In this episode, Amber Wright, Director of Partnerships at AutoLeap, joins Chris Cotton. Amber shares how she got into the automotive technology side of the industry and talks about why she feels so passionate about AutoLeap. Chris and Amber get into a discussion about innovation and how not to get stuck doing the same old thing all the time.

Find out more about AutoLeap here!

00:00 "Amber Wright: AutoLeap Partnership Director"

04:35 "Amplify: Virtual Industry Conference"

08:59 Streamlining Shop Efficiency

10:23 Auto Leap: Streamlined Shop Tech Integration

14:02 Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection Process

18:35 "Streamlining Inventory with Parts Button"

21:04 Value and Innovation in Technology

24:05 Tire Inventory Management Solutions

In this episode of the AutoFix TechnologyCast, Chris Cotton is joined by Jon from Detect Auto to explore the innovative ways technology is reshaping auto shop operations. Jon highlights how Detect Auto's flagship maintenance review system automates service reviews, significantly cutting down the time advisors spend on building estimates. Another key point discussed is the AI-powered customer concern tool, which prompts advisors with in-depth questions to better understand customer issues, improving service efficiency. Lastly, they delve into the gross profit per hour feature, a crucial tool for ensuring jobs remain profitable by offering real-time financial insights. 

00:00 Maintenance Review System Integration

06:08 AI Tool Enhances Customer Interactions

08:47 AI Enhancing Workforce Efficiency

12:24 Enhancing Shop Management Processes

14:56 Automated Profit Analysis for Shops

20:10 "Vision Class Highlights: Detect Auto"

20:49 Shop Tech Add-Ons & Resources

In this episode, Chris Cotton is joined by Keith Twitchell from Octorocket. Keith highlights the importance of utilizing technology to identify and address missed opportunities in auto shops, stating that these missed chances can have a significant financial impact. Chris emphasizes the value of using analytics to track projections and shop performance, equipping owners with the knowledge to make informed decisions. 

00:00 Unconventional Industry Perspective

05:25 Turning Points in Life Decisions

06:18 "Boredom Led to Career Shift"

10:03 Merged Companies Empowering Shop Owners

14:49 "Shop Owner Financial Insights"

19:36 Car Repair Dispute Resolved

21:21 Maximizing Opportunities with Analytics

25:19 Daily Task Management Routine

28:55 Alternative to Coaching: Start with Octorocket

30:45 "Octorocket: Coaching Gateway"

34:10 Call Analytics and Conversion Insights

36:36 Upcoming Analytics Enhancements Unveiled

Jeremy Glassco is the founder of AppFueled. Today, he and Chris talk about the use of apps and technology in repair shops today. Jeremy underscores the importance of integrating mobile apps as a communication medium to improve the customer experience. He shares strategies for creating a membership pathway for customers, showcasing how businesses can leverage apps to forge deeper connections and increase repeat business.

00:00 Seattle's Tech Talent and Dot Com Era

04:01 App Fueled: Apps Aren't Silver Bullets

08:13 Retail Apps Influence Consumer Behavior

13:25 Maximizing Shop Apps for Customers

15:55 Consumer Choice: App Loyalty Influence

18:29 "Price vs. Convenience: Customer Insights"

22:53 Categorizing Push Notification Priorities

26:22 CRM Certification Announcement

27:16 "App Fueled: CRM Replacement Option"

30:38 CRM Flexibility and User Choice

35:14 "Force Multiplier Through Customer Engagement"

38:29 "Apps Driving Consumer Engagement Shift"

39:53 "Sell, Not Use" Mentality

Today, Chris Cotton and Laura Tierney from ShopLoaner talk about the importance of shop owners having a structured loaner vehicle program.  Laura brings up multiple ways shops can implement these programs, including using cars that clients have left behind or considering leasing vehicles. The tech that ShopLoaner uses is helping shop owners out everywhere!

00:00 Avoid Personal Vehicles for Customers

05:16 Loaner Cars Boost Sales

08:42 Maximize Sales with Courtesy Loans

12:51 Car Loan Qualifications and Considerations

13:57 Introducing Daily Loss Damage Waiver

20:02 Automated Car Rental Management

22:09 TechMetric Integration Overview

24:45 Vehicle GPS & Data Management System

27:55 Rental Vehicle Ownership Strategies

31:10 Manage Loaner Cars Effortlessly

In today's episode, Chris Cotton and Drew Jablonowski from Garage Gurus cover technology and training today in the auto industry. Drew says that Garage Gurus is using 53-foot semi-trailers to bring educational opportunities directly to technicians to help improve it. He also highlights the benefits of their online and on-demand training programs, which offer flexible learning options for various skill levels. 

