on 500 consumer surveys monthly and another 500 to 1,000 for custom research projects. Pietrowski's data also shows shop owners' priorities have shifted dramatically from focusing on new technology and EV training to fundamental survival tactics like keeping prices down and traffic flowing. He discusses how rising costs are being passed through the supply chain, the changing perceptions of trade careers as four-year college costs skyrocket, and why shops must adapt to constant rapid change spanning everything from COVID protocols to new administrative policies and tariffs.

For anyone who has ever uttered the words, "failure isn't an option," Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, has a message you should consider. Jones talks about leadership and failure in this special episode of Aftermarket All-Access. He's joined by Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at Endeavor Business Media—Ratchet+Wrench's parent company. Jones helps leaders reframe failure and change their approach.

In this episode, Dave Johnson, president and CEO of Automotive Service Excellence, discusses the recent ASE Instructor Training Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, in July and the valuable benefits ASE certification provides to automotive instructors, including industry-wide credibility, access to cutting-edge curriculum resources, and professional development opportunities.  Johnson also addresses how ASE is proactively evolving to keep pace with rapidly changing automotive technology and outlines ASE's commitment to future-proofing its certification programs through strategic partnerships, ensuring technicians remain equipped to handle next-generation automotive innovations while maintaining ASE's reputation as the industry's gold standard.