00:00 Garage Gurus: Comprehensive Auto Tech Support

04:39 Teaching Varied Experience Levels

06:50 Master Technicians Enhancing Automotive Training

12:37 On-Demand Technical Training Sessions

16:40 Technician Skills on Mobile Devices

19:36 Industry Expert Collaboration on Training Questions

21:29 EV Maintenance Challenges & Opportunities

24:56 Aftermarket Techs' Versatile Expertise

27:02 Training Vision: Future Challenges

Today, Chris Cotton talks about recent customer service interactions at his businesses. He then explains his thought process of how technology can and/or should be used in these interactions, saying to be careful not to over-rely on tech. Chris then gives examples of strong customer service experiences he's had with Apple and Starlink, demonstrating how these interactions can sway customer loyalty. 

00:00 Balancing Tech in Customer Relations

03:50 Lifelong Android User's Laptop Experience

09:23 Customer Service and Unique Offerings

10:26 "Upgrading to Starlink Mini"

In this episode, Chris Cotton and Craig O'Neill from Auto Flow talk about the role of AI and technology in the auto repair industry. They both emphasize face-to-face interactions even in a world filled with interactions over screens using technology. How do you have a good balance? Craig and Chris talk tips today. 

00:00 Hidden Gems

03:36 Dynamic Tech Trends: AI & Consolidation

07:41 Skepticism in Reporting Metrics

10:14 "AI Term Overuse Critique"

14:22 Beyond Data: Emotional Connection Matters

18:25 "Adapting Communication in Tech Era"

19:38 "Teaching Digital Inspection Advising"

25:26 Manage Notifications Effectively

28:21 Starlink Mini Powers Road Trip

31:50 Soylent Product Discussion & Movie Mention

35:11 Interruptions Disrupt Critical Focus

37:47 Embracing Jewish Marriage Transitions

41:35 Effective Communication vs. Technology Balance

43:06 Autofix Podcast Wrap-Up

Brian Walker is the President and CEO of Shop Marketing Pros.

Today, Chris and Brian help you understand what local service ads are and why you should use them at your shop. Brian explains how they have been successfully utilized in other industries, but now many shop owners are finding success in using them. Chris says the results his shop has seen since implementing LSAs are really impressive, noting the cost-effectiveness and the high-quality leads generated.

00:00 Local vs. Search Ads Explained

04:39 Google Guarantee Ads Explained

09:26 AI-Driven Auto Repair Advertising

12:17 Organic Search Pushed Below Ads

14:19 "Understanding Google's Unpredictable Algorithms"

19:43 Launching LSA for Better Results

23:01 Rising Demand for Ad Space

26:39 "Social Media's Impact on Business"

27:26 Gas Monkey Garage Perception

30:30 Early Registration Benefits

34:24 Autofix Podcast Episode Recap

In this episode, Chris Cotton is joined by Justin Rae, founder and CEO of Cinch. Justin explains how Cinch uses data science and automation to enhance customer communication and streamline operations for auto repair shops. Justin also says that clean data for effective AI implementation is critical but hard to master. Making that a huge reason many people use Cinch.

00:00 Automated CRM Solutions Evolution

03:23 Product Launch and Covid Disruption

06:40 Audiobook Enthusiast Over Podcasts

12:37 Automated Communication for Repeat Transactions

14:31 "Cinch: Flexible Marketing Solutions"

19:39 Old Phone Book: A Family Tech Tale

21:48 "Data Accuracy Expertise"

26:25 Optimizing Communication with Data Science

29:07 Enhanced Location Management Tool Launch

It's episode number 1! We're so excited about the journey we're starting and glad you're here to join us! Today, Chris Cotton is joined by Steven Fafel, co-founder of AutoOps. Steven brings up data collection and how Auto Ops uses its voice system. Chris shares his experience using the system in his shop, saying it's helped manage high call volumes and increase online scheduling. Steven also announces upcoming features and integrations, such as the new Tire Connect Partnership and lead management enhancements within the Steer platform.

00:00 Steer acquired Auto Ops for CRM focus.

04:49 Auto Ops optimizes conversions through enhanced customer interaction.

09:16 Auto repair shops streamline appointments via Google.

11:19 Google boosts local service visibility for businesses.

14:43 Auto ops streamline after-hours call handling efficiently.

16:09 Shifted focus to auto repair for better margins.

19:46 340 appointments; 145 new; 55 from Google.

23:04 Quickly contacting leads improves conversion success rates.

25:57 Tekmetric simplifies customer communication via text.

31:29 Thanks for joining; explore Cinch IO and AutoFix.

31:58 Keep pushing forward, stay positive, and drive success.

00:00 Industry veteran helps auto shops grow using technology.

03:04 Listener questions, success stories, automotive repair future.